REFRAME SCHOOL OF EVANGELISM PAGE 4
FAIRFIELD CHURCH TURNS 100 PAGE 7
GSC EDUCATION UPDATE PAGE 12
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Graphics
Lynda
Other
Brotherssisters,and
Meeting with the leaders of our Sister Conference, the Solomon Islands Mission (SIM), was truly delightful. Recently, our Conference Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mrs Nadelle Manners, and I traveled to the Solomon Islands, and you can read all about it in this issue. This visit followed a trip by the SIM President, Secretary, and CFO to the Greater Sydney Conference in July. It was a joy to host them and share insights into our Conference’s operations.
Over recent months, our
Engaging with fellow believers in mission and outreach is truly rewarding.
During our recent Administrators Council meetings in Melbourne, we had an exclusive preview of The Hopeful, directed by Adventist Kyle Portbury. As I write this, the film is being screened at select cinemas in Sydney and has sold over 22,000 tickets.
As we begin planning for Big Camp 2025 at the Conference level and prepare for Harvest 25 at the church level, I pray for God’s guidance, wisdom, and blessings throughout every step of these endeavours.
May we reach all those who seek Him: “Then those who gladly received his word were baptised; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in breaking bread, and in prayers.” Acts 2:41-42
Alban Matohiti
Matohiti
@sydneyadventists
COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT
ADDRESS
148 Fox Valley Road, Wahroonga NSW 2076
PHONE
(02) 9868 6522
GSCComms@adventist.org.au
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For volunteer opportunities, local events, jobs, accommodation and more, visit our notice board at bit.ly/ gsnotices or via the QR code below.
The Importance of Dads Studies have shown that when fathers are affectionate and supportive, it greatly affects children’s cognitive and social development...
ISSUE FEATURE
Visit to Solomon Islands
President Alban Matohiti and Chief Financial Officer Nadelle Manners visited the Solomon Islands, GSC’s sister mission. It is a bustling, faith-filled place with 62,000 Adventists...
16
Laura’s Story / ADRA
Laura Stephenson is the Operations Manager for Open Heart International, and former manager of ADRA Community Centre Macquarie Fields.
Save the Date
Nov 8 / High School Worship Night
Nov 8-10 / BREATHE Conference
Nov 15 / Youth Worship Night
Nov 16 / GSC 75th Anniversary
Nov 23 / Pathfinder Rally
More events at bit.ly/3rwcUr0!
Fairfield Church Turns 100!
On 3 August, 2024, Fairfield Church held a centennial celebration that brought together past and present members, friends, Conference officials, and even the local mayor... Page 7
GSC
Education Update
Find out what’s been happening for students across our Adventist Schools in Hills, Mountain View, Macarthur, Hurstville and Auburn... Page 12
eGiving.org.au
Nov 9 / World Mission Budget
Nov 16 / GS Student Scholarships Nov 23 / Local Budget
Nov 30 / Local Budget
Read more at bit.ly/2MJvRr5
LAUNCH OF REFRAME SCHOOL OF EVANGELISM
On June 1, 2024, over 70 members from the Sydney Adventist community celebrated their graduation from the inaugural REFRAME School of Evangelism training course at Parramatta Church, organised by the Greater Sydney Conference. The Bible Studies 101 program equipped participants with essential skills for planning, organising, and delivering a series of Bible studies, allowing them to gain practical experience. Additionally, attendees learned techniques for guiding decisions and discovering new opportunities for Bible study engagement.
So, what is REFRAME all about? In today’s world, living out our faith as representatives of Jesus can feel daunting—not just for pastors but also for church members. While it may be challenging at times, having support makes everything more manageable. This is where REFRAME steps in!
The REFRAME Mission Training initiative encompasses various mission training programs that include two main formats: Practical Workshop Trainings and the School of Evangelism. The Practical Workshops are short sessions held regionally over a single afternoon and facilitated by different departments. In contrast, the School of Evangelism focuses on one
specific subject over several days. Graduates receive a certificate upon completion.
REFRAME was created to better prepare individuals for their mission work while also offering additional support to pastors. This initiative aligns perfectly with our vision to foster a disciple-making movement throughout Greater Sydney. We are keeping our REFRAME graduates in our prayers as they venture out into the community to share Bible studies, spread the gospel message, and cultivate discipleship.
You too can unlock your potential for mission and service by participating in any of our training events! To find out more about upcoming REFRAME activities, please visit https://bit.ly/gsreframe.
BIG2025CAMP
ADVENTIST ALPINE VILLAGE, APRIL 21-27
SPEAKER
Dr. Randy Roberts, Senior Pastor at Loma Linda University Church (Big Tent)
SPEAKER
Pr. Adam Ramdin, Executive Producer of Lineage Journey (Youth + YA)
bit.ly/gscbigcamp #sydneyadventists
LOCAL NEWS
WINDSOR CHURCH WELCOMES SIX NEW MEMBERS
July 6, 2024, was destined to be a very high day for the Windsor Seventh-day Adventist Church. After many months of teamwork and the implementation of its Cycle of Evangelism strategy, the fruits of so much labour were made manifest when four candidates were baptized by Pastor Igor Shemet. To add even more joy to the worshippers’ experience, two others were welcomed into church fellowship by profession of faith.
The well-attended worship service was also
MICHAEL PUPOVAC STEPS DOWN AFTER A DECADE OF DEDICATED SERVICE
After a decade of committed service, Michael Pupovac has announced his decision to step down from his role as the Adventist Book Centre (ABC) Supervisor at the Greater Sydney Conference. Michael’s tenure has been marked by significant contributions to the ministry and community, leaving a lasting impact on both colleagues and patrons.
During his 10-year journey, Michael played an instrumental role in continuing literature evangelism and outreach of the Adventist Book Centres across Greater Sydney. His leadership not only ensured efficient management but also fostered an environment that encouraged spiritual growth and learning. Michael’s dedication to service has been steadfast, and he will be greatly missed by everyone who had the privilege to work alongside him.
Michael’s last day before taking leave will be
blessed with beautiful bouquets of flowers, engaging worship songs and a fellowship lunch. Pastor Igor shared a message titled, “Why Should You be Baptized?”
Further follow-up studies continue, together with other forms of friendship evangelism, and the church has another baptism Sabbath scheduled for later this year. Windsor Church praises God for His goodness to their church family and especially the new church members.
Pictured: Senior Elder Nelson Haora, five new members and Pr Igor Shemet. Written by Pr Kevin Brown.
Friday, 15 November. As we transition through this change, we have initiated plans to ensure continuity of oversight at our ABC stores in Wahroonga and Minchinbury. We are actively working on finalising these plans and will provide updates over the coming weeks. In the meantime, for any immediate concerns or assistance, please contact us directly or reach out via sydney@adventist. org.au.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Michael Pupovac for his contributions and pray for blessings over his future endeavours. The Greater Sydney Conference is committed to maintaining its legacy of service and spiritual enrichment as we embark on this new chapter.
FAIRFIELD CHURCH CELEBRATES 100 YEARS
It’s not every day a church family gets to celebrate its 100th anniversary. On 3 August, 2024, the Fairfield Seventh-day Adventist Church held a centennial celebration that brought together past and present members, friends, Conference officials, and even the local mayor and members of parliament.
“The centennial anniversary was a blessed day, and more than 180 attended,” says Pastor Edison Akrawi. “Notable guests included Frank Carbone, mayor of Fairfield, Dai Le, federal member of parliament, and Dr David Saliba, state member of parliament. Pastor Cheonneth Strickland, General Secretary of Greater Sydney Conference, provided the spiritual message and blessing. The service was also attended by former members of Fairfield Church, including those who attended as children 70 years ago, current Fairfield Church members and members of Cabramatta Fijian Church, who worship in Fairfield.”
The day began with a Sabbath School program that featured praise and reflections, including memories shared by members and former members Dr Kelvin Hon, Robin and Bill Bradshaw, Julie Cutler, Christian Thomas, and Pastor James Fletcher.
During the church service, Pr Akrawi shared a comprehensive church history and a video presentation that showed photos from the church’s first 100 years. The Fairfield mayor and parliament members also greeted the congregation, before Pr Strickland preached the day’s message.
Afterward, everyone gathered for a special lunch and time of fellowship. “It was a privilege to share a meal with such a diverse and welcoming group, exchanging stories and building connections,” wrote MP Dai Le. “I’m thankful to have been a part of this memorable day, celebrating both our faith and the strong bonds that hold our community together.”
View the full service at bit.ly/fairfield100service watch the slideshow at bit.ly/fairfield100slideshow and see more photos at facebook.com/ fairfieldsdasydney.
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD CHURCH
Written by Edison Akrawi
Our recorded church history begins with Arthur Shannon, a dedicated member of Stanmore Church in Sydney’s Inner West. In 1919, Arthur and a fellow Stanmore Missionary Volunteer Society member launched an extensive evangelistic series on Sunday evenings at Fairfield School of Arts.
This was followed by a successful tent mission run by Pastor F. Knight around 1922. The majority of those who attended the tent meetings accepted the message. By August 2nd, 1924, Pastor J.M. Cole officially established the Fairfield Company of believers as a church, a date we are celebrating today.
This group of Seventh-day Adventist believers met at the home of Mr Albert Baglee. Since the new believers were outgrowing their existing meeting place, they purchased a suitable piece of land at 34 Wrentmore St, Fairfield, and gathered pledges for the building fund.
The building they put on this land was 30 by 20 feet in size (roughly 9 by 6 metres), and was constructed entirely by voluntary labour. The total cost of £250 covered the land, furnishings, and a large portion of fencing.
After many weeks of toil, the labours dedicated to the service of God a very fine church building on Sunday, March 29, 1925. Sydney Conference President, Pastor A. H. Piper, ran the dedication service, assisted by pastors Mitchell, Kent, and Whittaker, and brother Govett. The church was dedicated almost free of debt, except for a loan owing to the Conference.
Since then, the church has been renovated a number of times, and a hall was added at the back. Due to flooding issues, the church was rebuilt in 1998 with a loan from the Conference. We commenced church service at the new building at the beginning of 1999.
Laura’s Story
Laura Stephenson is the Operations Manager for Open Heart International, a division of ADRA Australia. Prior to this, she was the Manager for ADRA Community Centre Macquarie Fields.
“We had many programs in Macquarie Fields, but one of the programs was to assist people with food,” Laura says.
On a scorching hot day in the height of summer, Laura and her team of volunteers were packing up after an extralong day at the centre and everyone was looking forward to getting home.
“Just as I was about to close the door, I heard this voice,” Laura says. “They called out to me and sounded really distressed. He just said, ‘Please wait, please wait!’”
In a few moments a family of five came into view from the centre’s back gate. They appeared flushed and out of breath. They asked Laura if the ADRA Centre was already closed. She confirmed they
were just about to close but nonetheless she ushered them in and offered them a seat and cold drink.
The volunteers also came back into the centre to see how they could help. Then the family shared their story.
Mohammed, his wife Zahra, and their three young children had walked for several hours to cover the 13km from Campbelltown to Macquarie Fields. The family were refugees, only recently relocated from Afghanistan, and had walked to the ADRA centre because they had no car seat for their baby and didn’t realise they didn’t need one on a bus.
“Mohammed started sharing their story with us and why they had come,” Laura says. “And they said that they came because of the four letters of A D R A. They didn't know what ADRA stood for, but what it meant to them was salvation. And then they started sharing the story of why these four letters impacted
them so much.”
Mohammed was employed by the Embassy of Australia in Afghanistan, a job that was becoming increasingly dangerous.
“The Taliban was targeting him and his family,” Laura explains. “Anyone that worked with any of the embassies were on their list to be executed. They had to flee – no matter what, they had to get their families out safely.”
Mohammed was told to go with his family to the airport and that there would be a plane to Australia waiting on the tarmac to evacuate those targeted by the Taliban.
“They had to just get to the airport safely and get to that plane,” Laura says. “But the place was surrounded by Taliban making it almost impossible to escape with three children."
There was a construction site with a mound of sand on the far corner of the field overlooking the furthest
runway. Below was a trench that followed adjacent to the airport fence that had filled up with sewage water. Mohammed and his family could see their plane sitting on the tarmac, waiting. But with the Taliban surrounding the airport, they couldn’t figure out how to get to their plane. Some men, dressed in black, were encouraging small groups of people to file into the trench. Mohammed and his family were the last in line.
They started making their way through the knee-high sewage water, inching closer to their plane with three kids in tow.
“Mohammed carried their youngest son while Zahra was walking with their daughter,” says Laura. “Their daughter stumbled and almost fell facefirst into the sewage water. One of the men that was walking with them, grabbed their daughter just in time and carried her the rest of the way. Mohammed remembers seeing these four letters on his t-shirt as his coat moved to the side: ‘A D R A’. And this man carried the little girl all the way. Another one of these men had also helped to carry their oldest son.”
Thanks to the extra
assistance of these strangers with A D R A on their shirts, Mohammed and his family reached the plane.
“They were able to board safely, and they got away,” Laura says.
Once in Australia, with limited work opportunities and language barriers, times were tough. Mohammed and Zahra went looking for help.
“Things were really getting difficult for their family and they just searched online for these four letters that meant salvation to them,” Laura says. “They showed us photos and videos of the watery trench, the plane and their arrival in Australia. Zahra got really emotional when she echoed Mohammed’s account of those traumatic events, saying: ‘ADRA saved us from what could have been a sure death at that airport.’”
Mohammed and Zahra’s story struck a nerve with Laura and her team of volunteers.
“For them to look up ADRA and know that if they found ADRA, they would find a solution to the difficulties that they were going through, meant a lot to us. It made us feel that we were part of something bigger.”
Laura and her team
of volunteers provided Mohammed and Zahra with what food they had left over from the day, clothes, and other items that would help them settle in Australia. They told them that a car seat is not needed to ride the bus with a baby in Australia, and one of the volunteers who lived near Campbelltown who had a car seat in her car that day, gave the family a lift home.
“The reason why Muhammad and Zahra's story has really impacted me personally is because I too had an experience with ADRA being a salvation to my own family,” Laura shares. “In 1997 in South Africa, just after my father passed away, we had fallen on some really difficult times. It was ADRA South Africa that helped us out, was there for us and really impacted our lives.
“It's really a privilege for me to celebrate these 40 years with ADRA because they have transformed so many lives and really had an impact on me personally as well as so many other people like Zahra and her family.”
Now, ADRA is supporting a small community of refugee families from Afghanistan who learned about ADRA through Mohammed and Zahra.
The ADRA Community Centre Macquarie Fields is assisting vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals and families through food relief, counselling, drug and alcohol addiction support, social isolation support, and empowerment programs. To learn more or to donate, visit www. adra.org.au/project/ macquarie-fieldscommunity-centre/
HOW PRESENT AND PROACTIVE DADS CAN CHANGE THEIR FAMILIES (AND THE WORLD!)
Written by Daron Pratt
Our children need awesome dads now more than ever.
Children want to make their fathers proud, and involved fathers promote inner growth and strength. Studies have shown that when fathers are affectionate and supportive, it greatly affects children’s cognitive and social development. It also instils an overall sense of well-being and self-confidence.
Fathers not only influence who we are inside, but also how we build relationships with people as we grow. The way a father treats his child will influence what he or she looks for in other people. Adults choose friends, lovers, and spouses based on how they perceived their relationship with their father as children.
Simply put, the patterns a father sets in relationships with his children will dictate how his children relate with other people.
We live in a society where, through family breakdown, busyness and life’s circumstances, many children are growing up with absent fathers. The consequences of this are dire and can affect children and our society for generations to come.
A present, loving dad means that children are more likely to do better at school, not get involved in at-risk activities and are better able to cope with life in general. Boys with an absent father are more likely to be violent, get involved in gangs, and are less likely to go to university or have a good career or marriage. Girls without present and caring dads are more likely to have low self-esteem, become sexually active early, be abused or assaulted, drop out of school and get pregnant at a young age.
When it comes to spirituality, there appears to be a strong link between a spiritual, churchgoing, involved dad and the faith of their children.
Vern Bengsten found the same results in his longitudinal study on families and the transmission of faith. His multi-decade research showed that fathers who have a close relationship with their children are more likely to see their kids carry on the family's religious practices. Fifty-six percent of fathers and kids with close relationships share the same level of religious participation, compared to 36 percent of those with a weaker connection.
So, come on, dads, we need you! Try some of these ideas to put the dad factor into the life of your child.
28 WAYS TO BE AN AWESOME DAD
1. Attend church regularly and volunteer with church activities. Your involvement encourages your children to stay engaged in the church.
Participate in Pathfinders and Adventurers, and join in on camp-outs and activities when possible.
Spend quality one-on-one time with your children. Whether it’s a trip, a special treat, going to a footy game, camping, fishing, gardening, learning a new skill, playing board games, or finding a shared hobby, this time is invaluable.
Playfully wrestle with your young children—be gentle, fun, and ageappropriate.
Be present at mealtimes, with phones turned off.
Teach your son to respect women and himself. He’ll mirror how you treat his mother and adopt your attitudes. Show your emotions, be the dad you want him to be, and apologize when necessary.
Treat your children as you’d want their future partners to treat them.
8. If your child seems to have behavioural problems, consider if it’s actually a lack of dad’s time and find ways to increase it.
Focus on being a loving, present father rather than fighting with your kids. Never give up on building the right relationship.
Regularly take your daughter on special outings—this investment of time pays lifelong dividends.
Share stories from your life to give your children the tools they need to navigate their own.
12. Read the Bible regularly, both for yourself and with your children.
13. Love your wife well. It gives your children a sense of security and models a healthy marriage.
14. Write a prayer of blessing for your child and place it where they’ll find it.
15. Praise your child daily, and when you need to correct them, do so gently.
16. Tuck your child into bed, review their day, and pray with them.
17. Go the extra mile to be involved in your child’s life today.
18. Make special occasions like birthdays and Christmas meaningful by showing up—your presence matters more than presents.
19. Respect your spouse in front of your children, especially if you’re separated. Keep things as simple as possible for your child.
20. Listen to your child, reflect back what they say, and let them know they’ve been heard.
21. Earn the right to speak into your child’s life by consistently investing in their life.
22. Start a family service project and involve your children.
23. Take that special family holiday—work can wait!
24. Praise your child when they do something right to encourage positive behaviour.
25. It takes a village to raise a child—find good people to be part of your child’s support system.
26. Make sure your children know you love them; express it creatively and often.
27. Make church and your faith a priority, and your children will likely follow suit.
28. Teach your child a good tech/life balance by modelling it yourself.
ADVENTIST EDUCATION
On Tuesday, 3 September, the newest building addition to Hills Adventist College Kellyville Campus, Middle School Stage 2, was officially opened at a special dedicatory ceremony.
Distinguished guests including the Honourable Mr Alex Hawke MP, Member for Mitchell; Pastor Alban Matohiti, President of the Greater Sydney Conference of Seventhday Adventists; Mrs Rhonda Belson, Executive Director of Sydney Adventist Schools; past principals of the College and other guests including middle school students and staff gathered in the outdoor space of the Stage 2 area to reflect on the blessing of the new facility to the College and dedicate the building to God.
Mrs Carlie Deppeler, Principal of the College, said, “We have created a building that values flexibility for student learning, maintains community, and supports staff wellbeing.
“A building like this only happens with the support and input of a lot of people. I would like to thank Stanton Dahl, the architect on the project who patiently worked with us through all the ideas we had, Cash McInnes Projects who built the facility well and provided excellent project management to deliver the project on-time, and the Hills Adventist College Building Committee, Ms Jane Teaupa, Mr Stephen Fehlberg and Mr Rod Long. Thank you to each and every one of you who has made this building become a reality for our students.”
Mrs Deppeler went on to reflect on the excitement of the Year 5 and 6 students as they explored their new learning spaces for the first time, and the faces of the staff when they viewed the new staff offices and staff room.
Mrs Deppeler also encouraged those in attendance to pray that this new space would be a place where students would learn about the world, themselves, and their God for many years to come.
The building was officially opened at the proceedings by Pr Matohiti and Mrs Deppeler.
After the ceremony, guests took a tour of the new facility, which concluded in the new middle school staff room with a delicious morning tea.
MIDDLE SCHOOL STAGE 2 OPENING AT HILLS ADVENTIST COLLEGE, KELLYVILLE CAMPUS
On July 5, Mountain View Adventist College proudly witnessed siblings Hulita, a College Captain; Rosie, a Year 11 student; and Francis, a Year 9 student, make the profound decision to give their lives to Jesus.
The event was graced by the presence of students from Years 7-12, teachers, staff, family, and friends, all gathered to support the siblings. The atmosphere was filled with love and encouragement as the community came together for
her visual artwork, which won her the top spot in the primary school category. Reflecting on her piece, Marina shared, "There are many challenges in our world, but teachers help us learn that it is OK to make
Her winning artwork will be featured in the promotion of AISNSW's World Teachers' Day program, celebrated on October 25, bringing Marina's message
Hurstville Adventist School Principal, Mrs Erika Ratu said, “We are immensely proud of Marina's achievement and the recognition it brings to the school's commitment to fostering creativity and celebrating the pivotal role of educators in shaping the
this special occasion.
All three students had received Bible studies led by Pr Raul Moran, the college’s senior chaplain, who provided spiritual guidance and support throughout their journey.
This memorable event marked a beautiful end to Term 2, leaving everyone inspired and uplifted. We are incredibly proud of Hulita, Rosie, and Francis for taking this courageous step in their faith journey.
MACARTHUR ADVENTIST COLLEGE EXPANDS YEAR 7 TO MEET GROWING DEMAND
Macarthur Adventist College is excited to announce that it will be opening an additional stream for its Year 7 cohort, starting at the beginning of 2025. This decision comes in response to the increasing demand for enrolment at the College and reflects the positive impact and reputation Macarthur has for delivering quality Adventist education in the southwest Sydney region.
Principal Sam Lett is enthusiastic about the expansion,
strong academic foundation.”
The additional stream will allow the College to maintain its commitment to optimal class sizes and a supportive environment while also rising to meet the surging applications for Year 7 spaces. With an additional Year 7 stream and a new build beginning in early 2025, Macarthur Adventist College is well placed to accommodate the growing needs of the families in the rapidly expanding southwest growth
with an Acknowledgement of Country by School Vice Captains Jessica Wang and Jarek Lin, followed by a welcome from Principal Trevor Blake. The school choir, led by Mrs Heidi Tromp, performed the National Anthem and a special
A joint address by current Principal Trevor Blake and former Principal Danyel Efstratiou (2012-2023) celebrated the school’s history and its impact over the years. Pr Alban Matohiti, President of the Greater Sydney Conference, led
with a closing prayer and blessing by Rhonda Belson, Executive Director of Education for Adventist Schools.
Guests were then invited to enjoy light refreshments in the school hall, bringing the event to a close.
GOD IN OUR WEEKS OF WORSHIP
Our recent weeks of worship were a resounding success! The primary school explored The Search for the Rebel Planet, where Year 6 students led various ministry teams, from drama to student preachers, under the guidance of Pr Michael Qiokata from our sister school in Fiji. This theme encouraged students to seek the Kingdom of God on Earth.
In high school, the theme Firm Foundation resonated deeply, with Pastor Ron Sydney
from the USA inspiring students to face today’s uncertainties with Jesus as their foundation. Both weeks saw incredible student involvement and powerful messages, leading many to a closer relationship with God.
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY
In a vibrant celebration of creativity and collaboration, Wahroonga Adventist School recently hosted CAPA Creative. Demonstrating the power of art and music in fostering creativity, critical thinking, and
emotional expression among students, the showcase was a highlight in the secondary school calendar. “God has truly blessed the school with students who are dedicated to the arts,” said Head of Creative and Performing Arts, Kristina Vuceski. The efforts of staff combined with the enthusiasm and hard work of the music and art students, made for a memorable night including performances from a large Year 12 music class. We wish the HSC music students all the best.
GSC PRESIDENT AND CFO VISIT THE SOLOMON ISLANDS
From 29 July to 5 August, 2024, Greater Sydney Conference (GSC) President Alban Matohiti and Chief Financial Officer Nadelle Manners, visited the Solomon Islands, GSC’s sister mission. It is a bustling, faith-filled place with 62,000 Adventists— almost the same church membership as the entire Australian Union Conference, more than 600 local churches and groups, and 137 Adventist schools. In total, around 1 in 12 people on the islands are Adventist.
GSC is partnered with the Solomon Islands, American Samoa, and the Cook Islands. In 2023, officers from the Solomon Islands Mission visited Sydney, where the two organizations began a conversation about what a reciprocal partnership might look like. GSC officers made this recent trip to help them understand the unique opportunities and challenges of their relationship.
“The visit of the Greater Sydney Conference President and Chief Financial Officer to
the Solomon Islands Mission (SIM) marks a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between our two entities,” says Pastor David Filo, president of SIM. “This visit serves multiple key purposes that are vital to the growth and development of our ministry within the Solomon Islands.”
From a chance for GSC officers to witness how SIM conducts ministries, to strengthening collaboration, to engaging directly with church members, Pr Filo explains that this visit was a chance to strengthen mutual support and grow a strategic partnership.
Representatives from the Solomon Islands Mission (SIM) were eager to meet their visitors. “The team warmly welcomed us, and we spent some time at the mission office,” shares Pr Alban. “I was impressed by the team spirit and sense of excitement. They were motivated to take the gospel into all parts of their beautiful country.”
Nadelle, who spent eight years of her childhood in Papua
New Guinea (PNG), where her parents served as missionaries, was thrilled to visit that country’s neighbours. “The western region of Solomon Islands (SI) is very close to the eastern edge of PNG,” she says. “SI Pidgin English is very similar to PNG pidgin, and I was quite surprised about how much pidgin I remembered from my childhood, which proved quite helpful. I was so happy to meet such beautiful and hospitable people.”
The day after arriving, Tuesday, they visited Gizo with Pr Filo and Pr Cliffton Mark, and then took a boat trip to Kukudu, where they stayed for two days. There, they had the opportunity to speak and share during a leadership conference. “Leaders from all provinces united to undertake training and hear the word of God,” Pr Alban says. “The days were busy, but we were deeply impacted by the people’s desire to serve God.”
Pr Filo explains that these meetings were the core of the trip. “By meeting with SIM
leaders, the GSC officers can explore ways to collaborate on initiatives that promote the growth and development of our church leaders and members,” he says. “This may include training programs, leadership development initiatives, and other efforts aimed at building a strong and capable workforce within the Solomon Islands Mission.”
After Kukudu, Pr Alban and Nadelle stopped at Kennedy Island. They had planned to travel on to Honiara, but their flight was delayed. That didn’t dampen the spirits of those who waited hours to welcome them. “The welcome team at Gizo and the two churches we visited provided an overwhelming welcome that included a welcome song with Alban’s and my names in it,” Nadelle says.
On Friday, Pr Alban and Nadelle had two training sessions with mission leaders, administrators, and finance teams. They also had the opportunity to meet up with a member of the Waitara Seventh-day Adventist Church, who was there with a fly-and-build team of members from Wahroonga and Waitara churches.
is on fire for God, and this was highly infectious.”
They also presented a leadership seminar to 300 to 400 local church leaders of the Western Provence leadership camp, encouraging them and giving them further tools to reach their own congregations. “This visit allowed the GSC officers to engage directly with church members,” Pr Filo says. “This included facilitating sessions designed to equip our laity with the necessary
challenges we face and identifying areas where their support can make the most impact.”
On Sunday morning, Pr Alban and Nadelle were on the move again, touring the local Hope Channel studio, where they were able to witness another aspect of mission in the Solomon Islands. “I was impressed with their talented, organised efforts and noted their drive to improve and grow for God,” says Pr Alban.
resources and skills to enhance their ministry efforts.”
Friday afternoon, Pr Alban and Nadelle visited Betikama Adventist College, where Pr Alban shared an afternoon chapel presentation. “The Solomon Islands Mission caters to 16,000 students,” Pr Alban shares. “We had the privilege of visiting Adventist schools in Honiara and Betikama.”
On Sabbath, Pr Alban preached at Kukudu, while Nadelle preached at Betikama. “The worship experience was wonderful,” he says. “Everyone
It also gave them a platform to identify areas of need, specifically related to resources and support for existing ministries. “The goal is to ensure that our members are well-resourced and empowered to carry out their ministries effectively,” Pr Filo shares. “The visit let the GSC officers observe the unique ways in which our members engage in ministry, the processes involved in church planting, and the overall structure and effectiveness of our local church governance. This exposure is crucial for understanding the cultural and logistical
The trip did what it was meant to—the Sydney delegation saw the challenges and opportunities, and representatives from GSC and the Solomon Islands Mission discussed future plans. “As per Jesus’ method of helping with physical needs first, then dealing with core matters, the needs of SIM are very physical,” Nadelle shares. “Property and infrastructure is a huge and ongoing challenge. The tropics are not kind on buildings, and neither are the decades.”
She cites physical upgrade needs to school buildings, staff housing, offices, and churches. Likewise, various ministries do great things with the resources
they have, and Nadelle and the team saw openings for growth and assessment, including feasibility modelling and tapping into commercial opportunities to help ministries do even more with greater resources.
After returning home to Sydney, Pr Alban reflected on all he and Nadelle had done and seen, and how it strengthened GSC’s commitment to the people of the Solomon Islands.
“Here in Australia, we
are truly blessed,” he says. “As we have freely received, we also wish to freely give through our partnership with the Solomon Islands Mission. This collaboration presents numerous opportunities to work together. At the Greater Sydney Conference, we recognise that there is much to learn from our sister mission. Their team spirit is remarkable, their love for the Lord is profound, and they prioritize valuing people above all else. Their generosity is abundant. This genuine
godliness touches everyone who encounters the church in our sister mission.”
Nadelle adds, “Despite the challenges, sharing Jesus is the focus” for church members on the Solomon Islands. “Around 1 in 12 people in SI are Adventists. Let’s keep our sister mission in our prayers.”
Alban Matohiti and Nadelle Manners contributed to this story.
SYDNEY ADVENTIST SUMMER CAMPS 2025
Summer Camp takes place at Crosslands Convention Centre (30 minutes north of Sydney).
There are all-day activities, a worship program every evening, and many opportunities to experience Jesus. The activities include water skiing, high ropes, canoeing, archery, mountain bike riding and many more! Decisions for Bible study and baptism are made at summer camps. This is an empowering experience, helping the campers take ownership of their faith journey, and fostering commitment to their beliefs.
Don’t miss out! Summer Camps are a great way to connect with Jesus in a fun and lasting way.
2025 Camp Dates:
• Staff Camp: January 5-6
• Teen Camp (14-18yrs): January 7-12
• Junior Camp (10-13yrs): January 14-19
To register, please visit www.sydneyadventistyouth.com/summer-camp
