ISSN 0819-5633

S E P T E M B E R 1 1 , 2 0 0 4

R E C O R DIn this issue

Temperance role ofAdventists to continue

Iraqi Adventists remainforward focused

Values of continualeducation

SPD impacts Euro youth Wroclaw, Poland

Youth leaders and resources from the South Pacific Division (SPD) have made an impact onyoung people at the recent European youth congress in Poland. More than 3000 young

people from 30 nations participated in the congress, jointly organised by the Trans-European andEuro-Africa Divisions.

Pastor Gilbert Cangy, SPD director of Youth Ministries, was the keynote speaker for thecongress. “From a human point of view there was plenty of pressure and stress,” he says. “Butthe Lord showed His faithfulness yet again and we had a wonderful time.”

As well as speaking for the evening and Sabbath programs, Pastor Cangy ran an Undergroundsmall-group workshop in the mornings with Pastor Nick Kross, director of Youth Ministries forthe New Zealand Pacific Union. “We were amazed to see that our resourses were already all overthe place in Europe,” reports Pastor Cangy.

Congress participants responded enthusiastically. Shahaira, from the Netherlands, said, “Thiscongress has been very inspiring to me, especially the messages given by Pastor Cangy fromAustralia. I remember clearly his first sermon about not giving up your dream, no matter what.”

But the appreciation was mutual. “Quite apart from the carnival atmosphere, the richintercultural exchange, the fun activities and new friendships made, the European congress hastaken young people to another level,” says Pastor Cangy. “The congress has been a catalyst forreal spiritual transformation in the lives of hundreds of young people and a springboard forconcrete Christian action. It did justice to its theme ‘Time 4 Action.’

“I have been overwhelmed with the discovery of a generation of European Adventist youngpeople who are in love with Jesus and are breaking new ground in pursuing the mission of thechurch in fresh and innovative ways. They have inspired me. I will be telling their story.”—Nathan Brown with Miroslav Pujic/ANN

AdventistHolocaust

hero

Pastor Gilbert Cangy (right), director of Youth Ministries for the South Pacific Division, was surprisedto find “Underground” resources already being used by European young people.

September 11, 2004

E D I T O R I A L

Rediscovering missionLast year a Texas Internet company

bought advertising space on the baldhead of 22-year-old James Nelson ofIllinois. Nelson, trying to finance his ownbusiness, sold this unique advertisingspace for $7000 on eBay, the online auctionsite. In doing so, he gave new meaning to“keeping ahead” in business.

Nelson underwent a four-and-a-half-hour procedure at Savage’s Tattoos inKansas City—and became a walkingadvertisement. Nelson will display the 13-centimetre, full-colour logo of C I Host onthe back of his head for five years. “It’sbetter than going to a bank for a businessloan,” he said.

A quick scan through eBay reveals morehuman billboard wannabes. One manoffers to wear promotional clothing. Hesays he’s legally blind and always the first toboard planes—“so I stick out”—and haspreferred seating at sporting venues—“so Iam always in public view.”

We’re saturated in advertising—fromsupermarket receipts to telemarketingcalls, even in RECORD. As ChristopherFaulkner, CEO of the company sponsoringNelson’s tattooed head, says, “You have tobe constantly looking for ways to breakthrough the clutter and be noticed.”

Thousands of products, services andlifestyle choices jostle for our attention andour dollar. We’re bombarded by a modernBabel of competing noises and messages.Postmodern society is all about fragmentedinterest, short attention spans, multiplechoice.

A convention of Adventist churchmembers in North America recentlypacked the Cincinnati Exhibition Centerin Ohio with hundreds of differentministries from health farms to nativeAmerican schools to satellite televisionoutreach. Everyone had an agenda of

utmost priority—and a book or leaflet toput in your hand. How do you even beginto choose who or what to support?

Compared to many of these glossy-brochured causes, the good old AdventistMission Offering, traditionally collected inSabbath schools, looks a bit tired. It doesn’tseem to have the spark or glamour of manyother entities. Most of us couldn’t describewhat it goes for. Giving to this offering hasfallen through the floor. In fact, the drop isthreatening many of the basic missionfunctions of the church that we take forgranted—and which make possible everymission endeavour of the church, fromGlobal Mission to church planting to LomaLinda University’s international medicalwork. (There will soon be a renewed focuson the Mission Offering, and theworldwide mission of the church. A newweb site <www.adventistmission.org> isbeing developed, complete with secureonline giving.)

It makes me wonder—What does touchus today ? What gets our attention? Are wevirtually innoculated to the crying needs ofAdventist mission around the world? Doesthe church have to come up with biggerand better marketing plans and advertisingstrategies to get our attention? Have we lostsight of Adventist mission and thetremendous difference it makes in people’slives around the world?

Earlier this year I encountered thesweetest kids you’d ever meet—fresh froman animist village in the Irrawaddy regionof Burma where, until a Global Missionpioneer started work there recently, thename of Jesus had never been heard. I wasthe first white person they’d ever seen—letalone the first Australian white person.They sang for me. Songs about their new-found Friend. Songs about love. Songsabout new hope.

A world away is a group of youngAdventists in the heart of Paris, France—one of the most challenging mission fieldsin the world. They’re involved in the HopeChurch project, to reach non-Christianpeople from the majority Frenchpopulation. “In Paris people have a kind ofindependent mind so it’s difficult for themto be involved in a church with specificbeliefs,” says Shirley Colrant, a youngAdventist studying at the University of theSorbonne. “There are many outreachmethods, but I think the best one is therelationship method. I’m full of hope aboutthis church, and if our lives are full ofprayer we can hope that this church willgrow.”

This is what church is all about. We giveour Mission Offering. We pray for GlobalMission pioneers. We support the AnnualSacrifice Offering for Global Mission’sfrontline work of bringing the life-changing news of Jesus to those who don’tknow Him. We look for openings to sharea bit of God’s love with our neighbours andfriends. From Melbourne to New York toBuenos Aires to Bangkok to Cape Townwe’re all partners in a worldwide mission togive hope and a more abundant life toothers.

“Where there is no mission, there is nochurch,” writes Emil Brunner. That maynot be worth tattooing on our heads. Butit’s worth rewritingon our hearts.

Gary Krause,Director of MissionAwareness,General Conference.Global Mission’sAnnual SacrificeOffering is collectedtoday.

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OFFICIAL PAPERSouth Pacific DivisionSeventh-day AdventistChurchACN 000 003 930www.adventist.org.au

Vol 109 No 35Cover: Gilbert Cangy

Editor Nathan BrownSenior assistant editor Lee DunstanAssistant editor Kellie HancockEditorial assistant Scott WegenerCopyeditor Graeme BrownEditorial secretary Meryl McDonald-GoughLayout Nathan CheeSPD news correspondent Brenton StaceySenior consulting editor Barry Oliver

www.record.net.au

Mail: Signs Publishing Company 3485 Warburton HighwayWarburton, Vic 3799, Australia

Phone: (03) 5966 9111 Fax: (03) 5966 9019Email Letters: editor@signspublishing.com.auEmail Newsfront: record@signspublishing.com.auEmail Noticeboard: editorsec@signspublishing.com.auSubscriptions: South Pacific Division mailed withinAustralia and to New Zealand, $A43.80 $NZ73.00.Other prices on application. Printed weekly.

September 11, 2004

F L A S H P O I N T

● The Australian UnionConference (AUC) executivecommittee approved a plan tochallenge and support eachchurch around Australia inconducting an evangelisticprogram during a worshipservice in 2005. Resources willbe provided to help thisconcept, which will includeadvertising in the community.Pastor Chester Stanley, AUCpresident, says, “I believeusing our worship time forevangelism has tremendouspossibilities.”—FYI

● Adventist Developmentand Relief Agency (ADRA)–New Zealand will fund welldrilling in 10 refugee camps inSudan. Responding to thehumanitarian crisis in Dafur,Sudan, the New ZealandGovernment released more than $NZ1million to non-government organisations(NGOs). ADRA–New Zealand applied forfunding from this allocation and, alongwith five other New Zealand–based NGOs,was awarded more than $NZ150,000toward the cost of drilling equipment. AlanFletcher, ADRA–New Zealand executivedirector, says, “We have been able tocontribute $NZ10,000 from our ownreserves, but after recent calls on ourdisaster and relief reserves we are verypleased to have our donation matched at15:1 by the New Zealand Government.”

● Former RECORD editor Bruce Manners(pictured) received recognitionat the Australasian Religious

Press Association (ARPA)awards dinner in Perth (WA)

on August 14. PastorManners’s editorial“Thoughts on BruceAlmighty” (July 5, 2003)

was highly commended in the BestEditorial category. “At a time whenchurch teachings are often seen as beingout of touch, [this editorial] takes apopular cultural event to convey animportant Christian truth,” commentedthe ARPA judges.

● Fifteen Singer sewing machines havebeen donated and shipped to Aore,Vanuatu, by volunteer missionary JillianMacgillivray, whose success in initiatingsewing classes for local women had createda demand for own-your-own machines.“When the women found out that I’d beenbringing sewing machines to Vanuatu, Isuddenly had a list of nearly 60 names ofwomen who need a machine,” says MrsMacgillivary. Although some machines hadbroken or missing foot controls, hand-winders have been attached, making themuseful in villages where there is noelectricity supply. Even buttonholeattachments received have proved to be

helpful as the local womenhad been making Pathfinderuniforms, sewing hundredsof buttonholes manually.—Coral Camps

● Former Olympic swimmerand gold medallist DuncanArmstrong was the keynotespeaker at the opening of anew Student Centre atBrisbane Adventist Collegerecently. Built at a cost of

$A2.4 million, the StudentCentre will house weeklychapels, health and physicaleducation, sporting activities,

music, drama, recital evenings and closingexercises. A recent fete held by the collegeraised $A10,000 for the purchase of asound system for the centre.—Focus

● Amazing Discoveries in Ancient Landsseries presented by Professor DragoObradovic (pictured), an archaeologistfrom Croatia, has proved popular inTasmania. Up to 60 people attended eachprogram at the Devonport EntertainmentCentre and the North West ChristianSchool at Penguin over two weeks.Professor Obradovic created the “AmazingDiscoveries” series as an alternative to thechurch’s traditional evangelistic programs.“We saw the series have the same impact inTasmania as it is inCroatia,” says ProfessorObradovic. The follow-upwill be continued by PastorDamir Posavac at bothplaces, using the popularSearch video series.

• ADRA-NZ receives government help for Sudan • Gold medalist at student centre opening • Pathfinders assist Hurricane Charley victims • E G White on Wal-Mart shelves • and more

—Compiled by Scott Wegener—

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The Sydney Adventist Hospital(SAH) homecoming held on

June 12 and 13 had a ceremony toraise a new flag carrying thehospital’s new mission statement—“Christianity in action.”

Former CEO Ian Grice was asked to raise the flag as anacknowledgment of having come up with the statement. Mr Gricesays, “It is a constant reminder to the staff that this is the wholepurpose behind the hospital, the rationale for its existence.”

Some other key events of this year’s homecoming were thededication of a memorial fountain to the graduate and student nurseswho died while serving the Adventist Church and a ward-namingceremony, held to recognise six significant people who have mademajor contributions to the Christian care provided at the SAH—MissMary Burnside, former matron, Dr Russell Butler, physician, MissRose-Marie Radley, former Director of Nursing, Dr Carlyle Hudson,former orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Alban Gee, former urologist, and DrCharles Harrison, former medical superintendent.

The weekend honoured both the 40- and 50-year class members andconcluded with a Graduates Nurses Association Dinner.—Pacemaker

SAH raises mission flag

September 11, 2004

F L A S H P O I N T

● On Sabbath, June 26, NoosaChristian College, Qld, experienced itsfirst baptism when one of its “mums,”Mrs Cherie Harrop (pictured, centre),committed her life to Jesus. Watched byher two girls, Rhedigan and Yaszinae,husband, Roger,and Cooroychurch friends,Mrs Harrop wasbaptised in thedeputy principal’sswimming poolby college chaplain Pastor AlvinColtheart (right), with principal RossReid (left) by her side.

● Two volunteers, from opposite endsof the earth, have been united inmarriage and created media interest allbecause of their connection with theCottage Beck Cafe church, theAdventist church for the unchurched inScunthorpe, England. Andrew Wright(pictured, top right), from Melbourne,Australia, was led tothe cafe where his ITskills provided amuch needed hand ingetting the Internetsection of the cafe upand running. EijaKoivuranta (top left), from Helsinki,Finland, was looking for a warm, exoticvolunteer destination, but was referredto the Cottage Beck Cafe where she metMr Wright. Yorkshire Television and theScunthorpe Telegraph gave coverage ofthe wedding. Family friends and churchmembers around the world could watchthe wedding at the cafe live on theInternet thanks to Andrew’shandiwork.

● The Bowen church, Qld, this yearadded a car wash, cake stall, vegie-steaksandwiches and produce to their garagesale for the ADRA Appeal and raised$A633. Members are so enthusiasticthey are planning another one in threemonths time.—Lynne Blundell

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Off the record● The Florida Conference, USA, reportseight Adventist churches were damaged asa result of Hurricane Charley on August13. Conference secretary Evan Valenciasays many church members have hadhomes damaged, but no loss of life hasbeen reported. Among the first to respondto the disaster were the Port CharlottePathfinder Club, which started helpingvictims as early as the next day. Other clubsjust returning from the PathfinderCamporee in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, werealso soon mobilised. Estimates of propertydamage from the 233 km/h winds are inthe billions of dollars, and more than 25fatalities have been confirmed.—Review/CNN

● US shoppers are able to stop by theirlocal Wal-Mart store to pick up ThePassion of Love (pictured), a book

compiled from 13 ofthe last chapters ofThe Desire of Ages,which has proved tobe a popular sellersince the screening ofMel Gibson’s movieThe Passion of TheChrist. Wal-Martstores have orderedmore than 50,000

English and approximately 9000 Spanishcopies of the book. David Berthiaume,literature evangelism coordinator of theRemnant Publications printing company,who prints this book, says, “Wal-Mart hasalso shown interest in placing more EllenG White books in their stores if ThePassion of Love sells well.”—AR

● Recently more then 20 million peoplegathered in all but two of the 58 nations ofAfrica to call on God in prayer. EdSilvoso of Harvest Evangelism says, “Thismay be the biggest prayer movement theworld has ever seen.” TransformationsAfrica, one of the teams helping tocoordinate the events, says, “The numberof venues went far beyond ourexpectations. The overall feeling across thecontinent is that this was a turning point inthe history of the continent. In manycountries there was a breakthrough inchurch unity and miracle upon miraclewas reported.” One miracle reported waswhere the sky above a stadium in Nairobi,Kenya, was clear that day while all aroundthem torrential rains, that had fallen on thenation for weeks, continued. What startedin one city, moved to a region, then anation and finally a continent, is not overyet. A global day of prayer is planned.Transformations Africa says, “Right acrossAfrica people are already excited andstarting to plan for the 10 days of fastingand prayer for the world on PentecostSunday, May 15, 2005.”—Assist NewsService

Days and offeringsOctober 16—Spirit of Prophecy DayOctober 23—Children’s Day

Seven-year-oldguests evangeliseAs a result of a two-week evangelistic

series by Pastor Jeffrey Paul (pic-tured, centre), organised by the KoiariPark English and Pidgin churches, PNG,nine people were baptised by PastorJulius Divu on August 6 and a further 59people stood as a final appeal was given.

The special guests, seven-year-oldevangelist Jordan Wesley (left) and seven-year-old singer Nelly (right), were flownin from Henganofi, in the EasternHighlands Province, for the finalweekend meeting where they sharedstories, songs and preached words ofhope to those who attended.

Jordan spoke with great confidence ashe urged people to live their lives in

preparation forChrist’s secondcoming, quotingtexts frommemory. Not yetable to read,Nelly has so farmemorised 48

hymns and sang while Jordan conducted.Both had to leave primary school, cross

rivers and climb down rugged mountainsto reach Henganofi and then come by busto Goroka to catch a flight to PortMoresby. This was their first flight andthe furthest they had travelled fromhome.—Ragoso Tagaloa

September 11, 2004

N E W S F R O N T

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Auckland, New Zealand

Seventh-day Adventists continue toinfluence the temperance movement

with the election of a church leader to theWorld Woman’s Christian TemperanceUnion (WWCTU).

Joy Butler is the WWCTU’s new directorof Christian outreach. She accepted theposition at the organisation’s 36th triennialconvention, held in Auckland, NewZealand, earlier this year.

“I’ve had misgivings about the WCTU,but attending the convention has streng-thened my commitment to it,” says MrsButler, director of Womens Ministries forthe South Pacific Division. “The WCTUmight be an old organisation, but it’s animportant organisation with an importantmessage.”

Mrs Butler initially declined theposition, “but once I realised the closenessof the connection between Women’sMinistries and the WCTU, I just had toaccept.”

The church’s Women’s MinistriesDepartment works to prevent anderadicate abuse and poverty—social issueswith strong links to drugs and alcohol—aspart of its mission.

In other appointments, Margaret Martin,a member of the Adventist church inAlbany, Western Australia, becomes thenew director of alcohol-free hospitality. “Itis an honour to represent the WWCTU,”says Mrs Martin. She speaks of the motto

of the organisation, “For God, home andevery land.” “We work to protect the homeand the family. The WCTU encouragesChristians to stand up and be counted,especially on social issues.” Mrs Martinwill continue serving as president of theWCTU in Australia, a position she hasfilled since 2001.

And Sarah Ward replaces MargaretJackson, a member of the Adventist churchin Cambridge, NZ, who served aspresident of the WWCTU for the pastthree years. Miss Ward has served aspresident for the WCTU in the UnitedStates of America since 1996.

About 150 people from 21 differentcountries attended the convention. MrsButler describes India, Korea and Scandi-navian countries where membership totalsabout 7000, as regions of the world wherethe WCTU receives the most support.

Mrs Butler says the number of youngwomen impressed her. “They bring afreshness and enthusiasm to theorganisation.”

Frances Willard, an educator,temperance reformer and women suff-ragist, created the WWCTU in 1883during her 19-year term as president of theWCTU in the United States. Theorganisation has held special consultativestatus with the United Nations since 1947.Anita Gudinchet, an Adventist fromSwitzerland, is the WWCTU’s repre-sentative at the United Nations in Geneva.

The WCTU has close ties with theAdventist Church. One of the early leadersof the WCTU in the United States, writerSarepta Henry, became an Adventist whilea patient at the Battle Creek Sanitarium in1896. She resigned as national evangelistfor the WCTU in 1898 to implement, withthe encouragement of church founderEllen White, a plan for what she called“woman ministry.”

Mrs Butler asks for your prayers. “I wantto see the WCTU grow. We have achieveda lot in the past 130 years, but we have a lotstill to do. It is not time to give up.”—Brenton Stacey

Temperance role of Adventists to continue

Bells toll for babiesThe Women’s Christian Temperance Movement

literally made a loud noise on September 9.The organisation adopted the International Foetal

Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Awareness Day as its worldproject. FAS is the leading cause of intellectualimpairment in the Western world. It is preventable ifwomen do not drink during pregnancy.

The WCTU encouraged local churches to ringtheir bells at 9.09 am to commemorate the nine

months and nine days of pregnancy. The bells, historically associated with alarms,announcements and warnings, were to remind members of the community of theinnocence of children.

Joy

But

ler

Joy

But

ler

Christian women rang bells at 9.09 am on September 9 to

commemorate the nine months and nine days of pregnancy and

to raise the awareness of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome.

Margaret Martin, an Adventist, is the newdirector of alcohol-free hospitality for the

World Women’s Christian Temperance Union(WWCTU). She is also the president of the

WCTU in Australia.

WCTU needs youMrs Butler is challenging all female

church members to join theWomen’s Christian Temperance Union(WCTU). “We have no excuse because,as Adventists, we believe in a lifestyle freefrom drugs and alcohol,” she says.

Mrs Butler says Adventist women canmake a difference, “but we must worktogether.”

Annual membership is $A10, whichincludes subscription to the NationalWomen’s Christian Temperance Union ofAustralia’s bimonthly White Ribbon Signalmagazine.

Contact Mrs Butler by mail: Locked Bag 2014,Wahroonga, NSW 2076; phone: +61 2 9847 3238;or email: <jbutler@adventist.org.au> to join.

Wahroonga, New South Wales

More than half the volunteers serving asSeventh-day Adventist ministers in the

Pacific islands are not equipped to fulfil therole expected of them, a new report shows.

Author Dr Brad Kemp, the director ofleadership and Pacific resources for theSouth Pacific Division, estimates thatalmost 70 per cent of the more than 470church members serving as volunteerministers in the Pacific islands need in-service training and that more than 50 percent have received what he calls“inadequate” training.

Dr Kemp differentiates in his report thecourses offered by church tertiary edu-cation institutions such as the OmauraSchool of Ministry and Sonoma AdventistCollege in Papua New Guinea with lay

training schools. These schools, organisedby local missions of the church in PapuaNew Guinea and in the Trans-Pacific, offershort courses in subjects such as biblicalfoundations, church management andevangelism. Dr Kemp describes the coursesas “necessary but do not provide the deptha church member needs to provide an on-going ministry as a minister to a church.

“The question we need to ask is, ‘Howcan the church equip these ministers?’”

Dr Kemp identifies the growth of thechurch in the Pacific islands as the rootcause of the problem. He notes thedeterioration in the ratio of ministers tochurch members, from 1:114 in 1973 to1:647 in 2003, and the ballooning ratio ofministers to local churches, from 1:0.85 in1973 to 1:9.2 in 1999.

Dr Kemp reports that the church hasincreasingly come to depend on itsmembers to provide pastoral care. “Thefigures suggest that church membersserving as volunteer ministers are minis-tering in eight out of every nine localchurches in Papua New Guinea on anygiven Sabbath.”

He adds: “Leadership developmentrequires more than a willing person. Itrequires the church to provide a climate inwhich leaders in the Pacific islands cangrow through the provision of appropriateexperiences and opportunities.”

The South Pacific Division adminis-tration is working with leaders of thechurch in Papua New Guinea and in theTrans-Pacific to address the problem.—Brenton Stacey

September 11, 2004

N E W S F R O N T

6

Lay ministers lack training

Baghdad, Iraq

In spite of the recent bombing of severalChristian churches in Baghdad, which

led to the decision to cancel worshipservices for Sabbath, August 7, Adventistbelievers met again the next Sabbath forworship,” reports Oweda Wahbe, Baghdadchurch pastor. It was with great joy that thebelievers met to praise God in singing,Bible study and prayer.

The church board met during the weekand decided they would meet on Sabbathas usual. As an additional precaution, themembers met in the lower level of thebuilding, which is far more protected thanthe sanctuary, which is exposed on threesides.

Barriers were erected near the church toprevent vehicles from approaching thebuilding and additional security is now inplace after business hours. On the Sabbath,Iraqi police sent a vehicle with threeuniformed officers to assist in security.

It seems no-one is safe anymore, with noparticular rationale for these bombings.The bombing of the Red Crossheadquarters in Baghdad is an example ofsuch attacks. The role of the Red Cross isclearly understood as one of helping all

people, and even so came under a deadlyattack that killed more than 20 people anddestroyed all the stained-glass windows on

two sides of the Baghdad Adventist church. Michael Porter, president of the Middle

East Union, reports that “in spite of thedifficulties, our members’ faith is stillstrong. They continue to pray, theycontinue to do what they can for thosearound them, and they continue with plans

for opening a health-care centre as part ofthe new church addition presently underconstruction.”

Just weeks before, church leaders of theSeventh-day Adventist Church in Iraq metand hosted a visit from the newly formedMinistry of Religious Affairs. This ministryhas three separate branches, one each forShia, Suni and Christians. The 10-memberteam of ministry officials visited the churchheadquarters to discuss the future of theAdventist Church in Iraq. Basim Fargo,secretary-treasurer for the Iraq Field,commented that, “one of the officials hadstudied in the Adventist school in Mosulyears earlier. Others of the ministry teamrecalled the days when the AdventistChurch operated one of the best health-care facilities in the country.

Discussions covered a wide range oftopics, including Adventist history andbeliefs. The team posed for a group pictureand the visit ended with a time of prayer.

Iraq is home to around 800,000Christians, including more than 200Adventists. Yet Christians are a smallminority of this primarily Muslim country,making up around 3 per cent of thecountry’s population.—ANR/ANN

Iraqi Adventists remain forward focused

The Seventh-day Adventist church inBaghdad, Iraq.

September 11, 2004

N E W S F R O N T

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The Karalundi Aboriginal Education Centre will celebrate its 50th anniversary from October 1 to 4, inviting all current and formerstaff members and students to its annual camp-meeting. The Seventh-day Adventist Church established the then-mission in 1954

with church members volunteering to build the school on 90 acres of freehold land located 60 kilometres north of Meekatharra, WA.A change in government funding policy forced the closure of Karalundi in 1974. However, a group of former students, who now hadtheir own children, petitioned the church and the government to reopen the school. The efforts of members of the surroundingcommunities were successful in 1986, and Karalundi is now an independent, parent-controlled school offering classes fromkindergarten to Year 10 with an enrolment of between 80 and 100 students and a current staff of about 40.—Brenton Stacey

Karalundi turns 50

Sydney, New South Wales

Sixty years after the Nazi genocide inHungary, where 450,000 Jews were

killed, the memory of a brave Seventh-dayAdventist minister has been recalled in afeature article in The Weekend Australian,July 17, 18.

Pastor Laszlo Michnay was president ofthe Hungarian Union Conference for 17years, part of which included the Holo-caust of 1944. Risking his own and hisfamily’s safety, he protected many Jews inhis home and church.

Some of hischildren andgrandchildrennow live inAustralia. Hisdaughter, ClaraPongrass, hasbeen a memberof the Wool-lahra Seventh-day Adventistchurch inSydney, NSW,

for 52 years. Her daughter, Judy Kaye,recently paid homage to her grandfather atthe opening of “The Final Solution: TheHolocaust in Hungary,” an exhibitionshowing at the Sydney Jewish Museumuntil September 30.

She noted that he was guided by moraland religious principles. “He believed hewould be blessed and protected for savingthe Jews,” she says. Mrs Pongrass confirmsthis and says none of the Michnay familywere harmed. She recalls the Holocaustthrough the eyes of the 15-year-old girl shethen was.

“It was scary,” she says.“Most women were rapedby the soldiers, but whenthey came to our area, wehid under the choir stallsin the church.” When theRussians arrived toliberate Hungary, sheobserved that the Nazis“had to be quick. Theytook the Jews down to theDanube River and gunnedthem down, hundreds ofthem. I saw this with myown eyes.”

Her father, Pastor Michnay, was deter-mined to help the Jews after witnessinganti-Semitism when he was in Germanyand Poland for church conferences.Realising it was a matter of time before theNazis hit Hungary, he stockpiled non-perishable food and planned a network ofsafe houses. He appealed to his congre-gation to help the oppressed Jews.

The basement of the Budapest Adventistchurch and the attic of thenearby Michnay home hidmany Jews. Others werebilleted in a network of safehouses belonging toAdventist ministers incountry areas.

As a result of the care theyreceived from the Adventistsin Hungary, many Jews became Christians.One was Yehudit Carmeli, who wasbaptised in Israel 50 years after theMichnays had helped her family. “Thosewho read this story should take courage,”she says. “Keep planting the seeds of thegospel through words and deeds. One day,

God will make that seed sprout and grow.”Pastor Michnay died of a heart attack in

1964 while on his way to Sydney to visithis grandchildren. He was buried inVaucluse, an eastern suburb of Sydney. In1981 he was posthumously recognisedwith a certificate from Yad Veshem, theHolocaust museum and archive inJerusalem.

Last year, Mrs Pongrass and herdaughter placed a com-memorative plaque in theSydney Jewish Musuem: Inmemory of my father—LaszloMichnay—honoured at YadVashem as righteous among thenations for risking his life tosave Jews during the Holocaustin Hungary. Dedicated by Clara

Pongrass and family.While the current exhibition draws

attention to the Hungarian Holocaust, theplaque will remain in the museum as apermanent reminder of the power of oneAdventist pastor who lived out his faith.—Kellie Hancock

The Michnay family pictured before the Hungarian Holocaust.Clara Pongrass is on the far left.

Adventist pastor: Holocaust hero

Pastor Laszlo Michnay.

Clara Pongrass.

September 11, 2004

Learning is more than formal educationor a continuation of our life at school.

A new world of freedom and responsibilityis available to us, a world that can energiseand stretch us if we understand—and putinto practice—some key educationalvalues.

Cooperation over competitionNinety-nine per cent of life is

cooperation. Literally millions of peoplehave cooperated to make you who you aretoday, from your shoes from Taiwan to yourwatch from Germany to your banana fromBrazil. Somebody had to take the oil out ofthe ground in Saudi Arabia to make thepetrol that powered the truck that droveover the smooth roads to bring themachinery that created the screws that holdtogether the seat on which you are sitting.

Even competition is mostly cooperation:opponents agree on the rules and the timesand the referees, and the best team—theone that best cooperates with one anotherother—wins. Here’s the essence of what’swrong with competition: somebody has tolose for me to win. But cooperation is 99times better than that. Cooperation says:Everyone wins when we all work together.Cooperation keeps us from becomingsavages.

Active learning over passive You will learn more if you involve

yourself in theprocess becausehumans tend tobelieve what we doeven more than we do what we believe.That’s why we cannotcontinue to dosomething if webelieve it’s wrong;instead we rationaliseit: It’s all right thistime or They deserved

it. That’s also why you can hear 800sermons on the value of helping others butyou don’t really believe it until you go on ashort-term mission trip.

Active learning also requires you toextend your language. The limits of yourlanguage are the limits of your world,because ideas cannot be separated fromlanguage. This includes the languages ofmusic, numbers and visual arts. So getinvolved in creative activities. Participate.Go beyond what’s expected. Jesus said thatif someone asks you to go one mile, go two(Matthew 5:41). He was talking abouttaking control of your life and your owneducation. So read other books than theones required. Do it on your own. Explorethe world of ideas.

Community over celebrityAs our society appears to be infatuated

with celebrity, this is certainly acountercultural value. We have televisionchannels and magazines dedicated entirelyto entertainment figures. We havecelebrities’ birthdays as a part of what wecall news. We have Australian idol. But thisis not an educational value.

I remember a college professor saying toour class, “I won’t just pass you for doingnothing, because I love humanity morethan I love you.” That hurt me. He wasspeaking of uplifting the common good; ofreaching toward cooperation and

community; of looking out for people onthe margins of life who cannot look out forthemselves—the handicapped, the elderly,the unborn, the poor—which is a productof the highest education. Celebrity is a fad;community is a virtue.

Questioning over groupthinkThoreau suggested that in a world of

fugitives, the person taking the oppositeposition will be appearing to run away. Weneed people who think for themselves;people who will stand for the right thoughthe heavens fall. This involves askingquestions.

A couple of years ago, a class I wasteaching was told, minutes before class wasto begin, that the class had been cancelled.Unfortunately, the messenger had gone tothe wrong room. Imagine my glee when Iwalked into an empty room a few minuteslater, and you can imagine our lesson aboutasking questions the next class period.

Asking more questions could haveprevented the 800,000-person holocaust inRwanda (“Is Rwanda just the same asSomalia, or are we treating all of Africa thesame, as if it’s a country and not acontinent?”). Asking questions could havechanged the rush to war across history.

Throughout the Bible, God’s best friendsask questions. Not just the questions of“How much can we get away with?” or“How long does this have to be?” but“Why is this happening?” “How can we dobetter?” and “What would happen if…?”Questioning often requires discernmentand courage, two valuable traits.

Objectivity over biasSocrates said, “The mark of an educated

mind is to be able to entertain a thoughtwithout accepting it.” I don’t believe peopleare truly educated until they can hold theiropinions away from themselves, so thatwhen someone challenges or attacks theiropinions and ideas they don’t feel attacked

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Values of continual learningby Chris Blake

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personally. This inability to objectivelylook at ideas leads to defensiveness andnarrow-mindedness, which are becomingmore common in our society.

To be educated is to objectively readthings and listen to people you don’t agreewith. Yesterday I had a long conversationwith a young man who came into my officewith a very firm opinion, but he waswilling to listen and to consider otherpossibilities, and he changed hisperspective. I call that education. It’s theeducation Jesus asks of us.

Objectivity calls for honesty. Couple thatwith the courage of questioning and wehave “integrity”—a combination ofhonesty and courage.

Accuracy over carelessnessBecause the key to life is communication,

how we communicate matters. Wordsmatter. For example, does “making love”really mean making love or does it meanmaking sex? There is a difference, and notrecognising the difference often bringstraumatic consequences.

Quoting information from the Internet isa dangerous practice. Anybody can putanything on the Internet—and they do. Mymother used to tell me, “Don’t put moneyinto your mouth because you don’t knowwhere it’s been.” The same holds true forthe Internet. Just because you “readsomewhere” or “heard somewhere” a pieceof information doesn’t make it true.

Once for an experiment our Rhetoricand Persuasion class made up a rumourabout the pope getting together withcertain Protestants to create a credit cardthat only a few people could use. Wethought this was a good one. We spreadthis rumour around campus. Three weekslater I asked in chapel, “How many of youhave heard about this?” About 50 peopleraised their hands. “Well,” I said, “it’s a lie.We made it up.” I imagine it’s still spinningaround some Adventist circles. This questfor accuracy doesn’t mean we don’t believeanything. It means we don’t believeeverything—we test the spirits. And wecommunicate accurately what we know.

Eternal perspective overtransitory view

An eternal perspective includes some ofthe following:

Entering life is greater thanwithdrawing from reality: Reality iswhere God lives. God wants us to enterlife. Have you noticed how many peopleuse their money to withdraw from life,behind gated communities andheadphones andtinted windows?The eternalp e r s p e c t i v eenters life, just asJesus enteredand enters ourlife. I’m glad Hedid and does.

Diversity isgreater thanuniformity: Thisgoes beyondt o l e r a t i n gdifferences tocelebrating differences. I like you becauseyou’re different. God is a diversity junkie—no two people, snowflakes or leaves on atree are alike. This leads to the great truth,“You’re unique, just like everybody else.”We should prize our distinctions.

Holistic balance is greater thanunhealthy focus: Our minds, bodies andemotions are intertwined, so that each oneaffects the others. Take care of your bodyand your emotions. Be a well-balancedperson.

Lifelong learning is greater thancramming: How many of us havecrammed for a test and forgotten much ofit five minutes after it was done? MarkTwain wrote, “I never let schooling get inthe way of an education.” By “schooling”he meant, for example, the pursuit ofgrades. Grades can get in the way of aneducation. Learn for life.

Imagination is greater than imitation:I’m not as interested in “What would Jesusdo?” as I am interested in “What wouldJesus have me do?” Jesus doesn’t wantclones or robots or mere reflectors ofothers’ thoughts. He wants you to createyour own discipleship, work out your ownsalvation. Then it becomes yours.

Joy of service is greater thanaccumulation: Albert Einstein wrote, “Noteverything that can be counted counts, andnot everything that counts can becounted.” Too many people climb theladder of success to find when they reach

the top that the ladder is propped againstthe wrong wall. A recent survey showedthat 38 per cent of college students wouldnot go to college if it did not further theircareer. That’s not an eternal, godlyperspective. Accumulating money, awards

and things will not bring peace and joy.Truth and beauty are greater than

mediocrity: Excellence is an eternal value,and true beauty is eternal. Now, this alsoinvolves having fun, because we weremade for fun. If we forget the fun in thefundamentals, all we have left is“damentals.”

A world of learningA whole new world awaits you. Not just

here, but on the new earth, for we willspend eternity on this planet made new—a real place. Look back at the educationalvalues. All of these educational values willbe needed and valued on the new earth:cooperation, active learning, community,questioning, objectivity, accuracy and theeternal perspectives.

All of them will be forever used anduseful. But the good news is, forever beginsnow. It begins because we look constantlyinto the face of Jesus. It begins because ofthe greatest value of all: Love is greater thananything else. Nothing else ultimatelymatters or lasts.

Enjoy the journey! Savour the moment.Relish the reality of being valued andloved. Go with God. r

Chris Blake is associate professor of English at UnionCollege in Lincoln, Nebraska, USA. This article isadapted from his recent address to commencingstudents at Union College.

September 11, 2004

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The sacred wind by Darren Morton

Part of what made Jesus’ teaching socompelling was His ability to

communicate the complex and mysteriousin plain language. To farmers, He spoke ofseeds falling into good and bad soil. To awoman tired of making daily pilgrimagesto the well, He offered living water. Tothose who tended flocks, He was the GoodShepherd.

Perhaps one of the most intriguing usesof metaphor occurs in Jesus’conversation with a learnedscholar, Nicodemus (John 3).When Nicodemus came to Jesusunder cover of darkness, Jesuswasted no time with small talk,but quickly steered the dialogueto “things of the Spirit.” WhenNicodemus struggled to keepup, Jesus, in characteristicfashion, took an everydayexperience and used it as amedium to reveal deeper truths. In thiscase, He chose the wind—a sacred wind.

So why would Jesus use the wind to helpus understand the Spirit of God?

1. Although invisible, wind is known byits effect on the visible.

God is not visible to us, but the evidenceof His moving is. Jesus commented toNicodemus that just as we “hear it [wind]rustling through the trees,” God’s invisiblepresence is made known to us throughwhat we hear and observe in the tangibleworld around us.

I have personally never had God speakto me in an audible way, but I can recallinstances when His working and planningin my life were undeniable. I make a habitof documenting such experiences andregularly reflecting on them. It serves as aspiritual top-up in times of need.

Humans tend to have a knack forselective observation, and certainly in lifewe see what we look for. When we seekevidence of God’s movement among us, we

find it. Paul asserted, “By taking a long andthoughtful look at what God has created,people have always been able to see whattheir eyes as such can’t see: eternal power,for instance, and the mystery of his divinebeing” (Romans 1:20*).

Like the wind, God’s Spirit is plain to usif we look for its evidence in creation.

2. Wind cannot be contained.

Try to confine wind in a box and whathappens? It vanishes. Wind does not lenditself to being contained and studied in alaboratory, and neither does God’s Spirit.Yet how often do we try to box God.

God is not the property of a person orpeople, denomination or even religion—they do not completely define Him. It istrue that in the person of Jesus we see thelatest revelation of the character of God,but we would be foolish to think that weknow all there is about the Almighty. In theNarnia chronicles, C S Lewis on severaloccasions makes it clear the Aslan (therepresentation of Jesus) is “not a tamelion.”

Whether we realise it or not, we all haveour own “version” of Christ that stipulateswhat He is like and how He should behave.I am puzzled by some of the things Jesusdid, like clearing a temple with a whip.Such behaviour seems out of character. Butout of character for whom? I realise that itis out of character for the portrait of ChristI have constructed in my own mind. Each

of us attempts to tame Him, to containHim. I have come to realise while I persistto confine God within my own finite box,He will continue to surprise and evenshock me.

Just like the wind behaves in ways notforecast by the weather bureau, God doesnot operate within the constraints of ourlimited world view.

3. Wind is not predictable. Weather forecasting has inherent

challenges—that is why the bureauget it wrong so often! It is true thatweather follows global patterns, butpredicting the behaviour of wind ona local scale is volatile. Jesus said,“You know well enough how thewind blows this way and that” (John3:8). In the same way, the movementof God among us seems erratic attimes.

On a few occasions I have experiencedclear manifestations of God’s Spirit movingin my life. Yet there are other times whenthe circumstances were much the sameand the wind seemingly refused to blow. Istruggle to understand the formula bywhich God’s Spirit operates. What is theequation that predicts God’s intervention?What are the necessary ingredients toensure the success of a prayer?

God decrees, “For as the sky soars highabove earth, so the way I work surpassesthe way you work, and the way I think isbeyond the way you think” (Isaiah 55:9).Just like our mathematics is inadequate topredict the air currents that encircle ourplanet, the equation that God works by isfar too complex for our presentunderstanding.

It is impossible for an infant tocomprehend quantum physics, and soinstead of trying to provide Nicodemuswith a clear understanding of God’smysterious ways, He points to somethingthat Nicodemus can perceive—the wind.

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4. Wind fluctuates in intensity.Often great movement in the

atmosphere is preceded by stillness—theominous “calm before the storm.” So it hasbeen my experience that God often movesmost powerfully following a period of Himseeming still and silent.

All mature Christians will testify to timesof spiritual ebb and flow. At times we gloryand delight as God directs a strong breezein our face, while at other times westruggle to perceive the faintest puff. Yetironically, I have also come to learn that itis often in the stillness that Godcommunicates with us.

To Elijah, God was heard not as animposing noise as in a gusty cold front, buta still, small voice in the calm. Similarly,Jesus was insistent that faith be based moreon an understanding of His character, andless on His miraculous signs and wonders.

To God, it is faith that counts—resilientfaith that does not wane when Hismovement seems to. History hasdemonstrated that great displays of poweroften do little to build an individual’s faith,so He often meets us in the stillness. Wecome to know God by faith, or not at all.The person who pleases God is the onewho remains, despite how the wind mayblow.

5. Wind moves to fill the void.In our atmosphere, wind moves from

areas of high to low pressure, and thegreater the pressure gradient, the faster thewind moves. It would therefore seem thatwind is in a hurry to fill a void. In the sameway, God’s Spirit is eager to fill the void inour lives.

It was this reality that Jesus was eager forNicodemus to perceive. “Unless a person isborn from above,” Jesus asserted (John3:3), we are never truly alive. Each of ushas a void only God can fill. We need notonly the breath of God that sustains ourphysical existence, but the wind of theliving God that moves us to real, authenticand eternal life. r

* All Bible quotations are from The Message.

Darren Morton is a senior lecturer in physicaleducation at Avondale College, Cooranbong, NewSouth Wales.

Just for childrenP

eta

Tayl

or

Oh, to be like Jesus.So those round may see,

A loving, caring person,Reflecting only Thee.

To love the sad and lonely,The beggar on the street,

The drunkard in the gutter,The rich man and the thief.

To love the old and feeble,The blind and those in pain,

Those burdened down with sorrow,The crippled and the lame.

Help me to love as You love,For those in deep despair,

Discouraged and broken-hearted,May I their burdens share.

I want to be worthy of Your love,Your gift of grace so free,

So every act, deed, thought and wordResembles only Thee.

Gwen Devries writes from Barnsley, New South Wales.

The gift of loveby Gwen Devries

September 11, 200412

Against or forWalter L Wilson, Vic

Objections to the Aussie Bible (“Adishonourable mention,” Letters, July 31)fit the category of what Jesus said to John,in Mark 9:39, 40 (NIV): “Do not stop him.. . . Whoever is not against us is for us.”

The Aussie Bible is not blasphemous,sacreligious or profane. I have used it totake worship here at Yarra View RetirementVillage, and found the residents reallyappreciated it. My grandchildren—eight-and five-year-olds—like it. It simply putssome sections of the gospel story intoAustralian vernacular. In so doing, itcontacts and shares the gospel with somewho may otherwise never hear it.

Righteousness imputed Erwin R Gane, USA

I was much interested in “A semanticsolution” (Letters, August 7). Paul taughtthat Christ’s presence in the heart of thebeliever is the presence of the Holy Spirit,whose presence is righteousness in theheart (Romans 8:9, 10). Hence, believersare willing “slaves of righteousness”(Romans 6:18). This experience is not anoption; it is an integral aspect of the gospel.

The writer's preference for the view thatChrist's righteousness is imputed to him byfaith, involving Christ's perfect obediencebeing imputed, fails to recognise thatimputation in Romans 4 also involves thebestowal of righteousness upon thebeliever. In Romans 4:4, “wages arereckoned [imputed, counted] as a gift” tothe one who works. The same verb(logizomai) is used in verse 5.Righteousness is imputed, counted,reckoned to the one who has faith. Just aswages are imputed (bestowed upon) theone who works for them, so righteousnessis imputed (bestowed upon) the one whobelieves in Jesus Christ. The imputation isnot merely forensic.

The writer's suggestion that the forensicview is “in the tradition of theReformation” fails to account for Luther's

teaching. For example: “Therefore, theChrist who is grasped by faith and wholives in the heart is the true Christianrighteousness, on account of which Godcounts us righteous and grants us eternallife” (Luther’s Works, vol 26, page 130).

Thinking ecumenically?Greg McKenzie, email

How much longer will the AdventistChurch continue to display its historicalcontempt for other Christian denom-inations? Sure, there is a growingacknowledgement that Christ’s faithful areto be found in other denominations. Butthere is also a steady stream of RECORD

articles with headlines such as “Australianchurches sign unity covenant”(Newsfront, August 21), which—in thecontext of traditional Adventistthought—imply some sinister movementtoward religious intolerance.

Diversity of religious thought andexpression is the reason for the existenceof so many Christian denominations.Within each of these traditions is a hugespectrum of belief—just as there is withinthe Adventist Church. Modern ecumenicalmovements are rarely attempts to destroydenominational uniqueness, but are ratherattempts by dedicated Christian leaders to

implement the fundamental principle ofChrist that reveals to a world a unity indiversity, based on love. Such acharacteristic has been missingthroughout much of Christian history andis a message truly relevant for today’ssectarian trouble spots around the world.

More to the storyPeter Roberts, Macquarie College, NSWWhile “A hub of church life” (Feature,

August 7) tells of our school’s involvementin a variety of activities to strengthen theconnection between the school, churchand community, it fails to mention what Ibelieve is the most important spiritualaspect of our school.

This is the strong influence of the staffand their example of daily Christian living.I have only the highest admiration for thecollege staff and their ability to pass on thelove of God, through Christ, in the day-by-day connection with their students andparents. This helps with each child'sspiritual journey and is commended overand over again by parents.

While all the other activities areimportant, the teachers employed in ourschools are “passing on the torch.” This isone of the many strengths of this fantasticschool.

L E T T E R S

Just a coincidence

[The Aussie Bible] contacts and shares the gospelwith some who may otherwise never hear it.

Note: Views in Letters do not necessarily represent those of theeditors or the denomination. Letters should be less than 250words, and writers must include their name, address and phonenumber. All letters are edited to meet space and literaryrequirements, but the author’s original meaning will not bechanged. Not all letters received are published. See masthead(page 2) for contact details.

September 11, 2004

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AppreciationGotz, Wilma and Phil would like to thankeveryone for their cards, phone calls andprayers following Phil’s recent accident.He has made a wonderful recovery.

White, Graham and family sincerelythank everyone for their sympathy, love,prayers and support shown by the flowers,cards, emails and phone calls received atthe passing of our lovely Sylvia.

AnniversariesHenderson, John and Joyce (nee Alford)were married on 12.8.44 in the old Fre-mantle SDA church by Pastor TomBradley. They celebrated their diamondwedding anniversary at the EsplanadeHotel in Fremantle with their oldest andtreasured friends, one being their best

man. Their son, Peter, and his wife, Fiona,arranged the enjoyable get-together andDaniel, their grandson, was also there.John and Joyce now reside in AdventistResidential Care, Rossmoyne, WA.

Houliston, Brian and Betty were marriedon 14.1.54 in Invercargill, NZ. They cele-brated their golden wedding anniversarywith family and friends on a boat cruise onLake Macquarie. They have four childrenand six grandchildren.

Kendall, Ronald and Margaret (neeHoey) celebrated their 50th year of mar-riage on 1.5.04. They were married in Kal-goorlie, WA. Their children, Rhonda, Neil,Philip and Noelene organised a surprisewedding anniversary celebration in Esper-ance with all their family, church familyand friends. Although now retired, theyare kept busy growing fruit and vegetables,as well as caring for a variety of birds ontheir five-acre property.

WeddingsLondon—Bobongie. James London,son of Jim and Sharon London (Toronto,Canada), and Omera Bobongie, daughterof Samson and June Bobongie (Cairns,Qld), were married on 14.3.04 in theCairns Adventist church.

Kevin Robinson

Parsons—Steyn. Paul Darron Parsons(both parents deceased), and RachealAnnette Steyn (daughter of Barry andKathleen Jacobs (Goulburn, NSW), weremarried on 5.8.04 in a beautiful outdoorsetting at Fernridge Farm Cottage,Bellingen, NSW.

Gordon Smith

ObituariesBennett, Ileen Mary, born 26.6.1912 at“Waldegrave,” Forest Reefs, NSW; died12.6.04 at Yuranigh Nursing Home,Molong. On 11.1.33 she married Herbert,who predeceased her in 1953. She was alsopredeceased by her sisters, Lorna, Daphneand Lois; and her brothers, Herb, Bill andRoyce. She is survived by her sisters, JeanSelwood (Coffs Harbour) and NancyO’Keefe (Canowindra); her children andtheir spouses, Wesley (Joe) and Delma(Casino), June and Bernie Stedman (Dun-gog), Joyce Eastwood (Orange), Warrenand Jeanette (Brewarrina), and Julie-Annand Don Rich (Orange); her 11 grandchil-dren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Ileenserved in the Orange Adventist church asdeaconess and ADRAcare, until a car acci-dent in 1995. Errol Webster

Blennerhassett, Ian James, born18.5.1941 at Regent, Vic; died 11.7.04 atMooroolbark. He is survived by his wife,Jenny (Mooroolbark); his sons, Lance(Broadmeadows), Peter (Noble Park),Rowen and Earl (both of Mooroolbark);his brother and sister-in-law, David andFaye, and family (Berwick); and his sister,Carol Brown, and family (Doncaster).

Barry Whelan, Barry Cheswick

Harry, Arthur, born 22.9.1927 in Perth,WA; died 13.7.04 in Fremantle Hospital.On 1.1.50 he married Amy De Lande-graft. He is survived by his wife; his twinsons, Frederick and Graham; his daugh-ter, Leslie Muniak; his son Brian; his sis-ter, Joan McRae; his 10 grandchildren;and four great-grandchildren (all ofPerth). Arthur was a sincere churchmember; greatly loved husband, fatherand grandfather; and a popular bus driv-er for 39 years. Cyrus Adams

King, Henrietta Catherine (Ettie), born6.11.1920 at Punchbowl, NSW; died13.7.04 at Newcastle. On 8.7.91 she mar-ried Harry, who predeceased her. She issurvived by her children, Paul Smith(Tanillba Bay), Carolyn Farley, Fay Foster(both of Gateshead) and Julie King(Williamstown). Ettie was a treasureamong us. Deeply committed to Jesus andHis church, her cheeky sense of humourand transparent honesty will be greatlymissed. Colin Renfrew

McInnes, Basil, born 1.8.1921 atLakemba, NSW; died 18.12.03 in OranaNursing Home, Point Clare. He is sur-vived by his wife, Stella; his daughters,Jennifer and Kathryn; their spouses,Wayne and Graham; his five grandchil-dren; and one great-granddaughter. AnAussie gentleman loved and missed byfamily and friends. David McKibben

Mowday, Enid Joyce (nee Perks), born11.10.1926 at Greenbushes, WA; died11.7.04 at Elanora Villas, Bunbury, after a16-year battle with illness. On 20.4.46 shemarried Ernest, who predeceased her in1987. She was also predeceased by herdaughter, Jennifer, in 1950. She is survivedby her children, Neville, John, ChristineVerduci and Darryl (all of Bunbury). Joyalways had a strong faith in God and now

awaits the call of the Life-giver.Robert Kingdon

Smith, Olive Wilhelmina, born10.3.1916 at Te Kuiti, NZ; died 21.4.04 inTaumarunui Hospital. On 21.6.39 shemarried Ken, who predeceased her in1998. She is survived by her children,Jean Ewart (Kati Kati), Mavis Goldstone(Tauranga), Bob Smith (Taumarunui),Heather Hauraki (Dargaville) and YvonneSmith (Taumarunui). Olive was a sincereand gentle person, who experessed herlove for God by quietly caring for familyand friends. She faithfully took part in theannual ADRA Appeal and took pride incaring for the church and gardens.

Ben Timothy, Lawrence Lane

Stewart, Charles Walter, born 19.6.1919at Tamworth, NSW; died 1.7.04 in OrangeHospital. In 1941 he married Esma, whopredeceased him in 1998. He was also pre-deceased by his sisters, Gladys and Jean;and his brother, Rodney. She is survived byher brothers, Gordon (Umina), Doug(Cowra) and Vic (Sydney); his sister, Thel-ma Colbran (Foster); his daughters andsons-in-law, Jan and Ted Peterson(Cowra), and Laurel and Keith Taylor(Blackheath); and his five grandchildren.Charlie had a strong determination and hisfaith in God remained strong.

Errol Webster

Topp, Herbert, born 12.5.1916 at Narang-ba, Qld; died 7.10.03 in Regis NursingHome, Caboolture. He was the seventh ofnine children. He was predeceased by hiswife, Mary; also his son, John. He is sur-vived by his children, Alex, Joe andAnnette; his nine grandchildren; and onegreat-grandchild. Herbert was a commit-ted and sincere SDA Christian, who waslargely involved in the construction of thePine Rivers SDA church.

Michael WorkerHenry Miller, Michael Robinson

Walker, Blossom Evelyn, born30.9.1920 at Bangalore, South India; died9.7.04 in Lions Haven Aged Care, HopeIsland, Gold Coast, Qld. On 15.6.42 shemarried Lionel, who predeceased her. Shewas also predeceased by her son, Andrew.She is survived by her daughters, AnitaGreen (Biggera Waters) and RuthMcHarg (Brisbane); and her sister, MarieSmyth (Sydney, NSW). Barry Horton

Wall, Rodney Stewart, born 20.8.1946 atPunchbowl, NSW; died 10.7.04 at Man-delong. He is survived by his wife, Susan(Mandelong); his son, Ben; his mother,Mavis Wall; and his brother, David. Rodis grievously missed by his family and ateam of extraordinary friends. Hisavowed hope: “We’ll meet another timein a better place.” Robert Craig

Westerhout, Sybil (nee Bartholomew),born 26.1.1908 at Kuala Lumpur,Malaya; died 14.7.04 at Regents GardenResidential Care Resort, Wanneroo, WA.In 1934 she married Victor (Bunty), whopredeceased her on 22.3.68. She was alsopredeceased by her twin sister, Beryl, in1911 at three years of age. She is survivedby her daughter and son-in-law, Phyl and

Peter McCartney (Auckland, NZ); andher four grandchildren. Sybil was a sin-cere Adventist Christian; devoted to herfamily; and had an earnest faith in theSecond Coming and Resurrection.

Cyrus Adams

Zajilova, Lioudmila (Lucy), born8.6.1936 at Altaiski, Krai, Russia; died1.5.04 in Auckland, NZ. In 1955 she mar-ried Nikolai. She is survived by her hus-band; her daughter and son-in-law, Laris-sa and Dan Allen (Auckland); and herson, Nikolai (Russia). Lucy was a pas-sionate evangelist, who loved her LordJesus, her family and everyone she met.Sorely missed by all who knew her.

Russell Willcocks

AdvertisementsNote: Neither the editor, Signs Publish-ing Company, nor the Seventh-dayAdventist Church is responsible for thequality of goods or services advertised.Publication does not indicate endorse-ment of a product or service. Advertise-ments approved by the editor will beinserted at the following rates: first 30words or less, $A44; each additionalword, $A2.20. For your advertisement toappear, payment must be enclosed. Clas-sified advertisements in RECORD are avail-able to Seventh-day Adventist members,churches and institutions only.

South Australian Conference Trien-nial Session. Notice is hereby given thatthe 72nd session of the South AustralianConference of the Seventh-day AdventistChurch will be held at the Prospect Inter-national church hall, Ballville Street,Prospect, commencing with registration at3 pm, Saturday, October 23, 2004, untilSunday, October 24, 2004. The businesswill include: ● Presentation of reportsfrom administration, departments andschools. ●The election of president, secre-tary-treasurer, executive committee andstanding nomination committee for theensuing triennium. ●Proposed changes tothe conference constitution to allow forthe incorporation of the conference andthe Prescott School system.

Garry McIver, Secretary-Treasurer

Cedarvale Convention—October 24-31, 2004. 2 hours from Sydney. Guestspeakers: Dr Allan Lindsay, on Revelationfor Today, Daniel McKibben, a massagespecialist, Colorado, USA, and Dr NeridaMcKibben, New Zealand, speaking oneffective health evangelism and the latesthealth information. Massage course—October 31–November 4, 2004. DanielMcKibben will be teaching an introducto-ry course for massage as well as therapeu-tic massage for back pain and trigger-pointtherapy for the qualified massage thera-pist. Inquiries phone (02) 4465 1362; oremail <cedarvale@fastrac.net.au>.

Country living opportunity. Cottageavailable at reasonable rent only one hour(all bituman) to Gladstone. Phone Bettyor Dennis Martin on (07) 4974 1267 or0429 741 267.

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Tour Bible lands for three weeks fromApril 19, 2005. Travel in comfort andsafety and see the pyramids, Cairo Muse-um, Luxor, Sinai, Petra, Bethlehem,Jerusalem, Galilee. Optional one-weekdig in Israel with David Down. Vegetari-an food and Sabbaths free. Phone forbrochure (02) 4950 5603; Diggings, POBox 127, Toronto NSW 2283;<editor@diggings.com.au>.

Notice of meeting. Notice is herebygiven that the Annual General Meeting ofThe Avondale Foundation will be held at9.00 am, October 17, 2004, in the Confer-ence Room, Avondale College, FreemansDrive, Cooranbong NSW. Reports will betabled by the president and treasurer. Allmembers and interested invidivuals areinvited to attend.

Class reunion—Victoria ParkAdventist High School, WA (nowCarmel Adventist College), 1974 (Year10). A reunion is being organised forOctober 2, 2004. If you attended or knowof anyone who did, please contactRichard Swannell on email<richard@swannell.net>.

Warwick SDA church celebrates50th anniversary—October 23,2004. A special day organised with afun evening. No special invitations—allpast members and friends welcome.RSVP October 15 to Clerk, PO Box 735,Warwick Qld 4370. Copies of photosetc welcome.

Logan Reserve church is trying to con-tact the following people: Patricia Den-ning, Leonie Ross-Gilder, CassandraMyles, Nancy Sgroi, Kitty Wellington,Louisia Hastings-Ison and Monina Hast-ings-Ison. If you know their whereabouts,could you please contact Kathy Mathesonon (07) 5543 1876 or 0411 570 747.

Adventist Singles Network (Sydney,NSW). September 18: Country & west-ern night, Dora Creek Community Hall,$5. Dress: country and western. October23: Picnic and Harbour Bridge walk. (02)8883 1678. November 20: Irish dinner(three courses) at Avondale College cafete-ria. Sydney convention, Collaroy, Decem-ber/January—details later.

A child-care centre director isrequired for a 69-place child-care centre,Bundaberg, Qld. The successful applicantwill hold a degree in early childhooddevelopment and have experience in thechild-care industry. Put your leadershipskills to work in sunny Queensland andenjoy a competitive salary. Please forwardapplication and CV to Doug Burns,Acorn Childcare Centre, 102 Woon-dooma Street, Bundaberg 4670. Inquiriesphone (07) 4153 0314.

A1 Rent-a-Car Christchurch(NZ). “Thrifty” cars, vans from$NZ49/day, “Budget” cars from$NZ39/day all inclusive (5/10 day min-imum). Free pick-up. Phone 0011 64 3349 8022; fax 0011 64 3 349 8218.Check our web calculator <http://www.a1rentacar.co.nz>.

Funeral directors—K & E Swan-borough. Compassionate and profession-al care at an affordable cost from thosewho understand. Obligation-free adviceon all your funeral requirements, includ-ing pre-planning. Phone (07) 3800 965524 hours.

Incredible India! An exciting adven-ture. Book now. Tours scheduled forNovember. Details <www.pgsindia.net>;email <info@pgsindia.net>; or write toPersonal Guide Services India, PO Box42066, Casuarina NT 0811; phone (08)8945 2845; mobile 0427 510 841.

Allround Travel, Qld—specialists inindividual and group travel, domestic orinternational. Fax or email yourrequirements for a competitive quote.Contact Anita or Debbie on (07) 55303555; email <alltrav@bigpond.net.au>;fax (07) 5530 3846.

Move to Gympie, affordable housingclose to the Sunshine Coast. NoosaChristian College, Adventists’ newestschool just 30 minutes away. Busplanned. Growing town, friendly church.Phone (07) 5447 7808.

Terrigal—land 550m2 regular shapedblock, suits project homes, on high side ofroad in prestige new subdivision. 2–3 kmto Central Coast Adventist School, ErinaFair and Terrigal Bowl. All reasonableoffers considered. Steve 0418 673 765.

1770 Getaway Holiday Retreat—stay in paradise and visit Great Barri-er Reef and historical town of 1770.<www.1770getaway.com> or phone(07) 4974 9323.

www.aucsda.com—Australian UnionConference web site. Do you have a min-istry idea to share? Or are you needingassistance? Check out the new IdeasExchange forum.

Pat Walker family or Rose Proutfamily in WA, related to May Brown(nee Lambert), Wollongong, NSW. Couldanyone with information please contactJeannie Brown, 12 Coast Street, Thirroul2515; phone (02) 4267 1083.

FinallyIf God simply handed useverything we wanted, Hewould be taking from us ourgreatest prize—the joy ofachievement.

Construction workers—GuamMicronesia Mission—to assistrebuilding typhoon-damaged school.Help in masonry, carpentry, electrical,painting, removal of damaged build-ing etc. Ages 18–75. Term: 1–7months. Apartment and vehicle pro-vided. Pay own travel expense.

Elementary/Secondary teacher—Yang Ming Shan Christian School,Taipei, Taiwan—to teach two of thefollowing: computer, physical educa-tion or English as a second language.Must have at least 2 years college.Term: 12 months, commencing asap.

Youth minister—Banbridge SDAchurch, United Kingdom—to workdoor to door with pastor and mem-bers. Must have high school diploma.Term: 9 months, commencing Sep-tember, 2004.

Email:<volunteers@adventist.org.au>.

For more positions, check the webon <www.adventistvolunteers.org>

+61 2 9847 3275

Expressions of interest are invited forthe role of Signs Ministrycoordinator to work with SignsPublishing Company in promoting andmarketing Signs of the Timesmagazine, both within the church andthe wider community.

Convey your interest to:General ManagerSigns Publishing Company3485 Warburton HighwayWarburton Vic 3799 or emailwarren.jones@signspublishing.com.auby September 30, 2004.

Volunteers! Positions vacant▲ Primary School Teachers—Cairns Adventist Primary School (Cairns,Qld). Committed, enthusiastic and qualified teachers needed in 2005. Greatopportunity! Exciting, go-ahead school! Terrific location! (Snorkel the reef, explorethe rainforest, enjoy a relaxed tropical lifestyle and get paid for the experience!) Forfurther information contact Ruth Jackson; phone (07) 4779 3988; or email<rjackson@adventist.org.au>.

▲ Associate Director Adventist Support—Australian Union Conference ▲ Investigation Coordinator—Australian Union Conference (RingwoodVic). For further information go to Employment section on the SPD web site<www.adventist.org.au>.

▲ Human Resources Assistant—Victorian Conference (Nunawading,Vic) is seeking a motivated person to provide support for all HR-related functions.This position provides support to ensure that all employment systems and records aremaintained. Ideally, the applicant will have experience and/or qualifications in HRmanagement. Meticulous attention to detail and the ability to assure confidentiality areessential. Applications in writing (with current résumé) should be forwarded to theGeneral Secretary, Victorian Conference, PO Box 215, Nunawading Vic 3131; fax (03)9894 2637; or email <wstanley@adventist.org.au> no later than September 27, 2004.

▲ General Manager, Signs Publishing Company (Warburton, Vic)—theSouth Pacific Division is seeking expressions of interest for the position of GeneralManager: Signs Pubishing Company. The successful applicant will have a soundworking knowledge of the church and its management; proven background inmanagement; appropriate tertiary qualification; passion for the mission of the church;good communication skills; ability to lead a team; and an understanding of thepublishing functions of the church. For further information or applications contactPeter Brewin, Associate General Secretary, Locked Bag 2014, Wahroonga NSW 2076;email <pbrewin@adventist.org.au>; fax (02) 9489 1713; phone (02) 9847 3213. Theappointing body reserves the right to fill this position at its discretion. Applicationsclose September 24, 2004.

▲ Op-shop Supervisor, Blacktown ADRAcare Megastore—Greater SydneyConference is seeking a full-time Op-shop Supervisor to supervise a successfulADRAcare op-shop in Blacktown, western Sydney. The successful applicant will havegood communication skills; the ability to work with volunteers; a Christian passionfor compassionate ministry, and preferably possess retail and/or marketingexperience. For further information please contact Pastor Bob Manners on (02) 98686522; or email <bobmanners@adventist.org.au> no later than September 17, 2004.

▲ Teachers—the South Queensland Conference wish to invite expressions ofinterest from suitably qualified Teachers (church, independent or state) for thefollowing vacancies, effective 2005: Gold Coast Adventist School: Middle Primary;Darling Downs Christian School: Physics/Chemistry, HPE/Bible, SOSE/English;Northpine Christian College: Head of Primary, Music, English/Bible, Infant Teacher,Upper Primary Teacher; Noosa Christian College: Maths/Science. For furtherinformation contact Dr Grant Watson, Chief Executive Officer, South QueenslandAdventist Schools, 19 Eagle Terrace, Brisbane Qld 4000; phone (07) 3218 7777; fax(07) 3236 1305; or email <gwatson@adventist.org.au>.

▲ Teachers—New Zealand Pacific Union Conference. Are you interested injoining the team of New Zealand Seventh-day Adventist educators? Opportunitiescurrently exist in several schools from Whangarei in the pleasant north toInvercargill in the picturesque south. For further information on specificopportunities, please contact the Education Director on +64 9 262 5620 or email<oellis@adventist.org.au>.