Le Lien - April 2022 (English)

Mauritius Adventist Diocese April 2022

A new level in your relationship with

Jesus-Christ

Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people.

Revelation 14:6 NKJV

Diocese Administrators Ellsworth Baxen Vissen Mootoosamy Satiouda Perumal Director, Commnunications Department Steff Chineegadoo Secrétaire Nadine Martial Editors : Kelvyn Ng Roseline Labonne Anne-Gaëlle Rivet-Luximun Maita Soogree

2

LE LIEN

Special Thanks : Claude Bosdedore Loraine Deschezeaux Yannick Rivet Stephane Tigresse Doanne Tigresse Emilie Troubat Arnaud Moorooven Juliette François Assonne Eddy & Nichole Seenyen Ian Sababady Dhanie Auguste Marie-Noëlle Bosdedore Julien Coralie

"

Thank you to the church clearks who sent the informations for the «Annoucement» section.

ARTICLES Please send your article proposals for our next edition by email to lelien@feam.adventist.org Design and Layout Sandrine Louis

Mauritius Adventist Diocese

ADVENTIST DIOCESE 10, Paul Badaut Street, 71365, Rose-Hill, Mauritius Tel : +230 464 38 00 Email : info@feam.adventist.org

CONTENTS WHAT THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 HAS TAUGHT THE CHURCH

Ellsworth Baxen

13

2021 CAMP-MEETING: A FIRST FOR MAURITIUS Yannick Rivet

EVANGELISTIC OPPORTUNITIES IN TIMES OF CRISIS

A NEW LEVEL IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST

18

Emilie Troubat

COVID-19 AND MENTAL HEALTH

20

Juliette François Assonne

THE RESILIENT FAMILY FACING THE COVID-19

Eddy & Nichole Seenyen

24

04

22

SAVING: A NECESSARY EVIL Ian Sababady

EDUCATION AND THE COVID-19

26

WHEN A DREAM BECOMES REAL

28

ANNOUCEMENT

32

The Lord truly has been good to all of us. The year 2021 was a challenging year, no doubt, the fact that we’ve made it thus far is by His Grace.

We nearly the end of the first quarter, and before us stand the great unknown. The world has irreversibly changed again with the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

Yet at the same time, the knowledge of a faithful God who goes with us is so reassuring. Hebrews 13 verses eight says, Jesus is the same yesterday today, and forever.

Isn’t that good news? Verse 14 says, we have no lasting city, but we seek a city that is yet to come through Him. Let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God that is the fruit of the lips that acknowledge His name.

I would like to challenge you to focus on developing a new level in your relationship with Jesus Christ.

That’s for you and for me together, let’s be determined to be more earnest, to be more zealous for the Lord.

The word of God has never failed. This world cannot go on indefinitely as it currently is. We know that the end is coming. We know that Jesus is coming and this is good news that Jesus is coming to bring hope, to bring life and to take us to a better place. Time is running out.

Let’s stay on the straight and narrow path. And let’s work for the night is coming. Let’s share the good news of salvation. Let’s share the hope that we have in Jesus Christ.

Ellsworth Baxen President

LE LIEN

3

WHAT THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 HAS TAUGHT THE CHURCH

I

f you are of the opinion that the Covid-19 pandemic was merely an international health disaster, in need of scientific and medical solutions, or if you are of the opinion that the pandemic was simply a poorly globally managed health accident, with no bearing on the prophetic trajectory, and that, once remedied, the world would go back to normal, then you should keep reading.

Covid-19 has brought about significant disruption to every sphere of life: personal, social, educational, commercial, travel, work, entertainment, recreational, and religious. Almost no aspect of Church life has been left untouched. What we can say is that many in the church have readily embraced certain changes imposed upon us, because we have had no other option. Are we willing to do some serious reflection on the lessons that emerge from the social and economic chaos and carnage?

Here are six compact lessons, fully recognising that there are many more, for which space will not allow.

Firstly, we don’t always have to wait for a crisis to embrace change; we can do so because the mission demands and requires it. We can prayerfully ask the Lord to reveal to us through His Word which areas of our active discipleship experience need to be exposed to a fresh injection of the Holy Spirit’s leading. It starts with developing an openness to go where God goes, even if it is unfamiliar or if we’ve never been there before. Our doctrinal pillars rest on eternal unchanging truths; but our methods and forms adapt to the context and mission. Ellen White says: “New methods must be introduced. God’s people must awake to the necessities of the time in which they are living. God has men

4

LE LIEN

whom He will call into His service,—men who will not carry forward the work in the lifeless way in which it has been carried forward in the past” (Evangelism 70.1).

Secondly, though we have a nostalgia for pre-Covid times, going back to the old normal is settling for second best. God desires us to move in fresh meadows, to break new boundaries, and accomplish things we haven’t yet done.

Thirdly, could we be on the brink of an ecclesiastical revolution in which mission becomes the obsession of every member and the local congregation finds fresh ways of engaging every member? According to Jerry Pillay, writing for the theological and academic environment and commenting about the Christian Church as a whole (quoting): “Mark Dyer (see Tickle, 2008) observes that ‘About every 500 years the empowered structures of institutionalized Christianity, whatever they may be at the

time, become an intolerable carapace that must be shattered in order that renewal and new growth may occur’”.

Pillay (2020) further references the fall of the Roman Empire in the 6th century, followed by the Great Schism in 1054, which involved the splitting of the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches into two distinct branches, and was followed by the betterknown Reformation in 1517, when Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses to door of the church of Wittenberg.

The Reformation that took place in 1517, had to do with the corrupt and apostate Church; and he suggests that the current Reformation taking place is a “reaction to the irrelevance of the church in relation to the Gospel and its mission” (Pillay 2020). Some dare to believe that this statement doesn’t apply to Adventists? Well, take note: most of our congregations’ time and focus tends to be internal (with periodic incursions into the community).

We reach persons more easily with whom we already have an audience, in our networks for the most part. How many new people, of the vast statistically unreached majority, are we accessing, that don’t know the Adventists, or have never heard of the everlasting Gospel or of the three angels’ messages, and don’t even know that they don’t know?

Fifth, apocalyptic prophecy helps us understand that religious liberties can effectively be removed by world governments for the greater good of the population, for reasons other than health. The issues surrounding the global Covid-19 pandemic portend the end-time prophetic scenario, with specific reference to the removal of religious liberty, the control of government over the Church affairs, a major issue in Revelation 13, in which the State joins forces with apostate Christianity to enforce worship of the beast in opposition to the true God. On the other hand, Romans 13 encourages obedience to the State in matters that do not impact on our allegiance to God.

life and nutrition, with a deadly miasma. Not only is vegetable life affected, but man suffers from pestilence (3SM 391.3).

And the religious world, too, is to be terribly shaken, for the end of all things is at hand (7LtMs, Ms 24, 1891, par. 9).

The aim is not to generate alarmism, but rather to cause for pause midst the rat-race of life to assess our spiritual posture, to be reminded about the transience of the world, the impending termination of the current world order at the Coming of Jesus, and to reorder our lives accordingly, and perhaps to specifically mention the need to review how we do church, as it has an impact on maintaining the status quo or following the lead of the Holy Spirit.

The church is being jolted to the realisation that there are still hundreds of millions worldwide, and tens of thousands in Mauritius, who have not been exposed to the Gospel of Christ.

Fourth, there is also the dimension of apocalyptic prophecy, which is inextricably linked with the ecclesiastical reforms that God wants to bring about. The Adventist who diligently studies the books of Daniel and Revelation in particular, will recognise that the current world events are signs to prepare the Church for the coming of Jesus. This is not a call to paranoia or extremist knee-jerk reactions, or biblically unsubstantiated subtle time-setting attempts, but rather to personal spiritual preparation, the preparation of the inner life to be guided by the Holy Spirit into a more attentive study and obedience to the Word of God, leading to an exterior life of ministry, service, and the ecclesiastical task of witnessing, that will climax in the final loud Gospel proclamation found in Revelation 14.

Sixth, the level of complacency within the church at large has been called into question by the nature of the events we all had to endure through the pandemic. According to an article in Adventist World (2020), it is suggested that Covid-19 is a sign for those who, in the Adventist Church, have grown complacent, or “a wake-up call for some of these doubting Thomases”.

The statement below from E.G. White was not a prophecy about Covid-19, but a description of similar types of events that will manifest themselves as gracious divine foretokens, to the general deterioration of the physical and religious realm: God has not restrained the powers of darkness from carrying forward their deadly work of vitiating the air, one of the sources of

The one great outgrowth of a general revival will be a focus on witnessing to others in the densely populated cities about the love of Christ for them and to inviting them to follow him. This is compatible with the three angels’ messages found in Revelation 14, which say that the everlasting Gospel will be preached to every nation, tribe, language and people. We don’t run from the world, and cluster together, or bunker down; instead, we infiltrate the world like the salt of the earth. The church is being jolted to the realisation that there are still hundreds of millions worldwide, and tens of thousands in Mauritius, who have not been exposed to the Gospel of Christ.

It is noted that even some non-Adventists were more prepared than Adventists for the Covid-19. Secular people seem to recognise that there is a D-Day for human civilisation, a day of reckoning in preparation for an “apocalyptic doomsday disaster”, as several journalistic sources have reported stockpiling, and the building of fully equipped doomsday shelters, and the like.

What has happened in the entire religious realm is that the Christian Church at large, including the Seventh-day Adventist church, is in a revolution, meaning that change was forced on the church suddenly and rapidly.

It almost always happens when there is a crisis significant enough to bring about a shift in thinking, planning, structures, goals and priorities.

LE LIEN

5

The fact is that online services have either been embraced by some or tolerated by others, at least during the pandemic crisis, and more especially where government restrictions have been implemented for public gatherings. This is something that would probably would have enjoyed less widespread support and/or at worst even been criticized as a trendy unnecessary conduit for church services, had there not been a Covid-19 crisis. Who would have thought you had to book to attend church, or hear a pastor encourage you “not to attend church services in a church building”, but rather to watch on YouTube, FaceBook or the Zoom?

The world seems to find itself at an inflection point.

What exactly is this inflection point? Governments recognize that major decisions must be made related to our mutual responsibility in caring for natural ecosystems, population management, scientific preparedness for pandemics and other potential world disasters, etc. We are transitioning from a pre-Covid to post-Covid world order. But what does this mean? It goes without saying, that the socio-religio-policoeconomic order and rhythms of civil and church life have been destabilized and disrupted.

6

LE LIEN

The Church finds itself at an inflection point if it chooses to recognize it. The questions that need to be asked are: why are we still here as a church, and what is our mission? How do we, as a church, constructively interpret the times and avoid extremes that lead to either alarmism, or peace and safety calls? Either of these extreme responses will leave us hopelessly ill-prepared for the final events that will cascade upon the world at the end like an avalanche.

Practically, how can the Church better function in harmony with its intended purpose? The Covid-19 pandemic has shown us that change is possible, and perhaps even desirable when we have become hypnotized by unbiblical (in some cases) traditions and customs, that work against missional effectiveness and also corrupt the Gospel message. But we are not merely talking about change for the sake of change, but rather change that sees the fresh winds of the Spirit’s power blowing across our churches, producing a reformation of personal sanctification, which will lead to revitalised (as opposed to canned) worship experiences and structures, leadership and administrative planning patterns that find new ways of conveying the Gospel to the masses and discipling them for the Kingdom. Either way,

we must not fall into the trap of simply swopping seats amongst the faithful at the congregational table, but should rather add additional seats and actively go out to invite, by sharing with them the story of redemption, thus giving others the opportunity to join us around the Kingdom table.

References 1.

4.

5.

Adventist World 6/3/2020. https://www.adventistmonde.org/covid-19-a-sign-torethink-some-adventist-beliefs/, consulté le 7 novembre 2021.

“Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Organization of Religious Behaviour in Different Christian Denominations in Poland” (Les conséquences de la pandémie de la Covid-19 sur l’organisation du comportement religieux dans différentes dénominations chrétiennes de Pologne), 19 mai 2020. https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/11/5/254/ htm, consulté le 7 novembre 2021.

Pillay, J, 2020. Covid-19 Shows the Need to Make the Church More Flexible (La Covid-19 nous montre le besoin de rendre l’Église plus souple), Vol. 37(4) 266-275. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0265378820963156. Consulté le 7 novembre 2021.

White, Ellen, Évangéliser, p. 70.3.

White, Ellen, Letters and Manuscripts, no. 7, Ms 24, 1891, par. 9.

6.

White, Ellen, Selected Messages, vol. 3, p. 391.3.Messages choisis

2.

3.

Ellsworth Baxen

We must not only pray in Christ’s name, but by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. This explains what is meant when it is said that :

“THE SPIRIT “MAKETH INTERCESSION FOR US, WITH GROANINGS WHICH CANNOT BE UTTERED.” ROMANS 8:26.

Such prayer God delights to answer. When with earnestness and intensity we breathe a prayer in the name of Christ, there is in that very intensity a pledge from God that He is about to answer our prayer

“EXCEEDING ABUNDANTLY ABOVE ALL THAT WE ASK OR THINK” EPHESIANS 3:20.

Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 147.3 LE LIEN

7

Activities 2021

HIGHLIGHTS

Although 2021 got off to a flying start for the Conference’s departments, with several meetings held during the first quarter, the second national lockdown at the beginning of March and the subsequent health insecurity disturbed many programs. By God’s grace, enlightened by the Holy Spirit and using modern communication tools, we were able to keep fellowshipping through online services - Sabbath School and worship service - and even launch evangelistic initiatives. Below are the details of some of the Conference’s significant activities for the year 2021.

Yannick Rivet

Spiritual Revival and Prayer In January 2021, as Mauritius was still considered a «Covid-safe» destination, it was the time to start the year with a fresh boost.

January began with the 10 Days of Prayer. They included moments of prayer, praise and meditation on the topic: In search of spiritual revival. These days of communion have raised awareness on our most essential need in such difficult and uncertain times: the need of the Holy Spirit. The particular purpose of these 10 days was to learn how to pray upon divine promises, claiming the Word of God for us as our strength, our ever-present help in trouble, the only way to build our faith in the living God, whom we serve.

In connection with the online Camp Meeting, and following our Revival Week held by Pastor Jean-Noel Adeline, we also had online prayer sessions every morning at 5.30 a.m. for a week, after which the prayer team continued to meet once a week, every Monday morning between 5.30 and 6.00 a.m. The books used for meditation were Steps to Personal Revival and Abide in Jesus by Pr Helmut Haubeil.

Evangelisation After the 10 Days of Prayer, which were held in every church at the beginning of January, the Personal Ministries Department, showing the way, mobilised their troops once again for the 3 following months. TMI (Total Member Involvement) training was brought to Personal Ministries leaders across the island, as well as elders and Sabbath School leaders. With the announcement of a new lockdown, the training sessions have shifted online via the Zoom platform. Speakers included Pastors Ellsworth Baxen, Benjamin Rose, and Arnaud Moorooven. Pastor Hensley Moorooven from the General Conference also held an online session on “ How to interpret Bible texts ”, to which 150 members, young and adults, took part.

During the lockdown from mid-March to May, online evangelism was initiated. Milène Tagou, Sandrine Louis, Astalgia Armance, Maita Soogree, Steff Chineegadoo and Arnaud Moorooven, among others, teamed up to create and launch a new series of 14 Bible studies in Creole and French, entitled “ Anou dekouver labib ensam/A la découverte de la Bible ”. four hundred and fifty participants received such studies via Whatsapp.

Other evangelism initiatives include: the diffusion of a series of 12 sermons, Kriz ek Katastrof kot Bondie, on Facebook from July 5th to 12th; the production of GLOW materials; the follow-up of 55 non-Adventist interested people, who had attended the Camp Meeting and received a five book gift pack; a joint project between AWR Mauritius and the Personal Ministries of the Conference through Pr Arnaud Moorooven’s webpage dedicated to intercession prayer and spiritual reflection, to reach a greater number of people.

8

LE LIEN

Family

April and May were marked by the Sunday afternoon prayer and training sessions for couples. The topics covered were: sexual intimacy, a home without domestic violence, finance management, the secret of a couple’s communion. Speakers included Eddy and Nicole Seenyen, Margery Herinirina, Aniel Barbe, Gilles Beesoo, Ian Sababady, Daniel Latchman, Gilbert Cangy, Wesley Orieux, David and Daniel Jennah.

Health

On the Adventist Health Ministry’s side, the emphasis was on holistic health, which include physical, spiritual as well as emotional health. Topics such as sexually transmitted infections, emotional and mental health, prevention of depression both in adults and children were discussed, among others.

Pastors’ Association The Conference’s pastoral team has received further training through two initiatives in 2021. The first one was on conflict management in the Church, with Professor F. Rognon from the Université Adventiste de Collonges-sous-Salève, from May 3rd to 7th, 2021.

The second one was a continuous training on the Gospel of John in September and October, organised by the IOUC and held by Pr Hensley Gungadoo. It was the occasion for our pastors to delve into the gospel of the Jesus’s beloved disciple, through a new thinking approach, as well as didactic and semantic studies, in order to take a fresh look at the theology and Christology of this Gospel.

Women’s Ministry

Children’s Ministry “2021 has seen the participation of a greater number of children from various churches across the island,” says Naurabelle Citta, Children’s Ministry Director. “From March to May, we presented Zoom programs, and thereafter created a Facebook page in order to reach more children. We chose to work by sectors, as the churches in Mauritius are divided into six large groups, in order to give the possibility to all the children on the island to bring their share through praise, songs and stories during the Sabbath School and worship service.”

The five-session seminar for young girls and women in the church, conducted by the Sister Margery Herinirina from the IOUC on Zoom, was entitled “ When the road becomes difficult ”. The topics discussed were: 1. Which are the wounds that are preventing us from going forward?

2. Making peace with oneself.

3. If God can forgive, so can we.

4. How to maintain a good mental health when the road becomes difficult?

5. Testimonies and prayers.

With this system of sector rotation, each sector took part at least three times in the online service in 2021, with different participants each time. Children’s Sabbath in July, a special program brought together children from Seychelles, La Reunion and Mauritius, with two of our young compatriots, Trishia and Shekinah from Gaulette, presenting part of the sermon.

“Each Sabbath, there were between 80 and 100 followers, and many more watched and even shared the programs afterwards. Some of our programs reached up to 2,000 views on Facebook,” shares Naurabelle.

LE LIEN

9

Activities 2021

HIGHLIGHTS Youth Ministry

The national youth learned to take advantage of the lockdown with a national youth meeting held on Zoom, with Pr Pako Mokgwane, Youth Ministry’s Associate Director at the General conference, as special guest. All the young people present made the commitment to be Christ’s ambassadors on social networks as well as in their everyday life.

The Annual Prayer Week also changed format and was held online from June 27th to July 3rd.

When it comes to the Adventurers, training was put forward with the preparation of Adventurer Awards classes during two months, that is every Tuesday and Thursday in June and May. The Pathfinders celebrated their post-lockdown Pathfinders’ Day on June 18th, after three days of prayer online.

Education At the back-to-school time in July 2021, learning was still complicated. The Adventist Education Department of the Conference thus set up a complementary support program to assist students in their studies. Around ten voluntary teachers from primary and secondary education agreed to help, and 15 students benefitted from online tuition.

I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.

Psalms 104 : 33

10

LE LIEN

HOLY COMMUNION DURING THE PANDEMIC

T

he Covid-19 pandemic has forced to be creative in performing services in a way that we could never have imagined before. Faced with the fear of infection and restrictions on gatherings, Mauritius organised a virtual holy communion service for all churches in its conference.

The service was recorded in the first Adventist church of Mauritius, Rose-Hill. The service was led by Pastor Baxen, and Ministerial Secretary, Pastor Tigresse, the format had all the elements of a physical holy communion service.

The date and time were communicated prior to the service, and the pastor’s task was to prepare members for this special service. Members were given the option to receive bread and wine from the church or to receive the recipe in order to prepare the bread on their own and purchase grape juice from the store.

On the communion day, those who didn’t have access to internet gathered, in small groups in the homes of those who had internet facilities in order to participate in the service.

Article published in Good News News for SID

Unleavened Bread Recipe Ingredients : - 250g fine-ground flour - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 150ml tablespoons cold water - 150ml cup olive oil Method: 1. Stir flour and salt together.

2. Pour the water into the oil, but do not stir.

3. Add this to the dry ingredients and mix with a fork until all the flour is dampened.

4. Roll out between two sheets of waxed paper to the thickness of thick pie pastry.

5. Place on an ungreased, floured baking sheet, and mark off with a knife into bite size squares, being careful to prick each square to prevent blistering.

6. Bake at 200°C pendant for 10 to 15 minutes. Watch carefully during the last five minutes to prevent burning.

The unfermented juice of the grape should be used for sacrament of the juice.

LE LIEN

11

2021 Camp-Meeting: A first for Mauritius

A

big first in the local Seventh-day Adventist church landscape has been the on-line camp-meeting, held from 6 - 15 August, 2021, with a participation of hundreds of church members throughout Mauritius and abroad. Some have already requested a repeat of this enriching experience! Let us give you a glimpse of this vibrant spiritual meeting, rich in inspirational preaching and spiritual experiences, each one containing increasing blessings.

It all began in 2019 when, the meetings of the executive committee approved and created a camp meeting committee. Camp-meeting had the purpose of emphasizing the Inreach and the Outreach around the theme “Disciple Arise!”.

This meeting, which originally was to take place at the churches Phoenix campus would have brought together specially invited international speakers, and included many workshops and training sessions, exhibitions of the departmental activities, and recreational activities for the children. This programme was meant to be centred around the theme “Disciple, Arise!” with the aim of sharing evangelistic vision of FEAM. “The objectives of this camp-meeting were very clear from the outset. It’s purpose was: 1.

To inspire our church members to remain faithful to Jesus by getting ready for His Second Coming; 2.

To focus the attention of our Church on the biblical teachings on the Second Coming of Jesus; and,

12

LE LIEN

3.

To inspire our church members to a deeper involvement in the Gospel work”, according to the President of FEAM, Pastor Ellsworth Baxen.

But as we all know the first wave of the Covid-19 struck, which disrupted our original camp meeting plans at the beginning of 2020, as well as in 2021. All the dates scheduled had to be adjusted; but, as time passed, the covid related logistic and health issues compelled the leaders of FEAM to come up with another way to organize the camp-meeting. Thanks to technology, Zoom and social media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube were chosen to host this camp-meeting.

Topic and actors The topic was changed to “Ena lespwar Zezi pe revini” (There’s hope, Jesus is Coming). The speakers, Dr Ganoune Diop, Pastor Jean-Noël Adeline, Dr Gerson Santos, Dr Cédric Lachenal, Pastor Busi Khumalo, and Professor Bruce Bauer joined our initiative. Every morning at 5:30, we had a season of prayer and reflection, under the guidance of our local pastors; the evening meeting began at 20:30. Each message presented contributed to the awareness of the imminence of the second advent of our Lord Jesus, announced in Bible prophecy, and to the strengthening of the faith of our church members, in order to bring about a revival by opening our hearts to the work of the Holy Spirit. On the final day of our camp-meeting, we had a Maha Kirtan, which gave us the opportunity to invite our non-

Adventist friends of South Asian persuasion.

The number of our church members who connected during these seasons of prayer was unprecedented. They connected on Zoom or YouTube morning and evening. In order to keep the enthusiasm generated by this camp-meeting, a weekly session of prayer was organized on Zoom; the book shared as a topic of reflection was Step by Step to a Spiritual Revival, by Helmut Haubeil. The campmeeting was also followed by a week of prayer and revival, with Pastor Jean-Noël Adeline.

“We felt the presence and unity of the Holy Spirit and God’s intervention during these moments, and even during the prayer meetings held later in several churches throughout Mauritius. Let God be praised for this!”

Follow-up The two lockdowns we experienced were moments of uncertainty for many of us, particularly concerning working members, or students. And yet, Outreach has not stood still. On the contrary, it was an opportunity to experience God’s grace in an unusual way, and to invite nonAdventist persons to attend our camp-meeting and the week of revival on Zoom or YouTube.

For Sister Annum Kaully, of the Goodlands Group, the difficult situations of these last two years were opportunities to draw nearer to God and to do missionary work: « I invited many non-Adventist persons to connect to the Zoom and participate in prayer. It was a pleasure for us to rise early in the morning. I even persuaded my friend Anabelle, whose husband is a Tamoul, to secretly watch our programmes: campmeeting and week of revival. God answered all my prayers », she says.

She says also that, although she was without work, since she works in the

Priscilla Philippe Bambous Church

tourism branch, she has lacked nothing: « I was able to restrict my needs, to send my children to Canada for their studies, and many other things. » But it does not mean that everything was easy: « During this period, I went through the most difficult moments in my life. Yet the messages I heard and the seasons of prayer in the morning during the camp-meeting have strengthened my faith and given me victory by the power of the Holy Spirit. God does not come personally, but He sends persons on our path to support us. I am extremely grateful to Him », Annum says.

For Priscilla Philippe, a member of our church of Bambous, this camp-meeting allowed her to learn to pray with the promises from the Bible: « I have learnt to pray with greater faith, and the messages have strengthened me. Psalm 32.8, I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you, has accompanied me, and I have claimed its promise several times.

It was also an opportunity to share the Gospel with two managers of the company for which I work. Although I have been working for this company for 27 years, I had never spoken of the Gospel with them;

Annum Kaully Goodlands Group

but I wished to seize this opportunity. I have also been able to share my faith with two non-Adventist persons, one of whom found the peace he was looking for, and is now following Bible studies », Priscilla says.

Yannick Rivet

Article reported Good News, News for SID

in

LE LIEN

13

Senior Youth Leadership “Have a strongly rooted identity in order to be firm in your decisions, in your convictions, in your faith, as were Daniel and his friends in Babylon”

T

he major event for the local youth department was the inauguration of the first cohort of Youth Leaders and Senior Youth Leaders on September 25, after two and a half years of continuous training.

For the first time since its existence, the Adventist Youth has invested 11 Youth Leaders and 22 Senior Youth Leaders from several churches across the island. Youth Leaders have contributed significantly to youth advancement in Mauritius.

Such leaders have demonstrated their love, devotion and quality of leadership at the local and even national levels.

The Senior Youth Leaders followed a two and a halft year training and successfully completed the requirements. During the interviews, these young people expressed their desire to use their talents in God’s service. Their priority is the development of the young within their respective churches, but also to help the young people in their community.

14

LE LIEN

The Adventist Youth Department strongly encourages them to use the training they received to help in the advancement of God’s work, but also to mentor other young people.

The AY Department wishes to thank the Conference Administrators, the various trainers, Pastors, and all those who contributed to making the Senior Youth Leadership training a success for the glory of God. Finally, we leave all young people with a quote from pastor Baxen’s

message at the inauguration ceremony: “Have a strongly rooted identity in order to be firm in your decisions, in your convictions, in your faith, as were Daniel and his friends in Babylon... » Stephane Tigresse

Article rapporté dans Good News News pour la SID

21 0 2 PICTURES Renovation of the Henri Evard Hall at the Adventist College in Phoenix

Certificate awarding ceremony for Master Guides during the Explorers’ National Camp in Belle-Mare

The return of Pr Claudio Labutte and his family

Online seminar for pastors by the University of Collonges on the theme “Conflict management”

Breathe-Free program (Plan de 5 jours) organised by Beau-Bassin Church with the collaboration of the Conference’s health department

Baptism of Belle-Mare

three

Pathfinders

in

Online seminar “Kriz ek katastrof kot Bondie ete?” with Dr. Pavel Goia

The AWR studio equipped for video production

New look of the Conference premises in Rose-Hill

Online activities with th Childrens’s Ministry

Meeting with the heads of departments to launch the strategic plan Reach the world: I WILL GO

Departure of Pr Daryll Arékion for Rodrigues Island

LE LIEN

15

10 days of prayer 2022

The three angels call to pray

F

rom January 5-15, 2022, the Adventist Church worldwide engaged in 2022’s Ten Days of Prayer. Given the current situation, churches in Mauritius and Rodrigues gathered on the various online platforms under the theme “The three angels call to pray”.

Many of our brothers and sisters across the island were able to follow and live these 10 days of prayer virtually. I am convinced that the Holy Spirit has filled us with his power, and that we have taken heed of the messages delivered by God’s servants. One thing to remember now is this: God is calling us to become His, to fear Him, to remain loyal, to surrender in absolute obedience to Him, to be willing to be part of the gospel, and to become the bearers thereof, to the benefit of those around us.

Like every year, the 10 days of prayer were marked by answered prayers as well as testimonies.

Here are a few of them, which I wanted to share with you.

Sandrine Gervel - Pastor The messages greatly encouraged me during these 10 days of prayer. God spoke to me through each of the sermons. He brought me comfort and the strength I needed for my daily life. This allowed me to start the year off well with Him, and I have also learned new things.

Bettina Joly - Rose-Hill Church During these ten days, I have experienced a strong and intimate moment with my God, my Father. I was given the opportunity to pause and listen to the Holy Spirit in order to act upon the urgent need for prayer. It has been a truly wonderful and uplifting experience with the Lord. Besides, if we think about it, we realise that without prayer, life is vain and we would not even be alive. In summary, these ten days of prayer have strengthened my faith in the Lord.

Sarajane Richardson - L’Escalier Church For me the 10 days of prayer have been a blessed time. It is a constant call from God for spiritual revival and evangelism, even in such difficult times as ours. The message that resonated the most with me was “A Life of Obedience and Prayer”.

Pascale Klein - Saint-Pierre Church At every prayer session, I usually hear testimonies, and this year, I wanted to live an experience with the Lord as I prayed for a specific person. That person is now willing to commit his/her life to the Lord soon. I am understanding more and more that prayer is really the key to success in all the areas of our lives.

Doanne Tigresse

16

LE LIEN

BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS

Weekly Spirit of Prophecy Reading Guide for 2022 January

May

September

02

True Revival - Ch. 9

01

Christian Service - Ch. 13

04

Faith & Works - Ch. 9

09

True Revival - Ch. 10

08

Christian Service - Ch. 14

11

Faith & Works - Ch. 10-11

16

Christian Service - Ch. 1 (p.11-23.1)

15

Christian Service - Ch. 15

28

Faith & Works - Ch. 12-13

23

Christian Service - Ch. 1 (p.23.2-37.2)

22

Christian Service - Ch. 16

25

Faith & Works - Ch. 14-15

30

Christian Service - Ch. 2

29

Christian Service - Ch. 17

February

June

October

06

Christian Service - Ch. 3

05

Service Chrétien - Ch. 18 - 19

02

Faith & Works - Ch.16-17

13

Christian Service - Ch. 5

12

Christian Service - Ch. 20 - 21

09

Faith & Works - Ch.18-19

20

Christian Service - Ch. 6

19

Christian Service - Ch. 22 - 23

16

Last Day Events - Ch. 1

27

Christian Service - Ch. 7

26

Christian Service - Ch. 24 - (p.272.1 – 288.5)

23

Last Day Events - Ch. 2

30

Last Day Events - Ch. 3

March

July

November

06

Christian Service - Ch. 8

03

Christian Service - Ch. 24 - (p.289.1-304.2)

06

Last Day Events - Ch. 4

13

Christian Service - Ch. 9 - (p.96-109.2)

10

Christian Service - Ch. 25

13

Last Day Events - Ch. 5

20

Christian Service - Ch. 9 - (p.110.1-121.3)

17

Christian Service - Ch. 26

20

Last Day Events - Ch. 6

27

Christian Service - Ch. 9 - (p. 121.4 -138)

24

Christian Service - Ch. 27

27

Last Day Events - Ch. 7

31

Faith & Works - Ch. 1

April

August

December

03

Christian Service - Ch. 10 - (p.139-149.3)

07

Faith & Works - Ch.2-3

04

Last Day Events - Ch. 8

10

Christian Service - Ch. 10 - (p.139-149.3)

14

Faith & Works - Ch.4

11

Last Day Events - Ch. 9

17

Christian Service - Ch. 11

21

Faith & Works - Ch.5-6

18

Last Day Events - Ch. 10

24

Christian Service - Ch. 12

28

Faith & Works - Ch.7-8

25

Last Day Events - Ch. 11

LE LIEN

17

EVANGELISTIC

Opportunities in Times of Crisis

T

oday, nobody can claim that he/she has never heard of the COVID-19. From December, 2019 till today, the world is still suffering the impact of this worldwide pandemic, which has affected everybody. Whether morally, physically, emotionally, and even spiritually, all human beings have suffered through these trying times.

What about evangelism? It is true that our churches and companies were compelled to close. But it was a wonderful opportunity to share the word of God with people.

This pandemic has confirmed that the Gospel knows no barriers, no boundaries, no limits.

On the contrary, the Gospel has reached some persons through new opportunities offered by technology. Who would have believed, just a few years ago, that thousands of persons worldwide could pray together on a prayer line opened 24/7? Or that Bible studies could be given online and live for thousands of persons through the social media? Still better, that members of the same families, estranged from each other for many years, would eventually come together again by realizing that love overcomes all. Yes indeed, the coronavirus pandemic has offered the Gospel rich opportunities to make it known and experienced.

18

LE LIEN

Let me share with you now the experience of two missionaries in the 10/40 region, who had extraordinary experiences during the lockdown: “Times of crisis demand extreme solutions. This is why, when the lockdown began, we did not know what we should do. Our dream of gathering a small group of persons interested in the study of God’s Word vanished as soon as the lockdown began.

Our local friends were bored, each in his/her own home, and had plenty of free time. One of our friends then suggested that we should try the CREATION health programme. We decided therefore to try and hold meetings twice a week on the Zoom, with one new topic every week.

At the beginning, participation and regularity were real challenges; but, little by little, an average of three to six girls were on-line at each meeting. Praise be to God! With some of them, we also had in-person meetings and spiritual conversations! It was even possible to offer a Bible to one of them, and The Great Controversy to another. We have also prayed together.

It is wonderful to see how God has made possible in times of hardship what we were unable to do in “times of peace” in our own strength, and has showed once more that nothing is impossible for

Him. He has even used this time of crisis as an opportunity to manifest His glory.

We finished the CREATION programme a few months later and even met during Ramadan, the time for fasting in the Muslim faith. Later on, we decided to schedule a second and third season of this programme, now focused on emotional, personal, and relational topics. In this frame, we could tell parables, stories of Jesus, of the prophets, of creation, and psalms, among many other topics.

We know that God is working through these meetings and that each topic meets the needs of these girls, or raises questions which only the Holy Spirit can answer.

We praise the Lord because He is the Master of the harvest, and His ways are far better and more amazing than whatever we can think of for the future and hope for the whole world.”

In His Word, God assures us that He will always be with us, in our moments of joy and in our moments of grief and crisis. He also offers us daily opportunities to serve Him, glorify Him, and be instruments between His hands to proclaim His Word. No can keep His Word from being preached!

Missionary Book of the Year AVAILABLE AT THE LIBRARY VIE ET SANTÉ

at only Rs 25

Just as the COVID-19 has impacted each human being on this our Earth in some way or other, likewise God’s Word will reach each human being soon. “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24.14, New International Version).

God wants to use us today as His instruments to preach the Good News of the Kingdom to the whole world through all the opportunities He offers us. Let us watch for these opportunities, and let us offer our lives, our time, our skills, and, above all, our hearts to serve Him!

Emilie Troubat

LE LIEN

19

COVID-19 AND MENTAL HEALTH

20

LE LIEN

P

andemic, COVID-19, vaccine, social distancing, masks, sanitizer—since 2020, these words have been on everyone’s lips; not forgetting lockdown, border closures, trade restrictions, and world economic standstill.

Family members should regularly check up on the elderly living in nursing facilities, as well as encourage the younger of them to engage in conversations, games, and the elderly’s daily routine.

As of 1 November, 2021, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared 246,594,191 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 4,998,784 deaths worldwide (WHO, COVID-19, Dashboard).

As Seventh-day Adventists, we must and can trust in the protecting power of God during this crisis. He tells us: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah. 41.10, NKJV).

Everyone has been affected by this pandemic, either directly or indirectly. In a joint statement issued on 13 October, 2020, the ILO, FAO, IFAD and WHO stated: “The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a dramatic loss of human life worldwide and presents an unprecedented challenge to public health, food systems and the world of work.”

In addition, the COVID-19, as with any pandemic phenomenon, has affected individuals and society, causing disruption, anxiety, and stress. In an endeavour to stem the further spread of the disease, governments worldwide have enforced lockdowns. Isolation, social distancing, and closure of educational institutions, workplaces, and entertainment venues consigned people to stay in their homes. However, the restrictive measures undoubtedly have affected the social and mental health of individuals.

A review published in The Lancet said that the separation from loved ones, loss of freedom, boredom, and uncertainty can cause deterioration in an individual’s mental health status.

Common changes noted in the behaviour of children and teens have included: increased sadness, depression, or worry; difficulties with concentration and attention.

In the words of Paul, “We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians.

4.8, 9, NKJV).

Although we are facing struggles and difficult trials—and we know that more challenging situations will come—we must hold on to the promise that He is our refuge and strength; and, even if we go through the valley of the shadow of death, we should not be afraid, because His staff and His rod will comfort us (Psalms. 23).

Our final victory is from the Lord; trust in Him! Références 1. WHO warning on lockdown mental health. Euobserver 2020. https://euobserver.com/coronavirus/147903. Consulté le 03 mai 2020.

2. Yao H, Chen J‐H, Xu Y‐F. Patients with mental health disorders in the COVID‐19 epidemic. Lancet Psychiatry. 2020;7(4): e21 10.1016/S2215-0366(20)30090-0. Consulté le 03 mai 2020. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar] 3. Armitage R, Nellums LB. COVID‐19 and the consequences of isolating the elderly. Lancet Public Health.

2020;2667(20):30061 10.1016/S2468-2667(20)30061-X. Consulté le 03 mai 2020. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]

Juliette François Assonne

Similarly, the elderly and people with disabilities have been severely impacted, due to distancing from families and friends.

Increased anxiety, distress and depression have put the elderly and disabled persons at risk of serious mental health issues To help offset the negative impact of COVID-19, it is important to maintain routines of self-care, like physical exercise, getting enough sleep, eating well, getting outside when possible, reaching out to others physically or via the social media, developing new hobbies, making sure that the day is well structured.

Parents can reassure children that they are safe, share with them positive facts and figures, and encourage them to engage in healthy activities, including indoor sports, physical and mental exercises.

LE LIEN

21

The Resilient Family FACING THE COVID-19

M

uch has been said, is being said, and will still be said on the Covid-19.

Speaking about it would be mere repetition, and therefore rather unprofitable.

On the other hand, all families should develop the necessary resilience against this relentless contamination, and are bound to do so. Besides the physical and health preparation, the secret lies in the commitment and/or re-commitment to the God of each Seventh-day Adventist family, to the God of our ancestors in the faith.

Therefore, we propose to you this prayer of commitment, to be offered to God by each family of our community; for instance, in their moments of daily family worship.

PRAYER OF COMMITMENT FOR THE FAMILY Oh! God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, see the families of Your people committing and re-committing themselves to You, by acknowledging You as the One who has accompanied all our families till today, through the difficult moments in the realm of health that we have all gone through.

We thank You, we extoll Your holy Name, and we sing Your glory.

Each family of this church tells You: “As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”

22

LE LIEN

If You please, today, strengthen this commitment of our family to serve You and remain faithful to You! But, on Your side, grant us, as promised, the Comforter, the Guide, Your Holy Spirit, to guide our families and be always present among them! Do not withdraw from our home; be its invisible Guest at each meal, the silent Hearer of each conversation!

Touch our family, change the life of our home, and prepare it whole for eternity!

Reserve a table for our family at the wedding feast of the Lamb!

Yours be the praise and the glory forever!

We thank You heartily for hearing our prayer in Heaven, for forgiving our sins, and for healing our family, our couple and our children, in Jesus Christ, our Saviour! Amen!

Final blessing for all the families in Mauritius: Jude 24, 25: To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy – to the only God our Saviour be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen !

Eddy & Nichole Seenyen

FAMILY RESILIENCE The Family Ministries Planbook is an annual resource organized by the General Conference Family Ministries department with input from the world field to supply local churches around the world with resources for the special family emphases weeks and Sabbaths.

Available for download from this QR code

TESTIMONY

«My heavenly Father was with me. I tasted a deep peace.»

I

had thought I could escape the net; but my Covid-19 positive test destroyed my illusions. I was then seized with panic, anguish, and fear. I remained in isolation in my room for several days.

My sister Brigitte and my daughter Mélanie took care of me.

accept His plan for me, because I knew that Jesus had saved me and offered everlasting life to me.

My faith was severely tested during this period of crisis. I had forgotten God’s past interventions for my family! My stress was and all time high, and it made me more ill.

All glory belongs to God, our merciful Lord, who has allowed this trial to strengthen the links of love with Him and with my family members.

Fortunately, I understood that I was not alone.

I had to stop resisting: “to let go and let God”.

Worrying did not help. I then placed my life totally between God’s hands, and everything changed.

My heavenly Father was with me. I tasted a deep peace: “The certainty of God’s presence brings serenity and the necessary strength to overcome all hardships.” God was in control. I was ready to

After eight days, my test had turned negative. I have recovered my health and my two children, Mélanie and Derek.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank Him for His lovingkindness. We are waiting for Christ’s second coming with joy and impatience.

Ginette Catherine

LE LIEN

23

SAVING: A NECESSARY EVIL “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.”

Matthew 6.19

M

auritius is presently living an economic paradox. Everything seems to point out (at last!) to an economic recovery: The country is progressively leaving the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF); the reopening of our boundaries brings a flow of tourists into our hotels, and investors for the many building programmes.

A paradox, indeed; because we might have thought that this long-awaited recovery would immediately bring about an easier and cheaper daily life, in the form of decreased prices; but we are compelled to acknowledge that life seems to have become more expensive. A rupee kept at a very low rate, the increase of shipping costs, the worldwide demand for energy, a weak production, or the climatic conditions, which have brought about the low production of some agricultural raw materials (for instance, wheat), may explain this situation.

A paradox, also, because we might have expected a decrease in the consumption by the families; but it seems that the official statistics point out rather to an increase. The consumption by the families in 2020 was Rs315 billion, revealing a decrease of 63 billion as compared with 2019. But the first two quarters of 2021 reveal that we have consumed Rs14 billion more than during the first two quarters of 2020.

A paradox, also, because the reported recovery is still low, and particularly fragile, as it depends of factors which are beyond human control. The return of other pandemic waves, more aggressive and more contaminating variants, a worldwide economic

24

LE LIEN

slowdown brought about by scandals in the new dominating Chinese economy, rumours of war in the Chinese Sea, financial scandals weakening our financial basis, are only a few of the serious possibilities. Anyhow, we, Seventh-day Adventist Christians, do not believe in a world which will become better, but we rather expect a final upheaval, announcing Christ’s second coming. At last, I dare to hope that we shall not forget our heavenly home while working for this Earth, which we all wish to see in a better condition.

Yet, these paradoxes demand that we should foresee.

To foresee means to take precautionary measures, advanced measures. But I suggest particularly this definition: to make the necessary preparations. A convincing example from the Bible is Joseph, when he proposed to Pharaoh to take measures to store of food, after his dream of the fat and lean cows. The Bible, particularly the Book of Proverbs, mentions also the necessity of preparing in advance: Proverbs 6.6–8: Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, Yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.

The same Bible teaches it also in Matthew 6.19: Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.

Should we therefore foresee? Do we need to make the necessary preparations? Several Bible verses hint that wisdom fosters a good management of the resources placed at our disposal, particularly Proverbs 21.20: In the house of the wise are stores of choice foods and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has. The Bible also

teaches that we must assume our responsibilities as members of a family; else, we would be “worse than an unbeliever”: 1 Timothy 5.8: If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Such is not the topic of this communication; but we may reconcile these opposing ideals if we understand that we must prepare what is necessary, in the hope that God will bless us beyond what we need for our own welfare, the welfare of His cause, and the welfare of the others; but particularly, that we should not love the earthly goods more than those which are eternal: 1 John 2.15–17: Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world— the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

So, in these advantageous times of bonuses for performances, of the PRB report, of the 13th month bonus, I challenge all of you to save, and make the necessary preparations. Several schools of thought and several methods exist and are of equivalent value; but I shall limit myself to what is well-known and simple to implement immediately.

Prepare a budget Preparing a budget is the basis of everything.

It demands discipline and organization. The model proposed by the Stewardship Department (available at the FEAM offices) is totally adapted.

Step 1 – Make a balance of all your mandatory payments/expenses Step 2 – Rationalize by imposing on yourself the proportions not to be overstepped as compared with the model Step 3 – Respect what has been decided Keep an emergency fund A beach vendor I met recently explained to me that the last 18 months were difficult, but that the reserves accumulated during the previous years had saved the situation. The above-mentioned paradoxes demand that we should keep an emergency fund. The estimations vary between 3, 6, or 12 months of survival fund in the case of a

TESTIMONY

loss of income; but it would be wise to determine a minimum of three months of emergency fund.

Step 1 – Add up your mandatory expenses for one month; for instance: food, rent, bills.

Step 2 – Aim at saving twice the amount added up in Step 1. This fund should cover your monthly expenses during at least three months. Therefore, if the total of Step 1 is Rs25,000, your fund should contain at least Rs75,000.

Ian Sababady

Additional information. This money should be liquid and easily available, since it will be used to cover unexpected expenses. It is therefore recommended to keep it in a savings fund, instead of a long-range investment.

I

was baptized in 1992. I was then working in a concern in which I had all my week-ends free. I didn’t have to worry for the Sabbath. But, after a few months, the situation changed altogether: I was requested to work on Saturdays.

The management insisted on my working on Saturdays. After many explanations, I discovered that the only solution was to resign. I said to my boss: “I have made a pledge with my God; I cannot come back upon my decision; Saturday does not belong to me; it belongs to GOD.” I left behind me six years of service. For me, the Sabbath was more important than my job.

Overnight I had become unemployed. I could not afford to live without working, as I had the responsibility of two children. Then I began to sell all types of products: beauty products, pans, shoes, and even bread.

«I have made a pledge with my God; I cannot come back upon my decision»

It is always difficult to start an emergency fund when our means are limited; we therefore propose that you start with the surpluses which will be available at the end of this year.

ends meet, I worked as a literature evangelist by day, and as an assistant nurse by night.

Life was surely not easy for me; but I was not alone. My God was near me. I kept the faith. At a given moment, I said to God: “I love You, Lord, I shall not let go of Your robe; even if I have to crawl in the dust, I shall not let go of You!” After several years of struggle, my situation improved, by God’s grace. Today I can say from the bottom of my heart that God has blessed me a hundredfold. I have a roof above my head, and it is no more necessary to work to meet my needs.

I thank God for all that He did for me, and I praise Him for everything. AMEN! Margaret Sheik Joomun

In 2000, I began working as a literature evangelist.

Financially, I was in a bad situation, with the rent and the utility and phone bills to pay. To make both

LE LIEN

25

EDUCATION AND THE COVID-19

T

he Covid-19 has brought about the worst crisis ever in the realm of education. Since the first wave of the coronavirus in 2020, the whole system of education has been turned upside down. The hardships pile up for the students as well as for the teachers. The school programmes are implemented at great pain.

Closing the schools at national level made it necessary to give courses on-line. In our small island country, all schools were closed. As from March, 2020 and 6 April through 15 June, 2020, all courses were given on-line. But a reappearance of the coronavirus in March, 2021 brought about another closure of all schools.

Various scenarios were implemented to make up for the accumulated delay and to face the health crisis. Yet, many students were affected by this pandemic.

Face to this unheard-of situation, the Seventhday Adventist Department of Education did not remain idle. While the students were taking their national exams (PSAC, SC, HSC) during the lockdown, prayer groups were presenting these young people to the Lord. Several of them even received gifts of material to help them in the preparation of their exams.

This department scheduled a virtual Education Day on June 5, with the cooperation of parents, students and educators, with the aim of giving thanks to the Lord for His gifts.

At the beginning of the new school year in July 2021, learning was still painstaking. The Seventh-day Adventist Department of Education at conference level launched a programme of complementary help to help the students in their studies. About ten voluntary teachers at the primary and secondary levels accepted to offer their help. About 15 students now receive on-line courses. My thanks go to these educators who have committed themselves to help our students in a difficult academic situation.

The year 2021 will leave, for most students, the indelible memory of a school year turned upside down. It has also marked the life of the teachers, who were compelled to adapt quickly and to assume new responsibilities.

26

LE LIEN

Parents and educators, let’s go on fulfilling our mission, which is preparing our children not only for this world, but also for the world to come, by giving them a Christian education founded upon God’s Word!

Dhanie Auguste

Rwayom Bondie pe aprose,

Gard zot lizie ouver Kan tousala pou arive, drese, lev latet parski zot delivrans pe aprose.”

28

Enn ansegnman lor pie fig (Mt 24:32-35; Mk 13:28-31)

Zezi rakont zot enn parabol, “Get enn pie fig ek lezot pie; 30letan so bann fey pe sorti, zot kone ki lete pe vini. 31Li parey kan zot pou trouv sa bann evennman la arive; zot kone ki Rwayom Bondie pe aprose. 32Laverite, laverite mo dir zot, sa zenerasion la pa pou disparet avan ki tousala arive. 33Lesiel ek later pou disparet me mo parol pa pou disparet.”

29

Bizin veye (Mt 24:32-35; Mk 13:28-31)

“Pran kont pouki zot leker pa angourdi par tousort kalite kiksoz, par labwason ek bann difikilte lavi, sinon Gran Zour la pou tom lor zot san ki zot atann, 35parey kouma enn piez; li pou tom lor tou dimoun ki lor later.

36Gard zot lizie ouver, priye pouki zot gagn ase lafors pou sap dan bann maler ki pou arive, pou zot kapav dibout e prezant zot devan Garson Limanite.”

34

LIK 21:28-34 NTKM2009

LE LIEN

27

WHEN A DREAM BECOMES REAL “Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103.2)

We have understood that this welfare institution, launched in 1963, was in agreement with God’s will 28

LE LIEN

“Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103.2). Through these words from Holy Word, we express our gratitude to our loving heavenly Father, who has blessed the Rosie Le Même Seventh-day Adventist Rest Home beyond our wildest expectations. How many prayers, projects, processes, and wishes for new facilities were expressed during the past years! It was surely not out of whim or love for luxury, far from it, but out of a very real, basic need! But, of course, our great God does everything in His own due time.

Dear readers, please continue supporting the Rosie Le Même Seventh-day Adventist Rest Home by your prayers and donations. This is one of the missionary ways God uses to complete His work in these last days.

Marie-Noëlle Bosdedore

We are also grateful to all those who have contributed financially and logistically to this bold project. We also express our heartfelt thanks to those who have prayed perseveringly to make this dream a reality.

On September 29, 2021, the residents of the Rosie Le Même Seventh-day Adventist Rest Home took possession of their new facilities. Unfortunately, because of the pandemic, we have not yet been able to inaugurate them. It will be done as soon as the health situation is restored.

Through this experience of faith and perseverance, we have understood that this welfare institution, launched in 1963, was in agreement with God’s will, and that, if it does exist, it is for a testimony with those who, otherwise, would never hear about the true God nor about salvation in Christ.

As an example, we cannot keep to ourselves the experience we have lived this year. One of our physicians has met the true God while suffering from cancer. Dr Deepti Camadoo, 34 years old, a general practitioner, had been sent by the Ministry of Social Security to take care of the residents of our institution, with a three-month contract. One of our residents, Mr. Claude Aubeelack, shared a Bible verse with her at every opportunity. During one of her professional visits, we exchanged a few words. She told us that she had a cancer in remission. Shortly after, she discovered that her cancer was back. We proposed to her to consult Dr Jude Cuniah. Being informed that she lived alone, we suggested to accompany her during her sessions of chemotherapy. After several visits at her home, we offered her a Bible and offered to pray for her. After obtaining her agreement, we planned a ceremony of anointing with oil, with the help of Doanne Tigresse, our then chaplain, and of Pastor Stéphane Tigresse.

On November 27, our friend and sister Deepti passed away in India, where she was being treated; but we have this hope to meet her again on the second advent of our Lord Jesus, whom she had learnt to know while working for our rest home. Today, we share on Whatsapp the good news of salvation with her mother, Sanjya, who lives in England.

LE LIEN

29

FIRST ADVENTIST CENTENARIAN AT LA FERME, RODRIGUES

MADAME LOURDES ALBERT

T

he Seventh-day Adventist Church of Rodrigues has known an historical event on Thursday the 28th October 2021. The village of La Ferme celebrated its first Adventist centenarian, namely Mrs. Lourdes Albert. On October 28th, 1921, Lourdes Albert, whom everyone knows affectionately as Mamère, was born in a family of 13 children in La Ferme. A village she proudly calls “Great King’s village”.

At the age of 28, she married a widower from La Ferme, whose name was Mr. Mortimer Albert.

From a previous marriage, Mr. Albert had 3 sons and one daughter, whom Mamère considered as her own. Five other children were born to the couple: 4 sons, including 2 established in Australia, and a daughter, who lives in Mauritius. Mamère has 16 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

After her marriage, Mamère was baptized in the Seventh-day Adventist Church of La Ferme, a church that she is still attending.

She shows great attachment to God through the observance of His commandments.

Worshipping and praising God every Sabbath with her church brothers and sisters are the joy of her life. Even if she cannot come to church today, she still asks her carers to complete

30

LE LIEN

all the house work early on Friday, since the Sabbath is the rest day.

Prayer holds a great place in Mamère’s life: this helps her keep faith and hope in God’s promises.

Like a good Christian mother, she made sure her children received a sound Christian education and instructed them to follow Jesus.

Mamère was also very much involved in the social life and she enjoyed visiting the sick and the elderly, who were home-bound. At church, she helped in the children’s class and also as a deaconess. One Bible verse she often recites is Ecclesiastes 3.4: “ There is a time for everything... a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance”. This verse reflects the strength of Mamère’s character and conviction, and despite a life of ups and downs, she continues to cling to her God with all her love and all her strength.

Julien Coralie

OBITUARY Shyam Gukhool - Beau Bassin On May 8, 1990, SHYAM GUKHOOL, then aged 22, lost his balance while climbing on a coconut tree, and fell onto his spine, which got severely fractured. He became paralysed.

He was thus completely immobile and bed-ridden, with the only ability to move his neck. However, he could still talk.

Among the people who nursed him was Brother André Chavry, who told him about the love of Jesus. “Why are you doing this for me?»

Shyam asked one day. «Because I have the love of Jesus in me,» replied André. “Tell me more about this love, this Jesus,” Shyam asked him. That is how, after some time, Shyam gave his heart to Jesus.

To all those who visited him, he took the time to testify in what ways and how much Jesus had transformed his life. By his relentless, moving, powerful and sincere testimony, Shyam led his sister as well as his mother and her family to the Lord.

Shyam contracted COVID-19 last November, was admitted to hospital, but never came back. He passed away on November 18, 2021. He left with a heart full of hope.

Eddy Seenyen

OBITUARY Jessie Liane Hoey-Long - Forest Side Jessie Liane Hoey-Long was born on November 12, 1952. She is the third child of Robertson Georges and Marie Lise Nelson. The eldest daughter of the family, she had 4 brothers including an adopted brother and 3 sisters – the late Yves the eldest, followed by Sylvain, Eric, Roselyn, Liseby, Linda and Jean Claude Rivet, the adopted son.

She married Louis Gaetan Hoey-Long on December 27, 1982, and from this union two children were born: Maita and Michael. Maita married Samuel Soogree and they begot two daughters: Katia and Kate.

Michael married Melissa Écroignard.

Jessie officiated as pianist and janitor at Forest Side Church. She also served as a Master Guide: her 2 children, Maita and Michael, followed into her steps. Her favourite hymn was 601 and her favourite Bible reading was Psalm 91 – which holds this promise: «He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.»

She was always happy to receive her children, her daughter-inlaw, her son-in-law and her grandchildren at home. She would cook special meals for them. She spread love around her and enjoyed being surrounded. She loved her brothers and sisters as well as her nephews and nieces very much, and prayed for each of them every day.

Separation, what a grief!

She passed away peacefully, the woman I loved with all my heart.

The companion God had placed by my side.

We lived a peaceful life for over forty-five years.

I can say that God gave me an exceptional wife.

It’s only when a tree is cut off from the forest that we realise how big a space it occupied.

Fortunately, God gave me the grace to acknowledge her value while she was still alive.

The Bible rightly says: A wife of noble character who can find?

She is worth far more than rubies.

I trusted her completely because she was a good steward.

She made my heart glad with the delicious dishes she prepared.

She was an excellent seamstress, and during her illness, she had sewn her last garment, as if she knew she was going to leave.

A black pleated skirt, which she wore on her last voyage.

I cannot help but think about our wedding day.

With her nimble hands, she had made her wedding dress in wool.

And when I saw that dazzling dress, I was admirably surprised.

The separation from her makes my heart tremble with emotion.

Despite all the words of encouragement spoken to me, I cannot forget my other half.

She was also a good Christian despite her austere appearance to some.

Using the abilities God had given her, she helped people through the company she managed.

I have fond memories of her voice calling me, «Coco» but also of her sincere devotion, which remains forever in my heart.

I am sad, but I keep my trust in God. He never forsakes His children.

Especially since we will meet again soon in heaven.

May God’s will be done.

Michel Louise 14 April 2021

Maita Soogree

LE LIEN

31

Dr Karl Sandapa

a family doctor well appreciated in Mauritius, who cater for his relatives and those in need, most often on a voluntary basis.

Alain Karl Sandapa (Karl) was born on August 14th, 1944 at Magon Street in Port-Louis, in the Liho family home. His father, Jean Willie, was Chief Reporter for the daily newspaper Le Mauricien, and his mother, Clémence, used to take care of the family and the 3 older sisters – Marlène, Lilette and Momone.

Liseby finally joined him in France, and in 1978, they welcomed a first son, Denis, and second son, Pascal, in 1978. With his medical license, Dr Karl settled in Arles, in the South of France, where he served as a family doctor until 2012.

Unfortunately, Karl’s father died in 1948, a few months after the birth of his fourth sister, Jacqueline, the five children then becoming fatherless. Karl was 4 years old at that time.

Karl did not have a very happy childhood and spent much time at his uncle France Marie and his aunt Tonia’s house. Involved in the Adventist Youth of the Port-Louis Church, he used to take part in all the youth activities, as well as those of other departments. He felt attracted to a young girl named Liseby Coutet, as early as the age of 15. They met every weekend during the activities of the «Missionnaires Volontaires» (nowadays Adventist Youth) and started dating. Karl always found an excuse to visit the Coutet family (when Tonton France would say: “Ayo mo ena enn commission pou apport frer Coutet”; curiously, Karl would always volunteer!). Liseby was charmed by the voice of that young man, who sang at church, whom she found intelligent, cultured, and who loved God. They were both baptised in Port-Louis church in 1962, along with other young people committed to God.

However, Karl wanted to pursue his studies and was given the opportunity to follow a nursing course in England. Before he left, he asked Liseby to wait for him and requested brother Coutet’s permission to marry his daughter - the love of his life. In 1969, he travelled to Mauritius to celebrate his wedding with Liseby, then returned to England to complete his studies there. Liseby later went to meet him in England and train as a nurse, too. However, once he graduated, Karl wanted more and moved France to pursue medical studies at the University of Montpellier. The couple was once again separated.

32

LE LIEN

Liseby would take care of the house and their 2 sons, and Karl, though he rarely expressed his feelings through words, made sure that his family lacked nothing. His early years, as a fatherless child, living in poverty, had left a mark. Starting from scratch, Dr. Karl worked hard to become a doctor, studying during the day, and working as an ER nurse at night and on weekends.

His doctoral dissertation, which he presented in July 1979, was entitled “Consideration of the role of nutritional education in the prevention of myocardial infarction”. Under the section “Outline of some epidemiological studies”, he first refers to a study conducted in Finland from 1959 to 1965 (page 24), and secondly a study among Seventh-Day Adventists in the United States (page 29). The latter, which was titled “Study of Coronary Heart Disease Mortality in Seventh-day Adventists with Different Dietary Habits,” was a 6-year study on 24,044 Adventists aged over 35 living in California.

Karl specifically pointed out eleven characteristics of the typical Seventh-Day Adventist lifestyle. He concluded the section with two other studies: one in Japan, the other among Eskimos.

He was always driven by such values as love and respect for God and others, hard work, honesty and hospitality. He was also much appreciated for his wisdom, the relevance of his remarks and his outspokenness. Besides, he was always present, available, and of good advice.

Classical music, choirs and hymns have always been part of his life. It was with pride that he listened to his children playing the violin, the piano and the

great organ, accompanying the hymns at church and directing the orchestra and choir of the South of France Adventist Conference. One of his great pleasures was to sing hymns while his children played, at Sabbath opening and closing.

For many years, Karl was also Sabbath School Director and Temperance and Health Director at Avignon Church in France, a member of various committees and commissions as well as a church delegate for the Conference’s assemblies on many occasions. Besides medical topics and his family, Karl’s favourite discussions revolved mostly around his youth in Mauritius, church administration and politics in general.

After his retirement in 2012, and as he and his wife had always remained attached to their roots, Karl and Liseby returned to Mauritius, while their family was growing in Europe with 3 grandchildren: Jeanne (15), Rose (12) and Judith (10). They travelled regularly to France and Switzerland to see them three grow up, as well as Timothée (7) and Samuel (5) who were added to the family in the meantime. Since then, every year, they have welcomed children and grandchildren, as well as relatives and friends, in their home in Albion, where they have settled.

Dr. Karl carried on his activity as a family doctor and was well appreciated in Mauritius. He did not practice for a financial gain, but to cater to relatives and those in need, most often on a voluntary basis. He would spend the rest of his time in his garden, planning and performing numerous gardening

and DIY projects (vegetable garden, fruit tree growing, painting, fence repair, plant watering, electricity, plumbing, concrete work, rock crushing, etc.). He enjoyed fixing and maintaining his property as well as those of his relatives, to the displeasure of professional workers. He was an all-rounder, who took interest in everything.

Karl spoke little, but was a real pillar for his family. He even made himself indispensable to many through his qualities of confidant and adviser.

Karl made it a point to refurbish and maintain the graves of his family members and those of the Coutet family. Ever since he was young, with Liseby’s brothers and sisters, he used to spend Sabbath afternoons visiting the family graves. Today, according to his wishes, after a last passage at his dear church in Port Louis, he is buried alongside his father, his mother, his great-grandmother and other ancestors in the family tomb, at the old Cimetière de l’Ouest in Port Louis.

The loss of Karl leaves us empty, and we miss him; but we know that we will see him again soon at Jesus’ return.

Maranatha, Jesus is coming soon!

Pascal Sandapa & Kelvyn Ng

LE LIEN

33

Carnet

Birth

Novem

ber 20

Beau-Bassin

20 - N

ovemb

er 202

Ruvarashe Emmie Blessings MISI 17 September 2021 Parents : Valérie & Baron

La famille Misi tient à remercier toute la grande famille de l’église de les avoir rejoint en prière alors que leur bébé était admis à l’hôpital.

Chemin Grenier Dwayne Jake FRIQUIN 01 March 2021 Parents : Mima & Dylan

Bell Village Inès Maïwenn Annaya LEGRAND 17 June 2021 Parents : Sandrine & Judex

Ryan RAGHOOBUR 08 May 2021 Parents : Vinella & Gawtam

Téa Keilane Eva MENELAS 21 June 2021 Parents : Sandy & Bryan

Zedekiah Michel POULE 15 June 2021 Parents : Mary Joyce & Michel Avah Kelaya Meillane CHERY 28 June 2021 Parents : Véronique & Christopher

Ava Hope LOUIS 18 August 2021 Parents : Dorinne & Stephan

Port-Louis Noami Megan Alyssa LACRIARDE 17 March 2021 Parents : Melissa & Sebastien

34

LE LIEN

Grace Kelianna CÉLÉRINE 25 January 2021 Parent : Jenna Keisler

1

Carnet

Baptism

Novem

ber 20

Eau Coulée

20 - N

ovemb

er 202

1

28 November 2020

Christophe Pargan Daniel Pargan Vanessa Joseph Nissiannah Andriamalala

Chemin Grenier

Glen Park

28 November 2020

Mel Louis Alexandre Louis Kaela Paul Loana St Louis Jeremie St Louis

04 September 2021

Emanuel St Louis Jessica Caserne Desire Caserne

Deaths

Elvin Soobramanien Neil Ouma Josh Gangadoo

Marriages

Vacoas Rama MURDAY

Mikel Veronique Nelly Bernard Elligia Bertrand

Hoonand Chedumbrum Valerie Bavajee Patricia Veronique

Souillac

- 12 January 2021

23 August 2021 Avilen & Hansly RUNGASAMY

Beau-Bassin

Michel REQUAY Roselyne SEECHURN Maurice RAMDIN

Eau Coulée Thérèse GAFFOOR Lydie RAYAPEN

15 July 2021 - 27 July 2021 - 31 July 2021 - 13 September 2021

Christopher RANGAPANAIKEN & Keren LAMOUREUX

Vacoas 23 August 2021 Alvira & Ashley CAROOPEN

- 30 June 2021 - 31 July 2021

Chemin Grenier

Camp Levieux Deonarain MOHUDEWO

- 15 October 2021

Port-Louis Raymonde BEL OISEAU Caelash NUNDLOLL Annie ATTOW

- 17 June 2021 - 20 June 2021 - 17 July 2021

Marie-Claire

Port-Louis

30 Novembe r 2021 & Joseph M OOROOVEN

LE LIEN

35

CONTACT US

Mauritius Adventist Diocese

Phone No

+(230) 464 38 00

Address

10, Paul Badaut Street, 71365, Rose-Hill, Mauritius

Mail Us

lelien@feam.adventist.org

Website

www.adventist.mu

36

LE LIEN