4th Quarter - South New Zealand Conference

4 T H Q U A RT E R 2 0 0 9
The Quarterly Newsletter of the South New Zealand Conference
S TA F F I N G F O R 2 0 1 0
T
he end of the year brings changes to the South New
Zealand Conference staffing team and we are saying
farewell to:
¡ Pr Greg Evans (Conference General Secretary and
Ilam Church Pastor), wife Suzanne and daughter Cherie,
who are relocating to Sydney where Greg will take
up a new position with the Adventist Media
Network.
¡ Pr Asofitu Leatuavao (SamoanAddington and Samoan-Aranui Pastor),
wife Sarai and daughters Larissa and Natalia, are also
leaving for Sydney where Asofitu will pastor the Mount
Druitt Samoan Church.
¡ Mr Phil Leenhouwers (Nelson) and wife Diana are
moving to Auckland.
Pr Neil Thompson is moving on from Papanui Church
however we are not having to say farewell as he is taking
up the appointment of AssociateYouth and Family
Ministries Director for the New Zealand Pacific Union
Conference, based in Christchurch
Our farewells will shortly be followed by welcomes as
we greet the new members of the ministerial team:
¡ Pr Kenneth Fuliese has accepted the call to pastor
the Samoan churches in Christchurch. Kenneth has
ministered in Samoa and most recently at Fulton
College, Fiji, where he was a lecturer as well as
assistant pastor for the College church. After
spending 2009 with family in Auckland, Kenneth and
Linda along with their one year old daughter Kesila
are looking forward to getting back into full-time
ministry.
Jezreel and Glenda Locop with sons Jae-o and Jae-u
¡ Pr Jezreel Locop has spent all of his 18 years in
ministry in the Philippines working in various roles.
Most recently he has been the Central Philippine
UnionYouth Director. Jezreel and his wife Glenda
(who is a Doctor of Dentistry) have two sons, Jae-o
(12), and Jae-u (8). Jezreel has felt that God has led
him to work outside of his homeland, and is very
excited about this opportunity to minister in South
New Zealand.
Eric and Mirella Kral with children Timothy and Julia
¡ Mr Erik Kral grew up as a Pastor’s son in Poland.
Kenneth and Linda Fuliese with daughter Kesila
For some time Erik and Mirella have felt a call to fulltime ministry. After migrating to Australia and
working in the field of Electronic Engineering for
many years in Queensland, Erik answered the call
God placed upon his heart and went to study
Theology at Avondale. As a recent graduate and with
two young children,Timothy (11) and Julia (10), the
Kral’s are looking forward to commencing ministry
in South New Zealand.
(Continued on next page)
(Continued from previous page)
¡ Pr Grant Burton has ministered in New South
Wales and the North Island of New Zealand. Grant
and his wife Rosalie are returning to the Mainland
after 20 years and are looking forward to coming
home with their children Geena-Rose (16) and Caleb
(14).
The placement of these new ministers are in the list
below, along with other church leadership appointments
that were finalised at the Executive Committee meeting
that was held November 22.
Grant and Rosalie Burton with daughter Geena-Rose,
son Caleb and Miia the Finnish Laphaund
CHURCH
A RANUI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr Allan Matthies (Church Leader)
A SHBURTON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr Gordon Gosset (Ministerial Trainee)
B ISHOPDALE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pr James Toogood
B LENHEIM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pr Grant Burton
C HRISTCHURCH S OUTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr Erik Kral (Ministerial Intern)
D UNEDIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pr Kyle Richardson
G REYMOUTH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr Phillip Hawken ( Church Leader )
I LAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pr Mel Trevena
I NVERCARGILL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P r Victor Kulakov
N ELSON (T HE H AVEN ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pr Grant Burton
O AMARU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pr Paul Gredig
O XFORD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr Gordon Gossett (Ministerial Trainee)
P APANUI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pr Jezreel Locop
R ANGIORA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr Erik Kral (Ministerial Intern)
S AMOAN -A DDINGTON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pr Kenneth Fuliese
S OUTH O TAGO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pr Kyle Richardson
S T A LBANS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pr Ben Rea
S T M ARTINS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pr Mel Trevena
T IMARU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pr Paul Gredig
COMPANY
F IJIAN C O . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr Abraham Wilson ( Church Leader )
G ARDEN C ITY C O . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pr Ben Rea / Mr Andrew Gillard (Ministerial Trainee)
N ORTH C ANTERBURY C O. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr Gordon Gosset (Ministerial Trainee)
R IVERLANDS C O . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pr James Toogood
S AMOAN -A RANUI C O . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pr Kenneth Fuliese
GROUP
F ILIPINO G ROUP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pr Jezreel Locop
Q UEENSTOWN G ROUP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pr Victor Kulakov / Mr Soon Cheng (Pioneer)
R USSIAN G ROUP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr Ivan Nalchadzhi (Pioneer)
S HORESIDE G ROUP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pr Kenneth Fuliese
SCHOOL
C HRISTCHURCH A DVENTIST S CHOOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs Tracey Ling (School Chaplain)
S OUTHLAND A DVENTIST C HRISTIAN S CHOOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pr Victor Kulakov
Southern Connexions is a quarterly newsletter produced by the South New Zealand
Conference. For more information or to submit material for a future edition, please
contact the SNZ Conference Office. Contact details can be found on the last page.
2
4TH QUARTER 2009
FA R E W E L L . . . B U T N O T T H E L A S T
T
he time has come for my family and I to begin to say
our farewells to the people of South New Zealand,
but I am confident that they will not be our last. Over the
last two years, we have been made welcome and wanted,
as we have travelled around the different places and
churches of this beautiful land.We have enjoyed living and
ministering here, and have been blessed by it. So, it is
with a degree of sadness that we move on to the next
place to which God has called us, to the Adventist Media
Network at the South Pacific Division in Sydney. May I
offer our hearty thanks to all of you for your kind words,
support, and hospitality.
It would be remiss of me if I didn’t convey special thanks
to those with whom I have most closely worked while in
New Zealand. To Pr Craig Gillis, Mrs Brigid Peddie, Mrs
Melissa Savage and Ms Edwina Davis, thank you for your
counsel, wisdom, and friendship. I believe the Conference
is in good hands.To Ilam Church, what a church!Your
vision, support, and patience are memorable. Keep up the
spiritual momentum that we have developed over the last
two years. Keep working, waiting, and watching for the
coming of Jesus.
to proclaim the Three Angels’ Messages of Revelation
14:6-12, and our message is contained in the 28
fundamental summary statements of the Scriptures. All of
them! Just as Coke Zero and Diet Pepsi are no good for
your physical health, so Gospel Lite, effectively Gospel
Zero, is no good for your physical, mental or spiritual
health. It will eventually lead to your downfall.
Preachers, preach the word! Spend at least a day in prayer
and study in preparation of your Bible-based, Christcentred, mission-focused and message-fuelled sermons.
Some will need to spend more time than this. Few are
able, or ought, to spend less.
Listeners, hear the word; live the word! … Do you get
my meaning here? Perhaps the words of a past General
Conference president may help. “We’ve studied it,
debated it, interpreted it, argued over it, preached from
it, bludgeoned each other with it, quoted it, read it and
memorized it, but we just haven’t lived it.”
Let’s all preach the Word. Hear the Word! Live theWord!
May God bless you, and keep you.
Somewhat more importantly, I would like to take this
opportunity to leave you with some important counsel
from a couple of inspired writers.The messenger of the
Lord has written, “A revival of true godliness among us is
the greatest and most urgent of all our needs.To seek this
should be our first work.” (Last Day Events p. 189)
Pr Greg Evans
General Secretary and Ilam Church Pastor
GregEvans@adventistmedia.org.au (from 1st January, 2010)
These words lead us to an obvious question: “How do we
accomplish this revival of true godliness?” One important
component of the answer is found in the words of the
apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4:1-5, “I charge thee therefore
before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge
the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season;
reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and
doctrine. For the time will come when they will not
endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they
heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they
shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be
turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure
afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof
of thy ministry.”
Cherie, Greg and Suzanne Evans
Preach the word! There is power in God’s word, which
far outweighs that of man. Preaching in Adventist
churches ought to be the most powerful preaching in the
world. Preaching in Adventist churches should not be just
a series of short stories book-ended by a couple of Bible
texts, or with a smattering of texts sporadically
interspersed amongst the superfluous. For preaching in
Adventist churches to be powerful, our sermons should
be Bible-based, Christ-centred, mission-focused, and
message-fuelled.
What is our mission? What is our message? Our mission is
3
2 0 1 0 E VA N G E L I S M & I L A M LO D G E F U N D I N G
ARANUI ....................................Church Signage ...............................................$700
Signs Outreach ................................................$290
ASHBURTON ............................Public Evangelism Outreach...........................$2,000
CHIP Programme .........................................$1,000
BISHOPDALE ............................MonthlyTV Breakfasts ...................................$1,000
Monthly Outreach ...........................................$500
‘Get the Best’Seminar and Followup ................$7,000
Youth Evangelism .........................................$1,000
CHRISTCHURCH SOUTH ...........Community Seminars ....................................$2,000
Children’s Ministries / Fun Days .....................$1,000
Van Ministry ...................................................$500
Signs Outreach
DUNEDIN ..................................University Orientation .................................$1,000
CHIP Seminar ..............................................$1,000
Signs Campaign ............................................$1,000
Youth Expo ..................................................$1,000
FIJIAN .....................................Evangelism ..................................................$2,000
Youth Ministry ................................................$500
FLIPINO ...................................Marriage Encounter Seminar .............................$500
GARDEN CITY ...........................Books/Material for Door to DoorWork ...............$600
Youth Evangelism‘New Beginnings’ ...................$500
StormCo ........................................................$850
Reaping Campaign ...........................................$800
2 x Budgeting Seminars .....................................$500
2 x Community Fun Days ................................$1,000
GREYMOUTH ............................Greymouth Dial-a-Prayer .................................$500
Greymouth Prophecy Code ............................$1,500
Westpor t Prophecy Code ...............................$2,000
Westpor t Hall Rental........................................$500
ILAM ........................................DavidAsscherick Outreach ............................$1,000
Toilet Refurbishment ....................................$5,000
INVERCARGILL ........................All Power Programme....................................$7,000
NELSON....................................Church Repair/Refurbishment.....................$10,000
NORTH CANTERBURY ...............Youth Extreme Outreach ...............................$1,000
OAMARU ..................................Kids Club ....................................................$1,000
Sound System ...............................................$1,500
OXFORD ...................................Signs Outreach ................................................$500
PAPANUI ..................................Homes of Hope .............................................$1,000
Children’s Ministry.......................................$1,200
Community Fun Days ....................................$1,500
FuseTeen Programme .......................................$300
Mind Body Spirit Festival...................................$600
RANGIORA ...............................Beginner’s Room Heating...............................$1,500
Video/DVD Lending Library .............................$500
Meeting Room Heating ..................................$1,000
SAMOAN-ADDINGTON ..............Heat Pumps..................................................$5,000
Outreach Programme....................................$3,000
Reaching the Community ..................................$500
4
4TH QUARTER 2009
SAMOAN-ARANUI ....................Outreach Programme....................................$2,000
Radio Ministry .............................................$1,500
Children’s Programme ..................................$1,000
SHORESIDE ..............................Outreach.....................................................$7,000
ST ALBANS ...............................Food Bank.......................................................$250
Church Signage ...............................................$750
Signs Booklets .................................................$500
MT HUT T RETREAT ....................Facility Upgrade .........................................$10,000
PRISON MINISTRY....................Prison Ministry ...............................................$520
TOOGOOD .................................Television Broadcast....................................$20,000
EDEN CONFERENCE
E
den is a project where we provide a safe
environment for young women to talk about issues
surrounding being a women.
where woman made the ultimate
choice. A choice between life and
death.
This event was run in Christchurch June 13 and 14. The
program covers spiritual, emotional and physical health.
The questions surrounding relating to parents, sexual
health, depression, pregnancy, sexually transmitted
diseases and suicide.This event is unique as it provides a
safe environment without authority figures and boys
present, where girls can really talk about the issues that
they face. Here is the overview we use in the advertising:
This is ultimately what we want for
all the girls involved in this event.
Eden will be a place where their full
potential in all aspects can be revealed,
where they can accept that they have been
redeemed from their ‘out of Eden’ state
and choose to restore ‘Eden’ in their
lives. Eden is where they can make
their own ultimate choice, choose
health, choose life!
EDEN is a young women’s event with a focus on holistic
health and wellbeing.We have been blessed with funding
from ADRA (Advenitst Development Relief Agency) and
from the Health Department to provide a space were
young women can be informed and explore issues that
directly relate to their physical, mental, emotional and
spiritual wellbeing from and Adventist worldview.
Even the name EDEN represents the Hebrew translation
of Eden which means delight. More importantly Eden is
where God created the first man and especially significant
to our project, where he formed the first women...Eve.
Pr Kylie Ward
Women’s Ministries Director
The 2010 Eden Conference is planned for Sabbath July 31 and
Sunday August 1. Encourage your teen daughter, granddaughter,
niece or girlfriend to attend.
In Eden woman was one with God... Eve was perfect in
body, spirit and soul, she was exactly how God hoped,
intended and created her to be. Eden is also the place
5
Community Fun Days
OUR YOUTH...
Miller’s Beach Shelter
TEEN EXPEDITION
Twenty-eight teens, parents and leaders met on Monday
October 5 at Oban, Stewart Island, to begin their week of
adventure.Two fishing boats were boarded and journeyed
to the entrance of Freshwater Landing
stream, dinghy’s then ferried everyone to
the campsite where they stayed the night.
Tuesday morning everyone was up early to
prepare for their 14 kilometre hike to
Mason’s Bay led by Mr Chris Keegan
(District Director). Blisters, muddy boots
and muddier faces marked the end of the
hike with a few hikers daring to brave the
freezing cold stream for a wash. Everyone
had a relaxing time around the bonfire that
night with worship, fellowship, damper
and marshmallows. Although Mason’s Bay
is known as the home of the Kiwi not one was spotted,
perhaps too much noise was being made.The hikers were
picked up by boatie friends Tim and Wayne when they
returned to Freshwater Landing on Wednesday and went
to Miller’s beach where camp was made in a shelter open
to the elements and wildlife.Thursday was spent diving
and kayaking and on Friday the hikers visited a salmon
farm. Ulva Island (bird sanctuary) was the destination for
Sabbath where the hikers joined Joan Sheppard (local
resident) for her first church service on Stewart Island for
22 years. Ulva Island was a beautiful place to spend
Sabbath, New Zealand bush and bird life is spectacular.
Sunday saw everyone up at 5.00 am and on the boat to
Oban to catch the Ferry to Bluff and home.
Special thanks to our boaties Tim and Wayne who donated
their boats and time, without them our Expedition would
not have been what it was, as they were our main mode of
transport.
Edwina Davis
Youth Secretary
Hiking to Mason’s Beach
Teen Expedition Group at Miller’s Beach
NELSON YOUTH RALLY
The theme of the Nelson youth rally, held October 17, was on making a firm commitment to living for Jesus. The key
thought was to understand the secret to life; contrary to Dan Brown the secret is not knowing how to die, but knowing that
we will die – how will you now choose to live.
A van load of people travelled from Christchurch to meet with the youth in Nelson. Friday night was rehearsal time and
things went very well. A mixture of our team and the Nelson youth was arranged with help from Joarta. Sarah-Jane Bishop
took theYouth Sabbath School program and Pastor Neil Thompson preached during the main service. Feedback from many
people was how much they appreciated the message and ministry of the team that day. After a fellowship lunch we had the
Nelson Unite program in the downstairs youth room.
A fellowship tea was organised at Cheryl Keene’s place, and an evening of socialising and games was enjoyed by all. It was
excellent to see the Brazilian group of young people join in with the rest of the Nelson and Christchurch youth.
Neil Thompson
Youth Director
6
4TH QUARTER 2009
CONFERENCE PATHFINDER CAMPOREE
Staveley was the place to be for Pathfinder’s over Labour
weekend in October at the South New Zealand
Pathfinder Camporee, ‘Journey’s End’. Five Pathfinder
clubs attended the event, a total of 67 Pathfinder’s and
leaders. ‘Journey’s End’ was the theme of the weekend
for activities and night meetings, based on Pilgrim’s
Progress by John Bunyan. Jennifer Ogden, Oamaru
Church Bible Worker, spoke at the night meetings urging
the young people to “stay on their journey with Jesus,
even though the road of life will have rough patches and
there will be deceivers, lean on Jesus and you will reach
your goal”.
Papanui Club Raising Camporee Flag
Activities included travelling with a burden on their back
to reach the Celestial City and not getting lured away by
garlic filled chocolates at Vanity Fair or getting stuck in
the Slough of Despond.They also had to break a code at
the Interpreters House, find answers at Doubting Castle,
survive the Tunnel of Death, and climb the Hill of
Difficulty.
Rope Bridge
TheYouth Department would like to thank all those who
prayed for the Camporee, and the safety of the
Pathfinder’s. Parent’s and Church’s can be proud of
their Pathfinder Clubs and their Leader’s.
Burma Trail Blindfolded
Edwina Davis
Youth Secretary
Pathfinders have the opportunity to attend the next Union wide
Camporee in the Cook Islands 28 December, 2010 – 3 January,
2011. This is a wonderful opportunity for Pathfinder’s, please
help support your clubs as they fundraise.
Bungee Challenge
THANK YOU DISTRICT DIRECTORS
TheYouth Department would like to thank our District Director’s for the time and
energy they have dedicated to Pathfinders in the South New Zealand Conference.
They are Chris Keegan, Andrew Gillard, Jeanne Low, Pastor Mel Trevena and
Edwina Davis. This year they have helped run local Pathfinder Club’s, Pathfinder
Leadership Training Weekends,Teen Expedition to Stewart Island, the Camporee at
Staveley, Adventurer Rally and Investitures. Thanks to Pastor Mark Falconer from
the New Zealand Pacific Union Conference, who has filled in as ourYouth Director
for Pathfinders this year.
7
(left to right): Edwina Davis, Chris Keegan, Jeanne Low,
Pr Mel Trevena, Pr Mark Falconer, Andrew Gillard (front)
OUR CHURCHES...
ASHBURTON
t has been a marvelous privilege to witness the
working of God’s hand in Ashburton this year. As the
year began church attendance had dwindled down to a
faithful group of stalwarts as a number of families had
moved from the district in 2008 and some
had dropped off from church attendance.
It was decided by the active members to
implement a five year plan for the increase
in numerical growth and public awareness
of the Adventist Church in Ashburton, the
core of which would be an aggressive
evangelism focus. In the first year we have
sought to reconnect with missing
members and to establish contact with the
community through such things as free
book offers, search DVDs and personal
connections. Also we started home study groups, a
monthly visitors day and sports nights during the winter
months. Regular attendance has increased particularly on
visitors days, which are especially geared for new people,
with an appropriate topical sermon, church lunch and an
afternoon program.We have seen visitors day attendance
usually in excess of 50 and on regular Sabbaths 30 plus,
Praise the Lord! Part of the five year plan was to find a
more suitable venue for the church to function and God
seems to be moving in that direction in mysterious ways
with an offer already being made for the purchase of the
existing building!
I
Church Group at Sharplin Falls,
Sabbath afternoon walk during
Church Camp
Lord and has been accepted in the It Is Written College
of Evangelism in Australia, and a church camp at Mt Hutt
Retreat. Also due to studies being done with a Cook
Island couple, who are already proving to be great
evangelists, we now have their friends and family sharing
their talent in music with us at church. One of the really
exciting things is to see people from every continent in
attendance indicating the global fulfillment of the
prophecy of Isaiah 52:10.
Cook Island Siniging Group
We look excitedly towards 2010 as we plan for a CHIP
Program and a public evangelism initiative as well as
continuing with the current processes of growing the
family of God in Ashburton and the surrounding
districts.
Gordon Gossett
We have had some wonderful highlights through the year
such as the baptism of a young lady who is on fire for the
BLENHEIM
he ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief
Agency) ‘Soup and Buns’ caravan has been serving
some of the Blenheim people in need with extra
nourishment in these difficult times. It has been a great
joy to all those participating in the work to
be greeted by smiling faces and
expressions of appreciation by one and all.
Their were many children who couldn’t
wait to get their hands on a hot cup of
soup (tomato was their favourite) and a
bun or two, especially on the sometimes
very cold days which did not deter them
from calling on us.We were also most
impressed by their behaviour, their
expressions of thanks and even and
occasional ‘God bless you’.We are no
longer surprised when, walking through town, we are
recognised and rewarded with a cheery ‘hello’ or a
friendly wave.This surely is another sign that the Lord’s
work is having a positive impact on some of the poorer
members in our community.
T
8
Another important aspect is that two of our helpers have
been occupied taking cups of soup and buns to some of
the pensioners living in Council flats.These too suffer
from the present declining economy and the everincreasing cost of keeping themselves warm this winter.
These activities also were very much appreciated.
We are not aware of any other agencies with a similar
program in the Blenheim area at present, so we feel
privileged to help at least some of the people in need.
Since the Blenheim Church consists for the greater part
of older people it, is not always easy to find the help to
4TH QUARTER 2009
carry out the work.Yet there is no doubt by their tireless
efforts that the program is a success. In the end there is
always someone available even if it means making two
pots of soup each week – or more! The expression
“Where there’s a will there’s a way” certainly applies in
this case.We look forward in anticipation to next year’s
activities.
Hans van Nieuwenhuijze
T
wo CHIP programs in Blenheim this year achieved
amazing results. An excellent rapport with the local
newspaper resulted in one of the reporters completing
the first program (despite her doctor advising her half
way through to pull out). Her published testimony at the
start of the second program resulted in seven readers
enrolling. As the success of participants becomes known,
more and more people are making enquiries.We are
blessed to have an excellent arrangement with St John
Ambulance (our regular venue for meetings) and Medlab
South (for blood tests).Two more programs are
scheduled for 2010, the first starting on February 21.We
have been able to offer spiritual help to graduates by
offering them Christian Television.We advise that it
offers the same lifestyle - cooking, health talks,
demonstrations and exercise - along with appearances of
TIMARU
round 150 past and present members of the Timaru
church gathered from the South and North Islands
and from Australia on Sabbath October 31 to celebrate
and reflect on 55 years in the current building. A meal
was shared at the Aorangi
Bowling Club where Jim
Tooley, 82, cut the
anniversary cake as the
longest attending member of
the Timaru Church.With
him were Cox family
representatives whose
grandfather,Walter Cox, was
the builder responsible for
the present church. Jim
Tooley also worked on the
building.
A
Dr Hans Diehl. At least one participant from every
program has so far taken up the offer.We also run
regular Alumni programs. Some of our staff were able to
attend the recent CHIP update weekend held in Rotorua
- and were blessed abundantly.We are looking forward to
the CHIP Summit next year with Dr Diehl and Caldwell
Esselstyn Jr.
Several thousand flyers advertising 3ABN were
letterboxed near the Church, and included a “Try Jesus”
card, one lady phoned the Pastor and told him that she
would like to become a Christian. He visited, arranged
Bible studies with a lay couple, installed 3ABN and the
HOPE Channel, and she has since asked her Bible
teachers if she can be baptised.
In Kaikoura, two folk have been baptised.Two other folk
- the first of our recent contacts - have just returned
from a three month residential in-depth Bible Workers'
training school at ARISE Ministries in California with
Pastors David Assherick and Nathan Renner. Studies
continue with other interests.The faithful work of Hans
and Jane Langer is much appreciated. Your prayers are
invited for Kaikoura.
Paul Gredig
Home and then lunched together at ‘Off The Rail Cafe
Goes Country’ to remember childhood days.
Lyn Hume
Celebrations continued on
Sunday when former church
school pupils met at the
Highfield Rest Home in
Avenue Road where the
church school was once
located.The group of nearly
50 people met and chatted
with residents of the Rest
9
RANGIORA
H
ealthy choices was the theme for the A&P Show
held at Rangiora on October 24, with two tents in
operation.The medical tent staffed by Doctors Eliot and
Ostring with assistant staff, Anne Clapham, Pauline
Macpherson, Sondra Harrison and Lorraine Gillard was a
a popular section for heath checks and distribution of
plenty of good health related topics.
Health Choice Team
Tent two was busy also.‘Goodie bags’ were
a new innovation and very popular.
Samples of packaged health foods were
welcomed by the public but also included
attractive recipe books supplied by the
Sanitarium Health Food Company
Nutrition Education Service, folders on a
wide variety of topics, smoking, alcohol
consumption, diabetes, weight, vegetarian
meals etc., were well received.There was
plenty of good reading available on
practical living plus the opportunity to
share the Signs magazine and civil defence emergency
preparations.
TheWaimakariri District Council welcomed the
opportunity to promote civil defence emergency
preparation, donating a large sample container of food
and items to be held in storage for times of emergency.
This was later presented to one of the hundreds of names
submitted to win this very acceptable prize.Videos on
the work of ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief
Agency) were also a feature.
Packing the hundreds of ‘goodie bags’ kept
Roger, David and Victor Millist going all
out to keep up with the front line team,
Alison and Steve Shaw,Val Bank and Kyle
Richardson.
The tents were a very successful outreach.
Val Bank
Jimmy Rawson
10
P
raise be to God! Rangiora was able to celebrate a
double blessing from our Lord and Saviour on the
November 14. In the morning our newly built baptismal
font was used for the first time by John Bashford. He
showed his commitment to Jesus and willingness to join
the Seventh-day Adventist Church through his statements
of faith and his baptism. John has had connections,
through family and friends, with the church for many
years, but it was a close friend who introduced him to
Rangiora church, which he now considers his home.
John Bashford
Then to make the day an even more special celebration,
Jimmy Rawson also confirmed his commitment to Jesus
in the waters of baptism in the afternoon. Surrounded by
family, friends and his church, Jimmy stepped forward in
faith to commit his life to Jesus.The Lord has used the
support of the Rangiora church and the Christchurch
Adventist School community to encourage him in this
decision.We praise God for his goodness in revealing
Himself to John and Jimmy.Welcome to the family, it is
good to have you as a part of God’s team!
Kyle Richardson
4TH QUARTER 2009
SAMOAN-ADDINGTON
s a follow up to the Christchurch Samoan churches
July 2009 Evangelistic Mission, the Addington
Samoan Church Health Department embarked on a
journey to find the “BiggestWinner”. The New Zealand
Pacific Union Conference Health department sponsored
this program to help create an awareness of a healthful
lifestyle. As the journey began, Sports Canterbury,
through networking with Community Leaders, saw the
opportunity to sponsor a pilot exercise program for the
wider Pacific Island community.This resulted in a
partnership between the Addington Samoan Health
department and Sports Canterbury in implementing an
exercise program. Sports Canterbury has granted
financial assistance towards the program and has pledged
further financial support for continuity.
A
NELSON (The Haven)
he Haven is once again blessed to have presented to
the Lord one precious soul for baptism. Carol
Polglaze, after a series of Bible studies with Avon Wastney
decided to accept God as her personal Saviour and
Friend. Born into generations of Adventists, Carol has
been active in church work for years. She initiated the
Tuesday’s Play and Chill Out Group, has been an
assistant Children’s Ministry leader and has worked with
the Adventurer’s Club . In attendance to witness Carol’s
baptism were her husband Graham, twin sons Sam and
Nathan and youngest boy Gareth; together with her
Mum, Beryl Watts, her brother and other family
members.
T
On the same joyous occasion,The Haven welcomed into
church fellowship, George Crossland on the profession of
his faith. George has been coming to church after
attending the ‘Get the Best Out of Life’ evangelistic
series.
We bid Phil and Diana Leenhouwers goodbye as they
relocate to Auckland at the end of this year. Phil came to
The Haven (Nelson) as a Church Volunteer in January
Aerobic classes are held three times a week at the
Addington Samoan church hall. The attendance to these
exercise classes average between 30 to 40
people. Regular health checks of diabetes,
blood pressure and weight are conducted
by health professionals.
Pastor Asofitu Leatuavao, the church
pastor stated “It’s a joy to see the church
involved in this initiative, and in inviting
friends to participate is a positive starting
point in enhancing healthy lifestyles in the
Pacific Island Community.”
Sarai Leatuavao
Sports Canterbury CEO presenting
cheque of $3,000 to Pr Asofitu Leatuavao
2005. Diana followed two months after.What was
planned to be a three-year contract lasted five years of
tears, joys and laughter; with challenges and unreserved
commitment to bring as many soul’s to
God’s Kingdom as possible.
The church family has worked closely with
Phil and Diana in their ministry.The
support has been enormous and God’s
leading has made things possible! The
church has witnessed growth in
attendance; from 61 on average in 2004 to
106 on average in 2008.There has been a
total of 40 baptisms and professions of
faith.
We thank them for their ministry.We love them to bits
and we will continue to pray for God’s direction in their
lives and for God to bless them according to His Mercy
and Grace.
The Haven Church Family
11
Carol Polglaze and George Crossland
ILAM
or two weeks in the middle of October, the Lord
blessed the Youth 4 Truth Revival series run at Ilam
Church. Many of our youth were involved in all sorts of
ways to make it happen: prayer, design, publicity,
preaching, and all the little jobs that make evangelism
happen.
F
We were specifically targeting
the ‘lost sheep of Israel’, and
those local youth who need to
consolidate their faith, that is,
ourselves.
Ilam’s Youth intend to run further missions. Next time
the focus will be outreach proper, targeting the
university and local community.We encourage all youth,
young and old to share Jesus is some way with their
community; to preach the word of God and to lift Jesus
up among others so that they may be drawn to Him.
You can listen to the sermons on the church website:
http://ilam.adventist.org.nz/podcast.
Ledua Brooks
Not only was it a great time
of Bible learning for us, but
we are now very aware of
what is involved in running an
outreach series and how to do
it better.
The themes of the messages were simple: Bible study and
devotional time; the centrality of Jesus; the truth about
tongues and the Holy Spirit; relationships and purity in
them; the basics and practicalities of the
Christian life were covered by our youth,
through God’s grace and leading.
Danny Brooks
The main thread was how vitally
important it is to stop playing church. If
we are followers of Christ, then we need
to stop meddling with the things of the
world, for when we do so, we give Satan
license to have his way in our life. God
tells us in Revelation 3 that He prefers we
make up our mind and be either totally
cold people (not in the church) or totally hot (on fire)
people, but He has a problem with those who are
lukewarm.These are those who have one foot in the
world and one foot in the church; one foot in error and
one in truth, and living a powerless, faithless life. God is
not interested in this weak commitment
and He will spew them out.
Karl Taaffe
This is particularly important as we
approach the last days, for He wants His
people to be ready in themselves, before
they can share His message with a dying
world. He is looking for workers to pour
His Holy Spirit out into, but first they
must be available and they must be
prepared.
After Meeting Refreshments
The urgency of changing our lives was evident in the
conviction among the 30 to 50 people who attended
nightly. From teens to seniors, they shared about the
ways that God is leading them, and committed to change
and Bible Study.
Damon Hurley
12
4TH QUARTER 2009
OUR SCHOOLS...
CHRISTCHURCH ADVENTIST SCHOOL & GRANTS ROAD MINISTRY
YEAR 13 RETREAT
August 13 to 16 sawYear 13 students from Christchurch
Adventist School (CAS) descend on Mt Hutt Retreat for
a weekend focused on team building, personality
profiling, spiritual challenges and socialising. Ably led by
Tracey Ling, Lisa Korenhof, Byron Ling, Danny Carrasco,
Arty Kuzniarski and Pastor Neil Thompson, the Retreat
was a highlight of the year for the Year 13 students. Some
features of the retreat included Pastor Thompson’s
challenging and thought provoking worships and
personality workshops, crazy team building events and
exercises run by Byron, fun games by Arty and Lisa, and
amazing meals to nourish all the hungry teenagers made
by our School Principal! A great time was had by all.
Yr 13 retreat was inspirational, fun and relaxing! – Marcus
Boniface
Marcus hitting the floor in a game of musical chairs was
hilarious! – Cowan Henderson
Bonding as aYr 13 Family was really awesome – Sarah Vivian
Yr 13 retreat was awesome! Great memories I will never forget!
It was fun doing the personality tests and the team
building games. – Matanofo Lavea
Asofitu Leatuavao (Parent of the School and Pastor of
the two Samoan Adventist Churches in Christchurch)
will take the donation with him when he goes to Samoa
in early December, and ensure it goes
towards the project.We are thankful for
the opportunity to be able to help out
after this tragedy.The school also had two
special prayer times after hearing of the
tragedy – one in a Combined Chapel and
one during a Staff Worship.We thank
Philippa Hasse for her leadership with this
Student Council Project.
FUSE
CAS Students at Footsteps Week of Worship
FUSE is a new initiative this year and is a
city-wide Friday night Teens program run once a term.
FUSE is run in the Hall on the school campus. Each
program focuses on different bible stories
coupled with different teenage issues. It
has been a blessing to see the students’
creative juices flow through dramas,
creative expressions, mimes, puppets,
music, decorations but most of all, to hear
student testimonies of what God has
done/is doing in their lives. Praise God!
A recent FUSE program was titled ‘In the
Dark of Night’ featuring a nine metre long
tunnel and also a six metre high rocket!
Byron Ling took the audience on a walk through the
galaxies, everyone marvelling at the wonder of our
amazing Creator. He then challenged the
teenagers to stick with God, even through
the most difficult of times.
Footsteps Week of Worship
Year 13 Students
FOOTSTEPS WEEK OF WORSHIP
The preschoolers from Footsteps Preschool enjoyed a
program in the Campus Hall every morning for an hour
during August 17 to 21, wonderfully hosted and run by
ten CAS Intermediate students! The colourful program
focused on the heroes of the Bible and included
interactive games, singing, stories, clowns, big group
activities, puppets, drama, prayer, quizzes and more.
Highlights included knocking down the walls of Jericho,
crossing the red sea, going sailing in a boat with the
disciples, walking on water with Peter. Jillayne Ennor
provided a fantastic Cafe environment for the Preschool
parents who came along, to chat, enjoy a lovely hot drink
and yummy slices and bikkies (complimentary) and
watch their kids enjoy the program.The week was a
HUGE success, with the Preschool asking for another
program next year, as well as the Intermediate students
being empowered through service and spiritual growth in
a massive way! Praise God!
TSUNAMI RELIEF
The amount of $475.10 was raised for the rebuilding of
an Adventist Church destroyed in the Tsunami. Pastor
The last FUSE program for the year was
titled ‘Stand Up’ with Pastor Asofitu
Leatuavao inspiring everyone to stand up
for Christ.The evening focused on the
story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego
and challenged everyone to stand up and
make a difference.Three CAS young men
presented a compelling story to music,
Footsteps Week of Worship Sailing Boat
there was also a panel of young people who discussed
what it really means to stand up for God today.
BAPTISMS
We praise God for the recent baptisms of
two CAS students – Chris McDonald was
welcomed into the Bishopdale Church
family and Jimmy Rawson-Rogers was
welcomed into the Rangiora Church
family. As a school we praise God for
their decisions and will continue to
support them in their journeys through
life. It is a privilege to help and assist local
Churches in the spiritual development of
young people.
Footsteps Week of Worship
(Continued on next page)
13
(Continued from previous page)
CAS CHAPEL PROGRAMS
It has been wonderful to have more students than ever
before speaking for both Primary and High School
Chapels this year, sharing their love of Jesus with their
peers.What a blessing and inspiration they have been!We
also had Canadian singing group ‘Arise’
perform, Fijian and Palmerston North
service trip groups sharing how God has
worked through them, Pastors and
Community Leaders visit, annual Staff
Appreciation Day, and other features
throughout the year. It has been great to
see students stepping up in areas of
leadership as well. Praise God for all the
people He has spoken and ministered to us
through in 2009!
FUSE Praise and Worship Team
BIBLE STUDIES
Bible studies at CAS are carried out when requested by
the students.The studies support and encourage what is
happening in the local churches and studies that are done
with students compliment what they receive through
their home churches. It has been great continuing on
with Bible studies with students this year and we look
forward to continuing to work with the students and
local churches in this area.We have also sourced some
fantastic online Bible studies for kids which have been
well received by Primary students and parents alike
(were useful over the holiday period to keep kids
occupied too I hear!) and plan to continue developing
this area.
Amber Proud at FUSE
STAFF APPRECIATION DAY
For three years running the Student Council have run a
very memorable day for both Staff and students, and this
year was no exception! Staff Appreciation Day is a
chance for students and the school community to show
how much we truly appreciate all the hard work and
hours our wonderful Staff put in.This year again featured
all sorts of goodies, excitement, food, thank you’s from
the Conference President, the Board of Trustees
Chairman and more!
Was a lot of fun to organise! It was rewarding seeing all the
teachers appreciate what we were doing for them, and
encouraging to see the students wanting to go all out to
spoil the staff! – Natalia Leatuavao
Was fun giving gifts to the teachers and helping them out.
Chapel was a special experience. – Audrey Lavea
There were lots of good ideas and fun; I especially liked the song
Sofia wrote for the Staff! – Chantelle Steenberg
It was a fun day showing our staff how much we love them –
Matanofo Lavea
Kids Church
KIDS CHURCH
The last few months have been absolute highlights for the
kids during Kids Church.We have had a massive tunnel
and an eight metre rocket ship ready to blast off through
the ceiling for ‘Space Quest’ Kids Church in September.
During this Kids Church we looked at the amazing Solar
14
System and how awesome our Creator God is who loves
us. A highlight for the children was being able to make
yummy edible craft – thanks to Sophie Reynolds and her
leadership.
In October we took a new approach with the theme
‘Hands in Action’ – an activity-based program that
focused on using our actions to serve others.We
concluded with children giving hand-made bookmarks to
Church members.This helped create further interaction
between our kids and church members.
The ‘Fiery Furnace’ was a great experience in November
with a real smoking fiery furnace! This added an
awesome realistic effect to the drama, making the story
come alive.We were challenged to stand up for Jesus no
matter what and were reminded of this through the very
fun puppet show song “You’ve Got To Do Right.”
This year our team of 30-strong teen and youth leaders
have shone! Their testimony through this ministry each
month is stronger than any program we could run.Their
creativity, fun and enthusiasm makes Kids Church a great
environment for kids to learn what the love of God really
is.Thank you all for your continued support and prayer.
2010 PLANNING
Amongst other things two of the projects we are running
next year are two Service Trips – One to Sydney and one
to Wellington. For both projects, teams from CAS will
be leading out in Week ofWorship programs, sports,
Church services and community events.These trips are
always hugely impacting in young people’s lives and their
spiritual walks. If you would like to assist financially in
sponsoring a student to go on one of these trips or
financially assisting with any of these areas, please
contact Tracey at the School, phone (03) 352 9173 or
email heytrace@gmail.com.
Other 2010 projects include a StormCo trip to Waiau,
bi-monthly visits to Waiau running Kids and Teens
programs for the community, Parenting, Nutrition,
Marriage Enrichment seminars in conjunction with the
Conference Children’s Ministries Department,
Community Fun days, more baptisms, International visits
from our School groups, and more Bible studies...
We are grateful for your support and ask for your
continued prayers as, together, we win souls for the
Kingdom.
Tracey Ling
School Chaplain
4TH QUARTER 2009
SOUTHLAND ADVENTIST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
These families need our support and through the School
ou are invited to join the Southland Adventist
Friends Foundation we will be able to provide this much
Christian School Friends Foundation and become a
needed support. You can partner with us in this venture.
Foundation Member.
Y
The Foundation has been set up to support students with
any or all of the following:
¡ School fees
¡ School transport fees
¡ Camp fees
¡ Special events
¡ Stationery
¡ Uniforms
¡ Emergency lunch supplies
¡ Family food baskets
¡ Sport activities
We have considered all options and some students’
circumstances are such that support is necessary from
time to time. These families are all contributing to their
costs through automatic payments but are unable to keep
up with the level that is necessary to keep a clear balance.
Families may be facing separation, loss of family homes
and/or jobs or may be struggling with illness.
¡If you would like to be a foundation
member your choices are below
(donations are tax deductibles):
¡ One off donation.
¡ Join as a member of the Foundation for
$25 membership donation and receive a
foundation newsletter and be eligible to
attend a once a year function for
foundation members.
Southland Adventist Christian School
To become a member of the Foundation please contact
Southland Adventist Christian School on (03) 215 7904
or email principal@sacs.schoolzone.net.nz.
Gezina Parrish
School Principal
H E R I TA G E F E L LO W S H I P
O
ver the last couple of months the Heritage
Fellowship has been focussing more on some group
activities rather than individual experiences.We really
appreciate individuals and will continue focussing on
them, but also recognize the need for fellowship.
host of other good things. Don't miss the next meeting! It
is planned for February.
On November18 the first “Powerhouse” meeting
convened at Bishopdale Church.With apple juice and
cashews for physical power, we shared our thoughts on
The committee, consisting of Margaret Petrie secretary,
Job, Abraham, Cleopas and his friend, Joseph, Isaiah and
and members John Schoolderman, Ian and Noelene Facer, Moses, and prayed together. A strong desire was
together with the undersigned, have spent considerable
expressed by all in attendance to have more contact with
time ascertaining the interests of senior church members. younger members in the church.Various ways of doing
We welcome any input from others.
this were discussed, which included social gatherings, a
computer club where young computer buffs could share
On September 30, and October 14, the “Garden Club”
their wisdom with beginners in the computer age, and
had two visits to the Botanic Gardens. Unfortunately the just getting to know the names of youth.The next
weather was not kind on these dates, although on the
Powerhouse will be at 2.30 pm, December 16, again at
October 14 it cleared up for the stalwarts who braved
Bishopdale. Please join us!
what promised to be a rainy afternoon, and a very
Elizabeth Östring
interesting time was had.We learned where the “Ellen
Senior Ministries Coordinator
White” tree is in the gardens, why there is a magnificent
avenue of lime trees, and how to grow kauri trees, plus a
15
UPCOMING EVENTS....
JANUARY 10
Camp Construction Sunday
Everyone is welcome to come
to Pascoe Park Campground on
Sunday January 10 to help set
up for the annual Camp
Meeting.There are 40
conference tents to erect as well
as the ‘Big Tent’. Lunch will be
provided for all those who assist from 10.00 am. Any
help would be greatly appreciated as ‘many hands
make light work’.
A full calendar of 2010 events is inserted into this edition of Southern Connexions. It
will also be available on the conference website http://snz.adventist.org.nz. Calendar
updates will be notified through the weekly conference news and quarterly edition of
Southern Connexions. Details on upcoming events will also be advertised through these
sources. A full list of all youth events can be found on the youth website
http://snzyouth.adventist.org.nz and calendars will be sent to church youth leaders.
SOUTH NEW ZEALAND
CONFERENCE
L OCATION : 6H Sir William Pickering Drive
Russley · Christchurch 8053
P OSTAL : PO Box 5186 · Papanui
Christchurch 8542
P HONE : (03) 365-1020
F AX : (03) 365-1030
E MAIL : snzconf@adventist.org.nz
W EBSITE : http://snz.adventist.org.nz
CHRISTCHURCH
Pr Craig Gillis
President
Pr Greg Evans
General Secretary
Mrs Brigid Peddie
Treasurer
This will be a once in a lifetime opportunity.The Camporee will be held in the
beautiful Cook Islands. Pathfinders from, New Zealand, French Polynesia, New
Caledonia and the Cook Islands will be represented. More information will be
sent to Pathfinder Clubs. Start to plan now!
Mrs Melissa Savage
Office Administrator
Ms Edwina Davis
Office & Youth Secretary
Pr Neil Thompson
Acting Youth Director
AUCKLAND
POSTAL: Private Bag 76900
Manukau City
Manukau 2241
P HONE : (09) 262-5620
F R I E N D S O F PA S C O E PA R K
A
painting, gardening, or general maintenance etc.You
can also specify when you would be available.We
can provide the tools and equipment if you can
provide the muscle! And for those who live outside
of Christchurch area, we will even provide free
accommodation in Wahroonga should you need to
overnight! We are calling this initiative “Friends of
Pascoe Park”, so if you are willing and able, please
Pascoe Park Management Committee are inviting
individuals to come and be involved in the caring of write, email or telephone Pr Craig Gillis at the
Conference Office.
our camp. If you could give one day a month, or
perhaps a long weekend once a year it would be
Owen Saunders
greatly appreciated.You can specify the area that
Pascoe Park Committee Chairman
you would be interested in helping, such as
re you retired? Do you have a passion for
Pascoe Park Campground? Do you have some
spare time and skills that you could donate to the
maintenance and upkeep of the property? If you
have answered yes to any of these questions, then
there is a wonderful opportunity for you.
Mr Clinton Rappell
ADRA - Executive Director
Pr Kylie Ward
Children’s & Women’s Ministries Director
Mr Jean-Noel Adeline
Church Development Director
Mr Owen Ellis
Education Director
Pr Paul Rankin
Health Director
Pr Kendell Cobbin
Ministerial Association Secretary
Trust Services Director
Pr Mau Tuaoi
Youth & Family Ministries Director
Pr Mark Falconer
Associate Youth Director