Adventist Echo - 4th Quarter 2017 by Adventist Echo

ECHO ADVENTIST

Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division

Volume 17, 4th Quarter November 2017

Stewardship

"My All In Response To God's All"

4th Quarter 2017 | Adventist Echo

ECHO ADVENTIST

Volume 17, 4th Quarter November 2017

Visitation: The Queen 4 Home Strategy to Grow Faithfulness

Special Needs 21 Adventist Ministries

Doctrine 8 Sound By Pastor Qedumusa Mathonsi

2018: 16 Gauteng Sharing Hope and Healing

By Gerald Hara

By Pastor Aniel Barbe

By Pastor Michael Ngwaru

GAiN

By Noel Sibanda

ASI Convention

By David Melusi Nkosi

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 Hopekings Ngomba Financial Officers Michael Muchula Goodson Shumba Communication Director Noel Sibanda Stewardship Director Ps Aniel Barbe Women /Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ministries Sabbath School

Caroline Chola Ps Passsmore Mulambo

Personal Ministries Ps Michael Ngwaru Education Director Dr Mozecie Kadyakapita Associate Education Director Youth/Chaplaincy

Dr Coster Munyengwe Ps Sibusiso Khumalo

Adventist Health Ministries Dr Bangwato Sikwa Publishing Director Dr Super Moesi Adventist Mission/Pakia Ps Silas Muabsa Ministerial

Ps Passmore Mulambo

Family Life Director Dr Kagelo Rakwena Associate Family Life Dr Boitumelo Rakwena Director Shepherdess Margret Mulambo SIDmedia Director

Noel Sibanda

Associate Finance Director Janine Erasmus

4th Quarter 2017 | Adventist Echo

EDITORIAL TEAM

UNION PRESIDENTS North-Eastern Angola Union

Editor

Dr Justino Paulo

Associate Editor Noel Sibanda

South-Western Angola Union Ps Manuel Pacheco Botswana Union Conference Dr Kenaope Kenaope

Editorial Assistant Ennedy Muchula

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 Southern Africa Union

Dr David Spencer

Zimbabwe Union Conference Dr Micah Choga OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION CORRESPONDENTS North-Eastern Angola Union

Ps Osvaldo Vunge

Botswana Union Conference Ps Phil Armando Indian Ocean Union Conference Ps Rakotonandrasana Rado Malawi Union Conference Ps Goodwin Sibande Mozambique Union Mission

Matius Vilanculus

Sao Tome & Principe Ps Eliseu Xavier Southern Africa Union

Saneliso Moyo

Sybil du Preez

Northern Zambia Union Ps Ephraim Mutoya Southern Zambia Union Ps Webster Silungwe Zimbabwe Union Conference Ps Felix Njini South-Western Angola Union Diamantino Abilio Sawambo

Design/Layout

Otieno Mkandawire

Cover Image Adobe Stock

Editorial I’m one of those people whose mind immediately runs to Malachi chapter 3 when I hear the word stewardship. How can I not? This has been the go to chapter for many offertory readings."Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me...” As a child, I did not flinch when I heard these words. This was not my problem area. It wasn’t even lesson that my parents had to literally sit down and verbally teach me. I had seen them return tithe, so I just knew it had to be done. Of course they had to help me with the calculations because I have an eternal allergy to numbers, but at the end of the day, tithe was returned. However as I grew older, getting a job and earning a steady income came with the urge to want to negotiate disobedience. I had bills to pay. These were not wants but needs. “God, I will pay you back next month, I promise.” Negotiating disobedience. Of late though life has taken a different twist, as I see that being a faithful steward is more than just money. It’s knowing that I can trust God to provide for ALL my needs. As somebody wisely put it, “It’s giving all of me as a response to all of Him. It’s managing the resources, the time, and the life that God has entrusted into my hands. What does stewardship mean to you? In what ways has God honored His word in your life when you chose faithfulness? I’d love to hear your thoughts so write to echo@sid.adventist.org

Saneliso Moyo is currently serving as Production Manager at SIDmedia.

By Dr Solomon Maphosa I think I know why God created human beings last during the creation week! Let me explain why I think so. As part of preparation for the Sabbath one of my assignments dating many years back was, and still is, to polish shoes for the family. To accomplish my task at that time I would use two brushes, shoe polish and an old cloth. To make the picture clearer, of the two brushes, one was very old and the other was kind of new. The older brush was for applying shoe polish on the shoe and the newer one was for giving shine to the shoe. On this particular Friday afternoon I was busy with the shoes under the shade of a peach tree. When I was almost done, I noticed that on one of the shoes I had not applied polish at all. I then reached for polish and the old brush. To my surprise, the brush was gone! I checked all around the shade where I was sitting and the old brush was just not there! As I raised my eyes from where I sat, I saw her! I saw my little daughter with the old brush on her back and she was singing a lullaby to the brush as a mother trying to rock a baby to sleep. I kindly asked her to give the brush to me as I wanted to use it. Then the unexpected happened! I could not even believe my ears! She held the brush close to herself and said, “No, daddy. No! It’s mine, it’s mine, it’s my baby.” I looked at her and laughed hard. That brush was hers, really? The brush that I had bought in my teenage years, way before I even met her mother! And besides, whose was she? So I stood and went straight to her and picked up both my daughter and my brush. Do you now see my point? Human beings are born into a world full of silver and gold and all treasures. No one ever came from their mother’s womb with bags and bags of money. Human beings arrive on this planet with nothing as they are born. But just give them a few more years on God’s earth and listen to what they will say. They will talk about what they own! They come onto God’s earth with nothing and they find the earth which God created full of resources and then they go on to claim God’s things as theirs. God’s message to them was, “Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” Genesis 1:28. The Lord did not say everything that is on this earth is yours. No! He said rule. God did not surrender His ownership of this world and its fullness to man. Listen to the Word of the Lord: “‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,' declares the LORD Almighty”. Haggai 2:8 "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it." 1Corinthians 10:26. “for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.” Psalm 50:10. So tell me. What do you own? Let me help you. You own nothing. Why then do you struggle when the owner says return x amount to me?

Solomon Maphosa is currently serving as the President of the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division of Seventh-day Adventists.

4th Quarter 2017 | Adventist Echo

HOME VISITATION: By Pastor Aniel Barbe

The Queen Strategy to Grow Faithfulness How do we grow faithfulness in the local church? This represents a concern for pastors and other church leaders. This article explores home visitation as an adequate strategy to lead people to faithfulness.

The One Who Visits The God of the Bible is involved in personal encounters with His creatures. He is both Elohim and Yahweh. As Elohim, He stands as the Creator of the universe and as the Sovereign God. As Yahweh, He is the God of the covenant who entertains an intimate relationship with His creatures. In Deuteronomy 4:7, Moses declares that the closeness of God participates to the greatness of His people. Our first parents had the privilege to be visited in their personal habitat: “They were visited by angels, and were granted communion with their Maker, with no obscuring veil between.” After Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they did not receive a convocation but a visit. He came on a visit at the cool of the day (Gen. 3:8). This was God’s opening strategy to reach out to unfaithful humanity. The culmination of the redemption plan was also actualized through the visitation of His very Son to planet earth. Visitation is engraved in the interaction of God with humanity. God follows a distinctive pattern during visitation. In reference to the account of Genesis 3, God visits to give an opportunity for those visited to speak out (v. 9-10), to provide a word of instruction (v. 16-19), to attend to existing needs (v.21) and to share a word of hope (v.15). Is the practice of visitation limited to God, the Invisible Guest, or does it stand as a model for His co-workers?

Shepherding and Visitation Pastors and spiritual leaders accomplish several tasks in the local Church. However, their basic calling is to serve as a Pastor-Shepherd (Act. 20:28; 2 Pe. 5:2). What does it imply to be a shepherd? Shepherds are called to “keep watch” and to “take care”. Acts 20:20, reveals the two dimensions of the shepherding responsibility: public and house to house ministry.

4th Quarter 2017 | Adventist Echo

Ellen White is explicit about the association between visitation and shepherding. She writes about an elder who was reticent to visit: “Elder H used to live here and preach to the people, but he was not a shepherd of the flock. He would tell the poor sheep that he would rather be horse-whipped than visit.” The absence of home visitation disqualifies a lay spiritual leader to be a shepherd. Pastors have a similar obligation: “The pastor is a shepherd of the sheep, guarding them, feeding them, warning them, reproving them, or encouraging them, as the case may require. There is visiting to be done…” Home visitation has even an administrative implication: “The flock of God have a right to expect to be visited by their pastor, to be instructed, advised, counseled, in their own homes. And if a man fails to do this part of the work, he cannot be a minister after God’s order.” Shepherding is a ministry of proximity, which is adequately expressed through visitation. Visitation is not an optional component of the pastoral ministry.

Visitations and Grooming Faithfulness Visitation creates the conviction that one is loved. Apostle Paul speaks about the power of love: “For Christ’s love compels us…” (2 Co. 5:14). Love is the driving force that leads to commitment, dedication and faithfulness. People experience the love of God directly and through human agents. In the time of the prophet Hosea, characterized by dire unfaithfulness, God endeavors to bring his children back to Him: “I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love.” (Hos. 11:4). People came to realize God’s love through expressions of “human kindness” and eventually returned to Him. Stott elaborates on the benefit of visitation: “There is no quicker way of bridging the gulf between preacher and people than meeting them in their homes and in our home. The effective preacher is always a diligent pastor. Only if he makes time each week both for visiting people and for interviewing them, will he be en rapport with them as he preaches." Visitation stands as one of the foremost means to build relationship and express love.

"We experience the love of God directly and through human agents."

The experience of Zacchaeus testifies about the power of visitation to change the course of a life. Zacchaeus, led by his lust for possession, lived an unfaithful life until the day he met Jesus. The turning point of his life was this proposal from Jesus: “Hurry down, Zacchaeus, because I must stay in your house today.” Luke 19: 5 His situation was so desperate that a talk by the Sycamore tree or an appointment at the synagogue next Sabbath would not have been sufficient. A home visitation was needed to soften the heart of Zacchaeus. Hence, the greediest man of Jericho was changed into the most generous man of the city. Visitation grows faithfulness. It is particularly effective in leading people to faithfulnes in the stewardship of resources.

The Practice of Home Visitations Ellen White explains about the content of visitation purpose: “There is visiting to be done, not to have a pleasant chat, but to do the work required of a watchman. There should be earnest conversation and prayer with these souls. This is the kind of work that gains valuable experience in the upbuilding of Christ’s kingdom.” Visitation is more than a social call. It serve as a spiritual checkup (2 Co. 13:5) for the community of believers. The visitation ministry involves primarily those who have a pastoral responsibility: Pastors, elders, deacons and deaconesses. Others can also be enlisted in this work. An effective visitation ministry will have the following characteristics: Recruitment of a team, training of the people involved in this ministry, organizing the visitation program, establishing a calendar of visitations and debriefing exercise at regular intervals. There are three common type of visitations: Systematic visitation, emergency visitation, specific stewardship visitation. The systematic visitation targets every member of the Church. Everyone who is part of the visitation team is involved. The purpose is to nurture members spiritually, including stewardship. Emergency visitation is for members who are going through a punctual challenge or experience. The choice of the one doing the visitation depends on the

nature of the challenge. The aim is to listen, to assess the situation, to give encouragement, to provide a service or to suggest a referral. The specific stewardship visitation is a sensitive exercise. It is primarily a means of reaching out to church members who are struggling with the issue of returning tithe. Hence, this visitation can only be accomplished by those who are privy to information pertaining to members’ fidelity in tithing. The finality is to lead members to recommit themselves to God and to their stewardship obligation. Referring to the principle of accountability enunciated in Ezekiel 3:16-20, the absence of visitation does not excuse the unfaithful, nevertheless the spiritual leader will have to answer for the negligence of the sacred responsibility. Churches who implement systematic visitations and are prompt to do emergency visitations have a reduced need of specific stewardship visitation. We plead for the inclusion of home visitations as a privileged means to educate members in faithfulness. Local churches are encouraged to reestablish and revitalize this ministry. It is simple, affordable and not taxing on the church schedule. Blessed are those who do visitations in the name and in like manner as God. They will be known as Kingdom Builders. 1

Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, 50.

Ellen G. White, Manuscript Releases Vol. 9: 342,344.

Ellen G. White, Review and Herald, October 20, 1896.

Ellen G. White, Appeals and Suggestions to Conference Officers, 18.

Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, 479.

John R. Stott, The Preacher's Portrait (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publ.Co.1961), 88. 6

Ellen G. White, Review and Herald, October 20, 1896.

Aniel Barbe is currently serving as the Stewardship Director of the Southern AfricaIndian Ocean Division of Seventh-day Adventists. 4th Quarter 2017 | Adventist Echo

Ye Are Not Your Own By David Melusi Nkosi

used to create him are God’s (Gen 2:7), and (3), when man was lost to sin, God reinstated his ownership by redeeming him from the curse of the law (1Co 6:19). For this cause, man belongs to God both by creation and redemption.

Stewardship is a very broad, yet interesting concept. Its existence predates the birth of human life, yet its application depends on it. Put in another way, stewardship in the absence of a steward is a mere theoretical concept. The concept only comes into effect at the creation and delegation of a steward; see Genesis 1:26-28. In the asserted verses, the application of stewardship is largely externalized. In other words, the steward’s delegated duties are detached from his being. However, if taken in its immediate context, stewardship relates more expressly to the governance of self through God’s external-objective-standard, (the law).

Now, he who commits his property into another man’s care becomes the ultimate determiner of how his property is handled. For example, in a case of a creature-Creator relationship, the rightful determiner of the terms and conditions of existence is the Creator. So, given that man is entrusted with an animate body, man is readily answerable to God for how he uses God’s property, (the animate body). To qualify this claim, consider this concluding text; “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” (1Co 6:19-20, KJV).

To qualify this claim, we need to consider three points; (1) man’s existence is derived, it is not inherent; (2) the resources that were

David Nkosi is studying Theology at

Helderberg College in Somerset West.

All of Me

By Ndabezinhle Sibanda

Gladys Sibanda looks over her field

Ms Gladys Sibanda, a vegetable and maize farmer from Nyamandlovu, an area in the Southern region of Zimbabwe has learnt the importance of returning tithe and offering, as well as keeping the Sabbath day holy. Born and raised an Adventist, Gladys always felt guilty when her father went into the fields on Sabbath to watch over the fields to ensure animals do not destroy the crops. One day she approached him and requested that they stop keeping watch on the Sabbath. He doubtfully agreed. Although some of her workers were not members of the Seventh-day Adventist church, she insisted that all six of them should knock off earlier on Fridays in order for them to prepare for the Sabbath. Once they stopped watching the fields on Sabbath, the animals were nowhere to be seen. Ms Sibanda proudly reminded her father of the promise made by God in Leviticus 26:3-4 which says, If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands, I will send you rain in its season, and the ground Photos: Ndabezinhle Sibanda

Farm worker gets baptised

will yield its crops and the trees their fruit (NIV) At her farm, Gladys always makes sure that each day starts with prayer. Seeing this testimony made her employees realize that she serves a God who hears and answers prayer. Gladys believes that stewardship involves a persons’ entire lifestyle, being faithful with their income, returning tithe and giving offering, as well as keeping the Sabbath day holy and treating workers well. She is convinced that being faithful and trusting in God is vital because He will bless you. Sometimes He may not respond in the way we hope or anticipate, but His timing is perfect and in the end He always gives more than we ask for. Using the Bible as a point of reference to show God's position on the Sabbath, she explained that faithfulness entails keeping the Sabbath and leaving the consequences to God.

Ndabezinhle Sibanda is currently

serving as a Media & IT technician for the West Zimbabwe Confernce of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

the proverbs of

Ellen G. White by Dr Passmore Hachalinga

-No. 2

"Prayer Is The Key" “Why should the sons and daughters of God be reluctant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence?” (Steps to Christ, p. 94-5, First published in 1892). Photo courtesy of the Ellen G White Estate, Inc.

According to the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, a key is “something that makes you able to understand or achieve something.” A key implies the existence of a door or a gate that must be opened or locked. Unlocking gives you access, while locking assures you security against the intrusion of forbidden persons or animals. One who seeks entry without a key or by some other way is a thief and a robber (John 10:1). For one to open or shut, it signifies that that person has authority and power to do so (Rev. 3:8). By his power, Christ rose from the dead because he holds the keys of death and the grave (Rev. 1:18). God’s children, too, have power “to unlock heaven’s storehouse where are treasured boundless resources of Omnipotence.” The apostle James charges, “You don’t have, because you don’t ask God.” (4:2b). Thus, Christ implores, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks the door will be opened.” (Matt. 7:7-8). With such assuring promises, indeed, “why should the sons and daughters of God be reluctant to pray?” God is eager to grant their requests, as indicated in this promise, “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear.” (Isaiah 65:24). Ellen White highlights the benefit of prayer, saying, “The summing up of the benefit of prayer is that devotion that leads to faith in God’s promises. This faith is the key that opens the divine treasury, [it] is the hand by which we appropriate to use the richest gifts of God. The prayer of the contrite heart unlocks the treasure house of supplies, and lays hold of Omnipotent power.” (Signs of Times, June 8, 1896). Christ promised the disciples, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matt. 16:19). Ellen White elaborates on this promise, saying, “‘The keys

of the kingdom of heaven’ are the words of Christ. All the words of Holy Scripture are H i s , and are included. These words have power to open and to shut heaven.” (DA. 413). She explains further, “The words of Christ: ‘I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven,’ were not addressed to Peter alone, but to the disciples, including those who compose the Christian church in all ages.” (Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 2, 1877: 273). With this power, to open and shut heaven, the prophet Elijah approached Ahab, Israel’s most wicked king, announcing, “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.” (1Kings 17:1b). “Before he (Ahab) could recover from his astonishment or frame a reply, Elijah disappeared, taking with him the key of heaven . . .. His word had locked up the treasures of heaven, and his word only could open them again.” (SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 2, 1976:1033-1034). Later, when Elijah prayed again, “the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.” (James 5:18). What a mighty power in prayer, that God has granted his children! Child of God, do you lack anything? Ask Him now!

Passmore Hachalinga is the Director of the Ellen G. White Research & Heritage Center at Helderberg College, in Cape Town, South Africa.

41thst Quarter 2017 | Adventist Echo

Sound

Doctrine By Qedumusa Mathonsi

Part 1

religion but refuse the cutting demands of Christian living. It is in the back drop of this chapter that Paul talks about how many will also depart from the plain and authoritative injunctions of the Bible and the Holy Word of God. Our times seem to be the very times that Paul spoke about. We are at the crossroads of history. Preach the word; be instant in season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lasts shall heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables 2 Timothy 4: 2-4, KJV From the onset before drawing lessons from the text quoted above in the fourth chapter of the second book of Timothy, it is very important to look at the context of Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s discourse under consideration. While there are several issues that Paul could be dealing with in his letter to Timothy I shall confine the current context to the third chapter that precedes the fourth chapter. Paul has just told us about the grim picture of the last days before Jesus returns. But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people 2 Timothy 3:1-7 It is baffling to a careful reader, how Paul seems to indeed enumerate the vices of the 21st century as if he just read the viral Facebook pages or the news headlines of our Century. Whether it be Asia, the Americas, Europe, Australia or Africa or the Islands of the sea, selfishness, greed, materialism, violence, lack of natural affection, corruption, and fierceness characterises our generation with such mathematical accuracy. As if in conclusion; the summary of what both Christians and non-Christians will be is that professed Christians will make a profession but deny the dictums of Christian living. This is true all around us that many a believer profess

1st Quarter 2017 | Adventist Echo

At the Crossroads of History Times have changed and they continue to change. In the process, some are already in the process of changing while others have already changed with the times. While some have fiercely resisted the changes, some are finding a way of adapting to the changes. On the other hand, while others are working against the changes, others are in million dollar organizations and projects to shift the social, moral, economic, and spiritual compass of many of us, perceptibly and imperceptibly. It is an undeniable fact that there are positive changes that all of us may need to undergo especially as it pertains to the place of scripture and its teachings. For example, Paul and the rest of the holy prophets and apostles wrote in different times. They lived during the days of Nimrod, some in the days when Egypt, or Assyria, Babylon, Medo- Persia, or Pagan Rome were superpowers. Our superpowers are no longer those but ours are the arguably United States, Russia, China and others. They were no cars or planes in the days of the apostles. They used camels, horses, donkeys and ships as mode of transport. They did not have electricity nor computers or cellphones. Leprosy was the dreaded disease in their day but ours are many; high blood pressure, cancer, malaria, HIV/ AIDS and countless other ones. On a positive note, as we read the Word of God the idioms of the days of the apostles may need to be understood and interpreted in the language that people of the present generation understand. This is what I may call positive change for lack of a better word, but on the other hand we also face the threat of wrong changes.

Qedumusa Mathonsi serves as an Associate Executive Secretary of the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division of Seventh-day Adventists.

Young Adventist Samuel Chiwanda Foster What is your chosen career path ? This is a tricky one, I am primarily a Business person – majoring in the Telecoms and System Automation space. The name of the company is Click Mobile. We basically operate as Route Mobility.

Where did you attend university University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, which is in Kenya

Favorite moment or fond memory about Baraton? Mmmmmh Friday night African Symphony (singing group) practice sessions.

What inspired you to want to be a business man? I worked briefly for a company on a unpaid/ volunteer kind of setup. The feeling of having to report to someone and having no freedom to make decisions was my greatest inspiration. I wanted to be in control and make decisions.

The challenges that come with being self employed?

What words of advise would you give to teenage Samuel ?

Yhooo, the list is endless, When you are broke...you are broke, you have no one to blame. Starting up is the biggest hurdle.

Hang out with parents – make people who have children your friends. Weird but true, their advice is parental and you tend to see the importance of making mature decisions.

The positives that come with being self employed ? The control, being able to make decisions and having yourself to blame and most of all creating employment – Great feeling!

What should every entrepreneur know? It is not easy but it must be done!

Best advice from your parents ?

5 words to live by? There are no limits - none!

Favorite Bible verse ? Philippians: 4:13 I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.

The theme for this issue is stewardship. What does stewardship mean to you? Responsibility and accountability

It was not exactly advice – but I really think they believed in me. That pushed me even harder!

One thing that your friends would be surprised to know about you ? I can’t wait to be married and have kids! Believe it! 4th Quarter 2017 | Adventist Echo

Church Responds To Gender-Based Violence, Hiv And Drug Abuse.

Pastor Tumisho Salome (extreme left), as a guest speaker on a panel of overcoming drug abuse

Pastor Tumisho Salome (extreme right), TOC Director for Health and HIA/ AIDS, sitting with other spiritual leaders Photos: Melusi Ndhlalambi

CORRESPONDENT: MELUSI NDHLALAMBI The Trans-Orange Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Southern Africa Union Conference, participated in a national Men’s Dialogue in Soshanguve . During this meeting, they engaged with national leaders and men on gender-based violence, HIV and Substance abuse. This national initiative is a collaborative effort between civil society sectors and government (led by the Civil Society Forum and Men’s sector of the South African National Aids Council (SANAC). The aim of the dialogue is to raise awareness among men and boys on key issues such as gender-based violence, HIV testing, substance abuse and the importance of accessing health services. The dialogue was attended by a network of religious leaders and civil society organisations who applauded the initiative. Speaking at the inaugural national dialogue with men, Pastor Thabiso Salome, the TOC Director for Health and HIV/AIDS, noted that, “as the Seventh-day Adventist Church, we have a life-changing message about morality, health, diet, HIV, drug abuse and gender-based violence. Unfortunately, this message is not known out there. We got involved in this dialogue to let the world know about

our message. We must bring back God’s original plan for health, healing and hope to the family unit.” Also in attendance were the TOC Youth Director, Pastor Themba Maseko, Family Life Ministries director Pastor Mahlangu, Family Life Evangelist, Pastor Tiyani Mongwe, and Pastor Imasiku Neeta (TOC church pastor.) The SANAC Chairperson and Deputy President of South Africa, Dr Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a key note address and applauded the SANAC men’s sector for taking an unequivocal stance against gender-based violence. He also extended appreciation to the South African Network of Religious Leaders Living With or Personally Affected by HIV and AIDS (SANERELA) for being our trusted ally in this struggle. He commended South Africa’s faith based communities for remaining as a bedrock and pillar of the country and using their experience and faith to promote the health of South Africans. The key message from the Deputy President to all men in South Africa is, “Get tested, get treatment and avoid risky sexual behavior. Our children and youth must stay at school and equip themselves with skills and education.” The outcome of this and other planned dialogues will be formulated into a report that will be presented to the Takuwani Riime Men’s Parliament scheduled for 19 November 2017 as part of commemorating International Men’s Day.

TOC pastors during the National Men's Dialogue. (L-R: Pastor Masiku, Pastor Salome, Pastor Maseko and Pastor Mahlangu)

4th Quarter 2017 | Adventist Echo

RUSANGU UNIVERSITY Monze - Zambia â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Educating For Serviceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Our Vision To be a model Christian University in Africa. Our Mission To provide quality wholistic Christian education at tertiary level to all who meet the University entry requirements. SCHOOLS 1. School of Business 2. School of Education 3. School of Health Sciences 4. School of Humanities and Social Sciences 5. School of Science and Technology 6. School of Theology and Religious Studies 7. School of Graduate studies

Rusangu University, P. O. Box 660391, Monze, Zambia. Cell: +260 976 271 138 Email: info@ru.edu.zm, admissions@ru.edu.zm Website: www.ru.edu.zm

Photos: Southern Zambia Union Conference

TITHE AND OFFERING IN KIND CORRESPONDENT: WEBSTER SILUNGWE

Mrs Beatrice Niel (on the right), with daughter, Millicenty Niel and a grand daughter at their Farm after the counting of cows for tithe and offering

South Zambia Conference still enjoys good response in tithe and offering from its farmers. On 25th July, 2017 the Niel family in Choma, hosted the conference president, Pastor Maxwell Muvwimi and the Stewardship director, Pastor Johan Siachibila, who helped the family to count their cows and set aside what belongs to the Lord, as they always do each year. 13 cows were counted as tithe and 13 as offering, bringing the total to 26. Pastor Siachibila disclosed that apart from this family many others are doing the same from different places in the conference. Just last year (2016) alone, 247 cows were given to the Lord for the advancement of His cause. Furthermore, the conference has distributed 42,000 empty bags for the collection of maize and groundnuts in various districts. May honor and glory be rendered to the Lord who is the ultimate giver of whatever we possess.

4th Quarter 2017 | Adventist Echo Bags of maize for tithe and offering being offloaded at South Zambia Conference, Rusangu.

CORRESPONDENT: NOEL SIBANDA Brazil was the venue for this year’s Global Adventist Internet Network, also known as GAiN. Hundreds of communicators converged at the Adventist university, UNASP, to attend this prestigious annual showcase for all our Adventist IT and Media Communicators.

The General Conference Associate Youth Director, Pastor Pako Mokgwane was present to receive the award from our leaders. Delegates had a chance to visit the Brazil Publishing House and Novo Tempo. With a staff compliment of more than 400 workers, Novo Tempo is an inspiration for many established and aspiring broadcasters.

Running under the theme, WIRED FOR MISSION, the summit drew participants from our 13 Divisions and the organisers put together a show that tackled topics that ranged from Adventist Mission to evangelism. The delegates were also encouraged to seek ways of using technology to further the gospel.

Elder Costa Williams, used the platform to talk about ACT, which stands for Adventists Communication Training. This project has been created in an effort to empower church communicators through lessons that are tailor made to improve their communication skills.

During the GAiN Summit, Elder Costa Williams who serves as the Communication director at the General Conference, paid tribute to the Youth Department, for the noble cause they have embarked on, that of Global Youth Day. This is an annual event where our young people across the globe engage in charity work to serve their community. For just one day, they are encouraged to “Be the Sermon.”

The climax of the GAiN summit, was electric, as our hosts put up a splendid show for the delegates. The well rehearsed show was a master piece to say the least and the performers were given a standing ovation by the live audience.

4th Quarter 2017 | Adventist Echo

In 2018, the GAiN Summit, will be held in Seoul, South Korea, in the month of August. Participants are already excited about the next meeting.

SID delegates at GAiN conference

Photo: Thembinkosi Moyo

MICHELO MULAMBO

STEVEN JATO

"We learned how other institutions are doing their work in terms of media and IT and we appreciate all the organizers have done to make this meeting a success."

"We have learnt that technology is there for the church. There are many times when we mistakenly think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just for the world but we have realized that the church has to embrace the system and see to it that it is upheld and practiced."

WEBSTER SILUNGWE

"We have learnt a lot on communication, on networking, and on diverse technology. We also enjoyed the presenters from all over the world. It has really been a good experience. Ultimately we can safely say, we are 'Wired For Mission.'"

Brian Stepanek

NDABEZINHLE SIBANDA

We have seen that the work here did not grow overnight but took time. We also learnt that it took strategy and commitment. We need more of commitment and less talk.

Collaboration is the key for our future in the church. Learning to work together isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t easy because we have different cultures and different ideas but collaboration is the only way we will survive in this day and age.

NDABEZINHLE MASUKU

There is a lot of potential for us to use technology in mission work.It was also exciting to see projects from different people who are taking initiative to find solutions through technology and social media for ministry.

Photos: Michelo Mulambo

SID GAiN delegates inside meeting hall

1st Quarter 2017 | Adventist Echo

SID staff members and GAiN delegates visiting Novo Tempo

Adventist Women’s Ministries Congress, Indian Ocean Union Conference

IOUC President, Pastor Jasmine Herinirina addresses crowd during AWM congress

CORRESPONDENT: RADO RAKOTONANDRASANA The Adventist Women’s Ministries Congress was held from 8-13 August in the town Majunga, Madagascar. 8000 women attended this meeting and on the Sabbath Day, more than 15 000 people gathered to praise the Lord at the sports stadium.

The highlight of the event was on the Sabbath. We witnessed 23 souls give their hearts to Jesus through baptism. These people met Christ through the seminars and conferences led by the women of Majunga.

The official opening took place in the presence of some dignitaries of the Island. There were representatives from the first Lady’s office, the Prime Minister’s wife, Bernadette SOLONANDRASANA and the Mayor of the city, Mokhtar ANDRIANTOMANGA

The theme of the congress was “Fill My Cup” and we believe that the women returned with hearts that are Spirit filled. We thank God for the success of this congress. Glory be to God!

In addition to devotions and training given during the congress, the women made an impact in the town of Majunga. A march took place in the city with the ladies dressed in traditional costumes. A health expo was organized for the inhabitants of the town and in the evenings thousands came to listen to the word of God being shared. During the weekend, the women scattered across the city for the distribution of missionary books, glow tracts and food. Over 2000 less fortunate homes received 15 tons of rice, 2000 bottles of soap, 2 tons of beans. The Locals also received bales of clothing.

Photo: Indian Ocean Union Conference

Margery Herinirina illustrates the story of the woman at the well during AWM congress

AAIM: South Zambia Union Conference Hosts Seminar on HIV and AIDS CORRESPONDENT: ALEXIS LLAGUNO August 18-20 was the date set aside for the Adventist AIDS International Ministry seminar and review of existing HIV programs in the Southern Zambia Union Conference in Lusaka. The meeting was organized by Dr Mutinta Chilufya- SZUC Health and HIV Coordinator and wife of Zambia Ministry of Health Dr Chitalu Chilufya. Participants included HIV coordinators for the different conferences and local churches, pastors and those suffering from HIV. The two main goals are to make our churches aware of the HIV pandemic, including education for prevention and how are members can be involved in the fight against this scourge.

Lulu Haangala-Wood (Far left) , Medhin Tsheui, UNAIDS Country Director and Government Official

4th Quarter 2017 | Adventist Echo

One of the guest speakers was Mrs Lulu Hangaala-Wood who is the Ambassador of Goodwill to the UNAIDS office in Lusaka. Although her office demands that she gets involved with all the HIV programs, she is very passionate about how this disease is disproportionately affecting young people and woman especially here in the continent of Africa. Worldwide it is known that 1 out of

Faithful Against All Odds

Ibrahimo with his lecturer Dr Emilita Photos: Noel Sibanda

CORRESPONDENT: NOEL SIBANDA The story of soul winning in the Southern Africa-India Ocean Division, would not be complete without the testimony of a student doctor in Mozambique. Faced between choosing the Sabbath day

Hope Behind Bars CORRESPONDENT: PHILLIMON ARMANDO Botswana Union Conference, in collaboration with North Botswana Conference and ShareHim International from Australia, conducted an effort at Maun prison during the month of August. Dr Olaotse Gabasiane, Botswana Union Conference Executive Secretary and his wife Betty Chandapiwa Gabasiane were the guest speakers. They also took the opportunity to conduct some counseling sessions for the inmates. 75 inmates graduated with a certificate on prevention of substance abuse while another 100 enrolled for the VOP lessons. The Union also donated about 200 Bibles, P15,000 worth of toiletries and hymn books among other gifts. As Matthew 25:36 says, "I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came

4 new infections are in the ages 13-24 years old. There is a lot that needs to be done to reduce this number even within the church. We need to preserve our young people or else this church has a bleak future.

and attending classes and writing exams on the Sabbath, brother Ibrahimo Acy, a Literature evangelist with a passion for evangelism, has stuck to the scriptures, saying that, it is better to listen to God rather than man. His stance on the Sabbath has seen his studies suffer, but he is comforted by winning souls for Christ. One of the new souls that he brought to Jesus is his Medical College Lecturer, Dr Emilita, who after receiving the book the Great Controversy, decided to accept Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour. The power of the printed page can never be underestimated, as Dr Emilita, was baptized in Maputo and is now a member of the Seventh Day Adventist church. Brother Ibrahimo is now also enjoying his studies as the lecturers came to understand his Adventist faith and his zeal in keeping the Sabbath day holy. This has won him favor, not only with His Creator, but also his friends and family. This is indeed, Total Member Involvement taking place in Mozambique.

Photo: Botswana Union Conference

Dr Olaotse Gabasiane handing over certificates to Maun prison officers.

to visit me." As we serve our communities in various ways may we not forget those in prison.

Lulu Haangala-Wood UNAIDS Goodwill Ambas-

Lulu is offering her services sador, Zambia , Alexis Llaguno AAIM Director to the church wherever she Photo: Lulu Haangala-Wood is needed. This pandemic is gigantic. The church cannot handle this alone. We have to collaborate with other agencies who are willing to partner with the church as long as there is no compromise in our principles.

4th Quarter 2017 | Adventist Echo www.hrc.org

#BEINTHEKNOW

Church members attend Gauteng 2018 Launch

t is not business as usual in 2018 as the Seventh-day Adventist church embarks on an evangelistic campaign dubbed ‘Gauteng 2018: Sharing Hope and Healing’. This project is called Gauteng 2018 because of the high population of this province, which makes it an appropriate choice for the emphasis of “Mission To The Cities.” 2018 is the year in which maximum impact is envisaged. However, follow up activities to this project are expected to go beyond 2020. One could ask, ‘Why Sharing Hope and Healing?’ It is simple. The signs of the times are being fulfilled at quick succession around the world. Human life is daily devastated by crime, natural disasters, economic challenges, marriage and family dysfunctions, lifestyle diseases, delinquent children, and the list goes on and on. The future is now full of uncertainties. These issues are not only affecting the world out there. Gauteng, as a province, has its share of anxiety and many across social strata wish there was more to life than mere material success. Multifaceted Programming

Objectives

The Gauteng 2018 programming is multifaceted. There are social action programs that address felt needs. These include, but are not limited to, health expos and symposia, nutrition and cooking clinics, lifestyle seminars, family and marriage seminars, guidance and counselling programs for young people, Homes of Hope and Healing and community welfare services.

This project has fundamental objectives it seeks to achieve:

There are also plans to have spiritual enrichment and outreach in almost

all the suburban areas. The church, through its members, is determined to distribute the Glow tracts and the book ‘When God Said Remember’. At least each household in Gauteng needs to receive their share either as hard or soft copies. The VOP lessons are also going to be a major thrust like never before. Evangelistic campaigns are done through house meetings and public meetings. So each church is going to be a site. Each institution of higher learning is also going to be a site and Campus Ministries will assist a great deal in this area. Adventist primary and high schools are also coming on board. There are also several tent meetings planned to run in various high density communities. What makes this project historic is that, by faith, God is providing a minimum of three thousand house meetings as part of the reaping campaigns. There is no need to doubt this because He said that the church should pray the Lord of the harvest to provide the reapers. Is there anything too hard for the Lord?

4th Quarter 2017 | Adventist Echo

1. To boost member involvement through Total Member Involvement (TMI). 2. To adopt friendship evangelism as the mode of engaging communities. 3. To boost sustainable Adventist presence and visibility across the province. 4. To be relevant to communities and earn their respect and

confidence. 5. To experience church growth in membership and vibrant ministries. Total Member Involvement (TMI) As far as TMI is concerned, each member is encouraged to do anything for Christ. This can be absolutely anything, from giving literature to people; donating money to local churches to procure material for community projects; feeding and accommodating evangelists; transporting evangelists to meetings; ushering at campaigns; sending invites to close connections, enrolling people to VOP; bringing friends and neighbors to Homes of Hope and Healing; praying and fasting; training other members; offering homes to be used as campaign sites or as venues for cooking classes; or volunteering to be speakers at felt needs seminars of choice or as evangelists. Anything goes in this project. Our worst enemy is fear itself. However, God’s children must always move forward even if they may be uncertain of what the future holds. They know that God is in control. Fortunately, all the departments are available to offer training when duty calls. Creative Evangelism This project is a huge test to our conventional methods of doing evangelism. Unfortunately, the world is a fast changing and an unpredictable environment. Some methods will work better in some areas and not so well in others. This is why there is a call by the world church to be innovative and creative. We need to think outside the box and try some methods we haven’t implemented before. Various departments have made an effort to do things slightly different this time around. For instance, the Adventist Youth is embarking on what they call Community Pathfinder Clubs. They are bringing Pathfinder Clubs to communities. This is going to see quite a number of community youths embracing activities and moral values that take them away from sex, drugs, violence and crime. VOP has also come up with an initiative to reach high school students through their new series called ‘Discovering your Path to Success during High School’. Family Life Ministries and Personal Ministries are teaming up on a project called Building Friendships that Strengthen Families. This project assists Adventists to develop meaningful friendships with community members through hope and healing discussion

networks. Health Ministries is also reaching business executives and professionals with the first ever health symposia facilitated by internationally renowned speakers. This is just the tip of the iceberg. There are more other departments thinking outside the box. However, there is nothing that stops any local church or member to think outside the box. What is important is to think and to share the vision with the relevant leaders so that we don’t catch each other by surprise. Reaching People with Special Needs and Other Religions The Special Needs Department is making every effort to ensure that people with special needs benefit from both the felt needs and spiritual initiatives. This includes coming up with workshops and campaign sites for them. Equally the same, the Adventist Missions, in collaboration with secretariat, is also reaching out to one or two communities that belong to various religions. The world church has offered to provide technical advice and training in this area. Support Base The Adventist church is a big family. There is going to be support from around the world; the Southern Africa Indian-Ocean Division (SID) and its unions; and from the regions and conferences outside of Gauteng, but within the Southern Africa Union Conference (SAUC) territory. It is also important to note that this program is collectively hosted and managed by the SID, SAUC, the Northern Conference of South Africa (NCSA) and the Trans Orange Conference (TOC) and their institutions and local churches. It Is Written, an international ministry, ADRA Africa and SAUC ADRA including Meals on Wheels (MOWCS) are some of the major partners of this project. Finally, the funding of this project is based on the TMI philosophy. Everyone (from entities to members) has a part to play to ensure availability of funds. Website The SID Communication Department has developed a website that will both speak to the public as well as to the church itself. For further information visit www.gauteng2018.org.

Michael Ngwaru is the Personal Ministries

Director of the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division of Seventh-day Adventists.

Photos: Ian Kitney

Various speakers and musicians present during Gauteng 2018 launch

4th Quarter 2017 | Adventist Echo

Kanye District I Applauds PALS under the theme: Developing Skills to Build Relationships CORRESPONDENT: KAGISO MOTHLAAPULA The Kanye District women found it fit to leave their comfort zones and spend the cold weekend together at Moshaneng Village. Over 75 women as well as the young women, accepted the invitation and honored the PALS program. The theme of the weekend was: Developing Skills to Build Relationships. The purpose of the PALS program is designed to encourage parents who have adult children, who have wandered from God and the church so as to provide a platform for such parents to offload their burdens, find support, pray together, and build relationships that have God as their foundation. When charging the gathered women, the District Pastor, Benza Benda applauded the world-wide church for developing such a unique program, and further expressed that, “such programs should teach us how much the church cares about our families; we as a church, are a family. The PALS programs is divided into three basic focus areas, which are: Accepting – focuses on the reality of the situation and encourages parents to accept the things they cannot change, to work with the things they can and to know the difference when it comes to their relationships with their adult children. Loving – the main focus area here is a practical section of what parents can do to build better relationships with their adult children and grandchildren.

Praying – this section is devoted to interceding for adult children who are prodigals and also offers prayer support for parents who are in pain over the choices their adult children have made.

Photo: Kagiso Mothlaapula

Various presenters outlined the importance of understanding each other and accepting the fact that we are all different. “I believe understanding our difGertrude Boitumelo Kgasa encouraging ferences, be it socially, mentally, participants to build relationtionships physically, and or sexually, can play an important role in developing skills that can contribute positively in building relationships,” said Daphne Tautsile. When thanking the women, the Women’s Ministry Coordinator for this district, Shepherdess Boingotlo Motlhaapula, encouraged the women to continue supporting each other both spiritually and socially. “Mothers, ladies, let us be there for one another, let us be each other’s keeper. Let us learn to embrace our children despite the choices they have made in life. Let us love them unconditionally just as Christ has loved us and accepted us as we are,” Lamented Motlhaapula.

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4th Quarter 2017 | Adventist Echo

Helderberg College is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a Private Higher Education Institution in terms of Section 54(1)(c) of the Higher Education Act, (Act No. 101 of 1997), Certificate No. 2001/HE08/001

Outgoing ASI president Themba Sirayi (far right , front row) with incoming president Jerome Linderboom ( front row , 2nd from left) and church leaders.

CORRESPONDENT: NOEL SIBANDA Adventist Services Industry, (ASI), is a Global Adventist Association of Business people, professionals, workers and supporting ministries, who are dedicated to the mission of the church, with a passion for evangelism. In the Southern Africa Union Conference, in South Africa, the ASI is playing a leading role in the Total Member Involvement (TMI) and as such, great things are happening in our Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division, in pointing people to Christ. Using their means and talents in spreading the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ, the ASI chapter in the Southern Africa Union Conference, has embarked on projects that have benefited their communities and more so, the less privileged members of our society. The outgoing president of the ASI, Professor Themba Sirayi says, that he is confident about the future of ASI, as evidenced by what the organization has achieved in the past ten years. This was revealed during the just ended ASI elections held in Johannesburg, where a new President was voted in to lead the organisation. This high profile meeting, was attended by the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division President, Dr Solomon Maphosa who was accompanied by his Vice President, Dr Hopeson Bonya and the entire Southern Africa Union Conference delegation led by the Union President, Dr Dave Spencer. The guest speaker, Dr Delbert Baker, who is also the Vice Chancellor for the Adventist University of Africa, was highly impressed by the organization of business people, professionals, and lay people in South Africa and their unselfish spirit to support the spreading of the gospel in the country.

The incoming ASI President, Jerome Linderboom, promised to take ASI, to a higher level, by meeting the needs of the community in spreading the gospel, as evidenced by their theme and motto â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sharing Christ in the Market placesâ&#x20AC;?. In the northern parts of South Africa in the Limpopo Province, the ASI build a massive structure for the community. The magnificent church was built at a cost of about $20 000 USD dollars and as of now, the community has a place that they can call their home. Testimonies coming out from Phalaborwa church are that since the dedication of the new church, they have been more than six baptisms, a sign that the church is growing in this Province. Working hand in glove with the Cape Conference, the ASI also build a centre of influence in East London, which is now used not just for our members alone, but the entire community as well. Many are beginning to know more about our Lord and Saviour, through these facilities. The ASI continues to change the lives of the community, especially those who are still worshipping under trees or tents and thus your support is more than needed. In line with our health message, the ASI has embarked on a Wellness Health Centre and all things being equal, the state of the art centre will be completed very soon. Just as a sign of showing their commitment and dedication to the mission of the church, the ASI members raised a staggering figure of more than $100 000 USD, within an hour, during the election of the new President and more pledges were made by members to take the gospel to unentered areas. Photos: Noel Sibanda

Adventist proffesionals listen to presentations at the convention

4th Quarter 2017 | Adventist Echo

Women of Virtue CORRESPONDENT: SUSAN WILLIAMS

Photo: Botswana Union Conference

The Botswana Union Conference Women’s Ministries department held a conference in Gaborone Botswana. The theme of the conference was Women of Virtue based on the woman in Proverbs 31. Mrs Susan Williams, BUC AWM director says they were honored at the conference by the presence of the General Conference Women’s Ministries director, Mrs Heather-Dawn Small and her husband Pastor Joseph Small. Other special guests were Mrs Caroline Chola, SID Women’s Ministries director and Mrs Beauty Kotela from South Africa. Speaking at the official opening of the conference, the Honourable Mrs Gladys Kokorwe, Speaker of the House in the Government of Botswana, emphasized the importance of being united as women and that through unity much can be achieved. She gave an illustration of the geese always flying in a “V” formation. When geese fly they honk to support one another and to let the leader know that they are with him/her. When the leader tires they relieve the leader, or if one feels sick or tired they stop and rest a while. By this illustration, Honourable Kokorwe stressed the importance of team work.

General Conference AWM director Heather Dawn Small and SID AWM director Caroline Chola honor "women of excellence."

The conference ended with a special gala dinner, honoring women of excellence. It was a beautiful evening filled with music, laughter, tasty food and acknowledgement of Women of Excellence. Dr Kenaope Kenaope, the Botswana Union Conference president expressed his appreciation to the Women’s Ministries department for organizing this vitally important conference.

Catch Them Young CORRESPONDENT: CAROLINE CHOLA In line with the world church’s Total Member Involvement (TMI), evangelistic thrust, the children are playing a leading role in fulfilling the Great Commission. As the Women and Children’s ministry Director, for the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division, I was invited by the Southern Zambia Union Conference to conduct an evangelistic campaign in the West Zambia Field. I accepted the invitation, but I also requested that the children be involved. Child preachers were trained in Mongu, Sesheke and Luampa (in Kaoma). Some children served as interpreters, while others served as music leaders, ushers and prayer warriors to mention a few. Child preachers presenting at one of the sites Photo: Caroline Chola

4th Quarter 2017 | Adventist Echo

Three sites were organized where children preached to the adults every night for two weeks and after the campaign, 54 souls were baptized. We praise God for the ministry of these children and we continue to encourage every Union, to ensure that children are involved in Total Member Involvement as this will enable them to use their gifts to serve the church and the community at large.

Soloist Sonwabo Gila singing while special needs choir "signs" along Guest preacher Richard Mutahi from Nairobi, Kenya

Special needs choir sings in sign language

Witness Tsuma from Kenya and camper share an embrace

Special needs campers pose for a group photo Photos: Otieno Mkandawire

SHALOM DISTRICT EMBRACES SPECIAL NEEDS CORRESPONDENT: GERALD HARA Shalom district, which is in the Trans-Orange Conference (TOC), held a special camp meeting for people with special needs from 1 to 8 October , 2017. The camp meeting was attended by the special needs community, the majority of whom were deaf. The coordinator of the program was, Mrs Nozipho Legkwara . The guest preacher, Richard Mutahi, is a deaf evangelist from the East Kenya Union Conference, in Nairobi. The congregation was treated to spirited music, sung in sign language. The camp meeting resulted in 22 campers, mainly young

people, commiting themselves to learning Sign language. As part of their resolution, the Shalom District has decided to embrace the Special Needs Ministry as a tool for evangelism, to proclaim the Advent message. During this camp meeting, the deaf participated immensely and what was exciting was to see two deaf deacons playing a leading role in the Lord`s Supper. This was indeed something to marvel at. The Special Needs Ministry, is a ministry whose time has come, because we strongly believe, â&#x20AC;&#x153;All Are Gifted, Needed And Treasuredâ&#x20AC;?.

4th Quarter 2017 | Adventist Echo

Photos: Southern Zambia Union Conference

Youth Trained for Mission

Youth camp delegates listen to presentations

SID youth director, Busi Khumalo addresses delegates

CORRESPONDENT: EPHRAIM MUTOYA The 2017 NZUC Senior Youth Camp was held in Kabwe, a town in the central parts of Zambia. The purpose of the conference was to train the youth on how they can participate in Total Member Involvement. Speaking at the camp, the president of the Northern Zambia Union Conference, Pastor Samuel Sinyangwe stressed the point that young people need to participate in Total Member Involvement. In accordance with the camp theme, Pass It On, Pastor Busi Khumalo , SID youth director, challenged the youth to be familiar with the core objective of the youth department, which is to win souls for Christ. He reminded the young people of the mission statement of the Youth Ministries; “To lead young people into a

Saturation 2017

saving relationship with Jesus Christ and help them embrace His call to discipleship.” More than 1,000 attendees were trained by the Union and Conference leaders. They pledged to be involved in various lines of evangelism such as literature evangelism, public evangelism, campus evangelism, personal evangelism, internet evangelism and media evangelism. As the inspired writer says, “With such an army of workers as our youth, rightly trained, might furnish, how soon the message of a crucified, risen, and soon-coming Saviour might be carried to the whole world! How soon might the end come—the end of suffering and sorrow and sin!”—Messages To Young People, 7.3 Photo: PJM Photography

CORRESPONDENTS: CHARLES THANGALIMODZI & YUNOS KAMBA

Saturation 2017 is a mega evangelistic campaign which was organized by the Central Malawi Conference. The aim of the meeting was to penetrate areas in Malawi where the gospel message has not yet reached. The function was broadcasted live from Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe for an hour every evening. The broadcast went out on major television and radio stations in the country. Thousands of people turned up to the stadium every evening to listen to the powerful sermons preached by evangelist Tony Y. Nyirenda, while others joined the proceedings from various centre via satelite. The crusade attracted the attention of many religious and political leaders who came to the stadium. Among the high profile visitors was the Vice President of the Republic of Malawi, Dr Saulos Chilima. The Vice President urged the crowd to be imitators of Christ and not just His admirers. Also in attendance was the First lady of Malawi, Dr. Gertrude Mutharika. Speaking about campaign, she said, " I have been watching the sermons on television, and I wanted to experience more power right here. tonight I have been blessed by pastor Tony Nyirenda's teaching on prayer and fasting. " We praise God for the success of this evangelistic campaign which ended on a high note of a mega baptism.

4th Quarter 2017 | Adventist Echo

Evangelist Tony Nyirenda preaching at the Bingu National Stadium Photos: Central Malawi Conference

4th Quarter 2017 | Adventist Echo

KiDs and STEWARDSHIP Money Rules! 1. Earning comes before spending 2. The 10th of your money before spending belongs to God 3. Spend what is left after saving 4. You can only spend money once, choose wisely

what is a steward Anyway?

CREATION

A steward is one who takes care of everything that they are responsible for. A steward is also a manager who takes care of things given by the master. In this case, our master is God. These things include our bodies, time, gifts, home, money, church, school, community, country and universe.

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)

God is the creator of the world and therefore the owner of all that is in it. All that we have, we receive from His hand (Genesis 1 :26- 28) In exchange for all God has given, God requires that we care of this wonderful world that He made to be our home. We are good stewards whenever we take care of something that God has given to us. Being a good steward is being a good â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Managerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; over everything that is given to us by God- life, our bodies, time, talents and what we are able to do(abilities), what we own (material possessions), opportunities to be of service to others and our knowledge of the truth about God and His Love. To help us remember that he gave us everything, God asks us to give a little part to Him, which we call tithe and offerings. God asks us to bring back to Him one tenth of what we earn when we use our talents that He has given to us and this one tenth is called Tithe. Tithe supports the ministry of the church. God promises us more blessings when we give our tithe (Malachi 3:10) The offerings we give also show our love and are a way of thanking God for the blessings.

SundaySchoolResources.co.uk

4th Quarter 2017 | Adventist Echo

What does

stewardship mean to you?

Portia Ndinisa Stewardship is the work that we were given in the beginning of all creation. We are managers of God’s “garden” carefully tending to His creation.

Ednilson Paulo Stewardship is the ability to manage someone or something that I have been given as responsibility to look after.

Honest Chirwa Stewardship is me accepting that my all already belongs to God and this includes my life, talents and any other blessing that God has freely given.

Tapologo Simankane Stewardship is a lifestyle

Unique Zimuto Stewardship is caring for things that don’t belong to us in a way that He wants us to, until He returns. It also means acknowledging that God is the giver.

4th Quarter 2017 | Adventist Echo

HOME VISITATION:

The Queen Strategy to Grow Faithfulness By Aniel Barbe

Five Leading Questions for Specific Stewardship Visitation! Assessment of knowledge: Are the instructions of God about financial stewardship clear to you? Introspection: Are you living in harmony with God’s instructions in financial matters? Expressing Needs: Do you need any assistance to achieve God’s ideal for your life? Commitment: Do you choose to follow God’s plan in the management of your finances? Prayer: Do you want God to give you enough faith to experience faithful stewardship?

General Visitation Program in the Local Church Membership

1200

No of Families

400

Pastoral Staff

Visit done per Year

Visit done per Week (40 weeks)

Visit done per Day (5 days a week)

Visit Received by Family per year

1 Pastor

400

10 Elders

400

20 Deacons/ Others

800

Church Highlight HIKING FOR A CAUSE The SHIFT Seventh-day Adventist youth group is geared towards serving underprivileged communities in Southern Africa. Since 2015 they have organized mission trips to Mozambique, Botswana and Zambia, where they have done outreach through basic health ministry and giving programs to school children. These mission trips culminated in three Drakensberg Hikes which were sponsored so that the money raised went towards different mission projects.

the Rockeries Pass. This was a very hazardous climb since the hike up the pass was strewn with loose rocks and very slippery. The sponsor money that was received went to fund the Advent Hope Christian School based in Hluhluwe, Kwazulu Natal, which was founded by Thandi Masuka in 1995.

From 22-25 September 2017, they hiked up the Drakensberg via

www.shiftyouthsa.co.za

SHIFT is grateful that there are opportunities like these to do mission work in Southern Africa.

Photos: Laetitia Du Plesis

SHIFT youth group hiking up the Drakensburg

4th Quarter 2017 | Adventist Echo

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4th Quarter 2017 | Adventist Echo