News from the Field

Caption: Greater Sydney Conference officials Pr Matohiti, Pr Strickland, and Pr Vieira join Pr Tai Mokoroa and leaders of the Cook Islands Community Seventh-day Adventist Church.

01. COOK ISLANDS COMMU- NITY 7TH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH GROUP ORGANISED

On Sabbath afternoon, May 14th, the Cook Islands Community Seventh-day Adventist Church group was officially organised. Pastors Alban Matohiti (President), Cheonneth Strickland (General Secretary) and Andre Vieira (Ministerial Secretary) represented the Greater Sydney Conference at the celebration service.

The group, which came from an independent congregation, accepted the leading of the Greater Sydney Conference and the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church by becoming part of it. They adopted a community service and fellowship goal that focuses widely on the community, and they chose to reflect that focus in their name.

This new group, located in the Macquarie Field area and worshipping at the Guise Public School facility, is happy to be part of the Greater Sydney Conference. Strengthened by a vision to be a bigger congregation one day, the church leadership and members came up with an idea of how to do just that—by being nice; respecting others; advancing in the name of Jesus; and, most importantly, letting the gospel touch hearts in the community with power and conviction. Understanding that this can only happen if one stands up and takes that first step, the newly organised Cook Islands Community Church is committed to serving Christ in the community.

02. WOOLLAHRA YOUTH CONNECT & SHARE THROUGH THE BEATITUDES

After the Growing Together weekend summit in March, the youth at Woollahra Church were challenged to present the Beatitudes in two separate church services. On 7th of May, Nina, Rob, and William each presented a short message on one verse from Matthew 5:3-5, covering the first three Beatitudes.

After preparing their remarks, Nina and Will both mentioned that they now have a better appreciation for the pastor who prepares a message each Sabbath.

All three speakers were able to share personal experiences. Nina shared about her volunteer work amongst the poor in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. Rob spoke of his past and present personal life struggles and his conversion. Will, a naval officer, recalled a tense moment in the Persian Gulf where he literally handed the wheel to Jesus when being fired upon by the Iranian military.

Church members commented that it was refreshing to see the youth preach on Sabbath. The church was so engaged that attendees could hear a pin drop. Some even shared that they shed tears whilst hearing some of Rob’s struggles and how he holds on to Jesus every day.

Another service was run by the Woollahra youth on the 21st of May. The remaining five verses of the Beatitudes, Matthew 5:6-12, was presented by Emely, Isabelle, Leah, Ethan and Elena.

“None of these young people has ever preached before, so this was definitely pushing them out of their comfort zones,” Pr Daniel says. “We are really proud of our youth group and want them to be involved in all aspects of our church. We seek to do all we can to help our young people put their best foot forward in life with a solid spiritual foundation grounded in the teachings of Jesus.”

But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.”

Jeremiah 1:7 (NIV)