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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.