MyEDGEMag Spring 2015 by AUC Youth

MY EDGE MAG

Spring 2015

Social J u stice Why “Justice”?

Give Them The Keys Break My Heart Fair’s Fair (Except When It’s Not)

WHY

About

”JUSTICE”?

MYEDGEMAG is published quarterly by the Youth Ministries Department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church (AUC) Limited. While all content is subject to copyright, permission is nevertheless granted by the publishers for content to be copied and reproduced by churches, schools and individuals for the express purpose of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We simply ask that you credit MYEDGEMAG as your source.

by Mark Wesbster

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HIS ISSUE OF MYEDGEMAG IS DEVOTED to the topic of justice. But what is justice and why is it worth dedicating space to in this publication? I think these two questions need to be answered together.

conditions that cripple them is a dry-as-dust religion.” In other words, if our faith—our religion—is to mean anything, it must be relevant and must challenge the injustices we see around us.

First, justice is an essential component of who God is—a part of God’s character that should not be ignored any more than His love or His power. Throughout the Bible, God’s heart for justice, for the oppressed and the marginalised is clear. It rises out of the central great truths Justice is of the Old and New Testaments that all an essential human beings are component of created equal in the image of God, and who God is. that Jesus’ death offers salvation and hope to all of us, not only some of us.

And we need to talk about these things, to think about them, to challenge ourselves on the topic of justice. We need to do this because as humans our justice-sensing equipment has become biased. We are far more likely to be sensitive to an injustice that affects us than we are to an injustice that affects others but which has no impact on us. Indeed, we are also increasingly conditioned to be blind to those ways in which an injustice against others might actually benefit us.

Second, to quote Martin Luther King, Jr, “A religion true to its nature must also be concerned about man’s social conditions... Any religion that professes to be concerned with the souls of men and is not concerned with the slums that damn them, the economic conditions that strangle them, and the social

This tendency toward selfishness, however, is not how God created us. The fact that we are created in the image of God means we have the capacity for empathy, that is, the ability to imagine ourselves in the circumstances of another and to sense how they would feel. This means we have the capacity to break out of self and to realign our justice-sensing equipment. Reflecting on God’s character of justice and His calling to us as His people to live our lives in His image is a powerful reminder to practice empathy. And, in the words of Micah 6:8, to do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with our God.

Disclaimer Articles express the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of MYEDGEMAG or the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The cover photo was taken by Jessica Symes and modelled by Jason Stanton and Jeff Parker. To see more of her work, visit <www.jessigned.com.au>.

This illustration was created by Heather Piez, at Lawrance & Piez. To see more of their collection, visit <www.lawranceandpiez.com> or find them on Facebook and Instagram.

visit www.myedgemag.com

Mark W e Develop bster is the CE m O Australia ent and Relief of Adventist Agency , an with AD d has previousl (ADRA) RA in L y work a the Unit os, Nepal and ed ed State s.

JUS•TICE

Have some a Bachelor studying Amy Pitt is Melbourne, and of Arts in od story. loves a go

Juhs-tis (noun) – from the old Latin justitia

1. A judge or magistrate; someone who offers/delivers justice.

Respect

T HAPPENS ALL THE TIME. TAKE, FOR instance, an afternoon on a Sydney train earlier this year. Commuters, weary from their long days, file on and settle into their Candy Crush or crosswords. An artificial voice details the express route the vehicle will take. However, this time, the peace is shattered as an angry tirade tears through the scene. A raised voice, accusing glare and pointed finger are directed at another.

2. Just behaviour or treatment, fairness, equality, impartiality, lack-of prejudice, egalitarianism, non-partisanship.

by Amy Pitt

3. A concern for justice, peace, the principle of moral rightness and decency, genuine respect for people.

the incident she captured on her phone, Stacey can be heard telling the abuser to “have some respect!” Raw, authentic social justice was acted out on that train. Witnessing innocent people suffering preventable disadvantage before her, Stacey moved without hesitation on the impulse to set it right. The indignation she felt when witnessing such injustice naturally spilled forth into action.

It could be anyone bearing the brunt of this attack. This story has happened before and will happen again. But this time, an April afternoon on a Sydney train, the victims are a young couple of the Muslim faith with a baby in a pram. A middle-aged woman subjects them to a vitriolic attack, claiming the couple are ISIS supporters and are to blame for the Martin Place siege and recent mass murdering of Christians in Kenya.

Having experienced the life-changing justice and grace poured upon us by our Heavenly Father, a child of God will go beyond natural . . . Restoring to stay quiet, stay dignity & hope impulses safe. Instead that same where it has justice and grace will be acted out as a reflection of been lost. what they have experienced themselves. Our faith is fuel for social change. It does not merely advocate this change, but actively participates in It could be anyone bearing the brunt of bringing it about, restoring dignity and this attack. However, it could also be any hope where it has been lost. one of us who takes a stand against it. Social justice is what happens when the This April afternoon on a Sydney train saw gospel of the Kingdom of God touches 23-year-old Stacey Eden rise to defend the human need. couple under attack. In the recording of

in 2014, world governments spent $3 trillion on weapons & prisons. Enough to feed the entire world for 100 years.

for every

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malnourished. Nearly 2/3rds of the chronically hungry live in Asia & the Pacific. (culture watch) #THESTREAM | 03

Fair’s Fair (except when it’s not) by Becky De Oliveira

GROUP OF UNIVERSITY HONOURS students and I recently spent a pleasant 75 minutes discussing the writings of Martin Luther King, Jr, and Malcolm X. At one point I asked them whether they as a group of mostly white American students had ever considered the real-life implications of the muchquoted line from King’s “I Have a Dream Speech” in which he dreams of a world in which his “four little children will one day ... not be judged by the colour of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

treatment and to find it almost unremarkable when my black travelling companion is pulled over for repeated searches and rounds of questioning at security checkpoints.

“Has it ever occurred to you,” I asked the class, “that for most of us here it’s much, much better that we be judged by the colour of our skin?” Predictably, most of them had not thought about this—and in truth, few of us do. We like to think of this line as one that applies equally to all of us, that a world in which colour-blindness is the norm would be a world in which we’re all better off. But here’s the truth: I cannot speak for all white people, only for myself, but I’m relatively certain that I get a far better shake in life by virtue of my colour than I would if my character were the determining factor.

If, as disciples, we are expected to follow Jesus’ example, we can hardly avoid a commitment to creating communities in which all human beings receive all the things that the privileged have come to expect as their due: employment, health care, nutritious food, clean water, safety, education, respect, dignity. But, too often, it seems Christians have been silent on many of these issues.

I’m really not that great a person. But in spite of my not-greatness, I am continually reminded of my relative social capital any time I travel. My appearance and my United States passport pretty much guarantee that I can move unobstructed throughout the world. There are no walls designed to keep me out, no special detention r, te ri w a a is centres for people e Oliveir d graphic D y ck e n B a g r, editor, like me. I have speake r, currently livin e n g si de do. come to expect in Colora this preferential 04 | PLUGIN (feature article)

“What would Jesus do?” we are encouraged to ask ourselves as we determine how to prioritise our activities. It seems that all too often we conclude that Jesus would happily accept his status as an esteemed male Jewish rabbi and take it from there.

JESUS’ JUSTICE-CENTRED LIFE

It’s not that we don’t talk about justice and about the tendency of Jesus to take care of the poor. In fact, the term “social justice” has been used in Protestant circles for at least a hundred years to encapsulate the rather obvious concept that “Christians should not merely give to the poor, but also work to correct unjust conditions that keep people poor.”1 But over that same period of time, many Christians seem to have become increasingly more notable for keeping inequality alive, and even, in some cases, making it worse. Perhaps we are largely confused about what “justice” really is. For many people, “justice” means getting what one deserves—and

while as individuals we tend to believe that we personally deserve good schools for our children, streets free of violence, preventative health care, organic fruits and vegetables, opportunities to use our talents while also making an adequate living to support our families through our obvious merit as people, we are not always certain that others deserve the same. But “social justice,” rightly conceived, has nothing to do with what each person might deserve with regard to his or her merits, and much more to do with a wider philosophical question: What does a person deserve? If we determine that a person deserves clean water, for instance, then we would have to conclude that all people should have access to this benefit and we would be duty-bound to work for a world in which this is in fact the case. This seems to be the way Jesus approached justice. There is no evidence that He spent any time at all determining whether the people He healed were particularly deserving of healing. And, of course, He consistently sided with the poor, the oppressed and the outcast in every situation in which siding was necessary: the woman caught in adultery, the little children, the tax collector. The only people who received chastising from Jesus were the wealthy and the pompous—those who were so self-satisfied that they could not even see their own spiritual poverty.

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. —Martin Luther King, Jr

If we are to learn anything from the example of Jesus, it is that striving for social justice in this world—right now—is the primary thing we are called to do. That thing we call “the Golden Rule” as quoted by Jesus: “So whatever you wish that others would do to you,

do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12, ESV). Note that Jesus does not say who these “others” are. It doesn’t matter. They are anyone. And anything that I or you or anyone else thinks we have a right to expect from life is equally due to everyone else around us.

CHOOSING TO CHANGE TODAY It’s easy to get into the habit of expecting that inequality is here to stay, and even accepting it as a consequence of a sinful world. Jesus’ statement—“The poor you will always have with you” (Matthew 26:11)—is often used as a reason not to give change to homeless people, or to expend too much time and energy on efforts or programs designed to eliminate poverty. But it appears that here Jesus wasn’t creating an excuse for inaction—He was merely pointing out that His time on earth was limited and that His disciples would have plenty of time after He was gone to continue with their ministrations to the poor. As much as anything else, Jesus’ mission was about “transforming the life on earth into the harmony of heaven.” He goes on to note that Jesus was concerned with creating a society “resting on love, service and equality,” rather than one based around “coercion, exploitation and inequality.”2

. . . employment, health care, nutritious food, clean water, safety, education, respect, dignity. But, too often, it seems Christians have been silent on many of these issues.

So what do we do with this knowledge? It’s nothing new to Christians. We know what Jesus stood for—but at the same time we find it easy to forget His words. He said, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor” (Matthew 19:21). He said, “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:46). Martin Luther King, Jr, once wrote, “I cannot sit idly by in Atlanta and not be concerned about what happens in Birmingham. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” And neither can we as Christians sit idly by and allow an unjust world to become more unjust still. We have a model in our teacher and our God— Jesus—and His example is clear enough. We have the ability to bring good news to the poor, and that good news is not merely that heaven awaits in the life after death, but that an army of people who care and who love unconditionally is willing and able to offer assistance and to march alongside those who need support. —This article is adapted from a chapter of Do Justice: Our Call to Faithful Living, edited by Nathan Brown and Joanna Darby, available from your local Adventist Book Centre. 1. Laurie Goodstein, “Outraged by Glenn Beck’s Salvo, Christians Fire Back,” New York Times, March 11, 2010. 2. Walter Rauschenbusch, Christianity and the Social Crisis, MacMillan & Co, 1907.

(feature article) PLUGIN | 05

1. What Does GOd Do? Read: Isaiah 30:18, Psalm 11:7, Isaiah 61:8-9, Psalm 33:5 Usually when you meet someone for the first time, close to the top of your conversation starters is “What do you do?” We ask these questions because we recognise that what we do represents who we are. So what does God do? The Bible describes God as a being who does justice. In fact, the Bible tells us that He loves to do justice. There are certain things in life that we humans simply must do. For example, I am not a huge fan of paying tax, but as a citizen of Australia, I don’t have a choice. But there is a difference with God. He does justice because it is what He wants to do and He loves doing it.

2. What Does God’s justice look like? Read: Psalm 68:4-5, Psalm 146:8-9, Deuteronomy 5:1-22, Job 31:28 There are four primary ways in which we see God’s justice in the Bible. • When we read the Ten Commandments, we realise that God is relational and very concerned with our relationship with Him and with people around us. •When God identifies Himself in Psalm 68 as the “Father to the fatherless and the defender of the widow,” He is implicating Himself with the direct care and representation of the most vulnerable in society. Widows and orphans often lived perilously close to poverty and death. Perhaps we need to ask ourselves who are the widows and orphans of our time? • Psalm 146 reveals the extreme practicality of God’s justice. God seeks to free the slaves, bring economic liberation to people, healing to the sick, and equality for all humanity. • God’s justice does not discriminate on the basis of gender or race, and is available to all. It’s so generous that to withhold it is actually a sin. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said, “Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak, not to act is to act.” 06 | RECHARGE (Bible study)

WANTED: A God Who Cares by Dan Kewley

D whe an Kew le re Per t he ser y lives in ve h an d M s as P Per th, oora asto W SDA r at N A, o chu rche rth s.

CCLAIMED COMEDIAN, ACTOR, PRESENTER, WRITER AND ATHEIST, STEPHEN FRY WAS being interviewed recently when he was posed with this question, “What if despite every-thing, you die and you find out there is a God. What do you say to Him?” After a moment’s pause, Fry responded, “Really? Brain cancer in children? How dare you . . . !” It didn’t seem like it was a big jump for Fry to believe in the possibility of a God—but a God who cares? Maybe most of use are not asking, “Does God exist?” but rather “Is God good?” or “Does God care?” Perhaps this is really the defining spiritual question of our time.

3. How Does God Work out this justice? Read: Isaiah 1:17, Zechariah 7:9 I once saw a comic strip that had a picture of an angry man and God having a conversation. “God! What are you doing about all these people in poverty? What are you doing about the homeless, the oppressed, slavery?” God responded, “Funny, I was going to ask you the same question.” God’s primary method of delivering justice across the earth is through you and me. His people are to be His hands and feet.

Really? Brain cancer in children? How dare you . . . !

4. How Am I involved in God’s Justice? Read: Read Micah 6:8, Colossians 3:17, Amos 5:15 Ever wondered what God wants for you? Could God’s plan be as simple as bringing glory to Him by seeking justice, mercy and humility wherever you find your-self, whether you decide to be a teacher, a nurse, a businessman or a barista? Imagine the world we would live in if we chose to live by God’s way day to day.

5. But what about the kids with brain cancer? Read: John 16:33, John 11:35, Romans 8:28, 1 Corinthians 13:12 Week to week, one of the most common questions I hear whether it’s on TV or in conversations with people is this, “Why does God allow bad things to happen?” It’s Stephen Fry’s question all over again. If God is good and just, why do bad things happen to innocent people, like children? In short, we know God is good, because He clearly cares about these terrible things. We read that God identifies with the widow and the orphan, with the impoverished, that His directives would see those who are suffering in the world provided for, and that justice may be experienced. We know that God is good because He is both angered and saddened by its injustices. He has not promised that we would not suffer, but rather that He would get us through the suffering and even use the experience for our good. We know that God is good because He too experienced injustice and suffering in order to bring reconciliation and mercy. The Bible and personal experience gives us plenty of evidence of God’s goodness. Nevertheless, as the apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13:12 “For now we see in a mirror dimly.” In other words, we don’t see the whole picture clearly and some things that happen around us and to us can be confusing, so it requires an element of faith and trust to believe that God is good and just.

s itor at Sign n is book ed Nathan Brow mpany in Warburton, Co g e in Publish ener of th d a co-conv Festival. Victoria, an eative Arts Manifest Cr

SYNC: Do Justice by Nathan Brown

MEANING HUNTER What does “justice” mean in your understanding of Bible verses such as Micah 6:8?

CONVERSATION SPARKS

Some Bibles translate Matthew 5:6 as “God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied”—what do you understand as the relationship between “justice” and “righteousness” (the alternative word sometimes used in this verse) in the Bible?

Ask your family and friends for their responses to these questions, and share and compare them with your answers. Do you think you can change the world? Why or why not? Who are some of your justice heroes—people who have stood up against injustice, perhaps at great risk to themselves? What does the Bible’s repeated concern about poverty and injustice tell us about what God is like? What justice issues catch you attention in the news, online or in your community? What can you do about them? How can we avoid being overwhelmed by injustice in the world around us?

Recommended reading Pursuing Justice by Ken Wytsma Strength to Love by Martin Luther King Jr Overrated by Eugene Cho Generous Justice by Timothy Keller The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne When Helping Hurts by Brian Fikkert and Steve Corbett Do Justice: Our Call to Faithful Living, edited by Nathan Brown and Joanna Darby The Promise of Peace by Charles Scriven The Lost Meaning of the Seventh-day by Sigve Tonstad Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson

Duelling Ideas

We might not be able to fix the world, but we can change it today—for the better.

FAMILY Dynamics What does watching a news report or browsing the headlines make you feel about the world? How important to your faith is caring about and speaking up for others? What ideas do you have about how your church could make a difference in your community? If you could “fix” one thing in the world, what would be your top priority?

When in your life have you experienced injustice? Has there been on occasion you were able to help someone else receive justice? How important to your faith is caring about and speaking up for others? Do you think your church does enough to help others in your community? If you could “fix” one thing in the world, what would be your top priority?

PARENT

We can’t fix the world, so we just need to trust that Jesus will come back and do that for us.

young person

ff bert Manko Cartoon by Ro er. rk Yo w Ne e in Th

(discussion q&a) SYNC | 07

Break

the cycle of injustice

. . . she was entagled in the web of suffering that poverty brings.

by Victor Bejan

AST YEAR I WAS IN ROMANIA—A BEAUTIFUL but very desperate country in eastern Europe. My girlfriend and I were volunteering in a small village to help run a support centre for the poorest children. It was dirty, isolated and the kids were in desperate need of love and direction. A young family was running the day to day of the centre and we lived with them in a one bedroom apartment, ten kilometres from the centre. Odetta, a twelve year old girl with blonde hair and deep blue eyes, is one of one of the girls that we became particularly close with. She lived in a shack of a house that the family’s chickens and cats also shared. Her largest meal each day was the one that she received at the centre, and each night she would walk home in the dark for one hour to sleep in a small bed with her three disabled brothers. It was so painful to see this life imposed

08 | WORLD CHANGER

upon a girl that was so innocent. She had done nothing wrong. She had made no mistakes. And yet from the time of her birth she was entangled in the web of suffering that poverty brings. As we talked, taught and meshed with the locals, the same story continued to surface. When the adults were younger, they were never able to receive an education due to family demands, lack of parents’ interest or lack of privilege. As they grew up they followed the legacy that had been taught to them. They married in their adolescence, started a family (families often had up to 10 children), while attempting to support a family on a farmer’s wage. And assumingly unintentionally, they were teaching the same story to their children. It was so exciting to see and hear about the miracles God had orchestrated to

begin the centre, and also to keep it running. The extrapolated effects that the centre has already facilitated are phenomenal. It only started two years ago and has already assisted 15 children to move to the nearby major city to pursue their education. Two of these children are Odetta’s older sisters. This empowerment is critical in breaking the cycle of injustice that children are thrust into far too often. Victor Bej an in Melbou is 21 years ol d, an rne, Victo ria. He is d lives studying currently Indu and has strial Deign at R a M mentorin passion for you IT th g and so ial justic e.

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single parents HEALTHY LIVING | 09

Desperation & Desire by Bryan Roberts

How desperation for adventure became $1 million for kids in poverty

STEP 1: DESIRE FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT

In fact, I did. Twice. On both occasions I had to commit to fundraising some heavy targets to participate in the 25,000 Spins cycling event along the Great Ocean Road, riding more than 300 kilometres each time. So it is with saddle-sore curiosity that I’ve been eager to learn and note some insights from Craig as to how he charts the success of this journey with it’s social-driven pursuit.

Before there was an idea or a concept there was a circumstance. Craig had moved to London, like many Aussies, lured to the opportunity to work and then travel around Europe. But focusing on his career and job while living in the UK eventually brought him to a point in his life where something had to change. “To the outside observer all would have looked amazing. I worked at an investment bank. Was overpaid for what I did and travelled for pleasure every few weeks into Europe. But the adventure, spontaneous approach, surrender to God, giving back had been lost along the way.” According to Craig, “Working every day was not enough [to feel satisfied]. I didn’t know what exactly would work. I just knew I needed more than that.” Deep reflection led Craig to these conclusions. “I knew I wanted an adventure, and I knew I wanted to do something that would give back to the community.” These were the desires that eventually led to 25,000 Spins.

GET ENTHUSED WHEN I LEARN OF GREAT social enterprises that endeavour to be just in our world—to do worthy and distinguishable things in sustainable revenue-generating ways. It excites me as I watch the growing success of the Thankyou Movement and the innovation they continue to drive. Recently, it’s been the milestone success of 25,000 Spins that’s had me celebrating the cause of Craig Shipton [see photo above], from Springwood Church in south Brisbane. As of July, 25,000 Spins—a guy and his bike with some mates and their bikes in five different countries—has raised more than a million dollars for vulnerable children living in poverty. That’s $1 million—cash! For cycling on your bike, throughout the world—sign me up.

10 | LIFE IN HD (interview)

STEP 2: ACTION! Not one to sit still for long, Craig took an active step in seeking out what change might look like. “I would take my lunch break, leave the office and walk along the River Thames reading Too Busy Not To Pray. For almost four months, I spent time by the Thames praying every day about all sorts of things, as is often the case in times of uncertainty.” Eventually, ideas and desires started to come together.

STEP 3: ACTION? When he started to think about cycling from London to Paris and getting people to sponsor him and maybe get some others to ride too, Craig’s keen to admit that it “was not a very clear idea to begin with.” He recalls that “most people thought it was silly and I, myself, didn’t think ‘yes, this is what God wants me to do’, I just thought very practically: this could probably help some people, God could bless this, and it seems like it might be a good idea.” Eventually though, the idea had to move into reality and action

. . . sometimes we end up quickly thinking ‘how am I going to make this happen?’ ‘Well, you’re not,’ says Craig, ‘God will be the one to make it happen.’

needed to be taken. “OK, am I going to book accommodation [and actually make something happen] or am I just going to talk about it?” The first trip was to take a group from London to Paris with a goal to raise 25,000 pounds to help solve the problem of 25,000 children who die every day from things money can solve. Hence the name 25,000spins.

a partner in the trips. Much more than just an influencer. Every trip has some mini-miracle that isn’t from me. Another huge thing I have learnt about God is He is a massive risk taker and, given He wants us to be like Him, He desires us to stop playing life safe but to get out there. ‘Sail away from the safe harbour’ (it’s a Mark Twain quote). Love is by its nature a risk.”

STEP 4: ACTION.

STEP 5: REFLECTION

Craig has now run more than 15 cycling events for charity through the UK, France, Switzerland, Australia and New Zealand with more than 900 people participating and fundraising along the way. His friendly, laid-back personality makes it look easy but he is adamant that it takes a lot of effort. “Yes, I have to take an active part and be organised, using my weekends and work breaks many months throughout the year. I can’t just sit back and do nothing—but the success is not based on my master plan.” Craig is earnest in trying to explain an important balance in his experience of following what God call us to do. “I would say that God is very much

So while Craig can look back on how his cause-fuelled adventure all began, he can see that often times all of us have ideas on what we can do to serve God. He observes that sometimes we end up quickly thinking ‘How am I going to make this happen?’ “Well, you’re not,” says Craig, “God will be the one to make it happen. Trust God, stress less, use the skills you have, even the ones you don’t have. These skills will come—they certainly had to for me.” “Sometimes we have really good ideas but we never roll the dice. At 90 years of age, God doesn’t want any resources left

un-used in us.” For Craig, this endeavour has not been without its sacrifices. “But,” he emphasises, “you have to chase after it, just like you would anything in life.” For those hungry with a desire for something different, this sounds like very good advice.

Check out videos from the 2015 Great Ocean Road adventure, the upcoming Christchurch Classic, and much more, using the link or QR code below.

<bit.ly/1UwLMlD>

Bryan R share h oberts seeks someti ealthy life pra to find and me ctic becom s thinks of jus es, though ing a sp t orty roya giving in and l billion aire.

(interview) LIFE IN HD | 11

Tweetthe Glory of God ent stud r 11 a a Yea who has nds is d , ie cklan NSW ew fr Tori A Sydney, aking n oments from r God, m cious m y. h fo e rap ion g pr pass capturin er photog and rough h th

by Tori Ackland

Tori’s Top Tips

ODAY, THE INTERNET IS SOMETHING we use every day, or at least a few times a week. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat—these social networks can take control of our lives and change them dramatically, even if we are unaware or unwilling for them to. You start by checking your feed once a day, then it becomes twice, then once an hour, then— the next thing you know—you’re addicted and your friends are telling you to get off your phone and be in the moment. But just like everything in life we have choices. With social media we have either the option to use it wisely or to be reckless with it, something that can lead to many problems and see your life turning into a web of trouble. The trick to social media is to know how to use it wisely without going too far. I think a good way of learning how to not take social media too far rather than it leading you to send or post something you’ll regret is to ask the classic “WWJD” (What Would Jesus Do?) question. Would Jesus post a comment degrading someone’s self-worth? No. Would Jesus send nasty tweets about a celebrity or athlete? No. Would Jesus “sext” His crush in the hopes of getting their attention? No. Would Jesus use social media to bring glory to God? Most definitely YES!

What does God have to do with my facebook update? Now you might think that God and social media are opposites. I mean, what does God have to do with my Facebook update? But you can use social media as your witness. After all, there are more than one billion users on Facebook and 520 million on Twitter. You could change someone’s life just by bringing God to their news feed. This is what I believe Jesus would be doing if He was living on earth today, logging in to social media and #hastagingfiltered Instagram posts. I found a quote—ironically, online—that states, “The Lord chose you to exist in this generation, at this very point in history, with access to social media, for His glory” (Reach eBook). There are so many ways in which we can use social media for the glory of God, promoting social justice is one of these ways. God is all for being fair and finding justice, kind of like Batman; so why not use our tech obsessions to do so? Thankfully, there are websites that are all for social justice out there on the world-wide web, like <change.org>, that allow people to speak up and draw attention to injustices in the world. The great thing is, they are just everyday people, like you and me. And the even greater thing is, you can use it too. I recommended searching it up! Use social media as your weapon in this world’s battle,

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Pray before posting. Think, WWJD. If in doubt, ask God. Pretend God is a Facebook friend/follower. Unsure? Unfollow.

use it to fight for the Lord. It’ll achieve more than you think, trust me. Social media is something that can easily lead us astray, but you don’t have to let it, especially if we decide to use it in order to bring glory to God. That might seem a terrifying thing to do, in this generation where our social media is how people draw a conclusion about us. But if God is our number one, then it will show through all aspects of your life, including our social media. You are you for a reason, in this generation in which instagraming photos of your lunch is a norm, but it’s a good thing. God has just given you another way in which you can glorify Him, so take advantage of it rather than letting it lead you astray.

How to use

Social media for

social justice

12 | OPINION

Be an authentic voice. Be open and honest— don’t sensationalise your cause.

Be innovative in your social-justice approach. Get people thinking.

Tell stories. Pictures, videos and narratives will always tug at the heartstrings more than facts and figures.

Coordinate your social media outreach with your events and promotion. Thank your community.

sugar,

You ain’t so sweet

by Ellesha Knight

UST RECENTLY THERE WAS A LOT OF hype over That Sugar Film—and if you haven’t already seen it, I highly recommend giving it a go. This doco aims to create awareness on the dangers of sugar and how easily it worms its way into our lives. It’s “the silent killer”—as they call it. But the whole film wasn’t just a ploy to get everyone on board the anti-sugar train. It actually raised some incredible points about society’s own health message, and the deception taking place right under our noses. The health scene has become unnecessarily complicated, so food companies have taken it upon themselves to tell us what’s good for us and what’s not. A segment of That Sugar Film follows a regular man, who has a regular understanding of health, following the regular guidelines on food packaging, in order to pull off a regular “healthy” diet. And while this doesn’t sound like a bad move, the results are far worse than anyone would have ever expected. Marketing words can lie. So to keep it simple, watch out for these ones! “Fat free”—This is probably one of the most dangerous health phrases out there. If you strip all the fat out of a food, it’s going to taste like an old sock. So what steps in to substitute? Sugar. Many fat-free foods will have sugar contents that are so ridiculous it’s almost better to consume the full-fat version. Not only does sugar come with its own health complications, but if it’s not burned up quickly, it turns into fat anyway!

good fats and leaving the bad will benefit you in absolutely no way, shape or form. You’ll end up with an empty food that steals your energy for digestion and gives you nothing in return. “Sugar-free”—Food without sugar! What’s not to like? Aspartame, Phenylalanine, and all these other ridiculous words are what’s not to like. Foods that have low sugar content often resort to using artificial sweeteners to substitute for their lack of flavour. Many of these sweeteners are synthetic concoctions, wreaking havoc in our liver. If you’re going to drink a can of fizzy, you may as well drink the one with sugar and be sure of what’s going in to your body. At least you can go for a 7-kilometre run and be done with that 375 mL! “Contains fruit, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals”—Many products, fruit juices in particular, claim to have beneficial ingredients like “real fruit” to convince you that what you’re consuming is beneficial. This isn’t 100 per cent true,

Although the shelves are stocked for us, we control what we take home. nor is it a complete lie either. Flip it over and have a look at the ingredients list. What is listed first is what the product contains the most of. Often the “real fruit” will be somewhere down the bottom, basically nonexistent. Therefore, it’s absolutely pointless in contrast to the other ingredients in that product. But it looks good on the label! It’s sort of ridiculous to think that we are tricking ourselves into buying seemingly healthy products to improve our lifestyles, only to end up doing more harm than good. But on the bright side, it also means we have control. For example, those “limited edition” burgers that pop up every now and again at Maccas or HJs, if they’re popular they usually make it to the menu. But if they’re not, they’re never seen again. Although the shelves are stocked for us, we control what we take home. Be aware of the tricks, make your own choices, and change the world one bite at a time.

“Low fat”—This is a clever way to convince you that you’re getting a healthier option. Although low-fat options will eliminate many of the fats in a particular food, this includes the good fats. Taking out the

we are tricking ourselves into buying seemingly healthy products to improve our lifestyles, only to end up doing more harm than good. Ellesha Knight lives in Melbourne, Victoria, and is studying a Masters of Occupational Therapy at La Trobe University.

HEALTHY LIVING | 11

Be All

by Janelle Muller

VERY MORNING ON MY WAY TO WORK and in the evening on my way home, I pass a group of protesters. At the roundabout in Thompson Square at the top of the hill above the unremarkable Windsor bridge, 50 kilometres north-west of Sydney, they have erected a makeshift tent and 24 hours a day seek to garner support for their cause. A large blackboard is re-chalked every morning announcing to the passing traffic the length of their occupation. Around the clock for 716 days straight—and counting—they have camped roadside to prevent what they believe would be a grave injustice. I am blown away by their determination. Who does that? I know that the richest 85 people in the world collectively have more wealth than the poorest 3.5 billion. I know the big corporations that I continue to buy products from have grown more powerful than governments, seriously undermining democracy. I know that, on average, Australians have living standards among 14 | REBOOT (life coaching)

the highest in the world, yet we recently broke promises and cut aid to some of the world’s poorest people to less than 1 per cent of our budget. These things make me angry. As a follower of Jesus, I passionately believe that God created every person in His image and that every one of us is deeply valued and deeply loved by Him. I believe that God set humanity the task of managing this awesome creation. That Jesus commanded—not suggested—that we love one another. That we free the oppressed. Feed the hungry. Shelter the homeless. That we seek justice. I used to lie awake at night wondering what I could do to make a difference in this world. I read volumes, dreamed up grand plans. And I have studied and worked in community organisations for most of my life. In my spare time, I have run fundraisers, advocated in church, shared posts on Facebook, bought fair

That Jesus commanded —not suggested— that we love one another. That we free the oppressed. Feed the hungry. Shelter the homeless. That we seek justice. trade, signed petitions. My life is pretty comfortable, really. Not once have I considered erecting a tent in the middle of town, camping out day and night, waving at the passing traffic, to convince people to care enough to stand up and stand out to end dehumanising poverty, to truly address the systems and structures that are causing gross inequality, perpetuating greed and crippling environmental systems. Am I a slacktivist? Are you?

Toward the end of His ministry, Jesus advised His disciples that He would suffer, be rejected and be killed. He immediately followed this revelation with a clear directive: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it” (Luke 9:23, 24). I’m not sure if there is a clearer call to action in the Bible. Jesus doesn’t say to squeeze in a bit of volunteering on the weekend between assignments, or to like a post on Facebook, or sign an online petition, or donate some of your spare change to people who need it more. He says follow Me to the cross, lose your life for Me, deny yourself. This is what He did for us and He wants us to do the same for Him. And for others. And we shouldn’t expect glory or honour in return. Conversely, we should expect rejection and persecution. Wow.

So what are my friends in Windsor passionately protesting about? They want to save the old bridge, to prevent the construction of a road through Thompson Square and to preserve the history of this pretty little town. I think the emotion I am feeling is shame. Shame at the gross mismatch in their immense commitment to their small cause, and my small commitment to my immense cause. Jesus said, “Lose your life for Me.” He wants everything. Like the rich young ruler in Mark 10, nothing can matter more than following Jesus, than being a true all-in disciple, than giving Him what He gave us. Can you give Jesus what He expects? Can I? Let’s not forget what awaits. Remember, Jesus said you will save your life if you do these things. In John 15:11, as He is urging His disciples to be fruitful and to love others, to live their

Joy Awaits! Complete Joy!

God-given purpose, Jesus says, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” Joy awaits! Complete joy! So make the choice every day, in everything you do, to be all-in for Christ. To seek justice, to love mercy, to walk humbly with God (see Micah 6:8). And lean into His boundless grace in the times you disappoint Him. A wise leader has often reminded me that “it is direction, not perfection.” It is the path we choose to follow each and every day.

Janelle Mulle and Su r is Director o pporter f Public R ADRA A elations for ustralia .

(life coaching) REBOOT | 15

Are you

Willing?

Break

by Julie Catton

my heart by Rebecca Auriant

E HAVE ALL HEARD THE WORDS “Social Justice” thrown around—a lot. Back in the “olden days,” our parents were confined to holding rallies with big banners to fight for what they thought was right. Now there are so many ways for us to hear and share the message of “Justice for all,” But along with that comes an overwhelming amount of justice to fight for. We know that Jesus has called us to “act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God” (Micah 6:8). But the what, where and how can be hard to process.

areas in the world that could use our help, considering their needs and the way they are affected, then you will feel a spark inside. Something will stand out and you will notice the injustice there more strongly than any other area. If you spend some serious and heart-felt time in prayer, asking God to lead you where you can be of service, an opportunity will somehow open up that you either haven’t noticed or have tried to avoid. And if you allow that little spark to burn into a fire, if you actually follow God’s leading, you might just find that you discover your calling; the area of social justice that you can be passionate about, and in turn make a difference.

It’s overwhelming and hard sometimes to know where to start. . .

There are so many ways that we can be involved both long and short term—helping refugees, homeless people, people with disabilities, those affected by disaster, those really cute orangutans on the TV ads that I always want to adopt, other animals ... the list is endless. And it’s not just the popular things that need our attention. How many people in your church or social group need some sort of support? Just because someone is not in a war-torn country, doesn’t mean they’re not scared for their life (think domestic violence). And then there is the incredible number of people who are just plain lonely. They have no-one to speak to, interact with and enjoy life with. Where is the justice in that? It’s overwhelming and hard sometimes to know where to start and what to invest our time in.

ourne, in Melb on lives mary teacher tt a C Julie g a pri g stayin , and is Victoria rrently enjoyin dren. cu chil r e h who is h e wit at hom

I once read (in a very good book whose title I can’t remember) that if you sit down and really think about all the different people/animals/

16 | BUMP (discipleship)

There are so many ways that we can make a difference, that we can “be the change.” Have a look around your local church. Have you noticed that there has been someone coming who doesn’t seem to fit in? How can you make that person feel welcome? Put on your “What would Jesus do?” hat and see if you can make a difference in that person’s life. Think about your local community. Are there homeless people there who need a hand? Can you help by supporting a local soup kitchen? I know of one family who makes “winter” parcels to give out to homeless people. They have a blanket, some warm socks and a few other hygiene items. So simple, so easy, yet making a difference. Then there is the wider community and the global arena. There are STORMCo trips to get involved in, both here in Australia and overseas. I have never met a single person who has been involved in a STORMCo who has come home saying they wish they had not gone. It has always been an eye-opening and fulfilling experience, and for many people it has been life changing. Isaiah 1:17 says “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.” You can be that person. You can make a difference. You can help make this world more just. The question is: are you willing?

Illustration drawn by Jessica Symes (Melbourne, VIC). To see more of her work visit <www.jessigned.com.au>.

A world of pain, a time of shame Our first people crying And children dying This land is their home So why treat them as unknown? One people, one community Where is our storytelling? Disconnection brings rejection Why not choose restoration? Power, greed and control Where are our souls? Sexualisation and porn Brings more shame and lives torn 36 million humans trafficked, Refugees abandoned Polluted waters, UN conventions neglected Gender stereotyping, inequality Brings more lies Please Lord, no more cries! Everyone wants change, But who wants to be changed? Christ died so we could be free, But what value has freedom, If we share it so seldom? We need to share His love, His life, His compassion, Then tomorrow will be a new day A day of restoration Like the sun breaks through the clouds So, too, can darkness be overcome Love is the ray, the ray to become A world where all are treated just and fair Because justice is love and to love is to care Lord, break my heart for what breaks Yours. Change me to change the world. Rebecca wrote this poem in response to her experience at The Justice Conference, which was attended by many Adventist youth in Melbourne.

Rebecca the Direc Auriant is to Services r of ADRA (Victoria) .

Manifest

Beauty with scars I

REMEMBER MY FIRST GLIMPSE OF HER. It was the first night. We had arrived at Bobbilli School for the Blind in India. The students had organised a talent show to welcome us—the Asian Aid ambassadors. While waiting for the students to be seated, all ordered according to their grades, a group of teenage girls bustled in, engulfing one girl in the middle. It seemed slightly odd—the blind leading the blind—but perhaps the girl in the middle had a more limiting blindness than the others. I continued to watch the small huddle until her face became visible among those of her friends. I blanched. Her face—or the ruins of it—was not recognisable. Her nose was decaying, with only a few scraps of fleshy skin remaining. Other parts of her face were missing, the rest distorted with blotchy, scabby skin. Her one remaining eye was cloudy . . .

Students at the Bobbilli School for the Blind, India.

www.artsmanifest.info

all, she could not see me nor the trepidation on my face. As Mum began making introductions, I chanced a glance up. My heart stopped. She was my age—17—and studying in the equivalent of our grade 12. She had skin cancer and her village had abandoned her. At that moment though, I could not conceive why they would do such a thing. My heart had stopped, not from the shock of seeing her up close but from complete awe in her presence, almost reverence. I found she did not repulse me. Instead my eyes were able to roam her face, taking it all in yet not feeling the need to turn away. Instead, I felt such a deep sorrow for her, more profound than I’d ever felt.

why am I privileged to Escape such terrors?

But after that I turned away. I was horrified. The rest of the evening I found myself turning to look her way, only to quickly regret it when I did. I knew it was so shallow—only caring what she looked like—but it was hard to notice much else when her physical appearance was so ghastly, almost unhuman. ******* Now here I was, just a few metres between us. My mother was beckoning—no, summoning—me to her side where I would also meet this girl. As terrified as I was, I could not defy the burning wishes of my mother, so miserably I all-but-crawled to her. My heart beat erratically. I dared not look up until it was absolutely necessary. After

I was completely oblivious to the exchange of questions between the girl’s teacher and my mum, simply captivated by her at the same time as being overtaken by grief. Suddenly, in an act that felt so intimate, yet so needed at that moment, she reached out and took my hand. Her scarred hands in mine and I held onto hers with as much urgency as she held onto mine. Then, unexpectedly, she smiled and I couldn’t help but smile too. She was so beautiful. Not just her nature but also physically. The way her smile lit up her face, created creases around her eyes and mouth, lifted her lips and showed off her teeth. It was the most stunning thing, the most beautiful smile I have ever seen.

To support current Asian Aid projects, visit their website <www.asianaid.org.au>, or follow them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. For further opportunities to help, you can also visit the Adventist Disaster and Reflief Agency (ADRA) Australia website <www.adra.org.au>, or follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

The short time passed quickly and she was to join the other girls eating lunch. But our hands were still joined and I felt as reluctant as she did to let go. Before the teacher turned to lead her away, she squeezed my hand but ultimately she squeezed my heart. I can’t describe the overwhelming emotions I felt at that moment. I had known this girl for only minutes, yet I felt such a bond. I quickly excused myself, hurrying along the corridors back to our cabin, desperately eager to be alone. Yet as I rushed away, I couldn’t control the wave of tears that hung in the recesses. When I saw my own perfectly normal, healthy face in the mirror, I couldn’t help but cry. Why was it her and not me!? Why am I privileged to escape such terrors? Why does she deserve this? But I am the one with smooth, unscathed skin. Free of cancer and abandonment. I who think so poorly of myself, who wish I could look different and complain about this and that. I am the one who is blessed. ******* It’s comes with recognising a different beauty: “Your beauty should come from within you—the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit. This beauty will never disappear and it is worth very much to God” (1 Peter 3:4). More than a year later, she is still fresh in my mind, the emotions still raw. I know it’s foolish to hope but I wonder if she is alive today. Though I knew her only a few minutes, she is imprinted in my mind, her beautiful smile—despite everything— entrenched in my memory. In those short moments, I realised that whenever I am fearful I can think of her. But most of all, whenever I look at myself with disapproval, I can think of her and remember how she didn’t shy away because of herself and how she might appear to others. Instead, she seized my hand and understood that while we were worlds apart, we were also much closer than both of us realised. Nicole Sandy is a university student in Townsville, Queensland. With this story, Nicole won the Signs Publishing Writing Prize at the Manifest Creative Arts Festival 2015.

Glen

Huntly Youth Group

N PREPARING FOR THIS REPORT, WE WERE frequently asked to define “social justice.” The truth is we actually had to look it up and we discovered that social justice isn’t a noun to be described but a verb to be acted upon. As a youth group, we were promoting equality before we even understood its meaning. A few years ago, a man walked into our church and sat in the back pew. I remember Michaela asking me, “Is that an angel?”, because our visitor had long white hair and a long white beard. His name was Bernie and he was homeless. This was the beginning of an incredible journey for Bernie, The next week an incredibly loving church member took Bernie to his house, gave him lunch, a shower and clothing. A few weeks later, our church determined to help Bernie find an apartment. In the meantime, another member picked him up from the park and gave him a place to stay. “Living on the street, you got no idea how hard that is.” Bernie said to us last week “it was a relief to find this church and Jesus . . . The only way I’m going to leave the church is if I’m dead.” Our church (Glenhuntly) has demonstrated to us youth what it is to accept anyone, for Jesus “I did not come to save the righteous, but the sinners” (Mark 2:17, NIV). There’s a painting on the wall at church that has a verse written on it: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are 18 | STATUS UPDATE (youth group)

We believe social justice is about planting seeds, trusting in God and working together . . .

young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). This has been our church’s anthem. From a young age, members of our youth group have visited Coronella (a retirement village) to sing for the elderly, gone door-knocking for Red shield and ADRA appeals, taken part in RECON programs (education, counselling and food drives for the homeless), such is our determination to be God’s hands and feet, and complete the mission that Jesus set out for us to do.

Luckily we have Adam, a pretty awesome Youth Pastoral Worker, and church members that support all we do. Adam, organises fortnightly “Opening Sabbaths” where we get together, play some ice breakers, eat pizza and discuss important youth issues from a biblical context. We have also started socials where we all hang out after Sabbath and enjoy each other’s company. Anyone who wants to can lead out, even taking the Sabbath school lesson. More people are getting involved. Next week our youngest member Sam (14) will be leading his first lesson. Through dedication, commitment and many prayers, we have been able to successfully

run two STORMCo Kids Clubs, the most recent one having more than 60 Hindu children attending. It was so amazing to see them all singing “Your Everlasting Love” and reciting Bible verses. Last year, the majority of our youth were also able to go on an ADRA Connections trip to Cambodia. We believe social justice is about planting seeds, trusting in God and working together, and we will continue to do our best in being socially just to each other, and to the rest of the community. We know that with God in the centre of our group we cannot fail. With God’s help, what do you think your youth group can achieve? By Jessica Karaoglanis and Michaela Jones, ADRA Youth Ambassadors 2015

THE WA LL T AUS

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www.WA.adventist.org.au/youth www.facebook.com/wayouth 08 9398 7222

www.NNSWyouth.com www.facebook.com/nnswyouthministries 02 4951 8088 Coming up... Northern Youth Rally 5 September, 2015

www.youth.adventistconnect.org 02 9847 3221

Coming up... Youth Rally Esperance 11-13 September, 2015

Coming up... Move With The Power IV 9-13 August, 2016

MINISTRY MINISTRY.

MINISTRY.

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Coming up... Big Camp 15-23 January, 2016

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www.SNSWyouth.adventist.org.au Twitter - @S7youthdirector 02 6249 6822

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Coming up... Refinery (20+) 19-10 October, 2015

Coming up... Mackay, Carins and Darwin Regionals 5, 12 September, 31 October, 2015

www.sydneyadventistyouth.com www.facebook.com/sydneyadventistyouth Twitter - @sydadvyth 02 9868 6522 Coming up... Youth Rally & YLT 12 September, 2015

www.TASyouth.adventist.org.au 03 6273 6277

www.NAyouth.adventist.org.au www.facebook.com/NorthQLDandNTsdayouth 07 4779 3988

YDN RS

Coming up... Youth Rally 17 October, 2015

Coming up... Big Camp 18-26 September, 2015

www.VICyouth.com www.facebook.com/vicyouth Twitter - @vicyouth 03 9264 7740

www.SQyouth.org.au www.facebook.com/SQyouth 07 3218 7777

Coming up... Youth Rally, Palmerston 10 October, 2015 Youth Unites & Volleyball, Christchurch 11-12 September, 2015 MINISTRY.

VIC MINISTRY.

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MINISTRY.

www.NNZyouth.adventist.org.nz www.SNZyouth.adventist.org.nz

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Black Transparent Box is not part of logo.

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www.facebook.com/SAyouthministries 08 8269 2177 Coming up... Youth Rally & Sports Competition 26 September, 2015

www.AUCyouth.com 03 9871 7555 Coming up... Converge, 18+ Camp 12-15 February, 2016

THE WALL | 19

Jesus: 20

The Rebel

Are we following the countercultural Christ

Jesus was the ultimate nonconformist. He rebelled against the culture of his day by devoutly following god instead of the traditions of man.

this world, but be of n er tt pa e th to m or nf co t “Do no your mind. Then you of ing w ne re e th by d me or sf tran e what God’s will is - his ov pr ap d an st te to le ab be l wil l.” Romans good, pleasing and perfect wil 12:2

ö é

across the e called TOGETHER from Inexplicably LOVED we ar done ngs than have ever been thi ter ea gr do to D RE EMPOWE . We are THE REBELLION

globe and before.

15 0 2 n io t n e v n o C A AS Discount! CAmp mornIngTon

Western Australia Dec 6th to Dec 13th

with pASTor Tony WuErFEl

ASA Convention is a week-long gathering of Seven th-day Adventist tertiary students (university, TAFE, gap-year, year 12, apprentices, don’tknow-what-to-do-when-I-grow-up etc). It is an oppor tunity to have fun, meet new friends from all over Australia, and refue l your spiritual tank.

For more info visit:

myasa.org.au/convention

or search “Adventist Students Association” on Facebook

first

tickets