ISSN 0819-5633

Winter, 2009 June 13, 2009

In this issueOffering supports student ministry

On the field of battle

Adventist World issue

Educators focused on mission

Church members lead outreach in WA

Perth, WeSterN AuStrAlIA

Adventist church members in Perth have concluded an evangelistic series, attended by more than 700 people. Of these, 260 people ex-

pressed interest in finding out more about spiritual issues and being informed of fur-ther similar events.

“The main aim of the ‘Search for Signifi-cance’ series was to get church members to bring their ‘non-churched’ friends and this certainly happened,” says David Maxwell, team leader for the four-day series in April.

The “Search for Significance” series was presented by Canadian businessman and evangelist Herb Larsen at the University of

Western Australia. “It was a completely lay-run public evangelistic series,” says Pastor Glenn Townend, president of the Western Australian conference and pastoral advisor for the series. “It was great to see church members take this initiative.”

More than 50 people have committed to attending groups that will meet regularly to discuss Christianity and the Bible. “We are working with existing small groups and forming new groups to work with the people who have indicated they would like to explore what the Bible has to say about finding significance in life,” says Mr Max-well.—Glenn Townend/Melody Tan

A team of church members conducted a successful evangelistic series in Perth at the University of Western Australia.

On the field of battle

David’s focus was on the invisible God—not the visible Goliath.

Official Paper of the South Pacific Division Seventh-day Adventist ChurchABN 59 093 117 689

www.adventist connect.org

Vol 114 No 22Cover: Calvin Chuang

Editor Nathan BrownEditorial assistant Adele NashEditorial assistant Jarrod StackelrothCopyeditor talitha SimmonsEditorial secretary Kristel raeLayout Kym JacksonSenior consulting editor Barry Oliver

www.record.net.au

Mail: Signs Publishing Company 3485 Warburton Highway Warburton, Vic 3799, Australia

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2 June 13, 2009

editorial

Life on Planet Earth has been described in many ways. It is likened to a yoyo with its ups and downs. Shakespeare said life is like a “player

who struts and frets his hour on the stage and then is heard no more; a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury signifying nothing.” Life is dismissed by some as just a journey to death. But Ellen White says life is a battle and a march—and I find this most fitting as a Christian living on the end-time stage of earth’s history.

We are fighting many types of battles and challenges each day, at the same time as we are marching toward our Promised Land. We see global issues that affect all of us in different ways. Headlines like eco-nomic recessions and flu pandemics impact every community, home and individual, and affect the church and its operations. In addition to these, the church in every nation of the world has its own struggles and challenges to face.

As I write this article, I know people who are battling terminal illness, families battling to place food on the table, indi-viduals battling to hold onto their jobs or to find one, spouses battling to keep their marriage while some are battling to cope with the trauma of divorce.

Similarly, the church in the Pacific island nations of the Trans-Pacific Union Mis-sion, with which I am most familiar, faces its own battles. They include personal and collective spiritual battles, financial chal-lenges, elements that threaten the unity of

the church, cultural challenges, political instability, rising sea levels, migration and more. In this life, the battles and challenges seem endless—they just come in different forms and sizes.

As Christians, we can at times be over-whelmed by the magnitude of the battles we fight. Like Israel faced by the Philistine army and their champion, Goliath, in the Elah Valley (see 1 Samuel 17), we too can be terrified by the size of the giants chal-lenging us. We see the visible—the giant, his size, the size of his sword, spear, javelin and shield—and are terrified.

But it is in this battlefield situation that God calls and encourages His people to “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be ex-alted in the earth” (Psalm 46:10, NIV). The God who calls His people to be still is He who created all, owns all that He created and has authority over His creation as He sits in the throne room of the universe (see Psalm 47:6-8).

The call to be still in the midst of our battles is really a call to adjust our focus. As humans, we are accustomed to focus-ing on the visible things of life and doing things based on our human perspective. In every battle we face, God wants us to focus on the invisible—on Him who sits on the throne—and know that He is the God we can trust.

Youthful David appeared on the bat-tle scene at Elah Valley and was furious because no Israelite— including his older

brothers and all the trained soldiers of King Saul—had the courage to challenge Goliath. The Bible says they were all terri-fied. But they were terrified because their focus was on the visible Goliath.

David saw the battle scene differently. He saw the army of Israel as the army of the living God—the God who had saved him from lions and bears and who would save Him from the Philistine giant. David’s focus was on the invisible God—not the visible Goliath. He saw the giant and the Philistine army through the lens that fo-cuses on the Big God, who is all powerful and all conquering. David’s focus reduced the size of the giant, the enemy and the challenge, and gave him the courage and faith to meet the giant head on.

David still had his part to play on the field of battle. He used the simple weap-ons he was accustomed to—his shepherd’s rod, bag, sling and stones. He walked to the brook to pick up five smooth stones and walked toward Goliath. David won the battle by using the simple means avail-able and by trusting in the name of the Lord Almighty.

Like David, we can win our battles if we learn to be still and know that He is God on the throne—then step forward in the confidence this knowledge gives us.

Waisea Vuniwa President

Trans-Pacific Union Mission

June 13, 2009 3

news

Offering supports ministry to university students in PacificWahroonGa, NeW SOutH WAleS

The number of Seventh-day Adventist young people attending universities in Pacific island countries has escalat-ed dramatically in recent years. Pas-

tor Nick Kross, associate director of Youth Ministries for the South Pacific Division (SPD), estimates that membership in Ad-ventist university student associations now tops 15,000 and says the outreach opportu-nities to other students are phenomenal.

“Many of the Adventist student groups do outreach on their local campuses through singing group witnessing, running on-campus worships and Bible studies,” says Pastor Kross. “Their university student conventions attract many non-Adventist students and result in baptisms. They des-perately need pastoral nurture and help in their outreach by having local chaplains.”

Obviously, many Adventist young peo-ple attend the church’s own tertiary insti-tutions, such as Pacific Adventist Univer-sity, Sonoma College, Fulton College and Avondale College, in the pursuit of career training and academic qualifications. How-ever, many hundreds more do not have the opportunity of gaining their education

on a church-run campus or in a religious-ly-orientated environment.

“The pres-sures of secular-ism, materialism and evolution-ary science are affecting many of these young people,” explains Pastor Ray Coombe, director of Adventist Mission for the SPD. “The church wants to face this challenge with the appointment of univer-sity chaplains who can specifically minister to the needs of Adventist young people on university campuses across the Pacific.”

The SPD has already supported the stu-dent associations with financial sponsorship of their conventions and a church in Fiji for the university group. But this year’s Pa-cific Islands Advancement Offering (next week) will be directed to the specific need of university chaplains.

“We hope to raise sufficient funds for at least three new positions in this specific ministry,” says Rodney Brady, the SPD’s chief financial officer.

“The call for additional chaplains in the Pacific islands comes at a time when outreach activities are beginning to gather momen-tum,” adds Pastor Kross. “It’s not just our own young people who will benefit. There is potential for scores of other students who are searching for a spiritual home.”

Last year’s Pacific Islands Advancement Offering, which helped provide additional ministerial budgets for the New Caledonia Mission, amounted to $A136,000, the high-est total on record for this yearly offering. “We are delighted with this response,” says Pastor Coombe, “And we believe this cur-rent challenge with our Pacific university students will also bring a good offering this year on June 20.”—RecoRd staff/Ray coombe

These university students from Papua New Guinea were baptised at an Adventist students’ convention in 2007.

◆ Since term 1 this year, all sec-ondary students from noosa Christian College, Qld, have had access to laptops as part of their enrolment. Students utilise their laptops for assign-ment work, research and in-class activities. It Coordinator nigel hobson explains that “students are able to work collaboratively

in a digital learning environ-ment. It is another opportunity to engage children in the cur-riculum and prepare them for the workplace of the 21st century.” Parents of secondary students recently attended an informa-tion session about the laptops for advice on ensuring safe internet usage and have signed laptop Policy Agreements. It is a pilot program for Adventist educa-tion in the South Queensland Conference and one in which, after three years, students can opt to own the computer. —Georgina Hobson

◆ Instead of the “traditional” anzac Day service at Dora Creek church, nSW, it was decided that the program would focus on God’s protec-tion and deliverance in times of war. eight people, who were in different countries during World War II, briefly told of the lord’s protection and provi-

dence for them and/or their families at that time. Stories were told of experiences in Germany, Burma, Malaysia/Singapore, Papua new Guinea, Solomon Islands, France and australia. the display was sim-ple—a table draped with the Australian flag, on which a small selection of medals, a slouch hat and sprig of rosemary were laid. the Australian and New Zealand flags were placed beside the rostrum. One church member wore his own medals and another, his late father’s. —George drinkall

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4 June 13, 2009

news

Educators focused on mission and spiritualityGolD CoaSt, QueeNSlAND

Educational leaders from Seventh-day Adventist schools in Australia and the New Zealand Pacific Union con-ference (NZPUC) have been chal-

lenged to play a central role in the mission of the church at a conference held on the Gold Coast from May 17 to 19.

The Hidden Springs Educational Lead-ers Conference is the first such conference co-organised by Adventist Schools Aus-tralia (ASA) and NZPUC. More than 100 school principals from Australia, New Zealand, the Cook Islands and French Polynesia attended the event.

In March, Dr Barry Oliver, president of the South Pacific Division, delivered a mes-sage to church and educational leaders in the Australian Union Conference during an educational consultation, placing Advent-ist education at the forefront of outreach and stating that it is core ministry of the church. According to Dr Daryl Murdoch, associate director of ASA and conference convenor, this message formed the purpose of the conference.

“The conference was designed as a time of spiritual focus and refreshment,” he says. “It was also to challenge delegates to consider new ways to reach the hearts and minds of young people. Principals and

teachers in Adventist schools are reaching young people for Christ on a daily basis. In the next decade, there will be wonderful opportunities for Adventist education to be front and centre of the church’s outreach in this part of the world.”

Speakers encouraged delegates to seek opportunities to reach the hearts and minds of students in their schools. Dr Bai-ley Gillespie shared results from extensive research in North America that proves Ad-ventist schools “are doing a really good job and teachers are making a difference in the spiritual lives of their pupils.”

Dr Gillespie is the chief investigator for the North American Valuegenesis study of faith, values and commitment in Advent-ist young people in 1990, 2000 and (next) in 2010. The study reveals the impact of home, church and school in building young people’s faith and attitudes toward the Ad-ventist Church.

“We found that schools are safer in terms of at-risk behaviour than the secular com-munity,” he says. “The quality of Adventist education is improving. We also found the grace orientation of young people and their understanding of how God saves them gets better as time goes by. There’s been a lot of growth in North America and we know that there has been good success there.”

Dr Gillespie says that the results are re-

flective of Adventist schools in Australia and New Zealand because of the similar culture, as well as early research obtained by ASA in conjunction with Avondale College.

The conference is the second collaboration between ASA and NZPUC. Two years ago, both regions started working together to de-velop Encounter, a new Bible curriculum that will be taught in schools in both countries. Featured speaker Ben Maxson shared with delegates the spiritual formation model that underpinned Encounter, providing compel-ling arguments regarding the authenticity of his spiritual formation model.

“The Encounter curriculum, with its clear focus on spiritual formation, will be a valuable tool to serve the mission of the church in Australia and New Zealand,” says Dr Murdoch. “We face similar chal-lenges in our schools and it makes sense to pool the efforts of our curriculum units to ensure that a high quality Bible curriculum is available in the near future.”

“It’s logical for ASA and NZPUC to cooperate,” says Owen Ellis, director of Adventist Education for NZPUC. “We are so close geographically and our culture is similar. The culture may be different in places like French Polynesia and the Cook Islands but our reason for existence is the same, and that is the core mission of the church.”—Melody Tan

◆ With colour, costumes, lan-guages, stories, songs and prayers, nambour church, Qld, presented God’s goodness in an interna-tionally-themed program dur-ing the month of May. lunch fol-lowed, which proved to be a feast of internationial cuisine. Several non-Christians attended the day and their feedback was positive. Members also enjoyed the day.—Jacki cooke

◆ Mountain View adventist College (NSW) student Viviana Copote—one of their 2008 Year 12 students—has been select-ed from a large number of can-didates to receive a $a12,000 scholarship in Software engi-neering at the University of technology Sydney (utS). the utS selection panel was so impressed with Ms Capote’s scholarship interview that they openly offered “congratula-tions to the staff at Mountain View adventist College on the excellent job they are doing in preparing and motivating such

talented young people.” heath Walsh, Ms Capote’s former Head of School, described her as the ideal student who fulfilled her full potential. “She was a hard work-ing, quiet achiever—simply a joy to teach.”—Michael Heath

◆ Some 600,000 Seventh-day adventist families in Brazil shared the church’s message of hope when they invited their family, friends, coworkers and community members into their homes on May 30 for a meal, launching a months-long person-al ministry initiative in the region.

“homes of hope,” sponsored by the South American Division, is expected to prep community members for an October regional satellite evangelism series led by Pastor Mark Finley, a General Conference vice-president. Par-ticipating families receive a DVD, featuring a message from Pas-tor finley, and copies of Signs of Hope, a book by alejandro Bul-lon, to pass out to their guests. the initiative is designed for fam-ilies to continue to eat together, and study the church’s values and beliefs leading up to the out-reach series.—ANN

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30 June 13, 2009

noticeboard

WeddingsRukavina—Brown. �Robert Rukavina, son of Ivan and Vlatka Rukavina (Melbourne, Vic), and Ella Reece Brown, daughter of Pierre Peterson and Heather Selling (Perth, WA), were married 26.4.09 in King’s Domain Gardens, Melbourne, Vic. David Pearce, David Erickson

ObituariesDoherty, Katie Joyce (nee Shaw), born 24.8.1930 at King William’s Town, South Africa; died 30.4.09 in Brisbane, Qld. She married Alfred (Manny) Do-herty on 3.6.1930 at Umtata, South Af-rica, and had five children while living in South Africa. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Beverly Fel-ton, Tom and Marge (Gold Coast, Qld), Estelle and Brian Mackay (Brisbane), Gavin and Stephanie, Charles and Dawn, Leeann and David Turner (Syd-ney, NSW); her nine grandchildren; and her four great-grandchildren. Katie was a family-oriented woman who lived to bless her children and those around her. Hers was an open home, as she always set an extra place in case someone should come along. She and Manny were bap-tised into the Woodlands church in 1972. In 1979, they joined their fam-ily in migrating to Australia, attending Hurstville church in Sydney. In 1997, they moved to Brisbane, where active involvement with church and service to others continued while Katie was able.

Now, she awaits the Master’s call. Mark Pearce

Kalwig, � Stanley (Stan) John Henry, born 3.6.1920 at Geelong, Vic; died 15.5.09 at Bupa Bellarine, Geelong. He was predeceased by his wife, Isa-bella (Margaret). He is survived by his sister, Merle; his brother, Len; and his niece and her husband, Carol and Trevor Cassidy, and their two chil-dren, Jessica and Jai. Stan and his wife Margaret were faithful church mem-bers for many years. Stan was a gen-tleman and a friend to all who knew him. His passion in life, apart from Jesus and Margaret, was his garden. He and Margaret would give vegies to all who wanted them and raised funds for mission projects many times with the proceeds when sold. Carol treated Stan as her own dad and Stan loved her and her family very much. Stan will be sorely missed by his remaining family and church family. We long for the Resurrection morning and re-newal of old acquaintances. It will be good to see that smile again and the twinkle in the eye that was Stan’s greeting to everyone. John O’Malley, Ian Judd

Manele, �Joyce, born 26.8.1948; died 27.8.08 in the Solomon Islands. Fondly called “Mama Etto” by her students, she be-longed to the Women’s Ministries prayer group of Sonoma Adventist College. She used to sew, mend student’s clothes and visit the dormitories. If she found any students sick, she would feed and com-fort them. On scheduled Sundays, she

would visit plantation labourers and re-settle displaced people from the Rabul area. She also taught them the benefits of hygiene and healthy living, teaching them to cook, sew and prepare nutritious meals using garden foods. Over the past 10 years, Joyce was a partner in ministry with her husband, Pastor Jim Manele, in training young people for the gospel min-istry. She contributed greatly to modelling religious and moral values in the commu-nity, moulding and shaping God-fearing leaders of Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and the Solomons. She now rests in Be-tikama Cemetery, Solomon Islands, until the Resurrection. Jim Manele

Wilson, Tootsie (nee Dimer), born 17.7.1919 at Mungari Station, WA; died 2.5.09 in Edward Collick Nurs-ing Home, Kalgoorlie. In 1936, she married George Wilson, who prede-ceased her in 1997. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Nancy and Peter (Kalgoorlie), Mavis and Brian Champion (Kalgoorlie) and Lyle (Bunbury). A matriarch of the Ngadju people, she became an Adventist after several dreams of Je-sus’ soon return. She spent the rest of her life sharing this message with her family and people in the goldfields until her passing. She faithfully loved and served her Saviour, and is now resting, awaiting His return. Keith Godfrey

AdvertisementsNote: �Neither the editor, Signs Publishing Company, nor the Seventh-day Adventist Church is responsible for the quality of goods

or services advertised. Publication does not indicate endorsement of a product or service. Advertisements approved by the editor will be inserted at the following rates: first 30 words or less, $A66; each additional word, $A2.75. For your advertisement to appear, payment must be enclosed. Classified ad-vertisements in RECORD are available to Seventh-day Adventist members, churches and institutions only. See masthead (page 2) for contact details.

Receive � the � Hope � Channel � and � 3ABN. Complete satellite kit $265 + freight; prime signal areas in Australia only. Full instructions for DIY installation. Install-ers available. Rural Electronics (02) 6361 3636; or <ruralele@bigpond.net.au>.

Data � projectors, � screens, � DVDs, � VCRs, �PA � systems � etc. � Lower prices for SDA churches, schools etc. Australia only. Rural Electronics (02) 6361 3636; or <greenfieldsenterprises@bigpond.com>.

Medical �practitioners �needed for the Logan Adventist Health Association Health Cen-tre. Full-time and part-time practitioners needed. Contact 0428 486 455.

Quality � Christian � products. � Books, DVDs, study guides, story CDs and music from suppliers Amazing Facts, 3ABN and others. Register for our monthly specials. Contact The Story Factory, freecall 1800 452 133; <www.thestoryfactory.com.au> or email <info@thestoryfactory.com.au>.

Residential �Cottage—Lightning �Ridge. �Two kilometres from PO, school, TAFE, Hospital, supermarket and church, town bore and baths. One bedroom builder built, carport, shed etc. Bargain! Phone (02) 4938 0426. Must sell before June 30.

Carmel � College, � WA, � 1984–1988 � class �reunion. � For students who were in Year 8, 1984, to Year 12, 1988. The reunion is scheduled for 10.30 am, September 27, 2009 at Carmel Col-lege. For more details, please contact Peter Shuttleworth on 0413 353 592 or email <gromit70@bigpond.com>.

Ocean � view � Land—360 � degree � views. �Craignish, 10 minutes from Hervey Bay, half acre in growing, sought-after area. Bargain price for quick sale, only $A249,000. Ph 0400 020 059.

Lakeside � (formerly �Brightwaters) � church �40th �anniversary. �Former members, pas-tors and friends of Lakeside church are invited to attend the 40th anniversary celebrations over the weekend of July 10 and 11, 2009. Friday July 10, 7.30 pm, vespers with Peter Dixon Band. Saturday July 11, guest speaker: Pastor Graeme Christian, Ministerial Associa-tion Secretary, AUC. Program 9.30 am Sabbath school, 11 am divine service, 12.30 pm potluck lunch, followed by a memories program. Address: corner of Pearson Street and Fishery Point Road, Bonnells Bay, NSW. If staying for lunch please advise by June 30. Ph (02) 4973 6624 or (02) 4977 2990 or email <jsmichel@bigpond.net.au>.

Volunteers!Volunteer � Team � Leader � or � Small �Team—Solomon � Islands, � to over-see the construction of the Form 7 Building, Kukudu Adventist Col-lege in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands. Foundation dug and building materials already sup-plied. Just needs constructing with locals willing to assist. For more information, contact Lyn at <vol-unteers@advenitst.org.au>.

Volunteer �Teachers—Tonga. �Teach-ers required for Tonga in 2010 for 12 months. Mizpah School needs an English, Science and Maths teacher for Form 5. Beulah College needs an English teacher for Forms 5 and 6, and a computer teacher. For more information, please email Sio-saia Vaihola, <svaihola@adventist.org.to>.

�Email:<volunteers@adventist.org.au>.

For more positions, check the web on <www.adventistvolunteers.org>.

�+61 2 9847 3275

Positions vacant ▲ Administrative �Assistant—Seventh-day �Adventist �Church �(Greater �Sydney �Confer-

ence) �Ltd �(Epping, �NSW), is seeking an enthusiastic, dedicated and experienced administrative assistant. This full-time position requires the successful candidate to facilitate a productive administration through efficient processing of inquiries, doc-uments, scheduling appointments, secretarial work and administrative functions. For more information, a full job description or to send written applications, includ-ing CV (with contact details of your church pastor), please contact Pastor Michael Worker on (02) 9868 6522 or email <michaelworker@adventist.org.au>. The appointing body reserves the right to fill this position at its discretion.

▲ Sales �Representative—Sanitarium �Health �Food �Company �(Port �Macquarie, �NSW). �Sanitarium is seeking a highly-motivated person to join our Northern Region sales team. The position requires someone with a high level of responsibility and ownership, a focus on customer service, the ability to introduce and drive products in assigned sales areas, and manage and implement shelf management at store lev-el. The successful applicant will have sound negotiation and interpersonal skills, the ability to work quickly and in detail, the ability to work individually and in a team, as well as computer literacy skills and a current drivers licence. Apply on-line at <www.sanitarium.com.au/company/employment.html> or send resume to Group Human Resources, Sanitarium Health Food Company, Locked Bag 7, Central Coast Mail Centre NSW 2252. Applications close June 26, 2009.

▲ Sales �Representative—Sanitarium �Health �Food �Company �(Rockhampton, �Qld). �Sanitarium is seeking a highly-motivated person to join our Northern Region sales team. The position requires someone with a high level of responsibility and ownership, a focus on customer service, the ability to introduce and drive products in assigned sales areas, and manage and implement shelf management at store level. The successful applicant will have sound negotiation and interper-sonal skills, the ability to work quickly and in detail, the ability to work indi-vidually and in a team, as well as computer literacy skills and a current drivers licence. Apply online at <www.sanitarium.com.au/company/employment.html> or send resume to Group Human Resources, Sanitarium Health Food Company, Locked Bag 7, Central Coast Mail Centre NSW 2252. Applications close June 26, 2009.

hr.adventistconnect.org

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