Adventist Echo - 1st Quarter 2017

ECHO ADVENTIST

Volume 16, 1st Quarter April 2017

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1st Quarter 2017 | Adventist Echo

Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division

ECHO ADVENTIST

Volume 16, 1st Quarter April 2017

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The Proverbs of E.G. White

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Global Youth Day 2017

ADMINISTRATION SID OFFICERS & DIRECTORS President Dr Solomon Maphosa Vice Presidents Dr Hopeson Bonya Dr Paminus Machamire Executive Secretary Ps Gideon Reyneke Associate Secretaries Ps Laurant Brabant Ps Qedumusa Mathonsi Ps Silas Muabsa Chief Financial Officer Goodwell Nthani Financial Officers Michael Muchula Goodson Shumba

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Young Adventist Profile

Church Highlights

Editor - Saneliso Moyo, Design/Layout - Otieno Mkandawire, Assistant - Ennedy Muchula, Cover Photo - Thembinkosi Moyo

UNION PRESIDENTS NE Angola Dr Justino Paulo SW Angola Ps Manuel Pacheco Botswana Union Conference Dr Kenaope Kenaope Indian Ocean Union Conference Ps Jasmin Herinirina Malawi Union Conference Ps Frackson Kuyama Mozambique Union Mission Ps Alfredo Chilundo Northern Zambia Union Ps Samuel Sinyangwe Southern Zambia Union Dr Harrington Akombwa Sao Tome & Principe Ps Fernando Lopes de Melo

Communication Director Noel Sibanda Stewardship Director Ps Aniel Barbe Women /Children’s Ministries Caroline Chola Sabbath School Ps Gideon Reyneke Personal Ministries Ps Michael Ngwaru Associate Education Director Dr Coster Munyengwe Youth/Chaplaincy Ps Sibusiso Khumalo Adventist Health Ministries Dr Bangwato Sikwa Publishing Director Dr Super Moesi HIV/AIDS Director Rhoda Nthani Adventist Mission/Pakia Ps Silas Muabsa Ministerial Ps Passmore Mulambo Family Life Director Dr Kagelo Rakwena Associate Family Life Director Dr Boitumelo Rakwena Shepherdess Margret Mulambo SIDmedia Director Noel Sibanda Associate Finance Director Janine Erasmus

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1st Quarter 2017 | Adventist Echo

Southern Africa Union Conference Dr David Spencer Zimbabwe Union Conference Dr Micah Choga OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION CORRESPONDENTS NE Angola Ps Osvaldo Vunge Botswana Ps Phil Armando Indian Ocean Union Conference Ps Rakotonandrasana Rado Malawi Union Conference Ps Goodwin Sibande Mozambique Matius Vilanculus Sao Tome Ps Eliseu Xavier Southern Africa Union Sybil du Preez Northern Zambia Ps Ephraim Mutoya Southern Zambia Ps Webster Silungwe Zimbabwe Ps Felix Njini Angola SW Diamantino Abilio Sawambo

Image © [shepherd302] / Adobe Stock

sometimes sadly, by not recognizing that God can and will use anything for His cause no matter how small you may think it is. Total Member Involvement will continue to just be a catch phrase if you sit down and wait for somebody else to get up and do it. At this point I’m reminded of an excerpt that I read a while back from a poem titled, "It depends On Whose It’s In." ....Two fish and 5 loaves of bread in my hands is a couple of fish sandwiches.

A willing spirit

Two fish and 5 loaves of bread in God’s hands will feed thousands.

It depends on whose hands they’re in…

Nails in my hands might produce a birdhouse.

As I started writing this piece, I was trying to think of something super intelligent that I can share. Something Nails in Christ Jesus’ hands will produce salvation for the entire world. that would spur each reader to some form of action.

It depends on whose hands they’re in…

That is what I have been taught. “Make sure your As you see now it depends whose hands it’s in... article brings your reader to some call to action.” But —Paul Ciniraj then again I thought to myself, the readers have been What do you have in your hands? Is it a gift of music? receiving a call to action for ages. Most of them from when they were teens and some, only when they were much older. A gift of hospitality? A gift of events management? A This call to action has been repeated over and over again till gift of intercessory prayer? A gift of teaching? A gift of it meant nothing. Most can recite it even when woken up at interpreting? By now you can see where I am going with this. What do you have in your hands? You know what midnight. Perhaps this is where my problem is. the call is. You have been given your marching orders. The Perhaps this is why I am not able to think of something question is are you willing to let God use you in any way inspirational to write because it is not a call to action that that He deems fit? Do you believe that your contribution is you need, but an ability to recognize and accept God’s needed to further the cause for the kingdom? Total Member power in your life. Matthew 28:19-20 is a call that you have Involvement is a lifestyle and not just a once a year event. probably heard for while. “Go ye therefore, and teach all As Elder Ted Wilson said, "It is a year-round outreach nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of approach with many different outreach activities, and with the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe everyone doing something for Jesus.” May the stories that all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am you will read in the following pages inspire you to have a with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” spirit that is willing to be used as the Spirit sees fit and a That is the call to action that you know and yet the easy heart that believes that “His biddings, are His Enablings.” way out has been to doubt your ability to be able to make a difference, to doubt if you can make any significant Saneliso Moyo is currently serving as contribution at all. Some have dared to think that they are Production Manager at SIDmedia. While most of already doing more than enough for the mere fact that they her work revolves around television ministry, she get up to preach once in a while and yet so much more strongly believes in the power of sharing authentic can be done. The spirit of power that the Lord wants to personal stories through the written word, even if it’s to touch and inspire just one person. bestow upon you has been clouded by fear of rejection and Views expressed by contributors to, or interviewees of, the Adventist Echo are not necessarily those ascribed to by the Adventist Echo or the Adventist Church.

1st Quarter 2017 | Adventist Echo

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You are a Testimony

by Blessing Nkosi

Image © [wickerwood] / Adobe Stock

"O taste and see that the LORD is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!" Psalm 34:8 No story is worth sharing if it is not your own let alone if you have not been transformed as a result of the experience.

The one who speaks about his or her own experience is the one who has witnessed and has become a testimony. The life of David is an example of someone who lived and learnt through life experiences to see God for who He is and what He can do. As David was a shepherd boy, undermined and not recognized even by his own family, the Lord was the one who had been his guide and company all the way. The experience he had of being anointed in the presence of his family, made David to see God who had never ceased to be at work in his lowly life. While standing before king Saul, when Israel was under attack by the Philistines, David was a shepherd boy anointed as king yet not known by man nor seen as such except by God. As Goliath was a warrior, he expected to fight with a warrior and a king qualified to face the opponent, yet Saul the king was rejected by God. In the camp of Israel no one qualified because no one was with God except the younger son of Jesse who was a shepherd boy though anointed as king by the God who had rejected Saul. God was with David and David was about God's plan and business hence his life experiences through inspiration permitted him to narrate the words as

captured by our text of consideration 'O taste and see that the LORD is good'.

Your life has been a roller coaster since you were conceived by your mother. While you were still in your mother’s womb there were many chances of you dying as a fetus but you were born outside of the womb alive and not dead. You have grown from being a toddler to being an adult. You have experienced both sadness and joy but you still rise above all, hence you are a testimony. Apostle Paul narrates the following as inspired by God in Romans 8:37 "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us'. Every experience in life serves to enhance your growth and enlighten your mind plus to enlarge your territory. Learn to embrace each experience with an open mind and a heart full of hope plus faith knowing that after the experience you will be a living testimony. Dear reader, let go and let God take charge of your life like David. You may be seen as a lowly someone in society yet you have been delegated to be ruler over those who least expect it. Your life is a testimony.

Blessing Nkosi an accountant at the Trans-Orange

Conference. He is devoted to sharing God's love with others on a daily basis through social media.

HEALTH DEVOTIONAL Gleaned from all over the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division (SID), these words of advice and testimonies of healing were compiled for the benefit of every person and family in our wonderful region. Using simple terms and an uncomplicated approach, this devotional places within practical reach the concepts of CELEBRATIONS: Choice, Exercise, Liquids, Environment, Belief, Rest, Air, Temperance, Integrity, Optimism, Nutrition, and Social Support and Service.

Perfect for daily family worship time, these readings will not only ground your faith in a God who is still in the business of healing today, but will open up many opportunities for meaningful discussion on health, lifestyle, beliefs and choices, thereby strengthening family bonds. The readings could also be used as material for health talks, in small group discussions, and for Sabbath School—where there are people who desire to help each other grow in faith and health!

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the proverbs of

Ellen G. White

by Dr Passmore Hachalinga

-No. 1

“Crowd all the good works you possibly can in this life.” 5T. 488 (1889).

This statement is found in Ellen G. White’s Testimonies No. 33 published in 1889. That same year Testimonies Nos. 31 to 33 were bound into one book, Testimonies for the Church, Volume 5. Testimonies No. 33 was addressed to the ‘brethren and sisters’ in Healdsburg, California, where a coeducational boarding school (Healdsburg Academy/College, later known as Pacific Union College) had been opened in 1882. She was urging the church members to work for unity and love in the church.

White’s counsel to the members in Healdsburg resonates well with the apostle James’ earlier message to the twelve tribes (Christian community) scattered abroad in the Roman Empire when he said: “Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”

As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” (James 4:13-17, NIV).

The segment of our lifetimes that we know with a degree of certainty is the past. Today is our only day of opportunity in which we can make a difference in this life. The future is but a promise. Moses reflected and said: “The length of our days is seventy years – or eighty years, if we have the strength, . . .

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:10, 12). Thus when we celebrate our birthdays, we get reminded of how many years we have lived so far. But do we reflect on what we have done in those years to bless others and to glorify God? What about the years ahead?

How many more years shall we have? And how do we plan to spend them?

Photo courtesy of the Ellen G White Estate, Inc.

Psalmist says: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts. . .. (95:7). Isaiah also counsels: “Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will freely pardon” (55:6-7). So, we can still amend our past mistakes.

“Well”, others may say, “we made things right with the Lord long ago, and we have all along been doing our best to obey His will.” No problem. To such, the apostle Paul encourages: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we shall reap a harvest. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Gal. 6:9-10). This is the way we may fulfil Ellen White’s counsel, to “crowd all the good works [we] possibly can in this life”. I personally try to do this with every assignment I am given. I don’t know for sure how long I may be allowed to do that assignment, or to serve in this institution.

Knowing how uncertain life is, I try to follow Solomon’s advice: “Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let not your hands be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.”

(Eccl. 11:6).

Passmore Hachalinga is the Director of the Ellen G. White Research Center at Helderberg College.

Some of us know for sure that we did not live our past lives well. Is there a chance for us to make things right? Yes! The 1st Quarter 2017 | Adventist Echo

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Photos courtesy of Thembinkosi Moyo

Global Youth Day (GYD) is now an entrenched initiative of the Adventist Youth Ministries. I recall when GYD debuted in 2013, the support and participation of the youth globally and in the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division (SID) was not as strong as it is currently. I suppose the weak support for GYD in the SID initially could be attributed to this being a new program. But we are thrilled that GYD in the SID has seen gradual support in the past years from the unions and GYD17 received a surge in youth participation, for which we credit God, the youth, churches and our partners (Communication department, SID Media, Children’s ministries and IT department).

The Global Youth Day philosophy and objective is simple. It is to challenge young people to engage in the mission of the church. Total Youth Involvement (TYI) is our goal because the energy, creativity and talents of the youth have not been fully exploited in the past and we believe, given the chance and a cause to live and die for, young people can surpass our expectations. If what we have observed during GYD17 is anything to go by, then we are optimistic that the ensuing GYDs will get an explosion in participation and more people will be impacted with acts of kindness.

GYD challenges the youth to Be the Sermon. Obviously, one day in a year is not adequate to Be the Sermon. GYD serves to whet the appetite of the youth for evangelism and serves as a

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catalyst to make mission a lifestyle. What makes GYD exciting to the youth is that it is innovative, fresh, new and affords the youth the space and opportunity to be involved in one common global goal-being good Samaritans to others. Youth enjoy working together with other youth. Youth love their social media and gadgets. GYD gives them the opportunity to utilize all these avenues and does not stifle them as they are free to express their spiritual gifts in a non-threatening way.

The theme for GYD17 was Blood Drive. The General Conference (GC), challenged the world field to motivate many young people to go out and donate blood on GYD. The SID youth rose to the occasion and surpassed our expectations.

I was in Zimbabwe on GYD17, the government officials and the blood bank officials in that country were taken aback by this swell of youth to donate blood. They said this was unprecedented and they expressed their gratitude to the Seventh-day Adventist church using the national media platforms. All glory goes to God for this phenomenal success.

Now, we call upon our churches, the youth and leadership, to remember to Be the Sermon every single day. Let us not wait for GYD18, souls are dying without Jesus every day. And let us start now to prepare for GYD18.

Busi Khumalo is the Youth Director at the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division.

Young Adventist Anesu Musvosvi 28 yrs

Photo courtesy of Smile Factory Corner

How would you describe yourself?

I think I’m pretty laid back, more on the quiet side. I have a few friends and I’m probably the poster boy for the phlegmatic temperament.

Briefly, what does your job entail?

I’m a dentist. We diagnose and treat any oral diseases and also deal with the prevention of those diseases.

What motivated you to switch from studying Communication to Dentistry?

If you ask my childhood friends, all my life I wanted to be on TV or deal with its production. When I entered college taking media production, a couple of us were chosen to do a televised presentation. We were told that one

of the presentations may be aired. I remember watching myself on screen afterwards and thinking “This is the most BORING person in the world.”

I then thought production would be better but I remember falling asleep on numerous occasions behind the scenes.I woke up from one such occasion and just knew “There is no way I can do this the rest of my life.” I quit studying Communication and finally got into Dental school.I had to put in double or triple effort and lots of prayers but I finally made it through and I’m here now.

and my faith reminds me that all these things are great but ultimately we are not living just for earth but actually have a greater purpose.

How does your work contribute to making the world a better place?

Perseverance, contentment, happiness, courage, faith.

Dentistry is a service oriented profession. When you participate in mission trips or health expos and relieve someones pain, or build up a person’s smile, I’m sure you’ve made that one person’s world a little better.

Who or what events have helped shape your life?

What would you tell your teenage self?

I think I was scared of the unknown a lot, I would tell lil’ Anesu to take more risks.

One fun fact about you?

I still watch at least an episode of Veggie Tales every friday night

Five words to live by......

Favorite Bible verse?

1 John 1:9 "...If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." I probably use this verse the most.

I believe it’s mostly being born into the family that I was born into and having their faith passed down to me.

My parents definitely instilled so many values that helped give me direction.

How do you make sure that your blessings do not turn into a curse?

My dad loves reminding us that success is harder to handle than failure. Always keep in mind that the more blessings you receive the more you really need to be connected to God.

What role has faith played in your career?

It’s what I have had to rely on. I also think God has placed certain people in my life to help me as I grow in my career 1st Quarter 2017 | Adventist Echo

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Photos courtesy by Otieno Mkandawire

Leadership Summit 2017 The Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division is passionate about empowering and keeping its leaders up to date with leadership skills. Saint George Hotel in Pretoria was this year’s venue for the two day Christian Leadership summit. Running under the theme, Reach the World, the summit was attended by all our leaders and their spouses from our Unions, Conferences and institutions.

Various speakers were invited to grace this annual SID calendar event. Among the speakers were Dr Ricardo Norton, who has taught at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary since 1996 and is the founder of a worldwide lay training program (SAL—Lay Adventist Seminary), with more than 6.000 students in 14 countries. He spoke so passionately about the need for all our church members to be active and deliberate in evangelism.

Dr Tom Evans, whose areas of expertise includes church planting, coaching, and natural church development spoke about the Total Member Involvement project and he gave an inspiring message on how we can grow our membership especially in un-entered areas.

Dr Pardon Mwansa, the Vice-Chancellor at Rusangu University did the morning devotions and encouraged our church members to embrace and foster unity and forgiveness.

The President of the Southern Africa Indian-Ocean Division, Dr Solomon Maphosa, supported by his two officers, Pastor Gideon Reyneke the Executive Secretary and Elder Goodwell Nthani, the Chief Financial Officer, did not mince his words in urging our SID family to participate meaningfully in the TMI initiative.

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During the leadership summit, the female delegates also got an opportunity to attend some seminars specifically tailored for them. They were addressed by specialists in various fields, on issues affecting them and their health.

Those in attendance where grateful for the opportunity to learn and also network with colleagues from various organizations within the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division.

Noel Sibanda is the Communication Director at the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean division. He is also the Director for SIDmedia studio in Cape Town.

Pastor Mokgwane Receives Alumnus Of The Year Award, Helderberg College In November 2015, Helderberg College awarded General Conference Youth Ministries Associate Director, Pastor Pako Mokgwane, the Alumnus of the Year award. This prestigious honour was awarded to Pastor Mokgwane during his move from directing the Youth, Stewardship and Communication departments for the Botswana Union Conference, to serving as the General Conference Youth Ministries Associate Director.

It was only a year later, on 27 November 2016, that Helderberg College had the opportunity to officially hand the Alumnus of the Year award to him. Pastor Mokgwane is a product of Adventist Education right from primary school to tertiary. He completed his Bachelor's Degree in Theology at Helderberg College and went on to pursue his Master's Degree with the Adventist University of Africa. He has currently been admitted for his Doctor Of Philosophy (PHd) program with the same University.

Upon accepting this award he gave a speech thanking Helderberg College for the positive influence it had in his life and also commended the College body for the dedication to ensuring the youth are equipped with Christian Values-Based education.

Photo courtesy of Pumelele Nzeuza

Pastor Mokgwane draws strength from 1 Timothy 4:12, "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity."

Helderberg College is proud to have him as an alumnus and wishes him many more blessings to come. It is an honour to see graduates of Helderberg College achieve great things in their respective fields.

Erone Oliphant is the Advancement and Marketing Manager at Helderberg College.

Luncheon for Elderly in Botswana The Botswana Union Conference Women's Ministries Department held a luncheon for 250 elderly citizens in the North of Botswana. A team of young people lead by Susan Williams, Ken Williams and Stella Mpofu travelled over 1200 kilometers for 16 hours. They were loaded with blankets, toiletries, clothing and food for this special event.

Speaking at this event was the Honourable Minister Thato Kwerepe.

Honourable Kwerepe, thanked the Women's Ministries department for the love and compassion they showed

for the elderly, while reminding the crowd that being compassionate is the cornerstone of the country. He also made a donation towards the lunch.

The elderly expressed their joy and gratefulness for being remembered with all the thoughtful gifts. Susan Williams expressed her gratitude towards all those who made the day possible.

Susan Williams is the Director of Women's Ministry department in Botswana.

1st Quarter 2017 | Adventist Echo

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Who Am I? 1. When

my brother was born, my mother hid him for 3 months.

1.

2. I

2.

said the words of Psalm 23.

3. Jesus

came to the well and asked me for water.

3.

4. It

4.

5. I

5.

had never rained before but God asked me to build an ark because he was going to send rain. had two sons who were very naughty and did not love the Lord.

6. I

was only 8 years old when I became king

6.

Scrambled Words NMASSO HESILA AANMNA UESA LEKEIZE TEHSRE AUSL

Bible Gem Ephesians 6 v 13-17 The bible says we put on the armor of God to protect us from the attacks of the devil. We put it on by praying, worshipping, praising God and reading the bible. This way, we can have it on all the time.

It works well in our everyday life when we use it to make a lot of choices. We always have to choose good over bad and this can only happen if we have the armor of God on, all the time.

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Church Highlight TESDA #WALKRUNRIDE

Photos courtesy of Thembinkosi Moyo

Tshwane East Seventh-day Adventist (TESDA) church impacted their immediate neighbors through the fun run event #WALKRUNRIDE.

GOGO CATHERINE GOME NYASULU Dorcas ladies from Nsewa Seventhday Adventist Church travelled over 460km to the northern region of Malawi to honour and give tribute to Gogo Cathrine Nyasulu. Gogo Nyasulu is the woman behind most of the songs sung by Dorcus and church members in Malawi.

In recognition of this blessing, Pastor Dingani Mfune mentioned that it was important to honour the great composer while she is still alive. We praise God for her contribution to Seventh-day Adventist music in this region.

Photos courtesy of Yunos Kamba & Dingani Mfune

Share your church's activities with us by emailing echo@sid.adventist.org

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