Volume 44 - No. 2
IN THIS ISSUE • A Song in My Heart • True Friendship • Come My Son • Peer Pressure - What is it? REGULAR FEATURES • Puzzle Page • Question Box • Youth Update • Children’s Corner
Volume 44, number 2
Have you ever thought of
friendship
as a gift that you can give to someone?
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CONTENTS
Teen Life 4
A SONG IN MY HEART Waking up in God’s presence.
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FEELING THE PRESSURE? Peer-pressure explained; identifying and dealing with it.
Gifted 12
THE GIFT OF TRUE FRIENDSHIP How to be a true friend.
At The Cross 16 Youth Challenger aims to prepare all youth for the soon coming of Christ. It is published by the Australasian Union Conference Young People’s Department of the Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement. Annual Subscription for 2008 is AU$14.50. All money orders, cheques or donations should be sent to: Youth Challenger PO Box 132 Riverstone NSW 2765 Australia
e-mail address: youth_challenger@sdarm.org.au Editor Gerson Robles
Relationships 20
Images www.stockxpert.com www.sxc.hu www.sermonview.com
COURTSHIP Finding the road to success
Youth Update 23
PERTH BAPTISMS Alessandro and Cameron
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NZ FAMILY CAMPOUT Meet a bony friend.
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VICTORIAN CAMP ‘08 Making the best of it.
Question Box 28
Associate Editor Csongor Matyas Design Tabitha Hauptmann
COME, MY SON How one young man responded to Christ’s call.
HOW DO I DEAL WITH PEER PRESSURE? Practical advice about a common problem.
Puzzle Page 31
TRUE FRIENDS Quiz your knowledge
Children’s Corner 32
PRECIOUS ROCK What a rock can teach us.
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Editorial
Firm
urpose by Gerson Robles
Around 2000 years ago, a young boy found His mission in life – and He moved the world because of it. He possessed a vision and purpose for living that we usually associate with successful adults. But He was only 12 years old. You’ll read about Him in Luke 2:40-49. His parents had lost Him, and when they found Him, He was sitting with the best teachers of the nation, both listening and asking them questions. The Bible tells us, “...all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.” (Luke 2:47) So He was listening, asking questions, and giving answers. But the content of what He spoke was such as to astonish the wisest of the people of His time. When His parents asked of Him the reason why He was lost, He responded, “...How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49) Here is shown Christ’s purpose-filled life. Despite being only 12 years old, yet He knew what God’s will was for
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Him, and He determined to be immediately engaged in His Father’s business. He did what He could at His young age, and it was so noteworthy, that 2000 years later, we can still read about it in the Scriptures. Have you found your purpose in life? What was Christ’s purpose for living? He said, “...the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10) Did He waste any time doing things that weren’t important? No, He said, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” (John 9:4) The world needs today, what it needed 2000 years ago—young people with a firm purpose for living, zealous in the work of saving the lost. The world is full of corruption, and as each day passes, it seems to get worse and worse. But Jesus is soon to come and He will, have an army of youth, filled with His love. They will have a clear vision of His will and with His Spirit – they will move the world.
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Teen Life
A Song in My
Heart by Gerson Robles
I opened my eyes, took a deep breath and stretched. It’s an interesting feeling, waking up. For a few moments, it feels like your mind is blank—like a baby’s mind ready to be filled with knowledge. Anyhow, there I was lying on my bed adjusting my thoughts to a fresh new day. I turned my head towards the window. It was still dark. The clock on my bedside flashed 4:55am. Suddenly, my pleasant experience turned sour. Those brief moments of peace were abruptly disturbed by memories of the previous night. I had skipped my evening worship and sat up late watching a movie on television. By the time it finished I was exhausted and I went to bed with a heavy heart, troubled with guilt. Upon waking up the next morning, my fresh new thoughts were spoiled by flashbacks of violence and immorality. The clock hit 5:00am and the
alarm went off, making me jump. Now I was facing my TO DO list for the day—I had to be at work by 6:00am. It was a bad start to the day but I determined not to be late so I quickly hopped out of bed, threw on some clothes and walked out to my car. The sun was rising and I watched as it turned the morning dew to ice on my windscreen. The icy breeze made me shiver. My thin jacket wasn’t warm enough on this winter morning. But I didn’t care so much about freezing. I felt that my heart was colder than the ice on my car. Sin had chilled my faith; my mind was numb with guilt. I tried vainly to comfort myself with thoughts of the peace I enjoyed when Christ was near. I reproached myself on the way to work. “Why did you have to watch that movie? You fool! You big fool! Why couldn’t you resist?” No answer came. I felt I was the weakest fool on the planet. Then I consoled myself with thoughts like, “You only watched one movie. People watch them everyday. There are worse people in this planet than movie watchers!” I felt better—but it didn’t last long. I knew better. It was this high and low experience that marked my early walk with the Lord. I Youth Challenger
Teen Life would be near to the Lord one day but a couple of days later I would, sadly, fall under temptation. Sabbaths were a high time. It was easy for me to be a Christian on Sabbath. I was fed spiritually most of the day, and it was refreshing. I remember thinking, after hearing a great sermon, “Wow, this will keep me now for a few days”. The same thing happened when we had a really good Sabbath School. I would often ponder about the possibility of having victory after victory. How attractive it seemed to me—but how to get it? That was the question. This continued for a number of months, but thankfully, things were about to change. My church was putting on a missionary training program in the new year, so I decided to go. One day, while I was at missionary college, another student and I were digging a hole in search of a leaking water pipe. As we dug, the conversation turned to the subject of personal worship. He mentioned something that stunned me. It was good though; like finding the missing piece in a thousand piece puzzle. It just made so much sense. He spoke of the importance of personal morning and evening worship as though his whole life depended on it—a new concept for me. I wasn’t totally ignorant about personal devotion. I normally knelt next to my bed and ‘said my prayers’ before going to sleep. It was usually part of the daily routine. My evening prayers were often very brief, however, and as for my morning prayers, they weren’t much longer. We dug and talked that day, dug and talked, and the more we dug and talked the more I understood the value of personal devotion. My friend asked, “Do you realize that
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I would often ponder about the possibility of having victory after victory....but how to get it? personal worship will prepare you to face the day? Do you have personal worship before we worship together?” I had to admit that I didn’t. God was doing some digging of His own in my heart that day. I decided to try out my friend’s advice. Next morning I woke up half an hour earlier, hard though it was, and asked the Lord for His presence, being determined that He would hear my prayer in Christ. During this time, I felt a new and living power come to me through the study of the Word of God. I knew the Lord was near, giving me life. Soon it was 7am, time for our morning worship. I walked out of my dorm feeling at peace with God. I was looking forward to facing the day. I walked towards our meeting place with something to share—the joy of an abiding Saviour. That night I communed with my own heart upon my bed and was still, just like David wrote in Psalms 4:4. Many things happened that day and I briefly thought about them. Did I do the best for God? Was there anything I could have done better? Did I offend anyone? Could I have
Teen Life By the end of my time spent with God, I had to be certain of four things. said anything to help someone? I talked with God as to a friend and listened to His voice speaking to my soul. Confessing my sins, I went to sleep, sure of the pardoning grace of Christ. When morning came, I opened my eyes. To my surprise I woke up singing a hymn! Not out loud, but I could hear the song in my heart. I was singing the hymn, “Nearer my God to Thee”. I smiled with joy and thanked the Lord for such a pleasant rest and His wake up call. I knew what had happened; I fell asleep in my Saviour’s hands and I woke up in His arms. I have since then woken up many times praising the Lord with hymns. It’s like the Lord is saying to me, “I have cared for you during the night, and now I have prepared your heart to worship Me”. Your soul wants nothing else but to spend that quality time with Him first thing in the morning. Communion with Christ becomes our highest joy. During this time, the question that concerned me most was, “what makes a season of worship successful?” I began to realize that it’s really quite simple. By the end of my time spent with God, I had to be certain of four things, as found in God’s Word: 1. that I was dead to sin (the old man)
4. that His presence would go with me to give me strength for that day Today, I know that living for Christ is a daily process of surrender. But this yielding to Christ should not only happen in the morning and evening—when Christ is first and last; it should happen throughout the day, that He may be best in everything. It is a moment by moment surrender. This places us under the care of God. When in danger of forgetting Him, His Spirit never fails to remind us of the choice we made to serve Him, assuring us that His grace is sufficient. His grace received today assures us of more abundant grace tomorrow, but it all depends on something. Read carefully these next few words, especially the underlined ones, “...the gifts of Jesus are ever fresh and new. The feast that He provides for the soul never fails to give satisfaction and joy. Each new gift increases the capacity of the receiver to appreciate and enjoy the blessings of the Lord. He gives grace for grace. There can be no failure of supply. If you abide in Him, the fact that you receive a rich gift today insures the reception of a richer gift tomorrow.” (Desire of Ages p. 148) Tomorrow morning, will you open your eyes with a song in your heart? Will you say with David, “The LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life?” (Psalms 42:8) y
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2. that I was living for Christ (the new man) 3. that His will was clear and duty plain as day
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Teen Life
Feeling the
Pressure? by Krystle Thiel
The youth from Auckland, New Zealand had discussions on peer pressure during one of their Young People’s Meetings. The following points are the combined thoughts of the three groups that took part. The questions that prompted these thoughts were based on What, When, Where, Why, and How. What is Pressure? •
A force
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An influence
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Something hard to resist
What is a Peer? •
A friend
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People in a group you spend time with
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An acquaintance
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School or work mates
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By putting the two together, what do you get? •
Pressure from someone you spend time with who might, or might not be, your friend.
What sort of pressure could you get from your peers? •
Mental
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Emotional
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Spiritual
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Physical (as a result of mental)
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Generally Negative
Where would you be likely to find peer pressure? •
School
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Home or Family
Teen Life •
Workplaces
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Neighbours
•
Church
old fashioned because of what you wear or do •
Your peers want you to go with them to some place that you’re not sure is good, so they pressure you and you go along with it just this once, so you don’t feel left out or look strange
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Mob mentality
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You have to act tough to be a part of the cool group
How could your peers pressure you? •
Emotional blackmail
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Ignoring you
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Bullying
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Threats
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False statements about you
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If you agree… you’ll be part of our group…
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Make you feel stupid
How should you respond to peer pressure and what would you do when you have to deal with it? •
Kyle – Think before you act. How will it affect my future life? It doesn’t matter how bad you feel at the time.
Why would your peers want to pressure you? •
They might feel that you are better than they are
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•
They want to feel that they have power over you
Hiko – Stop being friends with people who are trying to pressure you.
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Jealousy
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Testing you to see if you are strong for what you believe
Taye – Depends on the situation. Compare with the Bible and respond with patience. Move away if the influence is too strong.
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Aman – Your decision can influence others. Say no, and encourage them to do the right thing, otherwise, say goodbye.
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Nathanael – Do the right thing. Ask
What are some situations in which peer pressure could happen to you or your friends? •
Skipping classes to be cool
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Your peers might try to make you feel
Have the o courage t say no.
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Youth Challenger
Teen Life what would Jesus do? •
Vicky – If in doubt, keep out.
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Kaylene – Have the courage to say no. People only exert peer pressure when they are confident they can control you. If they realize you won’t give in, they will give up.
“Weak, pliable, easily led, many men and women fail utterly of becoming what God desires them to be.
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George – Respond in a responsible way. No!
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Sandra – Must be pleasing to God first. Give a reason why you can’t or won’t.
decision of character can-
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Alyssia – I need to ask my mum and dad first.
not make a success of the
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Joe – Obey God rather than man.
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Amane – Respond with 1 Cor. 10:31 “Do all to the glory of God.”
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Ben – WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) – Would He be unfriendly? Would He do these things?
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Christine – Send a prayer up to the Lord for strength to help me respond in the right way.
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Amy – No Way! Walk away.
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Anni, Burtukan, Caleb, Habib, Csongi, Cameron, Elmarie, Lizy – Just say no! Be consistent. Stand firmly for what you believe. Explain why you are not going to comply. Avoid situations where you will meet peer pressure. Keep silent – walk away. Pray about it. Be obedient to principles. Obey the golden rule. Don’t judge. Confront the situation. y
Those who are destitute of
daily work of overcoming.” Counsels on Diet & Foods, p. 165
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Volume 44, Number 2
Island Youth
Appeal The “Time 4 Action” Youth Convention will be a great place to enrich your Christian experience. Youth from far and near will be there, and a number of eager young people from the islands really want to attend! They are doing their best to raise as much money as they can for their trip but some will not be able to come without YOUR help. The AUC Youth Department is appealing to YOU to give generously for this purpose, so that others less fortunate will also be able to share in the blessings received from the Youth Convention. The
projected amount required is approximately $10,000. Please deposit your donations into the following bank account. Be sure to specify your donations as “Island YA”. BSB: 032274 Account No: 168675 Account Name: Reform Movement Alternatively you can send your cheque or money order to the address below:
Island Youth �ppeal PO Box 132 RIVERSTONE NSW 2765
All donations must be made
by 31st July, 2008!
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Youth Challenger
enjoy Christian Fellowship • explore nature’s Wonders
Time 4 Action
AUC NZ Youth Convention
Are you ready? Eight awesome days of worship, fellowship and exploration of God’s will in the midst of nature.
23-31 DEC, 08 Registrations close 29th August
Interested? e-mail: info@sdarm.org.au
Under Southern Skies New Zealand Tour
A 9-day tour of some of the most beautiful areas of the South Island. Spend it in the presence of God and Christian fellowship.
1-9 Jan, 09 Did you miss registering by the 25 May? Contact us as soon as possible at cmatyas@sdarm.org.au for a chance to book your place.
Interested? e-mail: nzfield@sdarm.org.au
Volume 44, number 2
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Gifted
A Gift Tied with by Kaylene Matyas I’m sure that everyone reading this likes getting gifts. It’s almost as much fun to give gifts. Have you ever thought of friendship as being a gift that you can give to someone? In the following story, Jason learned that age doesn’t affect the giving of this gift. “Upon arriving in our new home in Kentucky, my seven-year-old son Jason decided to explore the neighbourhood. He was back within the hour proclaiming that he had made some new friends. ‘Good. Are they boys or girls?’ I asked ‘One is a boy and one is a girl,’ he replied. ‘That’s great,’ I said. ‘How old are they?’ ‘Mom,’ my son replied, almost shocked. ‘That would be very rude to ask.’ I was puzzled at his response. About an hour later, he was back. ‘Mom!’ my son shouted through the screen door. ‘I found out how old my new friends are. The girl is 65 and the boy is 70.’1 Many people have tried to define friendship, but it is rarely possible. It is something that
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has to be experienced to be understood. Friendship is a gift, one that is tied with heartstrings. It defies age, time, and distance. It conquers social status and family feuds. It is two hearts with one pulse. We have been given many examples of friendship in the Bible. You may be able to think of some right now. For example, think of David and Jonathan. David had been anointed as the next king of Israel because of Saul’s sins. Then David came to the palace, and met the king’s son, Jonathan. How would you feel seeing the rival to your throne in front of you? How did Jonathan react? It is written that “...Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.”2 Not only did they make a covenant, but Jonathan also gave David a gift, his robe, sword, bow, and girdle. At this time, this was a very expensive gift, as only kings’ sons had swords. The Bible goes on to tell us that Jonathan delighted in David, and warned him of his father’s threats to his life. Unfortunately this story ends sadly, as
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Gifted Jonathan was killed in battle with the Philistines. When David was told of Jonathan’s death, he wept bitterly. The Bible says that he fasted and wept a whole day for him. And David wrote a song about him: “Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.”3 “...the name of Jonathan is treasured in heaven, and it stands on earth a witness to the existence and the power of unselfish love.”4 You may say, how can I have friends? The Bible gives us a very simple but profound solution to this question. “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly:”5 For a few years I found it very hard to get friends, mostly because I was shy, and thought that people thought I was stupid. But when I tried being friendly to them, I found that most people were willing to be friends with me.������������ Wanting to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow-ripening fruit. It takes work to be friends with someone, taking time to be with them, talking to them, giving little gifts, etc. But be sure that you will have friends. “Everyone will find companions or make them. And just in proportion to the strength of the friendship will be
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the amount of influence which friends will exert over one another for good or for evil. All will have associates and will influence and be influenced in their turn.”6 Who can we be friends with? Our Parents – Do you think it is possible to be friends with your parents? Parents, do you want to be friends with your children? As I grew up, I lived in an isolated area, and it was difficult for me to have friends, so of necessity I turned to my parents for friendship. Even to this day, I am not sorry for that time. I learned to be friends with my parents before anybody could make me think they were stupid or old-fashioned. I told them what bothered me, what I needed help with, and what I enjoyed. I believe this was the original intention of God, when the instruction was given to the Hebrews that they were to teach their children at all times (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). I am also very thankful that I had parents who were willing to be friends with me; they were not too busy to listen to what I needed to say. Parents, you would save yourselves years of heart-ache, if you would only take the time now to be friends with your children. “Teach them to make you their confidant. Let them whisper in your ear their trials and joys.” 7 “Give some of your leisure hours to your children; associate with them in their work and in their
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Gifted You might be surprised to realize just how much your children want you to be friends with them. sports, and win their confidence. Cultivate their friendship.” 8 You might be surprised to realize just how much your children want you to be friends with them. And if you think that you don’t have time for this sort of thing, then you should never have taken that responsibility upon yourself. Brothers/Sisters – As children growing up, my sister and I had a very interesting friendship. Most of the time we were quite happy to play and do our schoolwork together. But sometimes a very perverse spirit got into both of us, and because we knew our mum hated us arguing, we would find anything and everything to argue about. Sometimes we fought just for the sake of fighting. I must say that with most brothers and sisters, this verse is quite true, “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”9 But it doesn’t need to be the case. Now my sister and I get along a lot better, but that may be because I don’t live at home any more. We look back at those times and think how stupid we were to act like that. Husband/Wife – In the very beginning, God saw that it was not good for a man to be alone, therefore He gave him a person that could be his closest friend. God designed that this friendship would be the closest that human beings can experience. “Then marriage, instead of being the end of love, will be as it were the very beginning of love. The warmth of true
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friendship, the love that binds heart to heart, is a foretaste of the joys of heaven.” 10 As I grew older, I started looking for someone who could be this kind of friend to me. Through a friend, the Lord gave me Csongi. We started writing to each other, and our friendship grew. Now that we are married, this friendship is stronger than ever. It is especially important that nothing be allowed to weaken or break this friendship. Never dwell on the things that your wife/husband may have done that hurt you, and never tell these things to others. The devil could one day use this to convince you that you made a mistake in marrying this person. Talk to each other about everything. Be prepared to listen to what the other has to say. These little things can keep the love and friendship strong for a lifetime. Wrong kinds of friendship Friendship with people who don’t believe the way you do could cause you to give up everything you believe in. The Bible tells us “...know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”11 Is a friendship with someone who doesn’t care what God thinks really so important to us that we would be willing to risk our friendship with God? When they want you to do something you know is wrong, to which friendship do you keep allegiance? It’s easy to do what earthly friends want, because we can see them. If you want to keep your friendship with God strong, you are better off having friends who also want to be friends with Youth Challenger
Gifted God. “Better than all the friendship of the world is the friendship of Christ's redeemed.”12 The Best Friend “The best friend to have is Jesus...” the hymn tells us, and how true this is. Who can understand everything that you are going through better than the One who came to this earth to save you. He has overcome all things so that you can have the same victory. “...we need to learn the art of trusting our very best Friend. ...Begin now to fix your minds more firmly upon Jesus...”13 “...why not choose Him now as our most loved and trusted friend, our best and wisest counselor.”14 He is waiting for you, He wants to call you His friend, He wants to be as an elder brother to you. Friendship is a gift, a gift that both people in this world and Jesus want to give to you. It is also a gift that you can give to someone else. Here are some friendship gifts that you can give to your friends. 1. The Gift of Listening But you must REALLY listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response. Just listening. 2. The ������������ Gift of Affection ��������� Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends. 3. The Gift of Laughter Clip cartoons. Share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, “I love to laugh with you.”
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4. The Gift of a Written Note It can be a simple “Thanks for the help” note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life. 5. The Gift of a Compliment A simple and sincere, “You look great in red,” “You did a super job” or “That was a wonderful meal” can make someone's day. 6. The Gift of a Favour Every day, go out of your way to do something kind. 7. The Gift of Solitude There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others. 8. The Gift of a Cheerful Disposition The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone. Really, it’s not that hard to say Hello or Thank You. May each one of us tie our gift of friendship with heartstrings. y
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References 1. Stories for a Woman’s Heart – New Friends, Teri Leinbaugh, page 24. 2. 1 Samuel 18:3 3. 2 Samuel 1:23,26 4. Conflict & Courage p. 175.4 5. Proverbs 18:24 6. Adventist Home p. 455.3 (emphasis added) 7. Adventist Home p. 191.1 8. Adventist Home p. 192.2 9. Proverbs 17:17 10. Adventist Home p. 106.1 11. James 4:4 12. Christ Object Lessons p.374.3 13. Gospel Workers p.422.1 14. Lift Him Up p. 98.4
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At the Cross
Come, by Alessandro Frige
On the 27th of January, this year (2008), the Lord, by His infinite love and grace, presented me with the most wonderful blessing from Heaven upon human beings. It was a nice and calm day. The river seemed to be still. The fowls swimming on its waters seemed to be announcing the great event to come some hours later. Within my heart was this assurance: “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Jesus was there to bury the old me and raise me to a new life. What a wonderful miracle it is for him who surrenders all to the King of Life! “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new” (2 Cor 5:17). I am sure you guessed what I am talking about. You’re right, that was the day in which I was baptized. Let me tell you how everything happened.
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I was brought up in a religious environment. Throughout the years I followed my parents in Pentecostal churches. The Lord was so merciful to me that since a very young age, about seven or eight years old, I knew, somehow, that there was something so special in Jesus that I really wanted to find out what it was. Later I came to discover that it was the love of our Master for a fallen race that was drawing me to His caring arms. Thirsty still, a bit confused and not very happy with the religious teachings presented to me so far, I started praying to the Lord to show me if I really was walking in the right path under His approval. I was sure I was though, even amid doubts and disappointments. Even without being conscious of it, I was searching for the living waters that would quench my thirst forever. It was in this scenario that my
Youth Challenger
At the Cross The future ahead was full of promises of very successful new era in my life.
mother talked to me about a little a group of people who had recently visited her. I became interested in talking to them, for I thought mum was at risk of being deceived by some false messengers. That was the first answer to my prayers and the beginning of a mysterious work. Mum had gotten in touch with a group of colporteurs from the Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement church in a small town in Brazil. I learned almost all the basic doctrines of the Adventist faith and soon became a member of the church. My immature faith and age, as well as a very self-confident style of life, led me to trust in my own competence and intelligence to deal with trials and temptations. What I didn’t know was that only a supernatural power from Heaven would protect me from the surprises of adolescence and transition to the adult age. That was a lesson that Providence was about to teach me, even through bitter trials and hard experience. After some time I was no longer a member of the church and was uniting myself with my lovely wife—though out of the church. The beginning of this new life was marked by a mixture of care, something that we used to call ‘love’, and a lack of patience and understanding untold. Many times I thought that I couldn’t handle the situation anymore. One thing was very clear: my wife loved me, not my religion. By that time I was trying to come back to the way of the Lord and expected that she would follow me. Both of us were very confused about our own feelings toward each other and a future for a healthy relationship was very obscure. I knew what I had to do to fix it; I had to run quickly
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to Jesus and beg His pardon, mercy and a miracle to take me away from that tempestuous sea and darkness I was living in, to His glorious light and resting peace. I was in need of Jesus more than ever, even though I was not so aware of it. In order to accomplish His mysterious plan for me, God was straightening my ways by permitting me to go through trials, difficulties and bitter disappointments, with my self nourished by a life of cherished sins. Many times I heard the merciful and loving voice of the Master calling loud and distinctly: “Come My son while time worketh on thy behalf”. This was very clear to me when I had a horrible car crash and only got some little scratches out of it, among many other situations. The Lord was treating me patiently and with great love. “Come my son”, was the most wonderful message that Providence whispered in my ears every now and then. These warnings led me to seek God’s protection and forgiveness. At that time I started attending the Sabbath meetings again, and gradually more frequently. Soon my wife and I left our home country to live in Japan. What a holy and caring Father we have! The future ahead was full of promises of a very successful new era in my life. But it was in that far and strange nation that our loving Master and friend taught me the most wonderful and merciful lessons of His love. I had already got in touch with our church in Japan and was attending the meetings regularly, but my wife was not. She still opposed my religious beliefs. However, with very basic knowledge
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At the Cross I prayed earnestly that the will of God would be done. of the new culture and language, and oppressed by ungodly people who made very plain my reality as a ‘foreigner’ in their country, there was no room for my pride, self-confidence or vain self-gratification. The bitter experience had already started to take place. Disappointment after disappointment with myself were now so frequent—part of my daily life. Amid tears I met my misery and dependence on Jesus in turning my useless life into something acceptable and in clearing my sins away. In that time I realized that there was nothing that I could do to present myself holy before the Father, nothing in myself could recommend me to heaven. All I could see was a wasted life without satisfaction and with no salvation. What a sad reality! What needless pain I bore! In such despair I requested a rebaptism in the church in Japan and started having Bible studies with our brethren there. Notwithstanding, precious lessons I was not acquainted with were still to be taught. Even though I was living an apparently holy life and judged to possess enough
knowledge of the sacred truths, God knew my heart and my ways far better than I and made me realise I was not ready. After nearly three years living in Japan I had plans to go to England to finish my studies. By that time, bitter experiences had shown me that I must trust in God thoroughly, surrender all my life into God’s hands and accept everything that the wisdom of Providence had prepared for me. I prayed earnestly that the will of God would be done. On the 1st of December 2006 I flew to Perth, Australia, instead. The church received me with gladness and brotherly love. Several months after my arrival in Perth, my wife also came to Australia, and to my surprise, joined me in the battle for the crown of glory. That was God’s promise that the time of bitter trials had been abbreviated, for the Lord knew I could no longer bear such a depressing life. Joyfully I attended the meetings every week, and with great pleasure I continued the Bible studies with the responsible Bible worker. The miraculous revelation of God’s will for my life and His holy providence appeared as the greatest demonstration of love for a sinful soul. The walk in God’s path was not an easy task though; tears did not cease in crying for deliverance and guidance. By an act of love and mercy, through clear messages of salvation and pity, our Master led me to the baptismal waters on the 27th of January, 2008. y
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Youth Challenger
Great Relationships Series
Our relationships define us as human beings...
Introducing a four-part series on relationships. • Courtship • Marriage • The Family • Family and Health
The Great Relationships Series focuses on important issues facing all of us in all stages of our lives. Using Bible-based principles, the series delves into what makes relationships successful and joyful. Remember, you too can have great relationships!
Turn to page 20 to read the first chapter of the Courtship booklet.
Visit Soul Magazine Online!
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Relationships
Finding the Road to Success Jessica was in her mid teens when she heard about courtship. It sounded good after what she’d just been through. She had just broken up with someone who appeared to be a real loser. Then she found a book, all about courtship and letting God run your love life. At first she had been sceptical, but the more she read, the more she wanted to give it a chance. She hadn’t planned on the friendship going anywhere, but things had just happened. She had felt that she was being a good Christian witness to this unbelieving guy. The fact that Jessica was such a nice, innocent Christian girl had made her more
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exciting for him to keep chasing. Before Jess had known it, she was emotionally involved. When she finally called it off, she had been shocked as she watched the guy she had fallen for go from one girl to another just to use them. Not long after, there had been another guy that asked Jess out. This guy was different. He was of a similar faith to Jess—although not of the same church, but pretty similar. He seemed to have a fair bit going for him. Things had started out well, but it soon became evident that he didn’t have the same ideas she did. Even though they were of a similar faith, the few differences had become points of tension. He had also tried every opportunity to wear her down on her ideas of what was proper in a relationship.
Youth Challenger
Relationships Little did she know what was ahead. The real fun was about to begin.
Within a short time this relationship had broken up as well. Jess wondered what was going wrong. Why this heartbreak? She dreamed of meeting prince charming, but it seemed like it would stay at that—just a dream! That’s when she read the book on courtship. Maybe God really is interested in this part of my life, she thought. Around this time life got more busy, and Jess started thinking more about where she was going. She decided that she had better do something about a decision she had put off for a long time. She hadn’t yet made a public commitment to God by baptism. Jess had put this off for so long because, well—wouldn’t life be boring once you made that kind of stand? She thought she would have to be really good after that and wouldn’t be able to have much fun. The decision had been put off for a couple of years. Time went by. Finally Jess felt so convicted she needed to be baptised, that she decided to risk having a boring life. She would commit her life to God. Little did she know what was ahead. The real fun was about to begin. Not long after making her big decision, Jess met some new friends. One of them was a cute guy named David. At first she didn’t think much about him, but as time went on, her appreciation of him grew. It didn’t take long for her to realize that Dave was all she had ever dreamed of, and more. Jess didn’t dare even think that this
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would be more than just a friendship. It was all too good to ever happen to her. So she decided to pray and leave it at that. Unbeknown to Jess, Dave was thinking the same thing about her. He started praying too, and getting to know her family. They spent about a year getting to know each other in normal life settings. Neither one really knew what the other was thinking. Neither did the rest of the world, because they still treated each other just like they did any of their other friends. Dave asked his family what they thought of Jess. He asked his minister. Meanwhile, Jess was getting input from her family too. Dave and Jess wrote to each other, chatted occasionally and the more they got to know each other the more they seemed to get on. It was one evening after dinner that Dave said he wanted to talk to Jess alone. Her heart fluttered, as this was really unusual! He told her he had talked with her dad and wanted to know how things stood with her. This meeting ended up being the beginning of a close and special time of courtship. The months that followed were ones of happiness for Jess and Dave. They shared and learned lots about each other. They both continued to pray and ask God to guide them. The special day came as a surprise to Jess, and she joyfully responded with a definite “yes” when he asked the big question.
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Relationships On their wedding day they kissed—for the first time. Then they knelt down and asked God to bless them and to help them honour Him. Things that helped make this relationship different were the principles they followed. They decided to keep themselves for each other for when they were married. This meant “hands off.” They protected each other by not allowing themselves to be in any compromising situations. On their wedding day they kissed—for the first time. They kept God at the centre of their relationship, by learning about His principles for courtship and marriage. They read through the book Adventist Home and then shared together what they were learning and how they
wanted to implement this in their lives. David and Jessica have been happily married for years. If you ask them today what has been their secret of happiness, they’ll tell you it was putting God first. They also believe they have the best marriage on the planet. But there are many more just like them, all of whom have learned that the One who made marriage gives the best directions on how to get off to a good start. y
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This article is an excerpt from ‘Courtship’, the first booklet in the new ‘Great Relationships Series’, by the joint committees of the Youth and Education Departments (Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement Australasian Union Conference). Order your set today, and enjoy the complete series! Youth Challenger wishes you all the best and God’s guidance and blessings in your pursuit of a happy, loving and God-honouring relationship.
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Youth Challenger
Youth Update
Perth by Catherine Thiel It was 27 January 2008. The day was reasonably warm. People were filtering one by one into a beautiful park in Pinjarra, about 1.5 hours from Perth, until there was quite a crowd. There were picnic tables set up loaded with beautiful food. A sound system, a keyboard and chairs in neat, orderly rows were set up on one side of the meeting area which made the whole place resemble a church. To all appearances it could have been a wedding which was about to take place. But no! It was the morning of the baptism of Br Alessandro Frige and Br Cameron Brown. The sun shone very warmly as the service started and Br Merv Southwell reminded us about the baptism of our example in everything – Jesus Christ. He reminded us that to be joined to Jesus we needed to come out and be separate from the world and be His fully. It was a time for reflection for both the baptismal candidates, and all those who were present. A special item was sung by a men’s quartet “O Happy Day” following which Br Alessandro and Br Cameron gave their vows in the sight of all the witnesses; friends, family and before heaven.
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Their testimonies followed and they shared with us how God had worked so wondrously in their lives to bring them to the point where they were standing before us ready to dedicate their hearts and lives in baptism. Prayer was the main factor for both of them and glory was given to God for the miracles which He had performed. The group then went down to the water’s edge to watch the solemn ceremony of the baptism representing the washing away of the old life of sin and creating of the new. As they came up out of the water the lilting notes of “Amazing Grace” played by Br Cameron’s father on the bagpipes resounded through the air bringing tears to many eyes as the beautiful words of the hymn were remembered. Both Br Alessandro and Br Cameron were given the right hand of fellowship and many friends and well-wishers welcomed them into their new church family and new walk with Jesus. We thank the Lord for His guidance and love in bringing our brothers into the truth and wish them a victorious and happy walk with Him. y
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Youth Update
New Zealand
Family Campout by Krystle Thiel & NZ Youth Committee Rain, mud, cold. Perfect camping? Not likely, but when you combine families and friends, tents, brotherly love and a skeleton, you’re bound to have fun! The rain dampened tents, bedding, chairs and clothing, but it couldn’t dampen the spirits of the 11 people who gathered at the Thiel’s property for the long weekend in June, 2007. Friday afternoon was spent getting the portaloo installed and the tents set up. The fire was lit and we all gathered around to open the Sabbath. Everyone was tired, so after a light tea and a little bit of talking, we all went to our tents to see if the air mattresses would stay up all night. In the morning there were several complaints of flat mattresses and water dripping inside tents. In general though, there was an air of eager curiosity to find out what the day’s events would be, as it was said that Krystle had a “friend” in her car. As we were about to start Sabbath School, the clouds dropped their load and we all made a dash for the shed (which only just fitted us all). After studying the Lesson we were introduced to Krystle’s “friend”—Mr N. Exhume—with hesitant (by some) handshakes. His first name is Nerveless, and he is very BONY!! As the camp theme was on the vision of the dry bones, a skeleton had been procured to
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help illustrate “the bones”. Skeletons and bones now being the topic of conversation, a discussion was started for the service. Krystle presented, along with comments and help, a talk about bones, new and old. We discovered that it only takes 10 minutes for bones to die. Once they are completely dead, they can’t be revived. So, in comparison, Csongi read Ezekiel’s vision of dried bones, and we discussed how in our spiritual life we can be dry bones and yet God can bring us back to life. Prayer being the breath of our soul, we realized that without breath, even for a short time, we will die. Not only did our spiritual bones need feeding, but our earthly ones needed to be fed, so we made good use of the food prepared. Another family joined us for the afternoon activities, the object being to collect one item and bring it back to the shed with a Bible verse to explain the spiritual meaning of the object chosen. Sheep, horses, cows and property belonging to others were strictly prohibited! So, at 3.30 pm some wet, bedraggled young people returned and started searching for their verses. Here is the list of objects and their meanings presented. • A rock—Jesus. • A beer bottle—New wine into old bottles. Youth Challenger
Youth Update • • • • • • •
A thistle—ground will bring forth thistles. A branch—I am the vine, ye are the branches. A thorn—A thorn in the flesh. Grass—The grass withereth. A brick—Jesus being the cornerstone. Mr Exhume’s leg—All my bones are out of joint. A pipe—Aaron’s rod.
We closed Sabbath with a talk on Heaven by Kyle. Following this we stoked up the fire and began to prepare our potatoes for tea. Most of us felt that camping without a campfire and potatoes done in the coals isn’t really camping at all. After all the potatoes had been devoured, we sat around the fire (it had stopped raining)
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and played some word games and told some funny experiences of previous campouts. We were treated to a beautiful view of a golden full moon coming up over the valley in front of us. The visitors couldn’t be persuaded to stay, so not long after they left, we all hit the sack. On Sunday morning the boys were awakened to their tent landing in their faces, which I believe the girls had a lot to do with. Kaylene took our worship on the topic of life, from a baby—how quickly they are formed and grow. Sunday’s activities were a quick look at an open cut mine to demonstrate the valley of dry bones, a tour of the coal museum and a visit to the local cemetery. We had to search out which was the oldest grave—1832, and the youngest child—which turned out to be
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Youth Update
stillborn. The lesson we learnt from this visit was that no matter how old or young you are, if your experience has died off, God is able to revive you again. Some boys were hoping we would wait until dark before leaving, but seeing we collected heaps of chestnuts from the cemetery, we went back to the camp to roast them on the campfire. Yum! As food was being prepared, the young ran up and down and around the skeleton of the house (the frames) chasing each other. Our evening worship was taken by Caleb on the topic of prayer. As our legs were soaked from all the puddles, we had to dry off at the fire before heading to bed.
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Monday morning we awoke to a “fine” day, (cloudy but not raining). Alyssia took our morning worship on the new birth relating to the experience of old bones becoming alive again. After breakfast we packed our tents in a hurry as the sky threatened to spill out its load. As camp was officially finished, the men did some carpentry while the young people enjoyed the skeleton. So despite 2” platforms of mud on our shoes, damp clothes and a morbid topic, all enjoyed the camp and came away with a realization of the necessity of the new birth. We look forward to another camp and hope to see you there. y C
Youth Challenger
Youth Update
Victorian
Camp ‘08 by Cherie Clements
“Our camp-meetings have another object... They are to promote spiritual life among our own people...God has committed to our hands a most sacred work, and we need to meet together to receive instruction, that we may be fitted to perform this work. We need to understand what part we shall individually be called upon to act in building up the cause of God in the earth, in vindicating God’s holy law, and in lifting up the Saviour as ‘the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.’ John 1:29. We need to meet together and receive the divine touch, that we may understand our work in the home.” Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 32, 33. This being my first Victorian/Tas camp, I must firstly say it was most enjoyable and rewarding. There is very little doubt in my mind that I will be there for the next one. As many of us know, the Victorian camp was held over the March long weekend at Camp Howqua not far from Mansfield in Victoria. Being secluded and peacefully set in the rolling mountains and dry bush land, many of us drove from different directions to come and hear the word of God. It is to my understanding that we all lead busy hectic lives, where both money and time are short, but have you ever considered what happens when we miss these camp meetings? “Our camp-meetings are arranged and Volume 44, number 2
held at great expense. God's ministers who advocate unpopular truth, labor excessively at these large gatherings to bear the message of mercy from a crucified Redeemer to poor fallen sinners. To neglect or treat these messages with indifference, is to slight the mercy of God and His voice of warning and entreaty. Your absence from these meetings has been very detrimental to your spiritual welfare. You have missed the strength that you might have gained there by listening to the preached word of God, and mingling with the believers of the truth.” Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 115. As I understand it, the more meetings, church gatherings or Bible studies we attend, the greater the blessing and receiving of energy and life. As I sat in the car leaving the camp, I had and to this day still have a burning desire to do the Lord’s work. I have energy which was not there in previous weeks and more knowledge and understanding of the word of God. It is my prayer and wish that for future camps and meetings, every available seat will be taken and every ear turned to the Lord’s words. Our work here on earth is not easy by any means, but with the Lord on our side and our renewed energy from the word of God, all things are possible. Brothers and sisters, I look forward to seeing you at the next coming together of the Lord’s children. y
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Question Box
How do I deal with
Peer-Pressure? by Inneka Lausevic How do I know when I’ve been peer pressured? How do I deal with it? Human beings have an extraordinary ability to influence each other. We are social creatures and we all want to be liked and accepted by each other. None of us wants to be thought of as queer or different from other people. So we have a tendency to change our habits and ideas to match the habits and ideas of our equals, or peers. That way we won’t stand out from the crowd. This tendency is perfectly natural for us, but is it good or bad? Well, that depends on whether the “crowd” is doing the right or the wrong thing. Peer pressure is really the power of influence. Influence can greatly intensify the temptation to do the wrong thing, but it can also be a tremendous force for good. If our peers are influencing us to do the right thing, then we can gratefully accept their help. We need lots of friends like that. In fact, Jesus used the power of good influence when He sent His disciples out two by two. However, if our peers are trying to make us do something wrong, then there is only one way for a Christian to react. “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.” Proverbs 1:10 That is easier said than done. We all struggle with peer pressure, and some youth are more vulnerable than others.
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Researchers have designed many studies to find out exactly what makes children and youth bend to peer pressure, and why some are more resistant than others. The results of one study showed that the young people who have a better resistance to peer pressure are those who were given love and attention by their parents and who were taught to think for themselves. That is not much help, though, because we have no control over how our parents bring us up. But there is good news. Anyone can develop the skills to withstand peer pressure to do the wrong thing, whether our parents taught them to us or not. Researchers and educators call these “competence skills”. Competence skills are really character skills. They include: 1) Assertiveness in refusing to do something against your principles (confidently and tactfully saying no to wrong). 2) Sound decisionmaking skills (the ability to reason from cause to effect and to choose the best alternative). 3) Self-management (self-control through Christ).
Youth Challenger
Question Box 4) Positive self-worth (viewing yourself as a person who has value). These are all great skills, but how do I get them? The First Step The first place to go is to God Himself. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5. Sometimes it’s hard to know whether something is right or wrong. But if your heart belongs to God, and you are familiar with what the Bible says, you can immediately spot the difference. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:11. The word of God can be like a light in your life, distinctly showing up the right and wrong, so you never need to be in doubt. Self Worth The only real self-worth comes from God. We can only have a real knowledge of the worth of our souls when we realize that Jesus thinks so much of us that He gave up heaven to die for us. On the other hand, we can forget our Creator and adopt the popular self-esteem idea from the world. It comes from confidence in our own abilities and in the strength of our character. But this is like leaning on a broken wall. Sooner or later, Satan tempts you in your weakest spot and you give in to something you know is wrong. You
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Peer pressure is really the power of influence. then find out that you are not as strong as you thought you were, and your selfesteem breaks into a thousand pieces. In contrast, the self-worth that comes from God lasts forever and it works just as well when we are weak and faulty as it does when we are strong. It is not based on how strong we are, but on how strong Jesus is. He was once a youth, and He can give us the strength to resist the wrong and to do the right. Self-management Self-management is the skill of selfcontrol. It is the ability to make a decision based on principle rather than whether or not it suits us. The principle motivating most youth is, “If it feels good, do it!”. Secular life itself cannot be governed by this idea, let alone moral decisions. If you owned a tomato farm worth 5 million dollars a year, who would you employ to pick your tomatoes; people that came to work when they felt like it? Or would you employ pickers who moved from principle, who were ready to pick through hot or cold weather, rain or shine? If it is so important to make decisions based on principle in the working world, how much more important is it when your decisions involve your character and destiny? We need to be able to manage our-
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Question Box selves, and this is something that takes a lot of practice. Every day we make many small decisions. If we determine to always choose the right, regardless of our feelings, even in little things, then we are forming habits of uncompromising obedience to God. This practice will prepare us to make the right decision when we are under pressure to do wrong. �ssertiveness - The End Result Assertiveness in refusing to do something wrong or harmful comes from three things; a knowledge of right and wrong; a healthy, God-given self-worth; and the ability to make the right decision - even when people around us are making the wrong decision. If we know we are worth something, even if our friends sneer at us; if we have confidence in our beliefs and know that God is at our side with as much strength for us as we will ever need; then we can be assertive and tactfully refuse to do the wrong. It’s �lways Worth the Effort When you are older and you look back on your youth, do you think you will ever regret the times you stood firm and did the right thing, whatever your friends thought at the time? And don’t you think you will remember with remorse the times when you have been weak and given in? The best time to learn habits of strength and virtue is right now in your youth. My prayer is for you to resolve right now that from this time forward, you will never make decisions of which to be ashamed. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing or your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2 y
“In ‘Pilgrim’s Progress’ there is a character called Pliable. Youth, shun this character. Those represented by it are very accommodating, but they are as a reed shaken by the wind. They possess no will power. Every youth needs to cultivate decision. A divided state of the will is a snare, and will be the ruin of many youth. Be firm, else you will be left with your house, or character, built upon a sandy foundation.... Manifest decision at any cost.... Those who would walk in the path cast up for the chosen of the Lord, must not be swayed in matters of conscience by men who have often been zealous for the wrong. They must show moral independence, and must not be afraid to be singular.... “We must free ourselves from the customs and bondage of society, that when the principles of our faith are at stake, we shall not hesitate to show our colours, even though we are called singular for so doing. Keep the conscience tender, that you may hear the faintest whisper of the voice that spoke as never man spoke. Let all who would wear the yoke of Christ show an inflexible purpose to do the right because it is right. Keep the eye fixed on Jesus, inquiring at every step, Is this the way of the Lord? The Lord will not leave any one who does this, to become the sport of Satan’s temptation... “Do not imitate men. Study your Bibles, and imitate Christ.” —Our High Calling, p. 341.
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Youth Challenger
Puzzle Page
True Friends Read the article on pages 12-15, and ďŹ nd the answers to the crossword! 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Life span King Saul’s son Our best Friend Kind word, praise, admiring comment Shepherd boy who became king To listen A happy sound expressing joy or mirth A present Relationship between friends
10. Love, warmth and friendliness 11. Cheery 12. Should be friends with their children 13. A gift tied with.... 14. Plural of child 15. Good deed, act of kindness
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EclipseCrossword.com
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Children’s Corner
Precious
Rock by Jamie Squires
“The LORD is my rock. and my fortress, and my deliverer.” 2 Samuel 22:2 In the Bible God is sometimes called, “The Rock” — in other words, our help, our shield, our strength, our deliverer, our stronghold, and our Saviour. He will help us and will be our rock if we trust in Him, and do whatever He asks us to do. Working with rocks is one of my passions. When I find the right sort of stone, I'll cut it on the diamond saw and most of the time the results are outstanding, and bring me great satisfaction. I also enjoy learning about stones, where they came from, how they were formed and so-forth. I’m always looking for more things to learn about rocks. What spiritual lessons can we learn from rocks? Well, Christianity and God are just like stones. When you are trying to tell someone about Jesus and they are not interested, they are looking on the outside of the stone. They see Christianity and God as a dirty, uninteresting stone. People need to be shown the
inside of the stone, the wonderful things God has done, the things that He will do, and the provision of eternal life. Then, with God's help, they will be fascinated and will want to find out as much as they can about Him. Stones have taught me both physical and spiritual lessons. All we need to do is trust in Jesus as our Lord and Saviour and do what He wants us to do, and NOT what WE think is best. In the Bible it says, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12 May God be our Rock. “The LORD lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let God be exalted, the Rock of my salvation!” 2 Samuel 22:47 NKJV y
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