Christian Home and Marriage Week - Adventist News

Grace is as much about God
as life is about family. You
had no say as to which
family you ‘joined’ but, ever since
your birth, you have had no choice
but to interact, for better or worse,
with your biological or adoptive
family.
Relationships, especially within
the family unit, greatly influence
the success or failure of an individual
in coping with life. The break-
9-16 February
Christian Home and
Marriage Week
The Adventus Domini Choir performed
a Christmas concert before
HRH Princess Alexandra on Tuesday
11 December in St George’s Chapel,
London; in aid of the New Bridge
charity, which creates links
between the prisoner and the
community.
A variety of people took part in
the programme. Actor Stephen Fry
read the Scripture readings.
Everyone enjoyed the warm voices
of Adventus Domini soloists Joy
Evers-Bussey, Jalva De Oliveira,
Keith Nightingale and Colin Anthony.
Theme: Family Grace
by Heather Haworth, BUC Family Ministries co-ordinator
down of family relationships as a
result of divorce is known to be a
major cause of nervous breakdown
and can onset depression. When
we look at the biblical history of
families, especially in the book
of Genesis, we see how births,
infertility, and marriages and
their breakdowns give us insight
into finding solutions to cope with
family relationships.
It was because of God’s grace,
Choir leader Sandra Rigby-Barrett
said, ‘The charity concert is always
the highlight in the choir agenda
each year, and is a great pleasure to
sing for.’
Meeting the Princess at the end
of the concert was probably the
highlight for many choir members
and other participants. The Princess,
who is well known for her charity
work, shook hands with each
concert participant. She has been
present at the concert for the
fourteen years that Adventus Domini
has performed.
His loving kindness to His earthly
family, that He called out to Adam
and Eve, ‘Where are you?’ (Gen.
3:9). Because His earthly family
had broken their relationship with
Him He yearned for reconciliation.
The rest of the Bible centres on
reconciling this family breakdown
through the birth of Jesus (Rom.
5:10.) Perhaps, then, it is no
coincidence that the first biblical
record of men calling out to God is
Hang on
to it!
The enclosed information sheet is
intended to build your awareness and confidence
for the new ADRA Ingathering campaign.
Be Prepared!
People are asking
questions. Give them
some answers!
at the birth of Seth (Gen. 4:26),
from whose family line Jesus was
to be born. In fact, the first place
in the Bible in which praying to
God is mentioned comes during
the midst of a marriage upset
(Gen. 20:7-17) between Abraham,
Abimelech and Sarah. God’s
Adventist Choir meets Princess
by Marianne Tribes
Continued on page 8
HRH Princess Alexandra meets members of the Newbold-based Adventus
Domini choir.

BUC News Editorial David Marshall
ADRA delivers!
by Raafat Kamal, ADRA-UK director
The Adventist Development and Relief
Agency (ADRA) in co-ordination with
the United Nations High Commissioner
for Refugees (UNHCR) is addressing
the humanitarian needs of Afghan
refugees on the borders of Pakistan
and Tajikistan.
ADRA responded to recent disaster
with the following;
Healthwise
● provided 4,000 families with blankets,
kitchen sets, kerosene lamps
and stoves, and other household
items.
● distributed 2,000 sets of clothing.
● ADRA and UNHCR have been given
sole responsibility by the Japanese
government to distribute food items
such as flour, oil and sugar. Over
the past two weeks ADRA has provided
food aid to 10,000 refugees
on the Afghan-Tajik border.
● ADRA is in the process of implementing
a Mobile Dental Clinic
project for refugees living in camps
on the Pakistan-Afghan border.
● ADRA has established an office in
Kabul to meet the needs of the
Afghan people from a central
location.
● ADRA offices are in the process of
applying to their respective governments
for grants to help in the rehabilitation
of internally-displaced
Sing for your life! Richard J. B. Willis, BUC Health Ministries director
make a major contribution to our
health, well-being and life skills. It is
important, however, to capture the
evidence of the impact of the arts on
health to ensure proper recognition of
their effect and the availability of
appropriate levels of investment to
sustain any positive influences.’
The two Canterbury studies provide
the evidence from their interviews with
members of the university’s choral society:
Of the respondents 49% said they
received spiritual benefit from their
singing (and not necessarily through ‘spiritual’
music); 58% benefited physically;
75% emotionally; and 87% socially.
It has to be said that the responses, in
these particular studies, were subjective,
although data from other studies have
provided clinical evidence in support of
Roundelwood Health Spa
Church Members’ Week – 24-31 March
persons and repair of the infrastructure
inside Afghanistan.
Present in more than 120 countries,
ADRA provides individual and community
relief and development without
regard to age, ethnicity, political or
religious association.
ADRA on the front lines. Your
Church helping the world’s neediest
people. Isn’t that something you can be
proud of? Isn’t that something you
want to support?
ADRA-UK will benefit from the
money we collect between 30 March
and 21 April 2002. The more people
involved, the more people we can
help.
Prices start at £350 (a discount of £300 on regular programme).
Enjoy the leisure pool with underwater massage, foaming spa pool, sauna
and steam room, the Powersport gymnasium, walks in the glorious countryside, health
talks on subjects such as nutrition, exercise, weight control, stress management, rest
and relaxation, etc., and treatments including physiotherapy, massage and
hydrotherapy to relax and refresh you.
For full details contact our Reservations department: Tel. 01764 653806.
Drummond Terrace, Crieff, Perthshire, PH7 4AN.
they were exploratory,
but sufficiently positive
to encourage wider
investigation in the
future. In collaboration
with other researchers
in the field they are
planning to investigate
the effects of singing
and the immune response,
particularly the levels of salivary
immunoglobulin A.
All this will be music to the ears of
people who love singing. Undoubtedly, an
ability to sing is a gift from God, so we
can be sure that the right use of the gift
will be health-enhancing. In exercising
the gift we will be sure to discover ‘there
is delight in singing, tho’ none hear
beside the singer’. Why not make the
Let’s learn to say Yes!
What percentage of the population has heard of Seventhday
Adventists? What do the people who make up that
percentage actually know about us?
Two questions for the price of one!
In answer to the first: You might be shocked how small the
percentage.
In answer to the second: Some of the indicators are a little
depressing.
Some years ago a BUC Communication director engaged in
an experiment. He was the sort of chap who knew what he was
doing; by the time he retired he was GC Communication director!
He went out with a clipboard and asked everyone who
passed by if they had heard of Seventh-day Adventists. Almost
everyone said, ‘No.’ That was a little surprising in view of where
he was asking the question: On the pavement outside the BUC
offices!
Negative events in Australia and the US in the 80s and early
90s dragged the name of the Church into the headlines. More
positively, it has impinged on the public consciousness in connection
with John Loughborough School, the Adventist Chorale,
the Croydon Adventist Gospel Choir, and the work of ADRA.
But if you sat Joe and Joelene Public down and said, ‘What
do you know about Seventh-day Adventists?’ what do you
suppose they would say?
I do hope their response would be more positive than the one
I had a few days ago. ‘Seventh-day Adventists? Oh, they’re the
people who don’t drink, don’t smoke, don’t eat pork . . . .’ The
litany of things we didn’t do was seemingly endless. We used to
get that response a lot before we got hold of a more positive take
on the Gospel. Was I naive in thinking we’d heard the last of it?
Of course, I followed up my initial question with, ‘What
makes you say that?’ and discovered that the speaker had had a
bad experience with some of the less winsome members of our
communion.
Wouldn’t it be great to be known for positive things? For good
things we do, rather than bad things we don’t do?
True enough, eight of the Ten Commandments are expressed
in the negative, but Jesus identified the impulse behind obedience
to them in the positive: Love (Mark 12:29-31). When Paul
discussed this motif he made it clear that obedience springs
from a resurrection to new life in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:14,
15). That’s positive!
If only we could be known as risen-life Christians! Christians
who not only talk the talk, but walk the walk!
By all means let’s say ‘No’ to ‘ungodliness and worldly passions’,
but let’s say ‘Yes’ to the in-Christ, in-the-Spirit life (Titus
2:12, 13; Romans 8:1-9). You know what that adds up to?
Saying ‘Yes’ to the Gospel!
Three things can make you an ‘up’ person in a ‘down’ world.
First, your picture of God. If your god is too small, too distant,
too disinterested, and too judgemental – then you will be a
‘down’ person obsessed with the negative. If yours is a God of
limitless power and fathomless love – and if you’ve really got to
know, and a reflector of His love and warmth. Second, your
picture of Satan. Oh, yes: don’t underestimate him. But don’t
forget, too, that he’s the oldest loser in the universe. There is fire
in his future. God has established parameters beyond which he
cannot operate. Calvary gives the Christian power over Satan. So
use it! Third, the Gospel means that you have accepted Jesus as
your Saviour. Hence, when God looks at you He sees the character
of His sinless Son, your Substitute (2 Corinthians 5:21).
The secret of a positive, affirming, victorious life is abiding
(John 15:1-11). That means living each day in the company of
Jesus. That, in turn, will involve a lot of communicating. Among
the things you must communicate are repentance and praise.
But permit Him to communicate, too! Read and study His Word
and, as you do so, listen for His voice. Have not only a prayer
time but a prayer place; and let peace and silence be part of
your time in that place. Listen for His message to you.
Those who obsess about the rules often miss out on the relationship.
Love is the spur to obedience. What you are intended
to spread in your community are not the rules but an invitation
to enter into a relationship made possible by the death and resurrection
of Jesus. And that’s yet another way of saying ‘the
Gospel’.
Your friends and neighbours will not be won by doctrines,
rules or fringe issues. They will be won by a Person. Lift up that
Person in your life and attitudes and, through them, allow Him
to draw all to Himself (see John 12:32).
Letter-writers can be the bane of an editor’s life. Listen to
Stephen Chavez, assistant editor of Adventist Review: ‘Some
time ago someone responded to an editorial that appeared in the
Adventist Review with a question, something about the close of
probation . . . . I wrote back with an answer, and a few days later
another letter arrived with more technical, theoretical, theological
questions. This time, after answering the person’s questions,
I suggested that more important than having all our questions
answered is to be involved in one’s community, sharing with
others the blessings of God’s love.
‘Another letter arrived, in which the writer said that he had no
friends with whom he could share his joy in knowing Christ as
his Saviour. “You mean there’s no one in your community to
whom you can demonstrate Christ’s love”, I wrote back. He
never replied.’ 1
Be an ‘up’ person in this decidedly ‘down’ world. Stop complaining,
and do something.
A friend of mine has been having a very bad experience with
her employers. Do you know what she has done about it? She’s
decided to raise money to build an orphanage in India. She’s hit
a negative with a positive; and it’s doing her a power of good.
Get involved in your community! You won’t have to compromise
any of your principles; in fact, you’ll be fulfilling the law of
Christ. Get to know people by getting alongside them. Help to
shoulder their burdens. Learn to say ‘Yes’ to opportunity. It will
not only be the reputation of the Church that will benefit!
2
Research over the last decade in relation
to the effects of the arts on
health suggests that the aesthetic
is important to our well-being. A couple
of recent studies bear out the statement
addressed to Robert Browning: ‘There is
delight in singing, tho’ none hear beside
the singer’.
The delights are not all in the hearing.
Studies into the health benefits of singing
conducted at Canterbury University
showed positive associations between
singing and ■ feelings of well-being
■ greater relaxation responses ■ improved
breathing and benefit to the heart and
immune system ■ better posture
■ enhanced social, spiritual and
emotional benefits.
An introductory leaflet by the Health
Education Authority, linking the arts to
health, states:
‘The arts clearly have a potential to
the health benefits of music and singing.
The Canterbury studies recognised that
‘appropriate levels of investment to
sustain any positive influences’?
know Him – then you will be an ‘up’, positive Christian, a joy to 1 Adventist Review, January 2002.
3

Newsbreak
Making a difference
to Newbold by Velda Cox
After many years of dreaming, praying and planning, Newbold College’s
long-awaited new church is well on the way to completion. Work on
the building was started in June 2000, and has since progressed at a
rapid rate, with the main structure of the building already in place at
the time this article goes to print. The completion date of the project is
expected to be as early as July, and the official opening will take place on
Sabbath 14 September.
The new church complex comprises a worship hall seating approximately
550 people, and a large outreach and community centre that has the capacity
to seat between 60 and 70 people around small tables. There is also a
pastoral centre, bookshop, kitchen and mothers’ room, and the foundations
of the building have been laid in such a way that classrooms can be added
in the future. The building is strategically placed to ensure an unrestricted
view of the College’s neo-Jacobean manor house Moor Close from
Popeswood Road, and its environmentally friendly design ensures that it
blends in with the natural surroundings and links in with the beautiful
gardens attached to Moor Close. This innovative design by architects Scott
Tallon & Walker recently appeared in the magazine Church Building: The
Magazine of Ecclesiastical Design.
It must be all of twenty years since the College and church community
first discussed the idea of having a church building which would provide a
suitable venue for an ongoing, vibrant spiritual programme for both college
and community. Individuals and groups of people at different times over the
years have caught the vision and become committed to making that dream a
reality. Plans have been developed, costs determined and processes set in
place to provide every opportunity for success. Support and encouragement
have been generously given in a variety of ways from the sharing of expertise
and the giving of time, to lending a hand where needed, through providing
much-needed funds, and by praying for a successful outcome. The College
community would like to thank everyone who has provided such generous
support for this project and the many other projects that have been
completed at Newbold in recent years. We invite you all to join with us on our
day of celebration, 14 September, when the church will be formally opened.
Sixty years at the
organ
World Crisis Campaign
From 10 November to 10 December the
Greenwich church, under the leadership
of Pastor Terry Messenger and his
team, undertook a World Crisis evangelistic
campaign.
The six souls who made it through
their own personal crises to join with
Christ were: Robert Anthony Allen and
Oneil Wolfe; after much prayer and
Bible study they decided to retrace
Wednesday Kids’ Club and
Pudsey Bear bythe Larne Youth
What do twelve hyperactive children, nine harassed adults and
Pudsey Bear all have in common?
Fun, fun and more fun!
When the Wednesday Kids’ Club in Larne decided to raise some
money for Children in Need, a five-mile sponsored walk around the
beautiful Glenariff Forest was the perfect idea. What better way to
spend a Sabbath afternoon than walking through God’s wonderful
creation and raising money for His little children too?
God had painted the autumnal forest incredible browns, yellows
and reds, with glimpses of the majestic green mountains through
their steps and walk with Christ again.
Winifred Ottey Rowe grew up in the
Adventist faith, but it took a powerful
dream to bring her to commitment.
George Gica came from Moldova
and had never heard of Adventists until
he visited the Greenwich campaign.
Although he cannot speak English, he
understands a little. Through his interpreter
he asked to be baptised. Paula
Pinnock was introduced to the message
three months previously through a
friend, had Bible studies, and decided
to follow Christ. Maureen Rupheal has
been attending the Mottingham church
for a long time, heard the call, and
decided to accept Christ.
After a moving sermon, Pastor
Messenger immersed the six candidates.
Pictured, front, left to right:
Robert, George, Oneil, Pastor
Messenger, Winifred, Paula and
Maureen. Back, left to right: elders
D. Hemmings, M. Barton, I. Ogunlana,
C. Richardson and E. Samuels.
JOYCE CERES
the trees. At the halfway point we stopped for a breather, to
bandage up our first casualty, and to watch in awe as the waterfall
thundered down the mountainside (almost as noisy as the
children!). It was great to see them enjoy something that didn’t
require batteries or a power point!
As we made our way back to the car park, the woods rang with
the sound of laughter, hysterical screams and songs of praise to
God.
The Wednesday Kids’ Club would like to thank everyone who
sponsored them and helped raise the grand sum of £233.
30th Anniversary of
Newcastle’s church
On 6 October Newcastle-upon-Tyne church had a
special day to commemorate thirty years since the
dedication of their purpose-built church building in
Cruddas Park. The church was full to bursting with members
from the Newcastle, South Shields and Durham
congregations as well as many visitors.
All surviving past ministers of Newcastle church,
which was established ninety-five years ago, were
contacted and invited to return for this special day. We
were thrilled that six previous pastors and their wives
were able to accept our invitation.
Pastor Michael Taylor (1978-1982) offered the opening
prayer during Sabbath school, and Pastor A. (Sandy)
Pairman (current pastor) led a lively Sabbath school
discussion. Pastor Maurice Musgrave (1942-1948) was
speaker for the divine service, and master of ceremonies
for the afternoon programme.
Naomi Robson (14) played part of the moving theme
from ‘Schindler’s List’ on the violin,
accompanied by her mum Rita on the
organ.
The extraordinary afternoon
programme was full of history, reminiscences,
sadness, humour and
speculation. A roll call of past ministers
was made and those present
talked about their times in
Newcastle. There were memories of
the building programme during which
the young people had rallied to help
for fear the pastor would seriously
injure himself (or worse) if they did
not; the collection, sorting and packing
of huge volumes of clothes and
other goods to send to the Balkans;
of evangelistic campaigns; of friends
and contacts made, and even how
one pastor arrived in Newcastle a
bachelor and left with a wife and
son!
Letters from Pastor Victor
Leeds Gospel Festival
For a long time there has been nothing
like this in the Leeds community. After
weeks of preparation and canvassing,
the Gospel Festival became a reality.
For three weeks evangelist Pastor
Ian Sweeney, along with his team,
preached, sang, and studied God’s
word. Souls were stirred, hearts were
warmed and lives were changed.
With the help of the Holy Spirit we
were able to baptise seven candidates
and extend to seven others the right
hand of fellowship. These members are
now actively involved in the life of the
church and we are preparing ourselves
for another onslaught on the devil’s
territory.
Past and present pastors and their wives present at Newcastle’s anniversary.
From left to right: Pastor and Mrs M. Taylor, Pastor and Mrs M. Walker, Pastor and
Mrs R. Hulbert, Pastor and Mrs M. Musgrave, Pastor and Mrs M. Elliss, Pastor and
Mrs A. Pairman and Pastor and Mrs B. Pilmoor.
Baker, Shelly-Ann Miller, Karen
Duhaney, Nothabo Dube and Kumbulani
Ndhlovu. Those who took the right hand
of fellowship were Bobby Bojovic, Jane
Nkosana-Ncube, Idah Nkosana, Noelle
Burke, Lorna James-Reid, Audrey
Durrant and Nomalanga Gwesela.
SUSAN CHISHOLM
Harewood and Mrs Fiona McKee (née Ternent) were read
out. Pastor Pairman spoke of his hopes for the future;
that Newcastle’s congregation would grow again.
Members of the congregation were given the opportunity
to reminisce also, and Jessie Wear, stalwart colporteur,
and Bill Hunter, church treasurer for many years, were
remembered.
A list of Tyneside members who had gone on to work
for the Church was presented. There had been Bible
workers, colporteurs, missionaries, teachers and
ministers.
The early twenty-first-century congregation was
introduced to some popular hymns of a late nineteenthcentury
congregation, and Colin Robson, Newcastle’s
organist for sixty years, played a composition of his own.
At the end of the afternoon Irene Chalk removed orchid
sprays from the beautiful flower arrangement she had
made for the occasion and presented them to each of the
pastors’ wives. RITA A. ROBSON
porter of the choir, was guest speaker
on the theme for the evening: ‘The
Word of God Stands Sure’.
Various artists, including Antonia
Francis and Yolanda Alexander, added
their special touch to a wonderful
evening of Spirit-filled praise. The
evening concluded with the choir’s
hallmark, the grand finale –
‘Redemption draweth nigh’.
B. CLARKE
4
Colin Robson has been playing the organ
at Newcastle church for sixty years. He
first sat at the organ on his 13th birthday
in September 1931 to play during an
evangelistic campaign in Newcastle by
Pastor Bernard Kinman. Colin has accompanied
the congregation since then,
not only for the weekly services, but for
weddings and funerals too. His talent
was not recognised by Newcastle church
alone, however, and he has played at
various Conference meetings also.
In 1985 Colin’s wish for a ‘pipe’
organ for Newcastle church was fulfilled.
We didn’t quite manage a genuine pipe
organ, but Colin was able to choose a
superb Makin electric organ that sounds
just like the real thing.
In commemoration of Colin’s service
on the organ, the church board voted for
a dedication to be placed inside our
newly-purchased hymnals.
Colin had two small strokes in 2001
but we thank God that the only effect
these had is some loss of sensation to
his left hand, and this has not stopped
him playing. We pray that he will remain
in good health, and thank God for the
blessings of his musical ministry over the
past sixty years.
RITA A. ROBSON
Those baptised were Mertilea
Greaves, Sarah Morton, Kathleen
All London Male
Voice Choir
On 8 December the Holloway church
played host to a special group of men
who have enriched thousands of lives
with their contributions in song. The All
London Male Voice Choir rang out its
harmonious tones to a full and appreciative
audience as it celebrated
its nineteenth Festival of Praise.
Pastor John Arthur, an ardent sup-
MESSENGER
on the Web
MESSENGER has been available on the
Web since Wednesday 16 January. The
new MESSENGER page of the BUC
website can be found on the front page
at www.adventist.org.uk/messenger.
JOHN C. SURRIDGE, BUC Communication director 5

News Digest Obituaries
‘Wake up!’
church, Samuel Adjei-Owusu
and daughter, Winston and Shareen Christian and a single parent; Choosing
Members from Watford Town and the
announced that, beside the £3,000 Rodney (relatives of M. L. Rodney), as to act rather than react; A woman and
New Life (London) churches visited
minibus that they had bought for the well as a further three close friends, her budget; The challenge of women’s
Telford for a special ‘Wake up!’ pro-
new church, they would also be paying give their lives to Christ. Pastor ministry; Leadership skills; Support for
gramme on 24 November. Through the
the expenses incurred during the Michael Mannix preached a soul- the ill and/or their carers.
organisation. All Ghanaian churches stirring sermon. Pastor Steve McKenzie JAN PEARCE
use of drama, music and special readings,
the point was made that we must
in Europe had sent donations.
immersed the candidates. M. L. Rodney
be ready for Christ’s return. One of the
BUC president Pastor C. R. Perry, and his band of missionaries continue Plymouth: Gate stolen
drama presentations highlighted the
SEC president Pastor D. W. McFarlane, to engage in giving Bible studies.
SEC treasurer Earl Ramharacksingh
The members of the Plymouth church,
JAZ SARGEANT
plots Satan uses to distract us from
and secretary Pastor Humphrey Walters
and the staff and pupils of the
our goals. Divine service message was
participated in the service.
Fletewood School, were shocked when
presented by our new pastor, Ian
The new congregation in Slough
they discovered that the five-foot
Cheeseman. Hats off to Brequelle,
Wimbledon: Four baptised
was formed following an evangelistic
wrought-iron gate had been stolen.
Colin, Isshad, Mellisa, Lystra and
Four souls united their lives with Christ
campaign conducted by Pastors Sackey
John Martin, head teacher, the teachers
Roxanne, for making the Sabbath a
on 1 December at the Wimbledon
and Dadey.
and supervisors, had to be extra vigil-
ANDREW D. BECCAI
truly remarkable day.
church. Sheila Meehan, originally from ant during playtime to ensure the chil-
MARTIN TAYLOR
Zimbabwe, learned about Jesus from a dren’s safety. The gate opened onto a
personal study of the Bible and from
FOCUS for guide dogs
busy main road. Pastor Ron Clemow
careful instruction by Sabbath school
One of the outreach projects of the
asked church members to make it a
Third Ghanaian-
teachers and God-fearing parents.
Liverpool church in 2001 was to sell
matter of prayer. Some of the parents
Joyceline Shorey-Earle discovered
sponsored church
FOCUS magazines in aid of Guide Dogs
wrote to the local newspapers about
Christ through the Discovery Bible
for the Blind Association. A letter of
the theft. The police sergeant said,
organised
School. Bun Au was introduced to
authorisation from the Association was
‘Given that it’s a residential area and
From a membership of forty-nine, the
Jesus as a result of door-to-door evan-
inserted in every copy of the magazine,
given the weight of the gate, it is un-
London Ghanaian church now has over
gelism. In an inspiring sermon Pastor
hundreds of which were sold throughlikely
to be a prank by children.’ You
four hundred regular Sabbath worship-
Vlado Godina reminded us that baptism
out the year. On Sabbath morning 24
can imagine the relief and gratitude to
pers. Within four years it has estab-
does not make us perfect!
November, Sydney Jacobs MBE, with
the Lord for answered prayer when, a
lished four congregations under the
ASHA HARTNELL
his guide dog Ember and his wife Irene,
few weeks later, the gate was returned.
leadership of Pastors E. O. Sackey and
COMMUNICATION SECRETARY
G. S. Dadey. The recent organisation of
gratefully received the cheque from the
the Slough Ghanaian church brings to
Liverpool church. In 2002 the church NEC Women’s Retreat
three the number of Ghanaian
plans to raise funds for a women’s
Ninety women from the NEC found time The President remembers
churches organised.
refuge in Liverpool, from the sale of
to laugh and cry, study and think, talk 11 September
FOCUS. PASTOR BARRY STOKES
The new church pledged that she
and exercise together at King’s Park, ‘It’s easy to become depressed with
would not limit her evangelistic work
Northampton, over the weekend begin- life – especially since 11 September,’
only to Ghanaians. The first elder, Louis
ning 30 November. Under the leader-
Chingford:
said BUC president Pastor C. R. Perry,
Amakye, promised, ‘We should send
ship of Heather Haworth, and with speaking at Colchester on 24
the Gospel to every Indian, Pakistani, Five more souls won
Helen Pearson directing our thinking November. Appropriately, he took his
West Indian and English who live in Sabbath 22 December was a great day to ‘the God of Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, text from Paul’s second letter to the
Slough.’ He appealed to his members for the Chingford church when five Mary and you’, we considered the Corinthians, chapter 4: ‘We do not lose
to increase their giving to support the people were baptised at the John varied experiences in our relationships heart . . . .’
church of 108 worshippers. He said, Loughborough School. The church had with God. Workshop leaders Val
After a pot luck lunch the president
‘From today we are a matured and been diligently praying over the preced- Bernard, Heather Haworth, Claudine opened up a question-and-answer
independent church. The London ing months as church elder Martin Jackson, Helen Pearson, Angela session in which he answered
Ghanaian church is no longer responsi- Luther Rodney had been conducting Purkiss, Carlene Rafferty and Maureen questions on points as diverse as the
ble for our finances.’ Nevertheless, the Bible classes and 1-2-1 spiritual coun- Rock provided a variety of topics to Alpha Course and the concept of the
first elder of the London Ghanaian selling. The church witnessed father choose for discussion: Being a remnant. ELIZABETH JONES
one of the meetings Pastor Don Sneider asked if
there was anyone from Ireland, and Mike Logan
stood. Sitting immediately behind him were Kevin
and Vicki, who later commented: ‘It’s wonderful
how God creates the most amazing coincidences.’
The couple will be working with Pastor
Logan in Cork. They have brought with them an
enthusiasm to do God’s bidding and an energy
On 28 November Kevin and Vicki Wiley arrived having trained an Ifugao layman to pastor them. You for God’s work. They also bring with them a
in Ireland as the newest members of the can find out more about AFM by going to their web- working knowledge of cell churches and friendship
ministerial team. But unlike the rest of the site at www.afmonline.org.
evangelism.
workers who get paid a salary, they have spent The Wiley’s interest in Ireland began
the last twelve months raising sponsorship for the when they read an article about Ireland Left to right: Kevin and Vicki Wiley, Evelyn and Michael Logan.
work that they will be doing.
in Adventist Review, which got them
The couple have come to Ireland from
thinking about doing their bit for God’s
Adventist Frontier Missions, an organisation which service. Vicki had been working in the
is based in Michigan but reaches across the office of AFM in Berrien Springs. Just
globe. AFM was officially organised back in before the GC Session in Toronto there
1985, the vision of Clyde Morgan and Michael was a Seeds Conference at Andrews
Steenhoven, students at the seminary in Berrien University. Vicki and Kevin were there
Springs. In 1987 AFM sent its first missionaries to and, unbeknown to them, so was Pastor
the Philippines to minister to the Ifugao people. Six Mike Logan, a person they had been
years later they returned home, having established hoping to meet, who had also been
a congregation of over a hundred Adventists and featured in Adventist Review. During
Left to right: Naomi Burgess, who had the highest number of awards among
the girls, Rachel Lunan, who was nominated by the leaders for the Adventurer
of the Year certificate, and Philipe Keshishian, who gained the highest number
of awards among the boys. Also in the picture are Pastor Tompkins (left) and
Mr Bussue (right). Photo: Frank Blewitt
The formative years
A year of hard work by the children at Stanborough Parch church culminated
in celebration at an Investiture service held on Sabbath 8 December.
Pathfinder leader Mr Bernell Bussue welcomed Pastor Paul Tompkins,
TED Youth director, who officiated at the service and presented the awards to
the youngsters.
In his brief remarks before the awards ceremony, Mr Bussue explained
that the past year had been a challenging time for all the leaders since they
had to have on-the-job training at the same time as they were teaching the
children. There had been a great deal of enthusiasm for the club, with an average
attendance of twenty-five children aged between 5 and 11 every week.
Mr Bussue concluded his remarks by saying, ‘I constantly remind myself
that the early years are the most important of a child’s life. Our children are
God’s gift to us and they are both our present and our future. We all need to
develop, value and nurture our relationships with them.
‘There have been times during the year when I have asked myself, why
did I agree to this? The reward is the children. At times, while walking along,
I have felt a little hand in mine or a child has come up to me and said, “Can
I give you a hug?’’; things like that, for me, make it worth the effort.’
Fourteen children were invested in one of the four categories in the club
– Busy Bee, Sunbeam, Builder or Helping Hand; while another eleven
children received award badges and certificates. Three youngsters were
presented with special Achievement Certificates in recognition of their
outstanding efforts. FRANK BLEWITT
Aberdaron
Special Needs Camp 7 - 14 July
Family Camp 19 - 28 July
Junior Camp 4 – 11 August
Senior Camp 11 – 18 August
Earliteen Camp 18 – 25 August
Coventry Camp 28 August –
1 September
For further information
please contact the
North England Conference
Youth Deptment
on 0115 960 6312
McKENZIE, Ceslyn – d. 3 October. Members of the
Stoke Newington church were saddened by the loss
of one of our well-loved and respected members
after a progressive and painful illness bravely endured.
Sister Mac, as she was affectionately known,
was born Ceslyn Ferrigon, in the parish of St Ann in
Jamaica in 1936. She emigated to England in the
1960s and later married Lascelles, now an elder of
our church. This union resulted in five children:
Winston, Lorna, Stephen (Pastor McKenzie),
Kenneth and Carol. The funeral service was held at
the Holloway church which was crowded with relatives,
friends and church members who had come to
say farewell to Sister Mac and to give thanks for her
life. Pastor C. R. Perry, BUC president, together with
other pastors, came to give their support and encouragement
to the family. The service was led by
our minister Dr Richard De Lisser, who was assisted
by Pastors Don McFarlane, Richard Holder, Brighton
Kavaloh and Eddie Hypolite, aided by Pastor Gifford
Rhamie on the organ and Tina Brooks on piano.
During the service special musical items were rendered
by Tina Brooks, Paul Lee and the Stoke
Newington Church Choir. The scripture readings
were by grandson Asha McKenzie and niece Micheal
Ferrigon. Tributes were paid to Sister Mac by family,
friends and church members who, over the years,
enjoyed the wonderful hospitality provided in her
home. Son Winston presented the eulogy, and son
Stephen shared some precious moments with us by
opening the family album. As Sister Mac’s health deteriorated
she never complained. Her faith in the
Lord grew much stronger as she looked forward to
the great reunion when there will be no more sickness
or dying. She is survived by her loving husband
Lascelles, five children, four grandchildren, mother,
sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews. She was laid
to rest in the Manor Park cemetery where, like so
many of her fellow believers, she sleeps, waiting for
the fulfilment of her Master’s promise to come again.
Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to her
family at this time. F. R. SUTHERLAND
The family sincerely appreciates the kindness and
sympathy extended to them during this sad time. They
wish to thank those who attended the funeral service.
ROWE, Leonard William – d. 3 October. A fitting
tribute to Len was witnessed when around 140
people attended the funeral service at Penmount
crematorium in Truro. The service was conducted by
Pastor Islwyn Rees, a former pastor and close friend
of the family, assisted by the writer who read from
Romans 8 the assuring words that not even death can
separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus. Pastor
Rees beautifully shared the celebration of Len’s life,
climaxing in the faith and joy that he and his wife Val
found in Christ. Len was born into a loving environment
in Truro in 1934. His grandad’s gentle character
had great influence upon his life; and his
practical skills were developed during those childhood,
wartime years of self-sufficiency. After passing
his 11-Plus, Len would travel each day to Redruth
Grammar School. At the age of 15 he began his apprenticeship
as a French polisher and restorer but
he gave that up to joined the Fleet Air Arm. Eventually
he joined the Royal Navy and served on all the large
aircraft carriers, including the famous Illustious and
Ark Royal. Returning to civvy street, he trained as a
chiropodist, practising until he died. Len and Val first
met at a Christmas dance and after a lengthy
courtship they were married and spent forty-two
wonderful years together. Len’s gentle personality,
coupled with his sense of humour, were gifts which
brought helpful humour into serious situations. He
enjoyed his family and the time he spent with his
children and grandchildren. During the service,
Pastor Rees told Tamsin, Matthew and David: ‘Your
dad was proud of how you had grown up to be loving,
honest and respectful and aware of the needs of
others.’ When Len left for the Navy his mum placed a
Bible in his kitbag; but he didn’t show much interest
in that side of life during those days. His spiritual experience
emerged when his first child was stillborn;
he and Val could not understand why God should be
punishing them. It was then they both realised that
they actually believed in God. They began reading the
Bible and had endless discussions with all manner of
people. As they became Bible students they recognised
the true Bible Sabbath. They came into contact
with Adventists through one of Len’s patients, Mr
Clarke, who explained how Jesus is ‘Lord of the
Sabbath’. The claims and example of the Saviour
baptised in 1972 by Pastor David Ellis, joining the
church in Redruth. As they grew in the knowledge
and love of God, they both realised that God had not
punished them with a stillborn child, but had sought
to meet their need in finding a relationship with Him.
They have both served the Lord faithfully in the
church over the years. Among his ministries, Len
served as Personal Ministries leader and treasurer at
Redruth. His lay-preaching was much appreciated by
everyone – in fact, he preached at the harvest festival
on his last Sabbath. He was an extremely thoughtful
and caring gentleman who was loved and appreciated
by everyone who knew him. On Tuesday 2
October, Len and Val had enjoyed a lovely day pottering
around the garden and enjoying their time
together. At teatime Len suffered a severe headache
and collapsed later that evening. A scan revealed he
had suffered a severe brain haemorrhage. Len will
obviously be missed by his dear wife, his children
and their families, by those of us at church, his many
other friends and patients to whom he has been a
positive witness. One day soon Jesus will be back to
take us home, and then Len – who is now eternally
secure in Christ – will hear His voice and rise to meet
his Saviour and be reunited with Val and all who are
prepared for that glorious event!
PASTOR MICHAEL I. WALKER
Val Rowe would like to thank everyone for their kindness
in sending flowers, cards and letters of sympathy, and for
their loving support of her and her family.
SMITH, Frank James – d. 23 October. Frank will
doubtless be remembered by many as a loyal worker
for twenty-four years at the Granose factory, until his
retirement in 1977, as well as for his many years of
service as a deacon at the Stanborough Park church,
where he could usually be found manning the side
door. However, this was only one aspect of Frank’s
life. He was born in 1912 into a large family. He
worked first in a health food shop, then as a sign
writer, as well as serving in the army during World
War II, in Italy and North Africa. He also enjoyed a
variety of hobbies, including painting, breeding
budgerigars, and gardening. Frank became an
Adventist early in life, together with his wife-to-be
Elsie Kirk. They were blessed with three daughters,
Ann, Pearl and Christine. Tragedy struck the family in
1981 when Ann and her husband Don Lale, were
killed by terrorists while serving as missionaries.
Frank’s grandson Tim Lale, who gave the tribute at
Frank’s funeral service, spoke of Frank as a quiet,
faithful man, who sought to give glory to God and to
care for others. Even in his last years spent at The
Dell he found ways to ‘help the older ones’. Frank
will be sadly missed by his daughters, and their families,
including six grandchildren and seven greatgrandchildren,
who value the memories they have of
time Frank spent with them. Frank’s funeral, conducted
by the writer, assisted by Marc Rasell, was a
time to remember Frank’s faith in his soon-coming
Saviour. ‘Even so, come, Lord Jesus.’
PASTOR IAN B. LOREK
JESSUP, Nellie Lillian (Jo) – d. 24 October. Jo was
born on 26 January 1907 and in June 1931 married
her beloved Osmond. She was baptised in 1940 at
the former church in Arley Hill, Bristol, and Osmond
was baptised a year later. Jo was both Sabbath School
teacher and Dorcas leader at Bristol Central church
before transferring her membership to Lodge
Causeway in 1983. Her failing eyesight gave problems
in her later years, but she could still sing along
with the rest of us as she had committed the hymns
to memory. Jo had a good sense of humour, and was
a great favourite at Causeway, especially with the children.
She was for many years the oldest attending
member. Pastor Ron Edwards and one of our elders,
Tony King, were at Frenchay Hospital with Jo when
she died, and on 31 October a large congregation
gathered at Lodge Causeway to say farewell and to
give thanks for her life. Pastor Edwards took the service
and gave an uplifting message for the mourners.
Tony King gave the eulogy on her Christian life. Jo
was laid to rest at Avon View cemetery, where
Osmond is buried. Our deepest sympathy and
prayers are for Jo’s friends, Dr Laurence Turner and
family from Newbold, and to her long-term friends
Betty Horler, Maureen Cumner and Myrna Dorland,
who gave her great support. Jo will be greatly missed,
and now sleeps, awaiting the call of the Life-giver.
6 were sufficient for Val and Len, and they were S. A. HATCHER
7
God’s amazing
coincidences by Doug McCormac
2002

8
Continued from page 1
answer to their prayer brought a
resolution to the family problem.
Family members, single or married,
all need God’s grace to bring
reconciliation into family dilemmas.
Today, more than ever, we
need God’s grace because we are
seeing Paul’s prophecy fulfilled,
of disobedience to parents and
ungodliness (2 Tim. 3:1-5). Your
church has responded through
God’s grace, to support you by
making Family Ministries (officially
formed in 1995 at the GC Session)
a department of the Church.
Your Conference and Mission
Family Ministries directors seriously
take up the challenge of enabling
the ‘singles and marrieds’ to experience
God’s grace of reconciliation:
Pastor Bernie Holford, SEC;
Pastor C. Sweeney, NEC;
Pastor Richard Vine, WM.
The Irish and Scottish Mission
presidents and their respective
Executive committees plan and
organise Family Ministries events
for their Missions.
At the BUC Mrs Heather Haworth,
Children’s and Women’s Ministries
director, acts as the Family
Ministries department co-ordinator.
She chairs the BUC Family
Ministries council and supports the
Union-wide Family Ministries
programme.
Adventist music on
‘Songs of Praise’ by Trevor Johnson
Once again the celebrated and
extraordinary talents of Ken
Burton, conductor and composer,
have been employed by the BBC Songs
of Praise production team for two
programmes scheduled for Valentine’s
Day and Easter this year. Amid his
busy schedule of conducting workshops
and directing the Croydon
Adventist Gospel Choir and the London
Adventist Chorale, Ken has launched
into a series of musical expressions
under the umbrella of the Adventist
Voice Ensemble. The aim is to provide
good quality music at the highest
professional level to agencies wishing
to introduce good Christian music
through the media.
ABC BOOK SALES 2002
February
10 Newbold School 10am-2pm
16 Bristol Central 6.15pm-8pm
17 Gloucester 1pm-3pm
23 ACTS 2002-Newbold College
24 John Loughborough 10am-2pm
March
3 West Midlands 10am-2pm
10 Peckham 10am-2pm
UPCOMING EVENTS
EVENT WHEN WHERE WHO HOW
NEC small group training
weekend
Family Ministries Calendar of Main Events 2002
Date Event Venue
9-16 February Christian Home and Marriage Week Local churches
31 May-4 June Brecon Camp Aberdaron
10-16 June Conference Camp Meeting Programmes Prestatyn, N. Wales
28 June-5 July Scottish Family camp Scotland
13-20 July Family Togetherness Week Local churches
19-28 July NEC Family Camp Aberdaron, N. Wales
21-28 July SEC Family Camp 1 Chapel Porth, Cornwall
28 July-4 August SEC Family Camp 2 Chapel Porth, Cornwall
25 August-1 September Lone Parent Camp Chapel Porth, Cornwall
6-8 September Brecon Camp South Wales
19-26 October Family Togetherness Local churches
October/November Scottish Family Retreat Date/venue to be confirmed
Family Ministry Programmes to be run in 2002
Look out for posters advertising other Conference/Mission programmes
● SEC Camp Meeting — Australian Dr Brian Craig, one of the foremost experts on family life in our
Church, will be the speaker.
● SEC Marriage retreats — special weekends for couples who want to enhance their marriage, enjoy
special treats and return home inspired. These are open to anyone in the NEC and Missions.
● Union-wide summer family camps — each Mission and Conference runs a holiday-style activity
programme for the enjoyment of all the family.
● SEC Lone Parent Camp — building on the success of 2001’s camp, this will become an integral part
of the summer camp programme.
● NEC Roadshow — This began in 2001. Seminars and workshops take place throughout the
Conference on marriage preparation, marriage enrichment and divorce care, parenting, singles,
grandparenting, being a teenager, etc.
Do you need help or counselling? Regardless of where you live in the British Isles,
please feel free to phone either of the following: SEC 0845 741 3602, NEC 0161 740 3602.
Be sure to watch Songs of Praise
on BBC1 on Sunday 17 February, and
Good Friday 29 March. Check with your
radio and television guide to confirm
transmission times.
Leaves of Life Health
Seminar.
Concert – (in support of
Breast Cancer research)
Respect – drama about
relationships and love
8-10 March
(15-17 March,
venue later).
23 February –
whole day.
15 and 22
February
14/16/17/21/23/
24 Feb, 7.45pm
Messenger
Volume 107 Number 3 8 February 2002
EDITOR: D. N. MARSHALL
COPY FOR No. 5 – 18 February
Bawtry, near Doncaster Taken by Church Growth director
Paul Haworth and David
Cox, BUC Personal Ministries.
39 Brendon Street, W1
(Information room)
Hackney Empire E8 Vox Simba Community
Choir and others
All advertisements for upcoming events should be submitted in this format.
Copy should be sent to the Editor, MESSENGER, The Stanborough Press Limited, Alma Park, Grantham,
Lincolnshire, NG31 9SL. Tel: (01476) 591700. Fax No: (01476) 577144. Email: EditorDNM@cs.com
ABC Sales line: (01476) 539900 Mon-Thurs only, 7.30-6pm.
The Editor may alter, clarify, précis or expand articles sent to him if he thinks it necessary.
Published fortnightly on Fridays by the British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
Printed by The Stanborough Press Limited, Alma Park, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 9SL.
Visit the BUC website at: www.adventist.org.uk ISSN 0309-3654
Phone: NEC on 0115 960 6312
emai: haworth5@lineone.net
Cost: £68.
Dr Espinet. 0208 881 8865/07951 611 097;
leavesoflife@aol.com.
0208 985 2424
0208 771 9206
Hackney Empire E8 Agape 0208 985 2424
mark@carmel-greystone.com
Sunset
Sunset times are reproduced with permission from
data supplied by the Science Research Council.
Lond Card Nott Edin Belf
Feb 8 5.03 5.15 5.02 5.01 5.16
15 5.15 5.28 5.16 5.16 5.31
22 5.28 5.40 5.29 5.32 5.46
Mar 1 5.41 5.53 5.43 5.47 5.59
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