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Brixton’s 1,000th member - Andrews University Flipbook PDF
B rixton church started with a trickle of fervent members in the early 1950s and that trickle has now turned into a torr
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Brixton’s 1,000th member by Valerie Moodie rixton church started with a trickle of fervent members in the early 1950s and that trickle has now turned into a torrent of more than 1,000 on the church membership records. This has come about through consistent Bible study and biannual campaigns under the guidance of Pastor Hamilton Williams and his team. It was during the ‘You’ve got a friend in high places’ campaign in March that Delroy Campbell became the 1,000th candidate to be
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baptised. Being the 1,000th person to be baptised is a cause for celebration in itself, but the events that led up to Delroy’s decision reveal that the Lord is at work. He had heard the message ever since he had married Elaine, a most unassuming and modest person who has served the church while praying with and for her husband throughout their entire marriage. He attended church very occasionally and was always willing to pick Elaine up when church finished whenever he could. He had created his own routine of Bible study and personal worship but he would not take the final step, even though he knew in his heart that the Adventist Church was the right one. On the evening of 21 March, unknown to him, a baptism was Left: Clarence Scott Below: Delroy Campbell with his wife Elaine Right: Fitzroy Jackson
planned at Brixton church which was to be the first fruits of the campaign. On that evening, Delroy was sitting in a shop in Brixton having something to eat and a soft drink when he felt compelled to go to church and pick up his wife. As he entered the church he heard the singing evangelist Clarence Scott from Montego Bay relate a personal testimony and, although he said he tried to resist getting up, he was drawn to move to the front. He pushed past the people, but deep within himself he was holding back a secret. The Lord had been speaking to him through dreams. However, he had put him off again and again. On that evening he was unable to deny the overriding voice of the Lord. Elaine was on usher duty and also made her way to the front to
see her husband standing there with the rest of those who had given their lives to Christ, but could only pray that today would be different for him. Perhaps today he would give in to the Lord. As the Bible workers took those who had responded to the call into the pastor’s vestry and closed the door, Elaine continued to usher people to their seats until Pastor Williams came out and made an announcement for Elaine to come to the vestry as he had some good news for her. That was the night that would change Delroy’s life and his relationship with the Lord as he was plunged beneath the waters and came up renewed, refreshed and ready to embark on his journey with Christ. Although Delroy became the 1,000th member, the baptisms did not stop there, for after Pastor Fitzroy Jackson from the USA preached the Word night after night, at the end of the campaign a total of twenty-six men and women were accepted into the fellowship of the body of Christ.
The Vatican will call upon Catholics to boycott the cinema follow-up to The Da Vinci Code, Italian newspaper La Stampa believes. Angels and Demons is released worldwide on 15 May and, like The Da Vinci Code, stars Tom Hanks, this time on a mission to save the Vatican from destruction by antimatter. The Vatican is far from feeling grateful, though, having been angered by the previous film’s theory that Jesus secretly married Mary Magdalene, and been upset by its portrayal of the Opus Dei Catholic movement as a murderous organisation. Whether the Vatican will actually call for a boycott or not, I don’t know. Personally, I see such films as useful conversation starters with non-Christians as a lead-in to spiritual topics. However, what has caught my attention about this film is the concept of ‘antimatter’. Does antimatter actually exist? Apparently, it does. As to exactly what it is, I don’t know, and the explanations I have seen, frankly, I don’t understand. One thing about antimatter
Brain Health
is that it is said to be the most costly substance in existence, with an estimated cost of $62.5 trillion per milligram! This is because production is so difficult. Having gone to this extreme expense, does it serve any practical purpose? Well, possibly, one usage, at least in theory, is that it could be used as fuel for such things as interstellar travel. So far, though, the ability to produce it, at incredible cost, has not amounted to much. One researcher said this: ‘If we could assemble all of the antimatter we’ve ever made at CERN (European Organisation for Nuclear Research) and annihilate it with matter, we would have enough energy to light a single electric light bulb for a few minutes.’ The other problem is in storing it, as it can’t be stored in a container made of ordinary matter, because antimatter reacts with any matter it touches, annihilating itself and the container. This leads to what is, to me, the inevitable question: ‘Why bother making antimatter?’ It reminds me of the Scripture: ‘Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the
Angels and Demons – and the Vatican! waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labour on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.’ Isaiah 55:1, 2. Why do we spend our resources on useless things? That is what the passage seems to be saying. Apart from antimatter, we could think of many other examples. You and I may each have our own personal antimatter, something that we spend time or money on that is worthless. We would do well to take this Scripture seriously and to take into our lives only that which will actually nourish.
Part 14
The Psychological Impact
What about hypnosis? Under the caption, ‘Mind Controlling Mind’, E. G. White in the book Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2, p. 704, speaks about the dangers of agencies that take control of the mind. Describing such agencies as ‘a dangerous science’, she writes: ‘I have spoken distinctly regarding the dangerous science which says that one person shall give up his mind to the control of another. This science is the devil’s own.’ Researchers are finding that hypnosis may reduce activity in certain brain areas. Miranda Hitti, in an article published 27 June 2005 entitled ‘What Hypnosis Does to the Brain’, related a study undertaken at Cornell University’s medical school. It demonstrated the brain’s sensitivity to hypnosis. The process appeared to lull brain areas into going along with suggestions made during hypnosis. That theory was tested in a new hypnosis 2 Messenger
study. In the project, researchers used brain scans to watch the brain under the influence of hypnosis. Specialised MRI brain scans showed less activity in two areas of the hypnotised brain. Sandra Blakeslee, writing about hypnosis, states: ‘Hypnosis, with its long and chequered history in medicine and entertainment, is receiving some new respect from neuroscientists. Recent brain studies of people who are susceptible to suggestion indicate that when they act on the suggestions their brains show profound changes in how they process information. The suggestions, researchers report, literally change what people see, hear, feel and believe to be true.’ Blakeslee continues: ‘The new experiments, which used brain imaging, found that people who were hypnotised “saw” colours where there were none. Others lost the ability to make simple decisions. Some people looked at common English words and thought
At the Cross
with Jonathan Barrett
that they were gibberish.’ Speaking against the practice of hypnosis in Mind, Character and Personality, vol. 2, under the caption ‘Hypnotism And Its Dangers’, E. G. White wrote the following: ‘The theory of mind controlling mind was originated by Satan to introduce himself as the chief worker, to put human philosophy where divine philosophy should be. . . . It opens the door through which Satan will enter to take possession both of the mind that is given up to be controlled by another and of the mind that controls.’ (Mind control originated by Satan, p. 712.) ‘Men and woman are not to study the science of how to take captive the minds of those who associate with them. . . . We are not to tamper with mesmerism and hypnotism.’ (p. 713.) Be vigilant!
David Marshall
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Where were the men at Golgotha? There were soldiers, of course. A centurion is mentioned. And a typical Roman execution squad contained four men chosen for their experience and cold-bloodedness. There were priests and other members of the religious establishment. Most of them were there as spectators or to make sure Jesus was dead at the finish. But did Jesus have no friends? True, he won over the crucified thief and offered him eternity. But what about those well-known male disciples of Jesus? Where were they? Judas had taken his own life. The others had run from Gethsemane. Subsequently, at the trial before the high priest, Simon Peter would seem to have given himself a watching brief. Until, despite the sword-waving bravado in Gethsemane, he denied his Lord – three times! – in an exchange initiated by ‘a servant girl’. After that we hear no more of the most outspoken disciple, or of any other disciple, until the dying moments of Jesus when John appeared on the scene. Where were the disciples when Herod mocked, the mob roared, ‘Crucify!’ and when the heavyweight soldiers laid on the thirtynine lashes? Where were his friends when, his back in ribbons, he stumbled under the weight of the crossbeam? Nowhere to be seen; Simon of Cyrene, a pilgrim from Africa, had to be pressed into service. Where were his friends when executioners with arms like shot-putters hammered in the huge iron nails? Jesus had put great store by his friends. So where were they when he needed them? That does not mean that, even there, even then, Jesus was friendless. As Simon of Cyrene carried the crossbeam for Jesus, a crowd in which women predominated followed behind. (Luke 23:26-31.) So harrowing was their grief on Jesus’ behalf that, despite his trauma and disorientation, he paused to speak, addressing them as ‘Daughters of Jerusalem’. The men, then? When, having shared out the clothing of Jesus, the execution squad sat back on their haunches ‘and watched him there’ (Matthew 27:36) did they spot a single disciple approach furtively to give succour to his Master? Not one. It was the execution squad
who ‘offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall’ and heard him refuse it. (Matthew 27:34.) On the spot now. You are among his friends. Where would you have been right then? Two days later, when Mary Magdalene, running and out of breath, came to the disciples to say, ‘I have seen the Lord,’ she found them behind locked doors ‘for fear of the Jews’. John’s account suggests they were still in the same place and for the same reason on the evening of Resurrection Sunday when they heard the words, ‘Peace be with you!’ (John 20:19.) Did you catch that? Jesus came – to them! The fourth gospel does make mention of a tiny bunch of loyal followers clustered near the cross when Jesus died. There was Jesus’ mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene. (John 19:25.) In addition, ‘the disciple whom he loved [was] standing nearby’. (Verse 26.) John, son of Salome, was probably a beardless late teen who did not look like a threat to anyone. The remaining four of the loyal few were female. Three of them were called Mary. Of Mary wife of Clopas nothing is known. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was there because no power on Earth could have prevented her; though she could not understand, she could love. The presence of her sister Salome is harder to explain. Salome was the wife of Zebedee and the mother of James and John (who, like John the Baptist, must, therefore, be assumed to have been cousins of Jesus). Just prior to the Last Supper, Salome had tried to secure a promise from Jesus of the top places in his kingdom for her sons. Jesus had rebuked her.1 Her presence as one of the loyal few next day speaks volumes about the loving way Jesus rebuked. Finally, there was Mary Magdalene. Jesus’ love had rescued her from a life of sin, and she had already lavished the equivalent of a man’s annual income on an outrageous act of gratitude to him.2 No one could have kept her away. So, at the ninth hour, when the Son of God surrendered his life for the sin of the world, ten of his closest male friends were in hiding. Some Bible commentators excuse the absence of the men and explain the presence of women by saying that men might have
been perceived as a threat, whereas ‘in those days women were so unimportant that no one ever took any notice of women disciples, and that therefore these women were running no risk at all by being near the Cross of Jesus.’3 Barclay calls that ‘an unworthy explanation’ and says that anyone, male or female, who demonstrated support or sympathy for someone the Romans considered deserving of the cross was doing a highly dangerous thing. The ten knew that and hid behind locked doors. Four women and one late-teen male knew that – and came anyway. Barclay concludes, ‘The presence of these women at the Cross was not due to the fact that they were so unimportant that no one would notice them; their presence was due to the fact that perfect love casts out fear.’4 The same love drew many women to the early Church. Their perceived threat value was such that, as soon as the Jerusalem establishment began its systematic persecution, men and women were dragged from their homes and thrown into prison.5 Could it be that, by then, the men had found the courage which the women had never lost? Since that may have been the case, can we be entirely comfortable that, recently, in some communions, men have sought to safeguard their monopoly on ministerial and leadership roles by quoting Paul’s measures to contain Corinth’s disruptive women in the 50s of the first century to deny women pastoral roles for all time? In a Church co-founded by a woman of outstanding gifts, can we be comfortable with denying pastoral roles and positions of leadership to women of outstanding gifts? Can we not foster an equal opportunities ethos for all who, ‘through the blood of Christ’, were made ‘one in Christ Jesus’ and are ‘God’s workmanship, created in Christ to do good works’?6 Is the fact that women were last at the Cross and first to see the risen Christ entirely without significance?
References: 1 Matthew 20:20-23. Mark 15:40 provides her name. 2John 12:1-10; Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:1-11; Luke 7:36-50. 3 A recent variation on this view can be found in Tom Wright, John for Everyone Part 2 (SPCK 2004), page 128. 4William Barclay, The Daily Study Bible: JOHN Vol. 2, p. 255. 5Acts 8:3. 6 Ephesians 2. Messenger
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The source of intelligence?
attractive gift bag to remind them that God has given us everything we have and we are giving a small part back as a way of saying ‘Thank you!’
by Colin Mitchell* hy are some countries richer and more successful than others? This has always been a live issue. We have generally put it down to the luck of the draw, abundance of good soils in a favourable climate, good supplies of minerals, a conscientious labour force with good education, healthy eating and a clean lifestyle. But this does not adequately explain the enormous differences between the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of different nations, some many times greater than others. In 2008 they ranged from Luxembourg with a mean annual per capita income of US$77,760 down to Mozambique with $340.1 Two researchers have sought a new explanation for these differences. Dr Richard Lynn is Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University of Ulster, and Dr Tatu Vanhanen (father of the prime minister of Finland) is Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Tampere, Finland. They have written two books: IQ and Global Inequality2 in 2002, and IQ and Wealth of the Nations3 in 2006, as well as a number of papers on this subject. Although they accept that many factors are involved, they make the radical suggestion that differences in per capita national GDP correlate with differences in the national intelligence quotient (IQ). They argue that these differences are due to both genetic and economic factors so that low IQ can both cause and effect from low GDP. This thesis has attracted attention from several fields, some of it enthusiastic and some of it dismissive. Criticism has focused on the reliability of their data used and on their definitions of IQ and economic success.4 They arrive at the IQ of nations by using published statistics or, where these are not available, making estimates based on values from neighbouring or similar nations. They use the UK as a basis with a value of 100 and assign values which range down from 107 for Hong Kong to 59 for Equatorial Guinea. In related studies, Lynn and a co-worker claim that males have higher intelligence than females5 due to a larger brain size6 and, using data from Lynn and Vanhanen, Templer and Arikawa (2006) conclude that higher IQ is correlated with lower mean temperature.7 Lynn and Vanhanen back up their IQ assessment with a new index called the Quality of Human Conditions (QHC). They assess this for each country from 5 variables: purchasing power per capita, adult literacy, tertiary education, life expectancy at birth, and level of democratisation. Values of this index range from Norway at 89 to Burkino Faso at 10.7, with the UK in the sixties. They claim that this correlates with national IQ. It is revealing to compare this analysis with explanation for the basis of intelligence given by the Bible and also by Ellen White. The word intelligence only appears once in Scripture,8 where it refers to collusion between
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plotters. But the most widely used equivalents are ‘wisdom’ and ‘understanding’, both of which translate a number of different Hebrew and Greek words. What do passages containing these words say is the basis of wisdom and understanding? They universally ascribe them to a divine origin and nowhere relate them to a genetic one. God is the infinite source of understanding.9 The Godhead contains all wisdom and knowledge,10 whence it is accessible to human appeals.11 No wisdom, understanding or counsel can oppose the Lord.12 The Scriptures emphasise this,13 and equate wisdom with understanding of their own teaching.14 The words have a moral basis throughout. Jesus is the source of religious truth. His understanding in childhood15 continued throughout a life of instruction to others and to his disciples even after his resurrection.16 How do the Scriptures characterise wisdom and understanding? Their source is in the heart.17 They result from people’s departure from evil18 and being slow to anger. Against them, the wisdom of the world is foolishness.19 God also gives secular wisdom. This includes manual skills, such as those given to Bezaleel,20 and administrative abilities to Solomon for government,21 and for building the temple.22 On occasion such wisdom involves decisions between life and death.23 Ellen White echoes this approach. She ascribes most intelligence to religious factors. God is the source. He increases it to those who practise prayer and Bible study, especially when done daily.24 ‘Nothing can equal the study of God’s word. No other study gives such mental power’.25 Human intelligence results more from habits of life than from natural endowments.26 Outdoor life benefits it.27 On the other hand, intellect is impaired by eating flesh,28, dairy products29 stimulants, strong spices, drinking alcohol,30 and failure to control a lustful appetite.31 Smoking harms it.32 Dissolute habits result in ‘animal propensities which benumb and paralyse intellectual powers’.33 Therefore, we should surely question definitions of intelligence which do not include a recognition of the priority of its divine source. It would be revealing to relate Lynn and Vanhanen’s national indices of intelligence to the extent of national belief in biblical Christianity. References: 1 Economist (2008) Pocket World in Figures, Profile Books Ltd, London. 2Lynn, R. and Vanhanen, T. (2002) IQ and Global Inequality, Praeger Publishers, Westport CT. 3Lynn, R. and Vanhanen, T. (2006) IQ and Wealth of the Nations, Washington Summit Publishers, Atlanta. 4Morse, S. (2008) The geography of tyranny and despair: development indicators and the hypothesis of genetic inevitability of national inequality, Geographical Journal vol. 174, part 3 pp. 195-206. 5Lynn, R. and Irwing, P. (2008) Sex differences in mental arithmetic, digit span, and g defined as working memory capacity, Intelligence 36 226-235. 6Colom, R. and Lynn, R. (2004) Testing the devel-
• Involve children in praying the simple prayer dedicating the offering to God. They can write a few sentences ahead of time and read the words aloud, or they could sing a song of thanks to God for the money. • Print envelopes with an appropriate design that links with the sermon theme and give everyone an envelope into which they can place their offering. The children can then help to collect the envelopes and bring them to the front to be placed in an appropriate container. For example, when the sermon is about the story of the lost sheep, the envelopes could be printed with sheep and placed in a box lined with green velvet that looks like a field. • Have a special offering for the children when they come up for their children’s story. Collect the offering straight away so that they aren’t distracted by the money in their hands during the story. Use a special, interesting container for collecting the money from the children. Perhaps someone in the congregation could make one, or the children could help to decorate a special container for their offerings. • Give each child a plastic or cardboard tube, such as an empty denture tablet container. Ask them to decorate the tube and bring it back in a month’s time filled with coins. n recognition of 2009 being the Year of Evangelism and the 30th anniversary of the International Year of the Child, Heather Haworth, the BUC Children’s Ministries director, has invited Karen Holford from the SEC to share some creative ways for involving children in your weekly church services. When Jesus heard some theologians squab-
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opmental theory of sex differences in intelligence on 12-18 year olds, Personality and Individual Differences 36 75-82. 7 Templer, D. I. and Arikawa, H. (2006) Temperature, skin colour, per capita income and IQ: an international perspective, Intelligence 34 121-39. 8Dan. 11:30, KJV. 9Psalm 147:5, Isa. 40:14, 2 Tim. 2:7. 10Col. 2:3. 11James 1:5. 12Prov. 21:30. 13 Ps.119:99. 14For example, Rev. 13:18. 15Luke 2:47. 16Matt. 28:19-20. 17Prov. 14:33. 18Job 28:28. 191 Cor. 3:19. 20Ex. 31:3, 36:1-2. 211 Kings 4:29. 222 Chron. 2:12. 232 Sam. 20:22. 24 3 Testimonies, p. 374. 25Education, p. 124. 26Counsels on Health, p. 112. 27Sons and Daughters of God, p. 170. 28 2 Testimonies, p. 64, Counsels on Health, p. 115. 29 Counsels on Health, p. 114. 30Ministry of Healing, p. 329. 31 1 Testimonies, p. 486. 32Ministry of Healing, p. 329. 33 2 Selected Messages, p. 422. * Dr Colin Mitchell has a first degree from Oxford and a PhD from Cambridge. He taught Physical Geography for many years at Reading University and was employed as a consultant by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation and by a number of national governments. He is the author of ORIGINS: ACCIDENT OR DESIGN? to be published in June 2009.
bling about church matters, he took a little child and placed him in the centre of the group as an illustration of the things that really matter, and then he put his arms around the child (Mark 9:3337). He wanted his followers to understand that children are important, and when we put children in the centre of everything we do in church and consider their needs first, we will discover God’s simple vision for his followers and see things from his perspective. Try looking at your church services and activities through the eyes of the children in your congregation. See the children as God sees them. Pray that he will help you know how to make the changes your church needs to make so that children are central and feel safe and loved. Spend some time reading Matthew 18:1-14 and let God share his heart for children with you. Even very young children can be taught how to help collect an offering. A supportive and helpful deacon can stand nearby if necessary. When we trust our children, they live up to our trust. Ten ways to involve the children in the offering time: • A group of children could collect the offering under the supervision of a deacon or deaconess. • Children, or the whole congregation, could come forward and put the offering into an
• Supply children with their own colourful offering and tithe envelopes, or give them blank ones to decorate to celebrate the money they are giving back to God. • Some churches have a special offering that the children collect each month, and that money goes towards a special church project that will bless the children, such as a Holiday Bible School event or a special item for their Sabbath School rooms. • Invite each of the children’s Sabbath School classes to design and decorate offering containers that can be used for a special event or for a whole month. Perhaps they could link their designs with the current preaching theme. • Instead of playing music while the offering is being collected, invite some children to come and tell the congregation what they are most thankful for, or how God has provided for them in a special way. Ask the children for their ideas about different ways in which they could help in taking up the offering. For a complete set of the ideas for involving children in your church, visit the Children’s Ministry Resources at www.secadventist.com.
Mailbox Miss E. Guntrip Dear Editor I respond to the request for information re Miss Guntrip in Mailbox in the Messenger dated 10 April 2009. I was saddened to read that there is no record of such a wonderful Christian woman. I have in my possession a copy of her obituary which appeared in the Messenger of 17 February 1978. Below is a short extract: ‘Among the most beloved and successful of our denominational workers, Miss Ethel Guntrip passed to her rest on 20 December 1977, aged 95, at the Dell Rest Home, Lowestoft. She was born on 18 January 1882, and began service as a Bible instructor in 1917. She served in South England until 1924, the Welsh Mission until 1930, then back to South England until her retirement in 1945.’ Despite ‘retiring’ in 1945, I have fond memories of her giving me Bible studies in 1960 as I prepared for baptism. She was indeed a most loved and cherished lady in the Bristol area. MRS BRENDA SABADIN, Bristol Central
Democracy Dear Editor I would be obliged if you would answer the following questions for me. 1. Is democracy of God or man? 2. Does democracy bind together or cause division? 3. Do you see democracy as a subtle form of dictatorship? In anticipation of your soon reply, A. TRENEAR, Redruth
Editor: Since the Church Manual makes the biblical case for an elective system of church government and knowing that you will have had recourse to it, I feel obliged to view your questions in a broader, political context. The view that we take on such matters varies, as do the newspapers we read. Churchill said: ‘Many forms of government have been tried and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others that have been tried.’ (1947.) The books of Kings and Chronicles provide, I would have thought, a fairly powerful case against autocratic monarchy. Accountability of leaders to their constituencies is what’s important, as is justice. Can such things exist outside of a democratic context? Pursue the theme of justice in the works of the Old Testament prophets. Death of a loved one Dear Editor I am a young Adventist. I lost my mum last year. She was my best friend. I fled my country to the UK due to social problems, so I wasn’t at her deathbed and not even at her burial. I can’t explain the pain that I feel, but I always look at her picture every day and tell myself that Jesus is coming soon. What sort of joy will it be! There will be no more goodbyes and I will forget how to cry. LYDIA MULINDE, Birmingham Messenger
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Newbold lowers tuition fees by Helen Pearson, PRO, www.newbold.ac.uk Newbold College is simplifying its fee structure and lowering tuition fees by £1,000 for many of its students. Students from the TransEuropean Division and the European Economic Area will find that tuition fees for the Gap Year, the new degrees in Film and Media, and Arts and Humanities and all the short undergraduate courses will be lower from the beginning of next semester (August 2009). This is the beginning of a series of moves scheduled to create parity between Newbold
tuition fees and those in other UK colleges and universities. Tuition fees for students of Theology will stay at the current 2008-9 level while the administration monitors the effects of the new tariff on nontheology degrees. As rumours circulate in the media about the possible doubling of tuition fees in UK universities and colleges, Newbold’s tuition fees look like a good deal. ‘The new fee structure makes the price of studying for a degree at Newbold even more
competitive with UK universities and puts short courses like the Gap Year within the reach of more students and their families,’ says Newbold’s principal, Dr Jane Sabes. The College is also streamlining its fee tariff to make it simpler for students to understand and more convenient for them to pay. ‘We want to make it easier for students to come to Newbold and succeed at their studies,’ says the College bursar, Berit Lisle. To read the full interview with Newbold’s bursar, Berit Lisle, and get more information about reductions and other student discounts, go to www.newbold.ac.uk.
Newbold principal, Dr Jane Sabes
Gardeners’ Question Time at Newbold The Newbold church centre was full of about 300 gardeners on Monday night when BBC Radio 4 recorded two editions of Gardeners’ Question Time. The event was organised by the Binfield Gardeners’ Club with the encouragement of Newbold’s former head of Humanities, Harry Leonard, a former secretary of the club. The gardening experts, Matthew Biggs, Bob Flowerdew and Anne Swithinbank, with their chairman, Eric Robson, dealt with a variety of horticultural questions on many aspects of organic and environmentally friendly gardening, growing blueberries and sweet potatoes, and making figs ripen. The panel chose the questions and questioners, one of which was asked by the head of Newbold’s School of English, Erica Hole, who asked about methods for repotting her orchids.
Harry Leonard, chairman of Newbold’s Moor Close Garden Committee, was delighted to be part of this occasion for a number of reasons. ‘It’s great to have all these gardeners from our local community on campus,’ he said. Everyone who came received a leaflet about Newbold and about Moor Close Gardens. Many Newbold alumni donated generously to building the church centre as a venue for, among other things, community events like this. It’s good to see it being put to one of the uses for which it was intended.’ The Gardeners’ Question Time programmes recorded at Newbold can be heard on BBC Radio 4 on 22 May (repeated on 24 May) and on 10 July (repeated on 12 July). They will also be available on the BBC Radio 4 website after those dates. For pictures go to www.newbold.ac.uk.
Adventist Muslim Relations seminars
College bursar, Berit Lisle
The BBC’s Gardeners’ Question Time at Newbold
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On Sunday 8 February, the first day of the three-Sunday training course, the Adventist Muslim Relations (AMR) team arrived at the Advent Centre ready for action! AMR director, Pastor Petras Bahadur, had worked hard training his team for this event. They were encouraged by the long queue of young people who had come to get acquainted with each other, as well as learn more about this new ministry. The day started with Emil Shelufumo and Joy Braithwaite recounting the history of AMR and revealing how the Lord has blessed the AMR ministry thus far. The students then took part in ice-breakers, discussions and break-out sessions. Throughout the day, their concerns, dreams and visions slowly unfolded. As a ministry, Muslim Relations had seemed a no-go zone, yet it began to be so simplified by the skilful and Christoriented presentations of Pastor Petras. Many of the senior students mentioned how their children had felt drawn towards the Islamic faith and how there had been no one to turn to. A renewed understanding of how the Lord could now help them to have a better relationship with their children and bring them back home to the faith was a great source of joy to those parents. The lunch period was buzzing with discussions, and in the afternoon the fears and concerns and misunderstandings of the Muslim faith were dealt with one by one. Everyone went home better
equipped after the first day of training. On the second Sunday, John Bishop and Dean Jenna helped the young people to have a real desire to approach their friends to bring them to a better understanding of Christ. The ministry update discussion periods and the feedback sessions clarified the specific
needs that the young people had with this delicate but important outreach. They were reassured to learn that an online facility was available for them to log on to, spearheaded by Beng. Pastor Petras and the core team members answered many questions that were brought up and helped to clear up so many misunderstandings. Some of the attendees had had relatives leave the Church and take interest in the Muslim faith, and much was achieved for them, as the Lord turned anguished looks into faces of joy. It was a thrill to see the young people joining hands and asking for prayer at the end of this second session. The final session was on Sunday 15 March and, despite the sunny weather outside, the youth came in force, armed with their folders of notes, eager to complete their training. Adrian Lethbridge opened the morning session with a presentation on the understanding of Shariah and Adab. Colin Stewart, SEC Youth director, presented the morning devotional based on Isaiah 60:1-5. Pastor Petras Bahadur, director of the AMR department at the SEC, then took the training to a new level with the study of the ‘Seven Signs’. This core material helped all those who attended to understand how to demonstrate to ‘our brothers’ the plan of salvation, based on Christ, through the use of the Quran itself. A lively group discussion then took place, hosted by the core committee, to see what the young people had achieved since the last meeting and the mentors were taken by surprise at the way the young people had been blessed
in their new ministry. The afternoon took a different approach, as testimonies were presented one after the other, and all realised that the dream of the AMR department had now become a reality. The vision had been captured by the young people, as they testified how they were now were able to witness and build a common platform with their work colleagues and their friends. What was achieved brought tears of joy to the AMR team members, as it was obvious that the Holy Spirit was now taking over the ministry and directing it heaven-bound. MC for the day, John Bishop, reminded us that this was not the end of the journey, but merely the beginning. The closing remarks by Pastor Des Boldeau, the BUC Youth director, were very powerful as he charged the young people to take this ministry by the horns, and to move forward the great achievements gained thus far. The AMR department and Pastor Petras are requesting that each reader of this article pray for opportunities of witnessing to our Muslim friends in the communities around our churches. The AMR department is using the common platform of sharing our faith and is hoping that the Holy Spirit will guide many more to prepare to meet Christ at his soon return. Report and photos by Danny Julie. Training sessions were organised by the Adventist Muslim Relations department of the South England Conference in conjunction with the British Union Conference Youth department. Enquiries to: [email protected].
Certified Training for Adventist Muslim Relations Encountering the World of Islam The Adventist Muslim Relations department at the South England Conference is organising a six-month course on Islam for pastors and lay people who would like to have a good understanding of Islam in order to be able to reach their local communities. The six-month course, which is heavily subsidised, will cost only £125! The course will take place as follows: Frequency: Once a month (every 3rd Sunday of the month) Dates:
17 May 21 June 19 July
20 September 18 October 15 November
Graduation: 20 December Venue: The Advent Centre, 12 Crawford Place (off Edgware Road), Westminster, London W1H 5HD This very special course called Encountering the World of Islam, is organised by the World Mission Institute, USA. You will receive a certificate at completion. Every topic will be covered by professors and scholars coming from across the world to lead in the presentations. These presenters are authorities on Islam and evangelism. Topics covered will be: History of Islam, Expansion of Islam, Spiritual World of Islam, Cultural Barriers, Theological Issues and Approaches to Evangelism. Places are limited, so please register for this course on time to avoid disappointment Please email: [email protected] or call the South England Conference on 01923 232728 Messenger
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Something to celebrate! There is something wonderful about being invited to a party or having a party with your friends! It’s exciting to plan the food and to think about what you’ll do, what you’ll wear, what the cake will look like, and whom you’ll invite! God knew that we would need to have something happy to look forward to, so he gave his people in the Bible lots of different festivals to celebrate things like harvests, their freedom, his forgiveness and his loving care for them. Which celebration do you like the best? Is it Bonfire Night, remembering Jesus’ birth or death, your own birthday, Mother’s Day, Pancake Day, the first day back at school, or a special celebration that reminds you of your country? Tell someone about the celebration you like the best, what you most enjoy about it, and how you could use the celebration to share the love of Jesus with someone else.
Celebration memory verse ‘Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice!’ (Philippians 4:4, NIV.) Ask an adult to blow up twelve balloons. Then ask them to use a permanent marker pen to write each word of the verse, including the Bible reference, on a separate balloon. Spend a few moments playing with the balloons and then see how fast you can arrange the balloons in the right order. Pop one balloon, play with them all again and then rearrange the balloons in the right order to make the verse. Leave spaces where the popped balloons would have been and see if you can remember the words that are missing. Keep doing this till all the balloons have been popped and you have learnt the verse.
Design a celebration! Think of something special that God has done for your family. Or maybe you want to celebrate a time when God answered your prayers, or protected you, or perhaps the anniversary of a baptism, or just a day when you want to celebrate God’s love for you. Then design a special way to celebrate with your family. When will you celebrate, and why? Where will you have the celebration? What will you do, say, sing and so on? And what would be good to eat? Who will celebrate with you? What would be the most wonderful part of the celebration? Tell us about your plans for a celebration by 30 June 2009, and the best ideas will win prizes and may be added to our website of ideas. Email your ideas to [email protected] 8 Messenger
Celebration crossword God’s people from Old Testament times had lots of different celebrations. See if you can find out what they were. The clues are in the Bible texts. Across 3. Leviticus 23:6-8. 5. Deuteronomy 16:1, 2. 8. Numbers 29:7-11. 9. Deuteronomy 16:9-12. Down: 1. 2. 4. 6. 7.
Leviticus 25:8-10. Deuteronomy 16:9-12. Leviticus 23:23-25. Leviticus 23:3. Exodus 23:16.
Celebrate and pray! ‘Celebrate this as a festival to the Lord . . . live in booths . . . as did the Israelites when they escaped from Egypt. I am the LORD your God.’ (Leviticus 23:41-43.) Do you like celebrating happy events like your birthday or going on holiday? Pretend you are thanking God for one of the seven holiday celebrations described in Leviticus 23. This is the one where you have a week’s holiday, not in your home but in a booth, a tent. It is a bit like going to camp meeting where you stay in a small chalet. Drape a sheet or a blanket over a couple of chairs to make a tent. If the weather is dry, ask your parents to help you be like the Israelites and make your ‘tent’ outside. While sitting in your tent, remember this is a holiday to celebrate God taking care of his people. Invite your family to join you. Ask each person to tell a story of a time when God took care of them. Celebrate with singing and saying a special prayer of thanks to God.
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Jesus loves parties! Did you know that the first miracle Jesus did was at a party? Look in the book of John chapter 2 to find out what kind of party it was and what Jesus did to help everyone celebrate. After you’ve read the story, try this activity with your family. Take a piece of paper and fold it so that you have three columns. In the first column write a list of all the different characters in the story. In the second column write how they might have felt before Jesus did the miracle, and in the third column write how they might have felt after the miracle. How would you celebrate if Jesus did a miracle for your family?
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Celebration search! Look through MESSENGER and count how many celebrations you can find! Look for weddings and parties, anniversaries, special baby dedications, baptisms and other happy events. Write the number of celebrations you found here Contributors: Karen Holford, Anne Pilmoor and Heather Haworth
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Making a difference Easter is a time when we remember the death and resurrection of our Lord, and what better way to do this than by heeding his command: ‘This do in remembrance of me.’ Members of Ashford International, Canterbury and Folkestone churches joined forces with Moat Housing to make a difference for seventy children and over twenty parents in the Stanhope Ward of Ashford Borough. This took the form of an Easter party organised by a committee of dedicated members. There was a variety of activities for the children, which included a bouncy castle and games. After a tasty lunch the children were treated to a demonstration of the meaning of Easter by CBS, a local puppet ministry group from Folkestone. The local paper, The Kentish Express, was represented. The day came to an end with each child receiving a bag of goodies. Given the overwhelming response, we hope to make this an annual event and to expand our numbers. With God all things are possible. Special thanks to Pastor Israel Williams, Area 4 Co-ordinator, who took time out to spend the day with us. KAREN LEARMOND
My baptism by Pamela Marie Sobieradzki n the 10 April issue of Messenger I spoke about my reunion with my mother for the very first time in sixty-two years.* Both my Mom and I believed that this was just one of God’s miracles and that he has been watching over us for all these years. We believe that God decided that it was time for us to be reunited after so many years of separation. Since meeting my Mom I started to attend my local Adventist church at Colchester because I felt that something or Someone was calling me. After two years I now know that what I was experiencing was the Lord’s Spirit talking to me and calling me, beckoning me to come closer to him. In January this year I finally realised that God had touched me in so many wonderful ways and also experienced his Spirit working with me. My faith in God has been restored, and this led me to the decision that I wanted to be baptised. On the Sabbath of 4 April I was baptised by Pastor Sam, and what a wonderful experience it was. My Mom (who had come over from Bath, specially), my husband, and my good friends were there to witness my union with God and to meet my new church family. I truly believe that I have been blessed with the Holy Spirit and I cannot stop singing God’s praises for his wonderful work. * See ‘Mother and daughter reunited after sixty-two years’ MESSENGER 114.8, page 14.
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Left to right: Eddie, Mom, Nell, Philip, Pamela and Pastor Sam
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Baptism at Leicester Central by Philip Herbert On 28 March, the Leicester Central church family celebrated the baptism of five new members. Mayamiko Jali, Idah Chimanga, Janique Dennis, Maud Papaya and Milton Campbell happily made a commitment to become disciples of Christ in response to the call to accept the teachings of the Church presented by church elder Sylvia Ham-Ying. Each candidate selected favourite hymns and Bible readings, which held significant meaning and provided spiritual encouragement as
they met challenges in their Christian experience. These were shared with the congregation as each one entered the baptismal pool. Songs included ‘Burdens are lifted at Calvary’, Edwin Hawkins’ gospel song ‘O Happy Day’, ‘In Times like these you need a Saviour’, and one of the readings was John 15:4 which expresses the call to ‘abide in Christ and bear fruit’. We were uplifted by a vocal solo entitled ‘Just Pray’, presented by Tina Brooks, who also accompanied herself beautifully at the piano. This
From Skegness to Leicester: Sponsored cycle ride for ADRA-UK by Philip Herbert team of six cyclists, led by Vernon Dublin, rode the distance of 90 miles from Skegness to Leicester on 5 April in a sponsored cycle ride to raise funds for the annual national ADRA-UK appeal. The other members of the team were Vince Halliday, Ivan Browne, Sam Roberts, Andrew Dublin and Andrew Saddler. Five of the cyclists are members of the Leicester Central church on
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musical rendition reminded us that Jesus is eager to listen to us as we face challenges each day of our lives. We listened to more heavenly music, presented by a male a cappella vocal ensemble, who sang ‘Jesus is the answer’ and ‘There’ll be no dark valley when Jesus comes’. The candidates were welcomed into the church family by rapturous applause from the church congregation. Following the baptism, Pastor Kumi spoke to the candidates of the meeting Nicodemus held with Christ, where Christ stated that we must be ‘born again’, also emphasising that without this new birth experience we cannot enter into God’s Kingdom. Pastor Kumi called upon the church to nurture and encourage the new additions to God’s family, as we are all called to bring honour and glory to God and not to be stumbling blocks. He emphasised that the Christian life is not about lip service, but a lifestyle, and we are called to bear fruit. After being formally welcomed into the church fellowship by Pastor Kumi, elders Sylvia Ham-Ying, Eustace Charles, Vernon Dublin, Roy Zembe, Denise Williams and Thomas Chimwala, our visiting minister for the day, Pastor Eglan Brooks, closed the service with a prayer of thanksgiving.
Left to right: Ivan Browne, Andrew Dublin, Vernon Dublin, Sam Roberts, Vince Halliday and Andrew Saddler
London Road, and Andrew Saddler hails from the Leeds church on Meanwood Road. The aim of this event was to generate as much funding as is possible for the UK department of a charity that has a global presence. They have undergone regular training to ensure that they were up to the rigours of this marathon cycle ride. Vernon Dublin, organiser of the event, states that he became involved ‘in order to raise funds for the annual ADRA appeal. We wanted to do something different this year. Something that would be fun and challenging but at the same time raising the profile of the appeal, as well as ultimately generating funds for needy causes.’
The team set off early on Sunday 5 April, taking the A52 from Skegness to Grantham, continuing via the A607 to Leicester. The weather was particularly kind in that there was some warm sunshine and no prevailing winds across the flat Lincolnshire terrain, which could have made travel difficult. The cyclists were well supported by friends and family who met them in Grantham and at various points along the route to provide energy bars, sandwiches, bananas, malt loaves, isotonic drinks and the odd massage, for sustenance during the journey. Medical support was available from Dr Linda Browne, who enabled one of the riders to continue after sustaining an injury, following a
Sales Associate required at The Stanborough Press The Stanborough Press is seeking to recruit a Sales Associate to join the existing team in Grantham, Lincolnshire. Applicants should possess good organisational and inter-personal skills, together with an enthusiasm for the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The role will cover a wide range of sales administration roles and contribute towards the sales team’s initiatives to increase the flow of literature into the UK. Training will be given on the computer software packages used within the organisation. Interested persons are invited to contact Paul Poddar, UK Sales Manager, for an informal discussion on this post (Tel. 01476 591700). Salary and terms of employment will be in keeping with denominational policies and are available on request. Individuals are invited to send a CV to Paul Poddar, UK Sales Manager, The Stanborough Press Ltd, Alma Park, Grantham, Lincs., NG31 9SL. Closing date for receipt of applications: 28 May 2009
fall. The route was completed in five hours and forty-five minutes. Vince Halliday, another team member, said, ‘We approached this project in a spirit of togetherness and team work in order to complete the course, as well as to raise as much money as we could to help those who are less fortunate than ourselves.’ The team was welcomed home on London Road with enthusiastic, congratulatory cheers from members of the Leicester Central church. It was a rewarding event in that £2,000 has been raised through the efforts of this team. The Leicester Mercury and BBC Leicester helped by publicising this event in an article and an interview.
Historical sites Dr Brian Phillips reminds us that the General Conference website offers the best archive for historical research. Issues of MESSENGER from 1936-1966 are to be found on the GC website – as are all Adventist periodicals. Put the GC Archives into Google. On the site you can download the DjVu browser plug-in, required to view the files on-line. www.adventistarchives.org/docarc hives.asp Morning Prayer LORD, Help me to remember that nothing is going to happen to me today that you and I together can’t handle. Submitted by Dr Doreen Bull Messenger
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Experience God in an alternative way . . . by Kimberly Paulien, Adventist volunteer at Stanborough Park church hen I first arrived at the Stanborough Park church I was excited about attending my first service. I enjoyed the traditional service with hymns, organ and a children’s story. I am a fairly conservative Adventist and the service was to my liking, though I would have chosen to add a few praise songs, but I couldn’t complain. After a few days I started to hear about the plans for the Parallel Service. This news disappointed me. I really enjoyed the main service! I love hearing hymns being bellowed out by old and young! But now this alternative service would cause a lot of changes! I judged the concept far too quickly. I feared this new service meant solely jeans, drums and earpiercing music. I feared the service would throw away basic church traditions and be only entertainment rather than a deep spiritual service. If I had known the people on the planning committee as I do now, I would never have had those fears. My parents moved to southern California a few years ago. When we arrived we sampled the churches in the area. One church in particular was deemed ‘youth friendly’, it being
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a youth church led by youth. I was excited to see what this might actually mean! I was disappointed to learn that it was the sad attempt of a few thirty-something-age adults to be twenty again. The only area it seemed to fill was unsuccessful entertainment. I didn’t want all the youth of Stanborough to run from the traditional service to an ‘entertainment high’ that no doubt would not last! Church should be real, thoughtprovoking, and bring you closer to Jesus! The sole purpose of church is to experience God! The day of the first Parallel Service arrived, and to be completely honest I was astonished! Every expectation I had held previously about the service was blown out of the water! Around eighty people were present to participate. I enjoyed the music, creative worship, and Dejan Stojkovic’s sermon. I realised that, yes, this service could and would work! As the weeks flew by, more and more people began attending. We now have over 160 people coming each time. The faces are a mix of old and new. People who had quit church years ago now are somehow called in to experience God in an alternative way! There are
people who are just curious or who come to see friends involved in the service. I am continually impressed; there is a vast array of participants each week. In the beginning I assumed that the alternative service would only bring in youth and teens. But there are people of all age groups and demographics worshipping together! We have a variety. I saw a restaurant yesterday named, ‘Variety is . . . the spice of life’. What is the point of church if you do not feel comfortable? Church is supposed to be a home, a family! There are people who have said they’ve never felt comfortable at a normal church service, but now they do! People come in three-piece suits, jeans, flip-flops or normal Sabbath attire. There is a woman who has been
attending Stanborough Park church for some time now, but she never entered the church service. She merely came to take her children to Sabbath School. This woman tried Parallel Service and now stays! She even participates in the service most weeks! I know of several church members whose non-Adventist friends and family members came to see what all the hype was about, and stayed! There are quite a few young people who choose to come to Parallel Service instead of sleeping in! God has been truly blessing the service! The Parallel Service is filling a need. I am truly enjoying this experience and it is drawing in numbers. I hope you take a moment to come out and see what is happening at the Stanborough Park church!
Montserratian Day of Fellowship on Sabbath 23 May at the New Life Church, The Ridgeway Centre, Featherstone Road, Wolverton Mill South, Milton Keynes, MK12 5TH Guest speaker: Pastor Sam Davis, president of the South England Conference Please contact William Riley on 0121 241 7318 or email [email protected]
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(Travel not included in this price)
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After 30 April – £140 per person.
See www.adventistinfo.org.uk/departments/youth.php for full details and to download an application form.
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Balham: ‘It has been a long time coming but the end is in sight!’ by Natasha Sharmah and Dr Richard de Lisser, SEC Communication director he was only 18 years old when she witnessed the demolition of the old Balham Adventist church. Having just completed her A levels and heading for university to study building and architecture, who would have thought that Siobhan Brown, along with her husband David and Irish contractors Chris and Tony McCotter (Caldwell Ltd), would be instrumental in completing the Balham project and helping the church realise a dream of twenty-one years in the making? On Monday 6 April the keys of Balham’s entire church building and resource centre were handed over to Balham’s Pastor Keith Boldeau, signifying that all building work had been completed. In the words of South England Conference (SEC) President Pastor Sam Davis: ‘This is the best building in the SEC! But we should never forget that our business is about saving souls.’ One of the driving forces behind the completion of the work was Clinton Monfries. He was instrumental in setting up a professional team to oversee the project. His love for Balham church meant that he could not bear to see another year pass without its being completed. Failure to complete within this time frame was not an option for Clinton, and his dedication and assistance proved invaluable. The event was attended by Pastors Sam Davis and James Phillip, former pastor of the Balham church, Dr Clinton Valley (former head teacher of John Loughborough School) visiting here from USA, Pastor Victor Hulbert, BUC Communication director, and Pastor Richard de Lisser, SEC Communication director. Also present were Steve Okelo, associate treasurer for the BUC, Earl Ramharacksingh, SEC treasurer, Pastor Derek Bignall, the newly appointed president of the West Indies Union Conference (WIUC) who replaces Dr Patrick Allen, recently appointed Jamaica’s sixth Governor
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General, Pastor Keith Boldeau and his wife, assistant pastor Vaughn Thorpe, Clinton Monfries, the liaison officer between the church board, project manager and Conference, head elder Errol Anderson, Brother Henry, Alan Clarke, Paul Brown (maintenance), Lydia AndersonMonfries and her brother James, Joshua Clarke and Natasha Sharmah, one of Balham’s Communication officers. Pastor Derek Bignall opened proceedings with prayer. Pastor Boldeau made a special thank you to Pastor Phillip who was instrumental in handing over the final phase of the project to the former in 2008. Project manager Siobhan Brown gave us a tour of the new church and resource centre and then we met to do the ‘business’ of official sign-off of the project between Pastor Boldeau and Chris McCotter, the contractor. Pastor Sam Davis then closed the meeting with prayer, and a lovely lunch was provided by Sisters Bennett and Hylton and Percy Fraser (chef). The Balham church and resource centre has disabled access and priority parking; CCTV inside and outside; flood lighting; intercom system; state-of-the-art speaker system – allowing all rooms to hear what is
happening in the main church, or for background music/information to be heard throughout the building; separate parents and babies’/toddlers’ room; and a baptismal pool that has been incorporated into the main stage. A satellite has been installed so that we can access 3ABN and other useful church channels. The project team paid particular attention to detail, whether it relates to ensuring the outside gates follow the exact pattern of the original gates, to the glass balcony railings/parents and babies’/toddlers’ room window being frosted to knee length to the colour scheme reflecting the ‘characteristics of God’. Siobhan Brown said, ‘Working on this project has been like coming home. It has been a total pleasure!’ She paid special recognition to Pastor Boldeau for being such a wonderful shepherd and thanked all those who had been involved in this building project. Siobhan’s husband David, who is also part of the project team, also used to attend Balham, but his home church was Norbury and it was Pastor Phillip who baptised him many years ago. Chris McCotter had brought his team all the way from Northern Ireland. In fact Chris and some of his workers actually stayed on the
premises to keep costs down and ensure the security of the building. This also enabled them to put in more hours, which proved vital in helping the project finish within the promised six months. Chris said that this project was one of the most enjoyable of his forty years in the business, which is a testament to the professionalism and friendliness of the project management team and the pastor and members of Balham. Pastor Sam Davis thanked Siobhan and her husband and the rest of the team for executing the completing of this project in such a professional and pleasurable way. He said that today was a proud day for all of us, as it was twenty-odd years ago when the old building was knocked down and as an intern pastor at Balham church he was at Pastor Kavaloh’s side, looking at the plans of the new building. We can be enormously proud and know that good things come to those who wait. Now it’s over to the church members to use this building to serve the community. Pastor Davis paid special thanks to the SEC treasurer for his personal input and drive, as his contribution has made a significant difference to getting this project completed. To God be the glory!
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PAMELA ELSIE WILSON (1929-2008) d. 15 August. Elsie Wilson was born on 2 July 1929 in Baghdad, Iraq, and died on 15 August 2008. She was laid to rest in Easthampstead Crematorium on 2 September. Her funeral service was conducted by three pastors who knew Elsie well during their ministry to Guildford church – Pastors Ron Clemow and Vlado Godina and Dr Terry Messenger. An organ prelude was played by Leslie Wood, and Regina Coult played variations of Amazing Grace on the violin. Elsie was an extremely sensitive, loving and gentle lady who, ever since her baptism in Karachi,
Zimbabwean Day of Fellowship by Theophilus Gokah ‘What Christians can learn from soccer fans’ was the theme of Pastor Daniel Chihwai at the Zimbabwean Day of Fellowship, held at the Fitzalan High School in Cardiff on Sabbath 21 March. The day was organised by South Wales African Adventist Fellowship (SWAAF) in conjunction with ZUSDAF. Pastor Chihwai traced the origin of the word ‘fan’ to the Greek language where the original meaning was ‘fanatic’. He wondered how many relationships would survive if spouses were first-hand witnesses to the obsessive behaviour of their husbands during football matches. The irony of his message was that, while the congregation was held spellbound by his analogy, next door to the venue was an ongoing rugby match with enthusiastic cheering crowds of rugby fans. Pastor Chihwai drew the attention of Christians to the loyalty and faithfulness of ‘fans’. They like to be identified with their club but many ‘children of God’ cannot even be identified with the Bible. Fans are great spenders. They fly and book a hotel to watch their team play but many ‘Christians’ hardly support the work of God with enthusiasm. Football fans are loyal to their team. It does not matter if they are down by a goal; even if it is one minute to end of the game, they think their team will score two goals. Even after the match they talk about what might have been. The afternoon session featured traditional songs, praise and worship. There was time enough to pray for peace in Zimbabwe and God’s intervention in the suffering faced by families in that country. Music was provided by Shepherd Quartet from Wolverhampton, Zimbabweans from Bristol, Birmingham and individuals from Cardiff.
Wellingborough Pathfinders and the Mayor The Mayor of Wellingborough, Councillor Eileen Higgins, and her sergeant-at-arms, Mr Geoff Betts, came to visit Pathfinders and Adventurers at the Wellingborough church. The purpose was to bring the topic of citizenship for Pathfinders and Adventurers to life. We learned that our civic leader likes a party, is people-centred,
cares for the people she meets and would be very happy to come along to church one Sabbath morning. Idesa Ryan, our Pathfinder leader, was proud that Albert, one of our young people, took it upon himself to invite the Mayor to church. The main reason for the visit was for the Mayor to meet the Pathfinders and explain to them how
they could contribute to the community. Wearing her full robes and chain of office, she explained that people all contribute to the community by simply being good citizens. The Pathfinders, all teens, then asked questions. One, Lencia, asked how groups of young people could overcome the fear some adults have of teenagers. The Mayor advised that
a pleasant smile and a ‘hello’ would make a great difference. Another teen, Mariam, asked how to get a problem with a council service resolved. The Mayor was helpful. After hearing of the issue she advised that the problem could be resolved by contacting a local councillor. She also suggested that local churches would do well to develop a relationship with the councillor in the ward in which the church is situated as part of good citizenship and to enhance the relationship of the church with the community. You can’t allow a civic dignitary to leave church empty handed. The Adventurers had made a beautiful collage, while the Pathfinders had created an embroidered and printed pillow as gifts. PASTOR PETER JEYNES
Lights shining in Wellingborough Sabbath 28 March in Wellingborough Stanton Close was a day on which the church’s youth let their lights shine. In charge of both services for the day, they blessed the congregation as they demonstrated their developing skills in speaking, reading and singing. 14 Messenger
Deborah Samuel and Mariam Mohammed sang a lovely duet for Sabbath School and Daniel BrownLewis read the Scripture beautifully. By the beginning of divine service the young people, dressed in their Pathfinder and Adventurer uniforms, had filled nearly half the sanctuary. Tino Bere, already used to being up in front, gave a packed church a warm welcome. Tanya Njolinjo read the Scripture and Jessica Agyemang and Albert Bell shared the prayer. There was a further demonstration of burgeoning musical talent as we listened to a song from a group of the young people called The WAY (Wellingborough Adventist Youth) whose aim is to point people through the medium of song to the Way – Jesus Christ. Charlotte Bramble is not only the musical director of the choir but also the youth leader and at only 20 she is already a seasoned and accomplished speaker. In her address she recognised that the growing group of young people is ‘spiritually focused’ – a fact evident in their commitment to the life and activities of the church. ‘Although you’re only young,’ she said to them, ‘in God’s eyes you’re just perfect for the tasks he has planned for you to fulfil for him.’ She gave biblical examples – Joseph, Jeremiah and Solomon – of those who had considered themselves too young and inexperienced to do what God had asked, but God could see the potential. She also reminded us of the youth of Ellen White when she was commissioned as the Lord’s messenger. She affirmed that the young people are not the Church of tomorrow – they are the Church of today. For this reason, Wellingborough, very proud of its committed young people, is delighted to give them such opportunities to develop their talents for the Lord. We look forward with great anticipation to our next Youth Day. COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT
Pakistan, in 1949, had always worked behind the scenes. She was one of Guildford church’s long-standing members, having attended since 1976. During that time she served as church clerk and head deaconess. She was always extremely cheerful and loved to cuddle babies. She also spoke many Indian languages. Her friends in Guildford church and her family sadly miss her and we look forward to meeting her again in our heavenly home. SUNITHA SMITH
CHRISTIANA GORDON (1926-2009) d. January. After lifelong service on British soil, Christiana Gordon retired to her much-loved Jamaica where she was born, but when she took sick she had to come back to England for treatment. Providence decided otherwise. On 26 January, the family and friends of Christiana Gordon gathered at Willesden church to say a last farewell to a beloved mother, grandmother and sister in Christ. Having lived 83 years, she died peacefully. For those who went to visit her on her last day, she looked as if she were just asleep. Her grandson Derek Walker gave the eulogy. For those who knew her well, her dedication to her Lord was shown in her actions and words – she was very active in her church at Willesden and engaged in prayers in the church prayer band. Apart from her deep spirituality, she will also be remembered with fondness for her hospitality. There was no place for gossiping in her life and she encouraged the brethren to guard against it. By the way she slipped into death, we know that she will not fear meeting her Saviour, Jesus Christ. Pastor Kirk Thomas conducted her funeral. Our profound sympathies go to her daughter MICHELLE RONDOF and grandson. EDNA BARBARA FARROW (née COUPLAND) (1920-2009) d. 5 March. Barbara Farrow slipped peacefully away aged 88. On Monday 16 March, a beautiful spring morning, we laid her to rest with her soul mate, Pastor Arthur Farrow, amid the peace of Heaton Cemetery, Bolton, Lancashire. Barbara was born on 17 April 1920 in Cottingham, East Yorkshire. As a girl she attended Newland High School. Then aged 16, having successfully completed matriculation, she enrolled at Newbold Revel. There she undertook studies in music, Bible work and teaching. It was while she was at Newbold that she met her husband, Arthur Farrow, a new convert recently returned from New Zealand. After graduating, Barbara taught at Stanborough Primary School under the leadership of Dr Eddie White. By this time war had been declared. A call to the mission field was received by Arthur, and the engaged pair were summoned to the Conference president’s office and given eight weeks in which to marry and embark on mission service. They set sail on the SS California and, off the Azores, their ship, along with others in the convoy, was sunk by enemy action. Only by the grace of God did they escape with their lives. They lost everything. For fifteen years the couple laboured in both East and West Nigeria. Barbara was head of the girls’ school in Aba. Later she set up a small school of her
own for the children of the missionaries and ex-pat traders who lived in the town. In everything she supported her husband. Three children were born to the couple during this time: Carol and Christine in Port Harcourt and John while they were on furlough in England. On returning home to the UK Barbara served with her husband in Holloway, Wood Green, Edmonton and the New Gallery. Then followed service in Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth, where Brenda was born. Five years’ service in Glasgow was followed by service in Leeds, Wolverhampton and finally Bolton, where Arthur died. In the thirty years that followed his death, Barbara lived and worshipped at the Bolton church where she served as elder, organist and flower arranger. She also had her own personal ministry to people outside the church whom she visited regularly. Barbara’s health started to deteriorate and she was hospitalised on several occasions but always bounced back. Finally she became too frail to live alone, so she spent the remaining year of her life at Grange Lea Nursing Home in Bolton. Barbara was the devoted mother of Carol, John, Christine and Brenda; loving mother-in-law of Alan, Barbara, Kevin and Richard; adored Nana to eight granddaughters and three grandsons, of whom she was very proud; and great-Nana to Leia, Olivia and Oliver Logan. The funeral service was conducted by Pastor Fred Mapp and the talk given by Dr Derek Beardsall, a family friend. Barbara’s favourite scriptures were read by her granddaughters, Dr Victoria Logan and Diana Logan. Another granddaughter, Rebecca Beckett, made the beautiful arrangement that adorned her Nana’s coffin, as well as the lovely arrangements in the church. Brenda Peters, Barbara’s youngest daughter, compiled a lovely PowerPoint presentation of Barbara’s life. Barbara’s favourite hymns were sung by her church family, ably assisted by her son-in-law, Richard Peters and friend, David Brownlow, at the piano. The interment was conducted by Pastor Fred Mapp after the beautiful singing of the hymn, ‘All the way my Saviour leads me’. So now she sleeps with her soul mate, waiting for the call of Jesus. The family would like to thank everyone who sent donations to Cancer Research and Alzheimer’s Research and for all the messages and help received. CAROL LOGAN, daughter MARGARET ELIZABETH (BETTY) MARSHALL (1929-2009) d. 24 March. Betty was born the eldest child of Sidney and Dorothy Williams. Sidney was an auto engineer and Dorothy a pharmacist with a shop in Pontarddulais. Among Betty’s earlier memories was going to school in Llandeilo by pony and trap. Most of her upbringing, however, took place at Bradford House, Hendy. It was there that her siblings, Mair, David and Wilfred, were born. The family, a close and loving one, was raised in the Welsh Independent tradition, attending Hope Chapel, Pontarddulais. A conscientious and caring elder sister, Betty became a well-known and caring member of the Hendy community. Among her antecedents was the great preacher Morgan Jones of Trelech, so it
was not surprising that, after grammar school, Betty enrolled at the Swansea Bible College. While there she attended an evangelistic campaign in Swansea conducted by Pastor George Emm. In 1952 she was baptised at the Sketty Seventh-day Adventist church. A year later Pastor Emm was joined by 1953 Newbold graduate G. E. (Ted) Marshall, a fine preacher and musician. After spending a year at Newbold College, Betty married Ted at Swansea on 1 September 1955. Betty began life as a minister’s wife in Llanelli, not far from Hendy, where Ted received the warmest possible welcome into the Williams family. For seventeen years, Betty had a whistle-stop tour of the Adventist churches of Wales, Ireland and Scotland, where Ted served as pastor-evangelist and, for a time, Publishing director. Aberdare, Pontypool, Trealaw, Barry, Wrexham, Belfast, Glasgow and Falkirk came in rapid succession, punctuated in 1960-62 by eighteen months in Watford. Andrew, their elder son, was born in Cardiff, and Peter, their younger son, in Watford. Betty was passionate about her faith and passionate about her family. She was noted for the warmth of her hospitality and her ability to cater for large numbers of people. In 1973, having trained at Victoria College, Glasgow, Betty graduated as a chiropodist. The quasi-itinerant life of the Marshalls came to an end in 1974 with a move back to Hendy. There Betty practised as a chiropodist, Ted got a good job at the DVLC (now DVLA), and Andrew and Peter embarked upon the settled years of their education at Llanelli Grammar School. Betty and the boys played an active part in the Swansea church, while Ted’s preaching and musical skills were appreciated throughout the Welsh Mission and in the Nonconformist chapels of the Welsh valleys. Following Ted’s death in 2001, Betty continued active in the Carmarthen church and as a chiropodist until her death, shortly after her 80th birthday. St David’s Church, Hendy, was packed for Betty’s funeral on Wednesday 1 April. It looked as if the Adventist members from Swansea, Carmarthen and elsewhere, and the entire Hendy community had turned out. The funeral was conducted by Welsh Mission president Pastor John Surridge with the assistance of the Revd Peter Jones. ‘Those who knew Betty well, knew her as a woman of great conviction,’ said Pastor Surridge, ‘and it was her Christian conviction in particular that saw her through the highs and the lows, and sustained her recently through the death of her beloved husband.’ A whole community mourns Betty’s passing, including three generations of the families of her siblings David, Wilfred and (the late) Mair. Betty was proud that her sons Andrew and Peter, her daughter-in-law Fiona, and her grandchildren Matthew, Luke and Zoe were (her words) ‘in the Truth’. She was proud of them all and died in the great expectation of a family reunion. JOHN SURRIDGE with input from the family
The family would like to thank all who sent cards, messages, flowers and gifts to the British Heart Foundation. They were deeply appreciated. Messenger
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Photo by Lungani Sibanda
Youth Week of Prayer: ‘Regroup, Refuel, Refocus’ by David Bussue he Youth team under the leadership of Nikki Holmes decided not to do the ‘usual’ this year and, as part of Sheffield Carter Knowle’s wider outreach programme over this next two years, invited Pastor David Zaid from California to be the special speaker for YWOP. The theme for the week was Regroup, Refuel, Refocus. Things started with an all-night prayer meeting on Saturday 14 March as part of the preparations for YWOP. One of the key ambitions of YWOP was to consolidate the youth at Carter Knowle and to re-establish links with those youth with whom links had been disconnected. All we knew of Pastor Zaid was that he had been recommended by another pastor, and we had seen a YouTube clip of him. We also knew our God. Well, Pastor Zaid more than delivered! He ministers at the Westminster Good Samaritan Seventh-day Adventist church in California, USA, and has a vibrant youth team there, which he shared with us here at Carter Knowle. Pastor Zaid had the ability to make the Gospel of Jesus Christ seem so simple, yet exciting. He used humour, real-life situations, and insights into his own life and background to make a point. During the all-night prayer session, a list of names of youth we wanted to re-connect with was put on the wall. By the Wednesday
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night fifteen of that list had come out to the meetings, and most of them were coming consistently. We were blessed with young people making decisions for Jesus Christ to come into their lives and do something different. Pastor Zaid focused on the lives of young men like Joseph and challenged the church to be radical for Jesus Christ. He drew attention to the dysfunctionality in Bible families, yet pointed out that this did not hold patriarchs back from doing their all for the Lord. Pastor Zaid’s telling of the story of Balaam, as a precursor to asking us all what we would do with our second chance should we be given one, stirred the hearts of many to make decisions for the Lord. One young person who had returned to church said that this was the first time things had been made so clear and simple for her. Our Anointing Service on Friday evening was one of the most powerful. The men were anointed first and then circled the walls of the sanctuary. The women were then anointed, and they too circled the sanctuary. Then those who had specific illnesses or situations needing anointing came to the centre of the church, and the pastors and elders moved around and anointed them. Our theme song for the week was ‘The Splendour of a King – How Great is Our God’. After that service the church sang the theme song to close. It had been sung well throughout the
week, but never the way it was sung this time. Contributing to the week’s success were the fellowship lunches held on the two Sabbaths. This allowed time for those who had reconnected to the church to spend time chatting and those who had just made contact with us to see us in a social setting. On the final Sabbath, after we had expressed our heartfelt thanks to Pastor Zaid for his ministry, we formed a human chain around the church and encircled Pastor Zaid and our well-loved Bible worker Lloyd Lambert, who has been called into the gospel ministry, and our own minister, Pastor Andrew Rashford-Hewitt. It was a fitting end to the YWOP as our pastor prayed a special prayer for Pastor Zaid, and we acknowledged the new call on Pastor Lambert’s life. Carter Knowle has embarked on a two-year evangelistic programme we have called ‘Invest to Save’, which is simply about giving our very best to the Master. The YWOP in this format was the first of our large programmes. God blessed the Youth department and the church tremendously through YWOP. It is our aim and determination not to let this YWOP be just another ‘high time’ but to build on the challenges Pastor Zaid left us with and do all for God’s glory. Croscombe pictures Do you have historical pictures of the Croscombe church? We would love you to share them in preparation for our future 100th anniversary. We will be happy to copy and return the originals if you make that request. Please send photos to Jean Hardy Baerg, Trentino, Clayton Road, Newcastle, Staffs, ST5 4DH.
And finally. . . Don’t let your worries get the best of you; remember, Moses started out as a basket case. Some people are kind, polite and sweet-spirited until you try to sit in their pews. Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisors. It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.
STANBOROUGH SECONDARY SCHOOL VACANCY Full-time teacher required from September, able to teach I.C.T up to International Baccalaureate Diploma Level. Applicants should hold a qualification in ICT, preferably with teaching qualifications, relevant experience and have authorisation to work in the UK. Application forms, available from the school, and a current CV should be sent to Judy McKie, PA to Head Teacher, Stanborough School, Stanborough Park, Watford, WD25 9JT or [email protected] by 22 May 2009. Further information available from the school.
55th Reunion Newbold graduating class of 1954 are having their 55th reunion at Newbold the weekend of 3-5 July 2009. Student friends from 1951-1954 are invited to join us. For more information email Jean (Hardy) Baerg at [email protected] or tel. Iris Edwards on 01749 672979 or [email protected].
ABC BOOK SALES May 10 Harper Bell 17 Stanborough Park
10.30am-2pm 10.30am-2pm
June NEC & SEC camp meeting 8-14 June
ABC Shops Watford, BUC. Now open 11am-5.30pm, Monday-Thursday. 10am-2pm Friday. 1st & 3rd Sunday in every month, 10am-2pm. Advent Centre, Sundays 11am-3pm
Messenger Volume 114 • 9 – 8 May 2009 EDITOR: D. N. MARSHALL DESIGN: DAVID BELL COPY FOR No. 11 – 18 May 2009 Copy should be sent to the Editor, MESSENGER, The Stanborough Press Limited, Alma Park, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 9SL. Tel: (01476) 591700. Fax No: (01476) 577144. Email: [email protected] Send high resolution pictures to: [email protected] ABC Sales line: (01476) 539900 Mon-Thurs only, 8am- 5.30pm. www.stanboroughpress.com The Editor may alter, clarify, précis or expand articles sent to him if he thinks it necessary. Published fortnightly on Fridays by the British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Printed in Oxford. Visit the BUC website at: www.adventist.org.uk ISSN 0309-3654
Sunset Sunset times are reproduced with permission from data supplied by the Science Research Council. May
8 15 22 29
Lond 8.35 8.46 8.56 9.05
Card 8.48 8.58 9.08 9.17
Nott 8.45 8.57 9.07 9.17
Edin 9.06 9.20 9.32 9.43
Belf 9.11 9.23 9.35 9.45
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