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There are 7 messages in this issue.
Topics in today's digest:
1. Re: Scaring statement from Mrs White
From: "Mashudu Ravhengani" <ravhenmj@xxxxx.xxxx
2. Re: RE: Welcome
From: "Andrew Modise" <ModisMA1@xxxxxx.xx.xxx
3. Re: RE: Welcome
From: "Andrew Modise" <ModisMA1@xxxxxx.xx.xxx
4. Re: RE: Welcome
From: "Mashudu Ravhengani" <ravhenmj@xxxxx.xxxx
5. RE: Welcome
From: Fairbridge Dlamini <dlaminif@xxxx.xx.xxx
6. Fw: Adventist News Network: August 24, 1999
From: "Shirley Allen" <chmin@xxx.xx.xxx
7. Cape Conference Clips
From: "Shirley Allen" <chmin@xxx.xx.xxx
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
Message: 1
Date: Tue, 24 Aug 1999 09:17:20 -0400
From: "Mashudu Ravhengani" <ravhenmj@xxxxx.xxxx
Subject: Re: Scaring statement from Mrs White
Daniel,
>> I've always felt insecure and sometimes discouraged when reading the
>> following statement from The Great Controvery, page 490, chapter title
>>"Facing our Life Record":
I agree with you, it sounds a bit scary to know that God is going to use a microscope to examine everything that I have done. However, it is not only the SOP that says this, for the Bible says: "For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, Whether good or evil." Eccl 12:14. It is also important to note that this is not something that will occur in the future, this is what is happening now, the investigative judgement is currently on session. Here is the statement from the GC page 489, which precedes the statement in question: "But Jesus pleads in their behalf His wounded hands, His bruised body; and He declares to all who would follow Him: "My grace is sufficient for thee." 2 Corinthians 12:9. "Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." Matthew 11:29, 30. Let none, then, regard their defects as incurable. God will give faith and grace to overcome them."
What does all this mean? It means that by our own merit we will not make it. That's the reason why Christ came to die for us, for our righteousness is like filthy rags, yet whosoever believes gets covered by Christ's righteousness. When God the father looks at Jeremiah all he can see is the righteousness of Christ. Even though the microscope is used to search my life all that can be seen is Christ's righteousness, and Jeremiah can not be found since he is dead and Christ is alive. When the Devil try to accuse me about all the sins that I have done none can be found since they are all under the blood. It's is all by grace, there is nothing we can boast about.
Daniel wrote
>> This could be one of the reasons why so many Adventists don't have
>> assurance of salvation. When asked "Are you saved?" many hesitate to say
>> "Yes". Does adventism give us assurance of salvation?
There are three types of salvation:
1. Jesus came to save us from the penalty of sin.
E.G White says, "Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treated as He deserves. He was condemned for our sins, in which He had no share, that we might be justified by His righteousness, in which we had no share. He suffered the death which was ours, that we might receive the life which was His. "With His stripes we are healed."
Desire of Ages, page 25
2. Again Jesus came to save us from the power of sin.
Rom 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.
3. He will come to save us from the presence of sin.
Rev 21:4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
So if anybody asks you if you are saved the answer is:
I have been saved
I am been saved
I am going to be saved
The King is even at the door!
Jeremiah
>>> Daniel Dlongolo <daniel@4gl.co.za> 08/19 11:55 AM >>>
From: Daniel Dlongolo <daniel@4gl.co.za>
Friends,
I've always felt insecure and sometimes discouraged when reading the
following statement from The Great Controvery, page 490, chapter title
"Facing our Life Record":
"Though all nations are to pass in judgment before God, yet He will
examine the case of each individual with as close and searching scrutiny
as if there were not another being upon the earth. Everyone must be tested
and found without spot or wrinkle or any such thing."
This does not give me an assurance of salvation. If God were to search my
life record with such scrutiny (AS IF I WERE THE ONLY BEING UPON THE
EARTH) how can I survive? If God would be looking for somebody "without
spot or wrinkle or any such thing" how can a sinner like me make it to the
kingdom?
This could be one of the reasons why so many adventists don't have
assurance of salvation. When asked "Are you saved?" many hesitate to say
"Yes". Does adventism give us assurance of salvation? Why should God
scrutinize our life records? You should find a "wrinkle" in someone's life
if you examine "with as close and searching scrutiny as if there were not
another being upon the earth." I find this statement, by EGW, incompatible
with Gospel Message. Please note that I respect Mrs White and I believe
that she was a messenger of God to His faithful remnant.
Labouring to know Christ and Him Crufified,
Bafana
E-mail: daniel@4gl.co.za
Phone : +27 11 476 2224 (w)
Cell : +27 83 289 9975
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
Message: 2
Date: Tue, 24 Aug 1999 08:03:43 +0200
From: "Andrew Modise" <ModisMA1@telkom.co.za>
Subject: Re: RE: Welcome
Pastor,
Is the problem not that, in terms of reaching the middle class and the
rich, we form or have more "professional" rather than christian
relations with them? That is, the people that SDA professionals/middle
class mingle with do not even know that we are christians, not to
mention that we are Adventists!!!! Do SDA professionals know how to
establish christian friendships in the work, social and academic
environments, if we do do we do that?
Andrew Modise
>>> Jongimpi Papu <j.d.papu@mweb.co.za> 08/13/99 10:39AM >>>
From: Jongimpi Papu <j.d.papu@mweb.co.za>
I find your illustration very interesting and not amusing for it is
true.
Crusades are for people who are hungry and unemployed. Our church
seems to
specialise in reaching or targeting those who stay in shacks or
temporal
shelters. What about the rich and affluent how do we reach them?
Should we run an anti-rich programme for them or how to be unemployed?
Remember the Young rich ruler who approached Christ? He was told to
get rid
of his possession and follow Christ. Difficult, yes even more
difficult
than to reach poor people.
What is the solution? The problem is that crusades are done by
specialists, and yet I read from the Bible that everyone is supposed to
be a
witness. Let all our members be trained and encouraged to
evangelise.
Let us find new ways of sharing our faith. We should find it easy to
talk
about what Christ is doing in our lives before we can tell people what
he
wants from their lives.
"When they see your good deeds they will glorify Him".
Maybe we do not need more crusades, we need more Crusaders!
Peace!
-----Original Message-----
From: Andrew Modise <ModisMA1@telkom.co.za>
To: sa-sda@onelist.com <sa-sda@onelist.com>
Date: Friday, August 13, 1999 9:05 AM
Subject: Re: RE: [sa-sda] Welcome
>From: "Andrew Modise" <ModisMA1@telkom.co.za>
>
>Sam,
>
>The solution to the riddle is to find out why people don't attend the
>crusades. The problem is that our ministry is often times not needs
>based. For example, out tendency is to identify "unentered areas" and
>put up a tent for a crusade. This is most of the time not based on a
>proper needs analysis, in your field it would be a due dilligence
>report. Some of the people you invite to the crusade would like to
>attend the but have more pressing needs like putting food on the
table
>for their children. I can imagine that some of them are perhaps
>wondering why we are not following the example of Jesus. Christ
>addressed the basic needs of people first. Perhaps we need to think
of
>anti-poverty, anti-crime, counselling, skills development and job
>creation programmes before we talk of crusades. Our needs are not
>necessarily other people's needs. The art of fishing depends
critically
>on understanding the environment, behaviour and the type of fish you
are
>trying to catch, that will inform you as to what kind of bait to use
and
>when to throw the fishing rod into the water. We need to see human
>beings (God's children) first before we can see targets for baptism
>(statistics)!!!!
>
>The beauty of the above is that it fully complements "seek ye first
the
>kingdom of God and all else will be added unto you". More of that
later
>if you are interested!!!!
>
>God bless
>
>Andrew Modise
>
>
>>>> "Mashudu Ravhengani" <Ravhenmj@umdnj.edu> 08/10/99 04:07PM >>>
>From: "Mashudu Ravhengani" <Ravhenmj@umdnj.edu>
>
>Sam,
>What do you mean by inflatrating their churches?
>You mean you will pretend to be their member? Sing as they sing,
dance
>as they do?
>Won't it be living a lie? fooling them by prentending to be one of
>them?
>Here is the great philosophical question: Is it right to fool people
>for their own good?
>
>Peace!
>
>Jeremiah
>
>>>> Sam Mthimkulu <Sammth@tnt.ac.za> 08/10 2:59 AM >>>
>Greetings
>
>I would like to appreciate the opportunity given to us to share
>whatever
>news or opinions we have without censorship.
>Introducing Samuel Molefe Mthunzi Mthimkhulu,known as Sam,i grew up
in
>Tornado NW and moved to Pretoria in '90 and studied at TNT,I am
>currently working at the same company from 95 till today working as
>the
>Internal Auditor.i am unmarried(soon my status will change pray for
>me)my interest are evangelism,social discussion.
>I want to share something with you that is bothering me for we have
>crusades and people do not attend i was thinking what about
>infiltration
>to this churches?i hope you will help.
>May God bless you
>
>Mthunzi
>
>
>
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Message: 3
Date: Tue, 24 Aug 1999 08:17:47 +0200
From: "Andrew Modise" <ModisMA1@telkom.co.za>
Subject: Re: RE: Welcome
When you say needs based evangelism should not be a means to an end nor
an end in itself, you are not suggesting that we should engage in a zero
sums game. The point that I made is precisely the same as yours, the
motivator and propelling force for anything that we do should be love
and care. We have been called to be a blessing unto the world, and the
way to do it is for us to surrender our wills to God and thus become
willing and effective instruments and conduits in His hands. You are
right, what good can we do on our own!!!!
Andrew Modise
>>> "Lungani Mfeka" <MfekaL@telkom.co.za> 08/13/99 12:36PM >>>
From: "Lungani Mfeka" <MfekaL@telkom.co.za>
** Proprietary **
** Reply Requested When Convenient **
Fellow Adventists,
With regard to Sam's concern, I guess we need to address more than
just
what we would like to admit. I don't believe that fruits are the main
objective of evangelism, nor attendance for that matter. The point
made
about the need based evangelism is good but not when it comes to
preaching. Need based evangelism should not be means to an end nor an
end on its own. I don't believe that we need to do something - either
good or bad - to attract people to God. All we do we do because we
care
about the people. This will help us do this even when the climate and
environment are not conducive for the exercise. We will be able to do
this " in season and out of season" - as instructed. The problem will
be failing to keep up with the demands should it not work according to
our wishes. But if true love never dies we will be as patient and
loving as though they are one with us.
When we have a crusade it should be to inform whoever has come about
the gospel. Whether attractive or dull the Spirit has a way of making
His intentions feasible. I remember when I was still a young boy in
my
home church we were about to have a crusade and the church members
were
discussing the plans for the crusade. One of them asked if the
feasibility study and a research was made to make sure that the
community will be receptive of the gospel. God's business is
foolishness to those who believe solely in human strategies and
intelligence because His means of doing things are not our means of
painting the town red.
I do share empathy with Sam when having prepared all and are convinced
that God is to be know in your territory you find that people are not
there to know about this God. May be you have prayed about this issue
and have been assured by whatever that you should go ahead and make
Him
known yet the whole thing becomes a disaster. Remember Noah, he
preached for years, the only converts he had were animals called on
the
ship by God. Sam, you have to live your Christ-like life loving and
caring for all around you for the mere fact that you love them.
Preach
to them because you just want to warn them about the forthcoming
danger
and let them know about the love of God that surpasses all
understanding. Beyond that do not worry - even you did not go out of
your way looking for God but He, Himself sought out for you. He will
do
all He can to get as many of His sheep - only if you're willing to be
the Shepard.
Lungani
>>> "Andrew Modish" <Metooism@telkom.co.za> 08/11 4:47 PM >>>
From: "Andrew Modish" <Metooism@telkom.co.za>
Sam,
The solution to the riddle is to find out why people don't attend the
crusades. The problem is that our ministry is often times not needs
based. For example, out tendency is to identify "unbettered areas" and
put up a tent for a crusade. This is most of the time not based on a
proper needs analysis, in your field it would be a due diligence
report. Some of the people you invite to the crusade would like to
attend the but have more pressing needs like putting food on the table
for their children. I can imagine that some of them are perhaps
wondering why we are not following the example of Jesus. Christ
addressed the basic needs of people first. Perhaps we need to think of
anti-poverty, anti-crime, counselling, skills development and job
creation programmes before we talk of crusades. Our needs are not
necessarily other people's needs. The art of fishing depends
critically
on understanding the environment, behaviour and the type of fish you
are
trying to catch, that will inform you as to what kind of bait to use
and
when to throw the fishing rod into the water. We need to see human
beings (God's children) first before we can see targets for baptism
(statistics)!!!!
The beauty of the above is that it fully complements "seek ye first
the
kingdom of God and all else will be added unto you". More of that
later
if you are interested!!!!
God bless
Andrew Modish
>>> "Maced. Ravhengani" <Ravhenmj@umdnj.edu> 08/10/99 04:07PM >>>
From: "Maced. Ravhengani" <Ravhenmj@umdnj.edu>
Sam,
What do you mean by infiltrating their churches?
You mean you will pretend to be their member? Sing as they sing, dance
as they do?
Won't it be living a lie? fooling them by pretending to be one of
them?
Here is the great philosophical question: Is it right to fool people
for their own good?
Peace!
Jeremiah
>>> Sam Mthimkulu <Sammth@tnt.ac.za> 08/10 2:59 AM >>>
Greetings
I would like to appreciate the opportunity given to us to share
whatever
news or opinions we have without censorship.
Introducing Samuel Molefe Mthunzi Mthimkhulu,known as Sam,i grew up in
Tornado NW and moved to Pretoria in '90 and studied at TNT,I am
currently working at the same company from 95 till today working as
the
Internal Auditor.i am unmarried(soon my status will change pray for
me)my interest are evangelism,social discussion.
I want to share something with you that is bothering me for we have
crusades and people do not attend i was thinking what about
infiltration
to this churches?i hope you will help.
May God bless you
Mthunzi
--------------------------- ONElist Sponsor
----------------------------
ONElist: your connection to people who share your interests.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The King is even at the door!
--------------------------- ONElist Sponsor
----------------------------
GET WHAT YOU DESERVE! A NextCard Platinum VISA: DOUBLE Rewards points,
NO annual fee & rates as low as 9.9 percent FIXED APR.
Apply online today! http://www.onelist.com/ad/nextcard1
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The King is even at the door!
--------------------------- ONElist Sponsor
----------------------------
ONElist: the best place to EXPLORE topics, SHARE ideas, and
CONNECT to people with the same interests.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The King is even at the door!
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
Message: 4
Date: Tue, 24 Aug 1999 10:39:42 -0400
From: "Mashudu Ravhengani" <ravhenmj@umdnj.edu>
Subject: Re: RE: Welcome
Andrew,
Just for knowledge sake, what is a zero sums game?
He will come?
Jeremiah
>>> "Andrew Modise" <ModisMA1@telkom.co.za> 08/24 2:17 AM >>>
From: "Andrew Modise" <ModisMA1@telkom.co.za>
When you say needs based evangelism should not be a means to an end nor
an end in itself, you are not suggesting that we should engage in a zero
sums game. The point that I made is precisely the same as yours, the
motivator and propelling force for anything that we do should be love
and care. We have been called to be a blessing unto the world, and the
way to do it is for us to surrender our wills to God and thus become
willing and effective instruments and conduits in His hands. You are
right, what good can we do on our own!!!!
Andrew Modise
>>> "Lungani Mfeka" <MfekaL@telkom.co.za> 08/13/99 12:36PM >>>
From: "Lungani Mfeka" <MfekaL@telkom.co.za>
** Proprietary **
** Reply Requested When Convenient **
Fellow Adventists,
With regard to Sam's concern, I guess we need to address more than
just
what we would like to admit. I don't believe that fruits are the main
objective of evangelism, nor attendance for that matter. The point
made
about the need based evangelism is good but not when it comes to
preaching. Need based evangelism should not be means to an end nor an
end on its own. I don't believe that we need to do something - either
good or bad - to attract people to God. All we do we do because we
care
about the people. This will help us do this even when the climate and
environment are not conducive for the exercise. We will be able to do
this " in season and out of season" - as instructed. The problem will
be failing to keep up with the demands should it not work according to
our wishes. But if true love never dies we will be as patient and
loving as though they are one with us.
When we have a crusade it should be to inform whoever has come about
the gospel. Whether attractive or dull the Spirit has a way of making
His intentions feasible. I remember when I was still a young boy in
my
home church we were about to have a crusade and the church members
were
discussing the plans for the crusade. One of them asked if the
feasibility study and a research was made to make sure that the
community will be receptive of the gospel. God's business is
foolishness to those who believe solely in human strategies and
intelligence because His means of doing things are not our means of
painting the town red.
I do share empathy with Sam when having prepared all and are convinced
that God is to be know in your territory you find that people are not
there to know about this God. May be you have prayed about this issue
and have been assured by whatever that you should go ahead and make
Him
known yet the whole thing becomes a disaster. Remember Noah, he
preached for years, the only converts he had were animals called on
the
ship by God. Sam, you have to live your Christ-like life loving and
caring for all around you for the mere fact that you love them.
Preach
to them because you just want to warn them about the forthcoming
danger
and let them know about the love of God that surpasses all
understanding. Beyond that do not worry - even you did not go out of
your way looking for God but He, Himself sought out for you. He will
do
all He can to get as many of His sheep - only if you're willing to be
the Shepard.
Lungani
>>> "Andrew Modish" <Metooism@telkom.co.za> 08/11 4:47 PM >>>
From: "Andrew Modish" <Metooism@telkom.co.za>
Sam,
The solution to the riddle is to find out why people don't attend the
crusades. The problem is that our ministry is often times not needs
based. For example, out tendency is to identify "unbettered areas" and
put up a tent for a crusade. This is most of the time not based on a
proper needs analysis, in your field it would be a due diligence
report. Some of the people you invite to the crusade would like to
attend the but have more pressing needs like putting food on the table
for their children. I can imagine that some of them are perhaps
wondering why we are not following the example of Jesus. Christ
addressed the basic needs of people first. Perhaps we need to think of
anti-poverty, anti-crime, counselling, skills development and job
creation programmes before we talk of crusades. Our needs are not
necessarily other people's needs. The art of fishing depends
critically
on understanding the environment, behaviour and the type of fish you
are
trying to catch, that will inform you as to what kind of bait to use
and
when to throw the fishing rod into the water. We need to see human
beings (God's children) first before we can see targets for baptism
(statistics)!!!!
The beauty of the above is that it fully complements "seek ye first
the
kingdom of God and all else will be added unto you". More of that
later
if you are interested!!!!
God bless
Andrew Modish
>>> "Maced. Ravhengani" <Ravhenmj@umdnj.edu> 08/10/99 04:07PM >>>
From: "Maced. Ravhengani" <Ravhenmj@umdnj.edu>
Sam,
What do you mean by infiltrating their churches?
You mean you will pretend to be their member? Sing as they sing, dance
as they do?
Won't it be living a lie? fooling them by pretending to be one of
them?
Here is the great philosophical question: Is it right to fool people
for their own good?
Peace!
Jeremiah
>>> Sam Mthimkulu <Sammth@tnt.ac.za> 08/10 2:59 AM >>>
Greetings
I would like to appreciate the opportunity given to us to share
whatever
news or opinions we have without censorship.
Introducing Samuel Molefe Mthunzi Mthimkhulu,known as Sam,i grew up in
Tornado NW and moved to Pretoria in '90 and studied at TNT,I am
currently working at the same company from 95 till today working as
the
Internal Auditor.i am unmarried(soon my status will change pray for
me)my interest are evangelism,social discussion.
I want to share something with you that is bothering me for we have
crusades and people do not attend i was thinking what about
infiltration
to this churches?i hope you will help.
May God bless you
Mthunzi
--------------------------- ONElist Sponsor
----------------------------
ONElist: your connection to people who share your interests.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The King is even at the door!
--------------------------- ONElist Sponsor
----------------------------
GET WHAT YOU DESERVE! A NextCard Platinum VISA: DOUBLE Rewards points,
NO annual fee & rates as low as 9.9 percent FIXED APR.
Apply online today! http://www.onelist.com/ad/nextcard1
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The King is even at the door!
--------------------------- ONElist Sponsor
----------------------------
ONElist: the best place to EXPLORE topics, SHARE ideas, and
CONNECT to people with the same interests.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The King is even at the door!
--------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ----------------------------
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Message: 5
Date: Wed, 25 Aug 1999 11:27:55 +0200
From: Fairbridge Dlamini <dlaminif@emsa.co.za>
Subject: RE: Welcome
Fellow Believers
A great deal has been said about the focus and what should drive
evangelistic endeavours however I still think that the question of how do we
reach the middle class/professionals is still not addressed. I think this
question is very pertinent for this forum because I believe a fair share of
members fall in this category. Thus they are be best placed to reach this
group of people.
Soon, soon He will come
Mduduzi Dlamini
-----Original Message-----
From: Mashudu Ravhengani [SMTP:ravhenmj@umdnj.edu]
Sent: 24 August 1999 04:40
To: sa-sda@onelist.com
Subject: Re: RE: [sa-sda] Welcome
From: "Mashudu Ravhengani" <ravhenmj@umdnj.edu>
Andrew,
Just for knowledge sake, what is a zero sums game?
He will come?
Jeremiah
>>> "Andrew Modise" <ModisMA1@telkom.co.za> 08/24 2:17 AM >>>
From: "Andrew Modise" <ModisMA1@telkom.co.za>
When you say needs based evangelism should not be a means to an end
nor
an end in itself, you are not suggesting that we should engage in a
zero
sums game. The point that I made is precisely the same as yours, the
motivator and propelling force for anything that we do should be
love
and care. We have been called to be a blessing unto the world, and
the
way to do it is for us to surrender our wills to God and thus become
willing and effective instruments and conduits in His hands. You are
right, what good can we do on our own!!!!
Andrew Modise
>>> "Lungani Mfeka" <MfekaL@telkom.co.za> 08/13/99 12:36PM >>>
From: "Lungani Mfeka" <MfekaL@telkom.co.za>
** Proprietary **
** Reply Requested When Convenient **
Fellow Adventists,
With regard to Sam's concern, I guess we need to address more than
just
what we would like to admit. I don't believe that fruits are the
main
objective of evangelism, nor attendance for that matter. The point
made
about the need based evangelism is good but not when it comes to
preaching. Need based evangelism should not be means to an end nor
an
end on its own. I don't believe that we need to do something -
either
good or bad - to attract people to God. All we do we do because we
care
about the people. This will help us do this even when the climate
and
environment are not conducive for the exercise. We will be able to
do
this " in season and out of season" - as instructed. The problem
will
be failing to keep up with the demands should it not work according
to
our wishes. But if true love never dies we will be as patient and
loving as though they are one with us.
When we have a crusade it should be to inform whoever has come
about
the gospel. Whether attractive or dull the Spirit has a way of
making
His intentions feasible. I remember when I was still a young boy in
my
home church we were about to have a crusade and the church members
were
discussing the plans for the crusade. One of them asked if the
feasibility study and a research was made to make sure that the
community will be receptive of the gospel. God's business is
foolishness to those who believe solely in human strategies and
intelligence because His means of doing things are not our means of
painting the town red.
I do share empathy with Sam when having prepared all and are
convinced
that God is to be know in your territory you find that people are
not
there to know about this God. May be you have prayed about this
issue
and have been assured by whatever that you should go ahead and make
Him
known yet the whole thing becomes a disaster. Remember Noah, he
preached for years, the only converts he had were animals called on
the
ship by God. Sam, you have to live your Christ-like life loving and
caring for all around you for the mere fact that you love them.
Preach
to them because you just want to warn them about the forthcoming
danger
and let them know about the love of God that surpasses all
understanding. Beyond that do not worry - even you did not go out
of
your way looking for God but He, Himself sought out for you. He
will
do
all He can to get as many of His sheep - only if you're willing to
be
the Shepard.
Lungani
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
Message: 6
Date: Wed, 25 Aug 1999 11:01:31 +0200
From: "Shirley Allen" <chmin@hbc.ac.za>
Subject: Fw: Adventist News Network: August 24, 1999
fyi
Shirley
ANN Bulletin
Adventist News Network
Seventh-day Adventist Church World Headquarters
August 24, 1999
In This Issue:
* Turkey Earthquake Survivors Assisted by Adventist Aid Agency
* First British "Marriage Saver" Event Hosted by Adventist Church
* Adventist TV Programming Increases in Peru, Argentina, Colombia
* American Lutherans Approve "Full Communion" With Episcopalians
* International Congress of Polish Adventists in Cracow Challenged to
be "Clear, Strong and Effective" in Their Mission
* Unite99 To Bring Adventist Musical Talent Together
Turkey Earthquake Survivors Assisted by Adventist Aid Agency
Silver Spring, Maryland, USA .... [ANN]
As search teams continued to uncover bodies from the rubble of
Tuesday's 7.8 earthquake in Turkey, the Adventist Development and
Relief Agency (ADRA) initiated its disaster relief response to assist
thousands of devastated survivors.
Immediately following the earthquake, ADRA volunteers in Turkey
distributed food and clothing to survivors in Istanbul. The supplies
were being stored at a warehouse in Istanbul for ADRA's six-year relief
program for 250 Iraqi refugees living in Turkey.
Thomas Petracek of ADRA Germany arrived in Turkey to begin coordinating
additional relief efforts with participating humanitarian
organizations. Together, they will assess the most immediate needs of
the survivors and their families in the area surrounding Izmit, the
earthquake's epicenter.
"Izmit and Istanbul are getting a lot of relief attention from various
organizations," says Erich Lischek, ADRA Germany director. "ADRA is
going to make sure that the smaller towns surrounding Izmit receive
assistance. It is usually the smaller towns that get overlooked."
ADRA's first priority will be to purchase food, clothing and hygiene
items for those whose homes were destroyed. The international
organization will be working through its Turkish liaison, Naval Captain
Tanju Akbay, to obtain governmental assistance for its efforts.
ADRA has provided relief assistance for several other disasters in
Turkey. In 1991-92, ADRA Germany assisted the Kurdish refugees with
relief supplies, a US$1 million project funded by the German government
and the European Union. In 1992, following an avalanche, ADRA Germany
sent new winter clothes, parkas and blankets, to those affected-aid
valued at US$100,000. [Beth Schaefer]
First British "Marriage Saver" Event Hosted by Adventist Church
London, England .... [ANN]
The first ever British Conference of the US-based "Marriage Saver"
organization was held at the Seventh-day Adventist Church's Advent
Center in central London beginning August 17.
Mick McManus, a co-director of Marriage Savers, spoke about how his
organization has helped to create Community Marriage Policies which
have dramatically decreased the divorce rate in many US towns and
cities.
The Conference brought significant media attention, with both BBC
Breakfast News and Channel 4 News in attendance, along with press
reporters. McManus was interviewed live on Channel 4 News on August
16, and BBC Breakfast TV aired a feature based on his initial lecture
in London on August 17. The London Guardian also ran a feature story
on August 16. The Guardian writer called Kansas City, a Marriage Saver
city, and confirmed that they had seen a 30% fall in the divorce rate
in the two years since the community implemented its marriage policy.
Speaking for the Adventist Church, area family life director Bernie
Holford expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to host the
Conference.
"It is so exciting that Adventists can help to facilitate this
important event," said Holford. "By God's grace this movement will help
our churches and communities to enrich and save a lot of our marriages.
Many members are heading over the precipice of divorce without anyone
showing them how to avoid such a calamity. This conference (and the
subsequent training sessions) has given us the tools to help not only
our church but to offer a powerful help for our communities."
Representatives attended the conference from the marriage organization
Relate and also from Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches. [John
Surridge]
Adventist TV Programming Increases in Peru, Argentina, Colombia
Lima, Peru .... [ANN]
TV stations in the three Peruvian cities of Moyobamba, Huanuco and Puno
are now transmitting Seventh-day Adventist programs, reports Samuel
Saito, communication director for the Church in Peru. Shortly, Tacna,
Arequipa and other towns will be transmitting the "ADSAT" TV programs
produced by the Adventist Church.
In Argentina, two stations are fully functioning in towns such as
Libertador San Martin. Twenty-four hour coverage is provided in another
town with a population of 22,000. In Colombia more than 300,000
viewers are able to watch Adventist TV. Among other South American
countries the sole channel is TV ADSAT, and Church leaders are
investigating the possibilities to increase Adventist TV coverage.
[Samuel Saito/Tércio Marques]
American Lutherans Approve "Full Communion" With Episcopalians
Denver, Colorado, USA .... [ANN]
The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America voted August 19 to approve a
document that makes possible full communion with the Episcopalian
Church.
The vote at the Lutheran's Churchwide Assembly in Denver, Colorado,
marks a major step in ecumenical efforts to bring about the "visible
union" of denominations. A proposal will now be prepared which, if
approved, would mean that the two denominations would adopt common
strategies for evangelism and share clergy. In addition, Lutherans
would accept the Episcopal position of the historic episcopate, the
apostolic succession of bishops.
At the same time, the Assembly voted to approve full communion with the
Moravian Church.
Commenting on the decision, Dr. Gerhard Pfandl of the Seventh-day
Adventist Church's Biblical Research Institute said that this was a
significant development in ecumenism.
"We are very interested in these developments which reflect a desire by
many denominations to unite. As Seventh-day Adventists, we hold in high
esteem Christ's followers in other Christian churches," said Pfandl.
"We also applaud any move which leads to a better understanding among
Christian churches. However, we are concerned over some statements that
tend to suggest a dismantling of what the Protestant Reformation has
achieved. While we cooperate with other churches and the ecumenical
movement in the alleviation of human suffering, we do not aim for
membership in the ecumenical movement, nor do we support any entangling
merger or relationship that might endanger our distinctive witness."
[Jonathan Gallagher]
International Congress of Polish Adventists in Cracow Challenged to be
"Clear, Strong and Effective" in Their Mission
Cracow, Poland .... [ANN]
Though regarded as a Christian country, Poland faces increasing
in-roads of secularism. In order to be effective as a Christian
community, Seventh-day Adventists are challenged to make the mission of
their church attractive and be seen as a faith community that practices
what it teaches.
The Church's response to the challenge of secularization was addressed
by Dr. Jan Paulsen, world leader of the Seventh-day Adventist Church,
during his three-day visit to Cracow, August 20-22.
In a national television interview, Paulsen said that "in so much of
Europe, the church, any church, including the Seventh-day Adventist
Church, is faced with a community which is quite secular, and which may
not feel or see that God is relevant to life as it is being experienced
on a day-to-day basis. It is important, also, for the church in this
country, in Poland, to be able to communicate within the society in a
manner that makes God, God's values and God's lifestyle appealing and
attractive."
He also said that "the fact that the church faces major challenges in
the society does not mean that this isn't a good time for the church to
be the church. The church needs to be strong in its mission. This is a
good time in Poland for our church to be clear, strong and effective,
and to be not only a church which speaks theory, but also a church
which shows in the life it lives, the lifestyle, and the values it has
that it wishes to have ways to express this in public and to address
that larger, broader community."
Dr. Paulsen traveled to Poland to address the "2nd International
Congress of Polish-speaking Adventists." Two thousand believers, many
of whom came to Poland from Australia, the United States, Germany,
South Africa, the Ukraine and Lithuania, participated in a three-day
spiritual convocation organized by the Polish Adventist Church in
Cracow, a city nominated as the cultural capital of Europe in the year
2000.
Paulsen was joined by Dr Bertil Wiklander, president of the
Trans-European region of the Adventist Church, with headquarters in
England. Paulsen was president of this administrative entity before
Wiklander. He frequently visited Poland, and was coordinating
assistance for the church and the country during the critical 1980s.
While in Cracow, the Adventist leaders were received by the city of
Cracow and the Malopolska province officials, as well as by Cardinal
Franciszek Macharski, the archbishop of Cracow. Paulsen's visit
received wide media coverage, and the issues of religious tolerance,
respect and communication, as well as the Church's involvement in the
society, were addressed.
Asked about the reasons for the Church's interest to serve the
community at large by addressing issues of social ills, Dr. Paulsen
explained the active approach by the Church.
"Our total existence is not simply a matter of having certain ideas and
concepts, but also as to how you fuction as a complete individual. For
that reason, anything that distorts one's lifestyle, destroys values,
or reduces an ability to function effectively-it needs to be addressed.
My church has a responsibility within the community it lives to address
these issues."
For two weeks, Seventh-day Adventists in Cracow organized a variety of
events, including stop smoking seminars, alcohol and drug prevention
seminars, concerts and other cultural events. The Congress gave an
occasion to present the objectives, but also the recent progress of the
Church's Global Mission. The event was coordinated by Dr. Michael L.
Ryan, director of the Office of Global Mission from Silver Spring,
Maryland, U.S.A.
The congress received special messages from Aleksander Kwasniewski,
President of Poland and Jerzy Buzek, the Prime Minister. Kwasniewski
congratulated the Church for its educational and humanitarian
involvement.
"You are known for your kindness toward all people, as well as for your
tolerance, openness and readiness to dialogue with other churches and
non-believers, for the good of a human person and the society."
In his statement to the participants of the congress, Premier Buzek
spoke about Poland, which is known throughout the centuries for its
"tradition of [religious] tolerance." He welcomed those who came from
abroad and who emigrated from the country in the last few decades.
"Be the ambassadors and representatives not only of your church, but
also of Poland! Let's join together." [Ray Dabrowski]
Unite99 To Bring Adventist Musical Talent Together
Los Angeles, California, USA .... [ANN]
Of all the evangelism techniques used by members of the worldwide
Seventh-day Adventist Church, one that may, for the most part, go
unnoticed is Contemporary Christian music. There is no one single event
where outreach is focused around this medium. Until now.
October 30, 1999, will change history, as more than 20 Adventist bands
minister to an expected 2,000 spectators on the campus of La Sierra
University in Riverside, CA. The first in what organizers hope to be an
annual event, Unite99, with the theme "Listen Again," will not only
showcase Adventist musical talent, but minister through drama teams and
dynamic speakers as well. The intended audience for the event is
specific.
"This is an event designed to reach lost souls, those on the fringe of
Christianity, and the unchurched," says Marcel Schwantes, Unite99
Coordinator. "It will be a place to re-connect with God if you've been
away...This is the audience our musicians and speakers will be
ministering to."
David Appel, Young Adult pastor at Vallejo Drive Seventh-day Adventist
Church in Glendale, CA, serves as Spiritual Advisor for Unite99.
"We welcome any young adult to Unite99," says Appel, "and we encourage
you to participate by volunteering, by inviting your friends, or by
making this a prayer priority." [Darcy Smith]
-----------------------------------------------------
12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA 20904-6600.
(301) 680-6306.
CompuServe address: 74532,2611. News Bulletin is a review of news and
information issued by the Communication Department from the Seventh-day
Adventist Church World Headquarters and released as part of the service
of Adventist News Network. It is being made available primarily to
religious news editors. Our news includes dispatches from the Church's
international offices and the world headquarters. The information
provided in the Bulletin may be reproduced without permission providing
that the source "Adventist News Network" is acknowledged.
ANN Staff: Ray Dabrowski, director; Jonathan Gallagher, news director;
Heather Brannan, editorial assistant. Copyright Adventist News Network
1999.
-----
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_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
Message: 7
Date: Wed, 25 Aug 1999 12:04:59 +0200
From: "Shirley Allen" <chmin@hbc.ac.za>
Subject: Cape Conference Clips
Prayer request update from Elise Daniel
Carianne van Heerden. Since yesterday morning her condition
has fluctuated as they are monitoring her continuously in the IC Unit.
We suspect that today, being the 3rd day after the accident, will be
the most crucial day.
It has just been decided that Carianne will be sent by helicopter with a medical team to Cape Town to the Conradie Hospital. There is a loss of feeling in the lower part of her body and her spinal injuries need attention.
Please contnue to pray for Carianne and her family.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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