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There are 5 messages in this issue.
Topics in today's digest:
1. Should we be concerned about genetically modified foods?
From: "Mashudu Ravhengani" <Ravhenmj@xxxxx.xxxx
2. Cape Confewrence Clips
From: "Shirley Allen" <chmin@xxx.xx.xxx
3. Re: Cape Confewrence Clips
From: "Mashudu Ravhengani" <Ravhenmj@xxxxx.xxxx
4. Fw: SDA Diary for 2000
From: "Shirley Allen" <chmin@xxx.xx.xxx
5. Cape Conference Clips
From: "Shirley Allen" <chmin@xxx.xx.xxx
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Message: 1
Date: Mon, 23 Aug 1999 10:49:46 -0400
From: "Mashudu Ravhengani" <Ravhenmj@xxxxx.xxxx
Subject: Should we be concerned about genetically modified foods?
Here is an interesting article from M&G,
Call For Ban On 'Illegal' GM Crops
The Mail & Guardian (Johannesburg)
August 20, 1999
Johannesburg - Environmentalists say South Africa urgently needs a policy on
the use of genetically modified crops to prevent damage to the environment.
Fiona Macleod reports
South Africa is growing a variety of genetically modified (GM) crops, despite the
fact that no one really knows what impact they will have on the environment.
Environmentalists are calling for a halt to the release of GM crops, which are
created by altering gene structures. There is evidence they may have a serious
effect on other plant species. Concerns have also been expressed about their
impact on human and animal health.
Environmental impact assessments - tests which by law have to be conducted
for the most mundane industrial processes, like building a road - are not
conducted when GM crops are planted out in the open.
Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism Valli Moosa is being called upon to
provide clarity on the application of regulations governing environmental impact
assessments with regard to GM crops.
Environmentalists say the government should impose a moratorium on new
commercial GM crops until there is legal certainty and a national policy in place
to protect the environment.
South African farmers are already growing GM cotton seeds and two different
types of GM maize. GM potatoes, strawberries, soya beans and sugar cane
have been grown in the open during field trials.
"The problem is, we don't know what the impacts of these crops are going to be,"
says Lynne Broomhall, a researcher at the IUCN-South Africa (World
Conservation Union).
"They may be positive - bird species have increased in some areas of the United
States where GM crops are grown - or they may be negative.
"Pollen spreading from GM crops to other plants is a worry. So is the movement
of toxins through the ecosystem, and the impact on non-target species by
herbicides in GM crops."
These concerns came to the fore in the US recently when it was shown that
pollen spreading from GM corn could be killing off monarch butterflies, already
under threat from other ecological pressures.
South African legal consultant Mariam Mayet this week completed a hard- hitting
review of South African legislation governing GM crops and foodstuffs.
Commissioned by Biowatch South Africa, the review highlights a number of
glaring anomalies and loopholes in the system.
One is that it is the responsibility of the companies who are selling GM crops to
monitor their impacts when they are planted in the open. Inspections may be
done by government officials, but this is observed more in the breach than in
reality.
Another anomaly is that the way the law stands at the moment, if environmental
damage is caused by GM crops, farmers and consumers can be held
responsible for the damage and for cleaning up the environment.
"It appears as if the government is not yet ready to protect the environment from
the potential risks arising from genetic engineering," Mayet reports.
The concern is that huge corporates may exploit these legal loopholes,
concentrating on profits rather than health and environmental impacts.
Monsanto, a multinational company operating in South Africa, has been stopped
from selling its seeds in other countries as a result of similar concerns.
Environmentalists in India late last year halted the sale of the same GM cotton
crop that is being grown in South Africa. They accused Monsanto of conducting
40 field trials of GM cotton in five states without the correct permission or safety
procedures.
After government hearings, the commercial growing of the GM cotton continued,
but at least one state has banned any further field trials.
A judge in Brazil recently suspended commercial cultivation and marketing of
GM soya beans until full environmental impact studies have been completed.
"The questions raised by genetic engineering will not be resolved by the laws of
the market alone; rather they will be resolved by rigorous respect for the
legislation which protects life, as established by our laws and Constitution," the
Brazilian judge ruled.
Wally Green, who works in the research and development department of
Monsanto's South African branch, says the company is making every effort to
work within the legislative framework governing GM crops.
Potential environmental impacts are rigorously assessed in laboratories before
the crops are released into the open, he adds.
But these are not enough of a safeguard for concerned environmentalists.
"The risk assessments are often pretty extensive, but they are based on
international studies and on desk reviews.
"We need empirical, independent tests done out in the open, taking into account
the South African ecology," says Broomhall.
######
What is the point calling yourself a vegeterian when the Vege meat that you eat contains the pig's genes?
Could this be what E.G White forsaw when she called us to come out of the cities and go the country where we can plan our own vegetables and fruits?
How serious are we to take this call?
Signs of the times are everywhere!
Jeremiah
If you have time, here are some of the dangers of GM crops
Unpredictable mutation of the genetic blueprint of life
Given the huge complexity of genetic coding, even in very simple organisms such as bacteria, no one can possibly predict the effects of introducing new genes into
any plant. Therefore there is no way of knowing the overall, long-term effect on health. This is because:
the transposed gene may act differently when working within its new host
the original genetic intelligence of the host will be disrupted
the new combination of the host genes and the transposed gene will have unpredictable effects
Unnatural gene transfers from one species to another are dangerous
Biotechnology companies erroneously claim that their manipulations are similar to natural genetic changes or traditional breeding. However, the cross-species
transfers being made, such as between fish and tomatoes, or between other unrelated species, would not happen in nature and may create new toxins, diseases, and
weaknesses. In this risky experiment, the general public is the guinea-pig. Biotechnology companies also claim their methods are precise. In fact, there is a random
element in gene insertion methods. Genetic research shows that many weaknesses in plants, animals and humans have their origin in tiny imperfections in the genetic
code. Therefore, side-effects and accidents are inevitable, and scientists have assessed the risks to be unlimited. (Refs: Palmiter, R.D. et al (1986) Annual Review
of Genetics 20: 465; Inose, T. et al (1995) Int. Jour. Food Science Tech. 30:141.)
Unpredictable health damaging effects and new diseases
When genetic engineers insert a new gene into any organism there is a "position effect" which entails an unpredictable pattern of genetic function. The protein product
of the transposed gene may carry out unexpected reactions and produce toxic products. There is also serious concern about the dangers of using genetically
engineered viruses as delivery vehicles (vectors) in the generation of transgenic plants and animals. This could destabilise the genome and lead to horizontal gene
transfer to other species, including mammals. This may cause dangerous new diseases, resistance to antibiotics, and severe immune reactions. Genetic engineering
also interferes with RNA editing and molecular folding which may cause the formation of prion-based diseases similar to BSE_mad cow disease. (Refs: Green,
A.E.et al (1994) Science 263:1423; Osbourn, J.K. et al (1990) Virology 179:921; Mae-Wan Ho (1996) Biology Dept., Open University.)
Genetically engineered products carry more risks than traditional foods
The process of genetic engineering can introduce dangerous new allergens and fatal toxins into foods that were previously naturally safe. Already, one genetically
engineered soybean was found to cause severe allergic reactions, and bacteria genetically engineered to produce large amounts of the food supplement, tryptophan,
have produced toxic contaminants that killed 37 people and permanently disabled 1,500 in USA. (Refs: Nordlee, J.A. et al (1996) The New England Journal of
Medicine 688; Mayeno, A.N. et al (1994) Tibtech 12:364.)
Health-damaging effects caused by genetic engineering will continue forever
Unlike nuclear contamination, gene pollution can never be cleaned up; genetic mistakes are passed to all future generations of a species.
Increased pollution of food and water supply
It is estimated that about 57% of research by biotechnology companies is on the development of herbicide-resistant plants and that this will lead to increased use of
herbicides, resulting in even higher concentrations of chemicals in food and in the water run-off from the land. (Ref: Goldberg, R.J. (1994) Weed Technology 6:647.)
Ethical concerns about purity of food, misleading labelling, and animal wellbeing
Transferring animal genes into plants and the use of animal genetic information in foods raises ethical issues for vegetarians and religious groups. For example,
genetically manufactured copies of animal rennets are being used to make some cheeses which are then labelled as suitable for vegetarians. Many genetic research
projects also involve animal experiments which are unacceptable to many people.
Genetic transfer across species and competition from new species harms the environment
When new genetic information is placed in plants, bacteria, or animals, it can easily cross into related organisms, through processes such as cross pollination. This has
already created herbicide- and pest-resistant "super weeds". Existing species can also be displaced from the ecosystem with disastrous effects, as happened with
genetically modified Klebsiella bacteria which destroyed soil fertility. Crops are now being genetically engineered to produce their own pesticides. This will promote
the more rapid appearance of resistant insects and lead to destruction of useful insects and soil organisms, seriously disturbing the ecosystem. Also, the pesticide
produced by the plant may be harmful to consumers. (Refs: Union of Concerned Scientists (1994) Gene Exchange, 5:68; Mikkelsen, T.R. et al (1996) Nature
380:31; Skogsmyr, I. (1994) Theoretical and Applied Genetics 88:770; Hama, H. et al (1992) Applied Entymology and Zoology 27:355.)
http://www.NaturalLaw.org.nz/genetics/NZStory/G-danger.asp
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Message: 2
Date: Mon, 23 Aug 1999 16:21:36 +0200
From: "Shirley Allen" <chmin@xxx.xx.xxx
Subject: Cape Confewrence Clips
PRAYER REQUESTS
Please remember the following people in your personal prayer time.
Pastor Wally Böhme in George. The radiology treatment he has been receiving has eased the pain and he is able to move around more comfortably at home.
Kariana van Heerden from George. Kariana is in Grade 11 and was involved in an car accident. The car was written off. The three other passengers escaped with minor injuries. Kariana up until today has been in hospital in Mossel Bay.
Denzil Swanepoel from Somerset West. He is in hospital at Vergelegen Hospital after his health deteriorated. This young man has diabetes, had a kidney transplant and has been seriously ill over an extended period.
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY CONVENTION - 3-5 SEPTEMBER
Hillcrest School
SPEAKERS - Dr Virginia Smith, Drs Kenneth & Dynette Hart.
TOPICS - 7 Good reasons to take time for children
Letting children come to Christ
Making the Bible a delight
How creative pastors involve children.
Child abuse; when does discipline become abusive?
Children's ministry in the local church.
SEMINARS as well
NEWS FROM LLEWELLYN JUBY IN MONGOLIA
Thank you so much for your prayers on behalf of Mongolia. Please remember Pastor Bold as his family as they move to Darham, a city of 70 000 with no Adventists to begin to work there.
Coming to Church on Peace Avenue, Ulaanbaator this Sabbath? Come early if
you want a seat! We had the Church dedicated this week, but it is already
too small. We are looking to buying a large building that will accommodate
a larger congregation but will also cater for some youth activities. We
have found just such a place with plenty of ground and parking space. We
need to locate the owners - not easy in Mongolia. Do remember to keep this
on your prayer lists.
Just this past week the sign board was put up on our 3 storey church
building. It is very neat and says that this is the Seventh Day Adventist
Church. So many have knocked on the door or rung the bell to ask if they
can come to worship here. One lady was relieved that she had found a
church. She had said "God if You are there, then prove all these doctors
wrong who insist that I have to have a Caesarian." God answered her prayer
with a natural birth and she is now looking for a place to worship that God.
More than 20 of the English Language students are still coming to church.
Some have joined the Bible Study group. They love the atmosphere of our
church, the music and the friendship. This week we will baptise two young
Inner Mongolians from China. They have come here secretly and will go back
after doing the leadership training course with Dale. The following
Sabbath we baptise some older folk - the first to take their stand. One
lady from Selenge province studied the truth here in Ulaanbaator, but then
moved away to a remote town in that province. She now has 17 regular
Sabbath Keepers, besides the children attending. Four of them will be
baptised with our church group
I have made some changes to the pulpit so that it is at least serviceable.
The carpenter commissioned to make it four years ago had never seen one
before so he made it in the shape of a cross. I have cut it down so that
at least a Bible and notes can be used during a sermon. I lost half of the
message the first Sabbath with the pastor balancing his Bible on one of
those collapsable music stands. I was a nervous wreck thinking it would
fall off at any moment.
Our children from babies to the age of 11 - 12 all meet in one Sabbath
school room. Now there's a challenge for a qualified teacher, let alone a
christian of only four years standing. They have some felts and a few
adult chairs, no tables and no carpets. That may be a neat little project
for someone to take up - financing equipment for a childrens Sabbath School
in Mongolia.
Sixty attend church every Sabbath but 55 are children or youth all
unemployed. Offerings are small, reflecting the poverty. Dress is simple
but neat and clean. What nearly bowled me over the first Sabbath was when
it came time for the service to begin, was the announcment made by someone
in Mongolian. Everyone jumped out of their seats and with broad smiling
faces walked around the room shaking everyones hand and saying "Happy
Sabbath to you!" Can you imagine that in your church? Some saints may
leave for good!!
Begun only 6 years ago by Brad and Cathy Jolly, the little church , from
its small beginnings, has grown. We now have over 100 attending our church
or the little home study groups.
For the 70 years that Mongolia was under Soviet domination, no churches
were allowed. All Buddists were executed or sent to the salt mines in
Siberia. Religious freedom is now granted to all. All surveys and opinion
pols indicate that next year the Communist party will be elected to power.
What that will mean as yet we do not comprehend. Thank you for your
prayers for our young Mongolian church.
Llewellyn
REASONS I STOPPED ATTENDING FOOTBALL GAMES (passed on by Alice Annandale)
1. Every time I went, they asked me for money.
2. The people sitting next to me didn't seem very friendly.
3. The seats were too hard.
4. The coach never came to call on me.
5. The referee made a decision I disagreed with.
6. I was sitting with hypocrites - they came only to see what others
were
wearing.
7. Some of the games went into overtime and I was late getting home.
8. The band played songs I didn't like.
9. The games were scheduled when I wanted to do other things.
10. My parents took me to too many games when I was growing up.
11. Since I read a book about football, I know more than the coaches do,
anyhow.
12. I don't want to take my children, because I want them to choose for
themselves what sport they like best.
WEBSITE
Know a former Adventist ? Encourage them to visit a site especially for
former SDA' s called www:bridgetoyou.com This site allows them to unload. It's easy to remember "bridges to you" all put together = www:bridgetoyou.com
http://bridgestoyou.com
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Message: 3
Date: Mon, 23 Aug 1999 11:19:09 -0400
From: "Mashudu Ravhengani" <Ravhenmj@xxxxx.xxxx
Subject: Re: Cape Confewrence Clips
Thanks Shirley for the Cape Conf news clips,
It will be good if we can get similar clips from other conferences.
The King is even at the door!
Jeremiah
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Message: 4
Date: Tue, 24 Aug 1999 09:03:03 +0200
From: "Shirley Allen" <chmin@xxx.xx.xxx
Subject: Fw: SDA Diary for 2000
[This message contained attachments]
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Message: 5
Date: Tue, 24 Aug 1999 10:14:30 +0200
From: "Shirley Allen" <chmin@xxx.xx.xxx
Subject: Cape Conference Clips
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
PRAYER REQUESTS
SOMERSET WEST EVANGELISITIC CAMPAIGN
REQUEST FROM HILLCREST SCHOOL
GC SESSION
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Robyn Dalbock is running a Happy Holiday Club (VBS) at Plumstead Church 27 September to 1 October. She is still in need of helpers and pianists. If you are able or know of anyone who can lend a hand please contact her at (021) 701 2920.
PRAYER REQUESTS
Kabriana van Heerden, daughter of Hennie and Abri of George, was operated on at 2:00 until 8:00 this morning. There was bleeding on the brain. They are unable to fly her to Cape Town because of her spinal injuries. The pressure on the brain has subsided and we request your continued prayers.
Joan van der Merwe of the Somerset West congregation will be having her third operation this year at the beginning of September. Please remember her in prayer.
Dr Japie van Ravesteyn van Madeleine Cloete (Tygerberg gemeente).
My oom Dr Japie van Ravesteyn van Willowmore is omtrent 2 maande terug
gediagnoseer met kanker. Een van sy niere is verwyder maar die kanker het
alreeds versprei na die limf. Die dokters het aan hom gese dat daardie tipe
kanker nie behandel kan word nie maar sy loop moet neem.
'n Universiteits vriend van my oom ('n onkoloog - een van die 5 bestes ter
wereld), het hom uit die bloute gebel en gese van 'n tipe behandeling wat
nog nie op die mark is nie maar hulle voer dit tog uit in Durban. My oom en
my tannie is tans daar - hy moet die behandeling vir 6 weke ondergaan.
Sonder die behandeling beweer die dokter dat my oom 6 maande tot 'n jaar het
om te leef. Hulle beweer dat hierdie behandeling 20% - 60% kans gee dat my
oom kan genees.
My oom maak vreeslik staat op gebed - hy vra net altyd as 'n mens met hom
praat dat ons tog asb. vir hom moet bid. Hy is baie moedig en glo hy gaan
genees word. Hy is ook 'n asma lyer wat dit nog moeiliker vir hom maak.
SOMERSET WEST EVANGELISITIC CAMPAIGN
The campaign which began last night in the Somerset West Town Hall was well attended. Please remember Dr Walter Veith and the Silverleaf congregation as they work together to bring the Advent message to the people of the Basin.
REQUEST FROM HILLCREST SCHOOL
Hillcrest School would like to know if there is anyone who can help with the following:
1.. Sign writing
2.. They need new curtains for the school hall
3.. Sand for the sandpit
4.. Playground equipment eg. swings, see-saws etc.
5.. Paint the hall
6.. Clean the roof, waterproof it and paint it
People interested can contact Anne-Marie Watt at Hillcrest school
Tel: 689 - 4187
GC Session
57th General Conference Session 2000 August News Bulletin
PLACE: SkyDome and Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, Canada
DATES: June 25 June 29 (Sunday Thursday)
World Ministers Council June 29 July 08 (Thursday Sabbath) General
Conference Session
THEME: Almost Home
Session 2000 Program Highlights
The opening day of the Session will feature some of the following
activities:
• Musical program
• Introduction of honored guests and officials
• Official call to open the Session
• Appointment of various working and standing committees
Each evening will be filled with music and inspirational reports of the
progress of the work around the world.
The daily program will begin with the morning devotional hour followed
throughout the day with "business sessions."
The two Sabbaths of the Session are high days for the Church. Sabbath
School and Church will be provided for all age groups, from
kindergarten through adults. Please keep in mind the afternoons--there
will be thrilling stories of soul winning presented by laypersons,
youth and Global Mission.
For those who plan to visit the Mento Toronto Convention Centre, in the
exhibit area there will be a daily program presented on a stage area.
Global Mission is coordinating the program, and will feature reports
from various ministries, departments, and individuals who are active in
soul winning. In addition, various musical groups will be performing
mini-concerts on this same stage, interspersed with the soul-winning
reports.
There is something for everyone! Come and see what God is doing in His
Church throughout the world. [Gerry Karst]
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