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t u O h c a e R
intrasyd People, Places & Events in Greater Sydney JULY - AUGUST 2014
OUTREACH IDEAS FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY Prison Ministry in Sydney
It’s Not Just English; It’s Friendship:
How Auburn Church is Reaching Out through Its Community English Program
Why Plant More Churches?
STORMCO Like www.facebook.com/sydneyadventists
www.gscadventist.org.au / July - August 2014 1
inside this issue rches? More Chu t n la P y h W page 4-5
It’s Not Just English; It’s Friendship page 7
Leaving a Legacy of Music in the Solomon Islands page 9
cipleship Take a Dis page 10
Adventure
Norfolk Island Couple’s Decision for God page 11
Joining God’s Family Through Baptism page 12-13
By the time you read this edition of IntraSyd, the Constituency Meeting may only be a matter of days away. The question has been asked, “Is it just a rubber stamping exercise and are delegates wasting their time attending such an event?” It is true that the larger a committee is, the more definitive the rules of operation need to be to maintain order and ensure smooth process. And the Constituency Meeting is a large committee of about 450 delegates. It is also true that there needs to be significant preparation and the gathering of background material; you would be disappointed if there wasn’t. But delegates do have a direct voice. Every delegate has the opportunity to speak to each item. Churches choose one of their delegates to be a member of the Selection Committee, which chooses the Appointments, Nominating and Constitution Committees for the next four years. The Appointments Committee appoints all of the departmental directors and associates. All delegates vote on the officers and Executive Committee for the new term. As a denomination, we have chosen a representative form of governance. At times the wheels do turn slowly and the process can be a little frustrating, but there are benefits to operating under a democratic governance model. For one, consider the alternatives. Highlights from the Seventh-day Adventist Church (GSC) Ltd Board • The Board has spent time analysing the data from the last Australian Union Conference attendance survey as it relates to our Conference. • The Board has requested that the CFO set aside $36,667 in the 2015 budget for new signage and branding for selected churches with high public visibility. This is part of a multi-year project to subsidise new signage for all churches in Sydney. Highlights from the Executive Committee • The Filoship group (Filipino) commenced weekly worship services on 3 May at the Seven Hills North Public School. • The Lakemba Tongan Company has been given approval to become an organised church with the service to take place on 16 August this year. • Approval has been given for Adventist Aged Care to develop an additional 20 independent living units at the Kings Langley facility. • The CFO has also been requested to make a submission to Campbelltown Council regarding the rezoning of a parcel of land adjacent to Macarthur Adventist College for possible acquisition. • The loan application for the new Wahroonga Adventist School development has been recommended through to the AUC for approval. • An offer has been accepted on Lot 3, Money Close, Rouse Hill. This is one of the industrial lots adjacent to Mile End Church that was purchased some years ago by the Conference as an investment.
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Adrian Raethel, General Secretary
OFFERING SCHEDULE
SUNSET TIMES Friday 15 August Sabbath 16 August Friday 22 August Sabbath 23 August Friday 29 August Sabbath 30 August Friday 5 September
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5:25 pm 5:26 pm 5:30 pm 5:30 pm 5:35 pm 5:36 pm 5:40 pm
Sabbath 6 September Friday 12 September Sabbath 13 September Friday 19 September Sabbath 20 September Friday 26 September Sabbath 27 September
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5:40 pm 5:44 pm 5:45 pm 5:49 pm 5:50 pm 5:54 pm 5:55 pm
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Local Local Education Local Annual Sacrifice (Unusual Opportunities) Local Education
RIGHT HERE! RIGHT NOW! I’M A WORLD CHANGER! WHAT ABOUT YOU? This was the chant of Pastor Wilfred Liligeto, Youth Director of the Solomon Island Mission at the recent World Changers Youth Congress in Honiara. I accompanied the Epping Church band, which led out in the music at the Youth Congress, at the invitation of the Institute of Worship. Each day, 2,000-3,000 young people gathered to worship, pray, learn, grow and have fun. Associate Youth Director for the General Conference Pastor Hisskiah Missah, inspired and challenged the young people during the evening meetings. On Sabbath morning, I was privileged to participate in the baptism of 97 young people who made decisions for Jesus at the Congress. On Sabbath afternoon, just before the close of the Congress, Pastor Nick Kross, SPD Youth Director, launched the second edition of the World Changers Bible. He thanked those members in Sydney who helped to make this Bible possible for the young people of the Pacific. Partnership with Solomon Island Mission: Greater Sydney Conference has established a partnership with the Solomon Island Mission (SIM). Whilst in the Solomon Islands, I met with SIM President Pastor George Fafale to pray together and to discuss ways that Greater Sydney and the Solomon Islands can work together. At the Constituency Meeting in August, we will formally launch the partnership and invite local churches and schools to partner with churches and schools in the Solomon Islands. There will be opportunities to fly and build, fly and preach, assist with clothing and get involved in many other ways. Please pray and consider how God would like you to be involved in this partnership. If you would like more information, please feel free to email me at michaelworker@adventist.org.au. As part of this partnership, Wednesday is now the day that we pray for each other. So, in your private devotions, your prayer journals, your family worship or wherever it is that you pray, please pray for the Solomon Islands Mission each Wednesday. Specific things to pray for in the Solomons include discipleship and nurture, our young people and reaching un-entered villages. Visit to Novo Tempo, South American Hope Channel: In the last couple of months, not only have I had the opportunity to attend the World Changers Youth Congress in Honiara, but I have also had the privilege of visiting Novo Tempo (translates as ‘New Time’), the South American Hope Channel. What they are doing with Television, Radio and Internet ministries is inspiring. They have a clear vision, and God is abundantly blessing their ministry, which beams through free-to-air, satellite and cable to a large percentage of homes throughout South America. Novo Tempo is contributing significantly to the evangelism and discipleship of both church members and the community alike. It was great to see and hear the evidence of the church coming together in such a strong evangelistic initiative in that part of the world and to see that it was largely led by committed, dedicated young people. The average age of the staff at Novo Tempo is 32. We are blessed to be part of a worldwide church. The Holy Spirit is moving in powerful ways across the globe, including in Sydney. As we ‘Grow in Discipleship,’ we will continue to see even greater evidences of the Holy Spirit’s work in our city. Please also continue to pray for the work of God’s church here in Sydney as we await the return of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Michael Worker, President
Next Intrasyd Deadline 08 SEPTEMBER
Editor: Assistant Editor: Design: Editorial Consultant:
Michael Worker Rachel Lemons Aitken Rachel Lemons Aitken Adrian Raethel
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sydney@adventist.org.au PH: (02) 9868 6522 Fax: (02) 9868 6533 4 Cambridge Street Epping 2121
Expressions of Interest Invited The Conference is inviting expressions of interest from committed Seventhday Adventists who may wish to serve as a director of the Schools Ltd or Aged Care Ltd Boards for the next four years. These boards meet 7 – 11 times per year. People with the following skills and/or experience would be particularly helpful: Industry experience in the relevant field • Finance and/ or accounting qualifications and/ or experience • Marketing qualifications and/ or experience • Legal qualifications. To register your interest, please contact the General Secretary at adrianraethel@ adventist.org.au or ph 02 8876 5288. Comprehensive induction and orientation is provided.
ON THE COVER: Olivia Jack of Kellyville Church during STORM Co with a resident of Nyngan. Photo Credit: Peter Steele Greater Sydney Conference Communication Department
www.gscadventist.org.au / July - August 2014 3
Why
Reach Out
Plant More Churches in Sydney?
One of the most amazing things about God is that when planting movement develop in Greater Sydney, we need He saw our great need and anticipated our looming to use church planting methods that are reproducible destruction, He did not think of His own comfort or and that do not require unsustainable amounts of funding. needs, but willingly gave us His only Son Jesus Christ. The When we focus on the vision of growing the Seventh-day Cross not only reveals God’s power and His wisdom, but Adventist discipleship movement in Greater Sydney, the even more importantly His willingness to give, even when rising tide of Adventist mission will result in new churches that process of giving came at great cost to Him. We have as well as growing established churches. the opportunity today to become like Him. There are tremendous missional needs here in the Here are 5 reasons why we need to plant new Adventist Greater Sydney Conference (GSC). There are millions of churches in Sydney: people here who have not heard about the eternal gospel or been sealed for salvation by the Holy Spirit. There 1. Reaching Lost People are thousands of homes where Jesus is not the Lord and There are many people and people groups who are centre of the spiritually lost in family. There are Sydney. Church The Effectiveness of Discipleship in Sydney many suburbs plants that are and towns intentionally where there is missional are highly no Adventist effective at reaching community of these lost people. faith that keeps This is because God’s Sabbath church planting and tangibly leaders go to demonstrates where a particular what the love unreached people of Jesus is really group is located and like. In brief, spend time thinking Jesus is still through the process calling us to of how to disciple make disciples them. and plant new Year Adventist 2. The Biblical churches here in Pattern Greater Sydney. When you read Figure 1: This graph shows the average number of Adventist members that were However, there required to reach a new person for Jesus each year. It demonstrates that it is taking more through the Lukemembers to reach each new person. The key way to reduce this average number is by are quite a Acts account in the focusing on growing the Seventh-day Adventist discipleship movement and planting new number of Bible, intentionally Adventist churches in Greater Sydney. established entering unreached Adventist people groups and churches that still have empty seats. Other established planting new churches was the way that the Holy Spirit churches may be really struggling with dwindling led Jesus’ first group of disciples. The churches at Antioch attendance and no youth. Why plant new Adventist and Ephesus provide an amazing example of how local churches when this is the reality here in Sydney? churches can intentionally send out people to start new Firstly, truly missional leaders who are passionate churches under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. about planting new churches are also dedicated to seeing established churches grow. It is not a case of trying to 3. Church Planting Benefits a Mother Church decide to either focus on starting new churches or just When the church board at a local church decides to grow struggling churches. We need to do both! Secondly, develop a vision and strategic plan for planting another missional leaders understand that if we are to see a church missional church, the mother church becomes more 60
Member to New Disciple Ratio
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10
0
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1949 1951 1953 1955 1957 1959 1961 1963 1965 1967 1969 1971 1973 1975 1977 1979 1981 1983 1985 1987 1989 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013
July - August 2014 \ www.gscadventist.org.au
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“ healthy and vibrant. Research has shown that planting other missional churches results in churches becoming healthier in the long run. 4. Vibrancy & Growth of the Adventist Church in Greater Sydney If we have a vision for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Greater Sydney not just to survive or grow through immigration but to really thrive, we need to be planting new Adventist churches. This is the way the Seventh-day Adventist Church initially grew so rapidly, to the amazement of leaders of other Christian denominations. In contrast, when other Christian denominations have put a halt on church planting, they have started a long process of gradual decline. While the Adventist church is growing in Greater Sydney, the relative growth rate of our church is slowing down and will continue to do so unless we intentionally develop a church planting strategy. 5. Our Own Adventist Prophetic Message Ellen White wrote, “Upon all who believe, God has placed the burden of raising up churches.” Elsewhere she also wrote, “Place after place is to be visited; church after church is to be raised up.” When should we start planting churches? The best time to start developing our strategy and building church planting teams is now. This is because there are lost people in Greater Sydney who are spiritually dying now. Also, if we are to reverse the trend of slowing relative kingdom growth of
Truly missional leaders, who are passionate about planting new churches, are also dedicated to seeing established churches grow.
”
the Adventist church in Greater Sydney, we need to intentionally start planning to plant missional churches now. This has led us to develop a vision of a church planting movement here in Greater Sydney: Growing the Seventh-day Adventist discipleship movement in Greater Sydney, by multiplying disciples, leaders and healthy Adventist churches. Do you feel called by the Holy Spirit to join the church-planting movement that is being developed here in Greater Sydney? Are you passionate about reaching lost people for Jesus and creating new church communities where they can really feel that they belong? If you do feel called, talk to your local church pastor and contact Sven Östring the Director of Discipleship Movements at the Conference Office on 02 9868 6522 or by email SvenOstring@adventist. org.au.
Contributed by Sven Östring, Director of Discipleship Movements, Greater Sydney Conference
Figure 2: This map shows the average density of Seventhday Adventist church members in local government areas of Greater Sydney based on the location of their church membership. Colour code: Blue (very high), Green (high), Yellow (average), Orange (low), Red (very low), Deep Red (extremely low), Black (no organised Adventist church presence).
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Reach Out
As Christians, we are told by the Lord to go out and preach the gospel. He also tells us in the book of Matthew to care for the poor and visit the sick. The Caringbah Church Youth wanted to put these instructions of Christ into action. Jasmin Piho shared, “Our youth leaders Luka and Sau Letele came up with the idea of an outreach program where we go into the city on a weekly basis and provide a meal for our brothers and sisters dealing with homelessness and poverty. We headed off to inner city Woolloomooloo, which is a well known spot in Sydney for homelessness. We decided to go on Tuesday nights and take advantage of “Cheap $5.00 Tuesday Pizza Night.” We ventured out in faith on a cold Tuesday night not knowing what to expect. Initially we were going to go once a month, but we knew we could do better than that! We now go out in faith weekly and put our own funds and financial donations from church members together to buy pizzas, drinks and fruit. Recently, we have been taking along blankets and warm clothing, which people appreciate immensely. It has been the most encouraging and heart warming experience of my 25 years — being able to do God’s work and show love to all. We also take along some of the children of our church, and they love coming with willing and smiling faces each week. This is just the beginning for us, and I know God will use us to do great things.” Contributed by Ros Klumpes
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ways churches are “Reaching Out” in Sydney Is your church “reaching out” in its community? Share it with us on Facebook, Twitter or e-mail!
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July - August 2014 \ www.gscadventist.org.au
“Our food drop really benefits a lot of people,” says Johnny Murison, pastor of The Way Church in Redfern. A par t of the community for about 20 years, The Way gets involved in the lives of the residents of the community – performing funerals, throwing baby showers, providing food, blankets, clothing and spiritual care. The food drop is available because of the bi-weekly deliveries of OzHarvest on Monday afternoons and Saturday mornings. Recently, OzHarvest delivered 3 truckloads carrying about 1½ - 2 tons of food. After the food drop, The Way warms up whatever they have for a community meal followed by Bible study. Pr. Johnny says “they’ve been coming more regularly and really liking it.” One incentive The Way is providing for attendance is the opportunity to get an indigenous ATSIM (Aboriginal Torres Strait Island Ministry) Bible after 5 consecutive visits. Pr. Johnny has seen that “by having our doors open, we have been attracting a lot more people to Bible studies and church services.” The efforts of The Way are supported by volunteers from other Adventist groups, including Parramatta, Blacktown, Bankstown, Kellyville, Concord, Fox Valley and Wahroonga churches and Hills Adventist College. Pr. Johnny says “It’s tough because you’re dealing with a lot of mental illness, homelessness, drunkenness and drug addiction. It can be a tough grind down there. In the context of the broad scope of Christianity, we are meant to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Matthew 25 comes to mind. We’re really being the hands and feet of Jesus and really serving Him. Ask anyone down there, they love what we stand for and what we’re doing.”
Photo Credit: Luke Vodell
Most Encouraging Experience in 25 Years
The Way: Meeting People’s Everyday Needs
1.
Regen @ Fox Valley packing blankets for homeless
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It’s Not Just English; It’s Friendship beginner classes, 1 intermediate class, 1 advanced class and child-minding services for parents who otherwise would be unable to attend. Antonina says the program “is not just English; it’s friendship.” If anyone should understand this well, it’s Antonina. Years ago, she immigrated to Australia as a refugee. Antonina recounts how difficult the
transition was. “We had friends here, but even with friends,” she said, “it was very hard in the beginning. We had to learn English.” For many residents of Auburn, this experience rings true. Auburn is a community that many newly arrived refugees and migrants call home, and the need to adjust and assimilate to a new culture and language is at the forefront of their minds. According to the Refugee Council of Australia, the organisation for refugees and
Photo Credit: Mile End Church Facebook
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the organisation and individuals who support them, Auburn is one of the most “culturally and linguistically diverse Local Government Areas in Australia and often a first place of settlement for many newly arrived refugees and migrants.” Alex Ratu, pastor of the Auburn Seventh-day Adventist Church recognises the needs of the community surrounding the church and sees the English language classes as having great potential for church members of this small, tight-knit church to get involved in outreach and to develop a more outward focus. Pr. Alex said the Community English and Support Program is “challenging us as a church,” however, through challenge comes the potential for growth. “Often we run evangelistic programs that hit one area, by delivering facts,” Pr. Alex said. “This is an evangelistic program where you’re hitting the other side. We’re hitting a need first. Instead of telling people what their need is, instead of ‘Jesus is the answer,’ we’re offering to help them with what their everyday need is right now. (Special thanks is given to volunteers who have made significant contributions: Jasper Hutabarat, Jean Fry, Russell George and Svetlana Li.)
Photo Credit: Bidwill SDA Group Facebook
In a shy voice, a student in the Community English and Suppor t Program at Auburn Seventh-day Adventist Church, shares that she’s been attending English language classes at the church for about a month. When asked if she enjoys coming she responds, “Yes. I’ve learned and made friends. I’m meeting new people, and I practice English more. Coming here is a good opportunity.” It’s not Just English; it’s friendship. And this opportunity is just the reason Auburn SDA Church member Antonina Kuharenko presented the idea of starting English language classes to the Auburn Seventh-day Adventist Church over two years ago. The program launched in October 2012, after months of preparation and consultation with the local Council. It later received a grant from the local Council in July 2013 and has expanded as needs have increased. The program now runs on Tuesday evenings and Wednesday mornings and is recognized as an ADRA Community Project. Tuesday sessions include a homework club for school-aged children as well as beginning through advanced English language classes for adults. Wednesdays include 2 or 3
Mile End Church Operation Winter Warmers Like www.facebook.com/sydneyadventists
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Bidwill SDA Group Presents 13th Sabbath Mission Story about India www.gscadventist.org.au / July - August 2014 7
Reach Out
Health, Fitness & Wellbeing City-wide CHIP Programs a Success CHIP is the very thing that many of us Sydney Adventists need. It is so motivating. I always improve my lifestyle each time I am involved in a CHIP program. Everyone I know, who has been in any way involved in a CHIP Program, has reaped the benefits. If Sydney Adventists lived as we know we should, we would immediately feel the benefits. Let us be the “light” and “salt” to our families, friends, neighbors and acquaintances. No one who participates in a CHIP program regrets it. CHIP provides an amazing opportunity to reach out to people that Jesus died to save!” This is your life! Enjoy it to the full!
Contributed by Malcolm Rea, Director of Health for Greater Sydney Conference
CHIP Facilitator Training There is a CHIP Facilitator Training at the Conference office 9/10 August, starting on Sabbath afternoon. Call Malcolm 0401 631 584.
In this fitness conscious society, one great way to reach out to your community is by offering free fitness sessions. Follow Auburn Church’s lead. Each Sunday morning, from 8-9 am, they offer free fitness sessions, including boxing, circuit training and swimming.
Outreach Ideas
Adventist Health, significantly captured by CHIP, is a gift from God! During the month of May eleven programs were conducted across Sydney as par t of the campaign to build awareness of the CHIP program. During that time, 87 people completed the course. In speaking about the program, Malcolm Rea, Health Director for the Greater Sydney Conference said, “This is a great start. It takes sustained effort to launch and raise the profile of a new brand, and this is just the beginning of something big.” He continued, “Unfortunately it is too easy to take Adventist Health for granted and become complacent about our lifestyle.
Could free fitness sessions function as a way for you and your church to get to know your neighbours better?
Take Your First Step Towards Living More! Many are familiar with the CHIP Program. What if you could take the knowledge, motivational talks, and fun-loving personality of presenter Darren Morton home with you? Now you can with the book, Live More Active. You’ll find lots of bright, engaging photos and graphics, combined with straight-forward facts. If you’ve been thinking about trying CHIP but haven’t yet made the commitment, this is a good place to start. Take a preview with these tips:
Getting Your Kids to Unplug and Play Book Preview Live More Active by Darren Morton $29.95
Available at the Adventist Book Centre
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• Make your child’s bedroom a screen-free zone • Provide active play opportunities for your kids • Set certain times when your child is allowed to use electronic entertainment • Be a role model; limit the time you spend using electronic entertainment; be active with your children. Bonding is fun! • Set a timer or alarm clock to monitor time spent using electronic entertainment and stick to it. (Source: Live More Active, p. 9)
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Leaving a Legacy of Music in the Solomon Islands Mission trips can be life-altering experiences. Having heard the stories from those who have been in the past, it was exciting to look forward to going on a mission trip to the Solomon Islands. But this was not a fly and build, or a fly and repair… our mission trip was a ‘fly and worship’! We were asked to travel to Honiara and lead the Praise and Worship at the Solomon Island Mission Youth Congress. Without a doubt the experience changed us all. The heat, the mosquitoes, sleeping on the floor and cold showers ceased to be significant issues (well perhaps the heat continued to be significant!) when held up against the wonderful people we came to know and love and the incredible experience to share something truly powerful with the young people. The Epping Worship Band was asked to represent the Institute of Worship by leading worship at the Congress. This group included Greg Long (Band leader, acoustic guitar, tenor); Kerri Long (Alto);
Maree Worker (Worship Leader); Damien Ong (Keyboard); Jeremy Singh (Drums); Alvin Singh (Bass); Annali Baxter (Choir leader and assistant worship leader) and Alycia Morsillo (choir and photographer).
This experience gave us the opportunity to sing with approximately 4-5,000 people, and to leave a legacy of music with them. That was our dream. We determined early in our planning that any instruments we took with us would be left in the Solomons to provide
opportunities for young people to develop their musical skills. This was coupled with workshops that were run each day where around 250 young people took the opportunity to learn to play acoustic guitar, bass, or drums with another 250 who spent time every day learning as many songs as they could so that they could take what they had learned back to their islands, villages and schools to share with those who hadn’t been able to attend. We went over to make a difference in the lives of the people we encountered. We wanted to speak to them through our music and show them the love that God has for them. In turn they spoke to us through their love. The relationships that were formed will continue for a lifetime. We hope and pray that we will one day have another opportunity to reconnect and to build on what we have begun. Mission trips make a difference – not just in the lives of those we go to help, but also in the lives of those who return. Contributed by Maree Worker
Service to Other Really Matters - STORM Co Parramatta
Photo Credit: Abigail Yap
Parramatta Church was well represented on its recent STORM Co in Dubbo. This ministry, an initiative of the South Pacific Division sends young people to volunteer, learn from and encourage a community. In addition to worshiping, the group learns to serve and listen to the community its in.
Kellyville Photo Credit: Abigail Yap
Photo Credit: Peter Steele
Photo Credit: Peter Steele
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Kellyville Church has taken STORM Co to the Nyngan community over the past 10 years. Lyndelle Peterson, Associate Pastor of Kellyville says the connections that have been made during that time are special. Each time the church takes around 40 people. The group holds Kid’s Clubs in the morning, afternoon activities for high school kids and a community barbecue. www.gscadventist.org.au / July - August 2014 9
Sydney Adventist School Community Fete Builds Goodwill in the Neighbourhood A recent fete at Sydney Adventist School - Auburn was as much about face painting and a petting zoo as it was about building goodwill with the community. According to Director of Youth Ministries, Cheonneth Strickland, it’s about “creating opportunities to build friendships with people.” The long-term evangelism strategy of the Greater Sydney Conference is to “bring together conference, schools and local churches and try and work as one and be unified in what we do to try to reach the local community,” shared Cheonneth. This first event was a strong example of that partnership. In addition to other support, Auburn Church’s Pathfinder Club left a camping trip early in order to arrive in time for the fete. Along with several teachers, the Pathfinders manned the activity booths. Held on the school grounds, the event featured activities, such as face painting, a photo booth, jumping castle, maze, racing game and an animal farm, which was quite popular! The kids loved
handling the animals and taking photos with them. In the midst of all of the fun, there was also a vegetarian sausage sizzle, curry, hot chips and candy-floss. According to Cheonneth, each Adventist school has the freedom to develop an idea that best suits their neighbourhood. While Auburn focused on a community fete, other local Adventist schools are considering similar events that include parenting seminars or parenting series that span several weeks and cover multiple topics. While this outreach initiative is in the seed-planting phase, the objective is to grow the outreach ministry and grow disciples. With students receiving such extensive exposure to Christianity from school, with activities like chapel and Weeks of Spiritual Emphasis, this idea aims to bridge the gap and create opportunities to build relationships with parents and other relatives and friends. As Cheonneth shared, “A lot of the parents know we’re an Adventist school. It’s a matter of showing them in another way Adventists have fun, have a healthy lifestyle and really enjoy ourselves.”
Take Your Children on a Discipleship Adventure We have conversations everyday about the weather, sports, school, work and our favourite TV show, but how often do we discuss spiritual topics? Share Jesus, one book in a three-book series from Adventist Children’s Ministries, will help you and your family start spiritual conversations. The conversations and questions are designed to be completed weekly. Here’s an example of what you’ll find.
Discover Jesus’ Vision for You
Book Preview Share Jesus by Adventist Children’s Ministries
$8.95 Available at the Adventist Book Centre
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Day 1 - God Sightings • ASK: Where have you seen God at work in your life? • SAY: Jesus wants us to follow His example in serving others. Share with your family what you have done to humbly serve another person. • ASK: What is something you have studied or learned during your time alone with God? • PRAY: Thank you God for being with us and working in our lives. Thank you for what you have been teaching us. (Source: Share Jesus, p. 4)
March - April 2014 \ www.gscadventist.org.au
Photo Credit: Dion Fourie
Norfolk Island Couple Makes
life-changing Decision for God
T
evita and Iva Naiteitei are a Fijian couple who have been living and working on Norfolk Island for 11 years. Tevita is a chef, and Iva is a housekeeper in one of the resorts. When they were still living in Fiji, they were baptised and later joined the Community Church on the island. Tevita was later asked to be an assistant pastor and was ordained by the Community Church. In 2010, they attended a seminar held by Pr. Mike Browning, and for the first time they encountered the Sabbath. The concept was strange at the time, and because it didn’t make sense, they didn’t pay it much attention. Even still, they continued attending the seminars. During 2013, they encountered the Sabbath again in another seminar held by Pr. Mike Browning. This time, however, it was different. They went home and studied the subject and came to the conclusion that this was the truth. Because it was the truth, they knew in their hearts they would have to follow it. The big problem was that both Tevita and Iva were working in the hospitality industry, which is a seven-days-a-week situation; they were both working on Saturdays. They wrestled with the problem during the first few months of this year. Finally, they decided they would take a stand and try to arrange to have Sabbaths free. But before they could do anything themselves, God took matters into His hands. Iva, who had recently changed jobs, was asked to return to her
previous job because they could not do without her. She said the only way she would return was if she did not have to work from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday. They accepted the condition, and she now has Sabbaths free. Tevita, on the other hand, was on the verge of asking for a change in his work roster. Instead, one day, he was called into the office and given a new roster! All Sabbath work was gone! He was very happy and said that that was the schedule he wanted
“Through all of this, Tevita and Iva have stood firm, being strenghthened by prayers...” to work from now on. Both Tevita’s and Iva’s employers are completely in the picture about their reason for not working on Sabbath. In fact, the hospitality industry on the island is amazed that they have managed to get Saturdays, one of the busiest days in the week, off work. Tevita and Iva, together with their son Trakka, have been attending the Norfolk Island church every Sabbath for the last two and a half months. They have also continued to attend the Community Church, but now, because of his Sunday work commitments, Tevita is no longer able to help with preaching and teaching. As a result, he had to tell his pastor about their life-altering decision. Communicating this triggered a letter
from the head pastor in Sydney in charge of the Community Church. The letter blasted Tevita and Iva for joining the Adventist church and instructed them to do nothing until the head pastor had come to see them personally. Tevita and Iva were amazed at the tone of the letter and asked Dion Fourie, current pastor of the Norfolk Island Church, to help them draft a letter to the head pastor, contesting his claims about what Adventists believe and to rebut his arguments. After the letter was sent off in response to the head pastor, no further correspondence was received. Through all of this, Tevita and Iva have stood firm, being strengthened by the prayers of local church members and the intercession of all the prayer warriors from the mainland. The Sabbath is important to them, and they have decided that they cannot go back on their decision to honour it. As a result of this, they requested to join the Seventh-day Adventist church by profession of faith, which was arranged for 21 June 2014. On that day, Iva gave a testimony of the journey they have been on with Christ, which culminated in their commitment to keep the Sabbath holy, as God has asked them to do. They were accepted into the church by unanimous vote and are now officially part of the Norfolk Island Church. Contributed by Dion Fourie, Pastor of the Norfolk Island Church.
Joining Reach Out
God’s Family through Baptism Brian Ballard Castle Hill (profession of faith)
& Kim Sankey Cynthia Evans Jacob’s Well
We offer a warm welcome to those members who have joined the family of God over the past several months.
Sharon Geyer Wahroonga
Penny Fong & Ranger Liao 3am Company 12
Rogerio De Souza Sydney Portuguese
July - August 2014 \ www.gscadventist.org.au
Jay Ova Mona Vale
Claudia Wood Castle Hill
Lua Ova Mona Vale
Angelina Lee 3am Company
Buhlebenkosi Khumalo Waitara Tweet @SydneyAdventist
Miguel S o a re s Woollahra
Bailey Gibbons Castle Hill
Emily Sherriff Castle Hill
Olga Bugeja Blacktown
Lachlan Ferris Wahroonga
Joseph Magri Fountain Maroubra
Laura Head Laura Head Castle Hill Castle Hill
Margaret Naitini Blacktown
Eliasa Temo, Losalini Fox, Mereyani Mataiwasa, Kelera Gutabua, Vilivo Nayabo, Jope Finau Enmore & Granville Fijian
Gordon Chau Sydney Chinese
Like www.facebook.com/sydneyadventists
Martin Broos Castle Hill
Myles Wood Castle Hill
Helen Ward Galston
Charlie Vassallo Blacktown
Sam Woodleigh Hoxton Park
www.gscadventist.org.au / July - August 2014 13
Sydney
ADRA Volunteer Opportunities Tuesday evening & Wednesday morning • Assist with training of class teachers and lesson preparation Community English & Support Program
Prison Ministry in
Antonina Kuharenko 0406 681 988
IntraSyd: What do you do within Prison Ministry?
Find a sense of community on your campus with ASOC. Join fun activities, care groups and find fellowship.
Adventist Students on Campus
Johnny Murison: My role as state prison chaplain is to provide support, visit, nurture and help those who are wanting to go the path of spirituality. I help them with Bible studies and regular visitations for those who are in Sydney. I am really a chaplain for SDA inmates.
Tim Shelton University Chaplain timshelton@ adventist.org.au
IntraSyd: What happens when there are no SDA inmates? Johnny Murison: Because I’m ATSIM (Aboriginal Torres Strait Island Ministry) Director as well, when there are no SDA inmates in any of our correctional centres, I get to visit the Aboriginal boys. Being Aboriginal myself, even though it might not be a religious visit, it allows me to build a friendship.
Prepare gift bags for vulnerable children. • Training opportunity to establish own ADRA Project
Just for You Bags
Noeleen Mackintosh (02) 9622 4752
Plant, nurture and grow vegetables and produce • Gardeners required
Blacktown Community Garden 14
Nel & Greg Hunter (02) 9627 1114
Wahroonga Community Garden (Flexible timeframe)
• Landscape garden design and creation • Gardeners
Kevin Munro, Relief Manager (02) 9489 5488
July - August 2014 \ www.gscadventist.org.au
ADRA Café
(Every 2nd Saturday night) • Cooks • Friendly faces to circulate amongst homeless coming for meals John Hoffman (02) 8824 7888
Tweet @SydneyAdventist
ELIM
(Mon-Fri & occasional weekends) • Youth workers • Community development • Fundraiser Bernard Deojee 0424 198 569 or Courtney Patii 0423 550 441
What Can My Church Do?
“
Thank goodness there are people like all of you in this world as your unsolicited support makes such a difference during times such as that which our family is going through at present.
IntraSyd: Are these types of visits beneficial? Johnny Murison: My visit does benefit them [even if it’s not a religious visit], I connect inmates to the resident chaplains. I just help them that way, me backing the chaplain up. [After my visit sometimes they] will go along to chapel, or will make sure to say hello to the Chaplain. IntraSyd: Has any recent visit stuck out in your mind? Johnny Murison: I was down in Long Bay the other day. There was one guy in there who had requested a visit from me. He just said, “I appreciate you coming in because it really lifts my spirit up.” As a sessional chaplain that’s basically the best I can do is visit and support.” A lot of the boys I do visit, they’re really appreciative of the visits.
”
Letter from family who received Just for You Bag ADRA Community Centre (Blacktown)
(Times negotiated with manager) • Receptionists needed – Monday to Thursday • Data entry clerks • Fundraisers Eddy Johnson (02) 9622 71 88
Emergency Services (formerly Disaster Recovery)
• Telephone operators to arrange emergency housing for displaced people Douglas Kieltyka 0427 812 442 dkieltyka@adra.org.au
Learn how your church can host a CHIP Program • Take control of your health • Provide healthy living to the community • Learn how to reduce stress Malcolm Rea - 0401 631 584
Learn how your church can participate in Storm Co • Listen and then Serve • Serve without compensation • Encourage others • Return to the community • Worship Youth Ministries - 02 9868 6522
Start a Local Community Project at Your Church • • • • •
Refugee Settlement Program Community Gardens Youth Resilience Seniors Connect Crisis Relief
Sarina Taituave - 02 9489 5488
“STORM Co. teams enter a community with the express purpose of building a relationship with that community. A team will go first to listen, and then to serve.” http://stormco.adventistconnect.org/about-us
Like www.facebook.com/sydneyadventists
www.gscadventist.org.au / July - August 2014 15