Redeeming the time

REDEEMING THE TIME

FOR THE DAYS ARE EVIL An Introduction to our Current Theme

By Casten Chikumbutso

Following the establishment of the College of Medicine in 1991, the College’s Seventh Day Adventist students congregated in a small group known as the Koinonia which is a Greek term for “fellowship”. It was not until 1998 that the College’s Seventh-day Adventist student organization witnessed a change from being a Koinonia to being called College of Medicine Seventh-day Adventist Club (COMSDAC) with a 16 member group at first.

The main focus was executing the great commission bestowed by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ upon the first generation of disciples and those to come (Matthew 28:19).

In 2014 a committee was formulated to partake in the process of formulating the constitution. With God’s guidance and principles that govern the SDA church, the constitution was drafted.

In 2021, the organization changed her name to KUMSDAC*. This comprises both the Lilongwe and Mahatma Gandhi campuses. The purpose of the club is to prepare both members of the club and communities beyond for the second advent of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This shall be achieved through the following objectives:

1. Preaching and living

*KAMUZU UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES MAHATMA GANDHI CAMPUS SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CLUB (KUMSDAC)

the three Angels Messages both on campus and in communities beyond.

2. Bringing together Seventh-day Adventist students at the College of Medicine and encouraging the spirit of Christian fellowship among them.

3. Meeting the physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs of members and communities beyond.

4. Promotion and provision of health education services to members and communities beyond in accordance with the Bible and the Spirit of prophesy. In this respect, the club will provide this education first by practicing the teachings on all reforms i.e. Sabbath reform, Health reform, Dress reform and any other areas of reform deemed important based on the light given in the bible and the spirit of prophecy before it can go to teach others to practice these reforms.

5. Encouraging and promoting members adherence to and be in good standing with the school rules and regulations provided the rules are not in conflict with SDA beliefs and principles.

6. Where the school imposes some rules which are against our religious convictions (like being forced to write exams on Saturday (Sabbath day)) the club shall have the duty to defend its members and voice out the concerns to appropriate offices.

7. The 2022 theme comes from a well known verse from Ephesians 5:16 which reads “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil!”

Let it be in each and every member’s prayer and conviction to strive to take part in each and every activity organized by the club. As together we are racing towards

Activities in the KUHES SDA Club

eternity, let us put each other and our club in prayer while remembering to “redeem the time“ as earth’s calamities signal an imminent coming of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.

Pictures:

Top - KUHES SDA

2022 during the Advent Faith Reunion campus worship (taken by Chisomo Gondwe @gently photography)

Bottom - COMSDAC 2018 (taken by Pharmacist Precious Tsoka)

PROPHETIC GIFT through Ellen G. White

A synopsis into who was Ellen

G. White

By James Matola

Put your trust in the Lord your God and you will be established. Put your trust in His prophets and succeed” (2 Chron. 20:20, NASB). The Bible teaches that God leads His people through the prophetic gift.

The latter-day-church of God will have the gift of prophecy which is the testimony of Jesus Christ. (cf Rev. 19:10; Revelation 12:17). Seventh-day Adventists believe that God led in establishing the first major ministries of the church through the visions and dreams of Ellen G. White.

Ellen Gould White (born Harmon; November 26, 1827 – July 16, 1915) was an American author and co-founder of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church, along with other Adventist pioneers such as Joseph Bates and her husband James Springer White. Ellen and her twin sister Elizabeth were born to Robert and Eunice Harmon at a home on State Route 114 in Gorham, Maine. She met her future husband James Springer White in 1845 and got married a year later on August 30, 1846. Together they had four children; Henry Nichols White, James Edson White, William C. White and John Herbert White.

Passing the Biblical tests for a true prophet (not included), she went on to minister through her spiritual gift for 70 years. From 1844, when she was 17, until 1915—the year of her death— she had more than 2,000 visions in public and private meetings throughout her life, which were witnessed by Adventist pioneers and the general public. During that she period lived and worked in America, Europe, and Australia, counseling, establishing new work, preaching, and writing. During her lifetime she wrote more than 5,000 periodical articles and

40 books. Her most notable books are Steps to Christ, The Desire of Ages and The Great Controversy.

Her Spritual gift of guidance and prophecy has led to the establishment of churches areound the world, and ministries in the church such as the publishing, health and educational ministries. God cares enough about people, and about effectively sharing a message of hope to a dying world, that He gave direct guidance through visions and dreams. No wonder Seventh-day Adventists appreciate the writings of Ellen White.

For more about Ellen G. White & the Spirit of prophecy visit www.WhiteEstate.org

James White and Ellen G. White circa 1864

DIETARY FIBERS

THE HEALTH’S SECRET WEAPON

By Winter Sozinyo

We all agree that despite advancement in science and technology, our generation is still being hit with myriads of diseases including non-communicable ones. Non communicable diseases are not caused by any infection but come as a result of lifestyle factors resulting in long-term health consequences and often create a need for long-term treatment and care. Examples are; diabetes, cancer and many others. Diabetes in Malawi is common among adults; while Obesity is high among females than men.

Lack of dietary fiber in our diet is one of the leading factors for non-communicable diseases. Dr Youngberg describes dietary fiber as a “health secret weapon” without which we face a lot of health challenges. Malawi has a lot of natural foods packed with dietary fibers and antioxidants, sadly most people both in rural and urban areas do not eat enough of it per day.

What Is Dietary Fiber?

It is the residue of plant food that is resistant to being broken down into nutrient molecules by human digestive enzymes and have physiological benefit. Fiber can be soluble in water or not. Soluble fiber is found in oats, peas, beans, apples, citrus fruits, carrots and barley while sources of insoluble fibers include wheat and bananas. We need to consume both

soluble and insoluble fibers. As fiber moves down the digestive tract, it acts as a mopper sweeping along all the debris that clogs the digestive tract. In this way the digestive system is kept clean.

Importances of Dietary Fiber to the body

Fiber is Hygroscopic thus prevents constipation and cancer. Hygroscopic is the ability of dietary fiber to retain water in the digestive tract. It holds water in the feaces making it soft, bulky and easy to be propelled forward. People who consume foods high in dietary fiber produce bulky feaces that float in water and they have a short transit time. Transit time is the period taken from the time food is eaten to the time it is passed out as feaces. Cancerous cells and many diseases are easily born in the digestive tract if the food residues are staying longer.

The digestive tract is full of microbes that are beneficial to the body. They fight off other

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Lack of dietary fiber in our diet is one of the leading factors for noncommunicable diseases

microbes that have potential of causing disease. It has been noted that for those people who eat high fiber foods they have a diverse microbiota that protect them from potential diseases than those who do not.

Dietary fiber also speeds up the rate of digestion. When we swallow our foods, it goes into the stomach where it is broken down into smaller particles. The duration of this process varies depending with the amount of fiber in the food

The health implication of this phenomenon is that people with peptic ulcers or gastritis should eat high fiber foods such as vegetables and whole grain. This will help them relieve symptoms and in the long run reverse the disease. This is because the high fiber in the food reduces hydrochloric acid needed for digestion

Dietary fibers Stabilizes blood sugars levels by slowing down absorption from the digestive tract. This process slows down the absorption of glucose into the blood thereby maintain blood glucose levels within acceptable levels. This is why diabetic and even health people need to eat high fiber foods.

Studies have also shown that dietary fiber helps reduce cholesterol in the body. Cholesterol is good in the body only if you have it in normal levels. When you eat foods high in cholesterol, the extra one is deposited in the blood vessels causing atherosclerosis that lays a foundation to so many heart diseases. Now cholesterol is used by the liver cells to manufacture bile which is used in fat digestion. When you consistently consume foods rich in fibers, the fiber holds and sweeps out all the bile in the digestive tract, then in reaction the liver converts the cholesterol into bile to replace the one being lost in feaces. In this way cholesterol levels are kept in check.

Dietary fiber also regulates your behavior!. The trillions of microbes that live in your gut also make neurotransmitters that are used by the brain. One example is serotonin which

controls mood and other chemicals that affect how your brain works. Your gut microbes digest the fibers present in the food and produce lots of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) such as butyrate, propionate and acetate that brings about temperance or self-control. Because physiology neurotransmitters determine our behavior, it is logical to say that we are what we eat. If you are struggling with self-control, just try eating lots of fibers then your gut microbes are going to use that to manufacture temperance neurotransmitters that will calm down your behavior.

Fiber helps one to lose weight. The presence of fiber in the foods accomplish two critical factors in weight management. Firstly, it prevents us from overeating. Since our enzymes cannot digest the fiber molecule chain, they stretch the walls of the stomach thereby

sending signals to the brain that you have eaten enough. This explains why you easily get full when you eat cooked cassava than when you eat snack. Secondly, it reduces caloric density in the food. There is a ratio of calories to nutrients. If the food has more calories than nutrients it will lead to weight gain as is the case with all processed foods. But if the calories are less than nutrients spectrum, it will lead to weight reduction as is the case with dietary fibers.

How Much Fiber Do We Need Per Day

We need about 35 to 50 gram of fiber per day. However different foods have different quantities of fibers in them. Therefore, you need proper selection of foods to eat in your typical day in order to reach this required amount.

Dr Youngberg classify foods into three categories, first to third class foods. I will start with third class foods. These are animalbased foods such as white or red meat, local or hybrid chicken, local or hybrid eggs, any fish, milk, cheese, etc. They have no fiber at all. They have more spiking calories

less nutrients.

but

“ people with peptic ulcers or gastritis should eat high fiber foods such as vegetables and whole grain. This will help them relieve symptoms...

Second class foods such as processed whole grains (e.g. ufa woyera or grind meal), canned fruits, fruit juices, vegetable oils, soy milk (and other nut milks), yogurt, white bread etc. They have a substantially reduced amount of fiber if any. Processing removes fibers. The American journal of clinical nutrition puts it in this way. “The resulting refined-grain products contain more starch but lose a substantial amount of dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and phytochemicals. Because of loss of the bran and pulverization of the endosperm, refined grains are digested and absorbed more rapidly than whole-grain products and tend to cause more rapid and larger increases in concentrations of blood glucose and insulin”.

First class foods are plant-based foods that have been eaten whole. The table below summarizes different first-class foods and quantity of fibers they contain.

Meal planning and selection of food in a typical day is one of the crucial secrets that can help one achieve the required quantity of dietary fibers. Generally, choose to eat more of non-processed plant-based foods with a plan to eat more foods in the morning and lunch but little in the evening. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a queen, and supper like a beggar!

This is why one inspired writer puts it this way; “Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator. These foods, prepared in as simple and natural a manner as possible, are the most healthful and nourishing. They impart a strength, a power of endurance and a vigor of intellect, that are not afforded by a more

complex and stimulating diet. -CD 363.1

The Bible agrees with her, Genesis 1:29 (NIV)

“Then God said, ‘I give you every seedbearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food”.

Today, choose to eat high fiber foods for your health depends on the simple daily choices you make.

References

1. GOODBYE DIABETES , by Dr Wes Youngberg

2. American journal of clinical nutrition September 2003 vol. 78 no. 3 544S-551S

3. White E.G. Counsels on diet and foods p.363

4. Gowshall M, Taylor-Robinson SD. The increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases in low-middle income countries: the view from Malawi. International Journal of General Medicine. 2018; 11:255-264 https:// doi.org/10.2147/IJGM.S157987

5. Msyamboza, K.P., Mvula, C.J. & Kathyola, D. Prevalence and correlates of diabetes mellitus in Malawi: population-based national NCD STEPS survey. BMC Endocr Disord 14, 41 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6823-1441

6. Zheng, Y., Ley, S. & Hu, F. Global aetiology and epidemiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications. Nat Rev Endocrinol 14, 88–98 (2018).

7. https://doi.org/10.1038/ nrendo.2017.151

COOKERY CORNER

HOW TO MAKE ZINC BALLS

By Owen Khwerusa

It is a sin to place poorly prepared food on the table.” These words were written by sister White in 1901 and can be accessed from Councils on Diet and Health page 251. And she continues to say “...because the matter of eating concerns the well-being of the entire system. The Lord desires His people to appreciate the necessity of having food prepared in such a way that it will not make sour stomachs, and in consequence, sour tempers. Let us remember that there is practical religion in a loaf of good bread.” —

Manuscript 95, 1901.

For the meantime, let’s talk about zinc balls. They are made from pumpkin seeds which most of us throw out as rubbish in the bins. By drying them on the sun and well prepared they can make a nutritious relish. The name zinc balls came in because these seeds contain high if not the highest amount of zinc minerals.

Ingredients

Dry pumpkin seeds

Herbal spices

Fine onion

Garlic

Ginger Maize flour

Mortar and pestle

Cooking pot and frying pan

Source of heat Water

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...the matter of eating concerns the well-being of the entire system!

A QUICK SOY MILK

By Owen Khwerusa

Procedure

1. Roast the pumpkin seeds for a short period, about 5 minutes in a frying pan.

2. Grind or pound the roasted pumpkin seeds in a mortar. You can mix with maize flour when pounding for it not to be too oily.

3. Sieve and pound until you collect enough fine powder.

4. Mix the powder with herbal spices i.e. fine onion, garlic, masala, cumin, green pepper etc.

5. Put the mixture in a mortar and pound. Add hot water little by little until the dough becomes somehow oily.

6. Make balls and boil them on low heat for about an hour. The flavour is improved if boiled in earthen pot (mumphika) unlike metaled pots.

7. Lastly add soup into the pot and let it simmer for few minutes.

8. Then the food is now ready. It can be served with nsima, spaghetti or rice. Try it, you will enjoy the meal.

What you will need:

2 glasses (250ml) Soy flour

2 litres water

How to prepare:

1. Mix 2 glasses of soy flour with 2 litres of water

2. Stir consistently

3. Boil for 30 minutes. Make sure to remove the froth/foam when boiling the milk

4. Strain using a proper strainer with smallest hole sizes first, then using clean cloth.

5. Add a small amount of salt to the milk to prevent it from going bad or sour. You can add vanilla extract but not vanilla essence.

6. Simmer the milk for another 5-10 minutes

7. After that your soy milk is ready. You can add lemon, molasses or honey to your prefered taste. Drink and enjoy!

BANANA SMOOTHIE

How to prepare a simple, natural and delicious 5-minute smoothie

By Leah Zuze

HOW TO MAKE IT

Roughly chop the banana and add them to a blender.

If you have peanut butter you can add it here. A full tablespoon should be enough.

Turn the blender on and blend until its creamy and smooth.

Taste the blend and then add honey according to your taste. Pour into a glass and enjoy.

LITERARY CORNER Poetry

BEHOLD HIM

By Mercy Nyapigoti

Behold Him, saviour and friend Behold Him in a manger

In the synagogue as a teacher A healer and not a breaker Behold a friend Behold a saviour

To the deaf, first sound heard

To the mute, first word spoken Indeed first gaze to the blind Behold a saviour

He cometh Not in wind, nor earthquake Not in fire nor strife But in still and small voice

To the less in hope and voice Come now to Him Closer is he than our own skin Near he is than our next breath Music and praise to soul he filleth Behold he waiteth

TIME

By Gift Mikondo

Time waits for no one. Like a train it goes. It’s never yours. With unfailing precision time ticks, Unmindful of your plans and tricks While it’s still the reign of the sun, run for your dreams.

Grow and learn from the wells of silence. Don’t give up on yourself, carry on every minute.

Generate a life reason as you unwind the wheel of time.

Lo, the clock delays no sec. Don’t lag behind with your mind. Every day, rise and shine! Sometimes waiting isn’t delaying, time has patience too.

All you have is now in the spiral of time. Find your strength to give time the best of you.

GET READY

By Gift Mikondo

Like a wraith apparition In its cup of indignation His fierce wrath is poured out Unmingled with mercy nor single doubt

On that day of great gloom and doom!

The last seven plagues Awaits daughters of the dragon No harm to them under the hem of purity for they have eternal surety

Refrain from enormity Sun worldly pleasure Die to self, die to self…

Lay your treasure on heaven’s shelf

Don’t roam in Rome alone Sojourn with Christ as Aaron did in the past

Unlike the sons of this era of error

Walk as Jacob and job did Get ready for that awful day of terror

Wake up Cease your pride in make-up cleanse your mess in pride Of appearance and dress All inequity confess to repentance

That you may stand the day of great indignity Heed not to fables

DOESN’T ADD UP

By Casten Chikumbutso

Well, How I fail In every way Everyday

I almost give up For life doesn’t add up. Yet how you care Is like a glare Blinding my sight With heavenly delight, You press on Inspite of my sin, How you don’t give up It doesn’t add up Truly it doesn’t And till eternity it won’t.

References: John 3:16; 1 John 3:1

From the Spirit of Prophecy:

The plan for our redemption was not an afterthought, a plan formulated after the fall of Adam. It was a revelation of “the mystery which hath been kept in silence through times eternal.” Romans 16:25, R. V. It was an unfolding of the principles that from eternal ages have been the foundation of God’s throne.

-The Desire of Ages page 22 paragraph number 2

Hid away from deadly tables speak not in world’s tongue Get ready for the new song And His eminently soon coming.

HOW CAN WE REDEEM OUR TIME

We are admonished to redeem the time. But time squandered can never be recovered. We cannot call back even one moment. The only way in which we can redeem our time is by making the most of that which remains, by being co-workers with God in His great plan of redemption.

Time

Time Redeeming and making good use of it!

by Ellen G. White

Our time belongs to God. Every moment is His, and we are under the most solemn obligation to improve it to His glory. Of no talent He has given will He require a more strict account than of our time.

The value of time is beyond computation. Christ regarded every moment as precious, and it is thus that we should regard it. Life is too short to be trifled away. We have but a few days of probation in which to prepare for eternity. We have no time to waste, no time to devote to selfish pleasure, no time for the indulgence of sin. It is now that we are to form characters for the future, immortal life. It is now that we are to prepare for the searching judgment.

The human family have scarcely begun to live when they begin to die, and the world’s incessant labor ends in nothingness unless a true knowledge in regard to eternal life is gained. The man who appreciates time as his working day will fit himself for a mansion and for a life that is immortal. It is well that he was born.

In him who does this, a transformation of character takes place. He becomes a son of God, a member of the royal family, a child of the heavenly King. He is fitted to be the companion of the angels.

Now is our time to labor for the salvation of our fellow men. There are some who think that if they give money to the cause of Christ, this is all they are required to do; the precious time in which they might do personal service for Him passes unimproved. But it is the privilege and duty of all who have health and strength to render to God active service. All are to labor in winning souls to Christ. Donations of money cannot take the place of this.

Every moment is freighted with eternal consequences. We are to stand as minute men, ready for service at a moment’s notice. The opportunity that is now ours to speak to some needy soul the word of life may never offer again. God may say to that one, “This night thy soul shall be required of thee,” and through our neglect he may not be ready. (Luke 12:20.) In the great judgment day, how shall we render our account to God?

OUR DUTY AS CHRISTIANS

It is the duty of every Christ-

tian to acquire habits of order, thoroughness, and dispatch. There is no excuse for slow bungling at work of any character. When one is always at work and the work is never done, it is because mind and heart are not put into the labor. The one who is slow and who works at a disadvantage should realize that hese are faults to be corrected.

He needs to exercise his mind in planning how to use the time so as to secure the best results. By tact and method, some will accomplish as much in five hours as others do in ten. Some who are engaged in domestic labor are always at work not because they have so much to do but because they do not plan so as to save time. By their slow, dilatory ways they make much work out of very little. But all who will, may overcome these fussy, lingering habits. In their work let them have a definite aim. Decide how long a time is required for a given task, and then bend every effort toward accomplishing the work in the given time. The exercise of the will power will make the hands move deftly.

Through lack of determination to take themselves in hand and reform, persons can become stereotyped in a wrong course of action; or by cultivating their powers they may acquire ability to do the very best of service. Then they will find themselves in demand anywhere and everywhere. They will be appreciated for all that they are worth.

CHRIST OUR OBJECTIVE LESSON

The life of Christ from His earliest years was a life of earnest activity. He lived not to please Himself. He was the Son of the infinite God, yet He worked at the carpenter’s trade with His father Joseph. His trade was significant. He had come into the world as the character

builder, and as such all His work was perfect. Into all His secular labor He brought the same perfection as into the characters He was transforming by His divine power. He is our pattern.

VALUE TIME: DO WITH “THY MIGHT“

Parents should teach their children the value and right use of time. Teach them that to do something which will honor God and bless humanity is worth striving for. Even in their early years they can be missionaries for God. Indolent, careless habits indulged in secular work will be brought into the religious life and will unfit one to do any efficient service for God. Many who through diligent labor might have been a blessing to the world, have been ruined through idleness. Lack of employment and of steadfast purpose opens the door to a thousand temptations. Evil companions and vicious habits deprave mind and soul, and the result is ruin for this life and for the life to come.

Whatever the line of work in which we engage, the word of God teaches us to be “not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might,” “knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance; for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Romans 12:11; Ecclesiastes 9:10; Colossians 3:24.

Excerpted from Christ Object Lessons pp. 342-346 (Ellen G. White Research 2008) Few paragraphs have been skipped. Seventh-day Adventists believe that Ellen G. White (1827-1915) exercised the biblical gift of prophecy during more than 70 years of public ministry.

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The only way in which we can redeem our time is by making the most of that which remains, by being co-workers with God in His great plan of redemption!

Compiled by James Matola

The Apocrypha

AApocrypha is a term coined in the fifth century by Saint Jerome, referring to the books that were accepted by the church as part of the Septuagint (LXX), the Greek version of the Old Testament, and which were not included in the Hebrew Bible. Those books are Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, Tobit, Wisdom of Jesus the son of Sirach (Ecclesiasticus), Baruch, and 1 and 2 Maccabees. Nevertheless, in some lists, fifteen apocryphal books appeared in the following order: 1 Ezra, 2 Ezra, Tobit, Judith, additional to the Book of Esther, Wisdom, Ecclesiasticus, Baruch, Letter of Jeremiah, the Prayer of Azariah (Abed-Nego), song of the Three Holy Children (an additional to Daniel 3), Story of Susanna (Daniel 13, added to the text known by the Hebrews), Bel and the Dragon (an additional to Daniel 14), Prayer of Manasseh, and 1 and 2 Maccabees.

When Were the Apocryphal Books Written?

The majority of the Apocryphal works date back to the Intertestamental period. Nevertheless, although Jews never accepted them as part of the Old Testament, there were some controversies about their inspired value. Finally, in the Fourth Session of the Council of Trent, in April 3, 1546, the Apocryphal writings were put on an equal level as the other inspired books of the Bible and the Catholic world even today recognizes them as inspired.

Why Were the Apocryphal Books Not Accepted as Inspired?

There are some reasons for excluding them from the Scripture:

a. God’s messages in the Old Testament were trusted to the Jews, and the original Hebrew Bible does not include the Apocryphal (Romans 3:2)

b. There is no concluding evidence that some of them were originally in Hebrew, probably, they were written in Greek, a language not used by the Hebrew, until the Canon was closed.

c. The Old Testament, in the way Protestants have established it, was accepted as inspired in the Hebrew Canon. The Jews never officially approved the apocryphal additions to the LXX. Moreover, they have been completely rejected by them throughout the ages.

d. There is a meaningful silence about those writings in the New Testament. Neither Jesus nor the Apostles quoted any of them.

e. Sometimes, the writers deny the inspiration of these books and confess the lack of prophetic gift of their authors (1 Maccabees 4:36; 9:27; 2 Maccabees 15:38-40).

f. They promote doctrines contrary to the Bible teachings: magic arts (Tobit5:5-6), cleansing of sins through the giving of alms (Tobit 12:8-9), an Angel tells a lie (Tobit 5:11 14), prayers for the dead (2 Maccabees 12:4346), the existence of purgatory (Wisdom 3:14), predestination and luck (Wisdom 8:19-20).

What Is the Use of the Apocryphal Books?

The Apocrypha are excellent sources that shows some aspects of the Jewish life and thinking during the Intertestamental period. They present the literary genre, the Apocalyptic, that is the bridge between both Testaments and that, eventually, will influence the way of thinking of some of the New Testament writers. Such information is very important in the study of specific element in the Intertestamental literature. The Apocrypha have their place in

history and ancient literature, but they are not the word of God and must not be included in the Old Testament; it would be better if they were edited separately to prevent confusion about their inspired value.

Excerpted from: Alejandro Medina V., Como estudiar la Biblia (Nampa: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 2011), pp. 103-109.

Tabitha (Dorcas) (Acts 9:36-51); Paul raised Eutychus (Acts 20:9-12).

5. James was the first apostle martyred (Acts 12:1-2).

6. There is no verse in the Bible stating men and women publicly danced with one another.

7. The time period of the book of Genesis spans more time than all of the rest of the Bible combined.

1. Methuselah was the oldest man at 969 yrs old (Gen 5:27).

2. Six other people also lived 900 yrs: (Adam 930 yrs old: Gen 5:5); (Seth 912 yrs old: Gen 5:8); (Enos [Enosh] 905 yrs old: Gen 5:11); (Cainan [Kenan] 910 yrs old: Gen 5:14); (Jared 962 yrs old: Gen 5:20); (Noah 950 yrs old: Gen 9:29)

3. Seven people committed suicide in the Bible: (Zimri: 1 Kin 16:18); (Judas: Mt 27:35); (Abimelech: Judg 9:53-54); (Ahithophel: 2 Sam 17:23); (Samson: Judg 16:25-30); (Saul: 1 Sam 31:4-5, 1 Chr 10:4-5); (Saul’s armorbearer: 1 Sam 31:5, 1 Chr 10:5).

4. There are 10 places where people were raised from the dead in the Bible: Elijah raised the widow’s son (1 Kin 17:1724); Elisha raised the Shunammites son (2 Kin 4:18-37); A dead man came to life when his body was set on the dead bones of Elisha (2 Kin 13:20-21); Jesus raised a widow’s son (Lk 7:11-15); Jesus raised the daughter of Jarius (Lk 8:41-42,49-56); Jesus raised Lazarus (Jn 11:1-46); Jesus was resurrected (Mt 28)(Mk 16)(Lk 24)(Jn 20-21); Many dead saints came out of their graves after Jesus’ resurrection (Mt 27:51-53); Peter raised

8. Word for word, Luke wrote more of the New Testament than Paul.

9. Approximately 6 of the false gods were female: (Annammelech: 2 Kin 7:31), (Asherah: Judg 6:25,26,28,30), (Ashtoreth: 1 Kin 11:5,33), (Diana/Artemis: Acts 19:24,2728,34-35), (Queen of Heaven/Ishtar: Jer 7:18, Jer 44:17-19,25), (Succoth Benoth: 2 Kin 17:30).

10. God rained down large stones from Heaven on some of Israel’s enemies (Josh 10:11).

11. Psalm 111 is an example of an acrostic psalm. Each line begins with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet from beginning to end (22 letters). Other examples of acrostics can be found in Psalms 9,10,25,34,37,112,119,145.

12. Rachel was a shepherdess (Gen 29:9).

13. Standing near the cross as Jesus was dying were 4 women; 3 of them were named Mary (Jn 19:25).

13. Jesus Christ developed “hematidrosis” in the Garden of Gethsemane. Only Luke, the physician, mentions the incidence.

14. Wives for Isaac (Gen 24:11-67), Jacob (Gen 29:1-29), and Moses (Ex 2:15-21) were found at wells. JesusAlive.cc

INTERVIEW

By Caroline Phiri

May we know you? Give us a brief introduction about yourself.

“I am Takondwa Rex Namalima, from Ntcheu. I was born in a family of three. I have a twin sister and a younger brother. My father comes from Thyolo, and my mother comes from Ntcheu. I was born in Thyolo, did my primary school at Luchenza primary school, Luchenza, Thyolo, then Nsanjama PVT primary school, Mulanje. Then I went to Mulanje secondary school from 2009 to 2012. I proceeded to study Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) at Kamuzu University of Heath Science (KUHeS), previously known as University of Malawi College of Medicine. Apart from that, I have also done a lot of short courses relevant to my field.”

What is your marital status?

“Currently I am single, but by God’s grace I have a wedding next months on 4th September 2022.”

What was your experience like as a KUMSDAC (formerly COMSDAC) member?

“ I had been a COMSDAC member since the first week I joined college, and I never regretted

throughout my journey. I learnt many things, which I may not share all at once, but will share lessons in the following themes: a. Leadership COMSDAC has been a place I learnt a lot about leadership. Of course, it was not my first experience to be a leader, for I served different leadership position from childhood (ranging from Captain in pathfinder club as a teenager, to a Chairperson of Mulanje Secondary School SDA club). All those experiences were relevant, but I saw some level of maturity and improvement in leadership styles as I serve people who are ´the Cream of Malawi´. I served as a premedical representa tive, music director,

Dr Takondwa Namalima

social welfare chairperson as well as other roles, and served as president for University of Malawi Adventist Youth congress (UMAYC) and COMSDAC Community service (CCS). Apart from working with fellow students, I also interacted with university staff members, church leaders, and other people. I learnt how to approach people at different levels, humility, and had more than book knowledge about leadership. Above all, I learnt to trust God more. The more we stumble and fall, I was encouraged to kneel down and pray. I have seen God opening doors and answering prayers even at the times that all seemed to nothing will work out. It is true that God has a thousand ways to provide for his people and we know not one.

b. Friendship COMSDAC linked me up to a lot of people that are now friends and family. We made many strong bonds that still exist until today.

Throughout my medical school, there were people that supported and counselled me. Not only were we discussing the word of God, but also appreciated nature, and had luncheons.

c. Spiritual It was through COMSDAC bible study sessions that I learnt and understood more about prophecy and scripture interpretation. I learnt how to share

the word of God on one to one basis as well as preparing a bible study. Now that I am out of college, I really miss those gathering that share present truth.

What is the one thing you would have done different when you were a COMSDAC member?

“Mentoring young people. Valuing and utilizing every moment that comes as much as possible. After completing my undergraduate studies, I realised that I could have done more about mentoring young people. KUMSDAC needs many mentorship programs for both academic, spiritual and social life. It does not have a very good platform for mentorship and it does not utilize its alumni.”

What kept you going to remain an SDA member throughout your school life?

“The truth. Understanding our mission and seeking to understand God’s will each and every day.”

What is your favourite food?

“It is hard to say exactly what my favourite food is, because it changes. I like a lot of delicious vegetarian food.”

What do you like to do when you are not working?

“

I believe we are living in the last days of earth’s history. As we see the signs of the times quickly unfolding in our eyes, it is high time we truly seeked God.

“I like appreciating nature, studying and chatting.”

What is the one thing you would wish people to know about you, which most people might not know?

“Many people think that leadership, singing, or public speaking are my top most hobbies. I enjoy the time I spent with nature.”

What songs do you like listening to and who is or are your favourite artist(s) or group(s)?

“Most of the times I like listening to classical music. However, one of my favourite artists is Neville Peter.”

What do you think about revival and reformation?

“I believe we are living in the last days of earth’s history. As we see the signs of the times quickly unfolding in our eye, it is a high time we should truly seek God. True revival and reformation is needed among Christians. We should allow the love of God to compel us to follow him always. Take note I said true revival and reformation. The sad truth is that sometimes people reform to conform to the norm (the fact that everyone is saying about it) not allowing God to work within. In addition, sometimes we resist the Holy Spirit for the sake of the thing we hold so dearly. “We are not God’s children until we are such entirely”, the Spirit of Prophesy warns. The bible also declares that many people who believe they are saved will be lost (Matthew 7:12-14, 2123). The Spirit of Prophesy says many will be lost while hoping and desiring to be Christians.

They do not come to the point of yielding the will to God (Steps to Christ 47-48). True revival and reformation is needed among us. Let everyone seek God’s will for his/ her life.”

What advice can you give to current KUMSDAC members?

“Avoid mediocrity in all aspects of life. Be true to God, to yourself, and the society. Learn from the people who have gone before you. Sometimes we fail at the very point that other people have failed because we did not want to learn from them. Lastly, the safest place to be is in the middle of God’s will for your life. Seek the will of God always with an earnest heart.”

Malamulo angapo amayendetsa thanzi kuti likhale la thanzi kwa nthawi yaitali. Mwachidule malamulo onse amatchulidwa kuti NEWSTART pachingerezi. Kumwa madzi ndi limodzi mwa malamulowa. Pali mfundo zingapo zomwe zimayenera kutsatidwa pamene tikumwa madzi. Gawo lino tikambako zina mwa mfundo zimenezi.

• Imwani madzi osachepera 2 litres tsiku ndi tsiku.

• Mukangodzuka m’mawa imwani matambula awiri a madzi musanadye kali konse. Izi zimabwezeretsa Vitamin B12 m’thupi mwanu amene amasungidwa mkamwa m’mawa uliwonse. Tikhoza kuika juwisi wa mandimu, molasses kapena uchi.

• Osamwa madzi ndi kudya chakudya nthawi imodzi

• Mukatha kudya dikirani ma ola 2 musanamwe madzi

• Ngati mwamwa madzi dikirani mphindi 30 musanadye chakudya

• Sambani madzi otentha kapena ozizira tsiku ndi tsiku. Ngati mumadwala diabetes (nthenda ya shuga) musasambe madzi otentha.

MADZI

Olemba: Owen Khwerusa

madzi

MADZI A MOYO

Madzi ndi ofunika ku moyo, ndipo Khristu akuwagwiritsa ntchito ngati fanizo la chipulu mutso. Atati mulungu aletse madzi pa dziko la pansi, ingakhale kwa nthawi pang’ono, ndipo ndi m’khalidwe wosautsa wotani ungatsatire. Kulira koposa kwa tsoka losaneneka kunga chokere kwa osautsika okhalamo (m’dziko). Ndi kutsatira kwakukulu kwanji kungadze, ngati kuwala kwa choonadi, komwe kuli ko funika ku thanzi ndi umoyo wa moyo wa munthu, kutachotsedwa! Ambiri mu dziko la infali ali kutayika kufuna madzi a moyo. Ku tayika kwa moyo uno ndi kosakhala kwa tso ka, koma kutaya moyo omwe uli wa muyaya, omwe muyeso wake ulingana ndi moyo wa mulungu, komwe kuli koopsa kukuganizira; kumeneku ndi kutayika kwa muyaya. Nanga ndi chifukwa ninji pali kuchuluka mphwayi? Chifukwa ninji iwo okhala ndi chidziwitso cha Yesu Khristu akungokhala mwachibwana? Mrs E. G. White mu The Review and Herald Jan 8, 1889 (Leah Zuze womasulira)

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Pali mfundo zingapo zomwe zimayenera kutsatidwa pamene tikumwa

KUSAMALIRA MANO

By Owen Khwerusa

Mukatha kudya tsukani mkamwa nthawi zonse.” Awa ndi mawu omwe timauzidwa posamali ra mano kuti tipewe matenda a mano, fungo loipa komanso pofuna kuone ka bwino poyankhula. Pali mfundo zingapo zomwe timayenera kutsatira pamene tikusamalira mano.

• Tsukani mkamwa pang’onopang’ono ndinso mosamala mukangotha kudya. Tsukani mkam wa kawiri patsi ku; tikatha kudya kadzutsa komanso madzulo tisanapite kukagona kapena tikangotha kudya mgonero.

• Tsukani mbali ya mkati ya mano anu m’mene mwaun dana zosalira za zakudya. Tsukani angakhale zosalira zo sizikuoneka.

• Dutsitsani mswachi moyandikana ndi nkha ma za mano anu.

• Tsukani mbali yakunja ya mano anu. Pititsani mswachi cham’mbuyo ndinso mtsogo lo.

• Ikani mswachi ndikuika pamwamba pa mano anu. Pititsani mswachi wanu mo zungulitsa pamwamba pa mano.

• Tsukani m’mipata mwa mano anu pogwir itsa ntchito zotokotsera m’mano (dental floss) kapena ulusi.

• Tokosani kamodzi patsiku kuti muchotse zot salira m’mipata mwa mano zisanayambitse matenda m’khama.

• Sinthani mswachi wanu pakatha miyezi itatu.

Mswachi wabwino ukuyenera kufikira mba li zonse za mano ndipo mitu yake ikuyenera kukhala yofewa. Mitu yolimba imakanda mano ndipo amaonongeka mwansanga.

• Gwiritsani ntchito makala, molasses, juwisi wa mandimu kapena mchere potsuka mkam wa nthawi zonse. Kuphatikidza makala, mo lasses ndi mchere zimathandizanso kwambiri.

• Pewani kug wiritsa ntchi to mankhwala otsukira mano okhala ndi flu oride ochuluka popeza amao nonga mawaya a ubongo[1].

• Osamwa kapena kudya zakudya zimene zi makhala ndi caffeine kapena nicotine monga cocacola, masamba a tea, coffee ndi choco late. Izi zimaononga mano ndipo zimayambit sa fungo loipa mkamwa.

• Musadye kapena kumwa zakudya zowotcha kapena zozizira kwambiri poti zimaononga mano; chotero pewani ice cream, madzi a mu

“ Gwiritsani ntchito makala, molasses, juwisi wa mandimu kapena mchere potsuka mkamwa nthawi zonse...

fridge ndi zakumwa zoziziritsa kukhosi.

• Musagwiritse ntchito zotokokosela zolimba (tooth picks). Zimanonga mkhama ndi mano.

• Mukadya chakudya wonetsetsani kuti padutse ma ola asa nu musanadyenso chakudya chi na. Chifu komanso mano zimafunika kupuma. Mukhoza kumamwa madzi nthawi iliyonse kupatula pokudya.

• Pewani kumwa mankhwala achipa tala aliwonse mwa chisawawa pa mene dzino lawawa chifukwa chobooka.

• Idyani zipatso, masamba, zakudya zosakono la, mbewu ndi mitedza. Idyani mwakasin thasintha.

• Mupewe zothira shuga chifukwa shuga amasokoneza chitetezo cha m’thupi komanso

amaoletsa mano.

• Mukadya zipatso zokhala ndi asidi monga mandimu, malalanje ndi zina zonga izi, dikirani kwa ola limodzi musanatsuke mkamwa. Asi di amafewetsa mano.

• Uchi kapena zotsekemeretsa zina zikhoza kugwiritsidwa ntchito mma lo mwa shuga, koma angakha le izi, ziyenera kukhala zoche pa patsiku. Mi yambo 24:13

“Mwananga idya uci paku ti ngwabwino…” Miyambo 25:27

“Kudya uci wambiri sikuli kwabwino.” Kupewa kuposa kuchidza. Samalani mano anu!

1. mutha kuwerenga pa: (https://doi. org/10.1016/S2173-5808(11)70062-1

SABBATH WORSHIP

2020 COMSDAC Alumni Day

Photo: Mr Matola

2018 KUMSDAC Premed welcoming function

Photo: Pharmacist P. Tsoka

2021 KUMSDAC Adventist Youth Phoro: Alex Banda (Michaels

WORSHIP in Pictures

2020 COMSDAC Alumni Day

Photo: Mr Matola 2018 KUMSDAC Premed welcoming function

Photo: Pharmacist P. Tsoka

Youth Investiture day (Michaels Arts)

2018 Finale farewell function

Photo: Precious Tsoka