ISSN 0819-5633

F E B R U A RY 5 , 2 0 0 5

R E C O R DIn this issue

ADRA–NZ receives record donations

Adult Bible Study Guidelaunches web site

A matter of perspective

ADRA thanks tsunami donorsWahroonga, New South Wales

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) has thanked church members for theirgenerous response to the devastation caused by the Asian tsunami on December 26. “The

response is unprecedented,” says chief executive officer of ADRA-Australia, David Jack. “But tocontinue to help, we still need continued donations.

“As a donor office, ADRA–Australia has a primary responsibility to provide financial resourcesto places impacted by disasters such as the tsunami,” Mr Jack explains. “In addition,ADRA–Australia has sent some of its staff to the affected areas. During this time hundreds ofindividuals and families have expressed their support for the role of ADRA by generouslydonating almost $A1.3 million to the victims of the tsunami.

“Our relatively small ADRA team has worked beyond its capacity during the past month toensure that donations are properly handled and receipted, our staff overseas are supported andthat information is provided to our churches and donors during this time.”

Mr Jack is grateful to all who have contributed to ADRA–Australia’s response to this disaster.“My personal thanks goes to those who have volunteered time to help with the ADRA call centre,mail-outs and other important tasks,” he says. “Thanks also to my staff, most of whom returnedearly from holidays and have worked extremely hard under difficult circumstances, and to thosewho have sacrificed and donated funds through ADRA–Australia to support the thousands ofpeople who have no home or livelihood as a result of the tsunami.”

More reports pages 5-8

ADRAstaffer sharesexperience

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency is working closely with the Medan Adventist Hospitalto assist tsunami victims at this field clinic in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. The clinic sees 600-800

people each day.

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February 5, 2005

E D I T O R I A L

Your community coveredStanding at the rear of a congregation

of a Seventh-day Adventist churchrecently, midway through the worshipservice, it was obvious people had missedtheir RECORD over the Christmas break.Many had their head down, reading, withone ear to the pulpit, engrossed in the firstof their church family’s newsletter for2005.

Providing reading material for wor-shippers disinterested in what’shappening in their worship services weekby week isn’t part of RECORD’s role, but itis sometimes the fact of the matternevertheless! That wouldn’t be becausewe editors of RECORD do such a fantasticjob, I’m sure. Rather, it’s the X-factor atwork.

According to policy of the South PacificDivision, the role of RECORD, “the officialpaper of the Seventh-day AdventistChurch in the South Pacific Division,” is“to nurture, to educate and inform churchmembers.”

According to its former editor, PastorBruce Manners, who last year completedhis doctoral study on the role ofpublications in the Adventist Church, it isalso used to line cockies’ cages. (Oh, well. . . and every word was so-oo precious . . .)

According to Pastor Manners’s thesis,*based on surveys and interviews, “there isa stronger recognition of the magazine’srole in keeping people informed. . . . Theevidence is that respondents [to surveys]believe RECORD does far better atinforming than at either nurturing oreducating church members” (page 223).This conclusion was reinforced ininterviews and focus groups, he says. (Itsreincarnation as birdcage liner and fly-swat don’t get a mention.)

“Informing” in RECORD comes mostlythrough its Newsfront, Letters and

Noticeboard pages—from front cover toback cover—most of which is thecontribution of “stringers”—readers inlocal churches.

Informing is best understood “inrelation to the importance to RECORD

readers of facilitating connections withinthe [Adventist] community,” PastorManners continues—connections foundin content relating to people they knowpersonally or who feature regularly insome way.

It’s for that reason—the X-factor—thatpeople surreptitiously read their RECORD

rather than listen to the sermon—they’reinterested in their church community.

According to Pastor Manners’s research,the vast majority of readers feel thatRECORD links them with other people,events and places in the broader church,and that it helps them to feel part of thatlarge family, which is the churchcommunity.

And how does this happen? Here’s myobservations, to which you might add afew more:● RECORD gives continuity. For many it isthe only constant inside a rapidlychanging church. It’s been part of theirchurch experience since their baptism.From cover to cover, from week to weekover more than a century, it’s always there.● RECORD gives connection. For some, it istheir strongest link to the church,something specially appreciated byisolated members and expatriates. It isalso appreciated by former and non-attending members. In another sense,wherever you go around the South PacificDivision—in employment, on holiday ora sea-change—it’s there.● RECORD gives security. There’s somethingappealing about belonging to somethingbigger than ourselves. Being part of God’s

cause and playing a part in carrying Hismessage to the world especially so. Amidso much change, the tradition of RECORD

engenders a sense of safety.● RECORD gives unity. That the church inAustralia, New Zealand and the SouthPacific is diverse in its ethnic, cultural andtheological make-up goes without saying.However, we need to be reminded of thatoccasionally, as it implies the church’sneed for tolerance among its members.Through its Letters page especially,RECORD is an effective medium for a fairexpression of divergent views in aconsidered, non-threatening and non-adversarial way.

But between RECORD’s covers eachweek, we may find more than communitybuilding. There’s education—thepresentation of new ideas and thereinforcement of old, the airing of relevantissues; and nurturing—the expression offelt needs, especially those of thehurting—and a voice for the marginalisedon its periphery. These are some waysthese roles are fulfilled.

Next week you have the opportunity tocontribute directly to your communitynewspaper, RECORD.

How? Next week, February 12, is theannual RECORD Offering, a day on whichyou can demonstrate your appreciation(or otherwise) for it through givinggenerously. Thankyou for yoursupport.

Lee Dunstan

* Publish or Perish: AStudy of the Role ofPrint in the AdventistCommunity, MonashUniversity, 2004.

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

Vol 110 No 4Cover: Monica Spedding/

ADRA–Australia

Editor Nathan BrownSenior assistant editor Lee DunstanEditorial assistant Adele NashEditorial assistant Scott WegenerCopyeditor Graeme BrownEditorial secretary Meryl McDonald-GoughLayout Jason PiezSenior 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.

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February 5, 2005

F L A S H P O I N T

● The Three Angels Choralepresented a celebration of thelife and ministry of Jesus at theTaree, NSW, church, onDecember 16. Comprised of21 young people from theUSA, Canada, South Korea,

Malaysia, New Zealand, Co-lombia, Japan and Australia,the chorale presented items inEnglish, Japanese and Zuluto more than 100 listeners, ofwhich 46 were from thecommunity. “To have 46 non-Adventists attend our churchat once, in a country town, isquite a number,” says com-munication secretary DawnJerrard. “It’s the most we’vehad attend any program.”Advertised on radio, in newspapers andshop windows, church members also gaveout special invites to friends. The ThreeAngels Chorale members devote theirholidays to sharing their Christianexperience through music—this seasonvisiting Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand,Australia and New Zealand.

● At the end of their school year, a groupof enthusiastic Year 10 students from

Sydney AdventistCollege (SAC)spent a day atSydney’s West-mead Children’sHospital. Theyprovided the

children with fun activities includingsinging, games, face painting, and balloonsculpting. The students loved theexperience and say they would “definitely

do it again.” As part of the school’s desire toreach out into the local community, moreservice projects like this are planned forSAC throughout 2005.—Jean-PierreMartinez

● Up to 1500 people attended Boolaroochurch’s first Christmas carols program, “Achild is born,” at Warners Bay, NSW. Some$A3000 was spent on the event, whichincluded a children’s story that was a hitwith the kids and a complete narration ofJesus’ birth and death that was interspersedwith Christmas hymns. “The passion oflove” bookswere givenout to thep u b l i c .S o m e o n ecommented,“It was nice to finally go to a carols withoutall the rigmarole.”—Sarah-Jane Williams

● The Ulverstone, Tas,junior early teens (JETS)have been in outreach actionrecently. During a “Whodares wins” evening, $A186dollars was raised for the JETSchildren to buy suitable giftsfor Operation ChristmasChild. Dares on the nightincorporated things such asWeet-Bix, live worms andcrabs, tissues and bakedbeans. At another time, as arandom act of kindness, theJETS filled a bottle withlollies, kind and encouragingthoughts, a photo ofthemselves, information onUlverstone and a returnenvelope. After being sealedwith wax and sent to Sydney,it was tossed into SydneyHarbour. The JETS arepraying it will considerablybrighten the day of whoeverfinds it.—Tasda News

● LifeBoat is a community serviceorganisation that began among localmembers of theCharlestown,NSW, churchand has nowspread to thewider Hunterarea. A 15-seater bus towsa mobile kitchen fully equipped for streetministry and every Friday night sets up toserve many disadvantaged people. With nofunds to begin with, their $A20,000 budgetwas met and paid for through grants andsupportive church members. The Premier’sDepartment and Police have now invitedLifeBoat to begin a similar service inToronto, and the Department of Housingare in negotiations with LifeBoat for themto manage a block of flats in the area.—Northpoint

• Year 10 students bring joy to hospital kids • LifeBoat impacts less fortunate community• 181,000 baptisms in East-Central Africa • Paid parking fines shows God’s grace • and more

—Compiled by Scott Wegener—

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The traditional door-knocking method of

raising money for the ADRAAppeal is not necessarily theonly or most effective methodthat churches can use.

After receiving council per-mission, five Ascot Vale, Vic, church members put on their red ADRAshirts and went tin rattling at two busy Melbourne intersections.Some $A2000 was raised in two Sunday afternoons.

“We’ve done it this way for four or five years now,” says Ascot Valeminister Ainsley Wagner. “It’s a magic way to collect. You just have tostand and rattle your tin. If people give, they give. If they don’t, theydon’t. If only we had more personnel, we could raise a lot more.”

The Guyra, NSW, church helda large garage sale and foundtheir total collected for theappeal doubled to $A1885. Theyoung and old of the churchpitched in to help with the saleheld on the church’s corner

property. ADRA was present on the day with an information displayand gave out show bags to browsers.—Scott Wegener/Northpoint

More appealing ways for ADRA

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February 5, 2005

F L A S H P O I N T

● Fourteen-year-old Aaron Williamsfrom Kellyville, NSW, church wasrecently recognised for his achieve-ments in discus throwing by BaulkhamHills State MP WayneMerton at ParliamentHouse, Sydney. Hecompeted in the Trans-Tasman discusthrowing in Auckland,NZ, against 45 others.“Some looked like giants, but I camethird!” Aaron says. While in NZ, he alsocompeted in the field relays that consistof discus, shot-put and long jump,where his team came first. Aaron alsohas talents in as a musician, playing inthree bands on instruments such assaxophone, tenor horn and electricguitar.—Robyn Crabtree

● Though Boris Ambrus wasgraduating from his studies in aviationand communications with a privatepilot’s licence, the December 5graduation ceremony at AvondaleCollege, NSW, was overshadowed by hisbaptism the previous afternoon. Boris’smentor, Pastor Len Barnard, fulfilledBoris’s dream of being baptised at hisfavourite place—in the surf at NorthCathos. Boris is on hisway to fulfil anotherdream—to serve Godas a mission pilot.—Ian Howie

● Tauranga North, NZ, churchmembers showed their appreciation fortheir Pathfinder leader by secretlyspending the day grading, cleaning,planting, repairing, wood chopping andpainting around her property. ToniHicks, a solo mum, had invested somuch time into running Pathfindersthat her garden and yard had gotten outof hand. When Toni returned frombeing enticed away from home for theday, she was astonished to see such atransformation and all the friends whohad come to help.—G Judge

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Off the record● Pastor Peter Roennfeldt shares a fewsuggestions on how individuals and teamsfrom your church can participate to helpafter large-scale tragedies such as therecent earthquake/tsunami: Join existingcommunity and church fundraising events,concerts and services; organiseopportunities for people to pray, reflect,remember and grieve; open your cafechurch, homes or meeting places as a placefor reflection; plan a remembranceworship service and invite people fromyour community to read scriptures, sharestories of local people affected, providemusic in honor of those lost and sharetimes for silence and respect; organise a

community concert or sporting event andinvolve community personalities toperform to raise funds for an aidorganisation; donate your time, money,goods or services for use for ADRA oranother aid agency; plan to sponsor a childor children individually or as a church;take food to and do practical things forfamilies in your community who youknow have suffered in this tragedy; involveyour children in fundraising events thatthey can relate to in a meaningful way.

● The East-Central Africa Division(ECAD), formed in November 2002, had arecord 181,110 baptisms in 12 months.In addition, almost 1000 churches bene-fited from Roofs for Africa, a programdesigned to assist with the construction ofchurch buildings. More than two millionmembers worship in nearly 8500 Adventistchurches in ECAD.—East-Central AfricaNewsline/AR

● Anyone with unpaid parking ticketswas given the opportunity to present themto a cross-denominational group ofpastors, organised by Mission Media, andhave their fines paid in full—just byasking. As a modern-day parable demon-strating God’s grace, on December 18,Boise, Idaho, USA, area pastors outsideBoise City Hall paid for more than$US7500 worth of local parking fines.“There are so few examples of what graceactually looks like in our culture,” saysMichael Boerner, Mission Media execu-tive director. “This demonstrable parableso clearly explains the most importantmessage the church has to offer—God’sundeserved love and grace can be ours bysimply asking.” Many, bringing in theirtickets, were teary-eyed college studentswho faced the prospect of not graduatingfor failure to pay their parking fines. Thelargest number of tickets owed was 84, bya university student, totalling $US555. Themoney, raised from local businesses, wasgiven on a first-come-first-served basisuntil the $US10,000 budget was spent.—www.parkingticketgrace.com

Days and offeringsFebruary 12—RECORD Offering

$A10,000 for PortLincoln firesThe Adventist Development and Relief

Agency (ADRA)–Australia has made$A10,000 available for victims of the PortLincoln fires in South Australia.

As with previous disasters withinAustralia, ADRA officers will work withthe South Australian Family andCommunity Services to locate and assistthose who fall between the cracks ofinsurance and other forms ofgovernment assistance.

Gary Christian, ADRA–Australia’snational program director, believes thatthe fires have come at a difficult time,when many services are understaffedearly in the new year, making ADRA’ssupport even more needed. “There arealways people with special circumstanceswho will miss out on various forms ofgovernment support, but whose needsare nevertheless very genuine,” he says,“and these are the people we will seek toidentify and then assist.

“While ADRA has a strong focus onthe tsunami disaster overseas, we stillneed to look after people who havesuffered from these fires in our ownbackyard,” says Mr Christian.

Those wishing to assist victims of thePort Lincoln fires can donate to ADRA’sPort Lincoln Fires Fund via telephone on1800 242 372 (in Australia) or via theirweb site at <www.adra.org.au>.

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February 5, 2005

N E W S F R O N T

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Wahroonga, New South Wales

Adventist Development and ReliefAgency (ADRA)–Australia’s chief

executive officer, David Jack, took time toanswer RECORD’s questions about ADRA’songoing response to the December 26Asian tsunami.

What has been ADRA’s initial focus?The ADRA network has focused on the

provision of water and sanitation in affectedareas, along with medical support, clothingand food. ADRA workers on the groundhave also focused on connecting withisolated communities—in some instancesthe first aid agency to provide support.

As news of the disaster reached Australia,ADRA–Australia was overwhelmed byphone calls from donors and churchmembers requesting information andwanting to donate. Without the luxury of acall centre and the public relations teams ofthe larger agencies, ADRA–Australia staffhave worked long hours to provideinformation to churches and the media, aswell as process more than 2600 donations.

In addition, ADRA–Australia sent itsown staff across to Asia to assist in the reliefeffort. Whether it be providing direct reliefor conducting needs assessments andwriting proposals, ADRA–Australia staffand volunteers continue to make asignificant contribution to the immediaterelief efforts.

With so many other aid agencies, whyis it important that ADRA be involved inthe tsunami relief and rebuilding effort?

One of ADRA–Australia’s core values iscompassion. Our staff commitment to thisvalue gives no alternative but to be totallyinvolved. Responding to disasters such asthe tsunami is what ADRA is all about,particularly in the rehabilitation phase. Thedevastation is so extensive that it willrequire the full participation of all aidagencies and governments, workingtogether to adequately meet all the needs.

What does ADRA bring to the affectedregions that is unique?

Links with the Adventist hospital and

church network in the affected countriesprovides additional resources andopportunities for service and response tothe affected families and individuals. Thereare ADRA country offices in all affectedcountries providing immediate infra-structure and personnel.

How well did ADRA’s disasterresponse plan work in this instance?

The ADRA network’s disaster responseplan enabled a quick response and themobilisation of a network of ADRA donorand implementing offices.

ADRA–Australia is a donor office, so ourmain focus is on fundraising and allocationto appropriate projects. A donor officemaintains a relationship with the partnerADRA office in which the project is located,providing monitoring and evaluation toeach project. However, ADRA–Australiahas provided staff and resources to theaffected country offices to assist theseimplementing offices to perform their rolesmore effectively.

ADRA–Australia’s resources have beenstretched and we acknowledge that we arenot adequately prepared for a disaster ofthis magnitude. The learning and resourcescreated on the run during this responseprovide a valuable base for our futuredevelopment and preparation.

Why have we heard so little in themedia about ADRA’s involvement in thetsunami relief effort?

ADRA’s primary investment has been inthe response to affected communities and inthe provision of information to donors andchurch members. While we would havewelcomed a greater media profile, this wasprovided to the select few agencies thatultimately raised over 95 per cent of alldonations given to tsunami appeals. Thereare dozens of agencies—including ADRA—that do excellent work, but don’t invest largeamounts of money on media profiling.

We have been disappointed that wecouldn’t achieve more media attention forADRA and request the understanding andsupport of our churches during thischallenging time.

How has ADRAraised funds for thisrelief effort and howwill those funds bemanaged?

ADRA–Australia hasgenerous and loyaldonors who have givento tsunami relief, alongwith hundreds of newdonors, many of whomare Adventist Churchmembers. It has been encouraging toacknowledge significant donations andsupport provided by people who are notmembers of the church.

In partnership with ADRA, Adventistchurches all over Australia are runningfundraising projects. Sydney AdventistHospital and Sanitarium are matching staffdonations.

Funds are being allocated to proposalssubmitted by ADRA offices in the affectedcountries. These proposals are needs-basedand focus on the provision of basic support,but take the long-term view and seek toposition people to be able to resume theirlivelihoods and begin to be responsible fortheir own needs. An example of this is toassist fishermen who have lost their equip-ment, therefore their income, to obtainboats and motors and get back to work.

How does this response demonstratethe importance of the work of ADRA tothe Adventist Church?

ADRA is sometimes spoken of as thewelfare or community-service arm of thechurch. In the sense that ADRA is theextension of the church into thecommunity, ADRA is the arm of the churchthat reaches out to people in need, offeringsupport, understanding and practical help.

Jesus placed serving the community atthe heart of the gospel and what it means tobe a Christian. He invested time bringinghealing to people—emotional, mental,spiritual, social as well as physical healing.ADRA is committed to those principles andis proud to represent God and His churchin both the Australian and internationalcommunities.—Nathan Brown

ADRA leader reflects on the Asian tsunami

ADRA–Australia CEO,David Jack.

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February 5, 2005

N E W S F R O N T

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Auckland, New Zealand

While the scale of the Asiantsunami disaster is

overwhelming, that is the same worddirector of the AdventistDevelopment and Relief Agency(ADRA)–New Zealand, AlanFletcher, uses to describe theresponse of donors in New Zealand.“ADRA has seen generosity as neverbefore,” he says. “Even the smallerdonations have added up to make thisthe largest appeal ADRA–NewZealand has ever run.”

At the time of printing, ADRA–NewZealand has received more than$NZ130,000 from donors and another$NZ50,000 from the New Zealandgovernment. “The initial governmentmatch represents only the first round offunding from NZAID,” Mr Fletcherexplains. “More funds will be released inFebruary for assisting with therehabilitation and rebuilding phase.

“Whether you have given a largedonation or small, be assured that thevictims of this disaster will be blessed by

your generosity,” he says “Every dollargiven is committed to the rebuilding ofthose communities, and already$NZ100,000 has been sent to assist thevolunteer medical teams with their work inthe Banda Aceh and Meulaboh areas [inIndonesia].”

According to Mr Fletcher, these fundswill also be used to assist local hospitals

restock medical supplies and provideequipment to make them moreeffective in meeting the hugedemands for ongoing treatment ofthe victims.

Mr Fletcher visited some of theworst-hit areas of Indonesia in earlyJanuary. His visit included helpingwith the distribution of medicalsupplies to survivors and meetingwith Indonesian governmentofficials. “We met the Indonesiandeputy director of education todiscuss ADRA’s role in rebuildingmore than 50 schools and repairingthe other 150 damaged buildings inpartnership with UNICEF,” reportsMr Fletcher. “The response from

these high-level government officials wasvery encouraging.

“ADRA’s response to the needs of thetsunami-affected communities is held inhigh regard,” he says. “The staff andvolunteers working for ADRA are having ahand in helping to make a difference in thelives of the tsunami victims.”—NathanBrown/ADRA–New Zealand

ADRA–NZ receives record donations

ADRA tsunami facts and figures*● The Red Cross estimates that at least 165,000 people died in the

disaster, with more than 525,000 injured, 1.6 million displacedand more than 1 million homeless. These figures are expected toincrease.

● In Sri Lanka, ADRA has distributed enough medical supplies totreat 50,000 people for a three-month period.

● Fifteen tonnes of rice and 800 cartons of noodles have beendelivered to the Aceh Utarah district in Indonesia. ADRA hashelped 5949 people by delivering supplies to nine coastal villages.

● Since December 30, ADRA–India has been providing food to 7250refugees in refugee camps in Tamil Nadu.

● Worldwide, ADRA has collected more than $A16.7 million. Inaddition, ADRA has been allocated $A4 million from variousgovernments.

● In the three weeks following the tsunami, ADRA–New Zealand collected more than $NZ130,000. ● In the three weeks following the tsunami, ADRA–Australia collected more than $A1.3 million from 2600 donors. ● Almost 50 volunteers volunteered 140 hours, answering phones and taking donations at the ADRA–Australia office.● If every church member in Australia were to donate only $20, ADRA–Australia would almost double the amount of money already

raised.*At time of printing.

ADRA–New Zealand’s Robert Patton (right) worked withmilitrary relief flights in Meulaboh, Indonesia.

This train in Sri Lanka—the Princess of Ruhuna—was carrying1500 passengers when the tsunami struck. There were no survivors.

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February 5, 2005

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Wahroonga, New South Wales

As part of their immediate response tothe December 26 tsunami,

ADRA–Australia sent staff members in avariety of roles to affected areas insouthern Asia. Among these was MonicaSpedding, a project manager of ADRA–Australia’s International Program, whospent time in Indonesia, Thailand, SriLanka and India from January 4 to 16.

“The sheer scope of the destruction ismind boggling,” she reflects. “I took acamera crew around Asia to film theaffected areas and to capture the workADRA is doing.”

Ms Spedding says that one of theproblems they saw there was that aid wasn’talways getting through to those whoneeded it. “We were passing people whohad been affected by the disaster, butbecause they weren’t highlighted on thenews, they were simply seeing the trucks gopast,” she reports. “We spoke to people insome areas on the way, and they said theyhadn’t received anything.

“Although many of the main roads hadbeen cleared and were usable by the timethe team arrived, other roads that had beendestroyed by the tsunami have not been

repaired.“Up to 80 per cent of some Indonesian

villages have been destroyed,” Ms Speddingreports. “If you’re looking at long-termdevelopment, you’re looking at a minimumof 10 years. People have lost theirlivelihoods. We spoke to a man who grewcinnamon and had over 500 seedlings,

which was his entire livelihood, but it’s allgone. We also spoke to people who’d lost35 members of their family. Others don’tknow how they survived, but they’relooking for their aunts, uncles, families. Inthe Asian cultures, family is reallyimportant, and so many have lost theirs.”

From Ms Spedding’s first-handexperience, she suggests children havebeen most affected by this disaster. “In onevillage in which our team stopped, a 17-year-old boy came over to us and told us hisstory. He had noticed water coming into hisfamily home, and managed to climb a tree.However, he saw his brother, mother andsister swept away by the waves.”

According to Ms Spedding, this sort ofthing has happened all over the tsunami-affected areas and one of the biggest needswill be psychological help for thosetraumatised by the disaster. “But while theheartache is quite evident, there is also a lotof hope because people are looking to thefuture and wanting to get on with life,” saysMs Spedding.

“Travelling to Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indiaand Indonesia in the space of a week showedhow well our network has pulled togetheron this. We also saw how well ADRA ispartnering with other aid agencies and otherAdventist institutions.”—Adele Nash

ADRA staffer shares her experiences

ADRA–Australia’s Monica Spedding surveys a portion of the Sri Lankan coastline devastated bythe Indian Ocean tsunami.

ADRA staff reflect on the Asian tsunami aftermath“Providing disaster relief is never easy, and this particular disaster has been very

confronting. Working in some of the worst-hit areas of Thailand really stretched mephysically and emotionally. But ADRA is on the ground in all affected countries, sofortunately we have been able to get emergency relief to the people straight away.”—Warren Scale, international program director, ADRA–Australia

“In addition to initial care packages for the victims, we equipped and facilitatedmedical teams from our local mission hospital in Phuket. When I think of how muchmy heart aches for people I don’t even know, I can’t imagine how God copes with theloss of so many of His sons and daughters, whom He knows as His very own. He surelymust be coming soon.”—Greg Young, country director, ADRA–Thailand

“The magnitude of this disaster is astounding; not only in terms of countries affected,but also the period of time it will take some places to recover. It’s going to take a lot tohelp get these people back to a somewhat normal life. And our partner offices areswamped with trying to meet these longer-term needs. Together with staff fromGermany and Nepal, we helped the ADRA–India team write proposals for long-termreconstruction projects, so they can access donated funds and get on with rebuildingcommunities.”—Grant Hillier, international program, ADRA–Australia

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February 5, 20058

N E W S F R O N T

Wahroonga, New South Wales

As the enormity of the Asian tsunamicrisis comes to light, so too does the

overwhelming need for long-termrehabilitation. Not only have people losttheir homes, food and clothing, but also theresources to produce an income. Thoseaffected by this disaster need sustainedsupport over the coming months and years.

Since receiving emergency relief, moresurvivors are now requesting supplies torebuild their livelihood. “Some people arenow less desperate for food and clothingand more in need of resources to get backto work to provide for their families,” saidMonica Spedding, International ProgramStaff for the Adventist Development andRelief Agency (ADRA)–Australia, whotravelled through the devastated regions.“For example, some people simply askedfor boats because fishing provides theirincome.”

Community development and recon-struction is the main focus of ADRA’s workaround the world. Through partnershipsbetween ADRA offices, with governmentagencies or other community groups,ADRA’s primary focus is on long-termprojects that help communities helpthemselves.

The Tsunami Relief and RestorationInitiative for Women, in the Tamil NaduState and Pondicherry Union Territory ofIndia, is one way ADRA–Australia is

helping to address long-term needs.In many developing countries, the

primary role of many women is to care fortheir families and homes, while theirhusbands are the primary income earners.Women who lost husbands in the tsunamicrisis are now classed as having ‘increasedvulnerability’ because they are nowproviding for their family with no regularincome, no livelihood opportunities and inmost cases limited skills and education.This project will help widowed womenaccess income-generation programs togain a livelihood and provide security fortheir family. It will also provide supportand counselling, health education andvocational skills. This project will work inconjunction with projects funded byADRA–Germany and ADRA–Netherlandsin the same regions.

The Sanitarium Health Food Companyhas played a big part in funding thisproject. On behalf of Sanitarium,Australian cricketer Brett Lee presented a$A100,000 cheque to David Jack, chiefexecutive officer of ADRA–Australia inBrisbane, Qld, on January 20. ADRA–Australia’s allocation of $A250,000 to thisproject has been raised by donationsalready received. However, as the reliefeffort moves more fully into reconstructionand rehabilitation projects, ADRA is still inneed of continued donations.—CandiceJaques

ADRA commits to rebuilding after tsunamiHow you can helpIt will take years of rehabilitation and

development for people to regaintheir lives following the Asian tsunamidisaster. So it is important to rememberthat while many have given, yourcontinued generosity is needed incoming months and years.

Donation of clothes, food or other in-kind gifts are not required. Financialsupport is the best way needs can bemet by staff in the field without delay.

ADRA–Australia guarantees that 90per cent of donations received godirectly to the affected countries. Theremaining 10 per cent is used locally forcoordination, support and monitoringof projects.

Some churches and individuals areconsidering fundraising. ADRA–Aus-tralia is able to assist with someresources (such as posters and moneytins) for your efforts. This informationcan be found by contacting your localconference ADRA director.

Finally, your prayers are needed. Notonly for the thousands of affectedpeople, but also for those in the fieldand for those who are coordinating therehabilitation.

To donate to ADRA:

In AustraliaCall 1800 242 372 or visit the web site

<www.adra.org.au>.

In New ZealandCall 0800 4999 111 or visit the web

site <www.adra.org.nz>.

(Alternatively you can use your titheenvelope and label “ADRA TsunamiFund”)

ADRA thanksyou for your

support!

ADRA staff talk with villagers in Phuket, Thailand.

04 Features 2/2/05 5:01 PM Page 8

February 5, 2005 9

Silver Spring, Maryland, USA

The 25 million people worldwide who use the weekly Adult BibleStudy Guide lessons have a new, online ally: a web site that

provides each weekly lesson, teacher’s notes and other aids.Although the lessons

have been available onlinefor many years via<SSNet.org> a private website that operates withpermission to use thecopyrighted materials, thenew web site is the firstofficial site for the studyguides—which celebratedits 150th anniversary lastyear.

“We want to make thequarterly more accessible,and reach as many peopleas we can,” says PastorClifford Goldstein, who iscompleting his fifth yearas editor of the globalpublication. “The more

access people have to the quarterly, the better it is.”Larie Gray, editorial assistant for the department, says the new

web site is also designed to make a systematic program of Biblestudies available to people outside the church who want to study

the Scriptures.“There are people who say

they don’t know how to studythe Bible,” Gray says. “We wantto let [non-church members]know the lessons are there. Iknow that reading the lessonshelped me understand theBible, and it still does.”

Ms Gray says the sitecontains links to additionalresources for students andteachers, with more planned.The added study notes andother items are a response tocalls and emails receivedrequesting such aids, she adds.You can find the new web site at<http://absg.adventist.org>.—Mark Kellner/ANN

Adult Bible Study Guide launches web site

Berrien Springs, Michigan, USA

Addressing the need to provide for agrowing enrolment of women in

seminary classes, the Center for WomenClergy has opened at Andrews Universityin Berrien Springs, Michigan, USA.

“Obtaining professional degrees isequally important to women as to men, soattending seminary is a logical next stepfollowing college,” says Dr Patricia Mutch,vice-president for academic administrationat the university. “Many of these womenare also professionals from other fields whohave felt the call to ministry and changedcareers to enter professional ministry.”

Seminary student Dilys Brooks has beeninvolved with the establishment of thecentre for three years. She took over afteranother seminary student laid the ground-work. Ms Brooks talked with Dr Mutch,and began developing a vision and“creating networking and support forwomen [who are] answering the call to

ministry,” Dr Brooks says. Other femaleseminary students have been involved withthe centre’s development as well.

Dr Mutch says the centre helps womentaking seminary classes prepare for minis-try through mentoring and networking.

There are 95 female students in theseminary, up 20 students from two yearsago. Ms Brooks explains that, in com-parison to the 500-plus enrolled in theseminary, it may not seem like much, butit’s “huge for female enrolment.” “[We wantto connect] women through internshipsand professional ministry. We want pastorsto mentor them. We see the need to be anadvocate, a listening ear,” she says.

The centre is working on providing asystem where “any woman, anywhere,who feels a call to ministry should knowthere’s someone she can call.” This alsomeans that after graduation, women havesomeone in ministry they can connectwith, “someone who can mentor.”

Ms Brooks, who describes the seminaryas the “most amazing experience of mylife,” says the female seminary studentsshe’s talked to have felt a compelling call toministry. They come from all over theglobe, including Africa, Korea, Mexico,North America and Europe, and range inage from 20 to 60.

“The centre will serve more than womenseminary students,” says Dr Mutch. “Thenumber of undergraduate women who arereligion and theology students is increasingat Andrews, as well as [at] other Adventistschools. The centre hopes to include theseundergraduate students in its networking.”

After graduation from the seminary, DrMutch explains, women go on to beinvolved in a variety of ministries,including pastoring in churches, youthministry and chaplaincy. “Women who arespouses of seminary students also takecourses to prepare them for teamministry.”—Wendi Rogers/ANN

Center for Women Clergy at Andrews University opened

N E W S F R O N T

04 Features 2/2/05 5:01 PM Page 9

February 5, 2005

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This article is adapted from the graduation addressesgiven at the 2004 graduation ceremonies at AvondaleCollege and Pacific Adventist University.

Much of life is a matter of perspective.In the overall scheme of things some

things are important. One of the things thatshould be really important for those whohave been students at church institutionssuch as Avondale College and PacificAdventist University (PAU) is the specialcharacter of these educational institutions.It should not be taken for granted that thequality of education received, nor thequality of the friendships forged at theseinstitutions are necessarily the norm.

A careful study of the mission statementsof both Avondale and PAU reveals thatthese institutions—like almost every otheruniversity in the South Pacific—arestrongly committed to building theiracademic and professional credibility, andthey have a record of remarkableachievement. This is how it should be. Oursenior training institutions have aresponsibility to continue to fosteracademic excellence in a context ofprofessional preparation for service in thechurch and the community.

But these institutions are not onlycharacterised by a strong commitment toacademic values. Their mission statementsreveal a commitment to a far morecomprehensive set of values, includingservice, love, spirituality, respect for others,a sense of self-worth, and a commitment tofaith, integrity and justice.

These values are experienced in thecontext of the development of the wholeperson. This comprehensive philosophy ofeducation will not necessarily be foundelsewhere, although, of course, someinstitutions do aspire to some of thesethings. But Avondale and PAU want allthese things for their graduates. This is theAdventist perspective on higher education.It is unique. It is Christian. It is risky.

This perspective essentially comes from

a couple of sentences in the first paragraphof a seminal work on education written byone of the co-founders of the Seventh-dayAdventist Church, Ellen White. She wrote,“[True education] has to do with the wholebeing, and with the whole period ofexistence possible to [human beings]. It isthe harmonious development of thephysical, the mental, and the spiritualpowers.”1

This is a simple but profound statementthat has set the agenda and the frameworkfor the holistic educational philosophy thatis a feature of the worldwide network ofSeventh-day Adventist educationalinstitutions.

Values and their transmission Of course, it is one thing to articulate an

aspiration to all these lofty ideals in astatement of mission. It is another thingentirely to actually pick up the aspirationfrom the paper and give it life. These aresome of the dangers along the way:

1. The danger that the mission andvalues will not be taken seriously by thefaculty or the students.

Some of our values are tough and evencontentious. Let me give an example:Within 90 days in 1994—just more than 10years ago—800,000 to 1 million peoplewere killed in the genocide that occurred inRwanda. Ethnic Hutus who comprise 84per cent of the population went on a killingrampage against the minority ethnic Tutsis.As many as 100,000 Seventh-dayAdventists, including 100 pastors, lost theirlives. Church membership dropped from280,000 to 180,000 in 90 days.

Recently I was talking to the head of theSeventh-day Adventist Church in Rwanda,Pastor Amon Ruglinyange. I asked himhow the country and the church isrecovering from the atrocities. He said anew day is dawning in that country. Ofcourse, there is still the vivid memory of

what happened. That will never beforgotten. But he told me that the peopleare moving on. Forgiveness has replacedfear. Reconciliation has replaced revenge.Hope for the future has replaced thehorrors of the past.

I asked Pastor Ruglinyange, “Where wereyou when this was all happening.?” He toldme that one Sabbath he was awaypreaching at a church some distance fromhis home. His wife and three children wereworshipping in a church close to theirhome when a band of killers came to thechurch. On that day he lost his wife, histhree children and their spouses and sevengrandchildren.

Later, the killers were captured. Thepolice came and took him down to thepolice station where they offered him a gunto shoot the killers. But he could not do it.With tears streaming down his face heindicated that he could not exact revenge inthe spirit in which they had murdered hisfamily. Indeed he eventually came to theplace where he was able to forgive thosepeople.

How do you extend mercy to someonewho did not extend mercy to your childrenwhen they begged for mercy but shot themin the head? How do you forgive aneighbour who takes a machete and hacksyour children to death? There are no simpleanswers. “Barry,” he said, “if I could notforgive, this thing would eat away at meuntil it destroyed me. Forgiveness is notonly about living with them but aboutliving with myself as well.”

Justice and mercy are twin sisters. Thepeople of Rwanda are continuing to wrestlewith the meaning of mercy, grace andforgiveness.

This is a dramatic illustration. This istough. It is not easy to forgive. But whenJesus gave a prayer to His disciples—amodel prayer that we know as the Lord’sPrayer (Matthew 6:9-13)—He articulatedin that prayer of the ages just three requests:

A matter of perspective by Barry Oliver

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“Give us each day our daily bread”—thevalue of life; “Lead us not intotemptation”—the value of right action; and“Forgive us our debts as we forgive ourdebtors”—the value of forgiveness. Noticethat the call for forgiveness, in contrast withthe other two requests, specifically calls usto do our part even as God does His part.

In the spirit of Jesus, one of the bestvalues that institutions such as Avondaleand PAU wish to model is a willingness toforgive. Our educational institutionschoose forgiveness as a high value, alongwith justice and integrity and respect andfairness and self-worth and honestyand more.

2. The danger that the values willbe seen as impossible rules bysome.

In any social system, values andmorals always end up beingexpressed as laws and rules. Andsome people only see the rules.

In articulating their values,Avondale and PAU are taking a hugerisk. Strongly held values can benothing more than obnoxiousrestrictions to freedom for some. In thisenvironment and any other where rulesexist, the focus can be more on the rulesthan on the values. Values can be forgottenand lost. Some will see rules as toorestrictive. Others will see them as toolenient. The moment you espouse a value—any value—in a social setting you take a risk.

3. The danger that the values will not bepassed on.

When it comes to passing on values thereis a universal human tendency to believethat others should be just like us. We all aretempted to think that the ultimate in thedevelopment of other people is for them tobecome as nearly like us as possible.

Mention the transmission of values andthose of us who are a bit olderautomatically begin to think of ways we canget other people to believe what we believeand to accept the same standards ofbehaviour we have found valuable.

We want to say something like, ”Look,I’ve lived a long while. Look at all this greyhair. I’ve sorted it all out. I’ve found theessential wisdom. You don’t have toblunder along with trial and error. Just take

it from me and save yourself a lot ofheartache and headaches.”

But it simply does not work that way. Thedecision about what is most importantmust ultimately be the decision of eachindividual. All of us should go through aprocess that encourages us of choosingvalues for ourselves rather than havingthem imposed on us without anyopportunity for critical reflection andevaluation of those values. Short-cuttingthis process, even though we may mouthcertain values and go through the motionsof some value behaviour, will not result in

strong commitment to the value.The daunting thing about all this is that

in reality, values cannot simply betransmitted by a jug-to-mug method. Forall the aspirations of Avondale and PAU,they cannot create values in anyone. Whatthey can do is to promote an understandingof the process of value formation, providean environment that facilitates valueformation, and assist students to acquirethe skills and tools that will make itpossible for them to develop their ownvalue systems. Seen in this light, values andethical behaviour have much more to dowith freedom and choice than withobedience and conformity.

Again, this is risky. Isn’t it possible—evenprobable—that in providing anenvironment where people become“thinkers and not merely reflectors of othermen’s thoughts” that they may choose avalue system different from ours? Indeed itis. But may I remind you that God himselftook that same risk.

He placed a tree in the garden. Genesiscalls that tree the tree of the knowledge ofgood and evil. God valued freedom tochoose so highly that He took the risk—

and lost, as did the human race. Of course,Christian faith affirms that ultimately Hewill win, as will we.

Unless we have the possibility of choosingwrong, we cannot have the capacity forchoosing right. To be created in the image ofGod is to have and hold this gracious gift ofGod—the freedom to choose

Some years ago, Dr Roger Dudley wrotea book discussing the transmission ofreligious values to teenagers. Its sentimentsspecifically apply to that demographic, butits principles have a much widerapplication. Dudley asserted that “we must

not only permit but encourageteenagers to question our valuestatements. This is not easy to do. . .. But we must press adolescents toraise the questions, identify theissues, and think through to thesolutions, or they will reachadulthood with a set of ‘values’ thatcan easily collapse and disappear in acrisis because they have never beenpersonally committed to them.”2

Does this mean our heritage isworthless? Must we all begin fromscratch without the winnowed

wisdom of the ages? Absolutely not.The battle is not between the individual

and tradition. The battle is to build ontradition in a productive way. Theauthoritarian traditionalist asks, “Whatdoes the tradition require of me?” Theperson exercising their freedom to chooseasks, “What does our tradition have toteach me about life in my context with itsspecial problems and challenges?”

Much of life is a matter of perspective.Some things are important; some things arenot so important. One of the reallyimportant things we should value andprotect is the special character of ourtertiary educational institutions and ensurethat they are facilitating the passing on ofthe values and principles of the kingdom ofGod. r

1. Education, page 13.2. Roger L Dudley, Passing on the Torch: How toConvey Religious Values to Young People, Reviewand Herald Publishing Association, 1986, page 66.

Barry Oliver is general secretary of the South PacificDivision.

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F E A T U R E

Where were You, God,when the earth moved and buckled?

Were You there in the depths,on the ocean floor where man cannot go? Did You feel the sea recoiland heave outwards with shock?

Where were You, God,when the wave surged forward,invisible and silent and just a bump, but racing toward land at enormous speed?Did You hover above the face of the waters,as You say You once didand hear the laughter on distant beaches?You could have stopped it! Are You not Lord?

Where were You, God,when the wave struck shore?Did You cry out with mothers, as babies were swept from their arms?Did You shudder as thousands drowned, gasping, choking, confused and alone?Were You confused? Why did You do nothing?

Where were You, God,as survivors searched in vain?Did you taste the tears of loss and relief?What did you see in the wrecked remains,famous resorts and shanties of the poor?Did you keep score of children washed

ashore,returning with the tide to beaches they

once played on?

I saw the photos. It was on the news.I couldn’t see You there, God.Where were You?

* * *I was therewhen the earth moved and buckled!I made the tectonic plates that shook your world,and I felt the ocean heave with shock.I was there when the wave burst forward.Though it moved quickly,My presence hovered aboveas it has since I created all of earth.I watched as the sea reached outto take the lives of My children.

I was there when the wave struck shore,just as I was there long before!I cried out with mothers as their babies

were taken,as thousands died, and many who survived sat stunned,I shed tears and ached,for many did not know Me.

I was there when the ocean receded.I felt like twisted wreckagewhen My children washed ashore.For I knew each one in their mother’s

womb,and life itself comes from Me.How I ached as mothers waited,watching the tide for little oneswho will not return in life or death.My grief is deeper than the ocean that

birthed this wave.

You saw the photos. It was on the news. In refugees’ faces you may have seen Me.I was there as life faded.Amid panic and confusion,some of My children returned to Me.Celebrate this.

In the days that have passed I have touched millions of hearts.Some have given generously,others have sensed their own mortality.Many have volunteered time and will find themselves affected

profoundly.In the outpouring of wealth,the concern of all who have helped,in the lives that will be rebuilt,

You will find Me.Celebrate this.

When the terror of death has passed,when the ocean of tears subside,I will provide strength and hope.In all history I have done so,urging man to go on.Even though many who survivedwill not give Me thanks,Life will go on until I come again.Celebrate this.

Remember this:As I mourn for them,I will grieve for you one day!Although I did not ordain it,you too will be swept awaywhen the tide of life turns.The enemy makes it so.My Son died so you could survivethe temporary life you live.

Yes, I was therewhen the tsunami came ashore,just as I have been a thousand times before.I am God.Your pain magnified a million times is my grief daily.Remember then when your time comes,that I am God.

I was there.I am God. r

Brad Watson lectures in international development atAvondale College, Cooranbong, New South Wales.

12

I love those wholove me, and those

who seek mefind me.

Proverbs 8:7

Just for childrenP

eta

Tayl

or

Where were You?by Brad Watson

04 Features 2/2/05 5:01 PM Page 12

February 5, 2005

A twinkle in her toesDe-anne Tasker, Qld

I have just picked up the January 15RECORD. I loved Bruce Manners’ feature,“Let’s dance!” I believe we should come toGod in such a manner. It tells us in theBible that we’re to come to God with praiseand adoration. In Bible times theyprobably danced for the Lord, as they wereso filled with His spirit, love and gratitude.If we came to God in a dull way, weprobably wouldn’t feel much or get muchout of it. Sometimes we feel like dancingaround the room and shouting from amountain top when God answers ourprayers. We just don’t grumble a thanks;we give praise.

I will admit that when I hear a song forthe first time and like it, it is the music that

catches me first, then the lyrics. The lyricsget stuck in my head. The lyrics are whatmake the song what it is. Why not shoutand maybe dance around the room whenGod does something good in your life. Itcan’t hurt; all you are doing is expressingyour praise and adoration for God in yourown special way.

Please explain!E Arthur, email

Can anyone give an explanation as towhy Adventist Media is finding it difficultto raise the $30,000 per month from ourchurch members throughout Australiaand New Zealand to put the HopeChannel on satellite?

Is it that I am biased in regards the highquality and high standard of upliftingprograms being given 24 hours a day,seven days a week? What a blessing thiscould be in Adventist homes, to all agegroups including children, and this can beinstalled for less than most homes areregularly spending on electronic devices.

Do we not realise that others could be inGod’s kingdom as a result of stumblingacross the Hope Channel? Because of thewonderful potential of Hope TV, I cannot

understand why the media centre isfinding it hard to raise the necessary funds.Please, can anyone give an explanation?

Christian protestIan Rankin, NZ

A Christian group in New Zealandrecently made headlines with statementsand demonstrations against a bill givingcivil union rights to same sex and hetero-sexual de facto couples. This group sawthemselves as crusaders in defence of theChristian faith.

Under the regimes of Hitler, Stalin andMao, followers became enforcers of theirleader’s beliefs. God must weep when Hesees this kind of spirit manifested ingroups calling themselves Christian and

claiming to be doing His will in seeking toimpose their beliefs and practices.

As Christians we defend the right ofeach person to hold and practice their ownbeliefs, subject always to our commitmentto defend the rights of the defenceless.

The civil union legislation arose fromthe universal felt need for fellowship, loveand acceptance. The Christian church isdesigned by God to be the true answer tothis need and to extend an open invitationfor all to join and share their fellowship.

The fact that people turn to civil legis-

lation in the search to satisfy their need forlove and acceptance shows a need in thechurch for heart-searching self-examin-ation. It doesn’t justify condemning peoplefor seeking other means to find what thechurch failed to give them.

It is God’s intention that Christians be apowerful influence in their community,but not by imposing their will as a votingbloc. The power of a Christian life is inbelief and commitment to objective, abso-lute standards of morality and the pro-clamation of the opportunity for men andwomen to be restored to the image of God.

A Christian, by his or her steadfastintegrity and Christlikeness of life, is aprotest to the emptiness and futility ofseeking fellowship and love in politicalaction.

Guidelines in handJohn Wallace, NZ

I’m concerned at the suggestion by aGeneral Conference vice-presidentthat the church hasn’t had a musicstatement since the 1970s (Newsfront,December 4). On the contrary, we have,since 1973, had in our possession a fineand succinct document titled The SDAPhilosophy of Music. What we haven’t hadis much notice taken of it until recently.

L E T T E R S

13

Just a coincidence

A Christian, by his or her . . . Christlikeness oflife, is a protest to the emptiness and futility ofseeking fellowship and love in political action.

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.

04 Letters 2/2/05 5:06 PM Page 13

February 5, 2005

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WeddingsCox—Konson. Graeme Saville Cox,son of Desmond and Edna Cox (Marton,NZ), and Rachel Eleanor Konson, daugh-ter of Charles and Emily Carlsson(Gweru, Zimbabwe), were married on19.12.04 at Bowral, NSW.

Cyril Brown

Dennis—Hebbard. Jordan Dennis, sonof Darrell and Melva Dennis (Dubbo,NSW), and Rhian Hebbard, daughter ofVince and Rhelmae Hebbard (Marburg,Qld), were married on 19.12.04 at AllSaints church, Woodville, NSW.

Casey Wolverton

Draper—Kingdon. Geoffrey DavidDraper, son of Allan and Lesley Draper(Parkes, NSW), and Letitia RochelleKingdon, daughter of Pastor Eric andJoy Kingdon (Warburton, Vic), weremarried on 12.12.04 in the WarburtonAdventist church. Eric Kingdon

Giles—Golenia. Christopher JohnGiles, son of Peter Giles (Whyalla Stuart,SA) and Jennifer Bentley (Singleton,NSW), and Tracey Golenia, daughter ofDaniel and Christine Golenia (Singleton),were married on 16.1.05 at All Saintschurch, Woodville. Clive Nash

Green—Baird. Simon Green, son ofGraham and Pauline Green (Hall, ACT),and Jodie Baird, daughter of Graham andCaroline Baird (Rochedale, Qld), weremarried on 19.12.04 at Avica WeddingChapel, Merrimac, Gold Coast.

Sid Griffith

Harris—Jensen. Adam Harris, son ofDavid and Vicki Harris (Brisbane, Qld),and Heidi Jensen, daughter of Garth andRuth Jensen (Ohakune, NZ), were mar-ried on 19.12.04 in St John’s Anglicanchurch, Ohakune.

Pat Olds, Peter Roennfeldt

Heise—Kingston. Leighton CharlesHeise, son of Pastor Lyell and GayleneHeise (Cooranbong, NSW), and Alexan-dria Lynne Kingston, daughter of PastorAndrew and Janet Kingston (Erina),were married in the Avondale Collegechurch, Cooranbong. Graeme Loftus

Kanny—O’Loughlin. Craig AnthonyKanny, son of Roger and Raylene Kanny(Manjimup, WA), and Tammy LouiseO’Loughlin, daughter of James and JeanO’Loughlin (Perth), were married on19.12.04 in the Carmel Adventist church

Lynn Weber

Martin—Fischer. Gary Edmund Mar-tin, son of Edmund and Edna Martin(Nerang, Qld), and Yvonne Marijke Fisch-er, daughter of Hendrick and WilhelminaVan Venetian, were married on 9.1.05 atMelody Park, Nerang, Qld.

Trafford Fischer

Milner—Robinson. Lynden Milner,son of Ray and Rita Milner (Bundaberg,Qld), and Elizabeth Robinson, daughterof Anthony and Patricia Robinson (Perth,WA), were married on 12.12.04 at Guild-

ford Grammar chapel, Perth. Roy Gilbert, Anthony Robinson

Pratt—Benard. Gregory Walter Pratt,son of Walter and the late Greta Pratt(Mildura, Vic), and Chantelle LouiseBenard, daughter of Ross and LinleyBenard (Murwillumbah, NSW), weremarried on 6.1.05 at Avica WeddingChapel, Merrimac, Qld.

Craig Vanas

Rosenberg—Lister. Derek John Rosen-berg, son of Lyndon Rosenberg (Mel-bourne, Vic) and Lynelle Watson (Middle-ton, SA), and Deborah Loweena Lister,daughter of Elwyn and Melody Lister (Mil-dura, Vic), were married on 9.1.05 in theDareton Adventist church, NSW.

Clive Nash

Sawyer—Bennett. Kelvin John Sawyer,son of Nancy and the late Colin Sawyer(Port Macquarie, NSW), and Susan LynneBennett, daughter of Eric and Avril Ben-nett (Watford, England), were married on5.12.04 by Pastor Patrick Boyle, in theStanborough Park Adventist church.

Bob Donaldson

Sibarani—Grant. Jason TrevorSibarani, son of Bowman and DevinaSibarani (Sydney, NSW), and KeshenaGrant, daughter of Gary and Linda Grant(Bonny Hills), were married on 27.12.04in the Port Macquarie Adventist church.

Alan Saunders

Simon—Lucas. Jamie Simon, youngerson of Pastor Ross and Bronnie Simon(Adelaide, SA), and Clarissa Lucas, elderdaughter of Brendon Lucas (Hobart, Tas)and Wilma Falcke (Adelaide, SA), weremarried on 17.12.04 in Hobart, Tas.

Ross Simon

Strahan—Truscott. Stephen RolandStrahan, son of Martin and Jeanne Stra-han (Bundaberg, Qld), and Anika RuthTruscott, daughter of Paul and LindaTruscott (Wynnum), were married on9.1.05 at the Albert Street Uniting church,Brisbane. Trafford Fischer

ObituariesBussau, Elsa Norma (nee Zeunert),born 14.1.1913 at Seppeltsfield, SA;died 2.9.04 at Cooranbong, NSW. On17.9.47 she married Afton, who prede-ceased her in 1984. She is survived byher children, Faye Bussau (Sydney),Shirley Clark (Cooranbong), Jim andPeter (both of Mildura, Vic).

Keith JacksonRon Baird, Rein Muhlberg

Chapman, Joan Elaine, born 12.8.1919at Prahran, Vic; died 1.12.04 in LourdesNursing Home, Toowoomba, Qld. She issurvived by her daughter, Ruth Stumer;her granddaughter, Lauren; and her great-grandsons, Callum and Kiran. Joan wasdevoted to her family and a much-lovedmember of the Toowoomba Westridgechurch. She loved her Lord and eagerlylooked forward to the resurrection day.

Allen Sonter

Creed, Alexander George Percy, born20.3.1922 at St George, Qld; died 6.11.04in Peninsula Nursing Home, Kippa-Ring.He was predeceased by his first wife, Beris.He is survived by his wife, Margaret(Kippa-Ring); his sons, Peter (Labrador)and Malcolm; his daughter, Debbie (bothof Warwick); his stepchildren, Graham,John, Phillip, Malcolm, Robert, Douglas,Barbara and Brian; his 35 grandchildren;and 18 great-grandchildren. Alex was aWorld War II veteran. “Forever in ourhearts.” Humberto Rivera

Lance O’Neill, Henry Miller

Edwards, Bruce Anthony, born 29.3.1935at Casino, NSW; died 20.12.04 at Lismore.On 17.12.55 he married Fay Jones. He issurvived by his wife; his children, Mark,Denise and Leah; and five grandchildren.When Fay’s mother died suddenly, he andFay took Fay’s youngest brother, Grant, asone of the family. In 1962 Bruce and Faybecame Seventh-day Adventist Christians,which gave a new direction for living.Bruce was very active in hiscommunity and helped consistently withchurch projects. It is true that “every goodtree brings forth good fruit.” Ray Eaton

Fairall, Frederick Robert Arthur, born11.11.1935 at Victoria Park, WA; died14.12.04 in Box Hill Hospital, Vic. On10.1.56 he married Wilma Bailey. He issurvived by his wife (Kilsyth); his childrenand their spouses, Dean and Philippa(Orange, NSW), Glenn and Shelly (Mon-trose, Vic), Leta Robinson (Ballarat); hissister, Elaine Chadwick (Maddington,WA); and his six grandchildren. Arthurwas a lifetime worker for the SanitariumHealth Food Company. A behind-the-scenes man, he was loved dearly by hisfamily and all who knew him. He is espe-cially remembered as the one who madeall the soldiers’ uniforms for the Road toBethlehem Christmas pageant.

Tony CampbellTrevor Rowe, Walton Pitt

Flegerbein, Oliver Henry, born26.10.1920 at Maryborough, Qld; diedpeacefully in his sleep 28.9.04 at Dalby. On2.6.45 he married Elsie. He is survived byhis wife (Dalby); his six children, ElaineHallam (Luscombe), James (Moree,NSW), Graham (Highfields, Qld), GleniseJacobson (Strathpine). Emilie Johnson(Deception Bay) and Daniel(Chinchilla); his 16 grandchildren; and 18great-granchildren. Ollie was employed asan electrical linesman for most of hisworking career. He accepted Christ as hisSaviour shortly before he died. Sadlymissed by his wife, family and friends.

Billy van Heerden, Frank Williams

Franzke, Beryl (nee Brill), born 6.4.1930at Brighton, Vic; died 8.8.04 at home inMelbourne. On 3.10.54 she marriedRalph. She is survived by her husband;her children, Kerrie Monty, Amanda Lid-dle, Timothy and Mark (all of Melbourne);and her seven grandchildren. Beryl was aloving wife, mother, grandmother andfriend. She was a kind, caring person,always living for others. She loved life andloved to talk about Jesus. Her faith andlove for Jesus was an inspiration to all whoknew her. Barry Cheswick

Harris, David Warren Leslie, born16.3.1982 in Melbourne, Vic; died18.12.04 in Melbourne. On 16.5.98 he wasbaptised at Brighton. He is survived by hisfather and stepmother, Donald and Noemi(Cranbourne West); and his sister, EleanorHarris (Doveton). He will be sadly missedby family and friends who loved him.

Edwin TotenhoferRandy Suson, Mebzar Quinto

Hitchings, Martin Leonard, born25.10.1947 at Wistorshire, England, com-ing to Australia when one-year-old; died19.12.04 at Innisfail, Qld. He is survivedby his wife, Gail; his daughter, Evelyn; andhis sons, Leonard and Duncan. Marty hada prolonged sickness that eventuallyclaimed his life. His family look forward tothe blessed hope of Christ’s return when allis made new again.

Dana Howard

Mason, Barry, born 15.12.1936 at New-castle, NSW; died 30.7.04 in Taree BaseHospital. On 25.10.61 he married Angela.He is survived by his wife (Wootton); hischildren, Kelvin (Glenorie), Scott (Vien-na), Bruce (Mandalong, NSW) and HelgaLean (Kellyville). Keith Jackson

Mills, Joan Nerolie, born 27.11.1927 inSydney, NSW; died 16.12.04 in EstherSomerville Nursing Home, Norman-hurst. Her 48 years of Christian service atSydney Adventist Hospital commencedin 1946 and concluded with her retire-ment in 1993. As front-desk receptionistfor 27 of those years, her kindly mannerdemonstrated Christian love and com-passion to patients and visitors alike.Joan maintained a strong faith in her Sav-iour and His promise of reunion. Hercommitment is reflected in the graciousgifts of her entire estate to her church.

Tom Ludowici

Monter, Stefania (nee Michalska), born29.12.1913 in Poland; died 17.12.04 atCoorinda Lodge, Warragul, Vic. She waspredeceased by her three husbands; andalso her infant daughter. She is survivedby her sons and daughters-in-law,Wladek and Jane Hamulczyk (Warrag-ul), and Henry and Dana Zawishak(Dandenong); her sisters, Lodzia, Kaziaand Alina, and their families; her broth-ers, George and Tadeusz, and their fam-ilies; her four grandchildren; and onegreat-grandchild. Stefania had a verydifficult life and is now resting peaceful-ly. until the resurrection day.

Bill Doble

Robb, Robert (Bob) McRae, born20.5.1913 at Gol Gol, NSW; died28.12.04 in Box Hill Hospital, Vic. On29.3.37 he married Sylvia Potter. He waspredeceased by one grandchild, ShaneRobb. He is survived by his wife (Coro-nella Retirement Village, Nunawading);his children, Ian (Port Macquarie, NSW),Jenny Eales (Montrose, Vic), DennisRobb (Upper Ferntree Gully); theirspouses; his nine grandchildren; and 13great-grandchildren. Bob was a practical,caring Christian, a loving husband, andan outstanding example to his children,grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ken Mead, Barry Cheswick

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Rosendahl, Pastor Edward Christian,born 8.9.1916 in Auckland, NZ; died17.12.04 in Charles Harrison MemorialHome, Cooranbong, NSW. He was prede-ceased by his wife, Thelma (nee Johan-son), in 1997. He is survived by his sons,John, Glenn and Clifford; his daughter,Vivienne Byrne; his sisters, Mavis Need-ham and Milbree Dowling; his 16 grand-children; and six great-grand-children. Eddie was a faithful pastorevangelist, serving in both Australia andNew Zealand. He may well be bestremembered for his years of ministry toAboriginal communities in NSW, result-ing in the establishing of Mirriwinni Gar-dens Academy. It was fitting that a dele-gation from the Academy participated inthe memorial service. Clive Barritt

Wynstan Dowling, George Quinlin

Starr, Pastor Phillip Henry George, born18.4.1909 at Nambour, Qld; died14.12.04 in Mater Private Hospital, Cleve-land, Qld. Phil, with a farming back-ground, entered the literature ministry in1949, and from 1951 held leadershippositions in South Queensland, GreaterSydney and North New Zealand Confer-ences, and in Trans-Australian UnionConference. In 1974 he, with his firstwife, Barbara, retired to the Gold Coastwhere he took an active role in church lifeas elder, pastor, supporter and nurturer. In1987 they moved to the Adventist Retire-ment Village, Victoria Point, Qld. In 1998Barbara predeceased him. Phil is survivedby his second wife, Catherine; his chil-dren, Anne Elliott, Desmond, and JaniceBaker; his three grandchildren; and four

great-grandchildren.Desmond Ford, Keith Miller

AdvertisementsNote: Neither the editor, Signs Pub-lishing 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. Adver-tisements approved by the editor willbe inserted at the following rates: first30 words or less, $A44; each addition-al word, $A2.20. For your advertise-ment to appear, payment must beenclosed. Classified advertisements inRECORD are available to Seventh-dayAdventist members, churches andinstitutions only. See masthead (page2) for contact details.

Wanted—literature to establish com-munity libraries in remote areas of Vanu-atu. Bible Story and other religiousbooks, non-fiction at middle grade lev-els, how-to books for subsistence living,simple biographies, material about ani-mals, people and customs around theworld, health, other. Please contact Judy<gypsy1256@yahoo.com.au>.

Funeral directors—K & E Swan-borough. Compassionate and profession-al care at an affordable cost from those whounderstand. Obligation-free advice on allyour funeral requirements, including pre-planning. Phone (07) 3800 9655 24 hours.

Christian television available now24/7. Satellite kits only $A325 (+freight)and your purchase price includes a dona-tion to Adventist Media to expand satellitebroadcasting. Six Christian channels avail-able now, free to air—no further charges(Australia & NZ only). Phone Rural Elec-tronics on (02) 6361 3636; email<ruralele@bigpond.net.au>.

Wanted—Structural/Civil Engineers,Structural Draftspersons, MechanicalEngineers and Mechanical Draftspersons,offering full-time employment. Refer ad inDecember 4 issue for more information.To find out more phone 0417 535 546 orapply in writing to the Manager, PO Box1549, Wodonga, Vic 3689.

Data projectors, screens, soundequipment, TVs, DVD players,VCRs, PA systems. Rural ElectronicsOrange is run by an Adventist couplecommitted to helping SDAs to get a bet-ter deal for their churches, schools,homes etc. Avondale College, Wahroon-ga and many NSW churches helpedalready. DVD players on special for$A99 (Australia and NZ only). Formore information phone Trish (02)6361 3636; email <ruralele@bigpond.net.au>.

Endless Praise—one of Australia’slongest running music ministry is nowtaking auditions for their 2005 team.Drummers, lead guitarist, bass playersand vocal singers between the ages of 18and 25. Contact Sandra on (02) 87837000 or email <ep@epraise.com.au>.

Taree (NSW) church’s 70thanniversary—April 16, 2005. Allpast members are invited. Starting time:9.15 am. Memorabilia and photos wel-come. Phone John (02) 6556 9177 oremail <robertminett@hotmail.com>.

Safe television for institutions. Addtwo Adventist satellite TV channels toan existing TV distribution system. Idealfor—retirement villages, hostels, nurs-ing homes, hospitals, prisons or schools.Contact Don at Better Living Solutions(03) 5349 2548; 0417 855 795; or<gonaturalhealth@iprimus.com.au>.

Employment solutions. We are special-ists in assisting businesses manage theirentry-level staffing requirements. PhoneGlobalone Group Training (02) 4393 6643or visit <www.globalonegt.com.au>.

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.

FinallyThere is a great differencebetween worry andconcern. A worried personsees a problem, and aconcerned person solves aproblem.—Anon

Contact Greg or FayPh (02) 9989 8355 Fax (02) 9989 8340 acfi@avondale.org.au

PO Box 502, Wahroonga NSW 2076

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4 Noticeboard 2/2/05 5:09 PM Page 15

ISSN 0819-5633

A D V E RT I S E M E N T

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But that would be impressive, especially if a record offering were received for RECORD. Thatwould make it a record RECORD Offering. We’d have to publish a clever headline to record therecord RECORD Offering in the RECORD. (Now we’re sounding like a broken record, brokenrecord, broken record . . .)

What we’re trying to say is that if you would be so kind as to give generously to this RECORD

Offering (you should know which RECORD we mean by now), then it helps us deliver a varietyof news, information, features and more. Where else would you turn when a sermon goes intodouble overtime on a hot Sabbath day? When you are out of newspaper and the budgie cageneeds lining? When you’re out of flyspray and there’s a big blowfly buzzing around yourwindow?

All right, seriously now, we appreciate our readers and want to be able to give the best qualitymagazine to inspire and inform, and to glorify God. We want to be able to do this for you eachweek from cover to cover. Thank you for your support.

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RECORD keeps you covered on all the happenings of the church each week. Your offering contributesto the cost of delivering this magazine to your church.

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