ADRA RESPONDS TO FLOOD cRISES page 9 - RECORD.net.au

NEWSAdventists in PNG mourn ferry deathsLae, Papua New GuineaAt least seven Adventists are believed to have died inPapua New Guinea’s ferry disaster on February 2.The sinking of the MV Rabaul Queen appears to haveclaimed more than 300 lives, although numbers are stillhazy. Vessels that participated in the rescue effort were ableto save 236 passengers and crew.The body of Morobe Mission accountant Belinda Kembuis one of only five that have been found so far. A funeralservice was held for her at the Morobe Mission office in Lae.Pastor John Kembu Snr told those in attendance that hisdaughter was a gift from God to his family, the church andher friends. He said, “God gives and He takes away, blessedbe the Lord.” Pastor Kembu thanked South Pacific Divisionpresident, Dr Barry Oliver, for sending messages of condolencesto him and his family. He also thanked leaders of theChurch in PNG.Morobe Mission president, Pastor Geoffrey Pomaleu,spoke at the funeral service. Ms Kembu’s body will be flownby the family back to Kimbe in West New Britain Provincefor burial. At the time of the disaster, Ms Kembu was travellingwith her brother, John Kembu Jr, who was rescued.Three pastors from Bougainville Mission were aboard theferry, along with family members, headed for the OmauraSchool of Ministry. Sovinta Samuel, along with his wife andbaby, is still missing. Peter Murray, his wife and one childwere rescued. Their other child has not been found. And thethird pastor, John Mekevi, was saved.Two Adventist women, teachers on their way to theUniversity of Goroka, were also on the ferry. Jonita Tamaraand her son are missing; her two daughters were saved. Theother teacher, Magdaline Thomas, was also saved.It’s believed 28 Adventists in total were passengers onthe ferry, manyof them headingto schoolsor other educationalfacilitiesfor the start ofthe academicyear. PNGUnion Missionpresident, PastorLeigh Rice, said it’s been difficult getting information butthey were still trying.“This is a tragedy for the Church in PNG,” he said. “Inaddition to the church employees who have been lost, anumber of church members are missing. The exact numberis hard to ascertain, as the list of passengers has not yetbeen released. It is challenging to rejoice with those whohave been rescued, sometimes in miraculous circumstances,and at the same time weep with those who have lost familymembers in the tragedy—sometimes this is in the samefamily. The prayers and sympathy of the national churchoffice are extended to all who have suffered loss in thistragedy.”When the rescued passengers began to arrive in Lae inthe hours after the disaster, the Adventist community ralliedto provide assistance with food, clothing, towels, blanketsand necessities at the rescue centre. They also ministered tothe families who had lost loved ones.According to The National newspaper, claims have beenmade that the ferry was unseaworthy and overloaded beyondits passenger limit when it sank in heavy seas.—KentKingston/Andrew OpisChurch called to revival by God’s WordSilver Spring, Maryland, USThis month, the world headquartersof the Seventh-day AdventistChurch announced an initiative designedto encourage Adventists toread the entire Bible before the nextGeneral Conference session in 2015.The initiative, titled “Revived byHis Word”, begins on April 17 duringthe world church’s spring meetings.During the 1171 days from April17, 2012, through to the beginningof the General Conference sessionon July 2, 2015, participants will cover the 1189 chaptersof the Bible, by reading one chapter each day and twochapters during the General Conference session. An onlinecomponent, featured on the Revival and ReformationPastor Rice comforts Belinda’s father, PastorKembu, at her funeral.website, allows participants to share devotional thoughts asthey read.“I would like to invite every church member to join theworldwide family of the Seventh-day Adventist Churchin reading one chapter of the Bible a day, beginning April17, 2012, and concluding during the General Conferencesession in the summer of 2015,” said General Conferencepresident, Dr Ted Wilson. “I am confident that this journeythrough the Bible together will draw us all closer to Jesus.As we prayerfully read and meditate upon God’s Word, weeach will be led to a renewed experience with the Saviouras we look forward to His soon second coming.”—GeneralConference Communications/RECORD staffFor more details on the initiative, including supportingmaterials and ways to share your experience, please visit:.record.net.au • MARCH 3, 2012 7