The high-tech, sound and light spectacle was the first in a series of events and activities they have planned to mark the 2000th anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ. In addition, the programme was devised to serve as a platform for the young people of the church to celebrate their faith in Christ and articulate their vision of their role in Christian ministry for the twenty-first century.

"The idea behind this event was that although many things have change over the past 2000 years, one thing has remained constant--the eternal gospel of salvation and the church's mission to boldly proclaim this," said conference president, pastor Don McFarlane.

Highlights of the day included costumed drama, multimedia effects, powerful preaching and stirring singing from a two-hundred member gospel choir. "Unforgettable," "motivational," "too wonderful for words," "a profound and joyous inspiration" were just some of the responses from church members to what they had witnessed.

The day concluded with a concert featuring multiple-award-winning USA gospel musicians, The Heritage Singers and Kelli Williams. [Humphrey Walters/ANR 190]

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DANISH BIBLE SOCIETY PROVIDES BIBLES FOR ETHNIC CHURCHES

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COPENHAGEN, DENMARK - [ANR] Churches serving the ethnic, immigrant residents in Denmark are benefiting from a programme of the Danish Bible Society to provide Bibles in their languages. In the first few months, more than 200 Bibles in 18 languages were given to 25 groups.

The project was organised by the Intercultural Christian Centre (ICC) and partially funded by the world-wide fellowship of Bible Societies. It targets Christian groups often organised along cultural and language lines. Many who belong to these groups come to Denmark as refugees and do not have the financial resources to buy Bibles in their heart languages. Bibles are also needed for evangelistic outreach.

This Bible distribution serves two purposes, according to Birthe Munck-Fairwood, ICC National Co-ordinator. It is a way of encouraging and supporting Christian brothers and sisters who find themselves in a host country with another language and unfamiliar church traditions. And it is a way to reach out to the non-Christians among the ethnic minorities. Some of them are more open to receiving a Bible from a member of their own community than from a member of the host community, says the ICC co-ordinator.

Languages represented in the programme include Amharic, Arabic, Armenian, Chinese, Croatian, English, Farsi, French, Hungarian, Korean, Polish, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Spanish, Tamil, Tigrinya and Vietnamese. [EBPS/ANR 191]

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PRESIDENT ADDRESSES WOMEN'S MINISTRIES RETREAT

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BRACKNELL, ENGLAND - [ANR] Over the weekend of 10-12 September two hundred ladies met together at Newbold College to praise God and prepare to enter the new millennium better equipped to serve Him. Pastor Cecil Perry, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Britain and his wife, were able to participate during Birthe Kendel's inspiring afternoon slide presentation on the growth of Women's Ministry in our Division. Pastor Perry gave tribute to his wife, telling of how she had enriched his ministry by sharing with him her wide knowledge gained through her gift of reading. He challenged the women present to be used by the Lord, and to share their gifts, not only in their church but especially through evangelism.

Birthe Kendel, Trans-European Division Women's Ministries director, is now seeing the fruit of her years of labour. Her unstinting encouragement, humour and care have helped to mould our Union's Women's Ministries mission - experiencing the joy of caring for people inside and outside of the Church.

The chief organiser of the retreat was Heather Haworth. The British Union Women's Ministries Council put together plans for this retreat back in May. Council members Julia Smith, Norma Dias and Sylvia Ham-Ying helped to put the plans into action. Sylvia ably chaired the worships with humour and humility. Julia and Norma not only organised Sunday morning's praise programme but led out in the after Sabbath social "Challenge Serepta" (Serepta Henry being the Mother of Women's Ministries) where the inventiveness of the ladies came to light. In order that the 200 women would get to know one another they were put into groups, a mix that resulted in hilarious skits, poems, new millennium dress parade and songs, all based on the theme of Women's Ministries Forward 2000. Over twenty workshop speakers and two chaplains, Mary McFarlane and Claradell Morgan encouraged the women to fulfil God's calling to serve Him. This latest retreat was the epitome of spirituality and sisterhood and the presence of the Holy Spirit ensured it was the 'best ever'. [John Surridge/ANR 192]

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FELLOWSHIP DAY FOR THE OSLO CHURCHES

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OSLO, NORWAY - [ANR] An annual Day of fellowship for the Oslo churches on October 18 had to be hastily replanned due to the enforced withdrawal of guest speaker William Johnsson of the Adventist Review. Johnsson's flight to Norway was cancelled at the last minute due to the after effects of hurricane Floyd in the New York area.

Trans-European Division Pastoral Ministries director, Martin Anthony, was asked to step in as replacement speaker for the 300 Oslo member who gathered in the spacious central Pentecostal church for the occasion. Union president Roger Robertson expertly led in a lesson study on the significance of the Sabbath. During the main service the Division speaker illustrated from the Old Testament story of Mephibosheth the richness of God's grace. The theme was pursued in the afternoon through stories of modern miracles of grace in human hearts.

The day climaxed with a range of youth activities in a city sports hall, meticulously planned by the youth committee. [ANR/193]

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THIS WEEK'S TED PRAYER GUIDE: LITHUANIA

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KAUNAS, LITHUANIA - [ANR] Lithuania is the most populous but also the poorest of the three Baltic republics. It has a population of almost 4 million. Seventh-day Adventism entered Lithuania just before the first World War. Progress was slow. In 1927 the membership stood at only 160. Persecution in the post World War II period caused many members to leave the country. All that eventually remained was a group of about 50 members, most of whom were advanced in age.

But when restrictions were relaxed in the late 1980s there was freedom to hold public evangelistic efforts. A major campaign in Vilnius in 1988 resulted in the organisation of a 172-member church. Since that time the church has grown by leaps and bounds. Today the Lithuanian Mission, which resides under the Baltic Union, has grown from about 50 members some ten years ago, to over 1,000!

While the Lithuanian Mission is one of the success stories in the Trans-European Division, it also presents one of its greatest challenges. The Lithuanian church has no church buildings, except for one house, which has been transformed into a small church. More church buildings are urgently needed along with more Lithuanian workers. So far the church has had to rely to a large extent on foreign workers and various independent ministries. Many of the volunteers have done a marvellous work, but in the long-term the church cannot rely to such an extent on their involvement. And the church clearly needs a stronger publishing ministry.

Please pray:

* for more Lithuanian pastors.

* that funding may be found for much needed church buildings.

* for continued evangelistic success among the Lithuanian and the Russian population.

*for a positive relationship between the Seventh-day Adventist Church and government authorities and leaders of other religious communities. [Reinder Bruinsma/ANR 194]
Entered October 10, 1999

"We thank the Lord for the many precious souls that have been baptised and added to the church during the first six months of 1999," reports Sven H Jensen, president of the MEU. "Our goal per year for this quinquennium is 800, and so far this year 762 people have joined the churches in the Middle East Union. Evangelism is a priority in our union in this last year of the 20th century."

According to a report received from Pastor Nathana Bathuel regarding their evangelistic efforts in South Sudan 64 souls have been baptised with more preparing for the next baptism.

"It should be added that this report was not included in the total of the second quarter's report from the South Sudan Field," says Jensen. "We are encouraged by the zeal and perseverance in evangelism of our brothers and sisters in a very insecure part of our territory." [ANR Staff with Sven H Jensen/ANR 186]

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ADVENTIST INTERNATIONAL CONDUCTOR TO RECEIVE HONORARY DOCTORATE

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GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN - [ANR] On October 23 the University of Gothenburg's Arts Faculty will confer an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy on one of Sweden's most eminent international conductors, Herbert Blomstedt.

Blomstedt, a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, has now retired and currently lives in Lucerne, Switzerland, with his wife Traute. They have four daughters. Ten years of his life were spent conducting the world-renowned San Francisco Symphony Orchestra.

The citation notes his efforts in championing Swedish and Norwegian music from all periods. At the same time he is one of the key people in promoting modern Swedish music.

The Faculty Committee also emphasised his support of his hometown, Gothenburg. He supported the university in the 60s when they were building up the music department. He also regularly appears as a guest director with the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra.

At the same time the Medical Faculty will confer an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy on Sweden's Queen Sylvia. [Anne-Maj Sandström/ANR 187]

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POLISH PARLIAMENT VOTES TO BAN TOBACCO ADVERTISING

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WARSAW, POLAND - [ANR] The Polish parliament returned from their summer recess to discuss the smoking habits of Poles. Last Friday, 10 September, parliament voted to ban all tobacco advertising and sponsorship by the end of 2001. Though the law has yet to be approved by parliament's upper house, it is a real step forward in the Polish society of heavy smokers.

During the last years many discussions took place in this area. Undoubtedly this is the result of the very active work of Professor Witold Zatonski, a strong campaigner against smoking, closely co-operating with the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Poland. The Church's "Five-day Plan to Stop Smoking" are well known throughout Poland and has already helped thousands of people to quit this destroying habit.

"Professor Zatonski has always supported the Adventist Church in its activity in this area," reports Roman Chalpuka, communication director for the Polish Union. "He has also personally written many articles on the subject which have been published by our church paper and books."

Different tobacco companies from abroad have invaded Poland in recent years and though all advertisements on television are strongly prohibited, the companies have practically covered the whole country with huge billboard advertising, increasing the number of smokers - especially among the young people. It is well known that 25% of the Polish population (of over 39 million people) smoke heavily.

"Due to this fact Poland has a very high death rate from smoking-related diseases," says Chalupka. "We believe that this step taken by our parliament will help create a better future for the Polish people and give more opportunities for the Adventist Church to assist many in helping them to stop smoking." [ANR Staff with Roman Chalupka/ANR 188]

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THIS WEEK'S TED PRAYER GUIDE: PATHFINDERS ARE IMPORTANT

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ST ALBANS, ENGLAND - [ANR] Did you ever master the art of tying knots as a youngster? Or learn the points of a compass by studying the lichen on trees in the forest, or follow the tracks of animals out in the countryside? Did you learn the skills of building a bonfire after drenching rain, or calculate the height of a hill? Most importantly, did you come to know more about your God through the leaders of your church's Pathfinder Club, as you saw Him reflected in people as well as in nature?

Pathfinders are important! The Pathfinder years (9-15) are crucial to our youth. They represent the moulding period of life, when key decisions on the greatest issues of life tend to be made. More youngsters are baptised into the church during this period than in any. It is, therefore, vital that no effort is spared in capturing the hearts and minds of our youth for the Lord.

How many of our churches operate Pathfinder Clubs? We have no precise figures for the Trans-European Division but we are heartened by the upsurge of support during the present decade. Over 1,800 Pathfinders turned out for the 1998 Camporee in Norway. Dozens of decisions were made for Jesus, and seeds were sown that only in the future will bear fruit.

One of the church's greatest needs is for members who see the true potential of the boys and girls of the church, and who will give time to work on their behalf. How often the excuse is heard, "I simply don't have time." Perhaps some of us are simply too busy. We would do well to ponder the words of Jeremiah 13:20, "Where is the flock that was entrusted to you?" These young people are God's trust to us: we must not let them down due to our absorption in other things.

Please pray:

* for those who work with our Pathfinders in the local churches, that God will empower them to see the true potential represented by these young lives, and willingly give time, skills and resources for their salvation.

* for those who organise wider youth events: the youth leaders and directors in our Conferences and Missions.

* for those who with their gifts support the youth programmes.

* for the Pathfinders themselves that they may come to embrace the Lord Jesus as their personal Friend and Redeemer. [Martin L Anthony/ANR 189]
Entered October 10, 1999

"There were five of us working in the Mission office here in Athens," reports Apostolos Maglis, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Greece, "when all of a sudden the building started to shake. As soon as the earthquake stopped we all went outside only to discover several buildings around the office damaged. Thank God the church, which is beside the office, and office itself have not been damaged."

Maglis immediately telephoned every member of the church in Athens to find that all were safe together with their homes, except for one family whose home in a five-story block was severely damaged. The family have been invited to live in the home of the president until a longer term solution can be found. Altogether at least ten individuals will be accommodated in the Maglis household including an elderly couple - the man suffering from a heart problem, and another family - a couple and their daughter - the wife who is suffering from shock. These families are fearful of staying in their own homes due to where they are located.

"Our home is in the south of Athens where the tremors of the earthquake can still be felt. However, it is much safer than in the city centre, and these families will feel protected being here where the house is situated in the open place rather than with many buildings around it," says Maglis. "It is our privilege to help in this way." [ANR Staff with Apostolos Maglis/ANR 180]

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TWENTY-ONE BAPTISED IN THE JORDAN RIVER

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JERUSALEM, ISRAEL - [ANR] A total of twenty-one people committed their lives to Jesus Christ in two baptismal services which have recently taken place in the traditional site of Jesus' own baptism in the River Jordan, Israel.

The first of these special days took place on Sabbath, July 17 when Pastor Richard Elofer, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Israel, baptised twelve people in the company of 150 witnesses. These newly-baptised members are now members of the English-speaking church in Tel Aviv.

The second baptism of nine individuals took place just five weeks later on Sabbath, August 21, with 120 people in attendance to witness this joyful occasion. Those baptised are now members of the English-speaking congregation in Jerusalem, the Romanian-speaking congregation in Jerusalem, the local congregation in Tel Aviv and the local congregation in Beer Sheva.

"This last service was an interesting and an emotional service for two reasons," reports Elofer. "First of all because it was the first baptismal service for the very new congregation of Beer Sheva. Beer Sheva is the capital town of Neguev (south desert) - town of Abraham the father of the believers. We now have a congregation in this city with about 20 believers and everyone was delighted with this result just after one year of work there. The second reason was a personal one for me, because on this beautiful day on August 21, my third son Johann, 18, was baptised."

"We praise the Lord for what he has done for us in Israel during these last two years. We can see the blessing of the Holy Spirit," concludes Elofer.

There are 800 members currently in Israel worshipping in 11 churches - the newest church plant being in Ashkelon.

For those who would like to see the progress of the work in Israel can do so through the new web site: . [ANR Staff with Richard Elofer]/ANR 181]

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A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME ENCOUNTER AT CHAPEL PORTH

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CORNWALL, ENGLAND - [ANR] Cornwall, England, was the place to be to encounter a once-in-a-lifetime experience of the total solar eclipse of the sun which took place on Wednesday, 11 August. The Seventh-day Adventist Church in the South England Conference, under the leadership of Pastor David Neal, organised a special Eclipse Camp from 8 - 18 August, on their site in Chapel Porth which brought together over 60 young people and close to 40 staff.

The worships were shared between Dr Mart De Groot, an Adventist astronomer living in Northern Ireland, and Japhet De Oliveira, currently pastoring in the Tunbridge Wells district, England. Dr De Groot spoke every morning of the wonders of the universe, and with various slides drew a picture of God larger and greater than anything seen with the naked eye.

"The weather wasn't too good, but we didn't let that deter us," says De Oliveira. "Not only did we see snippets of the eclipse through our special safety glasses, we also participated in tons of fun activities, made friends with other young people from all over the country, and grew spiritually from the morning and evening worships. We enjoyed sun bathing, body boarding, swimming, canoeing, cycling, orienteering, basketball, football and badminton."

Nearly everyone took advantage of the local shops in picking out that perfect gift for his or her secret friend. [Japhet De Oliveira/ANR 182]

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YOUTHS ROCK CITY OF DERRY

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DERRY, NORTHERN IRELAND - [ANR] In the first ever event organised by YouthPAGES , 23 young Seventh-day Adventists from around the British Union Conference and beyond, gathered in the City of Derry in Northern Ireland to witness for Jesus on the streets from 23 - 29 August.

"There was violence on the streets of Londonderry the weekend before the event but this did not dampen the spirits, nor did it cause any problems," reports David Lorencin of YouthPAGES. "Instead it created a new opportunity to leave a deep impression on people, as youths who would much rather talk about Jesus than throw petrol bombs. Throughout the week, we were in the centre of the city, attracting attention with mimes, puppets, and brightly-decorated clowns. There was also an army of volunteers giving out leaflets, conducting surveys and talking to people on the street."

The Impact was centred on a series of three evening meetings entitled: "Peace", "Promise" and "Praise" respectively. Five thousand invitations were distributed on the streets and in the housing estates around the Adventist church for these meetings. Around 10 local youths turned up for the meetings, and attended each evening.

"On the streets we received 39 requests for the Discovery Bible Studies, and as yet we don't know how many of the 3,000 DBS cards that were distributed during the week have been returned to our DBS centre in Banbridge," says Lorencin. "Another 700 copies of books such as the 'Desire of Ages', 'Steps to Christ', Stop Smoking and others were distributed to the general public."

"Sabbath was a special day. For a church that is usually attended by 7 or 8 members, the sight of 55 people trying hard to find a seat in the sanctuary was overwhelming. As the youth led out in a vibrant service, you could feel the Lord's blessings pouring out on the congregation. In the afternoon everybody went out on the streets for one last time, and it was an experience of a lifetime for many of the members and visitors."

The event was rounded off by an Agapé Feast in the youth hall. It was a time of reflection and celebration for all that the Lord has done in the city of Derry during this Impact. The presence of the Lord could be felt and tears of joy streamed down many faces. These were the people who weren't afraid to come and give to the Lord what little they had, and the Lord truly blessed and multiplied!

"As we have all come back to our cosy homes, and remember the good times had, can I invite you all to join us in prayer, that the seed planted in this beautiful city will grow to the glory of God, and that in the city of Derry the Seventh-day Adventist church may grow to see 55 people attend service on a regular basis?" asks Lorencin. [David Lorencin/BUC News/ANR 183]

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MATS' DRAMATIC RESCUE

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GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN - [ANR] During the Spring Youth Conference in May Mats Gille was baptised in Vättern's waters. Three months later the same lake almost became his grave. After eight hours' drifting on a surfboard a helicopter from Gothenburg's Search and Rescue team found him.

On Friday, 6 August, at 3.00 pm 16-year-old Mats decided to go windsurfing. Being a novice he followed the shore in the same direction as his father, Hans, who was picking berries in the forest.

Vättern is renowned for its sudden gusts and strong, changeable crosswinds. When Mats tried to turn towards the shore the wind suddenly changed and he found it difficult to steer. Being driven further and further into the middle of the lake, Mats was helpless.

After failing to reach a headland Mats tried to swim with the board. When that failed he climbed up onto the board. Wearing only a lifejacket and swimming trunks, he soon became cold. He took in the sail and wrapped it around himself to keep warm. He got colder and colder and fell off the board a number of times, but each time he managed to get up again. After a while the strong crosswinds died down, but Mats did not have the strength to hoist the sail again.

"I prayed to God many times while I was out on the lake," says Mats.

A couple of hours before the search and rescue helicopter found him, a boat passed by, but did not see him. A number of times he heard the noise of boat engines, but no one saw him, or if they did, they did not realise the predicament he was in.

When his father did not see him, he assumed Mats had sailed home. On seeing that the sail board was missing when he came home, Hans began to worry and borrowed the Adventist campsite's motorboat and went out to look for Mats. Hans and Mats' uncle, Lars, searched the beaches and areas where they thought Mats might be, but at 19.45 they raised the alarm. With detailed charts and help from the weather bureau the rescue helicopter began searching in the right area.

Even though Mats had been in the water for eight hours, and it was cold and dark, he was calm and convinced that he would be rescued. After Mats was winched into the helicopter he was immediately wrapped in a blanket as his temperature had dropped to 35C.

The Rescue Centre in Gothenburg kept in constant contact with Mat's father, Hans, who admitted afterwards that, "These were difficult hours. You paint so many horrible pictures in your mind. I was praying."

Mats was kept in hospital overnight for observation. "It was really cool to be rescued," laughed Mats a few days later. "Now everything feels normal again."

National radio, TV and press all reported the rescue.

The next day Hans was at a meeting at the campsite and heard a song about God's love when He gave His son to die for us. "It was then that I fully appreciated what it must have been like for God to send His Son to die."

Both Hans and Unni are pastors in the Seventh-day Adventist Church - Hans pastoring in Malmo and Unni in Helsingborg. Mats is a student at the Swedish Junior College, Ekebyholmsskolan in Rimbo.

The Gille family, Hans, his wife, Unni, and their two older sons, Erik and Knut, cannot thank and praise God enough for His mercy and blessings. [Anne-Maj Sandström/ANR 184]

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THIS WEEK'S TED PRAYER GUIDE: COPING WITH FINANCIAL ISSUES

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ST ALBANS, ENGLAND - [ANR] If you were born after 1960 you probably don't remember the time when home mortgages were rare and car loans were for twelve months or less. Before that time the local bank manager was usually considered the most conservative businessman in town. If someone was approved for a loan, it was generally accepted that he was good for the money. The only regular line of credit most people had was from the local butcher or grocer, and such loans were based on honesty and dependability.

It was in the 60s that everything began to change. The great credit boom of the 20th Century was up and running. The idea of ready credit was a God-send to millions of families who wanted to own their own homes; but there was a price to be paid and that price was inflation. By the 1980s virtually every area of the economy was dependent on credit. As families got into debt, so they got into difficulty other ways. It is interesting that over 70% of divorced couples state that financial problems were the primary cause of their divorce.

The church itself has not been exempt from problems relating to finance. Thirty years ago it was unheard of for local churches to have a mortgage. But times have changed. More than one church has found a millstone round its neck as it has struggled to keep up with financial payments on its building that have become increasingly difficult with demographic changes within the church family.

One hundred years ago God's prophet to the church, Ellen G White, was telling believers that they should avoid debt like leprosy, the plague and smallpox. None of them are particularly pleasant diseases. Possession of God's truth does not exempt believers from the perils of financial instability. Many modern Adventist families struggle with the harsh realities of life's pressures, and can be sorely tempted to neglect Biblical teaching on finance in their desire to keep heart and home together.

In our prayers this week let us pray:

* for those who are struggling with debt-related problems, that they may have heavenly wisdom along with good counsel from fellow-believers.

* for those who handle physical resources in the churches, that they may always use sound judgement in utilising money for the furtherance of the gospel.

* for those institutions in our division which are facing financial challenges and for which the future is somewhat uncertain.

* for personal wisdom to know how best to use what God has given to each of us in ways that can help build the kingdom of heaven. [Martin L Anthony, TED Stewardship director/ANR 185]
Entered September 13, 1999

From 1988 to 1997 Arshad Inayat, working for ADRA/Pakistan, was assigned two areas by the Sindh government EPI (Expanded Programme of Immunisations) to vaccinate children and women of childbearing age. These communities belong to the Karachi District Council and represent thousands of people in hundreds of villages in the rural areas on the outskirts of Karachi, a city of over ten million people.

"For almost ten years Arshad became known to the villagers, always helping them with their medical needs," reports Gail Schatzschneider of the Health Promotion department at Karachi Adventist Hospital. "Many of these folk had immigrated from the northern borders of Pakistan, and they continued to follow their own tribal customs of the north. As he visited them on a regular schedule throughout each year, he discovered newborn babies named Arshad, when he came to vaccinate them. Small children even screamed when he entered their villages, because they remembered his painful needle! The mothers laughed."

In 1997 the ADRA/Pakistan contract for Sindh EPI was not renewed and Arshad's work ended in spite of pleas from the Sindh EPI programme. During those two years government health workers attempted to enter these villages to vaccinate children but the villagers refused to permit them to enter. As a result children became infected with polio, tetanus and other communicable diseases. Unfortunately, Pakistan is one of the few countries left in the world where polio is still paralysing children. At the time of this writing there are 191 reported new cases of polio in Pakistan.

When the newspapers recently reported these cases the government was deeply embarrassed, so the deputy district commissioner went to visit the infected communities to persuade them to permit the government health vaccinators to enter. The villagers responded, "We want Arshad. We want ADRA. Arshad always helped us."

The deputy commissioner called the director of the Sindh EPI and asked, "Who is Arshad and what is ADRA?" Dr Mohammed, director of the Sindh EPI, explained that Arshad had been vaccinating in these areas for many years.

The deputy commissioner ordered, "Get Arshad back here."

One morning in July Dr Mohammed called the Karachi Adventist Hospital and suggested to the administrator, Mr Don Schatzschneider, that if the hospital would sponsor a medical team to the communities with Arshad, then the government EPI would provide all the needed immunisations and medicines. The ruling committee of the hospital agreed, and Arshad, with help from Karachi Adventist Hospital employees, is back vaccinating in hundreds of Muslim villages among the people who love him and appreciate his faithful work. The Muslim villagers have told Arshad, "Allah has answered our prayers." [Gail Schatzschneider/ANR 171]

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CHILDREN'S SUMMER CAMP AT MARUSEVEC

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MARUSEVEC, CROATIA - [ANR] One-hundred-and-sixty children between the ages of 10 and 15, from different parts of the Adriatic Union Conference (AUC), attended the Children's Summer Camp at the Seventh-day Adventist College in Marusevec, Croatia, from 4 - 18 July, reports Miroslav Šidara, AUC Youth director.

Thirty-five percent of the children were from non-Adventist families. During the two weeks the children enjoyed studying the Bible, singing, having fun playing indoor and outdoor games, bonfire and trips to the zoo in Zagreb, capital of Croatia, and visiting the national park Plitvice Lakes. Many have said: "It was an unforgettable experience and we will be returning next year too!" [Miroslav Šidara/ANR 172]

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SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST WORLD CHURCH STATISTICS: 1998

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SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND, USA - [ANR] The following statistics were released by the Office of Archives and Statistics General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists earlier this month. We thought you might find them interesting.

CHURCHES, COMPANIES, MEMBERSHIP, AND EMPLOYEES

Churches:
 World: 44,888
 Trans-European Division: 1,261

Companies:
 World: 44,298
 Trans-European Division: 158

Church Membership:
 World: 10,163,414
 Trans-European Division: 85,847

Total Accessions: 818,754
 Baptisms: 789,619
 Professions of Faith: 29,135

Ordained Ministers, Active: 13,432
Total Active Employees: 165,213

MISSION TO THE WORLD

Countries and areas of the world as recognised by the United Nations: 230
Countries and areas of the world in which Seventh-day Adventist work is
established: 205
Languages used in Seventh-day Adventist publications and oral work: 748

Divisions: 12
Union Conferences and Missions: 90
Local Conferences and Missions: 483

EDUCATION PROGRAMME

Total Schools: 5,590
 Tertiary Institutions: 90
 Worker Training Institutions: 36
 Secondary Schools: 1,014
 Primary Schools: 4,450

Total Enrolment: 996,249
 Tertiary Institutions: 60,632
 Worker Training Institutions: 3,658
 Secondary Schools: 208,486
 Primary Schools: 723,473

Food Industries: 27

HEALTHCARE MINISTRY

Hospitals and Sanitariums: 162
Nursing Homes and Retirement Centres: 102
Clinics and Dispensaries: 361
Orphanages and Children's Homes: 25
Aeroplanes and Medical Launches: 5
Outpatient Visits: 9,299,792

Media Centres: 10

PUBLISHING WORK

Publishing Houses and Branches: 57
Literature Evangelists, Credentialed and Licensed: 7,584
Languages Used in Publications: 272

SABBATH SCHOOLS

Sabbath Schools: 107,224
Sabbath School Membership: 11,785,918

CONTRIBUTIONS

Tithe:
 World: US $994,926,584
 Trans-European Division: US $28,104,017

Tithe Per Capita:
 World: US $108.86
 Trans-European Division: US $376.70

Sabbath School Mission Offerings:
 World: US $44,754,840
 Trans-European Division: US $1,881,654

Ingathering:
 World: US $11,906,376
 Trans-European Division: US $2,084,188

Total Tithe and Offerings:
 World: US $1,547,945,612
 Trans-European Division: US $36,436,892

Total Tithe and Offerings Per Capita:
 World: US $169.36
 Trans-European Division: US $488.39

ADVENTIST DEVELOPMENT AND RELIEF AGENCY INTERNATIONAL (ADRA)

Countries and areas of the world where ADRA is involved: 121
Projects funded: 2,450
Beneficiaries of projects: 18,299,096
Value of total aid: US $134,623,423

CHURCH GROWTH STATISTICS: 1994 - 1998

Accessions:
 1994    629,710
 1995    659,899
 1996    719,679
 1997    744,798
 1998    818,754

Accessions per day:
 1994    1,724.05
 1995    1,806.70
 1996    1,970.37
 1997    2,039.15
 1998    2,241.63

Accessions per hour:
 1994    71.84
 1995    75.28
 1996    82.1
 1997    84.96
 1998    93.4

Accessions per minute:
 1994    1.2
 1995    1.25
 1996    1.37
 1997    1.42
 1998    1.56

One accession per number of seconds (ie, in 1994 one accession every 50.11
seconds):
 1994    50.11
 1995    47.82
 1996    43.85
 1997    42.37
 1998    38.54

Accession rate (%):
 1994    7.91
 1995    7.87
 1996    8.17
 1997    8.01
 1998    8.44

New church organised per number of hours (ie, in 1994 one church organised
every 4.72 hours)
 1994    4.72
 1995    6.2
 1996    4.33
 1997    8.35
 1998    5.42

Growth rate (%):
 1994    5.28
 1995    5.13
 1996    5.49
 1997    4.38 
 1998    4.75

Ratio: population per each Seventh-day Adventist member (ie, in 1994 there
was one Seventh-day Adventist for every 669 persons in the world):
 1994    669
 1995    647
 1996    621
 1997    602
 1998    583
[Sylvia Ytreberg/ANN/ANR 173]

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THIS WEEK'S TED PRAYER GUIDE: TENT-MAKERS

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ST ALBANS, ENGLAND - [ANR] Missionaries are still welcome in many countries around the globe. Some interesting developments are currently taking place in the area of missions. Today, many non-Western countries not only receive but also send missionaries to other places. This general trend is reflected in the Adventist Church. Adventist missionaries from South America, Inter-America and Asia have joined the army of missionaries coming from the USA, Europe and Australia.

Another exciting development is now underway. The Church has recently launched a programme for "tent-makers". What do we mean by that term?

There are a number of countries, in particular in the Middle East, which refuse to grant visas to missionaries. But professionals in several fields are often more than welcome to fill positions in universities, medical institutions, government offices, engineering firms, and non-governmental and international organisations. Tent-makers are men and women who try to get such a job, not in the first place because of the (usually excellent) salary, but because it provides them with an opportunity to share their faith in places where missionaries and church workers cannot go.

Recently, the Middle East Union has actively embarked on a programme to recruit, train and support tent-makers for a number of countries in the Middle East. Some are now in place. Because of the sensitive nature of the programme, few details can be published. But the programme is off to a good start and growing.

Please pray:

* for the men and women who, often in great isolation, serve as tent-makers in countries where missionaries are not permitted to go.

* that many will feel a call to be a tent-maker and will find a suitable position in a "non-access" country.

* for those who are part of the support network. [Reinder Bruinsma/ANR 174]
Entered August 27, 1999

"The purpose of this visit was to introduce the Seventh-day Adventist Church to the Patriarch and to establish a friendly rapport with the Maronite Church," reports Raffy Manassian, Communication director of the EMF.

Patriarch Sfeir was very co-operative and friendly and showed great interest in the Adventist Church, according to Maksoudian. Every member of the delegation felt that the meeting was a success, and future visits to the Patriarch are already being planned.

Later that afternoon Dr Wiklander met with the youth of the Church for a motivational vespers in the College Park Church, Beirut. Dr Wiklander had specifically asked to meet with the youth for the purpose of getting acquainted with them and to know their needs and plans for the future of the Church. Pastor Jimmy Choufani, Youth director for the MEU and EMF had organised the meeting. "All the Church members in Lebanon had been invited to this meeting," says Choufani, "and those who came greatly appreciated Dr Wiklander's candid and honest appeal for brotherly love and unity among our youth."

The following day, July 2, Dr Wiklander - accompanied by Maksoudian and Jensen - travelled to Rabieh to visit Dr Salim Sahyuni, President of the Supreme Council of Evangelical Churches in Lebanon and Syria. Dr Sahyuni has a long history of fellowship and co-operation with the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Lebanon and was delighted to meet the delegation. Dr Wiklander also participated in the elections of the Supreme Council of Evangelical Churches held during the following week.

Dr Wiklander presented the Sabbath sermon in the College Park Church on July 3 where he spoke about the importance of remembering that our first duty as Christians is to love and to show God's love to our fellowmen. He used 1 Corinthians 13 as the main emphasis of his sermon. [Raffy Manassian/ANR 165]

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GOVERNMENT MINISTER SPEAKS AT MIDDLE EAST COLLEGE GRADUATION

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JDEIDET EL MATN, BEIRUT, LEBANON - [ANR] Lebanese Minister of Telecommunications and Telephone, Issam Naaman, was the main guest speaker at the Middle East College graduation ceremony on Sunday, July 4. Dr Bertil Wiklander, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church's Trans-European Division, also participated as one of the speakers at this event.

Among the distinguished guests were the Korean Ambassador, the Philippine Ambassador, as well as several religious dignitaries. The platform had been specially constructed to hold all the faculty members, as well as all the graduates and the special speakers.

News crews from Tele Liban and Tele Lumiere were on hand to photograph this ceremony. At the conclusion of the ceremony, a buffet meal was served. The graduates joined Minister Naaman in cutting a giant cake that had been decorated with pictures of them.

Shortly after the graduation service Dr Raja Farah, Head of the College Theology department and Co-Academic Dean, and Sana Issa, College Registrar, were interviewed on Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation television, arranged by Michael Sidawi, ME College Alumni director.

Questions were asked about the College's history, its current status and its curriculum. Particular interest was shown in the newly-formed Alumni Association and its activities. A short video clip prepared by Sidawi was also shown. This clip included scenes from the graduation ceremonies and the 60-Year Anniversary celebrations. The graduation ceremony of the College had also been reported in the evening news broadcasts of Tele Liban and MTV as well. Several newspapers and magazines also ran small articles about the graduation.

"This was an excellent opportunity for Middle East College to be introduced to many in Lebanon," says Sidawi. "It is hoped that many more students will attend the College in the future because of this positive advertisement." [Michael Sidawi/ANR 166]

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ADRA CONTINUES TO PROVIDE HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TO YUGOSLAVIA

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PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - [ANR] Ten young volunteers from the Czech Republic are currently working in the refugee camp at Ulcinj in the south of Montenegro.

"They are helping by distributing humanitarian parcels to refugees, looking after babies, and playing games with children and youth, and will continue to do so until the end of August," reports Sarka Zykova of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in the Czech Republic. "At the same time they have distributed 3,000 food and hygienic parcels, financed by the German Government and by ADRA/Germany, in the town of Barane, where approximately 7,000 Kosovan refugees are living."

The destination of the 17th Czech delivery of humanitarian supplies to the Balkans, valued at USD30,000, was Belgrade, Yugoslavia. The consignment contained a refrigerator, cookers, beds, candles, tea, toys, clothing and blankets and was destined for ADRA/Belgrade, which is preparing warm food for refugees leaving Kosovo for Serbia. [Sarka Zykova/ANR 167]

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A LITTLE GIRL'S BROKEN PICTURE

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(Bruna Hoxholli arrived in Australia from Albania in 1995, to study at Avondale College. She graduated with a degree in education in 1998. She is currently doing an honours degree [English] at Newcastle University, New South Wales.)

NEWCASTLE, NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA - [ANR] The bus had followed the winding, snowy road for the past two hours. With my face against the frosty windows, my six-year-old imagination had already carried me to the house of the Snowman and back, at least four times.

The image outside the windows was stunning. Snow covered the ground, and high, rugged mountains formed a backdrop - their peaks played hide and seek with fluffy, grey clouds. A stream of cold water mirrored the barren trees (they had so much character, those trees).

We passed women wearing long, pleated skirts and woollen, flowery vests over flannelette shirts of a rainbow of colours. Men were dressed in their woollen trousers and pointed shoes. They wore little huts of white hats with a doggy tail of thread at the top.

We were travelling through the Northern Alps of Albania, an Alice's Wonderland with white-covered magic, ancient tales and interesting people. Our home for three days was the Seven Lakes (named after the seven lakes in the heart of mountains), near the town of Kukės (close to the Albanian border with Kosovo).

For a six-year-old there was so much to do. And questions: What bird is that? Why was the water warmish when it was snowing? What happened to the carrot nose of the snowman? Why is that old man beckoning me?

With the enthusiasm of a child discovering something new everywhere she looked, I ran to him. He had one of those hats with the tail that I wanted so much to touch. He sat himself slowly on the snow, patted my hair, asked what was my name (it was a bit difficult to understand his strong Northern Albanian accent).

Then he took his hat off and put it on my head. Wow! I was actually wearing one of those things. I spent most of the day with this old man. His large, hardworked hands were gentle with the snow, his voice soft when telling ancient stories of Muji (a well-known myth in Northern Albania and Kosovo), the giant man who walked out of his grave because he had given his word to fight against his village's enemy. Muji had given his word, and that was stronger than death for the Albanian.

Almost 20 years later, and half a world away it's 6:00 pm. I watch television. I'm faced with worn, desperate faces, muddy shoes, crying children - refugees. For some, their only hope of survival is Kukės. But Kukės is different.

It's snowing, yes, but it is no longer Alice's Wonderland. Grey tents mar the magic whiteness of nature, sad faces have replaced the human expressions I remember.

As I watch, I catch my breath, and my eyes blink as if to avoid recognition. That old man, sitting tiredly on the soil, head on hand, tears on snow, hat on head - that's my old man of tender hands and soft voice.

I want to reach out through the screen and touch his broad shoulders. I yearn to tell him a nice story, to make him feel better.

Reality hits hard! He can't be my old man. If my old man were still alive, he'd be ancient now. And yet he is my old man. And that woman in the pleated skirt and woollen vest is my old woman. That man, that woman, that child - they are my people. And they're suffering in a realm of desperation that seems to know no human limits for misery.

And I want to cry out loud because my framed mental picture has been torn to pieces and trampled with muddy boots in sloppy snow. Why? Who's to blame?

Useless questions really. The issues are too complex to be resolved by empty accusations and hopeless answers. In fact, I refuse to ask these questions - not of God, not of fellow humans. I need my energy to help if I can.

The questions I allow myself to ask are, "Do they need me?" and "How can I help?" Yes, to both. I can pray. I can donate. So far, this is all I can do. Pointing fingers is time-consuming. Being angry with God or people is frustrating beyond consolation. Let's not do it!

Everyone needs to entertain rays of hope, no matter how dim their light. We need to help these people have some hope. [Bruna Hoxholli/Record/ANR 168]

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MILLENNIUM DAY OF FELLOWSHIP

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WATFORD, ENGLAND - [ANR] The South England Conference (SEC) Millennium Day of Fellowship will be held at the Royal Albert Hall, London, England on Sabbath, 18 September with guest speaker Dr Les Pollard of USA.

The afternoon programme, written and produced by Mervyn Weir of London, will feature the award-winning choir, "The London Adventist Chorale", Paul Lee, Paul Boldeau and others.

SEC and Carnelian Music presents an Evening Concert with two top Adventist artists: Kelli Williams of USA and the Heritage Singers of USA, with guest British artist Denise Wint, and a Mass Choir conducted by Ken Burton.

Tickets: Free for day programme (morning and afternoon): contact SEC on 01923 232728.

Concert: 8:00 pm; Tickets: £10.00, £12.00, £14.00, £15.50 & £17.00 available from the SEC (01923-232728); ABC Bookshop (01923-893461) or Wesley Owen (0171 493-1851). [Trevor Johnson/ANR 169]

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THIS WEEK'S TED PRAYER GUIDE: LAY WITNESS

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ST ALBANS, ENGLAND - [ANR] In a remote village of China lived an old woman with a fearsome reputation. Her neighbours avoided her, and the local children raced past her house to escape the lash of a big stick she kept by the door. She had a terrible temper and swore horribly. One night a layman began a series of meetings in that village. Although no one had invited her she slipped in one night at the back door, listened for a few minutes and slipped away. The next night she stayed a little longer.

Finally to everyone's surprise one night she responded when the evangelist asked for those who wanted to give their lives to Jesus to stand. She was eager to be baptised but this would have to wait until an ordained minister could come for the occasion.

When the missionary eventually arrived he discovered that she knew very little about the Bible. She could not read, and understood very little of the basic Christian truths. The missionary felt that she was certainly not ready for baptism. But then the layman who conducted the meetings pointed out that her terrible temper was a thing of the past. Now all the children of the village loved her; she was faithful in her support of the church through her tithes and offerings from her small income, and every Sabbath would walk several miles to church and back. So the missionary tried again. "Do you know God?", he asked her. Her face lit up as she said, "I certainly do know Him. He is my heavenly Grandfather. How much I love Him." The evangelist suddenly realised that she was ready for baptism. She might not know all the fine details of religion, but she knew what was most important of all: she knew her God.

Do people know God through the way that you and I live?

Please pray that God will help us to live in such a way that no barriers are created for the unbeliever through the witness of our lives. [Martin L Anthony/ANR 170]
Entered August 13, 1999

The Youth department of the Danish Union of Churches helped to plan this year's street evangelism project. Every morning the young people attended workshops, and every afternoon they went out onto the pedestrian areas with music, mime, puppetry and questionnaires.

"The last six years have not yielded such a positive response as we've experienced during this particular week," comments union Youth director, Pastor Anne-May Müller. "It was very encouraging to actually see those young people contacted on the streets attending the seeker services."

Seeker services were planned three times during the week and were all well visited. The last service was held on Sabbath afternoon where between 20 and 30 unchurched people were in attendance.

"Friday evening we had planned a concert at the Town Hall Square featuring a famous Danish artist, Marie Carmen Koppel," says Thomas Müller, one of the pastors at Caféchurch, "but because of the rain we had to change the venue of the concert to the church. Much to our surprise over 300 people took the ten-minute walk from the Square to Caféchurch. Unfortunately, we had to deny access to 50 of them because the place was packed. The concert gave a very good impression of the church and we believe that people will be more interested in visiting Caféchurch now that they have seen the nice surroundings."

"Besides filling young Adventists spiritually this street evangelism week has given Caféchurch good PR and we look forward to seeing how the Holy Spirit will continue to work with the people in Copenhagen," concludes Müller. [ANR Staff with Thomas Müller/ANR 157]

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UNION SESSION COMPLETED IN BELGRADE

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BELGRADE, YUGOSLAVIA - [ANR] The South-East European Union of the Seventh-day Adventist Church - comprising the countries of Yugoslavia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Macedonia - held its quinquennial session in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, from 15 - 17 July, in the presence of the president of the Trans-European Division, Dr Bertil Wiklander, having been postponed due to the NATO bombings and the state of war.

The period 1994 - 1999 has been extremely difficult for the people in Yugoslavia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Macedonia with war, refugees and famine in many places. Despite this, by God's grace, the Union president, Dr Radisa Antic, was able to present an impressive report. Numerous evangelistic meetings have been held resulting in 2,615 baptisms. The total membership now stands at 7,705. Fifteen new churches have been built. The new Belgrade Theological Seminary had 190 students, 43 of which have graduated. 34,000 students are enrolled in the Bible Correspondence School, and 10 active lay evangelist teams and 150 colporteurs are at work. In 1999 alone, ADRA/Yugoslavia has distributed food and clothing to the value of USD35,500.

When the nominating committee had concluded its work, the Union officers had been re-elected:

President: Dr Radisa Antic

Secretary: Dr Jovan Mihaljcic

Treasurer: Pastor Milenko Lajic

The session concluded on Sabbath with one of the first largest public meetings in Belgrade after the cessation of the NATO bombings with about 2,000 Seventh-day Adventists in attendance. Dr Wiklander preached on 'The Mission of the Church', while talented members from throughout the Union participated in praising the Lord with music and singing.

The church leadership has adopted a plan with the following fascinating objectives: preach the gospel; develop the publishing work and the "Voice of Hope" FM radio station in Belgrade; stabilise the financial administration; plant new congregations; and rebuild destroyed churches. During his visit to Yugoslavia, Dr Wiklander was able to hand over the funds from the World Church offering for rebuilding churches in Yugoslavia. [ANR Staff with Dr Wiklander/ANR 158]

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TED PRESIDENT VISITS KOSOVO

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PRISTINA, KOSOVO - [ANR] Dr Bertil Wiklander, president of the Trans-European Division, visited the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Pristina, Kosovo on Sunday, 18 July. Wiklander was accompanied by Dr Radisa Antic, president of the South-East European Union, and Pastor Slavko Tasic, president of the South Conference in Yugoslavia.

The journey was long and difficult from Belgrade, since NATO bombs had destroyed most of the road bridges. In some places, it was necessary to cross the river on a provisional pontoon bridge built by the military. Missiles had destroyed many bridges causing numerous civilian fatalities and casualties.

In order not to become a target for terrorists, the Belgrade-registered car which the three were travelling in, was left inside Serbia, and another vehicle driven by Pastor Nikola Aslimovski from Pristina took the passengers safely into Kosovo.

Pastor Aslimovski decided to remain with his family in Pristina during the conflict and, in so doing, saved the beautiful church building from destruction. He and his family slept in the basement for two months with only bread to eat for a whole month. At one time, a paramilitary Serbian group knocked on the church door, but after some discussion they left the family alone. The marks they left on the front door are still visible. The Aslimovski family now house a number of ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency) workers and assist with the programme to help people back to a normal life in the local community.

"ADRA is doing an impressive work under difficult circumstances," comments Wiklander. "Four programmes have already been funded by donor organisations: community services, education, water and health. Funding for an agricultural project is pending. Thus, ADRA is preparing the schools for the children, so they can open in September; it provides shelter for the homeless (while the group visited ADRA's headquarters, British tanks stopped outside and loaded ADRA tents); mobile health clinics are in operation; and the water wells are restored. The aim now is to provide at least one room for each family which will protect them against the cold winter."

Forty people from 10 nations are working with ADRA/Kosovo up to this point, and more are due to arrive in the near future. Paul Dulhunty from Australia said, "The devastation and the loss of loved ones is still the thing that is most crushing. Please, pray for us!"

On his return to the division office in St Albans, England, Dr Wiklander made this statement: "I was very impressed and grateful for what I saw ADRA doing in Kosovo. We will now plan with the local church leadership for an evangelistic campaign in our church in Pristina in February next year. The Trans-European Division has already set aside Global Mission funds for that important event. Our dream is to see God's kingdom move forward - even in Kosovo." [ANR Staff with Bertil Wiklander/ANR 159]

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GREAT EXPECTATIONS SURPASSED AT "EXIT '99"!

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TYRIFJORD, NORWAY - [ANR] One-hundred-and-sixty people gathered to meet Christ at a youth conference in Norway at the Adventist junior college, Tyrifjord Videregående Skole, held from 29 July - 1 August.

"This is what we have been praying for - an awakening in Norway where the number of Adventists have decreased every year since 1980," said one of the youth leaders. "We were counting on maybe 100 young people coming, and now we are 160. I am amazed! I am overwhelmed by the initiative and the work that has been laid down. How can they now say that our young people are lazy and won't do anything for their church? These young people are not only coming to meet friends, but the main thing was to be spiritually refreshed. And by coming they also showed that 160 young Christians don't want the Adventist Church in Norway to die."

"We have been inspired by the 'eXit 99' meetings; learned to see God again and how to spread what we have learnt by attending workshops," said one participant.

Pastor David Newman, from the Damascus Fellowship Seventh-day Adventist Church, Maryland, USA, was, together with many local speakers, one of the main speakers at the conference. At the close he commented: "I don't want to go back home; I want to stay here with all you people. It has been so wonderful being here."

No doubt that summed up the main opinion by everyone present. Young people will go out and spread what they have experienced, and then meet again at a later stage. This will surely not be the last convention of this kind. Saturday evening during the song service people were invited to come to the front and lay their problems, fears, joys and thanks in front of God.

"Expectations before these meetings were really great, " reports Yngvar Bųrresen, communication director for the Norwegian Union Conference, "but it seems that even more than these great expectations have been fulfilled."

"It was a moving experience and I felt that although I didn't know all these people as my best friend, I knew that we have the same goal and that we want to spread and share the gospel of Christ," says John Gamborg, a participant at 'eXit 99'. "All the joy and fellowship you can have with your friends can never surpass the experience of seeing your best friend coming to Christ. I felt that God was present at 'eXit 99'." [ANR Staff with John Gamborg/ANR 160]

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REPORT ON THE SESSION OF THE SOUTH ENGLAND CONFERENCE

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WATFORD, ENGLAND - [ANR] The South England Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church returned its three administrators to office at its 58th Session held from 22 - 25 July in Portsmouth, England.

Already the longest serving president in the history of the Conference, with eight years in office behind him, Pastor Don McFarlane was unanimously re-elected for a further term by the over 500 delegates at the Portsmouth Guildhall. Treasurer Victor Pilmoor and secretary Humphrey Walters were also re-elected to their respective posts.

Apart from the question of leadership for the Conference, four major issues were also addressed:

1. The creation of a new department to target a range of evangelistic and nurturing issues, particularly faced by the White membership of the Conference.

2. The restructuring of the publishing work against a background of decline in the literature ministry. The functions previously carried out by the Conference publishing director will now be the responsibility of a sales director, appointed by The Stanborough Press (in consultation with the Conference administration).

3. The amendment of the Conference's constitution to extend the interval between sessions from three years to four years.

4. The adoption of a planning document entitled "The Whole Church Taking the Whole Gospel to the Whole Community" as the Conference's mission strategy for the next four years.

"With the approach of the twenty-first century in view, the fifty-eighth Session of the South England Conference has set a new direction for Adventist mission in southern England - one which is expected to lead to greater effectiveness in all key areas of church life," says Walters. [ANR Staff with Humphrey Walters/ANR 161]

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BRITAIN HOLDS ITS FIRST YOUTH CONGRESS IN FIFTEEN YEARS

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WATFORD, ENGLAND - [ANR] The first Seventh-day Adventist Youth Congress held in Britain for over 15 years has just taken place from 27 - 31 July at Newbold College, Bracknell, England. Approximately 200 Youngsters attended from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales as well as from Holland. One intrepid person even came all the way from Uganda to be at Congress.

The event was a real success with Pastors Jonathan Julies, Youth director of the Southern Africa Union Conference, and LeClare Litchfield, Chaplain of Collegedale Academy, Tennessee, USA, being the main speakers. Pastor Alfredo Garcia-Marenko, associate Youth director of the World Church Headquarters, Maryland, USA, also came to Congress to take part in the closing ceremonies.

"Everyone commented on the friendly atmosphere at Congress and the fact that there were great speakers, great food and great company," says Pastor Paul Tompkins, Youth director for the British Union Conference and Congress organiser. Congress ended with a Youth Rally on the Sabbath attended by a further 600 in the college gymnasium which was especially converted into an auditorium for the occasion.

Plans are now being set in motion to follow this event with a joint British/Dutch Youth Congress sometime within the next two years. [ANR Staff with Paul Tompkins/ANR 162]

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THIS WEEK'S TED PRAYER GUIDE: DENMARK

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NĘRUM, DENMARK - [ANR] The Kingdom of Denmark, with its 5 million inhabitants, not only covers what is commonly known as Denmark, but also the Faroe Islands and Greenland, with 47,000 and 57,000 inhabitants respectively. A major part of the population lives in and around Copenhagen. Denmark is a modern constitutional monarchy, where, since 1536 Lutheranism has been the state religion. Like its neighbour Sweden across the water, it has become a very secular society where religion has for the vast majority become a purely nominal affair.

The Adventist message in its printed form - a Danish language publication printed in the United States for immigrants from Denmark - reached the home country as early as 1872. A few years later the editor of this paper, John G Matteson, came in person and became the pioneer of Adventism in Denmark and Norway. In 1878 he organised the first Seventh-day Adventist Church in Northern Europe, the Alstrup church in Vendsyssel with 27 members. In the 120 years since this beginning the Church slowly but steadily grew to about 4,000 members. Regrettably, over recent years the Church has seen some decline in membership. It now stands at 2,892. The lack of growth is the most pressing concern for the Church in Denmark. The Church in Denmark soon became highly institutionalised. Several sanitariums gave much appreciated service to the Danish public and gave the Church a relatively high profile. Skodsborg Badesanitarium, about 20 kilometres north of Copenhagen became the flagship institution of the denomination in Northern Europe. Its closure, now five years ago, was a bitter disappointment to the Church. Today the Church continues to operate a well-respected junior college, a number of Church schools and a publishing house. The government agency for foreign aid channels each year millions of dollars through ADRA/Denmark.

Please pray:

* that the Danish Church will develop new ways of evangelism that will touch the secular hearts of the people.

* that after the recent period of de-institutionalising and reorganisation, a period of spiritual vitality will also result in renewed numerical growth.

* that the publishing work will continue to be innovative in developing ways of distributing Adventist literature.

* for the leaders, that they may have a vision of what God can do in Denmark and are able to share it with the members. [Reinder Bruinsma, TED Executive Secretary/ANR 164]
Entered August 8, 1999

Daka lost all communication with the Church leaders for almost four weeks during the military conflict in Kosovo until, on the evening of 4 May 1999, she was spotted amongst a group of refugees in Kukes, Albania on a news broadcast in England. Whilst in Albania for several weeks Daka was working in the Flore Church as an assistant pastor.

Dijana is now back in Djakovica where she was instrumental in establishing a new church last year. After several evangelistic campaigns and various seminars Daka had the joy of ministering to 35 adults and about 20 children who attended worships and special meetings. In a Muslim context, even as a lady pastor, Dijana was very successful in ministering to the community. A number of evangelists and visiting lecturers helped her to establish this group, including Dr Radisa Antic, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Yugoslavia, and Pastor Martin Anthony, personal ministries director at the Trans-European Division.

Unfortunately, with the onset of the war in the Balkans, her ministry in Djakovica was put on hold, but not for long. The seeds of the Gospel were deeply rooted in the hearts of many precious souls.

"We have all returned to our place," says Daka, "and although we found our houses destroyed we are happy that we found Jesus who keeps us together and gives us hope for the future."

Daka reports that as a result of this war, an 18-year-old man, whose mother is a member of the Djakovica Seventh-day Adventist Church, became mentally ill.

"I was also shocked when I heard that my sister in Christ, Mileva Vujosevic from Pec, was brutally killed," added Daka, and continued, "During this time of hatred, our role is to talk to the people about the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation."

Pastor Daka is extremely thankful to the leaders of the Trans-European Division and the brothers and sisters around the region who helped them through this time of trouble. "We need Bibles, literature and a baptistry to continue our work in Kosovo," concluded Daka. [ANR Staff/ANR 148]

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MACEDONIAN MISSION UPDATE

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SKOPJE, MACEDONIA - [ANR] The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in Macedonia are currently involved in two projects sponsored by the Japanese Government, ADRA/Japan and ADRA/Germany, according to a report from Mrs Marija Trajkovska, spokesperson for ADRA/Macedonia.

The first project consisting of school parcels is targeting refugee school children as well as school children of socially-deprived families in the largest Gypsy settlement in the world, Suto Orizari, a suburb of the capital city of Skopje, home to some 50,000 people. 2,500 children have been given a parcel containing a school bag, notebooks, pens, pencils, colouring pens, a set of rulers, sport shoes, vitamin tablets and chocolates.

The second project consists of family parcels containing food and hygiene supplies which were given to the Kosovo refugees, Gypsy refugees and those in need living in Suto Orizari, as well as Serbian refugees from Kosovo.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Macedonia has recently held two baptismal services. The first took place on Sabbath, 12 June when ten new converts joined the Church having been baptised in the Babuna River, near Veles. On 10 July, the second baptism took place in the town of Kumanovo where a further nine individuals publicly declared their love and commitment to Jesus Christ and His Church.

"We are thankful to God for His guidance and blessings and for the growth in the Church in Macedonia," commented George Trajkovski, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Macedonia. [ANR Staff with Marija Trajkovska/ANR 149]

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ADRA AIDS THREATENED MINORITY GROUPS AS WELL AS RETURNED REFUGEES IN KOSOVO

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SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND, USA - [ANR] The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is assisting threatened minority groups as well as returning refugees in Kosovo. Fred Kumah, operations co-ordinator, speaking from his office in Pristina, reports that ADRA is responding in Kosovo with community service programmes, medical clinics, and water and sanitation rehabilitation.

In Pristina, ADRA is operating a telephone hotline as part of its community service programme. The hotline receives nearly 200 calls each day, and about 40 percent of these calls are considered high level emergencies or are calls from people in life-threatening situations, according to Kumah. ADRA also operates a "food on wheels" programme that delivers food to minority groups, including Serbians and Romas, who feel threatened and are afraid to leave their homes. Community service teams are able respond to vulnerable cases in villages within a 6 - 9 mile (10 - 15 kilometre) range of the city.

ADRA operates community service programmes at four centres in Kosovo. In addition to helping meet basic needs, the community service personnel also refer those in need to centres and organisations best equipped to assist them. The centres also provide information about public health issues and the dangers of land mines.

With the destruction and contamination of wells and other sources of water, ADRA has begun repairing 1,500 wells in 60 villages. ADRA plans to double the number of repair teams in an effort to complete the restoration project by September, well before winter sets in. ADRA is also preparing to assist with sanitation services including latrines repair and refuse disposal.

A Japanese medical team is diagnosing and treating 50 - 100 patients a day at two ADRA medical clinics providing primary health care to returned refugees. In Mitrovica, a city of about 100,000 people in northern Kosovo, ADRA has opened a centre in the predominantly Albanian section and is opening a similar centre on the Serbian side. Last week, ADRA delivered a truckload of blankets and hygiene kits to the centres in preparation for distribution. In Lipjan, ADRA is working with the British peacekeeping troops to identify vulnerable families and locate vacant buildings for temporary housing. Many of these vacant buildings are owned by the government.

ADRA is also preparing to rebuild and re-equip 105 schools in Kosovo and to help farmers obtain parts to repair damaged tractors, so they can plant crops before the growing season ends.

With the return of most of the refugees to Kosovo, ADRA closed its way station in Kukes, Albania, on 20 July. Only 9 miles (15 kilometres) from the border, the way station distributed food, plastic sheeting, and hygiene kits to returning refugees. ADRA established the way station on 17 June - within 12 hours of receiving the request from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP). Refugees were given a one-month ration of food consisting of flour, beans, meat or fish, bread, oil, and fruit (bananas or oranges).

Open for nearly five weeks, the way station distributed 2,882 tons (2,620 metric tonnes) of food to nearly 250,000 returning refugees. Up to 15,000 refugees a day passed through the way station. ADRA is continuing to provide primary health care and trauma counselling services to remaining refugees in south-west Albania. There are fewer than 15,000 refugees still in Albania, and they are reportedly making plans with the UNHCR and international organisations to return home during August.

Additional information about ADRAs work in and around Kosovo can be found at ADRAs web page at www.adra.org. [Rick Kajiura, ADRA/Central Office/ANR 150]

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STUDENTS SELL FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

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JDEIDET EL MATN, LEBANON - [ANR] Students of the Middle East College in Lebanon are selling books for their scholarships. Villages and townships are combed to find willing buyers. Villages by the sea or villages perched on the sides of mountains are welcome places, where hospitable Lebanese receive them. Drinks and fruits are usually offered; the ubiquitous cup of coffee pressed on them.

"Refusing the latter may cause offence," said one student. "Therefore, tact is necessary, and a declaration that we try to live the message of our books, avert giving offence."

The economy in Lebanon has gone the way of others in the Middle East. There is some unemployment due the fact that immigrants have taken the "unwanted" jobs from the locals.

"The students bravely battle on," reports Roland Fidelia, communication director for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Middle East Union. "Humidity, in some places, and heat and altitude in others, take their toll. One student has been off work and in hospital with exhaustion and sunstroke." [ANR Staff with Roland Fidelia/ANR 151]

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ROLAND KARLMAN VISITS EAST MEDITERRANEAN FIELD

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JDEIDET EL MATN, LEBANON - [ANR] Dr Roland Karlman, director of the E G White Estate Europe, based at Newbold College, Bracknell, England, is visiting the East Mediterranean Field (EMF), Lebanon, where he is lecturing on the subject of the Spirit of Prophecy writings. Karlman addressed the Pastors of Lebanon and their families Friday to Sunday, 23 to 25 July in the enchanting scenery of Ehden - creating a conducive atmosphere for meditation and learning.

Karlman's next appointment will be in Jordan. He will hold the same programme for the Jordanian Pastors and their families. Pastor Levon Maksoudian, EMF secretary will accompany him to Jordan. [Roland Fidelia/ANR 152]

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SOUTH-EAST EUROPEAN UNION SESSION: NEWS IN BRIEF

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BELGRADE, YUGOSLAVIA - [ANR] We hope to bring you a full report of the session of the South-East European Union in next week's TED edition of ANR. However, we would like to inform you regarding the newly-elected officers as follows: president - Dr Radisa Antic; secretary - Dr Jovan Mihaljcic; treasurer - Milenko Lajic. All three have been re-elected to serve the union for the next five years. [ANR Staff/ANR 153]

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ADRA RECEIVES GRANTS FROM IRISH GOVERNMENT

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DUBLIN, REPUBLIC OF IRELAND - [ANR] Four of the nine proposals, totalling IR£190,970 (USD257,695), recently submitted by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in Ireland to the Irish Government aid agency, Irish Aid, have been approved.

A grant of IR£40,970 (USD55,285) was made towards the purchase of ultrasound equipment, a central heating system and an ambulance for Maluti Hospital in Lesotho, Southern Africa.

Three further grants of IR£50,000 (USD67,470) each have been made for three Children's Day Care Centres in Central Brazil. This follows the opening of a Children's Day Care Centre in Rio Claro, Sao Paulo, Brazil in February for which Irish Aid had granted IR£50,000.

"These centres, which will be built in poverty-stricken areas of the large cities in Brazil, will provide assistance for poor and needy children which will include educational and vocational training, study of the English language and participation in sports and crafts," reports Pastor Alan Hodges, director for ADRA/Ireland. "The project will help to decrease the misery, hunger, violence and illiteracy so prevalent in Brazil," continues Hodges, "and, above all, it will give back to the child the joy of living and prevent premature death." [ANR Staff with Alan Hodges/ANR 154]

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"SO, WHO IS THIS JESUS?" - A NEW FILM FOR CONTEMPORARY YOUTH

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BRISTOL, ENGLAND - [ANR] CTA (Christian Television Associates) of Bristol, England, and Gateway Films/Vision Video, based in Worcester, Pennsylvania, USA, are releasing a 48-minute video prepared to address the growing and renewed interest in Jesus of Nazareth as the year 2000 approaches.

"So, Who is this Jesus?", an on-location documentary programme, is especially intended as an introduction for teenagers who have little awareness of Jesus. The programme is hosted by popular British television performer Russell Boulter who takes the viewer to the very places in Israel where Jesus lived and carried on his work. Boulter shows the kinds of everyday settings in which Jesus lived. He also depicts key things Jesus said and did and shows how they would have been received in their original setting. But he also demonstrates why they have resonated so persistently across the ages to our own world today.

Boulter's presentation is down to earth and straightforward, concentrating on Jesus Himself, who He was, and what He declared about His mission. The astounding claims of Jesus are set forth in an understandable way for today's young viewers.

"So, Who is this Jesus?" is a co-production of CTA and Gateway Films/Vision Video. The producer and writer is the experienced international documentary producer and a former BBC staff member, Crawford Telfer, of Bristol, England.

This programme, according to the executive producer for Gateway Films/Vision Video, Ken Curtis, "shows how Jesus was a flesh and blood human being that we can identify with. Yet He was more. He has become the most extraordinary figure in all human history - who made claims like none other, and invited people to a way of life that sounds almost too good to be true. Unfortunately, Jesus has often been lost in a cloud of misconceptions and this programme strives to get back to Jesus Himself in His First Century setting so young people, in particular, may meet Him, as it were, on His own turf and on His own terms."

Presenter Russell Boulter is well known internationally as a star of the police detective series "The Bill", produced in England, and in "So, Who Is This Jesus" he functions as a detective seeking out the original Jesus and whether he has any meaning for our lives today.

"So, Who is this Jesus?" is available in North America from Vision Video, PO Box 540, Worcester, PA 19490. Tel: 1-800-523-0226; Fax: 610-584-4610; or E-mail to . For the rest of the world inquiry should be made to CTA in Bristol. Their website is . E-mail at , or fax: 44 1275 851 555. [Dr A Kenneth Curtis, Assist Communications/APD/ANR 155]

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THIS WEEK'S TED PRAYER GUIDE: GLOBAL MISSION/EVANGELISM

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ST ALBANS, ENGLAND - [ANR] We are not obeying the call of Jesus Christ if we are not reaching out to those whose lives have not been touched by His love and salvation. Maintenance ministry is simply not an option. Global Mission is one response to the Lord's great commandment and the Gospel Commission to worship, serve, disciple, baptise and teach.

Global Mission is the co-operative effort of all members, pastors, departments and services of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to plant new sustainable groups of believers in every unreached geopolitical area and people group. To implement this initiative, Global Mission has been assigned to the president at each level of church organisation. With a Global Mission Committee the leader is to prioritise unentered areas and unreached groups - and then to develop and initiate activities to reach these with the Gospel.

Many missiologists consider that the countries of the 10/40 window presents the greatest Global Mission challenge. These are the countries in the area between 10 and 40 degrees north of the equator, and stretching from West Africa to Japan. Twenty of the countries to be found in the 10/40 window are in the territory of the Trans-European Division. More that 60% of the 500 million people in our division are Muslims. In fact, with 38 countries stretching from Greenland to Pakistan, and from the Arctic to Africa's Sudan, this division faces one of the most complex Global Mission challenges.

We are challenged with the task of sharing the story of Jesus with the secularised urban people of Northern and Western Europe, the emerging nations of Eastern Europe, and with those who live in the historic Bible lands. We are committed to planting "Adventist Churches for the Unchurched" in secularised communities. The vision to see a contextualised Adventist movement within Muslim countries is alive. A major church planting initiative is underway in Poland. Strong evangelistic initiatives are being followed through in the Baltic countries, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Yugoslavia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Macedonia. New evangelistic and church planting initiatives are producing results for God's kingdom in Greece.

With the diversity of the Trans-European Division our presidents face enormous challenges implementing plans to reach new groups and establish new churches to lead people to salvation in Jesus.

Please pray:

* for those volunteers who are working in isolated and often dangerous places to share the story of Jesus.

* for those members and pastors who are committed to planting new groups and churches to reach lost people.

* for the presidents of our Western and Northern European areas as they initiate the planting of new churches for secular, lost people.

* that wisdom will be given to those who share with their Muslim friends the joy of spiritual growth. [Peter Roennfeldt, TED Ministerial Association secretary & Global Mission co-ordinator/ANR 156]
Entered July 30, 1999

The session opened with a devotional by the president of the Trans-European Division, Dr Bertil Wiklander, in which he focussed the attention on what the Church could learn from the previous meeting in the light of the First Letter of Peter. The president then took the lead in the session and requested a fresh start, with a new organising committee and a new nominating committee.

"Proceedings were handled in good spirit," reports Wiklander. "The nominating committee spent considerable time in reaching an agreement on a name for union president, and, when presented to the assembly, it was accepted with a clear majority."

At the end of the day, three new officers had been elected: Pastor Zoltan Mayor, president; Pastor Tomas Ocsai, secretary and Pastor Andras Szilvasi, treasurer.

Mayor has served as pastor, departmental director, and conference president. He is known for his warm, spiritual personality and a strong commitment to the faith and mission of the Church.

Words of gratitude were extended to outgoing president, Pastor Jozsef Szilvasi, and his wife, both by the union and division presidents. Szilvasi has served as union secretary from 1989 - 1994 and as union president from 1994 - 1999. In his time, considerable changes have taken place, notably the building of a new union office and seminary in Pécel outside Budapest. His next assignment has not yet been decided. Pastor Sandor Ocsai, previous union secretary, will go on to retirement, and Miss Petronella Karpati, previous union treasurer, will serve as accountant.

On Sabbath, 10 July, a large spiritual gathering was held in Budapest, where both the newly elected union president, and the division president preached to a large crowd of church members, giving focus on the mission of the Church. [ANR Staff with Bertil Wiklander/ANR 144]

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FESTIVAL OF FAITH CONVENES IN HOLLAND

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DALFSEN, THE NETHERLANDS - [ANR] Approximately 200 delegates representing 10 of the 16 unions and fields of the Trans-European Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church came together at the De Bron Conference Centre, Dalfsen, Holland for the long-awaited five-day Festival of Faith evangelistic training programme commencing Tuesday, 13 July. The overall theme of the Festival, "Give Me a Vision" was incorporated in the theme song of the same name, which will be exemplified in the lives of all who attended.

Originally conceived as primarily a meeting for the purpose of mutual inspiration and uplift for the Church's laity, the programme had taken on new dimensions with the decisions to open the function to pastors and to use the event for an in-depth study of the issues confronting the Church in Europe today. Six concurrent workshops, meeting twice daily, explored methods of tackling the problems of secularism, religious apathy, and resistance to change - both outside and inside the Church.

The delegates represented a fair cross section of the Church's membership, with an almost equal balance of men and women and a heartening representation of young people.

The General Conference was represented through the participation of Sabbath School/Personal Ministries director, Dr James Zackrison, who presented the introductory keynote address on the Biblical role of the laity, and his associate, Dr Jonathan Kuntaraf, along with Gary Krause of the Church's Global Mission office. Other special guests included North American Division Church Planting specialist, Pastor Ron Gladden; lay-pastors, Rod and Donna Willey of the Richland Fellowship in Illinois, USA; and singer, Ullanda Innocent of New York, USA. They were joined by a battery of TED staff members including Pastors Jim Huzzey, Peter Roennfeldt, Ole Kendel, and Mrs Birthe Kendel. Workshop presenters included British Union Conference Church Growth director, Pastor Hamilton Williams and Personal Ministries director of the South England Conference, Pastor David Cox.

Miss Elise Hejkoop from Holland, Mrs Valda Reke from Latvia and Mrs Karinn Mikalsen from Norway presented excellent morning devotionals on the theme of "Deepening the Devotional Life".

A series of afternoon testimony features portrayed the wide scope of opportunities available to members in the sharing of personal faith. A special highlight for most delegates was the chain of "Studies in the Book of Acts" presented by Peter Roennfeldt, graphically illustrating the role of the Holy Spirit in the establishment of the early church and enabling the church to break through the prejudice and resistance to change in that era of history. The role of the laity was further emphasised during the Sabbath worship service in which Pastor Rein Muhlberg of the Middle-East Union led out in a Service of Affirmation of selected individuals from national groups representing the total church body.

A Sabbath afternoon concert of praise, music and witness brought a note of additional sparkle to the programme. An unexpected depth of talent surfaced among the delegates, supplemented by several visiting groups from the churches of the Netherlands Union. Three lively illustrations of puppet ministry were warmly appreciated.

The programme climaxed with a Service of Commitment spearheaded by Dr Kuntaraf. Peter Roennfeldt and Karinn Mikalsen of Norway led delegates in a final act of dedication to the task of sharing the Gospel with people of this generation.

Many delegates have expressed their delight at being involved in the Festival programme.

Pastor Jurriėn de Hollander of Holland, attending with his wife, René, wrote to express his appreciation: "We have grown in our faith and have a new vision of service."

Pastor Martin Vukmanic, Personal Ministries director of the Swedish Union commented: "This was an absolutely first-class programme. It was good to see laity and pastors sitting side by side receiving instruction in the key principles of soul-winning ministry. We should have had a programme like this years ago."

Kari Marie Hansen of the Moss Church in Norway stated, "This programme has helped me to see many things in a new light, and will enable me to refocus my service for the Lord. It was a real inspiration to be here."

Obeng Boateng of Ghanaian Church in Amsterdam, Holland, spoke of "great and marvellous workshops - better than anything I have ever experienced before. I just want to go back to my church and put into practice some of the things that I have learned."

Conference organiser, TED Personal Ministries director, Pastor Martin Anthony, spoke with satisfaction of the sense of unity and oneness generated by the Festival. "I believe we have accomplished a great deal of what we set out to achieve in the planning stages of this programme. No programme is perfect but the expressed gratitude of the participants bore its own message."

Plans are now to be laid for a regular newsletter to participants, giving details of what steps are being taken at local church level to implement the principles and methods shared with delegates. [ANR Staff with Martin L Anthony/ANR 145]

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ADRA CONTINUES TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO REFUGEES

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TIRANĖ, ALBANIA - [ANR] The long trek home to Kosovo has been completed by most of the 560,000 refugees who had fled to Albania in March, April and May this year. The remaining refugees, numbering less than 15,000 are making plans with UNHCR and international organisations to be home during August.

"The resilience of the Kosovan people has been incredible" states Sean Robinson, ADRA country director for Albania. "We are encouraged by the fight that they have to rebuild their lives."

ADRA has continued to supply basic, complementary and supplementary food stuffs to the refugees during the past few weeks. At the request of UNHCR and UNWFP, ADRA established a way station in Kukes, within 12 hours of being asked. It provided a one-month ration of food and non-food items to each of the refugees returning to Kosovo, only 15 km from the border. With up to 15,000 returning refugees a day passing through the way station, it has been described by top UN officials as one of the most important humanitarian services provided during this four-month crisis. Over the five-week period it was open, 2,620 tonnes of food were distributed to almost 250,000 refugees.

ADRA is also continuing to supply primary health and trauma counselling services to the remaining refugees in the south-west of Albania.

"We are in the process of transitioning the programme to directly impact the host national Albanian population," states Robinson, "and establish a long term developmental approach to the needs of Europe's poorest country. This is only possible due to the continued support of the ADRA network and our dedicated national and international staff." [Sean Robinson/ANR 146]

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THIS WEEK'S TED PRAYER GUIDE: STUDENT MISSIONARIES

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ST ALBANS, ENGLAND - [ANR] Some may ask why would anyone in their "right mind" take time out of studies, or from their jobs to go away to some far flung remote corner of the globe? Not only that, why give up the warmth of a lovely home, the company of friends to live on what are sometimes very small, remote islands? Reasons of course vary, but two which tend to come up are the opportunity to meet with other cultures and to be able to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them.

And so, every year, thousands of men and women - some young, others not so young - leave their families to become Adventist Volunteers around the world. They serve in a variety of areas including:

Elementary/Secondary/College Teachers (all subjects)

English as a Second Language (ESL) Teachers

Educational Administrators

Medical/Dental Medical Electives

Bible Workers

Pastors and Evangelists

Office Administrators/Secretaries

Accounting/Finance

Construction and Maintenance

Information Technology

The whole experience of serving as a volunteer is a learning curve. Learning to depend on God for every need; learning that another culture is just as important as our own; learning that Jesus died for every single one of us; learning that in giving and sharing, our lives are blessed in a way we never dreamt possible.

Each time a volunteer returns home, he/she returns with a totally different view on life. We have heard some marvellous stories of life-changing experiences; of faith being renewed; of the wonderful way in which Jesus Christ has become real in ordinary lives.

There are many opportunities to serve as a volunteer within the Church, and if you would like to know more about serving at home or abroad, please contact your local Youth Ministries director, College Chaplain or Pastor Ole Kendel, Youth Ministries director at the Trans-European Division (E-mail: 74617.1257@compuserve.com).

Please pray:

* for all those currently serving as volunteers across the world - those who have accepted a volunteer call within their home territory and those who have gone further afield.

* for volunteers in areas where it is difficult to share the love of Jesus.

* for those volunteers in particularly isolated areas.

* for those who are at a crucial point in their witness, where decisions need to be made.

* that our Father will touch the hearts of many more to have the courage to serve - He may be calling you right now! [Valerie Eccles, TED Youth department/ANR 147]
Entered July 30, 1999

Hugh Ivor Brian Dunton was born on 7 January 1926 in Rochester, Kent, England. Shortly after his father's death, when Hugh was only 9 years old, he and his mother began to attend the Ilford Seventh-day Adventist church. He completed degrees from both the University of London and the University of Hull. For most of his working life Dr Dunton was dedicated to Christian education.

In 1952 he married Britta, a Swede, and became a history teacher at Stanborough secondary school, Watford, England, returning to serve as headmaster some fourteen years later. Hugh and Britta served as missionaries in Africa where he was headmaster at Adventist schools in Ghana and Sierra Leone respectively.

Ten years of his working life was spent at Newbold College, Bracknell, England, at various intervals serving in different capacities including lecturer in history, librarian and director of the E G White and SDA Research Centre. He stayed with the latter until he retired from active denominational service in 1994.

Dr Dunton served as Education director and Assistant Secretary in the Northern Europe-West Africa Division (now the Trans-European Division) during which time he was ordained to the gospel ministry. He also served as departmental director in the British Union.

Apart from being a well-respected educator, Dr Hugh Dunton was also a much-loved husband, father and grandfather, as well as a committed member of the Newbold College church community, which he served as an elder until his death. Hugh is survived by his wife Britta, son Roland and daughter Susan, her husband and three children. The funeral will be held in Salisbury Hall, Newbold College, on 13 July at 11.00am, followed by burial in Binfield Cemetery. [Ian Sleeman/ANR 143]
Entered July 30, 1999

"It was 7.00 o'clock Thursday evening and I stood on the steps of the Seventh-day Adventist church in Pristina with a quite unassuming man, Nikola Aslimovski, the local church pastor," recalls Fred Kumah, ADRA operations co-ordinator for Kosovo. "We had just returned from a co-ordinating meeting with the United Nations and were about to meet with the project team when my mobile phone rang, and with his very pleasant voice, Randolf Keny UNHCR liaison officer made the request, 'I have a refugee family stranded here with two children and three adults. Can you help?' I looked around to Pastor Aslimovski and asked, 'can we put up a family in the church for the night?'"

ADRA is a humanitarian agency of the Seventh-day Adventist church. "Like many of the large numbers of international aid organisations who are implementing big relief and development projects in Kosovo, we had perhaps forgotten the real reason for our presence in Kosovo amidst the hectic pace of managing projects," says Kumah. "Pastor Aslimovski reminded us of our role in helping the 'little people'."

Without hesitation and in response to the request for help, Pastor Aslimovski turned around and with a very broad smile, threw open the door of the church in a show of affirmation. "Yes Randolf, no big deal. We can host the family," responded Kumah.

Within a few minutes the deal was done and the family of Halit Namani were on their way to the Adventist church to spend the night. A place was prepared for the family together with food on the table. The Namani family upon arriving at the church, were amazed at the generosity of Pastor Aslimovski.

Polly Podvic arrived at the ADRA premises seeking employment. She was invited for an interview, but as the interview progressed she kept losing her concentration and having unsettling long pauses. Then all of a sudden she burst out in uncontrollable tears. All she could say was "I hate those soldiers who killed my family". Kumah was confused and unsure of what to do or say next. Pastor Aslimovski, however, knew what to do. With arms outstretched he warmly embraced Polly. With soothing words he encouraged her, "You can't hate them, they did not know what they were doing. Hate is like poison, it eats you up if you keep it. Give it up. Let go and trust God". The impact was immediate. She looked up and smiled, and a connection had been made.

Pastor Aslimovski is working with ADRA in meeting the needs of Kosovan returnees and internally displaced persons. "Our work is touching the hearts of many," says Kumah. Many are seeing the love of God in action. Many are receiving hope through the ministry of ADRA in a country where hate and war has been the order of the day for a long time. Yes, hope and peace, joy and love is what ADRA is sharing in Kosovo. [Fred Kumah/ANR 137]

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BAPTISMS FROM "YOUTH TO THE YOUTH" OUTREACH

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TIRANĖ, ALBANIA - [ANR] Members and friends gathered in Tiranė, capital city of Albania, to witness the baptism of 10 young adults last Sabbath, 3 July. Eight new members were added to the newly-organised Seventh-day Adventist Church in Tiranė - and, two young men joined the Elbasan group. After Bible study and worship in the museum hall, close to the central city square, all guests were provided with a pizza lunch and then walked to the small Baptist centre courtyard for the baptism.

"Two of the young ladies made their commitment to Jesus Christ during a Global Mission-sponsored youth outreach in Tiranė last summer," says Pastor Caleb Bru, president of the Albanian Mission of Seventh-day Adventists. "The programme - entitled 'Youth to the Youth' - attracted hundreds of people. The city mayor was very impressed with the initiative, declaring that this is exactly what the city needed."

Many were deeply moved by the dignity of the baptism. Most friends and family joined Pastor Peter Roennfeldt, Ministerial Association secretary and Global Mission co-ordinator for the Trans-European Division, in kneeling around the newly-baptised members asking for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to equip them to share their faith. Also, at the conclusion of the baptism Pastor Bru expressed appreciation for the work of intern pastor, Genti Thomollari, who has joined him in conducting weekly Bible studies with the interests.

Two of the young men who were baptised are now leaders in the Global Mission project in the city of Elbasan, one-and-a-half hours' drive from Tiranė. A house has recently been purchased in the city and remodelled to provide a worship and outreach centre. A strong group of believers is being established in Elbasan. [Peter Roennfeldt/ANR 138]

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EDUCATION CONVENTION AT TYRIFJORD, NORWAY

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TYRIFJORD, NORWAY - [ANR] An Education Convention was convened at Tyrifjord, Norway for Seventh-day Adventist teachers of the Nordic countries from 29 June - 4 July. The theme "Educational Ministry" sought to move the 60 educators participating in this convention in a direction that is exactly in line with the Trans-European Division's Strategic Plan.

Guest speakers included Stuart Tyner of La Sierra University, USA, Orville Woolford, TED Education director who conducted the workshop "The Role of the Teacher in a Fast Changing World", Ulf Gustavsson, principal of Ekebyholmsskolan, Junior College in Sweden, and Harold Bunes, teacher at Tyrifjord, Norwegian Junior College.

The participants had enough time to socialise and, in a way, the event unfolded more like a perfect blend of spiritual retreat and a professional convention. [ANR Staff with contributions from Orville Woolford/ANR 139]

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PASTORS IN TRAINING FOR ALBANIA

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TIRANĖ, ALBANIA - [ANR] "Seven young Albanians are preparing themselves for pastoral and evangelistic ministry," reports Pastor Caleb Bru, Albanian Mission president. "We are grateful to private donors, the Trans-European Division and Global Mission for their financial support."

Alban Matohiti and Julian Kastrati will graduate from the Newbold College Bachelors of Arts in Pastoral Studies in October this year. Their study has been sponsored by the Trans-European Division. "The Church in Albania is looking forward to their return to provide strong evangelistic leadership and to plant new churches in the country," says Peter Roennfeldt, Trans-European Division Ministerial Association secretary and Global Mission co-ordinator.

Two other young men, Ledion Gjokola and Genti Mano, have just returned to Albania from Pakistan Adventist Seminary where they have completed the first year of their preparation for ministry. During their vacation they are giving leadership to the new church in Elbasan. In September they will transfer to the Adriatic Union College to complete their studies. "The Albanian Mission, as well as Ledion and Genti, appreciate the financial sponsorship of dedicated members in Europe, which makes possible their preparation for ministry," says Pastor Bru.

The implementation of the Newbold Off-Campus Pastoral Education Programme in Riga, Latvia, has also been a great blessing to Albania. Three active young people are in their second summer of this Bachelors programme. Genti Thomollari - an intern pastor, Uliana Gjokola - mission office secretary and Global Mission church planter, and Migena Kovaci - who initiated the Global Mission children's outreach in Tiranė are all preparing for full-time evangelistic and pastoral ministry.

"The Newbold Off-campus programme provides opportunities for church leaders to prepare young people for ministry in a social context and at a cost that is more compatible with the territories in which the pastors will serve," says Peter Roennfeldt. "The combination of ten weeks of summer study and field work for the rest of the year is already proving to be a most effective model of pastoral education - and, we are only in the second year of this programme." [Peter Roennfeldt/ANR 140]

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NEW SMALL BUSINESS FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT COURSE AT NEWBOLD COLLEGE

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BRACKNELL, ENGLAND - [ANR] Newbold College is offering a course in "Small Business Financial Management", starting 12 July 1999. Running for 35 weeks the course leads to a Diploma in Small Business Financial Management (DipSBFM), awarded by The International Association of Bookkeepers.

Classes will run Monday and Wednesday evenings 6.15 - 8.30. Eight modules will be taught covering management, financial accounting and cost accounting (UK) principles.

Register now and secure one of the fifteen places available in the July intake. A further course will start on 2 October 1999 for those who will be away for the summer.

The cost of each module is GBP40.00. There is also a registration (IAB) fee of GBP25.00, rising to GBP30.00 in September 1999, plus a registration fee of GBP5.00. The total cost of the course is GBP350.00.

For application forms and/or a brochure contact reception at Newbold College: Tel: +44 1344 454607; Fax: +44 1344 861692.

For more information contact Jude Roberts extension 245; e-mail: jroberts@newbold.ac.uk or Judexyz@aol.com; Lucia Hall extention 214; Judith Vucic extension 320. [Velda Cox, PRO, Newbold College/ANR 141]

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THIS WEEK'S TED PRAYER GUIDE: UNENTERED FIELDS

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ST ALBANS, ENGLAND - [ANR] It is a little over 120 years since the Advent Message first reached Europe. As early Adventist missionaries began to plant seeds of truth, they little realised the breadth and scope of the foundation they were laying. Several of our countries have celebrated centennial landmarks in the past three or four years; and there has been steady if not spectacular growth over a lengthy period.

But there are still some formidable challenges. After all, how are we to define the term "unentered territories"? Does the presence of a relative handful of believers in a country mean that that country has been truly entered by the Seventh-day Adventist Church? Does the existence of an organised group or company of SDAs constitute entry of a country? Most of us would probably agree that such reasoning would be extremely superficial, and could even constitute a denial of a true understanding of the gospel commission. The mandate of Jesus to His church in Mark 16:15 is to tell everyone everywhere the good news of a Saviour who cares. In this sense the Advent Message has barely scratched the surface of fulfilment in all too many countries of our division.

The vast majority of the 500 million-plus people living in our division have never heard, let alone understood, the teachings of this Church.

There are certain specific countries where we have no organised work. These include such places as Greenland, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Yemen and Qatar. Religious and climatic factors have much to do with our present inability to operate an organised programme in these areas.

Please pray that God will not only open doors of opportunity in His own good time in these countries, but that He will give us the wider vision of a more thoroughly completed task in the lands where we are currently working. After all, all men everywhere need God's salvation. [ANR 142]

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FOR YOUR INFORMATION:

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· The Israel Field has its own web site: www.sdaisrael.org. Check it out.
Entered July 30, 1999

Mother of three - two sons, one of which is a pastor in Yugoslavia, and one daughter, and wife of Branko, elder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Pec - Mileva was at home, while her husband was staying at the church, protecting the building. On Monday morning, Branko returned home only to discover her knifed body. He reported this to the Kfor Army which removed her body and took it to the cemetery of the ancient headquarters of the Serbian Patriarch, where she was buried by the Orthodox bishop Monday afternoon - an unprecedented act by the Orthodox Church.

Mileva became an Adventist at the age of 15 and was a committed member, working as a literature evangelist selling books and distributing numerous Voice of Prophecy cards.

"I am shocked by this barbaric act on an innocent woman," says Radisa Antic, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Yugoslavia. "We, as Adventists, condemn any atrocities committed by any individual in Kosovo - either by Serbs or Albanians. We appeal to the world leaders and people of goodwill to help restore lasting peace in this region."

Branko, together with four remaining members of the Adventist church in Pec, were escorted to Pristina, capital of Kosovo, where Pastor Nikola Aslimovski accommodated them in his apartment.

ADRA/Yugoslavia is trying to meet the basic needs of 100,000 Serbian refugees from Kosovo in the cities of Kraljevo, Kragujevac, Cacak, Aleksinac and Cuprija. On Wednesday, 30 June, Miodrag Zivanovic, ADRA director for Yugoslavia, was invited to take part in a live television broadcast in Belgrade, on a programme regarding the refugees from Kosovo where he shared that ADRA is running three Soup Kitchens and distributing food parcels to the refugees on the road. [ANR Staff with contributions from Miodrag Zivanovic/ANR 132]

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FIRST FEMALE PASTOR COMMISSIONED TO GOSPEL MINISTRY IN THE NETHERLANDS

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LELYSTAD, THE NETHERLANDS - [ANR] Elise Heikoop, 32, became the first woman pastor to be commissioned to the gospel ministry in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in The Netherlands. The special service took place on Sabbath, 19 June, where Heikoop was set apart as a commissioned pastor in Lelystad, the church where she first started working seven years ago.

Members of Heikoop's three churches, Harderwijk, Lelystad and Zwolle, attended the service together with many colleagues, family members and friends.

"It was an impressive service," says Heikoop, "and for me, personally, it was an unforgettable day. I am very happy that the Church has taken this step and I hope that women in The Netherlands will now be fully aware that the Church recognises that the Holy Spirit can work through both men and women - also in the gospel ministry."

Heikoop hopes that many women will accept the call to serve the Lord as ministers in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. She continues: "I am proud that The Netherlands Union has taken this step. I also want to thank the Trans-European Division for finding a way to give women pastors a place in the Church."

By her commissioning, Heikoop is duly authorised to perform all the functions of a commissioned minister in the Netherlands Union Conference (NUC).

"This is a historical occasion for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in The Netherlands," says Henk Koning, NUC president. "It was very encouraging for her to have virtually all her male colleagues present to support the commissioning."

"Elise Heikoop is an excellent pastor," says Peter Roennfeldt, TED ministerial association secretary. "Her ministry is greatly appreciated by her churches and fellow pastors. We are delighted that her ministry has been affirmed in this way."

The media in The Netherlands have given a lot of positive coverage to this event with many national newspapers printing the story. Heikoop has also appeared on a thirty-minute live interview on national radio. [ANR Staff with contributions from Rob de Raad/ANR 133]

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TED PATHFINDER CAMPOREE, 2002 - FACT FINDING VISIT TO POLAND

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LUBIESZEWO, POLAND - [ANR] At the end of the 1998 Trans-European Division Pathfinder Camporee held in Norway, the more than 1,700 Pathfinders and their leaders, in wishing each other a warm farewell, expressed their desire to meet again at the 2002 TED Pathfinder Camporee, this time in Poland, if possible.

Last week, Pastor Ole Kendel, youth and family ministries director, spent three days visiting the northern part of Poland at the Lake Jezioro Lubie, where the Seventh-day Adventist Church has been given a large piece of land adjacent to their Youth Camp, Zatonie.

"The facilities were evaluated and research begun into availability of pioneer timber, canoes, delivery of bulk supplies of various catering products, washing and toilet facilities, and all the many challenges faced when almost 2,000 people are camping out in the open, some distance from 'civilisation'," reports Kendel.

The Polish Union administration is very positive to the event and so far the facilities look very promising for an exciting TED Pathfinder Camporee in the year 2002 in Poland, which will be the basis of a recommendation to all the Union youth and Pathfinder directors. (Ole Kendel/ANR 134]

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NEWBOLD COLLEGE GRADUATES PLAY KEY ROLE IN ALBANIA AND KOSOVO

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BRACKNELL, ENGLAND - [ANR] Eight former students from Newbold College, Bracknell, England, are presently working in Albania and Kosovo. Seven work for the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) (whose European and UK directors are also Newbold graduates), while the eighth was sent by Adventist Frontier Missions.

ADRA has been involved in development work in Albania since the end of Communism: Sean Robinson, who has an MA in Religion from Newbold has been director of ADRA/Albania since 1995, while two former History students were deployed there last year. They have been joined by several other Newbold graduates who are working in the Kosovan refugee camps.

ADRA has already established a presence in Kosovo to help with the rebuilding process: Fred Kumah, who has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Newbold and who has been director of ADRA/Kenya for the last three years, has just been placed in charge of ADRA's operations in Kosovo.

"Some Newboldians will probably soon be redeployed in response to emergencies in other parts of the world," says David Trim, lecturer in the Humanities department at Newbold College, "but the chances are that Kumah will be joined by other former students, for ADRA employs many of Newbold alumni."

The willingness of former students from the Humanities, Business and Religion degree programmes alike, to serve in war-torn and undeveloped countries shows that the old spirit of Newbold Missionary College is still alive and well. [David Trim/ANR 135]

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THIS WEEK'S TED PRAYER GUIDE: NORWAY

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OSLO, NORWAY - [ANR] Norway, a kingdom with 4.3 million inhabitants, stretches for over a thousand miles from the reasonably mild south to the Arctic north. The Norwegians enjoy a high standard of living. The presence of enormous quantities of oil and natural gas in the North Sea gives a tremendous boom to the economy. The population of Norway is predominantly Lutheran. Most people officially belong to the Lutheran State Church, but only a small percentage is actively involved with that church. Some 230,000 Norwegians belong to other denominations - the Pentecostals and the Roman Catholics being most numerous among them.

Adventism came to Norway as early as 1878, when John G Matteson began to work in Christiana, the present-day capital city of Oslo. The work has seen consistent, though not spectacular, growth throughout most of its 120-year history.

As in other Scandinavian countries, the Church became highly institutionalised. Today there are 5,120 baptised members in the Norwegian Union. The Church runs a junior college located on the shores of a scenic fjord, some 60 kilometres north of Oslo. It has several health institutions, a publishing house, a number of elementary schools and a Bible Correspondence School.

In recent years the church in Norway has had to face many challenges. As a result of changes in society several institutions in Scandinavia, in particular in the area of health and publishing, have met with serious difficulties. This development has not by-passed Norway. Several of the institutions had to be scaled-down or even closed, which has been a painful process. More importantly, society has become more and more secular, making evangelism extremely difficult. In spite of a lot of efforts and much creativity, the Church has not seen any growth in recent years.

Please pray:

* that the Norwegian Church may not be disheartened because of the lack of evangelistic success, but will continue to develop ways of witnessing that appeal to today's Norwegians.

* that ways may be found to broaden and secure the publishing programme (which, today, to an alarming extent, depends on an annual influx of foreign students).

* that the Church will emerge from the current process of de-institutionalisation as a more vibrant community that is totally focused on its mission. [Reinder Bruinsma, TED executive secretary/ANR 136]
Entered July 3, 1999

KARACHI, PAKISTAN - [ANR] The cyclone of May 19 has left many victims in Sindh (southern) Pakistan.Gail Schatzschneider, of the Karachi Adventist Hospital's Health Promotion department, says: "We have been given islands off the main land where the government has not gone to help.The people are humble, illiterate fisherfolk that live on large sandbars in straw huts.During the terrible storm these little huts were blown and washed away with many people also."

Three trips have been made with food boxes containing 10 lbs (4.5 kg) whole-wheat flour, rice, lentils, ghee, noodles, tea, and later sugar. Approximately 5,000 lbs (2,270 kg) of food was delivered between June 12 -15.

"We asked the people what they needed most and they said 'clean water'," reports Schatzschneider."Wells are out of the question as they would only bring salt water.The only solution is water tanks.They must bring filthy water from a canal on the main land in plastic containers which they pour into a pit on the island.I looked at the pit of water. The dirty fresh water mixes with the salty ground and it becomes salty water.It is so filthy; animals were living in this drinking water. Looking at it I wouldn't even bathe in it.The ocean was cleaner and indeed some of the men drank ocean water."

On June 16 the Karachi Adventist Hospital medical returned from a two-day medical camp.With two doctors and six nurses they spent two days seeing patients on eight to ten islands.They attended to at least 150 patients who had headaches, body aches, TB, eye infections, stomach aches, and mouth ulcers.

"Actually our medical team really enjoyed this opportunity to help the people and they all want to return again," continues Schatzschneider. "The four lady nurses are young and loved the adventure, even though it meant they had to wade through water again and again to carry medicines to the island.The children and adults all smoke and chew betel nuts." The people on the islands need houses with a concrete foundation to withstand the next storm.Instead of straw they need wood houses covered with straw and thatch.All materials must be transported by boat to many islands.Brick houses would not be acceptable since the cool breezes must blow through the walls to cool the homes.

"Families as well as houses have been torn apart," says Schatzschneider."One man cried saying he has six children but his wife was washed away.I can't even imagine how anyone survived, there was simply no place to go for safety when the 20-foot wall of water hit them one morning.Our boatman said he was in water up to his neck all night.I wondered how any children survived.We certainly didn't see many babies, but I did see children.It is estimated that 2,500 people lost their lives."

The locals in Karachi are giving donations to help with expenses. The Karachi Adventist Hospital will probably do at least one more medical camp.It takes three to four hours to reach the port, another hour to reach the first island so travel is lengthy.[Gail Schatzschneider/ANR 127]

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ADRA DEVELOPS PROGRAMMES FOR KOSOVAN REFUGEES

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ST ALBANS, ENGLAND - [ANR] Within three days of being appointed, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency's advance planning team for Kosovo - under the direction of Fred Kumah, ADRA/Kosovo co-ordinator - moved into the region and commenced its work.Seven representatives from the agency travelled from Skopje, capital of Macedonia, to Pristina, capital of Kosovo, on 20 June in order to undertake an initial appraisal and to contact potential donor organisations.

"We were quite disturbed by the situation," reports Kumah. "According to media reports, 90% of Pec city has been destroyed, and half of Djakovica." Landmines, booby traps and unexploded bombs are posing huge problems for the returnees and those working on their behalf.Already 150,000 refugees have travelled back into Kosovo from Albania (100,000), Macedonia (40,000) and Montenegro (10,000).

"ADRA has prepared a general operations strategy together with four funding applications totalling in excess of USD12 million," says Kumah. "These initiatives will relate to food, relief supplies, temporary shelter, health, water and sanitation.We want to focus on the regions such as Pec, Djakovica, Prizren, and Urosevac.We are, however, open to other regions beyond our target area, if that is where the opportunities open up." The church property in Pristina which has been guarded during the crisis by Pastor Nikola Aslimovski is being used by ADRA."Pastor Aslimovski has been very co-operative", comments Kumah."We have taken a policy decision to work with all the church members as much as possible in this operation.Having a building ready to use puts us several steps ahead of other aid agencies."

"ADRA representatives have received excellent co-operation from church leaders in both Skopje and Pristina," says the charity's regional head, John Arthur.Attempts are now being made to provide employment for qualified members who have survived the ordeal. The media reports that there are about 50,000 Serbian refugees from Kosovo.

"ADRA/Yugoslavia wants to respond to the needs of these people who are on the road for several days by providing food and hygiene supplies," says Miodrag Zivanovic, ADRA director."Today, a group of church members have volunteered to travel to meet the refugees in order to distribute 3,000 parcels."

An international Balkans Crisis Co-ordinating Committee has been established to strategize and co-ordinate operations throughout the whole region.Its seventeen members, scattered around the world, make contact through a weekly telephone conference call, the first of which successfully took place yesterday, 22 June.[ANR Staff with contributions from John Arthur/ANR 128]

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CHRISTIANS FIGHT TO BROADCAST IN THE UK

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LONDON, ENGLAND - [ANR] The UK Government is being taken to the European Court of Human Rights by United Christian Broadcasters (UCB) to fight a ban on setting up a national Christian radio station in the UK.The legal move is being supported by the UK Christian Broadcasting Council (CBC). The CBC believes the ban is a denial of fundamental human rights - freedom of expression, freedom of religion and freedom from discrimination.

These rights are included in the European Convention of Human rights which will become UK law in 2000.

Under the current law, no broadcaster can apply for a licence to run a Christian radio station in the UK. The 1996 Broadcasting Act also barred Christian ownership of digital radio. Christian programmes can be broadcast on secular stations.

"Because of this unjust, unfair, and absurd law, Christians will be kept off the digital airwaves," says Andrew Boyd of CBC."The door to the emerging world of digital broadcasting has been slammed shut in the face of Christians."

The CBC believes this door should be left open, as it has been for ethnic minorities in the UK, who are free to run radio stations that express their culture and religion.

"The Council welcomes and applauds their freedom," explains CBC chairman Olave Snelling."What we require is that the same freedom be extended to Christians too."

UCB's Steve Cox adds: "For us it is a question of freedom . . . for people to have the freedom to turn our station off.Currently you can't even turn it on."

"CBC offers Christians a broadcasting," says Snelling, "and we want that voice to be heard.We want nothing less than the right in law for a national Christian radio station and the right to own and run digital radio stations."[Action/WACC/ANR 129]

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TOP 2O LANGUAGES BY POPULATION

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LONDON, ENGLAND - [ANR] The Ethnologue is a catalogue of more than 6,700 languages spoken in 228 countries.Find it at: www.sil.org/ethnologue/ The population figures in this table refer to the first language speakers in all countries.Last updated: February 1999. LANGUAGE NAME PRIMARY COUNTRY POPULATION 1. Chinese, MandarinChina 885,000,000 2. SpanishSpain 332,000,000 3. EnglishUK322,000,000 4. BengaliBangladesh189,000,000 5. HindiIndia 182,000,000 6. Portuguese Portugal170,000,000 7. RussianRussia170,000,000 8. Japanese Japan 125,000,000 9. German Germany 98,000,000 10. Chinese, Wu China 77,175,000 11. JavaneseIndonesia 75,500,800 12. KoreanSouth Korea 74,000,000 13. FrenchFrance72,000,000 14. VietnameseVietnam 67,662,000 15. TeleguIndia 66,350,000 16. Chinese, YueChina 66,000,000 17. Marathi India 64,783,000 18. Tamil India 63,075,000 19. Turkish Turkey59,000,000 20. UrduPakistan 58,000,000 [Action/WACC/ANR 130]

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THIS WEEK'S TED PRAYER GUIDE: HOLIDAY WITNESSING

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ST ALBANS, ENGLAND - [ANR] How do you spend your holidays?Lazing around on a sun-drenched sub-tropical beach, soaking up the balmy atmosphere and trying to put thoughts of work right at the back of your mind?Or perhaps you devote a week or two to those jobs for which there never seems time in the rest of the year: the painting and decorating of your home, or the reconstruction of a garden fence.For most of us holidays mean getting away from regular work and having a well-earned break.

Some years ago we made a pleasant discovery.When you are not at the centre of your holiday, there are some unexpected bonuses.We were spending a few days in a remote part of Scotland where Seventh-day Adventists have never undertaken any evangelistic witness.There was no place of Adventist worship within 100 miles of where we were staying so, after a simple morning worship service surrounded by nature, we decided in the afternoon to visit, two-by-two, in a nearby village.We introduced ourselves as Adventist Christians on holiday who just wanted to make friends in the community and tell of our personal love for the Lord.We were quite frankly amazed at the response.We were welcomed into most of the homes and could speak freely of our personal beliefs, and the seriousness of the times in which we were living.We were surprised at the lack of prejudice and the freedom with which families shared their concerns with us.We took with us Bible Correspondence School enrolment forms and other appropriate literature, and had no problem striking up positive relationships with these country folk.

How do you plan to spend your 1999 vacation?Why not plan to give x hours of your holiday to the Lord for direct witnessing?You may be the only Seventh-day Adventist Christian to visit that area.Find some place off the beaten track; select some advertising material that conveys a positive image of your church - something that can serve as a seed of truth in the home of some potential convert to the kingdom of God.

Please pray that as you plan your holiday God will lead you to someone who has a special need, and that the words you speak to them may be precisely what are needed.Even in the highways and byways of life there are people who must be found for the Lord.[Martin Anthony, TED personal ministries director/ANR 131]
Entered June 28, 1999

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ANR is a review of news and information issued by the Communication department from the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Trans-European Division and released as part of the service of Adventist News Review. You are free to re-print any portion of our bulletin without need for special permission. However, we kindly request that you identify ANR or other sources whenever you publish these materials.

ANR Staff: Miroslav Pujic, editor; Lilla Skopek, editorial assistant.

For further stories from the Trans-European Division, see the ANR news archive.