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In recent days we have witnessed protests, tensions and turmoil spreading across the United States and around the globe in reaction to the death of George Floyd. This unnecessary and tragic loss of life was due to heavy handed treatment by a police officer as his law enforcement colleagues stood passively by. While many of us are feeling saddened and shocked by such an inhumane act, for scores of others it has triggered fears, vulnerability and helplessness as they recall occasions where they fell victim to the scourge of racism. And in frustration and despair we are wondering how this can still be happening, why we haven’t learned from the lessons of the past and is there any hope for the future. The territory of the Northern Australian Conference is incredibly culturally diverse, and this is reflected in our church family - beautiful people from dozens of nationalities who bring richness and variety to life and worship. As a congregation of Seventh-day Adventist believers over which Christ is the head (Ephesians 5:23) there is no room for racism, as we recognise that every person is created in His image (Genesis 1:27). We serve a God who is love, and who admonishes us to love one another (John 13:34). Every nation, tribe, language and people originate from God’s work of creation (Acts 17:26) and we are called to share the gospel with them (Revelation 14:6) and to make disciples of, and baptise, them (Matthew 28:19). The reason we are bidden to share faith with all people, regardless of their cultural or religious background, is because God loves every person on this planet and wishes to see each person saved (John 3:16). You see, in His eyes, “there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for [we] are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).

In Jesus’ life He left an example of love and acceptance for all, free from the artificial construct of racism. Not only did He model it, but He gently coaxed the early church to drop the prejudice and bigotry so as to see the value in each soul for whom He died. My heart breaks for the family of George Floyd, and for all those who have been, and continue to be, impacted by racist behaviour. We are not free from it in Australia, nor even in our church family. While the sad truth is that racism will be with us until the Lord comes, we can stand against it, defend the victimised and exert a positive influence on those around us.

STATEMENT ON RACISM

Top News LiteE-NEWSLETTER FROM THE TOP END OF THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA

ISSUE 10: 05/06/2020

Darren SladePresident

Northern Australian Conference

We can listen instead of judging, and have our hearts open instead of our prejudice. We can continue to seek our God daily and be filled with His love for others. All racism, no matter how covert, is to be condemned and has no place in my life or in the lives of any follower of Jesus. Pray for God’s help at this time of unrest and let’s bring the love of Jesus into our church, communities and country.

ADRACongratulations to Tricia and David Hatfield who do an amazing job coordinating the ADRA Community Food Pantry in West End, Townsville. This is a crucial service that provides food parcels for our most vulner-able and it was an honour to present them with their volunteer appreciation certificates. It was a honour to recieve there volunteer certificates from local MP, Phillip Thompson

PRAYING FOR A BETTER TOMORROW

FEEDING OUR COMMUNITY

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Please join us on Sabbath June 13 for Women’s Em-phasis Day which is celebrated World Wide on the

AUC Facebook page at 11:30am on June 13.https://www.facebook.com/AdventistsAustralia/

Last week the staff and students at Riverside enjoyed a fun Week of Worship. This was a great way to celebrate their return to school and the way God has blessed and directed us through this challenging time of Learning from Home.

A huge thank you to Pastor Travis Siutu who shared his story and to Mrs Di Obst who brought joy and energy to our music. Students embraced the theme song, Do Life Big by Jamie Grace and learnt that the best way to Do Life Big is to do it with Jesus.

The students completed a time capsule to preserve their story as part of our overall theme, My Story, Our Story, God’s story. On Friday, 16 students requested Bible Stud-ies. Our chaplains can’t wait to start sharing God’s story more deeply with our beautiful children.

RIVERSIDE ADVENTIST CHRISTIAN SCHOOLWEEK OF WORSHIP

The Bible Train by the Heritage Singers is a great song that you can find it online at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvuh0pQP_Jc Make a train in the loungeroom or backyard, ask Mum or Dad to play the song and sing along. The Bible has so many great stories in it. Why not read

about the 12 spies who went to the Promised Land in Numbers chapter 13. Look for what they found and

then help the boy or girl find the bible below.

CHILDRENS MINISTRY

Make an Avondale education possible for students who lose income because of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Your support will ensure our students can still afford tuition, textbooks and on-campus accommodation.

We thank you for journeying with us through this new normal.

AVONDALE OFFERING

DONATE:www.avondale.edu.au/giving www.avondale.edu.au/egiving

JUNE 6, 2020

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