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VOLUME 16 No.1<br />

FEB 2012<br />

Newsletter of the <strong>South</strong><br />

<strong>Queensland</strong> <strong>Conference</strong><br />

of the <strong>Seventh</strong> Day<br />

<strong>Adventist</strong> Church<br />

3<br />

Is it Too Late?<br />

With 2012 only a month into<br />

its journey many of us have<br />

missed out on one of heaven’s<br />

major activities for the year. To put it<br />

candidly, we are already too late now.<br />

This year, from January 4 to 14, “1800 churches from<br />

over 90 countries joined together in an unprecedented<br />

prayer event for the <strong>Adventist</strong> Church.” Since 2007, a<br />

program called “Operation Global Rain.” (OGR) has<br />

occupied the minds and hearts of earnest seekers for<br />

God. In early January of each year, earnest Christians<br />

all over the world come together for 10 <strong>day</strong>s of directed<br />

prayer.<br />

But as impressive as the numbers are, they could be<br />

better. Compared to the estimated 120,000 churches<br />

and companies networking some 35 million people<br />

who align themselves with the <strong>Seventh</strong>-<strong>day</strong> <strong>Adventist</strong><br />

Church worldwide, the numbers are small indeed.<br />

Churches in <strong>South</strong> <strong>Queensland</strong> <strong>Conference</strong> (SQC)<br />

that reported involvement this year include Pine<br />

Rivers, Hervey Bay and Deception Bay. Imagine the<br />

potential impact if all SQC churches joined in by<br />

participating in OGR?<br />

Using Acts 2 as a guide, OGR has grown from<br />

humble beginnings to become a worldwide movement<br />

dedicated to “Revival and Reformation” in our<br />

ranks. Ellen White wrote: “In visions of the night<br />

representations passed before me of a great reformatory<br />

by Pastor David Edgar<br />

movement among God’s people. Many were praising<br />

God. The sick were healed, and other miracles were<br />

wrought. . . . Hundreds and thousands were seen<br />

visiting families, and opening before them the word<br />

of God. Hearts were convicted by the power of the<br />

Holy Spirit, and a spirit of genuine conversion was<br />

manifest. On every side doors were thrown open<br />

to the proclamation of the truth. The world seemed<br />

to be lightened with the heavenly influence. Great<br />

blessings were received by the true and humble people<br />

of God.”—Testimonies, vol. 9, p 126.”<br />

Silently, almost imperceptibly, the people of God<br />

are responding to the movements of the Holy Spirit<br />

via prayer meetings, literature distribution, visitation<br />

and Bible studies. With turmoil in the global financial<br />

system, endless wars, one natural disaster after<br />

another, increasing crime and violence, and with<br />

immorality abounding, God’s people need to be alert<br />

to both the signs of the times and His work. We are<br />

counselled, “unless the members of God’s church<br />

to<strong>day</strong> have a living connection with the Source of all<br />

spiritual growth, they will not be ready for the time<br />

of reaping. Unless they keep their lamps trimmed<br />

and burning, they will fail of receiving added grace<br />

in times of special need.”—Acts of the Apostles, p. 55.<br />

Erica Grace, one of the OGR organisers at Pine<br />

Rivers, reports that some 43 people attended OGR<br />

on the first night with 60 in attendance on the last.<br />

Following the event, prayer cards recorded some<br />

Continued on next page


Inside<br />

this<br />

issue...<br />

When Prayer Alone<br />

Is Not Enough<br />

Women’s Ministries<br />

Amazing West<br />

Australia<br />

Wildflower Tour<br />

Witness & Training<br />

<strong>Conference</strong><br />

Duke of Edinburgh<br />

Awardee Recognised<br />

for Service<br />

Editorial—Get Back On Board<br />

The images of the pride of the Costa fleet, Costa<br />

Conordia, lying on its side off the Italian west<br />

coast are haunting. Pictures show this magnificent<br />

floating palace of delights, with all its fabulous<br />

decor, exotic entertainment and the allure of<br />

a world apart, left lying on its side, water lapping<br />

through the state room windows. It seems the ultimate<br />

tragedy—there is something about a shipwreck<br />

that seems to haunt us in a way different to<br />

ordinary tragedies.<br />

“. . . Here was a lot of panic, the tables overturned,<br />

glasses were flying all over the place and<br />

we ran for the decks,” a passenger said. “I thought<br />

it was the end.”<br />

Shipwrecks cannot be assessed rationally—they<br />

call to something deep inside us. “The shipwreck,”<br />

wrote Aldo Grasso of Italy’s oldest and most reputable<br />

newspaper Corriere Della Sera, is “one of the<br />

archetypes in all literatures because it illustrates the<br />

risks of human existence in the course of the journey<br />

through life.” For Massimo Gramellini of La<br />

Stampa (a rival Italian newspaper), “The ship lying<br />

on its side [is a] symbol of the country adrift.” He<br />

then likens the shipwreck to current situations in<br />

Italy. He will not be the last to see such symbolism<br />

in this tragic accident for there are many.<br />

And it was all so unnecessary. It was reported that<br />

the ship’s captain, Francesco Schettino, wanted to<br />

do a favour for his head steward by sailing close to<br />

the steward’s home on the island so he could wave<br />

to his family. The steward’s sister, so it is reported,<br />

texted her friends to look out to sea and see the ship<br />

coming in really close. Instead, the family viewed<br />

tragedy—Schettino disabled the computer guidance<br />

system and ran the ship onto the rocks.<br />

After the ship hit a rock, available evidence suggests<br />

that Schettino refused to acknowledge the seriousness<br />

of what had happened. He delayed giving<br />

the order to abandon ship and then took to a lifeboat<br />

himself long before the chaotic evacuation was<br />

complete.<br />

At 1.46 am, the local coastguard commander,<br />

Gregorio De Falco, called Schettino on his mobile.<br />

by Pastor Malcom Potts<br />

During the conversation, which De Falco recorded,<br />

he urged the captain in the strongest terms possible<br />

to “get back on board.”<br />

Later, the dialogue was released on the internet<br />

and became an instant hit. In Italy, a mixed sense<br />

of relief and admiration for De Falco took shape. It<br />

seemed that his urging struck a resounding chord<br />

with Italians. His words seemed to be a call back to<br />

order and normality in a world gone wrong, reflecting<br />

what was needed in the country. Within hours,<br />

T-shirts with De Falco’s words were available.<br />

Perhaps the reason why this harangue captured<br />

a nation’s imagination is because Italians are being<br />

called to order by their new government in similarly<br />

uncompromising, if politer, terms. Both men were<br />

unwittingly on their way to becoming nationally,<br />

and internationally, notorious—just for radically<br />

different reasons.<br />

As we launch onto the uncharted seas of this new<br />

year, living on this wrecked and sinking world, we<br />

can be thankful that our Captain has not abandoned<br />

ship and left us to our own devices. Like De Falco,<br />

we too are charged with the mission of calling our<br />

world back to order. Romans 5:8 says, “But God<br />

demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we<br />

were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Though we are<br />

not perfect and do not deserve it, Jesus chose to die<br />

for us—a world of sinners.<br />

May this year be a good one for each of us.<br />

Is it Too Late? Continued from cover<br />

480 names of those who received prayer.<br />

OGR is now an established event, and even<br />

though many in Australia are on holi<strong>day</strong>s at this<br />

time of year, there is no reason not to join with<br />

our brothers and sisters globally by participating<br />

as churches, families, or individually wherever<br />

we may be.<br />

Reflecting Jesus’ prayer in John 17, General<br />

<strong>Conference</strong> president Pastor Ted Wilson writes,<br />

“one of the greatest challenges that we face as a<br />

worldwide body of believers is that of unity”—<br />

<strong>Adventist</strong> World, February, 2012, p 8.<br />

The 2012 event is gone and while many have<br />

missed it, 2013 will come soon enough, I for one<br />

will not miss the next OGR. Maranatha!<br />

2 | February 2012<br />

| Focus


When<br />

Prayer<br />

Alone Is<br />

Not Enough<br />

by Pastor Chris Foote, Director, <strong>Adventist</strong> Family Ministries<br />

Are there hurting people in your church?<br />

In my role as Family Ministries Director, I<br />

get to focus on various issues of relationships both<br />

within the Bible and the local church community.<br />

Without exception, when these topics are addressed<br />

in the worship hour or in a seminar setting, I receive<br />

several expressions of appreciation for opening up<br />

the discussion.<br />

Our denomination began with a very doctrinallybased<br />

focus. The anticipation of a soon-coming Messiah<br />

and the search for biblical integrity galvanised<br />

a grassroots movement that would sweep the world.<br />

While our movement is God ordained, our church<br />

community is nevertheless made up of humans with<br />

all the social complexities that characterise our species.<br />

The entrance of sin distorted much of the blueprint<br />

for harmonious relationship while the language<br />

differentiation at Babel birthed a diversity of<br />

culture and religion. In creating us in His image,<br />

the Lord gave us massive potential for creativity and<br />

knowledge, and blessed us with a variety of spiritual<br />

gifts to enable ministry. These are all factors<br />

that impact our original mandate to be fruitful and<br />

multiply, creating community.<br />

I have heard some declare that prayer and Bible<br />

study are the solutions to all our relationship needs.<br />

While these are great habits that will bless our relationships,<br />

by themselves they won’t solve many of<br />

our problems.<br />

Prayer itself is linked with necessary action. Think<br />

of Moses, standing praying to the Lord on the banks<br />

of the Red Sea. What did the Lord say? “Why are<br />

you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on”<br />

(Exodus 14:15). Jesus also challenged His disciples<br />

in Luke 10:2, 3 to “pray to the Lord to send out labourers,”<br />

followed by the command “Go….” and be<br />

those labourers.<br />

A spouse suffering within an abusive relationship<br />

(studies show these are just as prevalent within the<br />

church as the wider community) could take action<br />

by finding help and escaping to a refuge with professional<br />

mentoring, for exmaple. Prayer alone isn’t<br />

enough—in fact, it often plays into and reinforces<br />

the cycle of abuse.<br />

A couple struggling to build a meaningful marriage<br />

can benefit greatly from mentoring and professional<br />

therapy, gaining understanding of the ways<br />

our brains function and how to manage conflict.<br />

Pre-marriage coaching includes much more than<br />

just how to pray together. We also need to understand<br />

how relationships work, and how to deal with<br />

the “baggage” we all<br />

bring with us.<br />

Even a church struggling<br />

with interpersonal<br />

issues (a fairly common<br />

occurrence when<br />

humans are involved)<br />

can benefit from understanding<br />

and repairing<br />

relationship systems.<br />

This is why your<br />

church needs a local<br />

member to be my point<br />

of contact in sharing<br />

helpful resources and<br />

coaching to help members<br />

dwell in peace<br />

together.<br />

<strong>Adventist</strong><br />

Aviation<br />

Association<br />

AAA will host a visitors,<br />

<strong>day</strong> at <strong>South</strong><br />

Brisbane Church on<br />

Sabbath, March 31.<br />

Come along and help<br />

celebrate almost 40<br />

years of service to God<br />

in our conference.<br />

Lunch and an afternoon<br />

program will follow<br />

Sabbath School and<br />

Divine Service. Everyone<br />

is welcome—past,<br />

present and future<br />

members, supporters<br />

and families. AAA is<br />

your organisation so<br />

please be supportive<br />

and come along.<br />

Positions Vacant<br />

Senior Clinical Manager—<br />

<strong>Adventist</strong> Aged Care (<strong>South</strong><br />

<strong>Queensland</strong>) Ltd<br />

We seek an expression of interest from a suitably-qualified<br />

and motivated person to lead an<br />

aged-care team in <strong>South</strong> <strong>Queensland</strong>. Duties include<br />

providing clinical oversight of a residential<br />

aged care service, including the management of<br />

special care beds, ensuring the quality of care<br />

provided exceeds government standards, and<br />

ensuring that financial and human resource<br />

benchmarks set by the corporate office are met.<br />

Expressions of interest listing two referees can<br />

be emailed to headoffice@sdaac.com.au and<br />

close on February 27. For enquiries, contact Paul<br />

Mitchell, CEO. on (07) 3451 5900.<br />

February 2012 | 3<br />

Focus |


Healthy Mind, Happy Body?<br />

The body can remember.<br />

The brain can change and grow.<br />

* How does this affect spiritual wellbeing?<br />

God has created us in a marvelous way,<br />

connecting mind, body, and spirit.<br />

Like to know more about how the brain works?<br />

If the brain knows how it works, it works smarter!<br />

How do brain and body communicate with each other?<br />

Jenifer Skues, Christian Psychologist and experienced counsellor<br />

will tell you more about the amazing connection between mind and<br />

body and how this can enhance both physical & spiritual wellbeing.<br />

“ he relation that exists between the mind and the body is very<br />

intimate. When one is affected, the other sympathises.<br />

The condition of the mind affects the health to a far greater<br />

degree than many realise. Courage, hope, faith, sympathy and<br />

love, promote health and prolong life. A contented mind,<br />

a cheerful spirit, is health to the body and strength to the soul.”<br />

- Ellen White, Ministry of Healing, p. 242<br />

presented by the ASSOCIATION OF ADVENTIST COUNSELLORS<br />

Brisbane Sabbath 21 April 2012 9:30am – 4:00pm<br />

Book before 16 April - SQ Conf Family Ministries 07 3218 7777<br />

Cost: $25 (includes light lunch) AAC.bookings@gmail.com<br />

VISIT: www.adventistcounsellorsaustralia.com


Women’s Ministries<br />

Welcome, lovely ladies, to a moment together.<br />

Recently, I was blessed to discover a<br />

new blog called “Growing Home.” It is written by<br />

a young wife and mum named Jacinda. I spent a<br />

thoughtful hour reading different posts from this<br />

lovely young woman.<br />

Jacinda shares a lovely perspective between the<br />

birth of Jesus and homemaking. Since we all have<br />

a home to maintain, whether you are married or<br />

single, buying a home, renting or sharing a room,<br />

let’s all encourage each other to keep Jesus in first<br />

place.<br />

After reading this, I found myself praying that<br />

the words, would plant deep in my heart. As always<br />

girls, I encourage you to make those times spent on<br />

the computer count for eternity. Let’s not make ourselves<br />

tired or overwhelmed with discontentment,<br />

gossip or things we shouldn’t be engaged in. Enjoy<br />

and don’t forget the WM <strong>Conference</strong> “My Sister’s<br />

Keeper” on the April 27–29. The cost is $180 so<br />

why not start a “Love Jar” to enable yourself, or another<br />

woman or teen girl to attend.<br />

What does the birth of Jesus have to do with<br />

homemaking?<br />

So what does the birth of a baby in a dirty, Bethlehem<br />

stable over 2000 years ago have to do with<br />

homemaking? Absolutely everything!<br />

Homemaking is naturally beautiful. Even rampant<br />

feminists find a bountiful garden, homemade jellies,<br />

patchwork quilts, flower arrangements, a well-made<br />

bed and an orderly house irresistible. The internet<br />

is full of sites dedicated to helping DIY junkies turn<br />

their houses into homes. Martha Stewart has built a<br />

multi-million dollar empire teaching women how to<br />

by Helen Threlfo<br />

store apples and wrap presents with style.<br />

Even if we were the empress of homemaking with<br />

our own magazine, TV network, line of crafting<br />

supplies and interior decorating solutions; if we’ve<br />

failed to recognise the meaning Jesus brings to our<br />

domestic duty, I’m afraid even our best efforts are<br />

in vain.<br />

I love keeping our home but I fail at it all the<br />

time.<br />

Sometimes I spend more time reading up on perennials<br />

than I do plucking the weeds out of my own<br />

heart. Sometimes I find it easier to serve my children<br />

freshly-baked bread rather than offer them the Bread<br />

of Life. Sometimes I spend more time dreaming up<br />

clothes to sew than clothing myself with humility.<br />

Sometimes I’ll step back and admire the beauty of a<br />

recently organised cupboard, without thinking twice<br />

about how I rearranged my priorities to get it that<br />

way.<br />

Every <strong>day</strong>, my heart is prone to wander and worship<br />

homemaking rather than our Home Maker.<br />

But joy to the world, Jesus came to redeem my<br />

mess! The mess I make of my relationships and the<br />

mess I make of homemaking—whatever mess I’ve<br />

allowed sin to make is a mess that Jesus has the redemptive<br />

power to clean up and flip on its head for<br />

God’s glory.<br />

When God looks at the beauty and perfection<br />

of His Son. Who took my sin and guilt and stands<br />

before the Father in my place, He doesn’t see my<br />

botched up homemaking efforts. Instead, He sees<br />

Proverb 31 and Titus 2 perfectly kept with joy and<br />

obedience. Through His Son, God is well-pleased<br />

and herein lies my hope as a homemaker.<br />

Women’s<br />

Ministries<br />

Calendar 2012<br />

Dates to remember<br />

April 27–29<br />

WM <strong>Conference</strong><br />

May 13<br />

Mothers Day<br />

July 14-15<br />

Shine <strong>Conference</strong><br />

Sept 21–29<br />

Big Camp<br />

November 9–11<br />

Leadership Training<br />

Amazing West Australia<br />

Wildflower Tour<br />

August 15 to September 3 or August 26 to September<br />

14. (Two tours necessary)<br />

A great tour, probably the most comprehensive<br />

WA Wildflower Tour ever undertaken—from<br />

Broome to Perth and the beautiful <strong>South</strong> West<br />

Corner. This tour will not be repeated!<br />

Fly Qantas from your capital city. Travel in a<br />

very modern, comfortable coach and relax in<br />

quality accommodation. Enjoy a tour of the Hamersley<br />

Mine complex at Tom Price and feed the<br />

dolphins at Monkey Mia. Walk among the fascinating<br />

Pinnacles near Cervantes and visit the historic<br />

town of New Norcia. Explore WA’s beautiful<br />

capital, Perth, and a tour of WA’s south-west<br />

corner. See Wave Rock, Kalgoorlie, Esperance,<br />

Albany, and, of course, wildflowers in their vastness<br />

and beauty throughout the 20-<strong>day</strong> tour.<br />

Journey includes visits to Broome, Port Hedland,<br />

Tom Price, Exmouth, Carnarvon, Monkey<br />

Mia, Geraldton, the Pinnacles, Perth, Hyden,<br />

Kalgoorlie, Esperance, Albany, Margaret River,<br />

and Perth.<br />

Only 14 places are available so be quick to join<br />

the 90 people already booked.<br />

Reserve your place by phone (07) 3273 3203,<br />

email davidfernlawson@hotmail.com or write to<br />

Pastor Lawson, 139 Kingman Street, Sunnybank<br />

Hills 4109.<br />

February 2012 | 5<br />

Focus |


4 th Annual<br />

Homes of Hope<br />

Consultation and Banquet<br />

Date: Sabbath 10 th March,<br />

Time: 10:15am – 4:30pm<br />

Venue: Maroochy River<br />

Cruise Maroochy<br />

270 Bradman Ave, Maroochy<br />

Cost: $15 per person (BBQ<br />

lunch and afternoon tea<br />

provided)<br />

REGISTER before February 30th<br />

Julie Lang - 3218 7777<br />

julielang@adventist.org.au<br />

All Welcome but book early only 50 seats available!<br />

“Key Elements for an Evangelizing Host”<br />

“How to Maximize your Hosting”<br />

Pastor Roger Govender, Australian Union <strong>Conference</strong><br />

Personal Ministries Director<br />

“Bread and Butter or Nuts & Bolts”<br />

Pastor Colin Renfrew, <strong>South</strong> <strong>Queensland</strong> <strong>Conference</strong><br />

Personal Ministries Director


Pastoral Staffing 2012<br />

Approved 5 December 2011<br />

Name Location 2012<br />

Afamasaga, Sam<br />

Ah Siu, Jedidiah<br />

Bain, Don (retiree)<br />

Berkeley, Sean<br />

Berry, Lorenzo<br />

Brownhill, Michael<br />

Chineegadoo, Lindsay<br />

Clark, Stuart<br />

Coccetti, Alina<br />

Colquhoun, Peter (retiree)<br />

Coltheart, Alvin<br />

Dale, Kara<br />

Donovan, Geoff<br />

Edgar, David<br />

Fanene, Aitui<br />

Faiumu, Tusi<br />

Feaveai, Andrew<br />

Flamenco, Walter<br />

Garrard, David<br />

Gazsik, Alec (retiree)<br />

Hamilton, André<br />

Hunter, Murray<br />

Je, Brian<br />

Je, Young (0.5 FTE)<br />

Karauria, Peter (Lay Pastor)<br />

Khabbaz, Joseph<br />

Kelava, Jakob<br />

Krause, Andy<br />

Krklec, Mladen<br />

Litchfield, Andrew<br />

Malarek, Slawomir<br />

Manners, Travis<br />

Masci, Arturo (Lay pastor)<br />

Riverview Samoan, Kingston Samoan,<br />

Cornubia<br />

Logan City Samoan<br />

Mt Gravatt (Associate),<br />

Brisbane Chinese<br />

Gold Coast Central,<br />

Melody Park Chaplain<br />

Hervey Bay, Maryborough<br />

Albion, Redcliffe<br />

Central, Red Hill<br />

Chaplain BAC<br />

Chaplain BAC<br />

Surfers Paradise<br />

Victoria Point, Victoria Point Village<br />

Chaplain, Capalaba<br />

Victoria Point ARV Chaplain (0.6 FTE),<br />

Springwood Associate (0.4 FTE)<br />

Parkridge<br />

Trust Services/Stewardship,<br />

Bribie Island<br />

Springwood Samoan,<br />

Glenala Samoan<br />

North Central Samoan,<br />

Ipswich Samoan<br />

Deception Bay Samoan,<br />

Scarborough Samoan<br />

Brisbane Spanish, Brisbane North<br />

Spanish, Forest Lake Spanish<br />

ATSIM – Coordinator,<br />

Deception Bay<br />

Harrisville<br />

Pine Rivers (Associate)<br />

Chaplain NCC<br />

Brisbane Korean, Mitchelton<br />

Gold Coast Korean, Mt Tamborine<br />

Emerald, Biloela<br />

<strong>South</strong> Brisbane (Associate),<br />

Garden City<br />

Brisbane Croatian, Laidley<br />

Gatton, Esk<br />

<strong>South</strong>pine, New Life Group<br />

St Andrews, Rosedale<br />

Edens Landing, Rosewood<br />

Springwood Senior Pastor<br />

Beaudesert<br />

Name Location 2012<br />

Matautia, Kwan<br />

Hinkler, Gin Gin<br />

Medhurst, Heather (Lay Pastor)<br />

Melville, Brad<br />

Menzies, Imogen<br />

Milosavljevic, Dusan<br />

Murray, Hennie<br />

New Pastor called (waiting<br />

response)<br />

New Pastor (after Gabriel<br />

Ontanu leaves)<br />

Gayndah, Monto<br />

Springwood (Associate)<br />

Northpine Chaplain (0.6 FTE)<br />

<strong>Conference</strong> Media Officer (0.4 FTE)<br />

Sandgate, Wynnum<br />

Glenvale Associate<br />

DDCS Chaplain<br />

Pine Rivers (Senior Pastor)<br />

Maleny<br />

Dalby, Chinchilla, Roma<br />

Ontanu, Gabriel Dalby, Chinchilla, Roma (until 31<br />

March)<br />

Parker, Darrin<br />

Landsborough, Kilcoy, Woodford<br />

Pearce, Mark<br />

<strong>South</strong> Brisbane<br />

African Company<br />

Piturlea, Emmanuel (0.5 FTE) Sherwood Romanian<br />

Popovic, Miljan<br />

Salisbury<br />

Pratt, Greg<br />

Reedy Creek<br />

Pule, Francis<br />

Ipswich, Ipswich School Chaplain<br />

Rabbas, John<br />

Caloundra, Maroochydore<br />

Caloundra ARV<br />

Redman, Neil<br />

Chaplain Northpine Christian<br />

College<br />

Reilly, David<br />

Cooroy, Noosa College Chaplain<br />

Richards, Kelly<br />

Caboolture (Associate<br />

Rivera, Humberto<br />

Stanthorpe, Warwick, Summit<br />

Roberts, Gary<br />

Yandina, Gympie<br />

Rusterholz, Heinrich<br />

Nambour, Sunshine Coast <strong>Adventist</strong><br />

Fellowship<br />

Tolhurst, Wes<br />

Coastlife<br />

Tyler, Neil<br />

Logan Reserve, Inala<br />

Urrea, Tony<br />

Kingaroy, Murgon<br />

Van Rensburg, André<br />

Eight Mile Plains (Senior Pastor)<br />

Venter, Douw<br />

Millmerran, Toowoomba Central<br />

Vidacak, Zeny<br />

Mt Gravatt Fijian<br />

Ward, Steve<br />

Eight Mile Plains (Associate)<br />

Wareham, Scott<br />

Rockhampton, Gladstone<br />

White, Ted<br />

Springwood Associate<br />

Willcocks, Russell<br />

Caboolture (Senior Pastor)<br />

Wolverton, Casey<br />

Glenvale, Highfields<br />

Wojnar, Ernie<br />

Yeppoon, Chaplain CARV<br />

February 2012 | 7<br />

Focus |


<strong>Adventist</strong> Aged Care has The<br />

Factor<br />

We have the WOW factor the Wealth Of Wellbeing,<br />

We are <strong>Adventist</strong> Aged Care and WOW what a team!<br />

Our message is very simple and clear<br />

Wellbeing for all each <strong>day</strong> of the year.<br />

(Our senior staff modelling their WOW shirts at the planning <strong>day</strong>)<br />

As part of the continuous review of the services Aged Care provide, we felt we could<br />

enhance the wellbeing of our residents and staff by focusing more on supporting<br />

them to live well in all aspects of life rather than just<br />

providing care. This is in accordance with the vision<br />

and mission of <strong>Adventist</strong> Aged Care (<strong>South</strong><br />

<strong>Queensland</strong>) Ltd and aligns with our values as<br />

<strong>Adventist</strong> Christians.<br />

The AIM of the<br />

FACTOR:<br />

To support our residents, community clients<br />

and team members to live well each <strong>day</strong> of the<br />

year<br />

What is THE<br />

FACTOR?<br />

The factor is a holistic well-being philosophy<br />

of care in which our Residents, Community Clients and<br />

Team Members are supported spiritually, physically,<br />

mentally, culturally and resourced to live a meaningful life<br />

and to achieve their full potential in all aspects of daily<br />

living, while enjoying a stimulating and purposeful<br />

experience in a supportive Christian environment.<br />

The program was launched with a commitment service<br />

held at each Retirement Village. Many exciting activities<br />

are planned to be held throughout the rest of the year<br />

integrating with our great church lifestyle resources we<br />

have available to us.


Duke of Edinburgh Awardee<br />

Recognised for Service<br />

BJ McGavin, Young Star<br />

J McGavin, (18), a member of Eight Mile Plains<br />

B church, was presented with a “Community<br />

Young Star” award for his contributions to building<br />

a better community. The award was presented to<br />

young people in the region served by <strong>South</strong>ern Star,<br />

one of the sixteen newspapers operated by Quest<br />

throughout the Brisbane region.<br />

A ceremony was held at <strong>South</strong>bank TAFE to recognise<br />

“young stars” throughout the Brisbane region,<br />

and BJ was honoured for his achievements. These<br />

include his gold Duke of Edinburgh award, involvement<br />

in numerous STORM Co expeditions, and his<br />

voluntary service at both Brisbane <strong>Adventist</strong> College<br />

and Eight Mile Plains church. He was nominated<br />

by Ms Karen Struthers, State member for Algester,<br />

and a minister of the <strong>Queensland</strong> Government, who<br />

became aware of BJ’s community service during his<br />

gold Duke of Edinburgh award ceremony.<br />

BJ continues his commitment to serving others,<br />

involving himself in volunteer service in his local<br />

church, BAC, and various youth activities in <strong>South</strong><br />

<strong>Queensland</strong>.<br />

Mt Gravatt Witness and Training<br />

<strong>Conference</strong>—All Welcome<br />

Back in November, hundreds came to see Pastor<br />

Ted Wilson present a stirring address encouraging<br />

our generation to shine as beacons of hope in<br />

Brisbane and beyond.<br />

In addition to his compelling words, Pastor Wilson<br />

took time out of his busy schedule to film a promotional<br />

DVD for a new Mt Gravatt-sponsored training<br />

initiative called “Witness,” starting in 2012. Witness<br />

2012 is a four-<strong>day</strong> training program that teaches the<br />

young adults of Brisbane how to be missionaries for<br />

Christ. Those who attend will be trained by some of<br />

our leading evangelists, including Pastor Stephen Bohr<br />

(Secrets Unsealed ministry),<br />

Kevin Sears (Director<br />

of Amazing Facts Ukraine),<br />

Pastor Geoffrey Youlden<br />

(Sydney <strong>Conference</strong>), Luke<br />

Stuart (North <strong>Queensland</strong><br />

<strong>Conference</strong>), Charissa<br />

Fong (Waitara Church).<br />

The conference will be<br />

held in Brisbane July 4-8,<br />

2012, with seats available<br />

for 400 young adults. Registrations<br />

open February<br />

18. For more information,<br />

please visit: www.witnessconference.org.<br />

February 2012 | 9<br />

Focus |


AROUND THE CHURCHES<br />

25TH ANNIVERSARY of CURRENT<br />

EIGHT MILE PLAINS CHURCH<br />

BUILDING<br />

On March 31 (please note the date) of this year<br />

a weekend of celebration will be held to mark 25<br />

years since the current church building was dedicated.<br />

Plan to be there for a time of spiritual refreshment,<br />

fellowship and nostalgia.<br />

All former members, ministers and friends who<br />

attend will be welcomed most warmly on the <strong>day</strong>. If<br />

you have any photos, documents or other memorabilia<br />

of the church relative to the years 1987 to the<br />

present, please make them available to be shared<br />

during the weekend. If you can help in this regard,<br />

or for further information, please contact Margaret<br />

Dunn (3841 0685), Carol Michel (3411 0399), Doug<br />

Strahan (3841 5040) or Pastor Douglas (3166 9550).<br />

Hervey Bay<br />

For the first time, Hervey Bay church participated<br />

in Operation Global Rain. As some members were<br />

away, it was decided that those taking part would<br />

pray at 6 am and again at 6 pm, and that we would<br />

come together for the all-night vigil on the Fri<strong>day</strong>.<br />

This was supported by many of the members, with<br />

an especially big input from the youth. We all had a<br />

wonderful blessed night and the Holy Spirit’s presence<br />

was felt by everyone present. As a church, we<br />

are all looking forward to particpating again next<br />

year. It is lovely to see our youth moving forward in<br />

the Lord and realising that being united in the Spirit<br />

is empowering. Their faces glowed from spending<br />

this time with the Lord—May they always do so, is<br />

my prayer.<br />

Correction and Update<br />

FOCUS would like to alert readers to a typographical<br />

error in the article entitled, “One Hundred<br />

and Still Going Strong—What are their Secrets?”<br />

printed in the December 2011 issue of<br />

FOCUS. The name of the 101 year old male centenarian<br />

in this article should read, “Ron” instead<br />

of “Roy” Simmons—a small but significant error.<br />

Update: FOCUS readers might also be interested<br />

and saddened to know that 105-year-old Joan<br />

Fairfoul passed away while the December issue<br />

of FOCUS was in production. She was only two<br />

months away from her 106th birth<strong>day</strong>. Our condolences<br />

go out to her loved ones. Pastor Neil Marks<br />

Ads<br />

A Sweet Taste of Country<br />

You are invited to experience country living with<br />

a difference at Harmony Farm, one hour southwest<br />

of Gladstone, <strong>Queensland</strong>. Besides the obvious<br />

farming activities such as organic farming, animal<br />

care and horse riding, you can also choose from<br />

other pursuits like hiking, forestry care or woodwork.<br />

Families are especially welcome.<br />

Accommodation: Camping, powered caravan<br />

sites or a cottage available at reasonable rates.<br />

Harmony Farm is the home of the program “Music<br />

in the Mountains.” Which has been held here for<br />

the past 10 years.<br />

For more information, please phone Betty or<br />

Dennis on (07) 4974 1267 or 0429 741 267<br />

Email dennis.martin@reachnet.com.au<br />

2012 Grey Nomads Camp<br />

applications now open<br />

Applications for the 2012 Grey Nomads Camp<br />

are now available. Visit https://events.adventist.<br />

org.au/registration/event/89 to apply online, or<br />

visit http://nnsw.adventist.org.au/assets/346006 to<br />

download a form. Grey Nomads 2012 will be held<br />

at Stuarts Point Convention Centre (NSW) and will<br />

run from May 4-12. Dr Roy Adams, a former associate<br />

editor of <strong>Adventist</strong> Review and <strong>Adventist</strong><br />

World, is the guest speaker for this year’s camp.<br />

Grey Nomads is a great opportunity for retirees to<br />

meet and fellowship together, so make your bookings<br />

now to ensure your place. Please note that<br />

accommodation is limited to private caravans and<br />

tents. Limited cabin, dormitory and motel rooms<br />

are available.Call Debbie on (02) 4944 3220 for<br />

more information.<br />

LOG CABIN<br />

When planning your next Camp/Convention, please<br />

consider the Log cabin Camp. Located in the rainforest<br />

near the Natural Bridge Springbrook National<br />

Park, we have bunk-style accommodation for 70<br />

people and a cottage accommodating 4 people.<br />

We are self catering and have a fine, well-equipped<br />

kitchen/hall complex. For more information and an<br />

application package, please phone 5533 6174.<br />

Need to go to the Dentist?<br />

Biodynamic Dentistry with Dr Scott Makiol, ADA<br />

member, Practice Established 1991. Mention this<br />

ad and receive 20 per cent discount*. 101 Lyon St,<br />

Moorooka,phone 07 3848 2320. *conditions apply*<br />

Coronary Health<br />

Improvement PROJECT<br />

Mitchelton Church is running a CHIP program<br />

starting February 20. Information nights<br />

will be held on February 6, 8, 13 and 15. All<br />

meetings start at 7pm in the Mitchelton<br />

Church Hall. Queries can be emailed to or<br />

send a text message to 0412 478 334.<br />

Attention FOCUS<br />

Contributors<br />

FOCUS is produced by<br />

the <strong>South</strong> <strong>Queensland</strong><br />

<strong>Conference</strong> Communication<br />

Department, 19 Eagle<br />

Terrace, Brisbane, QLD 4000.<br />

Phone: (07) 3218 7777;<br />

Fax: (07) 3236 1305;<br />

Email: sqfocus@adventist.<br />

org.au.<br />

President—Pr Jorge Munoz<br />

Editor—Pr David Edgar<br />

Secretary—Joanne Donaldson<br />

Design—Kristendesigns.com.<br />

au<br />

Art & Print—Signs Publishing<br />

Company<br />

The next general issue of<br />

FOCUS will be published in<br />

March.<br />

Submissions should reach<br />

the FOCUS Editor, SQC Office,<br />

19 Eagle Terrace, Brisbane,<br />

4000, (sqfocus@adventist.<br />

org.au) NO LATER THAN<br />

February 29 at 10:30 am. All<br />

copy may be edited and late<br />

items may not be printed.<br />

Advertisements (1–10<br />

lines) $25. $2.50 for each<br />

additional line.

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