Signs of the Times - July 2023 by Adventist Media

Art for Eternity NAIDOC: FOR OUR ELDERS

A PROPHETIC VOICE OF HOPE

A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE ON THE WORLD TODAY

LISTEN TO YOUR ELDERS

IN THIS ISSUE JULY 2023 A WEEK TO REMEMBER NAIDOC Week and its impact on Australian culture PAGE 32

24 00

00 48

CURRENT

WELLBEING

CULTURE

04 WHAT IN THE WORLD

12 THE GUTS TO CHANGE

24 DESMOND TUTU:

06 WHY WE PAINT: THE

KRUBI SISTERS These siblings create stunning art to keep their culture alive

Taking care of your gut health

30 HEALTH NEWS FOR

EVERY BODY

48 UNDERSTANDING

FAITH 18 LIFE IN THE SON

A brush with death brought me to life

40 ASK PASTOR JESSE 42 A BIRTHDAY

DIABETES This silent killer is devastating our communities

54 REDUCE

INFLAMMATION NATURALLY

A PROPHETIC VOICE OF HOPE More than a moment in time

56 HOLLYWOOD’S

DISABILITY Our uncomfortable relationship with the disabled community

FUN 62 CROSSWORD & SUDOKU

My dad has a woomera (Aboriginal throwing spear) hanging above his fireplace. Neither of my parents have Indigenous heritage, so one day I asked him about it. He told me that it had been a gift he’d received from a friend. My dad periodically travels to a tiny Indigenous community on the south coast of New South Wales to worship with the people who live there. A few years later, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to accompany him on one such trip. The church service was held in a run-down community hall. It was an informal occasion, more a participation event than a lecture. Afterward, we all had some good tucker together. There wasn’t much food, but no-one went without. That day left me with an enduring appreciation for spiritual community, good food and the hard-working elders who made it all possible. My dad’s friend who gifted him that woomera was an elder in the community. These men and women work tirelessly to hold the community together through numerous challenges. When I heard stories of what they had to go through in order to simply keep going as a church, I was amazed, as well as self-reflective. Would I have what it takes to endure in the same way? The truth is, we don’t treat our elders in the West as well as we should. They’re often shoved into a dusty retirement home in their old age, forgotten, left to simply exist until their eventual demise. In many other cultures (including most Indigenous cultures in the South Pacific), elders usually live with their family right until the end. They fill the role of coach, sage or guide. Such a role is highly valued in their community. It’s important to recognise that we stand on the shoulders of our elders. Whether they helped pave the way for racial equality (p24), set a better health example (p12) or gave us a gift we could never repay (p42), I encourage you to listen to an elder today. You might be surprised by what they have to offer.

Jesse

OUT OF THE BLUE A gift I could never repay

JESSE HERFORD Associate Editor

VOL 138 NO 7 ISSN 1038-9733 EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER Brad Kemp EDITOR Jarrod Stackelroth ASSOCIATE EDITOR Jesse Herford ASSISTANT EDITOR Zanita Fletcher COPYEDITOR Tracey Bridcutt GRAPHIC DESIGN Theodora Pau’u Talia Valderrama Nerise M cQuillan PHONE +61 2 9847 2222 EMAIL info@signsofthetimes.org.au WEBSITE signsofthetimes.org.au ADDRESS Adventist Media PO Box 1115, Wahroonga New South Wales 2076 SUBSCRIPTIONS Kelli Geelan PHONE +61 3 5965 6300 Australia/New Zealand, $A28/$NZ30; South Pacific countries, $A41; Other countries $A51 Published since 1886, Signs of the Times is printed 11 times a year by the Seventh-day Adventist Church and is registered as a periodical. Seventh-day Adventist Church (SPD) Limited ABN 59 093 117 689 NOTE The inclusion of a person or their image within does not imply their endorsement of the Seventh-day Adventist Church or its beliefs. Unless otherwise stated, Bible verses are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, Anglicised. Copyright © 1979, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc®. Used by permission of Hodder & Stoughton. All rights reserved worldwide. COVER IMAGE: Krubi Creative

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R RENT

WHAT IN THE WORLD

FREE JULY

LET THE KIDS DESIGN THE SCHOOL

A CURE FOR PLASTIC WASTE

SPAIN

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Spanish architect Adrés Jaque spent two years challenging students to design their new school. The Reggio School in Madrid has porthole windows resembling googly eyes that peer out from lumpy, butter-coloured walls and zigzag roofs. The school was designed based on an educational philosophy that sees children as active participants in their learning and aims to bring nature indoors. Classes look out onto gardens attracting birds, butterflies and bees, and labs wrap around a courtyard that hosts a two-storey rising rainforest.—Positive News

PLAN TO TAX COW BURPS NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand is considering a new tax on cow burps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Methane is a potent gas responsible for 20 per cent of global warming and cow burps are a significant source of methane emissions. The tax would be based on the amount of methane emitted by each cow and aims to encourage farmers to invest in more environmentally friendly practices.—The Conversation 4

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PIXABAY—PEXELS, WIKICOMOONS, BAPTISTE VALTHIER—PEXELS, INCHES—PEXELS

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, consisting of 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic and the subject of scientific research since the 1970s, is getting worse. Researchers are working with students from the University of Southern California and local groups to collect plastics from the Patch and convert them into valuable byproducts, including medicine. —University of Southern California

HAPPIEST COUNTRY STRIKES AGAIN

FINLAND

Not only is Finland one of the most beautiful countries in the world, but it has also been named the happiest one for the sixth consecutive year, according to the World Happiness Report. The report is measured using six factors: gross domestic product per capita, health, social support, freedom, generosity and the country’s level of corruption.—The Good News Hub

Plastic Free July is a global movement that encourages people to think about how much plastic they use and create habits to reduce waste. Here are four tips: Shop in bulk Bulk stores are great because you can stock up on essentials such as grains, legumes, flours, dried fruits, nuts, oils, detergents, teas, spices and more. These products are often purchased without plastic packaging. This will save you money and waste. Keep reusable bags everywhere Place a bag in your bag, in your car, on your bike, at your front door, under your keys. That way, you won’t find yourself giving in to plastic bags when you go for an unexpected shop. Make your own go-to kit Put together a kit to take with you each day that includes reusable cutlery (no need to buy fancy eco-friendly stuff, just use what you already have), a mug, a water bottle and a food container. Reduce your fish intake Despite what most people think, consumer plastics like throwaway cutlery and shampoo bottles aren’t the biggest culprits. Approximately 46 per cent of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch waste is fishing nets, lines, ropes, fishing crates and baskets. Therefore, the best way to help reduce plastic in the ocean is to eat less seafood. JULY 2023 • SIGNS OF THE TIMES.ORG.AU

R RENT

WHY WE PAINT:

The Krubi Sisters

SUPPLIED—KRUBI CREATIVE

Indigenous-owned and operated Krubi Creative, founded by three sisters, not only creates stunning works of art but preserves cultural stories and songlines that are still important for people today.

BY ZANITA FLETCHER SIGNSOFTHETIMES.ORG.AU • JULY 2023

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direction and for Him to open doors. They uploaded more of their art online and named themselves Krubi Creative. “We didn’t realise how much it would expand and grow in such little time,” Sharon, the eldest of the three, said. “God really had His hand over everything.”

stories that mattter

In a world where cultures and traditions are constantly changing, the Krubi sisters recognise the importance of preserving and celebrating the history and knowledge passed down to them. Their elders from the Gundungurra nation taught them most of all, to remember their lineage, care for nature and foster a sense of community and belonging. Not only are the girls incredibly grateful for what was passed down to them, but they believe much of it is just as important for the world to know today. Their art then, is more than just a creative act. It is a reminder to themselves of what truly matters and a way to share their much-loved

heritage with others. Woven into their culture is the oral tradition of songlines and Dreamtime stories that have been used to pass down values and beliefs from one generation to another. The stories of their family feature all throughout the Krubi sisters’ artworks through symbolism, line work, repetitive patterns, dots, flowers, colours and other elements that are important to their people. “We believe it’s really important to pass down old traditions and hold onto the knowledge that our ancestors held dear,” Emily said. The girls heard many of their songlines and stories from their aunties and female relatives, as is the tradition. This is where they were inspired to name their business Krubi Creative. The word krubi is used in many accounts of Gundungurra stories and depicts a woman who holds great beauty—but a beauty that is elevated by her actions and character. The Krubi sisters don’t simply want to create beautiful art. They want to create art that reflects

the beauty of their culture and that becomes more beautiful as people come to understand the underlying themes and messages depicted in their paintings. “I’ve learned so much about God from the stories that were passed to me,” Sharon said. “A lot of Indigenous people converted to Christianity when they were introduced to it because they resonated with it. They were already practicing a lot of the things God was teaching.”

for the love of the land

Looking at their artworks, you’ll see that much of their inspiration comes from nature. Clara likes to detail the intricacies of native plants, Sharon uses earthy colours to showcase the beauty of the earth, and Emily depicts water systems that hold particular significance to the Gundungurra country. Their people’s survival was based around waterways that provided a stable food source, firstly by food within it and from the many plants that grew nearby. It is full of beautiful waterfalls, rivers,

SUPPLIED—KRUBI CREATIVE

ister trio Clara, Emily and Sharon Krubi (pronounced Ker-ah-bi) always dreamed of different things they could do together when they grew up. They never thought they would be where they are now as travelling artists with a thriving business and a 17,000 (and growing) following. Though they did lots of creative things together when they were young, life got busy as they grew older. When Covid-19 hit, and they had to stay home, the girls each found themselves pouring back into their art, spending days sprawled out painting pictures that represented their roots. From there, things expanded in a beautiful, organic and unexpected way. After posting some of their artwork online, the girls started receiving messages from people wanting to purchase it. Since they all wanted a change in direction with their careers and pace of life, they decided to take a chance to see if they could make something out of it. They began praying each day, asking for God’s

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SUPPLIED—KRUBI CREATIVE

protecting things.” waterholes and the Jenolan caves. Seeing how far removed many are As well as having a deep love and from the natural world today, the sisappreciation for this region, the girls credit their love for nature to their ters hope their art will inspire people childhood. “We spent a lot of time to look after our land and appreciate outside, around fires, camping and the simple things nature has to offer bush walking,” Clara said. “Dad was . . . like the sound of a bird or the always showing us different places vast array of colours in nature. and pointing out things in the bush. He helped us connect to the land community and belonging from a young age.” For the girls who grew up in a Understanding their culture’s refamily of seven, they can identify with this saying: “We had our own lationship with nature has also been little tribe . . . something that we were a very has strengthclose family.” ened the girls’ Connection relationship with with others is God. Having central to Indigbeen raised in a Christian houseenous peoples’ I’ve learned so much way of life. hold, they have The girls recall seen similarities about God from the people passing between what stories that were on important the writers of knowledge and Scripture and passed down to me. wisdom to them the Aboriginal throughout people intrintheir lives to ensure that they would sically knew about things like the maintain a strong sense of belonging stewardship of the land and deep within their communities. “There connections with one another. is always something to learn, and “It’s like they really understood whenever we can, we sit and learn God’s creation because you can see from our elders who teach us our themes of God everywhere,” Sharon culture and traditions,” Clara said. said. “They didn’t have a Bible to refThese roots still reflect in how erence, so they were learning directly close the girls are today and their from nature. They were extremely ability to work together. They admit sustainable and very responsible in that they have arguments from time the way they cared for nature. They to time, but they’re always quickly reonly took things as needed, they tried hard not to destroy anything solved. Though they do not currently and they had sustainable practices for live in the same location, they love it

SIGNSOFTHETIMES.ORG.AU • JULY 2023

“

when they get a job to create a mural, as they get to come together to work. They find that the final outcome is far better, with their favourite pieces usually being the ones they’ve collaborated on. “There’s something really special about creating together. It’s a huge blessing. A dream come true,” Emily said.

life now

They always dreamed of doing something creative together, however, they would have laughed if you told them during lockdowns that, within a few years, they would sell art exclusively for people to hang on their walls (though they do hope to expand their product range in the future). With backgrounds in nursing and no formal business experience, the Krubi sisters have been overwhelmed with the growth they’ve experienced. Today, Sharon gets to paint from home and be with her two girls; Clara is painting while

travelling Australia in her converted Coca-Cola truck, and Emily paints on the northern rivers while pursuing other passions and living life close to the sea. For the sisters, the hope for their art is to share what has been passed down to them for generations. That being: the past, the land and that our connections to one another are important. Their goal for Krubi Creative is to represent their culture in a positive light and remind people of the things of the past that still hold great importance in our world today. “We strongly believe in the continual growth and demonstration of Aboriginal culture,” Sharon said. “We love that through our art we can continually celebrate our heritage and demonstrate the beauty that we have cherished and are so honoured to call our lineage.” Zanita Fletcher is a life coach, writer and assistant editor for the Australia/New Zealand edition ofSigns of the Times. She writes from the Gold Coast, Qld. JULY 2023 • SIGNS OF THE TIMES.ORG.AU

ELL B EING

THE guts TO CHANGE

JASON BRISCOE—UNSPLASH

Gut health is an emerging science that we don’t know much about. What do we know and how can you develop better gut health? BY DR CHRISTIANA LEIMENA 12

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JULY 2023 • SIGNS OF THE TIMES.ORG.AU

ou are not a completely solitary being. Believe it or not, you have microscopic bugs living inside of you. To be more specific, there are more microbial cells (40 trillion) than human cells (30 trillion) in your body1. Your body is made of water, minerals, protein, fat, bones and also trillions of bacteria, fungus and virus. You have these microscopic “pets” in your gut system known as the gut microbiota that helps with your emotional wellbeing and many other things. The growing research in discovering the vital function of the gut microbes is changing the paradigm of them being disease-causing to health-promoting (excluding the pathogenic microbes). Though they are invisible to the naked eye, they are not to be underestimated. In fact, to be happier and healthier you need to please your symbiotic housemates. Happy gut, happy life.

population3, a balanced ratio of the Firmicutes species of bacteria and the Bacteriodetes species of bacteria4, stability and resilience5 to cope with insults and lastly, perform a myriad of functions6 to regulate, digest, detoxify and release good stuff. The gut microbiota break down food that the body can’t digest. They absolutely love prebiotic fibres. As they digest the prebiotic fibres, the microbes produce important

due to the existence of the vagus nerve that connects the gut and the brain and they send signals to each other11. The neurotransmitters that are produced in both the gut and the brain contribute to feelings and emotions. What these gut microbes can do is like a miracle pill. But when a human host does not provide the right food for the microbes to thrive and grow, there is a dysbiosis, which has been linked to various

A baby is first exposed to the microorganism from their mother during a vaginal delivery and at breastfeeding. The first 1000 days of life are critical for the building of the microbial population in a baby’s gut. There are a number of factors that contribute to a baby’s gut microbiota12, such as: the mother’s health status and diet during pregnancy, vaginal or caesarean birth, breastfed or formula-fed, exposure to antibiotics, and more.

“

Believe it or not, there are more microbial cells (40 trillion) than human cells (30 trillion) in our body.

A healthy gut microbiome provides the host (no pun intended) with numerous health benefits. A person who has a healthy gut microbiome will have more energy, fewer allergies and better immune protection, digestion, weight management, mental clarity and emotional wellbeing. This is known as symbiosis; both the human (as host) and the microbes (recipient) benefit from each other2. A healthy gut microbiome is meant to have diversity in the 14

SIGNSOFTHETIMES.ORG.AU • JULY 2023

neurotransmitters, vitamins and nutrients, and short chain fatty acids such as butyrate, acetate and propionate7. These by-products provide protection to the gut lining, regulate the immune system, maintain glucose stability, reduce inflammation, regulate appetite8, protect the nerve cells from damage9 and maintain health to the gut lining10. Interestingly, the gut has been coined as the second brain

diseases such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, colon cancer, autoimmune conditions, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, coeliac disease, arthritis, anxiety, depression and more2.

update your profile

We all have our own unique microbial profile that begins from the womb and becomes modified depending on our diet and lifestyle.

Babies who are exposed to a healthy maternal diet and status, born through a vaginal birth, breastfed longer before eating solid food and not exposed to antibiotics, have a higher probability in establishing a stronger immune system, less allergies and healthier development12. A mother with high body mass index and underlying disease, along with habits of not exercising, eating non-nutritious food, smoking or

ANDRES AYRTON—PEXELS

a symbiotic relationship

JULY 2023 • SIGNS OF THE TIMES.ORG.AU

10 steps to improving your gut

To improve your gut microbiota balance, diversity, resilience and function:

1. EAT A WHOLE-FOOD PLANT-BASED, FIBRE-RICH DIET. Challenge yourself to daily introduce

SIGNSOFTHETIMES.ORG.AU • JULY 2023

an extra serving of vegetables and plant-based protein (nuts, beans and legumes) to your diet daily.

2. INCLUDE PREBIOTIC FIBRE FOODS.

such as garlic, onions, leek, shallots, spring onion, asparagus, beetroot, fennel bulb, green peas, snow peas, broccoli, sweet corn, Savoy cabbage, artichokes, chicory root/inulin, lentils, soybeans/products, chickpeas, red kidney beans, wholegrains, baked beans, linseed, jicama, raspberries, green bananas and apples.15

3. AIM FOR A RAINBOW ON YOUR PLATE. Challenge yourself to try a new or different vegetable and fruit per week.

4. INCLUDE A DAILY DOSE OF FERMENTED FOODS. Have kimchi, sauerkraut,

tempeh, miso, kombucha, kefir or natural unsweetened yoghurt.

5. BE ACTIVE AND EXERCISE DAILY. The recommendation is at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise, which is 30 minutes per day for five days/week. If this is new to you, start with 10 minutes walking per day, either in the morning or during lunch time.

7. MANAGE YOUR STRESS. Practise five

your gut the right things and it will love you back.

8. GIVE UP SMOKING AND DRINKING ALCOHOL. If you need to drink

Christiana Leimena has worked in cardiovascular research in molecular cardiology and hypertension. She obtained her PhD through the University of New South Wales and did her postdoctoral training at Loma Linda University, California. She has a passion in educating and promoting whole-person health and nutrition. She loves the outdoors and cooking.

minutes abdominal deep breathing, walking outdoors and daily gratitude.

something, grab a kombucha.

9. AVOID USING ANTIBACTERIAL TOOTHPASTE AND MOUTHWASH. This can

damage the beneficial bacteria, create antibacterial-resistant microbes which then changes the bacteria flora in your mouth.16 Use natural soap and cleaners and avoid aggressive cleaners.

References for this article can be found on the online version, at <signsofthetimes.org.au/2023/07/theguts-to-change/>

10. TRY OUT THE ENHANCE YOUR GUT HEALTH PROGRAM by scanning

the code at the end of this article: As Hippocrates said 2400 years ago, “All disease begins in the gut.” If we can help to look after our gut microbiota by providing it with the right kind of food, we will be able to reduce the risk and development of various chronic diseases, and survive and thrive. Do yourself a favour: feed

SCAN ME FOR GUT HEALTH PROGRAM

OSCAR WILLIAM—PEXELS

alcohol consumption, can alter the maternal gut microbiota, and this may lead to pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia13. While life complexities can interfere, it is never too late to make changes. The more you understand the importance of diet and lifestyle for the gut microbiota during pregnancy and after birth, the greater your freedom to choose wisely. In adulthood every individual has the opportunity to make lifestyle decisions to heal and enhance their gut health. Underlying infection, period of exposure to antibiotics and medications, genetic predisposition, sedentary lifestyle, poor nutrition (low-fibre diet, high intake of saturated fat and sugary foods), and stress, to say the least, are some of the major factors that contribute to an imbalanced gut microbial population. Even partial sleep deprivation in one night can modify the gut microbiota diversity and function14. While it’s difficult to determine how long it takes for a person’s gut flora to be restored, there are choices we can make to start to feel better.

6. GET ENOUGH SLEEP. The right sleep period is 7–9 hours for adults and 8–10 hours for teenagers. If you have difficulty sleeping, wind down with chamomile tea, a relaxing bath or book to read. Avoid checking a digital device one hour before bedtime. JULY 2023 • SIGNS OF THE TIMES.ORG.AU

FA IT H

Life in the Son A brush with death forced me to confront my own mortality.

ANNA SHVETS—PEXELS

BY KESAIA VASUTOGA

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JULY 2023 • SIGNS OF THE TIMES.ORG.AU

“

SIGNSOFTHETIMES.ORG.AU • JULY 2023

sympathy, approaching the heavenly throne three times to request that He be the atonement of Adam’s sin. Upon their third meeting God the Father granted Him approval—the approval to be the ransom and to take the sentence of death for Adam’s generation. Through Him humans would find a way to reconnect with their Creator. I have tried to imagine the emotion God would have experienced as Jesus was born to Mary and Joseph in a manger in the little town of Bethlehem. Indeed, the human race had fallen into darkness and was deserving of nothing but death (Romans 3:23). However, God’s plan of rescue was bigger and better than any human imagination. Jesus’ humble birth symbolises the beginning of humanity’s rescue. C S Lewis described the birth of Jesus in the most delicate yet powerful way when he said, “Once in our world the stable had something in it that was bigger than our whole world.” A host of heavenly angels; the wise men from the East—magi who studied the philosophies of the world; and the humble shepherds who were faithful in taking care of

their flocks even if it meant shepherding late into the night—these were the diverse groups that had a part in Jesus’ modest birth. While the groups and individuals varied in status and background there was one common denominator: all had anticipated the first coming of the Son of God. The preparations for Jesus’ birth and the groups that were part of it give us a preview of what the second coming of Jesus will be like. Only a few people will truly anticipate His second coming, whereas most of the human race will be taken by surprise. This should encourage us to allow God to work on us daily, ensuring that we are ready. During Jesus’ life on earth, He placed emphasis on the importance of preparation and anticipating His second coming. “Therefore, watch and pray for you do not know the day or the hour” (Matthew 25:13). What does this passage really mean though and why should we care? Jesus is not only telling us to watch and pray because He is coming back unannounced; He is also urging us to do so because He knows that while we live and go about our daily business, the enemy JULY 2023 • SIGNS OF THE TIMES.ORG.AU

NATHAN DUMLAO—UNSPLASH

made me think of the pain our remember attending a life celebraFather in heaven went through as tion held for two siblings who had He allowed His one and only Son to tragically passed away. The sisters, be born, live and die for the human aged two and five, drowned while race. If you’ve never heard the story playing outside their family home before, it’s true. Jesus is one with in Suva, Fiji. The incident came as God—He said as much many times a shock to their families, who never in the recorded biographies of His thought anything so awful would life we refer to today as the Gospels. happen to them. On the evening And yet, He chose to come down before the girls’ funeral, families and to this earth and become one of friends of the sisters gathered to pay us. He lived and died as a human their last respects. That evening I sat with the church being—though thankfully, His story didn’t end at the delegation grave. Unlike that visited the the sisters’ family. We sang narrative, Jesus’ songs, prayed, death was no shared and cried accident. It was with them. The Jesus’ humble intentional—a girls have twin death that had brothers. It was birth symbolises to happen to heartbreaking to re-open heaven’s see siblings sepathe beginning of door for us. rated from each mankind’s rescue. As Adam and other at such a Eve broke God’s young age. trust by eating As their from the forbidgrandfather spoke with fond memories of his den tree, their wilful disobedience to granddaughters, I noticed the expres- God barred them from Eden—the very place that granted them access sional shifts in his voice as he shared to the tree of life. “Sorrow filled his lived experiences of the girls. You heaven as it was realised that man could hear and feel the excruciating was lost and the world which God pain from this fatherly figure to the created was filled with mortals girls. Whenever he spoke of their doomed to misery, sickness and interests, their play and their lives, death, and that there was no way of the grandfather’s voice and eyes lit escape for the offender. The whole up, but we sensed that behind that family of Adam must die”1 energy was an overwhelming feeling of pain that only God knows. The author Ellen White describes The stories of the sisters’ lives Jesus, filled with sorrow and

MYICAHEL TAMBURINI—PEXELS 22

(known by some as the devil) is also at work on his business—leading as many people as he can into darkness and eternal separation from God. Day in, day out we encounter the enemy’s business—it can be addiction, lack of (or no) time with God because we are too “committed” to other things, lack of self-discipline . . . the list goes on. Jesus’ disciple Peter was aware of these predicaments that we struggle with. That’s why he reinforced the preparation message when he wrote, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Yes, the enemy is out seeking and devouring and while he is at it, many of us are unprepared for Jesus’ return, but have created pathways for the devil to find us and devour us. Whether you are a Christian or not, understanding the life of Jesus and His incredible story can be life-changing. God has reached out to us through Jesus, offering us eternal life. That is to say—a rich, fulfilling life right now with the promise of everlasting life in the future. To respond to Jesus is to accept His invitation to engage with our salvation story. When we become oblivious to our salvation story, we are a target for the enemy. Once we know Jesus and the reason for His ministry on earth, we will begin to understand the part we have to play in His plan to restore our planet and everything in it. SIGNSOFTHETIMES.ORG.AU • JULY 2023

The story of the grandfather and the loss of his grandchildren is also symbolic of the pain our Father in heaven goes through when His children are lost in darkness. A life lived with Jesus isn’t easy, as some people might tell you, but it is worth it. When we give ourselves over to the life-changing power of God, we give ourselves over to the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. With that power at work within us, we begin to change. We become more patient, more hopeful, more resilient to whatever life throws at us. Jesus came to this earth not just so that we could be saved from death and darkness, but also so that we could have a more abundant life right here, right now. No matter your reservations, doubts or questions, I encourage you to “taste and see” that God is good. You won’t regret it. Kesaia Vasutoga is a climate change program manager for Oxfam in the Pacific. She is a member of Rockingham Seventh-day Adventist Church in Perth, WA. 1. Ellen G White, Early Writings: page 125

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LT U R E

A chance meeting with the South African archbishop in Oslo made an impact that stretched far beyond the few minutes we spent together. BY KIRSTEN ØSTER-LUNDQVIST & AMYAS MVUNELO

DESMOND TUTU:

IMAGE SUPPLIED, WIKICOMMONS

A prophetic VOICE OF HOPE

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t was a fleeting meeting, but one that left an impression on me. Living in Norway in 2001, it was the centennial celebration of the Nobel Peace Prize and special services were planned, with recipients gathering in Oslo for the commemoration. Part of the weekend was a church service that was open to the public and the speaker was archbishop Desmond Tutu. I had to go. Dragging my husband and a pastoral colleague along, we got to the venue early, aiming for front-row seats, only to find we had to make do with second-row seats on the side. To our amazement, three of the Nobel Peace laureates came and sat in front of us. One of those was Archbishop Tutu. I couldn’t help but be a bit starstruck and surprised at just how short this man was, yet he radiated such a big presence. At the conclusion of the service, people turned to one another with a Christian blessing and the archbishop turned to bless us. I was humbled. This short man had a spiritual presence about him, his eyes filled with such wisdom, kindness and love that it rendered me speechless. I truly felt the presence of God’s spirit as he blessed me. This was before camera phones so no selfie proof exists of this meeting. However, I don’t need one. Being blessed by the archbishop left more than an impression. This short moment inspired me, and his blessing over me was an act that has

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stayed with me ever since. It was a fleeting moment that blessed me with a lasting impression. This encounter made me acutely aware of how even brief meetings can impact you with a lasting impression, and how God can fill those fleeting moments. At his passing in 2021, Time described Archbishop Tutu as “one of the world’s most revered religious leaders, [who lived] an extraordinary life filled with courage, love and a passion for justice”. The magazine also called him the “anti-apartheid campaigner who tried to heal the world”.1 Desmond Tutu spent much of his life fighting for justice through the ethos of faith, bringing healing to his country through the Peace and Reconciliation Tribunes that he led. It was an insurmountable task to even consider, let alone implement in a fractured South Africa. Archbishop Tutu was by no means perfect, yet it took courage and a larger-than-life faith to attempt to bring healing in the wake of apartheid. In its obituary, Time continues: “A globally recognised icon of peaceful resistance to injustice, Tutu is best remembered for his courageous leadership of the Anglican Church in South Africa even as he spearheaded the fight against apartheid. Like fellow human rights activists Mahatma Ghandi and Martin Luther King Jr, he used his religion as a platform to advocate for equality and freedom for all South Africans,

regardless of race.” and how he was vilified by apartheid It was fascinating to later disofficials. But here he was coming to our own town. I listened to every cover a New Zealand link to this part of that sermon. It was against movement of peaceful protest, as apartheid in every respect. Mahatma Ghandi was inspired “What was interesting is even by the peaceful Māori protest in though he was a strong opponent Taranaki New Zealand led by Te of apartheid, I don’t remember him Whiti, alongside Tohu Kākahi in the being arrested or incarcerated. I early 1880s.2 think it would have made a strong I recognise that as a Scandinavian I cannot do justice to write about the statement that the Christian state wasn’t that Christian after all. Archbishop Tutu without hearing “Bishop Tutu and other ministers from people in South Africa. I am told by several South Africans that he of the gospel like Beyers Naude and Alan Boesack is not a hero came to the scene in everyone’s at a critical time. eyes, and his Apartheid was work and an ideology that legacy does rebegan in church, ceive a mixed engineered by reception. [Archbishop Tutu was church people. Reaching The Calvinistic out to my the] anti-apartheid church called South African campaigner who tried Dutch Reformed friends who Church (DRC) still live to heal the world. introduced in South apartheid Africa, to as ‘corrupt theology’. For them, ask about their take, I was put in humanity had grades and whites touch with South African pastor, were the highest grade. The white Amyas Mvunelo. Pastor Mvunelo is supremacist theology evolved over a Bible translator, content creator, time and manifested itself in the life counsellor and church consultant for of the church, far before apartheid. the Seventh-day Adventist Church. They also developed this chosen These are his observations. theology that they, the white Afria South African perspective kaaners, were chosen like Israel. They were Israel and the Indigenous blacks “I remember attending in my were the Canaanites who must be hometown a cathedral service in conquered and subjugated. Two of which Tutu was the speaker. I had heard him speak over other platforms the chief architects of apartheid were

“

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was a catalyst in black Christianity in the religious opposition of a false religious system. He was a significant voice that even filled the political gap at a time when the apartheid government was claiming divine authority. He influenced Christian resistance to apartheid and went on to articulate a vision for a new South Africa. He originated the ‘rainbow people of God’ that Nelson Mandela borrowed and used as ‘rainbow nation’. The politician and priest became friends. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was in fact a theological idea—reconciliation through confession. Mandela was the political founding father of the new nation but Tutu was its spiritual father. “I think it’s important for us to reflect from our particular experience on how theology influenced state policies and how Christianity in particular is taking responsibility for its mess, doing correctives and remedials after apartheid. Public theology hasn’t really participated in the new nation building. We allowed ourselves to take a back seat. We need the prophetic voices of the likes of Tutu to be heard championing the corrective, even against the current national government. That sort of died down. There’s a scarcity of the prophetic role of the church.”

an enduring legacy

Archbishop Tutu’s receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 put the South African anti-apartheid movement on the world map and made it

GREGORY FULLARD—UNSPLASH

involved with DRC ministry. Daniel F Malan was a former minister and Hendrick Verwoerd initially wanted to study theology but ended up in philosophy. “Verwoerd, who was the penman of many apartheid policies, even used strong biblical language in his political rhetoric. He became the real chief architect and implementer of the church’s racist policies in government, far more than Malan could have imagined. This was corrupt theology at work. In fact, apartheid South Africa was dubbed ‘the Christian state’. There was nothing Christian about it except that the lines between the church and state were blurred, and that the DRC with its corrupt theology was made the official church. Some Afrikaaner and English people would tell you that if you didn’t belong to the DRC you’d not get jobs or business. “In any event, Tutu and others opposed apartheid on its terms, as corrupt theology. Whereas we were told that apartheid is the divine order of things, Tutu represented another version of Christianity, questioning a state that claimed to be divinely appointed. Naude was himself an Afrikaaner and became a ‘Moses’ type, leaving privilege to speak against the Pharaohs of the land. Boesack was a coloured minister also opposed to apartheid. “So, their contribution was theologically significant and got all churches opposed to apartheid. Tutu used the social justice argument. He

a truly global cause. I admire how they had the courage to fight for what seemed a dream. We know that after nearly a decade of advocacy by Archbishop Tutu and other voices, apartheid collapsed in 1993 and Nelson Mandela became the country’s first black president a year later. When I met the archbishop, it was years later. He could have been a bitter man, a hater of white people and it would have been understandable, yet he still exuded kindness. That’s not to say he shied away from holding people accountable, but how easy it would have been for him to become a bitter man? Despite all its shortcomings, TRC was an extraordinary episode in South Africa and it was led by the archbishop. The Guardian writes: “Tutu was credited with coining the term ‘rainbow nation’ for the non-racial South Africa that he, Mandela and their various supporters wanted to rise from the ashes of apartheid”.3 Despite what South Africa went through during and post-apartheid, I can only admire Archbishop Tutu’s tenacity for not giving up but continuing to be a voice as a minister. All the way to the end of his life,

he continued to preach hope into hopelessness and held true to his commitment of being a prophetic voice, calling us all to act justly, love mercy and walk in humility with God (Micah 6:8). Kirsten Øster-Lundqvist is a Danish pastor who resides in Wellington, New Zealand. She enjoys ministering in both secular and Jewish contexts. 1. <time.com/6131611/desmond-tutu-dies-southafrica> 2. <nzhistory.govt.nz/people/tohu-kakahi> 3. <theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/26/the-mostrev-desmond-tutu-obituary>

JULY 2023 • SIGNS OF THE TIMES.ORG.AU

HEALTH NEWS FOR

EVERYBODY STAY SHARP, GET A DOG

Recent studies show many benefits of owning a pet as we age. Owning a pet may help delay cognitive decline, improve cognitive function, prevent age-related degeneration in areas such as memory and attention, and provide social and emotional support. Caring for a pet, especially a dog, also promotes healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise and social engagement. —Healthline

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KSENIA CHERNAYA, YAROSLAC SHURAEV, PETER FAZEKAS, RODOLOFO, IZAYAH RAMOS—PEXELS

LADIES, WORK[OUT] SMARTER, NOT HARDER

Many believe consistent hard work is the key to achieving fitness goals. However, for women, low-energy days during certain times of the month can make it hard to maintain this mindset. Research suggests intense exercise during certain phases of a woman’s cycle could do more harm than good. Experts recommend women focus on high-intensity and muscle-building workouts during the first half of their cycle and gentler activities like walking or stretching during the second half. Understanding their cycle phases enables women to exercise more effectively, avoid disappointment and promote happier hormones.—National Library of Medicine.

RISKS OF DRIVING TIRED

Did you know that if you slept less than five hours last night, you are just as likely to have a vehicle crash as if you were over the legal limit for alcohol? Twenty per cent of all vehicle crashes are caused by fatigue. Over the past 20 years, the number of crashes caused by alcohol has decreased significantly due to public education and roadside testing. Studies found that having less than four to five hours of sleep in the previous 24 hours is associated with an approximate doubling of the risk of a vehicle crash. Evidence suggests it may be reasonable to require drivers to have certain amounts of sleep before getting behind the wheel.—Science Alert

HEALTH HACK: GO FOR A DIGESTIVE WALK

You know the feeling . . . you’ve just had a big meal, food is sloshing inside your belly and sleepiness is setting in. A nap feels like the best move, but research shows the opposite would be most helpful. A 2022 study published in the journal Sports Medicine shows that walking for as little as two minutes after a meal improves circulation, tempers blood sugars, helps digestion and reduces gastrointestinal issues. This hack is more of a bargain because it introduces intentional movement to the routine, disrupts prolonged periods of sitting, and positively affects blood pressure and insulin levels. So instead of hitting the couch after your next meal, go for a quick walk around the block first. Then consider the nap.—Inverse JULY 2023 • SIGNS OF THE TIMES.ORG.AU

R RENT

A WEEK TO REMEMBER

NAIDOC Week is July 2–9 and incorporates the second Friday—which historically was celebrated as “National Aboriginal Day”.

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IMAGE SUPPLIED, NAIDOC.ORG.AU

NAIDOC stands for National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee. Signs editor Jarrod Stackelroth talks with Pastor Luke Stuart, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ministries (ATSIM) director for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the South Queensland region.

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First, let’s get to know you a bit:

My Aboriginal heritage is the Wiradjuri people from Central NSW. My grandmother Rose Ingram was born on the Condobolin Aboriginal Mission. I’m passionate about assisting our people in wholistic areas of life that often get overlooked.

IMAGE SUPPLIED

What is NAIDOC Week, and why is it significant?

NAIDOC (held from July 2 to 9) is an excellent opportunity to celebrate those who have driven and led transformation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities over generations. It’s interesting to learn that major Aboriginal organisations, state and federal governments, and several church groups supported the formation of NADOC back in 1957. Many years before, Indigenous people would protest about equal rights on January 22, before Australia Day every year. In 1955 the date was moved to the first week in July to show that NADOC was more than just a protest; it was a celebration, a time to acknowledge the achievements of the world’s most resilient people group. The year 1991 brought a change to the name, to include the Torres Strait Islander people. Hence the inclusion of “I” for Islanders. NAIDOC week acknowledges Indigenous achievements and contributions and builds awareness of them among the non-Indigenous people of our nation. SIGNSOFTHETIMES.ORG.AU • JULY 2023

This year’s theme is “For our elders”. What does it mean? Why is it significant?

Across every generation, our elders have played, and continue to play, an important role and hold a prominent place in our communities and families. They are cultural knowledge holders, trailblazers, nurturers, advocates, teachers, survivors, leaders, hard workers and our loved ones. Our elders speak into all parts of life, with a storehouse of knowledge and experience passed down through many generations of Indigenous culture. Many non-Indigenous communities have a survival-of-the-fittest attitude that provides little-to-no time to sit at the feet of elders and learn about how things used to be, can be and should be. Our First Nations elders have endured a challenging time of injustice, separation and the loss of language, culture and land. Yet our elders are among the voices of reconciliation, forgiveness and creating a shared future for all Australians. Our elders have been front and centre in providing passed-down experience on how to close the gap between Indigenous and nonIndigenous education, housing, health and culture, and speak into the narratives of caring for the land and keeping an ancient language alive. Among many other narratives, our elders are passionate to share their knowledge in the multicultural

landscape Australia has become. Our elders’ voices can play a vital role in today’s issues as we navigate topics like equality, unity and decision-making for our people. We need to ensure their voices are heard when it comes to making future pathways for our people.

Do you think modern Australian society is lacking respect or the presence of elders in some way?

The short answer is yes. Modern Australians are so entrenched in surviving the pressures of life—keeping the mortgage paid; providing education for our children and food for our families; the pressure of work commitments; and so on—that we have little-to-no time to care for our elders, to sit at their feet and learn about how they worked through the same pressures—and many other challenges—and are still here. This demand makes it more convenient to put our elders into nursing homes and maybe visit a handful of times each year. First Nations culture has different values for our elders. For many generations, our knowledge has been passed down through our elders through an oral platform. This is what I love most

about my culture. Yes, books and other historical understandings are very important, but sitting at the feet of our elders and making time to appreciate, respect, listen and implement wisdom that has been passed down to them in the same manner, will always be better than reading about things with no physical connection.

How can we treat our elders better? The most valuable thing we possess is time. It’s the gift of time every elder deserves. Hankies, socks and tea cakes play their part, but every elder wants more time with their loved ones. Sharing more of our

valuable time with our elders will pay dividends to our society and help us navigate through some of the challenges we face today. JULY 2023 • SIGNS OF THE TIMES.ORG.AU

to make First Nations achievements systematic in the fibre of the school, not only celebrating them in NAIDOC week. A whole new world of possibilities has been opened for teachers to find innovative ways of teaching First Nations history, language, education, culture and other unexplored narratives, as they move towards creating a shared future in the education space.

There is a perception that Christianity is a colonial religion. What should Christians do with NAIDOC?

What does the Bible say about the concept?

The Bible has a bit to say about how we treat our elders. The Bible talks 179 times about the need for respect, the importance of, and the attitudes that society must never forget to have toward our elders. The Bible also informs readers that God places significant responsibilities on elders to pass skills, experiences, obligations and beliefs down through generations.

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As a pastor yourself, how have you engaged with NAIDOC over the years?

I’ve done significant work on building a safe place for the work of reconciliation. It was necessary to turn our non-Indigenous environSIGNSOFTHETIMES.ORG.AU • JULY 2023

ments into places where NAIDOC is celebrated, as much as it is in the First Nations space. Several of our Seventh-day Adventist schools in South Queensland have been connected with local First Nations elders and a relationship has been formed where our elders— united with the schools—nurture and lead the narrative of the importance of celebrating NAIDOC. It’s great to see our schools and churches begin to display First Nations artwork. This is another step in creating safe places for First Nations families to consider sending their children to receive balanced and well-informed gospel messages. Through the work of reconciliation, our schools are exploring ways

The first thing is to educate yourself about the history. In 1493, Pope Alexander VI issued a papal bull or decree, Inter Caetera, in which he authorised Spain and Portugal to colonise the Americas and its Native peoples as subjects. The law asserts the rights of Spain and Portugal to colonise, convert and enslave. It also justifies the enslavement of Africans. All world explorers carried this same worldview when searching for new lands to colonise. When Captain James Cook surveyed the shores of the Australian coastline in 1788, he understood through the papal bull worldview that Australia was Terra Nullius, Latin meaning “nobody’s land”. Even after his encounter with First Nations people, Cook’s report to the British Empire was that the land was free to colonise, convert and enslave. The Christianity enforced on First Nations people was not the gospel you and I read in our Bibles today;

it was a papal dogma to convert, enslave and dispossess in the name of the Church of the day; not in the name of the Jesus who died so all would be saved through His shed blood for our sins. When one comes to colonise, control and enslave through fear and torture, time is not given to understand different worldviews and locate bridges of understanding. Bible-believing Christians have an excellent opportunity to connect with First Nations people and our communities through NAIDOC week to learn about each other and to make the time to understand each other’s worldview. Christians might be shocked to know that the First Nations cultural platforms are very similar to that of the Christian worldview.

How can our readers get involved in NAIDOC week? NAIDOC is gaining momentum in many states, councils and communities. Many companies and businesses are holding events. Look on your local council’s website for events or consider hosting your own NAIDOC event. There are some great ideas on how to run your own NAIDOC celebration on the NAIDOC website.

Apart from NAIDOC, are there ways to engage with Indigenous Australians all year round?

There are a number of events on the national calendar that provide

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opportunity to engage with Indigenous causes. • National Close the Gap Day (March 16) • Reconciliation Week (May 27 to June 3) • The Coming of the Light Day (Torres Strait July 1) • National Sorry Day (May 26)

positively different

We don’t need a national day to acknowledge the world’s longest-continuing living culture. We need time to sit together and start a conversation over a cuppa, making lifelong friendships regardless of race, culture and skin colour. This is the true meaning of NAIDOC.

From family LIFE to physical HEALTH, sacred MUSIC to vibrant SPIRITUALITY, Faith FM programs will brighten your day and guide you on the way.

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Ministries (ATSIM) is a department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Australia. ATSIM develops and coordinates national projects, events and resources to further the gospel commission among Indigenous peoples in Australia. The work of ATSIM takes in the whole expanse of Australia including the Torres Strait Islands. You can find out more by visiting <atsim.org.au>.

tune in

TODAY!

F041-R1

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Find your nearest station or listen online at WWW.FAITHFM.COM.AU

As a pastor, there are questions I’ve encountered more than once, sometimes about the Bible but usually about everyday life. If you’ve never had the opportunity to ask a pastor tough questions this is the right place. I’ll do my best to respond authentically and biblically! Does God send storms our way when we are running from His will? People say that God doesn’t give us bad fortune. But then there’s the account of Jonah.—Daniel, Facebook The story of Jonah in the Old Testament certainly does seem to indicate this, but I’d say the story has a different lesson to teach us. Jonah’s problem isn’t so much that he disobeys God (though that’s definitely a tension at play). It’s that he knows God, as evidenced by his outburst in Jonah 4:2: “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity” yet doesn’t want to be the one who takes that love to Israel’s enemies. Some view the storm and the big fish as vindictive punishments for the puny mortal who dared defy the Almighty. However, a closer reading reveals the struggle here between God’s invitation

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to go about this mission using God’s methodology and Jonah’s insistence that he knows best, thank-you very much. When I reflect on my own life, if I was honest I’d admit that I act a lot like Jonah some of the time. I know best, I have it all together and by extension, I don’t need God to tell me what to do. Of course, that’s all very well and good until I fall flat on my face. That’s usually when I turn to God, mud on my face and embarrassed. In such instances of hubris, I’ve often observed God send interrupting moments into my life to shake me out of my singlemindedness. These can be as innocuous as a phonecall from a friend or a nearmiss but can be as serious as a financial crisis or a family intervention. Whether God is the cause of these interruptions is not for me to say, but like Jonah’s big fish, they can serve (if we’re humble enough) as a turning point. I don’t think God gives us bad fortune to pay attention to Him, but I do think He uses the everyday changes of life to get our attention and hopefully, turn to Him. Why do Christians have such a problem with divorce?—Benjamin, Paeroa, NZ Some Christians interpret the Bible as completely closing the door on divorce. Ultimately, divorce is a breakdown of human relationships. God is so committed to human relationships that He hates to see it when they break down for any reason. In the ancient world, family was everything: it was your security, your status and your future. If you were a

woman, the way to ensure a future for yourself was to get married. If you were a man, the way to do the same thing was to get married and have children, thus ensuring the endurance of your bloodline. According to Jewish law however, if a woman displeased her husband in any way, he was legally able to write her a letter of divorce and there was nothing she could do about it. This is why Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 19 is so important. When He says, “I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery” (Matthew 19:9), He is elevating the stakes of marriage while at the same time providing a means of protection for women who otherwise might have been cast aside. This is important to note since whereas this passage was originally intended to protect women, it has been used for their subjugation in modern times. It’s impossible to fully address this topic in a short time but if I could summarise, here’s what I’d say: Marriage is a sacred, rich bond that God doesn’t want anyone to break; not because He’s puritanical, but because He understands the trauma that goes along with such a break. However, for those who have been abused, betrayed or abandoned, there is hope and grace on the other side of divorce. Healing is always available and God is always good to those who have been hurt. To ask Jesse a question you can do so at signsofthetimes.org.au/askjesse or on TikTok

JULY 2023 • SIGNS OF THE TIMES.ORG.AU

FA IT H

A BIRTHDAY OUT

of the blue

COTTONBRO STUDIO—PEXELS

How an unexpected gift changed the way I think about God. BY JARROD STACKELROTH 42

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we were thinking of getting another car and thought my dad might keep an eye out for something. He is a car guy. So, when he gave me a model and year and price range my mind started joining the dots and I figured he’d found me a good deal he wanted me to check out. I had to click through a few pages to find it. The car was more than 10 years old but had less than 30,000 kilometres on the odometer. It was basically brand new. I could hear he was excited. I was thinking, This is a good start but a bit out of our price range. I found the page. Listed there were the seller’s details. It was my aunty. “What’s happening?” I asked. “Why are you showing me this?” “That’s Grandma’s car,” he replied. “She can’t drive anymore. It’s basically new.” My mind started turning over this new piece of information. Maybe we could get family rates . . . but before I could finish the thought, Dad cut in. “I’ve bought it for you! It’s your birthday present!” “Pardon?” “Your birthday, I’ve already bought it. It’s yours . . . if you want it.” My birthday was a few days away, but I found I couldn’t speak. Tears sprang uninvited to my eyes. The size of the gift, the extravagance of it. “Do you like it?” Dad insisted. I think I managed to say yes but I could hardly form the words. When they talk about being lost for words,

I now know exactly what that feels like. I was swept away in a tsunami of emotion. Why would he do that for me? I felt unworthy. It was too much, too extravagant. I’ve done nothing to deserve this, I can’t pay it back and that’s not even an option. It’s a gift. I mean, it will solve a lot of problems and is exactly what we need. But somehow, I can’t bring myself to believe it. Dad couldn’t hear my thoughts. I could tell how excited he was—his love bursting out through the phone. Eventually I express my happiness and excitement. I fumble through the words I can—I don’t want him to think I’m ungrateful when I truly am. We talk a little more about the car and logistics of taking possession of it. There is paperwork and the vehicle is interstate. But I’m only half-focused. I’m still reeling from the size and unexpectedness of this astonishing gift. I don’t know if you can relate to feeling unworthy. Many of us walk around hoping no-one discovers that we feel out of our depth—imposters in our work, families or relationships. We’ve all been damaged by life. Grief has worn us down. Disappointment and unmet expectations often make us cynical or feeling hopeless. And so, we don’t expect anything outside of normal, everyday drudgery. We try to find joy amidst the tough stuff. We spend time with our families or spend money on travelling, shopping or entertainment. All of it is in JULY 2023 • SIGNS OF THE TIMES.ORG.AU

ETHAN CULL—UNSPLASH

ntil that point in our marriage, my wife and I had shared a car. She worked in the city, close to public transport and wherever we went, we went together. And she preferred me to drive. When we had our daughter, the situation didn’t change much. Covid-19 made it hard to go anywhere and we found our four-door sedan big enough to tackle strollers, car seats and whatever other baby gear we needed. That situation was starting to get stressful, however. Many days I found myself sitting in traffic stressing that I wouldn’t make the 6pm cut-off at day care. I imagined my daughter being the last one left with the teachers waiting, wondering if I was coming. I thought about the extra charges we’d incur because we were late (apparently, they charge extra for every minute you’re late). Now that my wife was pregnant with our second child, it was time to bite the bullet and buy a second car. She was going on maternity leave again and needed to get around with the kids. The only problem was, I’m not really a car guy. So, when my dad called me, I wasn’t completely surprised. “Do you have your computer?” he asked. “Yeah, hang on.” “Look up Gumtree,” he urged me. Gumtree is an online site where people sell all sorts of second-hand things, including cars. What has he found? I thought to myself. I’d mentioned to my parents

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one day he would return. And when he sees his son, he runs, undignified, arms and legs akimbo, to embrace him. The son is shocked. Speechless, he doesn’t feel worthy. But the Father bats away his apologies. “Nonsense, you are my son.” You are my son. He dresses him, kills a calf, organises a party and invites everyone to celebrate. Not everyone is happy about it. It seems unfair after what this young man had done, what he had wasted. But I’m not focusing on their story today. Either way, the Father doesn’t care. He wants to show His extravagant and costly love. Jesus told this story to people who felt like the son, people who feel like you and me. They’d done things in their life they weren’t proud of. They were pretty good people, but they’d made mistakes, hurt others and been hurt back. Jesus wanted them all to know that the Father in the story represents God, who Jesus often called His Father. God wants to offer an extravagant gift to all of us. It’s called salvation. I asked someone, “What comes to mind when I say the word salvation?” “You want my honest answer?” they responded. “Of course,” I said.

“What is it?” they asked. On any given weekend, in churches across the world, you will hear the word salvation. It means to save. My father saved us from stress and a little discomfort with his extravagant gift. No payment was expected; he just felt joy to help us where we needed it. The Father in Jesus’ story saves His son’s life with food, shelter and a

all people. So, He put in place a plan to rescue us from all those things. He sent Jesus as a man to live, share the human experience and show us that God is the Father in the story who is yearning for each of us to return to Him. Ultimately, Jesus came to suffer and die at the hands of evil men, only to supernaturally overcome death and the grave to live again. Jesus promised that all who accept

“

His son has been gone for . . . years but this Father had always held out hope that one day he would return. home to come back to. Even though he’d rejected it all and walked away from the One who had created him. God wants to save us. But what do we have to do? I had to accept. The son had to accept. All you must do is accept. According to the story of the Bible, this world is filled with hurt, disease, death, grief and pain. It’s inescapable. But God wanted more for

and believe could overcome death as well. Meanwhile, He helps us to find hope and healing in the middle of pain and heartache. I know Jesus has done that in my life. Jarrod Stackelroth is the editor of the Australia/New Zealand edition of Signs of the Times and Adventist Record. PIXABAY—PEXELS

search of something that will last and make us feel enough. God wants us to have a fuller life than that. In fact, He promises it. There is a well-known story in the Bible about a young man who asks his Father for an early inheritance payout and leaves home to strike out on his own. He wants his independence; to try to tackle life on his own terms. On the journey he’s chipped and damaged. He spends his money and time looking for fulfilment and satisfaction. He blows his money on gambling, stimulants, fast cars and fast women. (OK so they didn’t have cars in the Bible but use your imagination . . . chariots?). After all his money runs out and all his party friends abandon him, he starts to feel how you or I might feel on some days of our lives. Unworthy, abandoned, alone. But it’s about to get worse. There is a food shortage in the land. He finds himself homeless. He begs from a local farmer and finds himself helping with the farmer’s pigs and sharing their food. He has hit absolute rock-bottom. As he thinks about his life and choices, he remembers His Father’s property and how even the workers are fed and cared for. He decides to go back and work for his Dad. I bet he was rehearsing his speech over and over on his way home. But Dad is waiting, looking down the long driveway. His son has been gone for months, even years, but this Father has always held out hope that

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ELL B EING

understanding

DIABETES

Diabetes. It’s a disease we hear about more and more. But what exactly is it, how do we treat it and more importantly, if possible, how can we prevent it?

NTALIYA VAITKEVICH—PEXELS

BY KIRI NEWSOME

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the hormone insulin is produced in either adequate or excess amounts but the body is “resistant” to its function. It may progress to the point where the beta cells of the pancreas “burn out” from producing so much insulin that they are no longer able to produce enough or any insulin. At this point, an insulin shot may be required. Type 2 diabetes often occurs in conjunction with other conditions, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and obesity—collecthe different types Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune tively known as the metabolic syncondition with drome. It occurs a strong genetic commonly in component. older adults, It occurs although rates spontaneously among children (although there and young adults appears to be are increasing.1 It Last year marked some triggers), is strongly linked often diagnosed with lifestyle 100 years since the in younger ages and genetics, discovery of insulin as and requires occurring more life-long commonly in a miracle treatment. administration certain ethniciof insulin ties. injections. The reason for this is Gestational diabetes occurs in that the immune system attacks the pregnancy and is a result of insulin beta cells in the pancreas, destroying resistance as a result of the action of them and their ability to produce the opposing placental hormones. It is hormone insulin. Insulin is required also linked with older age coming for the digestion of food (primarily into pregnancy, elevated bodyweight carbs) and it unlocks transporters and ethnicity.2 If blood glucose levels into cells to allow glucose (sugar) to are unmonitored and uncontrolled, move from the blood stream into our gestational diabetes poses severe risks cells to be used for energy. to mum and baby such as macroType 2 diabetes occurs more somia, neonatal hypoglycaemia and slowly over time. It starts out when stillbirth. iabetes (or diabetes mellitus) is not one disease but a group of endocrine (hormonal) diseases. Commonly, we separate these out into type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes, which occurs in pregnancy. However, there are grey areas of diagnosis and other forms of diabetes including MODY (Maturity-onset diabetes of the young) and LADA (latent autoimmune diabetes of adults).

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diagnosis and monitoring

Type 1 diabetes commonly presents abruptly and severely. Often a person will become unwell with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) following symptoms of increased thirst, increased urination, lethargy and unexplained weight loss. This is due to a sudden elimination of insulin—meaning glucose remains in the blood stream, unable to be digested. The body breaks down muscle and fat tissue for fuel in the form of ketone bodies. These accumulate in the blood stream, creating an acidotic environment. Type 2 diabetes presents slowly over time and may be picked up incidentally through surveillance. In both, “HbA1c” (how much glucose is attached to our red blood cells) is the measurement used with repeat measure ≥50mmol/mol indicating a diagnosis. As these cells have an approximate lifespan of three months, this reflects an average of blood glucose levels over the past three months. Gestational diabetes is diagnosed by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) where the pregnant person drinks 75g of sugar and blood glucose is measured at fasting and at two hours. If one of these values is elevated, this constitutes a diagnosis.

prevention

There are no known prevention strategies for type 1 diabetes. We cannot change our genetics or who our parents are. A trigger to the immune system (such as a virus) can

trigger type 1 diabetes in individuals genetically susceptible, although this may not always be the case. Like type 1 diabetes, there is a genetic component of type 2 diabetes we cannot control. However, there is a much larger lifestyle component we can control, so there is hope. Increased body weight and physical inactivity are major risk factors.4 Reducing bodyweight can help reduce excess fat stored around organs and muscle tissue, allowing insulin to work better. Exercise also allows excess glucose to be used directly by the muscles and increases sensitivity to insulin.

treatment and management

Diabetes management options have come in leaps and bounds. Last year marked 100 years since the discovery of insulin as a miracle treatment option. With the advent of insulin, type 1 diabetes became a chronic health condition rather than a death sentence. Indeed, insulin profiles and delivery methods have become so advanced that using a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor combined with an insulin pump almost mimics the function of a pancreas, allowing greater freedom in daily activities, food choices and sports. A CGM is a small device with a filament inserted into the skin, usually applied to the tricep, which continuously measures glucose levels and transmits this to a reader or an app on a phone or an insulin pump giving 24-hour JULY 2023 • SIGNS OF THE TIMES.ORG.AU

kidneys, lowering blood sugar levels. Practically speaking, some general nutrition guidelines to start with include: eating regular balanced meals including some starchy carbohydrates, some protein and plenty of non-starchy vegetables and choosing low-sugar, low-saturated fat, low-salt, and high-fibre food, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding sweetened drinks and foods.3 Being physically active can mean aiming for a cumulative 150 or more minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic activity such as a brisk walking, cycling, running or swimming as well as avoiding long stretches of inactivity. It’s always a good idea to get up and move around every 30 minutes.4 These recommendations are also similar if you’re trying to prevent diabetes. Of course, none of these can replace personalised guidance from a healthcare professional. Prevention or effective treatment

are key, as the complications of both types of diabetes are the same. Chronic excess glucose damages major and minor blood vessels causing kidney, nerve, eye, cardiovascular complications and delayed healing.

future steps

The future of diabetes is both concerning and encouraging. The prevalence of diabetes in New Zealand has increased over the past 10 years and is predicted to continue to increase with current prevalence of five per cent of the population having type 2 diabetes.5 The trajectory is similar in Australia with a plateau between 2016 and 2020 (this primarily represents type 2 diabetes as around 10 per cent of diabetes cases are type 1).6 While research, policy, healthcare and education are needed to help reduce these rates, we have many tools to address this disease. We have the capacity to make

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Prevention or effective treatment are key, as the complications of both types of diabetes are the same. 52

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choices for our health even when the current obesogenic environment may not be ideal. We can apply lifestyle change and utilise treatment options to allow for good blood glucose control, reducing risk of long-term complications and giving us the opportunity to live a long and healthy life. Dr Kiri Newsome works as a diabetes specialist dietitian across Taranaki, New Zealand, where she lives with her husband Richard. For more information see: Diabetes New Zealand—<diabetes.org.nz>. Diabetes Australia—<diabetesaustralia.com.au>. The New Zealand Society for the study of Diabetes <nzssd.org.nz/>. Australian Diabetes Society—<diabetessociety.com. au>. *CGM and insulin pumps may not be fully funded in New Zealand and Australia and are subject to criteria being met. 1. Te Whatu Ora Virtual Diabetes Register (VDR). Te Whatu Ora, New Zealand. <health.govt.nz/our-work/ diseases-and-conditions/diabetes/about-diabetes/ virtual-diabetes-register-vdr>. Last update 27 March 2023. Accessed March 2023. 2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Diabetes: Australian facts, <aihw.gov.au/reports/diabetes/ diabetes-australian-facts/data>. Last updated 19 Jan 2023. Accessed March 2023. 3. Zhang, C, Rawal, S & Chong, YS, “Risk factors for gestational diabetes: is prevention possible?” Diabetologia (2016) 59:1385–1390. 4. The Diabetes and Nutrition Study Group (DNSG) of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD). “Evidence-based European recommendations for the dietary management of diabetes.” Diabetologia (2023). 5. Palacios OM, Kramer M, Maki KC. “Diet and prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus: beyond weight loss and exercise.” Expert Review in Endocrinology and Metabolism (2019) 14(1):1-12. 6. Ronald J Sigal, Glen P Kenny, David H Wasserman, Carmen Castaneda-Sceppa, Russell D White, “Physical Activity/Exercise and Type 2 Diabetes: A consensus statement from the American Diabetes Association.” Diabetes Care (2006) 29(6):1433–1438.

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NTALIYA VAITKEVICH—PEXELS

real time data. An insulin pump is another device which continuously delivers insulin. By communicating via Bluetooth, insulin can be stopped if a low blood glucose is predicted or more can be delivered if high glucose is detected. These fine adjustments allow for much improved diabetes control as they are able to react to day-to-day variations.* In type 2 diabetes, lifestyle continues as the foundation of treatment with 5–10 per cent bodyweight reduction markedly improving glycemic control.4 Healthy eating and physical activity, the vehicle to weight loss, also reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes on their own. In cases where pharmaceutical therapy is required, we have available a range of oral medications that can do anything from helping your insulin work better to increasing insulin production of the beta cells to blocking the re-absorption of glucose in the

ELL B EING

REDUCE INFLAMMATION NATURALLY

THERE ARE TWO KINDS OF INFLAMMATION. ONE CAN HEAL AND THE OTHER CAN KILL. Inflammation is one of your body’s natural defence mechanisms. It helps your body to heal and is a vital tool for a healthy immune system. When you stub your toe or cut yourself, your immune system jumps into action. White blood cells are rushed to the injured area to surround and protect it. A similar thing happens when you have a cold or virus. Your white blood cells protect and repair your body so that you can bounce back to better health. This response is called acute inflammation. It’s a rapid response from your body that lasts a relatively short time and is an important part of staying healthy. There’s also chronic inflammation, and this type can lead to serious health problems. Chronic inflammation is your body’s response when exposed to unwanted invaders like cigarette smoke or even stress. Chronic inflammation is constant, low-level inflammation that can increase with age and also if you’re carrying excess body weight. It has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, depression, Alzheimer’s disease and even cancer. In some situations, the immune system goes haywire and produces chronic inflammation without any obvious trigger. This is the case with

autoimmune diseases like inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis. So, what can you do to reduce chronic inflammation in your body? While certain environmental factors can increase inflammation, other things can work as natural anti-inflammatories for the body. Try these natural strategies to reduce inflammation: • Eat more plants. Pack your plate with a wide range of different-coloured fruits and vegetables, prioritising plant proteins like legumes, nuts and seeds. • Switch to wholegrains. Try to cut out as many refined carbohydrates as possible, like white bread, white rice and highly processed baked goods. Whenever possible, switch to wholegrains instead. • Spice it up. Flavour your food with herbs and spices such as turmeric, garlic and ginger. • Get balanced. Your body tries to fight stress the same way it fights infection. If stress is a constant part of your life, the inflammation could be constant too. It’s important to find time to relax, get some balance back and discover the stress-management tactics that work best for you.

Article courtesy of Sanitarium Health Food Company. Visit sanitarium.com.au or sanitarium.co.nz and subscribe to Recipe of the Week for a delicious plant-powered recipe in your inbox each week. 54

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ARCHIVES BY TAMIL—UNSPLASH

LT U R E

HOLLYWOOD’S DISABILITY Hollywood’s preoccupation with beauty standards has meant many people from different walks of life often miss out. A new film seeks to address that.

IZAYAH RAMOS—UNSPLASH

BY MARK HADLEY

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line, “I am not an animal!”, which has since become a popular idiom. However, “not an animal” is hardly a high bar for the disabled to rise above. Hollywood moved on. There were several notable attempts in the ’90s and early 2000s to make room in the canon for positive portrayals, this time of the intellectually disabled. In What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Leonardo DiCaprio plays the challenged Arnie Grape, who is an innocent burden to his struggling brother. In Forrest Gump, disability took centre stage with Tom Hanks portraying a naive man who achieves high acclaim through his simplicity of character. I Am Sam crowned that decade with Sean Penn’s Sam Dawson, an intellectually disabled father who must fight for his right to parent his child. All of these performances achieved critical acclaim, garnering many award nominations and one Oscar. Paradoxically, though, it was A-list actors who were recruited to portray the disabled, indicating increasing sympathy for a range of disabilities, yet a continuing discomfort for the disabled themselves.

is prepared to allow those with disabilities to speak for themselves. A remake of a Spanish film by the same name, the 2023 sports comedy stars Woody Harrelson as Marcus Marakovich, a bristly basketball coach who is convicted of drink-driving and given the task of training a basketball team with learning disabilities. On a very basic level, Champions is a “triumph of the human spirit” film—Marakovich helps his team overcome significant barriers and coaches his disadvantaged team to a grand final. Thematically, though, the film is about not only becoming comfortable with the presence of disabled people but being capable of celebrating their unique identities. It also represents a high watermark for Hollywood casting. The producers made the conscious decision to use disabled men and women to play the disabled roles. It seems there is no

longer a need to have their presence mediated by an “abled” person. Yet Champions highlights our continuingly complicated relationship with disability. Despite having the attractions of comedy and an A-list star, it failed to fill cinemas. Its budget of $US91 million returned $US18 million in ticket sales. Even the preview screening I was part of was noticeably less well-attended, the seats mainly being filled by disabled people who had come to see themselves represented on screen. As believers, we might point our fingers at a Western society enamoured with beauty, but it would only point back at Christianity’s own supposed shortcomings. I well remember being asked why God was not prepared to accept “defective” sacrifices or be served by “disabled” Levites. And then there are the criticisms levelled at Christian luminaries.

MEDIA PACK

hen the doctor first told my wife and I that our son was going to be born with a disability, I was uncommonly brave. I knew that God was in control, that He was sufficient for our need and that we would not be doing this alone. What I did not know was what “this” was. I did have some concept of disability; my disabled aunt lived with us as I was growing up. But I did not know the particular struggles my son would face or how the world would receive them. Nor was I encouraged by my growing perception, which was largely informed by the film and television productions I reviewed. The recent release of the film Champions has certainly lifted Hollywood’s game. But the world itself—both Christian and secular—has some way to go before it comes to see those with special needs the same way God does. Like society in general, film’s approach to disability has advanced in fits and starts. Probably the seminal feature would have to be David Lynch’s The Elephant Man, based on the life of Joseph Merrick, a man known for suffering severe physical deformities. As far as films go, the 1980 production is a moving piece, though the story is more focused on the people who encounter Merrick than Merrick himself. Its view of the disabled is challenging for audiences but also questionable. Merrick is valued ultimately because he is quite intelligent despite his features. The film is also best remembered for his

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one step forward

Champions is part of a relatively recent wave of cinema that

Martin Luther is purported to have advised a man to throw his disabled son into a river; John Calvin is accused of seeing disability as a sign of evil. All of these accusations falter on closer examination. God’s laws regarding purity are given as a means of pointing to the perfect sacrifice and servant who would come to save His people from judgement. The accusation levelled at Luther is from

Shame, though, is what society propagates when it excludes the developmentally disabled from our shared stories. It shrivels the human soul to the point that it values only those things that conform to the highest social norms or make significant contributions to the world. In short, the supermodels and successful. It was this sort of secular mindset that led to the emergence of “social Darwinism” in the 19th century:

“

All human beings have been created in the image of the Creator and so are of equal dignity and value. a discredited source, and his actual writings show far more compassion: “Even if a child is unattractive at birth, we nevertheless love it.”1 John Calvin did not see disability as a sign of evil, but more accurately part of a fallen world. Far from being unloving, he points out that Jonathan’s crippled son Mephibosheth had a right to be treated with dignity and King David was not ashamed to seat him at his table. 60

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“Supporters of social Darwinism opposed state aid to the . . . handicapped. They reasoned that the preservation of the ‘unfit’ would impede the process of natural selection and tamper [with] the selection of the ‘best’ or ‘fittest’ elements necessary for progeny.”2

everyone bears the image

Yet the Christian church has a heritage of replacing such public

rejection with personal value. The doctrine of Imago Dei—“in the image of God”—maintains that all human beings have been created in the image of the Creator and so are of equal dignity and value. Inspired by this truth, members of the early church would rescue and raise unwanted babies who had been cast onto Roman rubbish heaps. Likewise, they would set up hospitals across the Empire to care for those incapable of caring for themselves. Christian reformers used the same doctrine over the centuries to operate anti-slavery campaigns, champion the rights of the poor, protect the elderly and unborn and, yes, draw our eyes to the plight of the disabled. Including the disabled at all levels of our society will always be challenging and complex. Defeating shame has to begin with the softening of our own hearts before we can hope to reform society. Yet Christians have a proud heritage that extends from the heart of God. It is not enough though, Professor John Swinton writes, to simply include the disabled. We must strive to make them feel that they belong: “The problem we have with society is a real emphasis—and a quite right emphasis—on inclusion.

I think at one level that’s fine. However, inclusion is simply not enough. To include people in society is just to have them there . . . To belong, you have to be missed. There’s something really, really important about that. People need to long for you, to want you to be there. When you’re not there, they should go looking for you.”3 And if we need further inspiration, we need only look to the life of Jesus. The attitude towards the disabled in Jesus’ day was so negative that His disciples felt free to ask whether a man was born blind because of his own sin or the sin of his parents. Jesus’ reply is instructive because at the very least it reminds us that every disability we encounter is an opportunity to display the glory of heaven: “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.”4 Mark Hadley is a media and cultural critic who lives with his family in Sydney. Please note that discussion of a media product in Signs of the Times does not imply an endorsement or recommendation. 1. M Miles, “Martin Luther and Childhood Disability in 16th Century Germany”, Independent Living Institute, <independentliving.org/docs7/miles2005b.html> 2. C Wa Munyi, “Past and Present Perceptions Towards Disability: A Historical Perspective”, Disability Studies Quarterly, <dsq-sds.org/article/ view/3197/3068> 3. R Bayes, “A Biblical View of Disability”, Be Thinking, <bethinking.org/human-life/a-biblical-view-of-disability>. 4. John 9:3–5. ANN H—PEXELS

disability in recent memory

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FUN

CROSSWORD

CROSSWORD CLUES

How closely have you been reading? Each keyword in this puzzle is also contained within this edition of Signs of the Times. Happy digging!

Hint: 43 Across down

DOWN 1 Off-beat film starring Woody Harrelson 2 The Australian Trade Me 3 The happiest country in the world 6 Said that “all disease begins in the gut” 11 Owning one of these can help keep your brain sharp 12 Founder of the village of Parikaha ACROSS 4 A woman who “holds great beauty” 5 The capital of Fiji 7 South African segregation movement 8 One of your body’s defence mechanisms 9 An aged member of a population 10 In 1991 this group joined NAIDOC 13 Your body contains 40 trillion of these 14 Before this was invented 100 years ago, diabetes was considered a death sentence

SUDOKU EASY

5 1

3 7 5 3

5 4

1 1

4 2

HARD

4 9

9 8 2

3 3

4 5

2 6

SOLUTIONS AVAILABLE ONLINE SIGNSOFTHETIMES.ORG.AU 62

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JULY 2023 • SIGNS OF THE TIMES.ORG.AU

Signs of the Times - July 2023

Articles inside

HOLLYWOOD’S DISABILITY

REDUCE INFLAMMATION NATURALLY

understandin g DIABETES

A BIRTHDAY OUT of the blue

HEALTH NEWS EVERYBODY FOR

DESMOND TUTU: A VOICE OF HOPE prophetic

LifetheinSon

THE guts TO CHANGE

WHY WE PAINT:

FREE JULY