Adventist Echo by Adventist Echo

ADVENTIST

SOUTHERN AFRICA - INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION

Volume 16 | October Issue

“In the beginning God created …” Genesis 1:1

- that’s how it all began -

CONTENTS Editor’s note

One year In Mission

The Creation

School of Discipleship

Oldest Pathfinder

School Lunches fuel big dreams

Children Trained as Leaders

Comprehensive Health

3 4

11 13

Grandmother’s Project

It has to be love

Restoring SDA DNA

Biker With a Mission

Religious Liberty In Zimbabwe

Hope Channel Malawi

SID OFFICERS President Dr Paul Ratsara

Striving for excellence from the pulpit to the pew Ultimate act of Stewardship It’s a Zunde

Women’s/Children Ministries Caroline Chola

SIDmedia Director Noel Sibanda

Zimbabwe Union Conference Ps Micah Choga

Executive Secretary Dr Solomon Maphosa

Sabbath School/Personal Ministries Ps Passmore Mulambo

UNION PRESIDENTS Angola NE Ps Passmore Hachalinga

Chief Financial Officer Goodwell Nthani

Education Director Dr Ellah Kamwendo

Angola SW Ps Manuel Pacheco

OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION CORRESPONDENTS NE Angola Ps Teixeira Vinte

Associate Executive Secretaries Ps Hensley Moorooven Ps Justino Paulo

Youth/Chaplaincy Ps Sibusiso Khumalo

Botswana Union Conference Dr Kenaope Kenaope

Adventist Health Ministries Dr Alexis Llaguno

Indian Ocean Union Conference Ps Jasmin Herinirina

Publishing Director Ps Super Moesi

Malawi Union Mission Ps Frackson Kuyama

HIV/AIDS Rhoda Nthani

Mozambique Union Mission Ps Girimolo Paulo Muchanga

Adventist Mission/PAKIA Ps Justino Paulo

Sao Tome & Principe Ps Jose Dias Marques

Ministerial/Family Life Dr Jongimpi Papu

Southern Africa Union Dr Tankiso Letseli

Shepherdess International Patricia Papu

Zambia Union Conference Dr Harrington Akombwa

Vice Presidents Dr Gilberto Araujo Dr Paminus Machamire Financial Officers Jean Mabuto Goodson Shumba Michael Muchula Field Secretary Dr Hopeson Bonya Communication Director Dr Paul Charles Stewardship Director Ps Aniel Barbe

SW Angola Ps Danial Cuvalela Botswana Ps Pako Mokgwane Indian Ocean Union Conference Robert Rasolonomenjanahary Malawi Dr Earnest Khonje Sao Tome & Principe Eliseu Xavier Southern Africa Union Sybil du Preez Zambia Ps Reuben Muyunda Zimbabwe Ps Felix Njini

EDITOR’S NOTE WE ARE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS Seventh-day Adventists accept the Bible as the only source of our beliefs. We consider our movement to be the result of the Protestant conviction Sola Scriptura—the Bible as the only standard of faith and practice for Christians.

And God has blessed His church with the Gift of Prophecy. The purpose is not to draw attention to the gift or the church but to Christ. This is why Ellen White referred to herself as the “lesser light” leading to the greater light. Jesus said:“I am the light of the world.” The one prophetic reality that we are all waiting for is the Second coming of Christ. All prophecies, will culminate in His return. This imminent return of Christ is what compels us to reach up, reach across and reach out. The belief in the second coming of Christ drives us to study prophecy and preach a prophetic truth. The proclamation of prophetic truth must be a natural result of revival and reformation must be the foundation, basis and impetus to preach this prophetic truth.

From the Garden of Eden to the Tower of Babel, the destruction of Sodom to the Exodus from Egypt, God has always investigated before taking action. Now, before His return, Jesus is investigating the lives of everyone who ever lived, revealing the choices that led to salvation or destruction. God wants to make clear and transparent to the watching universe that no one reaps a fate they did not choose. This judgment vindicates the justice of God in saving those who believe in Jesus. It declares that those who have remained loyal to God shall receive the kingdom. The completion of this ministry of Christ will mark the close of human probation before the Second Advent.

Who are we? We are Seventh-day Adventists! We may believe in baptism by immersion but we are not baptists; we may believe in the doctrine of trinity, but we are not catholics; we may believe in justification by faith but we are not Lutherans; we believe in the Holy Spirit but we are not Pentecostals …

Before the first coming of Jesus into this world, different identifying signs were given to show that He was the promised Messiah as prophesied. Therefore, even though, many claimed to be the Christ, only one could really be the Christ. In fact, it is clear that Jesus came as a fulfilment of prophecy. And if you did not believe in prophecy, you would not have recognised or worshipped Him. And if we indeed do believe in Jesus, then we admit that He is the One spoken about by the Prophets. To believe in Jesus is to believe in Prophecy. The Jesus we believe in is a prophetic Jesus. This prophetic Christ refers to himself as “the way, the truth and life.”

We may have a few things in common with others, but we are not equal in identity and mission. If we try to be like others … who is going to be us? Only Seventh-day Adventists can be Seventh-day Adventists. Let us live like Seventh-day Adventists … called by God at a particular time, with a particular message … we are prophetic people with a prophetic truth to proclaim. Our relevance is in the timeless truth we proclaim. Seventh-day Adventists have been chosen by God as a peculiar people, separate from the world. By the great cleaver of truth He has cut them out from the quarry of the world and brought them into connection with Himself. He has made them His representatives and has called them to be ambassadors for Him in the last work of salvation. The greatest wealth of truth ever entrusted to mortals, the most solemn and fearful warnings ever sent by God to man, have been committed to them to be given to the world.—Testimonies for the Church, Vol.7, p.138.

Let us focus on one part of this three-fold self-reference of Christ. We have already seen that He is, in essence, the Prophetic Christ. If Jesus is the truth, and He is. And if He is a prophetic Christ, and He is. Then the truth that He is must be a Prophetic Truth because the Christ that He is, is a Prophetic Christ. Prophecy is relevant because Jesus is relevant … we are not primarily followers of or believers in prophecy. But we are followers of Christ, that is why we are called Christians. And for us, prophecy becomes relevant because Christ is relevant.

May God, the Holy Spirit revive us to our true identity, mission and destiny!

Dr Paul Charles

Because Jesus’ first coming was a fulfilment of prophecy … it is not far fetched to deduce that his second coming will also be a fulfilment of prophecy. No wonder, it is written: “this same Jesus will return in like manner …”. That is a prophecy. We are Seventh-day Adventists, people who believe in and desire to prepare a people to meet Jesus at His second coming. Besides being a prophetic people we have a prophetic message. No wonder we believe in the truth as it is in Jesus Christ.

Editor Communication Director - SID

THE CREATION

Was it the violent Big Bang explosion that gave birth to the universe and the development of life? Or is this old, Holy Book correct in its simple statement, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”? The Creation – The Earth is a Witness is a day-by-day account of the biblical creation week, beginning with darkness before God created light and ending with Moses, the author of the Genesis account of creation, and his son, worshipping God on the seventh-day Sabbath. The 27-minute film has been produced by the General Conference Communication Department in partnership with filmmaker Henry Stober.

of the seventh-day Sabbath,” said Wilson. The Creation movie is one of the many resources that can be found at www.creationsabbath.net Here you will also find ideas for implementing this project in your local church or community. To view the movie in several different languages (14) go to www.daretobelieve.com. Here you can also download the movie in high definition to show in your home or church. An accompanying book, Beyond Imagination, can also be downloaded here. Become a part of the Creation Project in your community and help proclaim the first angel’s message. Andre Brink Associate Communication Director - General Conference

The climax of this movie and the Biblical Creation story is the Sabbath. God’s desire for fellowship with His Creation has always touched people’s hearts and continues to move and challenge them to make decisions. The original idea of the Creation Project came from Seventh-day Adventist Church president, Ted Wilson.“This Project is a tremendous outreach opportunity showcasing God’s incredible creative acts, supporting the Biblical timeline of a young earth, literal six-day creation week, and highlighting the beauty

LIVINGSTONE CAMPOREE The SID Youth Ministries Department held its second Pathfinder Camporee in Livingstone, Zambia on 13-19 April 2014. The turn-out to the event exceeded our expectations because we had over 4500 delegates. The theme of the camporee was “Not Ashamed”. The purpose of the camporee was to encourage and inspire youth to embrace and be active participants in the mission of the church. The program of the event was structured to challenge youth to love evangelism and not be ashamed of the gospel. We had 19 honors, 12 workshops, small groups for easy networking, outreach activities, obstacle courses, prayer wall, street parade and the official opening program. 4

We had five highlights at the camporee: a. On the official opening day we were privileged to have the Minister of Justice from the government of Zambia. He addressed the delegates and commended the church for the Pathfinder ministry. In appreciation of his excellent speech and visit, we gave him a Pathfinder neckerchief as a symbol of installing him as a ‘Pathfinder’. b. A street parade was organized on one of the days where all the delegates in their full Pathfinder regalia marched through town in their respective club formations. It was a good spectacle to behold and the small town came to a stand still. The presence of Adventist youth was felt and we impacted the folk of Livingstone.

c. We did outreach to the Livingstone community by distributing literature and visiting the local hospital to do various manual duties. d. The camporee culminated in the baptism of ten youth. It was good to witness young people taking a bold and public stand for Jesus. e. We launched the Drill and Marching Handbook and DVD. We believe that these resources will help to standardize drilling and marching in the SID. The camporee was blessed with the presence of these speakers, Ps Jonatan Tejel from GC youth department, Dr Eugene Fransch from Zimbabwe, workshop and honor presenters from the SID office and the unions. The children were really inspired by all the sermons and presentations.

OLDEST PATHFINDER Some call him “JM” while others call him “Mr Sibanda” but his official names are Mr Jato Mailose. He is a member of Shashemooke Seventh-day Adventist Church, North Botswana Conference where he serves as a deacon and is the most senior Master guide we know.

plants. He walks everyday to improve his health. Mr Mailose attributes his long life to the Grace of God, a vegetarian diet, getting enough rest and working on his farm.

“112 years and still going strong! Inspiring indeed. We are indebted to such dedicated sentinels. Their leading by both precept and example echo over vale and hill. May all who come behind us find us faithful as well” Pat Munimonga Mwezi (President - Youth Committee, South Botswana Conference). We would, as a Youth Department, still rightfully call him “MG Jato Mailose”.

FAMILY Mr Jato Mailose was born in 1902, at Makwaja Estate in Malawi. He was the only child. He married Bugalo Maggie Jato in 1939. She was born in 1908, at Jackalas Number 1, Botswana. Unfortunately, his wife passed away on 11 August 2012 at the age of 104 years.

CHURCH LIFE

Pako Mokgwane - Youth and Communication Director, BOTSWANA UNION CONFERENCE

Mr. Jato Mailose became a member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Malawi in 1923 at Malamulo Mission in Malawi. He became an active member of the Missionary Volunteers in 1960. He worked closely with the founding Youth Ministries Director of Botswana Field, Pastor A. Tsotetsi in 1960 and later worked with next Youth Director Pastor CD Mguni in 1964. Mailose speaks with excitement about his Master Guide investiture which took place in 1967 at Phelandaba Adventist Church, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. In those days Botswana Field was managed by Zambezi Union in Zimbabwe. Mailose has conducted numerous evangelistic campaigns in Jackalas Number 1 and helped to start the Shashemooke Church.

HEALTH REFORMER Mr Mailose embraced the Health Message as advocated by the Seventhday Adventist Church in 1960. It is then that he decided to be a vegetarian. He encourages people to eat healthy foods. He is a proponent of “good living.” Mr Mailose’s landscape is decorated by numerous vegetation and

SHEPHERDESS INTERNATIONAL Pastors. They tenaciously brought the needs of this group before the General Conference administration and Shepherdess International was born. Having demonstrated its value to the world-wide work of the church, the program was regularized in 1988 as an entity of the Ministerial Association and in 1998 the leadership role of Shepherdess International was upgraded to Associate Secretary for Pastoral Spouses and Families. In 2013 we celebrated 25 years of commitment and dedication of the most deserving servants of our church. In spite of the challenges Pastor’s wives in SID continue to stand side by side with their husbands and support them. They are on fire for the Lord and are directly involved in spreading the gospel with their unique gifts and talents. Shepherdesses throughout the SID territory continue to provide more volunteer work for the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Our sincere thanks to all SID Shepherdesses and our children, who faithfully move from one place to another with their parents laboring for the kingdom.

An entity of Ministerial Association with the specific task to nurture pastoral spouses and families

To all Shepherdesses who remain behind widowed or retired, and to those who still hold the fort wherever they are, as you continue to be committed to God’s call and serve with such grace, dignity and passion, may God richly bless you.“Thus far the Lord has helped us” 1 Samuel 7:12.

“Side by side with our husbands, spreading the gospel” In the 1980s Marie Spangler and Ellen Bresee had a vision for women who were married to

Shepherdess Nomthandazo Papu, SID Ministerial Associate

SID MINISTERIAL COUNCIL REPORT 10-13 FEBRUARY 2014 The Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division held its first ministerial council from the 1013 February, 2014. The theme of the council was “Forward Together”. More than 280 pastors and their spouses representing every union in the Division attended the council. The objectives for the council were inter alia: • Develop Evaluation instruments for pastors • Find ways of creating professional excellence in ministry The council made some recommendation some of which touched on the following: • Pastoral tenure in the district • Office space for pastors • Continuing Education/ In-service training for ministers • Policies with regards to education assistance for pastoral spouses These recommendation will be submitted to the SID Executive Committee and if approved will be implemented in 2015, by God’s grace. We appreciate the support we received from the GC Ministerial Association in the person of Jerry and Janet Page and Robert Costa and GC Health Ministries represented by Dr Landless and Dr Fererreira.

Dr Jongimpi Papu Ministerial Association - SID

PAKIA The highlight of the Congress was a tour to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the mighty Victoria Falls. Another highlight was the community outreach initiative led by Ps Paulo, who together with the PK’s, visited the hospital to donate blankets and food parcels as acts of service and compassion, just like our master and teacher Christ did.

The 4th PAKIA Congress was held in Livingstone, Zambia from the 23rd to 27th of April under the theme: Revived for His service. The guest speakers were Dr and Mrs Papu who greatly challenged the PK’s to be truly revived for service. They spoke from the life of Joseph, who despite his challenging background, stood up for what was right and was of great service to his fellow men. It was well attended by both young and old PK’s with an attendance of about 160.

Boipelo Moesi PAKIA (Secretary) - SID

CHILDRENS LEADERSHIP CONVENTION The SID Children’s Ministries department hosted a historic first division-wide Integrated Children’s Leadership Convention in March that was attended by 316 delegates. Turbo Charged Leadership for the Master was the theme for the event, which took place at Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg Johannesburg, South Africa. The Devotional Speaker was Dr. Pardon Mwansa, Vice President of the General Conference and Advisor of the Children’s Ministries Board at the General Conference. It was a very great privilege to have Children’s Ministries Directors from other world divisions facilitate the plenary sessions and workshops. Dr. Paul Ratsara President of the Southern Africa Indian Ocean Division in his keynote address challenged the leaders: “We need to invest in our children or else we will loose them. We need to adopt the attitude of Jesus towards the children by valuing the children.” One of the highlights of this event was the Friday vesper meeting where a drama, written by Dinora Rivera, depicting heaven welcomed the Sabbath hours. It was all smiles as delegates robed in white were ushered in by the ‘angels’. Caroline Chola, SID Children’s Ministries Director

CHILDREN TRAINED AS LEADERS “Successful Christian leaders are not educated in a seminar, college or university. They are raised in the homes of god-fearing parents” was a clear message as fifty children and 10 adult Trainers of Trainers from all over Botswana were trained on how to raise children as leaders in the church from 10-12 January 2014. This is a pilot project and SID hopes to spread it to all the Unions. This is the second seminar conducted by Dr. Prudence Pollard, Assistant Vice President for Faculty Development and Research, at Oakwood University. Her book: ‘Raise A Leader God’s Way’ was used as a textbook. Topics covered were such as developing time and talents, nourishing moral health, building relational health, developing good habits etc. Mrs. Sonita Seligman, Children’s Ministries Director of Botswana Union said she was excited that such a seminar could take place in her territory. Caroline Chola Children’s ministry Director - SID

CRYING BABY TAKES GRANDMA TO CHURCH Dulce Alfredo was 3 months old when her mother died. She was taken to grandmother who took care of her. The baby was always quiet and playing from Sunday to Friday. Surprisingly, when Saturday arrived, the baby would cry helplessly and refuse to eat all day! Out of desperation, the grandmother took her to hospital but this baby was pronounced healthy. The child was taken again to a witch doctor where it was given some traditional remedies but this also could not help. Finally Peter Nelson, the SDA Bible worker met Jennifer, the grandmother, and invited her for an evangelist campaign held by an Adventist pastor. On arriving at church, immediately the baby stopped crying. In the process, the grandmother was converted and baptized. As she started going to church every Sabbath, the crying problem stopped permanently. This became a lasting solution for her. Thus Psalms 8:2, once fulfilled in Mat 21:15-16 was further fulfilled even in Mozambique. Miguel Simoque Mozambique Union -SS/PM Director

ADVENTIST WOMEN ON A MISSION June 14, 2014 - 900 mission-driven women march towards Kansinjiro’s Orphanage with love, hope and food in Malawi. Thereafter, 1200 Dorcas women headed to Kasungu District Hospital with a similar mission. Head of Kasungu District Hospital Administration Mr. C. Salaniponi, speaking on behalf of the District Health Officer, was grateful for the donation and acknowledged to have received 407Kg of maize flour and various other items. In unity there is strength for mission. Central Malawi Conference 8

MISSION TO THE CITIES The Southern Africa Indian Ocean Division has embraced Mission to Cities with seriousness. We encourage Total Participation: that soul winning should be embraced by every department, and indeed by every church member. In 2014, more than 72 cities is being evangelized. Some Unions have already baptized thousands in their first round of evangelistic endeavors.

Schools of Evangelism are being conducted (locally and internationally) as an ongoing Evangelistic Training program at which Pastors, Church Elders, District and Local Church Evangelism Leaders and Lay Preachers are empowered to train the entire church membership. Most Unions have had representatives trained locally and internationally. Fishers of Men is a program where newly baptized members are involved in the local church life and trained to participate in souls winning activities. We encourage: 1. Proper recording and uploading to the CMS system of all newly baptized members immediately after baptism 2. Church Planting and opening of new congregations. 3. Establishing Centers of Influence. 4. Reclaiming Missing members. 5. Mid- Week Prayer Meetings and small groups. 6. Special Guest, at least once every quarter. One Member One Soul !!Passmore N Mulambo, Director SID Sabbath School & Personal Ministries

GRANDMOTHER’S PROJECT Lesotho - When HIV infected people in Sub-Sahara Africa become too ill to work and eventually die (leaving more than 11 million orphans), grandparents are becoming primary breadwinners and caregivers for their children and grandchildren when traditionally they have expected to enjoy the support of their families.

Women’s Ministries Director), Caroline Chola (SID Women’s Ministries Director and Zodwa Kunene (Southern Africa Union Women’s Ministries Director) took a road trip to Lesotho to meet with the grandmothers and to encourage them in the work they are doing. Mr and Mrs Giordano from Adventist AIDS International Ministry joined them.

General Conference Women’s Ministries (GC WM) is financially partnering with Adventist AIDS International Ministry to support the Leribe Training Center in Lesotho. Grandmothers from 17 villages are trained for skills in HIV prevention, self-sustainability and development, especially kitchen gardening and nutrition. Heather Dawn Small (GC

We urge the women of SID to take a leaf from the grandmothers of Lesotho, who would not suffer their children to be placed in an orphanage, but made every effort to take care of their grand children in a home setting.

AWM RESPONDS TO MISSION TO THE CITIES

HOMES OF HOPE AND HEALING All church entities, departments, and members are called to focus on urban mission because “more than half the global population live in urban areas for the first time in human history. By 2050 it is expected that 70 percent of the world will live in cities.”

involved in the mission of the church. A primary goal is that of motivating each woman to strengthen relationships—with Jesus, with her family, with other church members, and with the people in her community. “A Ministry for Every Woman: Homes of Hope and Healing” calls each woman—to invite her friends and their families to fellowship, to introduce her friends to Jesus, and to share the great truths of God’s Word. We may each show kindness in practical Christian service to others. God’s desire for us is not merely physical health but also emotional health.‘Homes of Hope and Healing’ is a small group study guide providing biblical principles of sound physical and emotional health. This resource does not only benefit us, but those in our community whom we want to reach. As a tool for outreach and service, these lessons provide a bridge to the people in your community. To get a copy contact your Conference Women’s Ministries Director.

The Church (with its entities and members) is called to sacrificial sharing of means to respond to the challenge of urban evangelism. “We have a vital task to carry out, and we resolve to proclaim the message of the kingdom in every metropolis on earth—no matter the cost.”

WHAT CAN WOMEN DO? “A Ministry for Every Woman: Homes of Hope and Healing” is a program developed by the Women’s Ministries Department to advance the work of sharing the gospel using the methods that Christ used. This program provides an opportunity for every Seventh-day Adventist woman to become

Caroline Chola, Women’s Ministries Director - SID

GC VISIT TO SAU Southern Africa Union - Zodwa Kunene, South African Union Conference (SAUC) WM director, and her team hosted two WM congresses in March and April which was attended by over 4,000 women. “God Can…When You Cannot” was the theme for both events held in South Africa, and again in Namibia. Main speakers were Heather-Dawn Small, GC WM director, and Caroline Chola, SID WM director. For Namibia, which is a new conference, the congress held great historical significance because it was the first WM congress in that country. The purpose of these congresses was to nurture the women spiritually and emotionally and to empower them for outreach. For outreach inspiration, Caroline Chola gave presentation based on the ten ministry postcards, which were printed on banners. The highlight of both congresses focused on the Second Coming of Jesus on Sabbath afternoon.Three young women attired as the Three Angels of Revelation 14 reminded the audience through a skit that Jesus is coming soon. Then each woman in attendance received a crown to wear and to keep reminding her of the hope of heaven soon to come. Sr. Heather-Dawn Small’s closing message urged her sisters to look forward eagerly to the Second Coming of Jesus. 10

BOTSWANA AWM DAY OF PRAYER

We prayed for: • Mission to Big Cities (Gaborone), Children who have abandoned their faith, Abused women and young girls, Former Adventists, The sick and elderly, The government: the President and his Cabinet, The destitute, vulnerable and orphans, Pastors and Unity in the church.

March 1, 2014. 93% of SDA churches in Botswana celebrated International day of Prayer. Samuel Chadwick said, “Satan dreads nothing but prayer. The one concern of the devil is to keep saints from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when we pray.”

The sunflower is a tall majestic flower that can teach us many lessons from its different parts. As the sunflower lifts its head to the sun each day we are reminded to do the same by spending time in prayer with God.

The primary purpose of prayer is communion with God. In Steps to Christ, Ellen White says,“Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Not that it is necessary in order to make known to God what we are, but in order to enable us to receive Him. Prayer does not bring God down to us, but brings us up to Him.” Page 93.

Susan Williams BUC Women’s Ministries Director

IT HAS TO BE LOVE Often my husband, Kenneth, and I would travel long distances to hand out clothing, toys and food parcels to the Basarwa people, destitute families and vulnerable people. The question that has been asked of us on numerous occasions is, “why?” We are motivated by the knowledge that Jesus our Lord cares for the less fortunate and as His followers we are charged with the responsibility of caring for the needs of the disadvantaged people around us. Our dream is that the ones we care for today will forever remember the compassion and love that was shown to them and that in the future they would do the same for others. Motivating us is over 2000 verses in the bible representing the core of our Christian faith, on how to respond to the needs of the poor reminding us that by serving others we are serving God. A verse that had a big impact on our lives is found in the book of 1 John 3:17,18 (The Message).“If you see some brother or sister in need and you have the means to do something about it, but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing...What happens to God’s love? It disappears. And you made it disappear. My dear children let’s not just talk about love, lets practice real love.” By seeking God’s guidance on what to do for the less fortunate, we found that our compassion grew for the less fortunate and our hearts overflowed with love for the children on the settlements. We have been blessed with friends and family who have supported us in our endeavours. Our children have been instrumental in having clothing sent to us from Australia and Canada. Shoe boxes filled with gifts have been send to usfrom Australia. Grannies from some frail care centres in Australia have been knitting jerseys and making crochet blankets for the disadvantaged. We will forever grateful to these dedicated people.

some of the Women’s Ministries ladies from the Ghantzi church spend a blessed Sabbath with the Basarwa. Motheo Makuku, an Adventist Mission Pioneer, at Grootlaagte did a wonderful job in teaching the children how to sing some beautiful songs. He works under difficult conditions but because of the love he has for working amongst our indigenous people he is making a difference. We distributed clothing to 300 people in Grootlagte, visited some at their homes to pray with them and distributed toys to the children. Mr Williams distributed some electronic solar powered bibles, “God Pods” which fascinated the recipients, to hear the bible being read to them. In Ghanzi we visited a young Mosarwa boy who is paralysed from the waist down to give him a special trike which he can pedal using his hands. This trike gave him the independence to now go the filling station to buy and transport paraffin for his mother, play with his friends and give him some self worth. It has to be Love......

Recently week we undertook a trip of over 1600 kilometres to visit the two Basarwa settlements of Grootlaagte and Bere. We were blessed to have

Susan Williams, BUC Women’s Ministries Director 11

AWM CONGRESS IN MOZAMBIQUE More than 800 women met for the first ever national congress in the Mozambique Union. Sister Caroline Chola the Director for Adventist women at the Southern Africa Indian Division (SID) was the guest speaker of the historic event. Adventist women demonstrated their skills for excellent organization. This event has opened a new page for Mozambique Adventist women with the leadership of sister Aguida Muchave who in turn demonstrated her unwavering faith of organizing such an event at such an politically tense time. Sister Siphiwe Chisewe, the Zimbabwean women ministries leader also graced the meeting with her presence and messages. Pastor Dr Girimoio Paulo Muchanga, the Mozambique Union President addressed the congregation said: “Mozambique women went to Zimbabwe for an international women’s congress which took place in Harare in April of 2013… as the Vilankulos congress started, the war that began on the last day of the last congress finishes with the signing of a Peace Accord between Renamo and Frelimo” This is a miracle!! Miguel Simoque! Mozambique SS/PM Director!

BOTSWANA UNION SESSION Over 100 delegates gathered for the First Botswana Union Conference Session at Oasis Motel, Gaborone, 08-10 January 2014. Botswana Union was organised in 2003. A lot of hard work was done by both the laity and clergy to this point of organization. Botswana Union took the least time to attain Union Conference Status. We praise the LORD for His leading. The Division Officers, Dr Ratsara, Dr Maphosa, Dr Machamire and Elder Goodson Shumba were the officiating officers. The newly elected Officers and Directors of the newly organized Botswana Union Conference are: Officers 1. President, Dr Kenaope Kenaope (former NBC President) 2. Executive Secretary, Dr Kagelo Rakwena (former SBC President) 3. Chief Financial Officer: Elder Gift Mpofu! Departmental Directors 1. Sabbath School/Personal Ministries - Pastor Kevin Chabale 2. Youth/Stewardship – Pastor Pako Mokgwane 3. Publishing – Mrs Priscilla Ben 4. Health Ministries – Dr Patson Mazonde 5. Women’s Ministries – Mrs Susan Williams 6. Children’s Ministries – Mrs Sonita Seligmann

ANGOLA BIBLE The message of Seventh-Day Adventist Church (SDA) reached the State President of Angola José Eduardo dos Santos on Friday, April 4 2014, during a 12 years peace day celebration ceremony, marking the signature of peace accords of the civil war which lasted more than 30 years. The North-Eastern Angola Union President, Passmore Hachalinga, handed over a personalized bible to the president of the Republic, accompanied by other church denominations’ leaders. Apart from the Bible, which was offered in the name of all Christian churches in Angola, the North-Eastern Angola Union took the opportunity and offered another kit of special Seventh-Day Adventist evangelistic material. Among the material offered included eight prophecy books, four books on health lifestyle and nine DVDs containing the Seventh-Day Adventist message, with topics like music, history and prophecy.

Indian Ocean Division (SID), Pastor Gilberto Araújo and His wife, Glaúcia Araújo, were part of the delegation, as they liaised on the agreement between the South America Division (DSA) and SID. Zacarias dos Santos, Luanda

During the handover ceremony of the Holy Bible to the Angolan Head of State José Eduardo dos Santos, the Brazilian Seventh-Day Adventist quartet Worldwide known as “Quarteto Arautos do Rei”, sang for the president. Quarteto Arautos do Rei is a portuguese designation which means King Herald Quartet. The Vice President of Southern Africa-

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY IN ZIMBABWE Seventh-day Adventists are people who love freedom. On the 21st June 2014, over four thousand uniformed pathfinders braved the chilly weather as they marched from Harare city-center to join over 30 000 Adventists at the Glamis stadium to celebrate religious liberty in Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe prisons band played for the Pathfinders who carried banners reading “Celebrating Religious Liberty in Zimbabwe” and “Virginity is a Virtue”

The Guest of Honor, Minister of State in The President’s office, Harare Province, Miriam Chikukwa spoke on government’s commitment to protect the constitution that guarantees religious liberty. Emmanuel Chigogora, Zimbabawe

The Seventh-day Adventist church strongly believes in religious freedom for all people. A person’s conscience, not government, should dictate his or her choice to worship—or not. We have advocated for these goals for more than 100 years, through our department of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL), to governments and religious and international organizations. Dr Paul Charles told the gathering that one of the purposes of the event was to express appreciation to the government of Zimbabwe for respecting religious freedom in its constitution for all people. “We are all made in the image of God and we aught to respect one another. God gave human beings the freedom to choose and those who choose differently deserve our respect.”

ISRAEL TOUR REPORT “If Jesus rose from the dead, then you have to accept all that he said; if he didn’t rise from the dead, then why worry about any of what he said? The issue on which everything hangs is not whether or not you like his teaching but whether or not he rose from the dead.”

Southern Africa Indian Ocean Division (SID) Team reaffirm their faith in the Resurrection, as they position themselves in front of the empty tomb of our Lord Jesus Christ.

USA CAMPOREE REPORT The Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division Youth ministries department invited Pathfinders and leaders to attend the International Camporee in Oshkosh, Wisconsin in the USA on 11-16 August 2014. In response to that, 90 delegates registered through SID and 6 independent applicants from SID paid to attend the event. The delegation departed on 10 August and we returned on 22 August. 71 of the 90 delegates also registered to embark on the tour of the Adventist Heritage site in Battle Creek, which we had organized just after the camporee.

It is our desire and prayer that those who attended the Oshkosh camporee may be conduits that will lead their fellow youth to Jesus and that they may be active champions of the mission of the church. Pastor Busi Khumalo Youth/Pathfinder Director - SID

The benefits of attending international camporees are manifold. The Pathfinders and leaders from our division cited the following as their impressions of the camporee and the Battle Creek tour: a. The Seventh-day Adventist church prioritizes youth. b. They were astounded by the presence of 47 000 Pathfinders who attended the event, which also highlighted the universality of our church. c. The Adventist heritage site in Battle Creek led our Pathfinders to value the input of our pioneers and it enhanced their Church Heritage studies. d. As they saw multitudes converging in Oshkosh, this made long for the great heavenly convocation. e.The aptly chosen and executed theme of the camporee,“Forever Faithful”, led many Pathfinders including our own to commit themselves to God and His mission.

HOPE CHANNEL MALAWI Over the past years it has become apparent that the church is beginning to fully embrace television media as an effective evangelism tool. The realization of this effectiveness has seen its use expand to areas that in the past nobody would have envisioned we would get to. We are daily confronted with television programing that is not necessarily the best choice that we can make for our spiritual journey and so we are privileged to have a channel which provides an alternative that is tailor-made to give people better lives today and for eternity. In anticipation of the launch of Hope Channel Malawi, the President of Hope Channel Pastor Brad Thorp and the vice President for International development, Kandus Thorp, backed by volunteers from USA and Australia and the SIDmedia team, made their way to Malawi to help the media centre build a studio while also equipping them on proper use of the newly acquired equipment. Once trained, the media team in Malawi got a hands-on experience as they were able to set up and record their very first sermon for Hope Channel Malawi at Sunnyside Adventist Church that very Sabbath. This was followed by a marathon of a cooking, preaching and Sabbath School shows being recorded the following week. For a team that has been thrown into the deep-end, we must say they did very well and we are excited to see future productions. With the launch of the station pencilled for later on this year, Hope Channel Malawi will be joining a huge network of Adventist Media Centres scattered all over the world who have taken the gospel commission to preach the gospel to all nations personally and literally.

We believe that in order to be able to touch lives we need to meet them where they are and so the production of contextualised programs for Malawi by Malawians will achieve just that. We also believe that we can offer the world programming that changes lives, one at a time. SIDMEDIA - Cape Town, South Africa

GAiN - WHO IS YOUR HERO?

The first SDA app, called Heroes, is being enjoyed by thousands of people across the globe. The first Seventh-day Adventist game for iPhone and iPad was downloaded 3,000 times in the first 48 hours of its release, tripling the benchmark analysts say a mobile app should meet in its first week to be considered successful.

within sixty seconds. Correct answers earn players “manna,” which they can trade for game helps, or “effects” as they level up. App creator Sam Neves says the game is designed to enrich the lives of players by reintroducing them to the heroic characters of the Bible. SID Communication leaders were thrilled to be present the launch of the game (GAiN 2014, in Baltimore) and experience first hand the excitement of this innovative game to engage both young and old.

The biblical character Abraham is one of eleven “heroes” featured on the first Adventist game app for iOS devices. Players earn points by correctly answering as many questions as possible in 60 seconds. “Heroes” is a comic book style trivia game based on the lives of Abraham, David, Esther and other prominent biblical characters. Players can learn their stories and test their Bible knowledge by answering as many questions as possible

The free app “Heroes” is available in the iTunes App Store. For details, visit movinpixel.com/heroesthegame.

COMMUNICATION SUMMIT Abisha Nyawasha for The pivotal role he played in establishing the IT Department in SID

On March 2014, Dr Paul Ratsara, SID President, presented different awards to recognise achievements worthy of emulating - at the SID Communication/ IT/Media Summit in Pretoria.

The SID Communication/IT/Media Summit was held at the SID Office in March. It was a powerful time of sharing, collaboration, and learning during this Summit where the IT personnel of this Division were bonded together like never before. Working with Paul Charles and Otieno Mkandawire from Communication along with Noel and Saneliso from SIDMedia proved to be a winning combination that we intend to repeat in the future. IT Delegates agree they’ve never had anything like this before and have richly benefited from the topics discussed and the friendships made. In their own words:

Botswana Union Conference for Commitment to Effective Corporate Branding of the SDA Church In Botswana! Indian Ocean Union Conference for Commitment to Spreading the Gospel Through Adventist World Radio in Madagascar SID Information Technology Team for Demonstrating Excellence in Collaboration with SID Communication

“...among the many items that were presented upon it was captivating to have the eDocs Training and the PABX Training having the hands-on experience of how the systems work and how they make work easy...” - Michelo Mulambo Southwest Angola Union IT Director

Lovejoy Gutu for Initiative in Designing Bible Game App: Digest

“...the IT Summit was good to me meeting with people who have contributed to the IT World which inspired me and opened the horizon for me to know that there’s a lot that can be done in the church the contributes both to the church and to the world...” - Fanwell Ncube Solusi University IT Director

Mauritius Conference for Establishing the first Web Radio in the Southern Africa - Indian Ocean Division territory. SIDmedia for Demonstrating Excellence in Collaboration with SID Communication!

Kirk Nugent, IT Department - SID

AAIM Wednesday the 12th of February saw the registration of participants for a long awaited program on HIV and AIDS in the Caprivi Strip. The Caprivi Strip is a narrow protrusion of Namibia eastwards from the Okavango region about 450km long and lies between Botswana to the South, Angola and Zambia to the North and a tip of Zimbabwe to the West. The Caprivi is bordered by the Okavango, Kwando, Chobe and Zambezi rivers and its largest settlement is the town of Katima Mulilo. This area was of particular interest to AAIM because the Caprivi has the highest concentration of Adventists in the whole of Namibia and unfortunately it has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates estimated at 37.7% according to the Namibian 2012 National and AIDS sentinel survey compared to the national adult rate of 13.3% (UNAIDS 2012 Report). The four neighboring countries that surround this area also have high HIV prevalence rates and the constant migrations across these borders make this region very vulnerable to HIV. On 12 February 2014, Drs. Oscar and Eugenia Giordano, AAIM Directors, Dr. Jun Negre, the SAU Health Ministries Director/ HIV Coordinator and Dr. Martha Shamena, the Namibian Health Ministries Director/ HIV Coordinator, together with the local church launched long awaited program on HIV and AIDS in the Caprivi Strip. The Caprivi Strip is a narrow protrusion of Namibia eastwards from the Okavango region about 450km long and lies between Botswana to the South, Angola and Zambia to the North and a tip of Zimbabwe to the West. The Caprivi is bordered by the Okavango, Kwando, Chobe and Zambezi rivers and its largest settlement is the town of Katima Mulilo. This area was of particular interest to AAIM because Caprivi has the highest concentration of Adventists in the whole of Namibia and unfortunately it has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates estimated at 37.7% according to the Namibian 2012 National and AIDS sentinel survey compared to the national adult rate of 13.3% (UNAIDS 2012 Report). The four neighboring countries that surround this area also have high HIV prevalence rates and the constant migrations across these borders make this region very vulnerable to HIV. Friday the 21st saw the leaders participating in an hour long radio interview hosted by the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) Silozi Radio service where they shared about different aspects of HIV and the workshop that was taking place. One of the highlights of the meetings took place on the Sabbath when

ONE YEAR IN MISSION – SID The following young people were selected: • Oakofile Oakofile – Botswana Union Conference • Tebello Lichaba – Southern African Union Conference • Nontokozo Ndebele – Zimbabwe Union Conference • Larry Shiziba- Zambia Union Conference • Anwarjinos Maronarwai – Indian Ocean Union Conference • Tyler Jamie – Mozambique Union Field • Prince Mhone – Malawi Union Field

In 2012 the General Conference President commissioned the Youth Ministry department, in partnership with Adventist Volunteer Services, to cast a vision with the view of injecting the concept of One Year in Mission (OYiM) into the DNA of Seventh-day Adventist Church. This initiative would be developed essentially for evangelistic purposes for young adults and it calls for the development of a strategy designed for the short, medium and long-term implementation of the vision.

In line with the Mission to the Cities Campaign- the city of Bloemfontein was selected as the city where the OYiM team would do their training and also work in, with the local programs, under the supervision of Pastors Busi Khumalo and Peter Maligudu.

Alveena Pillay was the representative of the SID who travelled to New York and spent 6 months there, during phase 1.

The Lord is doing marvellous things in and through our young people. Let us continue to empower, encourage and motivate young people to dedicate One Year in Mission to the Lord.

Upon her return home, Alveena is tasked to carry out the Phase 2 of the OYiM Project in partnership with the SID Youth Ministries Department, to contextually duplicate her training to a group of SID- OYiM Delegates in Bloemfontein from 1 July 2014.

Alveena Pillay OYiM Champion - SID

GLOBAL YOUTH DAY

he Global Youth Day (GYD) is an initiative that inspires youth to be good Samaritans to the needy and destitute. In fulfilment of “The Power of One” theme, global youth, are challenged to “be the sermon” one Sabbath per year. To avoid the folly of the Levite and the Priest who ignored the plight of the injured man, the youth of the world are duty bound to go out on that Sabbath, and be a blessing to someone. On 15 March 2014 many youth in the SID participated in the GYD. We received encouraging and exciting reports from many unions about youth donating blood, visiting the sick in hospitals and frail care centers, doing outreach, visiting orphanages, centers for abused children and youth and old age homes, conducting health expos and many other projects. This year’s GYD was more special because SID was asked by GC to host a live link that showcased what was happening in our territory on that day. Collaboration with IT and Communication departments yielded results beyond anyone’s expectations. Using Facebook and the GC website for GYD, youth posted pictures and reports of their activities. God blessed the initiative and we managed to overcome technical glitches that come with an event of this magnitude. All glory and praise go to God for making us conduits to serve others. We also thank the youth for their willingness to serve.

FIRST COMMUNICATION SUMMIT IN TOC The Trans-Orange Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church held its first Communication Summit in Hatfield, Pretoria on the 29 March 2014. This initiative was influenced by the Southern Africa Indian Ocean Division Communication/Media/ IT summit held on the 18-24 March 2014. All 14 regions of the Trans-Orange Conference churches and districts were represented by either communications secretaries or their District Pastors. Dr Paul Charles, SID Communications director was our main guest for the day who helped us understand the essence of communication and how it impacts the mission of the church. A men’s chorale from around Gauteng, Arise ‘O Men blessed us with music.

We shared the communications strategy of the conference, operations and, where possible, practicals were done on related events to improve our communication as a church. We realised that communication/s is key to spreading the gospel and building bridges of hope. We also embraced our responsibility of being part in the coming Hope Africa. Toward the close of the Sabbath we launched the TOC quarterly Newsletter, LENTSWE - which is the official Advent voice of the TOC. A number of ministers were in attendance and we enjoyed the support and presence of the SID Communication and IT teams.

We look back at that day as a beginning of greater things and have a clearer understanding of what the department, and the SDA global family understand about communication. We feel more ready than ever before to make a difference and spread the gospel towards the coming of Jesus Christ. Pastor Thulani Mkhize Trans Orange Conference - SAU

MOZAMBIQUE: MAPUTO FOR CHRIST challenged all the baptized members (old/new) by reminding them that they are “saved to serve.” As such more baptisms are expected through the “fishers of men” project. Big city evangelism continues in Maputo with more follow-up programs. Like veld-fire, other smaller cities including Beira and Quelimane is also being reached with the Gospel.

Since January 2014, the Seventh-day Adventist laity, has been evangelizing their great city of Maputo through small group ministries. It was culminated by a reaping campaign team of 53 preachers, mainly pastors from the four missions. Indeed the Lord of harvest blessed this reaping campaign with 1363 baptisms. Thus on Sabbath, June 14, all roads from various suburbs in Maputo and Matola led to ESTRELA VERMELHA STADIUM (one of the biggest stadium in the city) to celebrate the grant harvest in soul-winning.

“Indeed the harvest is great, but the workers are few.” And there is need to “pray to the Lord who is in charge of harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields” Matthew 9: 3738.

Almost all members gathered together to worship God that Sabbath. The recorded estimated attendance was 8000 as opposed to 6000 (seating capacity). Pastor Passmore Mulambo (SID Personal Ministries Director) made a call that Sabbath andmany accepted Christ and baptism. He

Miguel Simoque Mozambique Union - SS/PM

GLOBAL MISSION

Global Mission pioneers are local people who dedicate at least one year to starting new churches in areas or among people groups where there is little or no Adventist presence. They receive a small living stipend and work in challenging conditions. Some are the only Seventh-day Adventists in an area of more than one million people. Their ministry wouldn’t be possible without your support. Thank you! To learn more about Global Mission pioneers, please visit www.global-mission.org

VOP STUDENTS GRADUATE IN MALAWI June 28, 2014 - 42 VOP learners graduated at Kasungu and Kachere - Kasalika SDA Church in Malawi. Millious Chimbalu posed an interesting question to the people of Kachere when he asked, “Kodi mwatilandira?” (Are we welcome here?). The Church exploded in response with the usual “Amen!”

PLEASE SEND RAW JPEG, THE IMAGE IN WORD DOC IS PIXELATING

HELDERBERG COLLEGE SDA HIGHER EDUCATION SEMINAR On the 8th and 9th of April 2014 a seminar on Seventh day-Adventist Higher Education was conducted on campus. The objective of the seminar was to provide attendees with an overview of and current information regarding the institution as a registered and accredited provider of tertiary education based on the Seventh day-Adventist philosophy of education. All the Education, Ministerial and Youth Directors of the conferences in the Southern African Union Conference (SAUC) were invited, and representatives from the Cape Conference, KwaZulu Natal- Free State Conference, Northern Conference, Trans-Orange Conference, Lesotho Conference, and Namibia Conference attended. Principals of the following schools were also present: Presda Primary School, Sedaven Primary and High School, Good Hope High School, and Helderberg High School. Dr Gerald du Preez, the Union Education Director, opened the seminar by delivering the key-note address entitled “SDA Education: Part of Our DNA”, followed by a brief overview of the institution’s 120 years history. Dr Vincent Injety, President of Helderberg College, delivered an address with the title “What is ‘Higher’ About Higher Education”. Attendees were given the opportunity to sit in on two lectures,

and visited the Pieter Wessels Library, E.G. White Research Centre, and the Information Technology Department. After a strategy planning session facilitated by Dr Injety, the seminar ended with a visit to Cape Town and a farewell dinner. Attendees expressed appreciation for the opportunity to learn more about the College, its principles and functioning, and departed with promises of disseminating information about this Varsity of Excellence to their various constituencies. Pumelele Nzeuza

SCHOOL OF DISCIPLESHIP Schools in Discipleship is designed to mobilize each team to work together with an evangelistic mindset to disciple every student in a church school system to Jesus Christ. Pastor Don MacLafferty, Founder/Director of Schools in Discipleship offered training to teachers, administrators and pastors from the Adventist schools in the three conferences of Zimbabwe, to help them build discipleship principles within the school system working hand in hand with home and the church.The participants had an opportunity to visit Anderson Adventist High School to apply what they had just learnt. Students were given time to interact one on one with participants, for purposes of counseling. Later that night a bon fire was made where, after a presentation by Ps Don, students recommitted themselves to the Lord and His Mission. Participants from the West Zimbabwe Conference recently gathered students, teachers, administrators and chaplains from their schools to share with them what they had learnt. Never Sibanda Zimbabwe

ADVENTIST EDUCATION

In the 1870s Seventh-day Adventist church founders recognized the importance of holistic education and began to develop a denominationally-based school system. The Adventist church’s interests in education grew from the philosophy that students at all levels of schooling are uniquely valuable persons and should be educated to use their God-given capacities to become individuals of principle, qualified for any position of life. Education was to begin in the home where the basic values of redemptive discipline and mental and physical health were to be balanced with the

importance of work. ! Since those early days Adventists have embraced the philosophy that education should be redemptive in nature, for the purpose of restoring human beings to the image of God, our Creator. Mental, physical, social, and spiritual health, intellectual growth, and service to humanity form a core of values that are essential aspects of the Adventist education philosophy.

WEEK OF SPIRITUAL EMPHASIS AT HELDERBERG COLLEGE

wice a year an enriching week of spiritual emphasis takes place at Helderberg College. The first week of prayer for 2014 was from 1-8 February. The guest speaker was Pastor Hensley Moorooven who serves at the SID as the Associate Executive Secretary.

“Divert daily, withdraw weekly and abandon annually from worldly cares” was the slogan of Pastor Moorooven for the week. The importance of rest for keeping ourselves free to receive Christ was emphasized as an important aspect of maintaining the relationship with Him that Christ desires from each of us. Christ never sleeps, therefore “lay your burden on God and commit to Him”. We should tap into the power of grace at the start of each day and partner with Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Ps. Moorooven challenged the community of students and staff with God’s bigger mission given to the world - that every task, responsibility and opportunity accorded by God should not be taken lightly, but that we will receive the necessary power from above to take up these tasks as we work for and serve Him.

SCHOOL LUNCHES FUEL BIG DREAMS

oahary is 14 years old and is in grade 5 at EPP Ambatomaro, a public primary school on the outskirts of Antananarivo. His father is a street sweeper and his mother is a laundry maid. Voahary and his four siblings do all the household chores, such as cooking and fetching water. His parents have little money for food, so Voahary usually goes to school without breakfast. The hard chores and lack of food left him hungry and sleepy during his classes. ADRA Madagascar supports education through several projects, including school feeding programs. These programs improve students’ learning and motivate parents to keep their children in school. Through a partnership with ADRA International and Stop Hunger Now, an international hunger relief agency, ADRA distributes meal packages to six primary schools and one orphanage in Antananarivo. In total, 20,050 packages have already been distributed, providing lunches for 1,115 students during the 2013-2014 school year. Thanks to lunches from Stop Hunger Now and ADRA International, Voahary’s dream is to become a physician. Renee Cerovski ADRA MADAGASCAR

MARANATHA IN SID Since building our first church in Mozambique in 2007, Maranatha has maintained a steady partnership with the Southern AfricaIndian Ocean Division (SID) focusing on providing churches and schools.

at the Northwood School in Harare and will be ready for classes at the beginning of January, 2015. • In early 2015, a team of volunteers will build a school in the Caprivi region of Namibia. Later next year Maranatha will begin work on a school campus in Sao Tome.

Maranatha has already worked in eight countries in the region with plans to work in more in the years to follow.

Dr Gilbert Araujo Vice-President - SID

Maranatha built • In Angola, 85 churches were built. • In Zambia, Maranatha recently completed a large Education and Evangelism Center on the campus of Rusangu University. The school features 12 classrooms and a large auditorium. So far this year Maranatha has completed 75 One-Day Churches in Zambia. • Several teams of volunteers from North America traveled to Zimbabwe this summer to help build schools. A group from California built a new school campus in Masvingo and another group built a new school for the community of Sikombingo. Both schools will serve an urgent need for education. An Education and Evangelism Center is currently underway

COMPREHESIVE HEALTH

he value of one redeemed soul cannot be estimated in terms of money. In this aspect, the church the brings souls to the kingdom of God is worth the space and land where it stands. This is the supreme purpose of the church. A church that fails to be engaged in this respect needs to evaluate its reason for its existence. Subservient to this Divine commission, there is also a primordial impetus to evaluate its existence not only in terms of evangelism but also on how relevant it is towards the various needs of the community. Following the method of Christ embodied in the methods of reaching our mission as a corporate body, we should not only be engaged in preaching or teaching but also in the healing component both spiritual and physical. For this reason, two years ago, the General Conference, the SID and all the Unions unanimously approved and endorsed Comprehensive Health Ministry (CoHM). About a year later, most of the conferences, missions, associations and fields approved the program for implementation The program is to re-emphasize the long neglected example of Christ in His ministry of teaching, preaching and healing. There are five basic areas where the program can start to be implemented 1. In reach in our local churches. 2. Local church outreach to the community. 3. Incorporate Health in all church departments 4. Involve Adventist institutions like schools and publishing houses. 5. Collaborate with government organizations, faith based organizations and others. Be blessed by the health message. At the same time, use the health message to bless others. Dr Alexis Llaguno, Health Ministries Director - SID

A CHRISTIAN CONSEQUENCE As Seventh - day Adventist Christians, we have an obligation. God commanded us in Matthew 28:19 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.â&#x20AC;? Mowbray SDA congregation, located in Cape Town, South Africa, acted on this command and targeted their local community. The children were excited and eager to do the VOP Children Bible lessons with wonderful activities and colourful illustrations. This well organised Vacation Bible School was led by Sr. Esther Mwanza (Mowbray VOP Co-Ordinator/VOP Stock Controller) and with many willing volunteers they became a positive consequence. Their hard work and commitment of studying the VOP Bible lessons with children and adults were celebrated on 12 July 2014, when more than 70 VOP Students graduated. Ps. J. Julies (VOP Director) had the honour of congratulating these revived souls and encouraged them to remain faithful till Jesus Comes.

ADVENTIST MEN’S CONGRESS

dventist Men’s Organisation is the rallying of spiritual men who are committed to fulfilling their roles as outlined in the Bible. Their allegiance to the Creator and commitment to each other unites them as men of honour, integrity and courage. The bonds of brotherhood is strengthened when they take time to play and exercise together. Their hearts unite in worship as they pray together seeking God’s will for their lives and as they submit to the Word of God, they bear testimony that the power to live godly lives lies in the right seed being planted in the soil of their hearts. Adventist men are men of faith, who know and love Jesus Christ and who daily demonstrate the love of the truth of Jesus in their lives by supporting the efforts of the church, introducing others to Christ and helping them to prepare for Christ’s soon return. The first South Africa Indian Ocean Division wide Adventist Men’s Congress (AMO), attended by more than 400 men, was held at Solusi University in Zimbabwe (01 – 05 April 2014) under the theme: Men of Courage.These were men serving as renowned Medical doctors,Lawyers,

Statesmen, Pastors, Professors, Business Men, Farmers, Educators, Army Generals, Administrators, Scientists, Musicians and Retirees, just to mention a few, and of course: the up-coming young men. The meetings were characterized by prayers, preaching, physical exercise, lectures, singing and community service. Delegates were motivated and challenge by wonderful sermons, and relevant presentations from our speakers. Delivering a keynote address Dr Paminus Machamire stated,“the goal of a real man is to please God.” In outlining the values of real men he said,“honesty, fairness and willingness to benefit others other than self.” He called upon AMO men to seek wisdom from God, who is the source of all knowledge and to speak the truth at all times. He resounded the precious words from Ellen G White: “The greatest want of the world is the want of men—men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole, men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall” (Education, p. 57). Passmore N Mulambo, Director SID Sabbath School & Personal Ministries

THE FIRST SID ADVENTIST CHAPLAINCY MINISTRIES (ACM) SUMMIT

“To give hope through sharing God’s love, grace and Word of truth” is the Mission statement of the ACM. One of the strategic goals of the Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries is to conduct at least one training seminar in a quinquennium. The objective of such a seminar would be to train chaplains who serve in various chaplaincies such as: Campus, Corrections, Military, Health Care, Workplace and Community to enhance their ministry. For the first ACM Summit (October 24-31, 2013) of the SID over 80 delegates attended from six of the nine unions of the SID. 22 chaplains have met all the requirements of the SID ACM Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) criteria for endorsement. Endorsement is the official recognition given by the ACM to chaplains indicating that they have proved beyond reasonable doubt that they have a calling to chaplaincy and that they are regarded as ambassadors of the department and the church.

BI ACADEMY OF PUBLISHING LEADERS, ZIMBABWE

he Zambia and Zimbabwe union in conjunction

31 from Zimbabwe and 12 from Zambia. This is the first

with the Southern Africa Indian Ocean Division

of its kind in the world church after the curriculum was

publishing ministries organized an Academy

voted at the General conference in 2013. The three mail

of Assistant Publishing Directors at ZIPAM

subjects covered in 30 hours were Sales management 2,

a kilometer out of Harare. There were 43

Leadership principles, Time and Financial Management.

assistant publishing directors from the two unions with

The lecturers included Pastor Shoko ZUC publishing director, Dr M. Martinneli from Editorial Safeliz, Dr N. Maphosa from University of Zimbabwe and E. Sanguesa from Stanbourouh Press. This was the first mile to the three more levels that the APDs have to go through before they graduate with a diploma in Publishing leadership.

RESTORING SDA DNA

he Spirit of Prophecy Coordinator and the Research Center Director based at Helderberg College together organized a series of spirit of prophecy seminars for all unions and attached field in the Southern Africa Indian Ocean Division Territory. The meetings in the entities were dubbed the restoring SDA DNA. In 2013 five unions were covered namely Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Indian Ocean and Botswana. The meetings were run in conjunction with the Ellen G white Estate Director and associate directors from General conference. In 2014 the remaining entities, Mozambique Union, Southern Africa Union, South West Angola Union, North East Angola Union and Sao Tome Principe Field. Dr James Nix attended the first series with Pastor William Fagal accompanied by Dr Michael Sokupa and Pastor Super Moesi as core presenters. The second phase, which took place February 21 to March 7, had a team of four presenters, Dr A. Timm and Ps W. Fagal from the General Conference and the SID SOP coordinator and the research center director.

Portuguese as a native of Brazil. The four entities in the last phase of the seminars are Portuguese speaking and they identified with him since they had watched him present before on television.

The 2014 first quarter seminars started in Mozambique at Polana Church in Maputo with attendance ranging between 50 and 100 participants in the three days February 17 -20. In South Africa the meeting was at the Union headquarters in Bloemfontein 21 – 23 of February with representatives from the conferences and church members from within Bloemfontein, which boosted the attendance. The Sao Tome Principe meeting took place at the central church with 100 to 300 participants for the four day of the evening meetings. The North East Angola meetings were spectacular.The presenters were spread in three different churches that were packed both on Sabbath and Sunday. It was a great blessing to have Dr Timm with us especially that he is fluent in both English and

Topics presented included: reading, understanding and interpreting Ellen G. White Writings, Dissidents Movements, E.G.W writings and the Bible, The work of a prophet, How God Guided the church through the prophetic office, What and Why Spirit of Prophecy. Super Moesi SID Publishing Ministries

ACADEMY OF PUBLISHING LEADERS - SID The three main subjects covered during this training school included:

1. strategic planning, 2. Sales management II 3. Church & publishing policies.

The publishing department had its second level of Academy of Publishing Leaders training school for the local Conference and Union publishing directors at Birchwood hotel in Boksburg, South Africa. Dr Hopeson Bonya (SID Field Secretary), officially opened the meeting with an inspiring devotional. In line with the Southern Africa Indian Ocean Division (SID) initiative of Paul’s Method, this training followed a newly introduced curriculum by the publishing department of the General Conference. The training requires sixty contact hours of class with each student before they receive their certificates. More than 36 leaders attended the training and will be the first certified publishing Leaders in the Seventh-day Adventist church subject to fulfilling all the requirements.

The main facilitators were Pastor Howard Faigao from the General Conference and Super Moesi of SID with the assistance of Mrs. Savie Maphosa, SID retirement administrator who did a class on retirement policies. Dr Solomon Maphosa presented a class on Church policies including church structure. Most of the students were challenged to craft their strategic plans and return to implement the plans presented. In his closing remarks the General Conference Publishing director Pastor Faigao reminded the leaders that 2014 is set aside by the Seventh-day Adventist church as a year of the Literature Evangelist and that they should do all in their power to develop the work in their territories to the fullest extent and scatter literature like never before through the power of the Holy Spirit in line with the publishing quinquennnial theme, “Bringing Hope into Every Home.” Ps Super Moesi Publishing Director - SID

LITERATURE EVANGELISM TRAINING - KWAZULU NATAL In line with Paul’s method initiative, March 9 to 14 was an

the ocean for an in-depth training by the union publishing

inspiring week for the Kwazulu Natal Free State Conference

director and his assistant publishing director Eve Sithole.

Publishing Ministries department as they conducted a Literature Ministry Seminar: level two at Anerly Adventist

By Pastor Michael Msane KNFC Publishing Director

Youth camp. Eighteen-literature evangelist converged beside

AFRICAN STUDENTS EXCEL AT ANDREW’S UNIVERSITY

CELEBRATING WELLNESS

elderberg College second year public relations students hosted a successful Wellness Week programme, from April 23 to April 25. The emphasis on health and wellness forms part of the college’s unique philosophy of education. Each day of the week saw a different event take place. On the last day of the Wellness Week, we had a community march to Macassar, which was greatly supported by the Helderberg College students including staff members.

Hundreds of people flocked to Andrews University on the 4th of May 2014 to celebrate a milestone in academic achievement. Four individuals graduated from the SID territory. Many African families were present to support their friends including SID President, Dr Paul Ratsara. Like a true African parent, he took time to shake hands and encourage the graduates from SID.

Those who graduated are: 1. Lubasi Ngonda - MDV ; ( the Ngondas in picture) 2. Linda T Ngonda - BSC Nursing 3. May Ratsara Neri (Dr Ratsara’ daughter) - MDV. 4. Gladson Thumbalamoto - Doctor of Ministry 28

BIKER WITH A MISSION

onathan Blackburn is on a trip of a lifetime. The adventurous 31-year-old engineer from St Austell, Cornwall, is riding his motorbike across Africa to Cape Town following the West Africa coastline. But beyond enjoying the freedom of riding his bike, Jonathan wanted to give his journey a purpose and contacted ADRA-UK to see if he could use his trip to raise funds for a worthy project. Working with its partner office in Zimbabwe ADRA-UK proposed to collect funds for the Multi Trust Orphanage, situated in Harare that is home to about 30 children.The orphanage desperately needed sustainable access to water for domestic purposes but also to enhance its gardening activities to make it self-sufficient. On Thursday, 7th August, Jonathan arrived in Harare after a long journey including riding through some of the scariest jungles of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Describing his experience to ADRA Zimbabwe staff, Jonathan said his trip had been wonderful and

he enjoyed the African hospitality along the route. He singled out his experience in Nigeria and Mauritania as particularly wonderful. Crossing the DRC was a hard one – infrastructure challenges sometime made him cover only 40 kilometers a day. Jonathan recalls that arriving in Zambia was exciting – “everything seemed accessible again – I could even get pizza”. During his short stay in Harare Jonathan spent some time with the children at the orphanage. As a water engineer, Jonathan examined the water issues at the orphanage and advised on the most feasible way to assure the water future of the Multi Trust Orphanage. Pastor M Choga, ADRA Zimbabwe Chairman of the Board and also Zimbabwe Union President, thanked Jonathan for his sacrifice and praised God for His protection.

HOW TO REACH THE CITIES Thousands and millions of children live in large cities and this is often the forgotten group. There are many who may be homeless, lonely, from divorced homes, or abused. They all need the good news of the Gospel that Jesus loves them and that He offers them salvation. Hence, we need to reach out to children in the cities. Much research in recent years has also shown that the largest group who accept the gospel is the group below thirteen years of age. George Barna identifies 32% of the children who accept Jesus as their personal friend are those below thirteen years old.Thus, the Children’s Ministries Department is joining hands with the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s five-year-emphasis on Mission to the Cities on sharing Jesus’ love and the hope of His soon return with the millions of children who need to know the love of Jesus.

WE NEED TO REACH KIDS FOR JESUS • We need to create greater awareness among church leaders, children’s leaders, members and parents about the need to present the good news of salvation to children. • We need to share creative and innovative strategies to evangelize children in the cities. • We need to develop and provide resources to help children’s leaders and teachers involve the churches in evangelizing children in the cities.

KEYS TO EVANGELIZING CHILDREN IN THE CITIES • Setting a consistent example of Godliness • Developing good relationships with children • Know the names of children • Give a smile to every child • Spend time with children outside of programs • Listen to them 29

when they share their problems • Loving children unconditionally • Getting acquainted with their parents • Visit the children’s homes • Get their permission when taking children out • Contact them regularly • Taking an interest in the lives of children • Encouraging Possible Signs of Conversion • Speak to them about taking Bible studies • Answer their questions about God and the Bible • Prepare them for baptism For a list of suggested evangelistic programs and resources to reach children with the Gospel, contact your local conference Children’s ministry department.

STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE - FROM THE PULPIT TO THE PEW characterize the Leadership and programs of the SID,” he said. Intentional focus and planning for Mission to the Cities has also been a focal point of the Summit. Pastor Marlington Lopes (Presidente da União Sul Brasileira), shared his experiences and further trained the leaders for Mission to the Cities which is a core focus of the SID for 2014. “We want disciples, not just members. Humanly speaking, our business is impossible. It is the work of the Holy Spirit or it will never happen. But God expects us (Matthew 25), to do our part according to our Spiritual Gifts. We need a church that will make an impact in the societies we live in. We want our members to study their Bibles and Sabbath School lessons. We don’t want to tell our members what to do but we do tell them to do something,” he said.

eadership is a critical factor in the health and growth of churches. Simply put, healthy and growing leaders cultivate an environment of health and growth in churches and in mission activities. Healthy and growing leaders equip other people for leadership and other acts of service. The amazing impact that leadership has on church growth should not surprise us because numerous in-depth studies have reached the same conclusion: organizations that invest in leadership development perform better than those that don’t. Challenging times magnify that truth even more.

Dr Peter Landless, GC Health Ministries Director highlighted the emphasis of Comprehensive Health Ministry focus of the Seventh-day Adventist church. “Doors of service is opening all around us, and it is God’s end time plan to extend our help,” he said.

Executive Officers and their spouses of the Southern Africa Indian Ocean Division - SID (Conferences and Unions) gathered at Birchwood Conference Center in South Africa, earlier this year, to strategize and collaborate on the mission of the church under the theme:“Striving for Excellence.”

Church Health is everyone’s responsibility. Whatever part you play, whatever position or influence you have in your church, you contribute to its health and growth. “The fruitage of [the Seventh-day Adventist concept of church] is a representative and constituency-based system. Its authority is rooted in God and distributed to the whole people of God. It recognises the committee system. It provides for shared administration (president, secretary, treasurer) rather than a presidential system. It recognises a linkage of entities (church, conference, union, General Conference) that binds the believers together in a universal fellowship. It assures essential unity of purpose and mission. While the integrity of each entity is recognised (church, conference, union), each is seen to be a part of a sisterhood which cannot act without reference to the whole.”

The first day was spent with a deliberate focus on marriage and parenting. Attendees received fresh insights about God’s plan for families from the family of Noah.“This is a dream come true: to have all the leaders and their spouses attend the Leadership Summit” Dr Paul Ratsara, President-SID. Besides leading out in the marriage and parenting session with his wife, Angeline, Dr J Musvosvi in his devotional address to leaders emphasised that “structure is important but people are more important … this is important to remember in Christian Leadership.”

Dr Paul Charles SID Communication - We Connect

SID had recently organized two Union Conferences (Botswana Union Conference and Indian Ocean Union Conference) making a total of five Union Conferences in the SID territory. In Zambia, the Copperbelt Field was also organized as the Copperbelt Conference. Dr Ratsara, in his address, highlighted the need to unite our hearts and action.“Unity should

SAO TOME April 21, 2014 - Leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist church made a courtesy visit to the President of the republic of Sao Tome and Principe to explain to him what will happen in 2014 in Sao Tome and Principe as result of the Mission to the Cities initiative. His Excellency, President Manuel Pinto da Costa thanked the delegation and congratulated them for the participation of the Seventh-day Adventist church in Sao Tome and Principe and promised his full support to the evangelistic initiative. This is just another way that the church is SID demonstrates its commitment to intentional planning for Mission to the Cities.

NAMIBIA LAUNCH

January 24 was a special for Namibia Conference when the Year of the literature evangelist was launched at the Windhoek Central Church. When an appeal was made in the afternoon for many over 30 took their stand to join the literature ministry.This was followed by a two day of training at the Conference office. The Lord has been blessing the conference with the increase in the number of literature evangelist since they attained conference status in 2013. Currently, the literature evangelism work is flourishing and since January, the importance of Literature ministry has been elevated. Pastor M.S. Moesi Publishing Director - SID

ULTIMATE ACT OF STEWARDSHIP

technicalities to run an effective Trust Services office. A special emphasis was put on deeds of donations and last wills. The inputs of the lawyers in regard to local legislation were much appreciated. Convinced about the necessity of this ministry and of its potential to support the mission of the Church, all the participants engaged in a planning session. The three Unions came up with some expected outcomes and strategies for the coming years.

he Trust Services Department of the SID organized a Tri-Union Congress in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, from 21st -25th of January 2014. Participants came from Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe Unions and we had two external facilitators, Wilfredo Sumagaysay, associate director of Trust Services at the General Conference and Phil Bond from Florida Conference, USA. Several lawyers and officers, from the three Unions, were among the attendees. The hospitality of Zimbabwe Union Conference was remarkable and we appreciated the organization put in place by Elder Fairchild Mhlophe.

We look forward to see more church members who are managing their accumulated assets as faithful stewards, realizing that all have the privilege of leaving a meaningful legacy.

The various presentations made us realize that it is God’s plan for His people to faithfully manage accumulated wealth and possessions. The participants were summoned to apply and facilitate the implementation of God’s words to King Hezekiah, 2 Kings 20:1: “Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover.” The admonitions presented from the Spirit of Prophecy substantiate the same idea: “Those who are faithful stewards of the Lord’s means will know how their business stands and like wise men, they will be prepared for any emergency. Should their probation close suddenly, they would not leave such great perplexity upon those who are called to settle their estate” (Testimonies, Vol. 4, p. 482). Another quotation has contributed to the rationale of consolidating Trust Services in our territory, “In disposing of your property . . . to your relatives, be sure that you do not forget God’s cause” (Counsels on Stewardship, page 328). It was clear for the attendees that our stewardship responsibility does not end with tithing and offering. All believers need to consider their families, the needy, and the kingdom of God when they are planning to dispose what God has entrusted them during their lifetime.

Aniel Barbe, Stewardship and Trust Services - SID

After establishing the scriptural foundation, the facilitators presented the

TESTIMONIES FROM AFRICA

“Christ’s Ministry alone will give true success in reaching the people. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me’.” The Ministry of Healing, p. 143.

Hope Channel is a powerful and positive channel that has changed my life for the better.. I have turned my life around and all things are working for me. THANK YOU! I just love every moment on Hope Channel. It surely gives me hope in this world where there is no rest. Continue blessing us more as we patiently wait for our savior Jesus. Thabo, Zimbabwe 32

ZAMBIA SDA CLEANS CHOMA District Commissioner, Bernadette Hamweemba, has commended the Seventh-day Adventist church in the southern province of Zambia for taking an active role to clean major towns in the province as the country celebrates 50 years of golden jubilee. She praised the SDA church in Choma that comprised Dorcas workers, Adventist Youth, and Adventist Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Organisation for taking a bold step to clean the town of Choma by supplementing government efforts in keeping the town clean. She said Choma will not celebrate the 50 years golden Jubilee in a dirty environment and congratulated the SDA church for taking a leading role among other stakeholders in keeping the town clean. And Choma West Mission district pastor of the SDA church, Albert Mbwantu,says the leadership of the South Zambia Conference of the SDA

church unanimously resolved to clean all districts in southern province in a bid to keep the towns clean as the country celebrates the 50 years jubilee. LAWRENCE KABUTU Choma - Communication, South Zambia Conference

CHURCH HELPS GOVERNMENT LIVE BETTER Evangelism has different channels, platforms, mediums, and resources to reach the dying world. It is not about the duration of the evangelism structure; it is about the method and the use of appropriate tools, literature, and other enticing elements to reach out in a fruitful manner. The department of Health & Wellness in South Botswana Conference has entered a number of government departments to provide a unique service that does not only improve peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lifestyles, but also introduce the Savior. The Botswana Police Services is one of the sectors that has benefited from this service. An invitation from the Air-Force Unit reached the Seventh-day Adventist Church to share with the police staff members ways of healthy living. Truly, this is integrated and comprehensive ministry.

HELDERBERG BAPTISM Heaven, together with Helderberg College, celebrated the baptism of two students of the College, Sandiso Matoti and Hope Vangeca, in the family of God on 7 June 2014.

God celebrated the first marriage. Thus the institution has for its originator the Creator of the universe. Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 46

ADVENTIST WORLD RADIO

Broadcasting the Adventist hope in Christ to the hardest-to-reach people groups of the world in their own languages. “MY CHURCH NEEDS ME”

Adventist World Radio is the official mission radio arm of the Seventhday Adventist Church. AWR uses AM/FM, shortwave, satellite, and web broadcasts to carry the gospel to people who are difficult to reach because of political restrictions on religion, cultural barriers to Christianity, and geographic barriers.

Adventist World Radio is privileged to have top-notch professionals working in our studios and affiliate stations around the world. At the recent training sessions (April, 2014) held for current and future FM radio personnel in the Southern Africa/Indian Ocean Division, we had the opportunity to discover a fascinating variety of experiences and talents that these communicators are bringing to the Lord’s work.

Shelley Nolan Freesland AWR Communications Director

IT’S A ZUNDE

n pre-colonial Zimbabwe, the traditional leader (Chief) in the area would have a communal piece of land called a Zunde (Zunde Ramambo). The members of the community would volunteer their labor and take turns to work on the piece of land from planting to harvest. The produce was kept in a granary at the chief’s homestead to insure food security in the case of a drought. (Demba et al, 2002). The grain was also used to care for the older persons, widows, orphans, persons with disabilities and soldiers. In 2009 Zunde was revived by the conference leadership and once again lay people were give the opportunity to gather in un-entered areas to preach and give bible studies. This attracted numbers of up to five hundred people in some areas who were coming from all over the conference to preach and give bible studies in a given area. By 2012 this concept had gathered momentum.Together with this revival of Zunde came the concept of combining evangelism with church building.This combination continued for a few years. June 2013 we embarked on another project in the Chedutu area in Bikita. There we met people who had never heard the bible being read to them. When they witnessed the rate at which we were constructing the church they were shocked and we were accused of being Satanists. Instead of deterring us these accusations heightened the interest of the community members. Since the attendance in the evening was not good we decided to request to have the meeting at the Kraal Head’s homestead. He gladly accepted our proposal and publicly rebuked the people who

were calling us Satanists. On the closing Sabbath 44 people were baptized. We have witnessed the power of God and His blessing when people unite to do His work. Membership in the churches has been growing since and most of these converts have also joined the Zunde volunteering which brought them to Adventism. I am convinced that this was God’s leading. The results are showing that this is the best method of penetrating an un-entered area. It leaves the people with somewhere to attend church and assures them that we have not just come to preach to them for a few days and leave, but have come to stay. The impact is also heightened by the fact that church construction which would take decades now happens in a matter of days, just like Nehemiah in the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. To think that in our Region, with the Zunde emphasis alone, without counting other building projects we have constructed four churches within the space of two years in a difficult economy like Zimbabwe is amazing. All I can say is; “To God be the Glory.” Since 2012, 20 new churches have been built. PS. One of the churches built through the Zunde program. 34

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AWR CHANGED MY LIFE Elder Edward Lilwena, prior to his baptism into the SDA

Most of the members of the church that Elder Lilweni attends are there because of AWR. The impact of this radio station is evidenced by the fact that the church is now too small to house all the members and they are forced to worship under trees so as to accommodate the large numbers. It’s effectiveness can also be attributed to the fact that AWR in Zambia broadcasts programs in local languages which makes it easier for listeners to understand and relate to. The church leaders in Zambia are thrilled about the positive results coming from the programs produced by AWR. The various testimonies they continue to receive from members are encouraging. Marriages that were on the verge of divorce have been saved by the Family Life programs, some tell of how they felt suicidal but found hope on radio. The list is endless but there is only one way to describe the work of AWR, life changing. Elder Lilweni says,“AWR changed my life.”

church, was a Pentecostal priest for over forty years. Talking about AWR, Elder Edward says it was through radio that he discovered the truth and also learnt about the ten commandments. His love for radio follows him wherever he goes as he makes sure that he has the radio by him, whether he is working out in the fields or just relaxing with his family, so as not to miss any of his favourite programs. Upon receiving and accepting the sabbath truth, Elder Lilweni could not help but share the good news with his wife and in a short space of time, she too was convinced that Saturday is indeed the sabbath day of the Lord. She says the music on AWR inspires and uplifts her. Speaking about his wife’s conversion, Elder Lilweni says it was not difficult to convince his wife to accept the truth because the messages that they listened to were very clear and this made it easy for the couple to make a joint decision about the sabbath. With time, they began to invite their neighbors to come and listen to the radio in their home as a way of evangelism.

Adventist World Radio is the international radio broadcast service of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, devoted to spreading the gospel worldwide. Thousands have been changed through this service as radio waves are able to minister where people may not always be able to go. Saneliso Moyo/Noel Sibanda - SIDMEDIA

Creation: The Bibleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Worldview The Seventh-day Adventist Church affirms its belief in the biblical account of creation in contrast to an evolutionary explanation for the origin of living organisms and the relationship of humans to other life forms. Seventh-day Adventists note with great interest the increasing discussion of intelligent design in nature and the evidence that supports this view. In the light of considerable public interest in this topic the Church takes this opportunity to express its confidence in the biblical record. Seventh-day Adventists believe that God is the Creator of all life and that the Bible reveals a reliable account of His creative activity. Further, we believe that the biblical events recorded in Genesis 1-11, including the special creation of human beings, are historical and recent, that the seven days of creation were literal 24 hour days forming a literal week, and that the Flood was global in nature. Belief in creation is foundational for Seventh-day Adventist understanding concerning much more than the question of origins. The purposes and mission of God described in the Bible, human responsibility for stewardship of the environment, the institution of marriage and the sacred meaning of the Sabbath all find their meaning in the doctrine of creation. Seventh-day Adventists recognize that the biblical record of creation does not answer all questions that can be asked concerning origins. Our comprehension of such mysteries is limited. We anticipate that continued study of both the Bible and nature will deepen our understanding of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s power and strengthen our faith in His Word and the creation account it contains. (This statement is supported by numerous Bible passages including: Psalm 19:1; Colossians 1:16-17; Genesis 1-11; Psalm 139:14; Exodus 20:8-11; Mark 2:27; Romans 8:20, 21.)