Auckland, New Zealand

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1 In this issue Fulton hosts WCTU convention August 8, 2009 Prison ministry expands in SNZ Adventist World issue An ADRA Fiji representative meets with local community members to discuss the best ways in which ADRA can assist towns in Fiji following floods earlier in the year. ADRA NZ helps Fiji after floods Auckland, New Zealand Curtain rises on uni church Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) New Zealand has signed a bilateral contract with the New Zealand government through NZAid the equivalent of AusAid to conduct a post-flood recovery project in Fiji. The grant was announced in May and ADRA NZ proposed a recovery program, which has been submitted. Work commenced at the end of July. ADRA NZ is one of a few agencies selected to partner with the NZ government in this work and will be the implementing partner. This means they will conduct the assessments and implementation of projects in 10 communities in the cities of Nadi and Ba, which were affected by flooding earlier this year. Close to $NZ500, 000 will be spent on the project during the coming 12 months. Dayan Eager, director of international programs for ADRA NZ, says, This is the first grant ADRA NZ has received on a bilateral level from the New Zealand government. The work we ll do with the grant will primarily be conducting a recovery project, which will be implemented through ADRA Fiji. ADRA is well respected and well known in Fiji for (Continued on page 3) ISSN

2 It was October, and morning dawned brisk and cool just like any other autumn day. But by noon Pierre s world had turned upside down. The Edict of Nantes had been revoked, and the Huguenots were no longer free to practice their religion. Anyone who refused to convert would be imprisoned, and the dragoons had orders to kill anyone who tried to escape. In just a few days the fate of Pierre s family would rest on his 12-year-old shoulders. But in the meantime a mysterious beggar would appear on their doorstep with a cryptic message, and a moonlit journey to Grand-père s estate would expose an unexpected spy. Available now at your local Adventist Book Centre

3 ADRA NZ helps Fiji after floods (Continued from page 1) Good community development work, and also building capacity and community resilience. Disaster management is a big part of our program and this is part of why we were selected. The focus is to rebuild the communities and Mr Eager says, A lot of infrastructure was completely washed away by the floods. We did a relief response there earlier this year through ADRA Fiji but the damage was so comprehensive that it has required a lot of additional funding to assist communities to rebuild. The major objectives are to increase community resilience to, and prepare for, hazards and risks in 10 communities, and implement a disaster risk reduction (DRR) program. ADRA NZ aims to improve drainage and rubbish disposal systems to minimise the possibility of future flooding, as well as improving basic health and social services by providing the communities with school supplies, restocking the health clinics, providing agriculture implements and supplying clean drinking water to households. Prison ministry expands in SNZ Christchurch, New Zealand Prison ministry in the South New Zealand Conference is growing, according to Jim Stokes, pastoral volunteer for prison ministries for the conference. The ministry has grown from small beginnings, with half-hour meetings once per month to a regular 9.30 to 11 am timeslot on Sundays at the Kia Marama unit, Rolleston. A group of volunteers share the Word One of the major elements of the project will be conducting a DRR program. Mr Eager says, For this, we ll establish 10 disaster management committees and train them, assisting them in planning and developing risk reduction plans. Floods and cyclones are common disasters in this area, and the communities will be much more prepared. The DRR program involves assessing vulnerabilities and risks in the local area. The community will be mapped, identifying low-risk and high-risk areas, followed by the development of strategies and plans for addressing these issues. Mr Eager says the plan can also include working out what supplies are needed, getting support from the government and non-government organisations, appointing people who can be contacted in the event of a disaster and organising a warehouse to pre-position supplies. Our goal is to strengthen the communities and build their capacity so they can be more resilient, says Mr Eager. Adele Nash/Dayan Eager of God with a regular group of inmates through a non-denominational service. They also take copies of the Sabbath school lesson, RECORD and Signs of the Times with them. The services feature hymns, Bible study, discussions and prayer. Mr Stokes says, When the inmates pray, they pray from the heart it is a really humbling experience just to listen. The volunteers are also involved at the main men s prison. Southern Connexions Curtain rises on new university church Perth, Western Australia news The first weekly church service at the Bentley campus of Curtin University of Technology in Perth, Western Australia, was attended by 21 people on July 11. The service was the culmination of a week of prayer, organised by the Adventist Curtin Tertiary Students (ACTS), who are behind the launch of ACTS church. We decided that the best way to launch the ACTS church is through prayer, says Dr Sven Ostring, pastor of the ACTS church. We are very excited that the dream to establish a church at Curtin University has become a reality. Jesus has always said, If you have faith in me, you can move mountains and you can go anywhere. Pastor Glenn Townend, president of the Western Australian conference, addressed the attendees at its first worship service. We have a real future when the Adventist Church can impact the places of advanced learning, he says. I am delighted with the establishment of ACTS church and believe it will be like the [church in the book of Acts] in characteristic, as well as name! The students conducted surveys, ran Bible-study groups and workshops, distributed free bread to students and employed three youth Bible workers as part of their plans to become a church. There are many other churches on campus but to have our own church here is something really special, says Bruce Mc- Court, a Bible worker at Curtin University since To be able to see people from the community coming along makes the church experience so much richer. On the same day, Adventist students at all six universities in Perth also conducted prayer walks to claim the campuses for God and ask the Holy Spirit to reach people. Glenn Townend/Melody Tan Official Paper of the South Pacific Division Seventhday Adventist Church ABN Vol 114 No 30 Cover: Dayan Eager Editor Nathan Brown Editorial assistant Adele Nash Editorial assistant Jarrod Stackelroth Copyeditor Talitha Simmons Editorial secretary Kristel Rae Layout Kym Jackson Senior consulting editor Barry Oliver Mail: Signs Publishing Company 3485 Warburton Highway Warburton, Vic 3799, Australia Phone: (03) Fax: (03) Tim 5966 Cahill 9019 with one of the Socceroo s younger Letters: editor@signspublishing.com.au fans at the Sydney farewell for the team. Newsfront: record@signspublishing.com.au Noticeboard: editorsec@signspublishing.com.au Subscriptions: South Pacific Division mailed within Australia and to New Zealand, $A43.80 $NZ Other prices on application. Printed weekly. August 8,

4 news Fulton hosts Pacific-wide WCTU convention Tailevu, Fiji The Women s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) held its Pacific-wide convention at Fulton College from July 7 to 10, with 158 women from across the Pacific islands registering to share in the first Pacific convention of the multidenominational WCTU. A number of men also joined the women at the convention later. The three guest speakers for the convention were Sarah Ward, WCTU world president; Glenda Amos, WCTU world director for Children s Ministry and education department human resources officer for the North New South Wales Conference; and Pastor Kevin Amos (second from left) and Glenda Amos (second from right) at the convention. Pastor Kevin Amos, who pastors Charlestown and Hamilton churches in Newcastle, New South Wales. Each day began with worship and continued late each night. Seminars presented covered the topics of alcohol, tobacco, kava and betel nut, foetal alcohol syndrome, marijuana and addictions. The seminars were followed by talks on Christian outreach and education, social service, and working with children and young people in crisis. The seminars were all well attended and received positive comment. Worships and musical services, as well as constitutional meetings, were also held. Pastor and Mrs Amos presented puppet plays to demonstrate presenting issues in an amusing or engaging way. Video was taken during the meetings and a souvenir DVD was made available at the end of the conference for attendees. The first convention of WCTU was held in 1874 in Cleveland, US. Initially, the aim was to protect the home and campaign against alcohol. The union soon expanded to speak against tobacco and drugs. Bruce Potter/RECORD staff Asian Aid Australia CEO resigns Wauchope, New South Wales Sharon Heise has left her role as chief executive officer (CEO) of Asian Aid Australia after four and a half years. She plans to spend more time with her family, as well as dedicating time to other professional work. Under Mrs Heise s guidance as CEO, Asian Aid has grown into an international organisation with a particular focus on development, partnered with strong strategic direction. She also focused on Sharon Heise. growing and maintaining international relationships. It has been a privilege to work with Asian Aid, says Mrs Heise. Its people and mission have left a mark on my heart. I can only hope that during my time as CEO, I have contributed in some small way to the future of the organisation. She says she also feels privileged to have worked with Avondale College lecturer Brad Watson with people in Nepal, raising awareness of women s health issues. Asian Aid Australia is now looking for a new CEO. Ita-Marie Ralago The Greek and Hebrew classes of Fulton College, Fiji, were fortunate to be given 50 free Greek and Hebrew Bibles from the Bible Society of the South Pacific. The resources would have cost each student at least $F80. This in-kind assistance contributes significantly to the theology department s plans to strengthen the biblical knowledge of students, create more interest in this branch of studies and provide firsthand tools for doing more indepth studies into God s Word. Ronald Stone T h e R a y m o n d Te r r a c e Adventist singing group, NSW, were recently invited to perform as part of the local Baptist church s 50 year celebration service. Their contribution to the program was greatly appreciated. Singing has always been an important feature of the Raymond Terrace company. Minister Ken Love says he has never been associated with a church that so enjoys singing. Church members meet for a singalong every Friday night, creating a family atmosphere. Mary Fedorow More than 200 young people from different denominations gathered together at the Fo ondo SSEC village, Solomon Islands, to participate in a recent evangelistic campaign run by the Solomon Islands Mission youth director, Pastor Wilfred Liligeto. Described as an Elijah Project, morning and evening sessions were conducted to facilitate the role of youth leadership in the community. Topics such as HIV/ AIDS, the effect of smoking and drinking on young people, and cultural and religious practices were presented. Pastor Levi Hou said the program was a success and he has been asked to run a similar program again in the near future. Each night, musical items and praise through drama were presented by the young people. Solomon Star Days and offerings: August Signs month 4 August 8, 2009

5 Peta Taylor letters Questions of baptism/s Darrin Parker, Qld I concur with Baptism An Enduring Symbol (Adventist World, July 11). Baptism should bring new gifts for service but Matthew 3:16 and Acts 19:1-5 seem to neuter the article s argument. While the Trinity converged at Jesus baptism, our sinless Saviour experienced John s baptism of repentance (see Mark 1:4, Luke 3:3, Acts 13:24). This baptism didn t follow the Father, Son and Holy Spirit formula we Seventh-day Adventists use. Further, in Acts 19:1-5, it takes two baptisms for repentance and into Jesus plus the laying on of hands before the Ephesian disciples finally receive the Holy Spirit. Some argue baptizo means to dip but John could use bapto if that was his intention. Baptizo means so much more. John is writing not of a casual dip but of a total, life-changing immersion, where new Christians are so into God that God gets into them and the Holy Spirit does His work in and through them. Let s discuss baptism more! Joy changes us Name Supplied Thank you for Joy (Editorial, July 18). Have you noticed how joy puts a spring in your step, a smile on your face, a twinkle in your eye, the sound of laughter in your voice and a sense of humour within your being? You learn to take yourself lightly and become more positive. It makes you look good and what s more, with joy, you can never go wrong! Changing masters? Harold Gotting, NT Why has valuable space in our church magazine been devoted to a person who has decided to quit serving God and enter politics ( New Man at Jamaica s Helm, Adventist World, July 11)? Secular news media had this story out many months ago, and it was my impression that church magazines were for publishing spiritual articles and articles about those who are serving God and winning souls for eternity. A pastor who has quit serving the King of kings and Lord of lords, the Creator of the universe, to serve in a political capacity has left many a Seventh-day Adventist baffled and raises at least a couple of Bible verses in my mind (see Matthew 6:24 and Mark 6:17). My humble request is for editors of these magazines to not waste time publishing political articles but to use the space wisely, promoting more of Ellen White s writings and articles on being ready for the soon return of Jesus Christ. Note: Views in Letters do not necessarily represent those of the editors or the denomination. Letters should be less than 250 words, and writers must include their name, address and phone number. All letters are edited to meet space and literary requirements, but the author s original meaning will not be changed. Not all letters received are published. See masthead (page 3) for contact details. August 8,

6 noticeboard Positions vacant Faculty of Education Avondale College (Cooranbong, NSW) is seeking applications for a senior position in the Faculty of Education. The successful candidate will be required to undertake teaching, research and consultancy in pedagogy. The appointment is for a three-year renewable term, commencing in January The successful applicant should hold a higher degree at doctoral level. For further information, contact the Dean, Dr Peter Beamish <peter.beamish@avondale.edu.au> or phone (02) For the selection criteria, please visit < Applications addressing the selection criteria, with contact details of at least three referees, should be sent to <employment@avondale.edu.au> or HR Officer, Avondale College, PO Box 19 Cooranbong NSW 2265, (02) Applications close August 24, Senior Lecturer or Associate Professor Avondale College (Cooranbong, NSW) is seeking applications for a senior position in the Faculty of Education at Level C/D (Senior Lecturer or Associate Professor). The successful candidate will be required to undertake teaching, research and consultancy, with a focus on research and research supervision. The position commences in January The successful applicant should hold a higher degree at doctoral level and preference will be given to experienced supervisors of research higher degree students. For further information, contact the Dean, Dr Peter Beamish <peter.beamish@avondale.edu.au> or phone (02) For the selection criteria, please visit < Applications addressing the selection criteria, with contact details of at least three referees, should be sent to <employment@avondale.edu.au> or HR Officer, Avondale College, PO Box 19 Cooranbong NSW 2265, (02) Applications close August 24, Country Director ADRA Papua New Guinea (Lae, Papua New Guinea). The Seventh-day Adventist Church (Pacific) Ltd is seeking to appoint a country director to provide visionary and strategic leadership to ADRA PNG, so it fulfils its mission as the humanitarian development agency of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in PNG. For more information, please visit the South Pacific Division s Human Resources website on < All written applications, including your CV, three work-related referees and the contact details of your church pastor, must be forwarded to Human Resources, Seventh-day Adventist Church (Pacific) Ltd, Locked Bag 2014, Wahroonga NSW 2076 Australia; <hr@adventist.org.au>; fax: (02) Applications close August 21, Manager Cultivate, Sanitarium Workplace Health and Wellbeing Services (Pyrmont, Sydney, NSW) is seeking a suitable person to lead and grow its workplace health and wellbeing services as part of Sanitarium s health and wellbeing strategy on a full-time basis. Specific responsibilities will include: Establishing and growing the service; sales and marketing activities; engagement of new clients and ongoing relationships; managing staff and the day-to-day operations of the department. Strong experience in sales and marketing, business development, and management are essential requirements. Tertiary qualifications in health would be an advantage but are not essential. Relevant staff management and corporate health service experience is also desirable. Key strengths will include a focus on quality, proven ability to organise, interpersonal skills and excellent communication skills. Please forward your written application and current resume to Group Human Resources, Sanitarium Health Food Company, <humanresources@sanitarium.com.au>. Applications close August 21, Weddings Rosendahl Kelly. Gavin Rosendahl, son of Barry and Delmai Rosendahl (Charlton, Qld), and Sharlene Kelly, daughter of Robert and Kim Kelly (North Eton), were married in Glenvale church, Toowoomba. Rick Ferret Obituaries adventistemployment.org.au Bapty, Frank Lee, born at Ayr, Qld; died at Coolum. On , he married Alvina (Ally) Walters in Brisbane. He was predeceased by Ally on He is survived by his children and their spouses, Janice and Douglas Montgomerie (Coolum), Vicky and Noel Ferris (Ayr), Gary (Conway Beach), Keith (Mackay), and Ian and Michelle (Ayr). Frank was a farmer for most of his life, clearing a cane farm by hand and growing vegetables for the American army during WWII. He also tried dairy farming and avocadoes. He built a 38-foot timber boat from scratch. He grew wheat and cattle, loved his family and the God of Creation, walked the talk and trusted Jesus completely. He died in peace, come the morning. John Rabbas Christian, Rajeev Samuel, born at Fatehgarh, India, to Dr John (deceased) and Ila Christian (Castle Hill, NSW); died in the Sydney Adventist Hospital. On he married Paivi (Cherrybrook) and became Pa to Antti and Mikko, Paivi s sons (Finland), who he loved as if they were his own. He is survived by his sister, Dipti, and three brothers, George, Ajit and Peter (all of whom reside in India). For the past few years, he and Paivi lived and Volunteers! Volunteer Teachers Tonga. Teachers required for Tonga in 2010 for 12 months. Mizpah School needs an English, Science and Maths teacher for Form 5. Beulah College needs an English teacher for Forms 5 and 6, and a computer teacher. For more information, please Siosaia Vaihola, <svaihola@adventist. org.to>. Volunteer Team Leader or Small Team Solomon Islands, to oversee the construction of the Form 7 Building, Kukudu Adventist College in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands. Foundation dug and building materials already supplied. Just needs constructing with locals willing to assist. For more information, contact Lyn at <volunteers@adventist.org.au>. <volunteers@adventist.org.au>. For more positions, check the web on < worked in numerous countries overseas until he became ill in Germany earlier this year, when they came home to Sydney. Rajeev excelled in everything he did and was held in high regard by his colleagues a number of whom flew in from Japan, the UK, Germany and Holland to honour him at his funeral. Rajeev was a Christian in both actions and name, fun-loving and caring. He was a friend to everyone particularly caring about young people or those going through difficult times. Rajeev maintained his Christian faith throughout his all-tooshort life of 41 years. It was his wish to be remembered as a person who lived his life so that it would be an inspiration to others. He will be greatly missed. Kerry Hortop Harrison, Mavis Alma, born at Flemington, Vic; died on the Central Coast, NSW. She is survived by a younger sister, Philis Parker (Brisbane, Qld). Mavis never married but worked as a forewoman for a number of years in the Sanitarium Health Food Co in Warburton, Vic, and Lewisham, NSW, before retiring at Terrigal in She was a faithful member of the Gosford church for 30 years. Her many friends miss her greatly but look forward to the reunion on the Resurrection morning. Errol Thrift, Don Madden Wright, Gale, born at Bingara, NSW; died in Stanthorpe Hospital, Qld. She is survived by her husband, Max (Sandy Flat, NSW); her daughters, Ellen Coyte (Stanthorpe) and Bethany (Robina, Qld). Gale grew up in Villawood, Sydney, then commenced work with an Adventist. Puzzled as to why he worshipped on Saturdays, she took Bible studies and was later baptised. Gale then worked in NNSW Conference office as secretary in the publishing department. There, she met a literature evangelist, Max Wright. They married in 1975 at Boolaroo church. Gale completed teacher training at Avondale College, then taught at the Hamilton SDA school, Newcastle. The last two years before her death, she enjoyed teaching at the SDA school for Aboriginal children at Mirriwinni Gardens, NSW. Reg Harris, Humberto Rivera Advertisements Note: Neither the editor, Signs Publishing Company, nor the Seventh-day Adventist Church is responsible for the quality of goods or services advertised. Publication does not indicate endorsement of a product or service. Advertisements approved by the editor will be inserted at the following rates: first 30 words or less, $A66; each additional word, $A2.75. For your advertisement to appear, payment must be enclosed. Classified advertisements in RECORD are available to Seventh-day Adventist members, churches and institutions only. See masthead (page 3) for contact details. Medical practitioners needed for the Logan Adventist Health Association Health Centre. Full-time and part-time practitioners needed. Contact Business bookkeeping including BAS and payroll done right and on-time. Your accountant will love us. Over 100 clients Australia wide. MYOB and QuickBooks. Freecall < Fulchers Vegetarian Pies and Rolls are now available in Brisbane. Both the Kallangur and Mt Gravatt ABC shops carry a full range of our products for your convenience. Data projectors, screens, DVDs, VCRs, PA systems etc. Lower prices for SDA churches, schools etc. Australia only. Rural Electronics (02) ; or <greenfieldsenterprises@bigpond.com>. Receive the Hope Channel and 3ABN. Complete satellite kit $265 + freight; prime signal areas in Australia only. Full instructions for DIY installation. Installers available. Rural Electronics (02) ; or <ruralele@bigpond.net.au>. Quality Christian products. Books, DVDs, study guides, story CDs and music from suppliers Amazing Facts, 3ABN and others. Register for our monthly specials. Contact The Story Factory, freecall ; < or <info@thestoryfactory.com.au>. Wyee Church, NSW, 20th Anniversary. Former members, pastors and friends are invited to attend on September 19 starting at 10 am, followed by lunch at pm and an afternoon program at 2.30 pm. For further information, visit < 30 August 8, 2009

7 1 Above and beyonc Î Signs of the times Call: (Aus) (NZ)

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