When the Lions Came

Everything was going wrong. First, the porters had taken far too long to load the goods in Bulawayo. Then the oxen were uncomfortable with the heavy wooden yoke and refused to work together. Then the water ran out, and now one of the wheels had hit a large rock and nearly fallen off the axle. Traveling hundreds of miles through rough and hilly Africa was always difficult, but on this trip the devil seemed to be pushing them backwards.

Pastor Anderson wiped the sweat-stained cloth across his forehead once more, breathed deeply, and aimed the wooden mallet at the peg he’d cut to fix the wheel.

I didn’t need to hit it that hard, he thought as the peg split into three useless pieces.

Pastor Harry Anderson, along with a young African helper, was taking a heavy wagonload of supplies from the end of the railroad, up through the desert, across the Zambezi River, and then through roadless dust to the new school at Rusangu. Anderson was a missionary from America, one of the founders of the school at Solusi, one of the kindest men to walk the dust of Africa, and a Christian leader the local people had learned they could trust.

The Rusangu school would be the fulfillment of a dream, a call God had given him several years earlier. The classes would bring the truth of God’s love to thousands of Batonga people who had never heard the gospel, and it seemed God was leading every step of the way. Already, students had come, begging to be taught by the missionary from America. The books, salt, sugar, dried fruit, and other supplies in the wagon would give the school new life.

His knife carved a new peg from the dead branch he had found near a tall anthill. This time he whacked it more softly. Hit it square, and without anger, he thought to himself. * * *

The peg stuck, and with the wheel rolling smoothly again, Pastor Anderson and his young helper drove on toward the Zambezi River crossing. There were no roads near the Zambezi River at that time, only a winding, twisty native footpath through tall grass and woods. They followed this, dodging trees if they could, cutting down those that fully blocked their path.

“This is certainly not a vacation,” Pastor Anderson wrote in a letter home. “The halo of travel disappears about the fourth day one is stalled in the sand or stuck in a mudhole.”

“We need to get to the river crossing before sundown,” Anderson said to the young man, just as he had already said to him a dozen other times that day. “The old British sea captain who runs the ferry will take us across if we’re there before the sun goes down. If we don’t get there in time, he’ll be gone, and we’ll have to camp on this side of the river. I do not like the campsites on this side. I want to go across and camp where there’s a large acacia grove on a low hill just across the Zambezi. There’s good grass there, and strong trees we can use to tie down the tent.”

The helper listened to the pastor’s voice, understanding enough of the words to know that he must keep the oxen moving forward, yet wondering what it would be like to see a real sea captain.

When the road dipped through an ancient streambed and the oxen struggled in the deep sand, they both got off and walked beside the lead team, encouraging the oxen onward.

It was slow, hard, and frustrating going.

The old sea captain was just lowering his flag as they drove down the road to the ferry.

“Too late, Anderson,” he shouted. “I’m done for the day and am going home right now. See you tomorrow.”

Pastor Anderson begged, cajoled, argued, and even offered to pay extra. Nothing changed the captain’s mind. When he began to walk down the path to his home, the pastor lost it and shouted many salty words in the captain’s direction. The old man stopped, started to say something, then took a puff on his pipe and walked on home.

Pastor Anderson and the young man made a silent camp in the nettles above the river.

In the morning they were first in line at the ferry. The old sea captain smiled, welcomed them, and carried them safely across the river. Anderson was silent, paying the bill with a frown. * * *

“I want to show you where we should have spent the night,” he muttered to his young helper as he drove the oxen up the green hill toward the grove of tall acacia trees.

There was a tent, a large wooden wagon, and a still-smoldering fire in a clearing at the top of the hill. Pastor Anderson called a greeting, but there was just silence in the acacias.

The young man found them first. The well-worn soles of a pair of leather boots.

That was all they found. Except for the obvious prints left by a pride of lions who had visited the camp during the night. The trader who had camped here last night was gone. Taken by the lions.

Pastor Anderson knelt beside the tent, put his hands in the paw prints, and wept. While the young helper watched, Pastor Anderson confessed his pride, his anger, his frustration, and his cruelty to the old sea captain.

Later, much later, Pastor Anderson and the young African helper drove the oxen back down the hill toward the ferry landing, where they waited patiently for the old sea captain to bring the ferry to their side of the Zambezi.

“I was wrong, sir,” Pastor Anderson said when the old sea captain looked down at him from the ferry’s deck. “I was wrong in the way I treated you. I was wrong in the way I spoke to you. I was late, and I was angry because I wasn’t getting my way. This morning God reminded me that He knows best and is always walking ahead of me to protect me. Please forgive me.”

The old sea captain took a long pull on his pipe and then nodded acceptance of the apology.

“Anderson, today you are once again like the Man you follow. I’m glad you’re still with us.”

Dick Duerksen, a pastor and storyteller, lives in Portland, Oregon, United States.

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Vol. 19, No. 2

Weddings

Obituaries

CACHATOOR — COPERTINO.

Razmik Cachatoor, son of Hrant and Veronica Cachatoor (both deceased), and Vhonda Copertino, daughter of Vern and Edna Heise (both deceased), were married on 11.12.22 at the Forresters Beach church (Central Coast, NSW). Razmik and Vhonda have shared a common collection of friends over many years. Having both experienced grief and loss, they met again recently and found friendship and love. They will make their home in Tauranga, New Zealand.

Lyell Heise

BRIGHTON, Colin John, born 19.8.1946 in Bundaberg, Qld; died 25.12.22 in Brisbane. He was predeceased by his son, Craig in 1986. Col is survived by his daughters, Nichole Barker, Vickie Inglis and Ziona Belton. He was a member of the Landsborough church and is now awaiting his Saviour.

GIBSON, Colleen Margaret (nee Pietsch), born 23.2.1931 in Forbes, NSW; died 3.11.22 in Parkes. She is survived by her husband, Les (Parkes); and children, Trevor, Ayleen, Brenda, Robyn and Allan and their families. Colleen lived a full life and followed in the footsteps of her Saviour. Memories of Colleen’s love for family, for food and her generosity will be treasured by all who knew her. Colleen is sleeping peacefully, free of pain, waiting for her Saviour to call her from her rest into newness of life for all eternity.

Lorenzo Berry

Mark Warren, Rick Warren, Karen Richter, Stephen Warren and Robyn Davey; and brother, Col (Gympie). Roy was a quiet, punctual, kind Christian gentleman with a real love for the Scriptures. He spent most of his life working for Queensland Rail as a stationmaster. That work took him to many different places in Queensland.

Eric Kingdon

JOHNSON, Helen May, born 4.8.1934; died 10.12.22 in Hervey Bay, Qld. She is survived by two sons and two daughters. Helen moved into New Horizon Aged Care but after not being able to walk well, moved to Kirami Residential Care Nursing home a few years ago. She was a very positive lady who loved the Lord and her church so much that she used to walk to church using her wheelie walker. She loved receiving her Sabbath school pamphlet that was delivered by church members every quarter and doing her lesson study. She was doing her lesson study right up until the end.

2007, teaching in New Zealand, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Vanuatu, China and with Helen Hall in Thailand. Bill had a passion for teaching.

Penate

David

CURNUCK BUTCHER.

Jesse Curnuck, son of Milton Curnuck (deceased) and Jennifer Curnuck-Toogood (Oberon, NSW), and Rachael Butcher, daughter of Grahame and Karen Butcher (Newcastle), were married on 27.11.22 at Murwillumbah church. They first met at North NSW Big Camp and further developed their relationship while attending Boolaroo church. They are currently living in Oberon where Jesse is the chaplain at Oberon High School and Rachael is continuing her teaching studies.

Ken Bird

FLYNN BARLOW. Benjamin Flynn, son of Pastor Jerry and Catherine Flynn (Christchurch, NZ), and Jennifer Barlow, daughter of Paul and Annette Barlow (Auckland), were married on 4.1.23 at Bracu Estate, Auckland. Benjamin and Jennifer met at Big Camp and will be living in Christchurch, where Jennifer is a teacher at the Adventist primary school.

William Iererua

HACKEL, Eva Helene, born 28.8.1927 on the German/Polish border; died 25.12.22 in Hahndorf, SA. She was predeceased by her husband, Gert. Eva is survived by sons, Peter (Stirling) and Tony (Piccadilly); and daughter, Eva (Stirling). Eva came to Australia in 1947 after experiencing a harrowing childhood in Europe and wartime Germany. She is remembered as a loving, strong, resilient mother, wife and grandmother. A long-time member of the Stirling church, she served as church cleaner and flower arranger for many years.

Brenton Wilkinson

HEMPSALL, Roy William, born 17.11.1933 in Gympie, Qld; died 17.11.22 in Morayfield. He was predeceased by his first wife, Sylvia. Roy is survived by his wife, Daphne (Morayfield); son, Allan (Ipswich); daughters, Sheryl Greco (Victoria Point); Jennie (Darwin, NT), Leanne (WA) and Karen (Deception Bay, Qld); stepchildren, Gary Warren,

McLAY, Elizabeth Ruby (nee Knight), born 18.2.1944 in Adelaide, SA; died 25.12.22 in Highfields, Qld. On 8.2.1970 she married Evan. Elizabeth is survived by her husband (Highfields); son, Jamie and partner Peta (Ipswich); and granddaughter, Edith (Ipswich). Elizabeth was a genuine and devoted Christian. She loved the beauty of nature, excelled in creative and visual arts, and was a true homemaker.

Bob Possingham

MILLER , William Pettit, born 30.9.1926 in Maryborough, Qld; died 11.7.22 in Brisbane. Bill is survived by his wife, Llevellys (Brisbane); daughter, Jenny (Adelaide, SA); son, Will (Brisbane, Qld); and grandsons, David and James Butler (Adelaide, SA). Bill was a missionary and teacher for 50 years. He held a range of positions, including class teacher, headmaster, boarding school principal, college registrar and education director. He taught in Samoa, Canada, Fiji, Auckland, Samoa and finally Brisbane where he retired in 1990. He then went on to volunteer until

RATABUA, Kasia Ramone (nee Bangmorra), born 10.3.1986 in Auburn, NSW; died 16.11.22 in Atherton, Qld. In 2006 she married Zac in Coffs Harbour, NSW. Kasia was predeceased by her father, Albert Hazelman. She is survived by her husband; children, Sieta, Elina, Maliah, Joseva, Kalisi and LaiLai (all of Atherton, Qld); mother, Jillian Bangmorra (Derby, WA.); sisters, Alicia Patrick (Broome) and Danielle (Perth); and brother, Alex (Derby). Kasia appreciated both her Aboriginal and Fijian heritage. She grew up in the Mowanjum community near Derby. In 2017 Kasia was appointed manager of the Babanil playgroup in Derby, and her program was so successful that World Vision has looked to implement some of her strategies. For over six years Zac and Kasia ably ran the Derby/ Mowanjum church as lay-people. Kasia was a humble, committed Adventist who reflected the love of Jesus in her home, church and community. She was an excellent role model and a well organised and

Don Fehlberg

SAWYER, Julie May (nee Hennig), born 31.6.1958 in Mannum, SA; died 19.11.22 in Kalamunda Hospital. On 20.1.1977 she married Victor in the Murray Bridge church. She is survived by her husband; daughter, Joanne and Grant Pearson (Perth, WA), Darren and Ingrid (Melbourne, Vic) and daughter, Angela (Canada); and grandchildren, Ella, Will and Judd Pearson. Julie will be remembered as a “go-getter” blessed with energy and an irrepressible smile. She served her local churches in Pathfinders, Sabbath school, school fundraising and potluck lunches. She loved God and had a heart for people on the margins. Her premature death has been a huge loss.

Peter Fowler

NOTE: Neither the editor, Adventist Media, 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. Classified advertisements in Adventist Record are available to Seventh-day Adventist members, churches and institutions only. All advertisements, appreciation, anniversary, wedding and obituary notices may be submitted via <ads@record.net.au> or online at <record.adventistchurch.com>. Notices will not be reprinted unless there is an error of fact caused by Record staff.

SMITH, Peter David Lamont, born 22.5.1935 in Hamilton, NSW; died 24.12.22 in Cleveland, Qld. On 20.2.1965 he married Gwen, who predeceased him in 2007. Peter is survived by his daughters, Jenelle and John McKenna (Coopers Plains) and Carolyn and Alan Bartlett (Carseldine); and granddaughters, Catherine Garvey (Spring Mountain) and Vanessa McKenna (Coopers Plains). Peter was a kind and gentle man who loved his Lord and his family. His was “a life well lived, a job well done”.

Neil Peatey, J Neil Tyler TILL, Noreen Alice (nee Sandy), born 27.12.1938 in Norwood, SA; died 18.11.22 in Mt Gambier. In 1968 she married Cedric. She is survived by her husband (Mt Gambier); daughter, Kirrilee (Mt Gambier); son, Clayton (Jindabyne, NSW); brother, Keith (Ingle Farm, SA); sisters, Barbara (Adelaide), Joy (Mildura, Vic) and Elecia (Melbourne). Noreen trained as a nurse and worked at the Sopas hospital (New Guinea) from 1963 to 1965. She believed in her Saviour deeply and is now sleeping until Jesus returns.

TOPPERWIEN,

Mildred, born 8.10.1931 in Carnarvon, WA; died 2.12.22 in Rossmoyne Waters, Rossmoyne. On 18.5.1953 she married Gordon, who predeceased her. Mildred is survived by her children, Lindsay, Ken, Judy Rowe and Phillip; and eight grandchildren. Mildred was a devoted wife, mother, grandma, great-grandma and committed church member, who is remembered as someone who dedicated her life to serving God, her family, the residents of Rossmoyne rest home and many beyond. In 2016, Mildred was entered into an Australia-wide wellness centre competition to find the most active elderly citizens. Out of the five finalists, she came second.

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LONGBURN, NZ

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a proven leader to lead our school. LAC is a boarding secondary school providing a high-quality Adventist Christian education in a caring and supportive learning community. The successful applicant will enhance student achievement further and ensure that staff are well-equipped to prepare our students for the 21st century empowered in Christ. As a “tagged” position, the appointee shall accept and recognise the responsibility to maintain and preserve the school’s special character as a condition of appointment. The position commences on July 17, 2023. Send your CV and covering letter stating your leadership strengths and interests that you would bring to our school, with three referees’ details to Dan Carrasco at <dancarrasco@adventist. org.nz>. Applications close 3pm, March 31, 2023.