The Edge Blog

News - CCAS

noreply@blogger.com (The Edge) — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 21:23:00 +0000

^ Demountable classrooms are moved to their new location on the CCAS campus.

Central Coast Adventist School builds on assets
Erina, New South Wales

This year sees the commencement of a two-year development process, where further stages of the Central Coast Adventist School (CCAS) campus will be completed.
“Stage six,” which commenced February 18, will see the construction of nine new primary classrooms and surrounding landscaping. This will bring closure to the primary classroom needs of the school. Two purpose-built, multistorey blocks will house 18 classrooms in total and include support areas.
“Stage seven” will see 16 new secondary classrooms—including art, manual arts, performing arts and music spaces—created, in addition to significant landscaping. This building will also bring closure to the classroom needs of the secondary school. It is anticipated that this stage will be completed in late 2009.
CCAS has also started the 2008 school year with enrolments at record levels. There are more than 880 students currently enrolled, from Kindergarten through to Year 12.
The secondary school now has more than 140 students enrolled and next year will see the final 20 students join the primary school to give a total enrolment of 900 students.
“God has richly blessed the school as it redirected itself in the early 1990s, from a school facing possible closure through to the second largest school in the Australian Union Conference,” says principal Dean Bennetts.
“We give thanks to God for His guidance over the many years of school operations. We also acknowledge and thank the Adventist community on the Central Coast, for its tireless and enthusiastic support and prayers.”—Brenton Luchow

News - Youth support charity

noreply@blogger.com (The Edge) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 03:48:00 +0000

^ Evey Wegner with some of the presents.

Youth church supports children’s charity
Newcastle, New South Wales

Young people attending Wallsend’s monthly youth church donated more than 40 boxes full of Christmas presents at the end of 2007, as part of “Operation Christmas child.” The youth took up the challenge to fill shoeboxes with gifts, such as toys, school supplies, lollies, toiletries and other items. These were sent overseas to children in need and distributed in time for Christmas.
Youth church member, Evey Wegner, heard about this project and volunteered to become a regional coordinator. She promoted the plan at youth church, as well as some schools, community groups, and numerous Adventist and other churches in the region. Her home became a drop-off point for the boxes and her garage quickly filled with hundreds of them.
Ms Wegner expressed her gratitude for the support shown by our church. “I was very impressed by the enthusiasm and excitement shown by Wallsend youth in becoming involved in this project,” she says. “It’s wonderful to see so many young people thinking outside of themselves and donating their time, energy and hard-earned money to a worthy cause.”
“Operation Christmas child” is an annual program run by charity Samaritans Purse. More than 200,000 boxes are donated each year in Australia.—Lloyd Turner

News - Quest

noreply@blogger.com (The Edge) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 03:41:00 +0000

^ Young members of the Manurewa Adventist church in south Auckland, New Zealand, recently took Jesus’ parable of the great banquet literally.

Young people find a different “Quest”
Auckland, New Zealand

A church in New Zealand recently hosted a “Quest” dinner with a difference, which was organised by young people to thank leaders in their community.The “Quest” project is one of the resources developed by Adventist Health in the South Pacific Division, in conjunction with the “Circle of courage” cycling tours.
Following the “Circle of courage” ride in New Zealand early last year, Pastor Jake Ormsby, a member of the team, returned to his local church—Manurewa in Auckland—and initiated a “Quest” project with young people there.
Supported with funding from Adventist Health, part of the project was to host a dinner to thank local people in the community who have supported young people. providing interesting results.
“Our task was to organise a thank-you dinner, hosted by our youth taskforce team,” Pastor Ormsby explains. “This was to prove a real spiritual blessing for the team. More than 20 invitations were extended to youth leaders in the city. But on the night, only one person arrived.
“The young people had decorated the hall so beautifully and cooked a fine meal,” he says.
“Then they waited excitedly for the leaders to arrive. They had received a number of apologies but most were expected to turn up. Unfortunately, they didn’t show.”
Pastor Ormsby says it was “heartbreaking” to see the young people upset by the absence of leaders but adds, “The Lord had a different plan for that night. When they asked me for my thoughts, I reminded them of the parable Jesus told of the great banquet and inviting those in the ‘highways and byways.’”
The young people were inspired by this and went out into the night, bringing back street kids, prostitutes and the homeless—and the seats were soon filled. “There was a lot of rejoicing and celebrating,” says Pastor Ormsby. “Only God can bring the pure joy we experienced that night from what seemed like a hopeless situation.”—RECORD staff/Paul Rankin

News - Award-winning students carry on in winning ways

noreply@blogger.com (The Edge) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 03:33:00 +0000

^ Stacey Hetherington with Dr Darren Morton at the 2007 awards ceremony.

Award-winning students carry on in winning ways
Cooranbong, New South Wales

Two award-winning students from Avondale College’s 2007 round of awards have continued to excel this year.
Stacey Hetherington received $A1000 for winning the Avondale College Alumni Association Community Service Award this past year but donated half the money to help build a new a duplex house at the Wat Preah Yesu Children’s Home in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Ms Hetherington served as co-leader for 35 Avondale students who served at the home for two weeks during their summer holidays in 2006/07.
“Over the past year, it has been a great pleasure to be part of where God has been leading the students of Avondale College,” writes Ms Hetherington in a letter to the college. “Perhaps the biggest blessing was allowing God to use me to . . . minister for two weeks [at Wat Preah Yesu].”
Ms Hetherington returned to the home as one of 41 volunteers this past summer. The team, comprised mostly of members of the Kellyville Seventh-day Adventist church, raised more than $A60,000—$A10,000 more than it needed for building materials, reports Ms Hetherington.
She says, “I thank God for the opportunity to serve in the community and the manner in which He has blessed me undeservingly for it.”
Kent Kingston received the Adventist World Radio (AWR) Award of Excellence in Radio Production and Public Relations, also worth $A1000.
“This award came at the perfect time for me,” Mr Kingston says. “The night before the awards ceremony, I had been doing some research and thinking about volunteering for a role in media ministry
. . . . For someone with a wife and children, this is daunting.
“I was feeling fearful and frustrated at the prospect of supporting a family on a volunteer stipend or even in a ‘faith-based’ situation. . . . When I received the award, it was as if God tapped me on the shoulder and said, ‘See, you don’t have to worry about money—I’ve got it all under control.’”
Mr Kingston is now completing a six-month professional internship at the Adventist Media Network, based in Wahroonga.—Brenton Stacey. Photos by Ann Stafford.

^ Kent Kingston with Andrea Steele at the 2007 awards ceremony.

News - iGeneration concert

noreply@blogger.com (The Edge) — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 00:12:00 +0000

Sydney’s iGeneration concert celebrated the role young people play in supporting those in need by raising funds for the ADRA Appeal.

ADRA hosts Sydney iGeneration concert
Sydney, New South Wales

On September 1, the iGeneration concert was held in Sydney to celebrate the contribution of young people to this year’s Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Appeal.
The concert featured a number of Australian artists including Australian Idol finalist Joseph Gatehau, popular Christian singer Skylla, Endless Praise and Melissa Otto.
The iGeneration concert was hosted by local Adventist youth speakers and included segments with giveaways and interviews with ADRA supporters.
“The night was really fantastic, with very talented performers and an enthusiastic audience,” said co-host Litiana Qiosese. “Watching the young people get involved not only on the night but also in doing something to help the poor was great. This generation can make a difference.”
Young people from the Greater Sydney Conference gained entry to the concert on presentation of an ADRA Appeal church treasurer’s receipt that showed they had raised $A50 or more for the Appeal. They also received a free iGeneration T-shirt. For those unable to fundraise for ADRA, tickets for entry were sold at at the door.
The concert was held at the Sydney Adventist College, Strathfield campus. It was organised by the Greater Sydney Conference to encourage young people to participate in the fight against poverty and support the ADRA Appeal.
“The iGeneration campaign is about inspiring young people to get involved in changing the world. Many of them said that they learned a lot about poverty and what can be done to help,” said the conference’s director of ADRA services, Malcolm Rea. “And their response to supporting the ADRA Appeal was amazing, with those at the concert representing about $A23,000 dollars raised for the Appeal.”
Candice Jaques, ADRA Australia’s communication coordinator, says, “iGeneration was named not only for the generation now using popular i-technology such as iPods and iPhones, but as a call to action for this generation to become ‘involved,’ make an ‘impact’ and go on to ‘inspire’ others to do the same.
The iGeneration campaign is being implemented in other conferences to acknowledge the important role young people play in supporting those in need through the ADRA Appeal.—RECORD staff/Candice Jaques

News - MVAC community service

noreply@blogger.com (The Edge) — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 00:07:00 +0000

Commerce teacher Zenon Els prepares gift baskets with a student.

MVAC commerce students serve community
Doonside, New South Wales

Mountain View Adventist College teacher Zenon Els and his Year 10 Commerce class have been busy sorting out household items and food products donated by fellow students and staff at the college to the class as part of a community-service project they organised during August.
These items have been distributed to families in the school who need some assistance, which the Commerce class designed to be seen as a “hand-up” rather than a “handout.” In total, 72 baskets were prepared and included generous donations from Sanitarium Health Food Company, who have been strong supporters of the project.
Mr Els says, “This community-service project has gone better than we expected and next year we will definitely be looking at doing it again!”—Fiona Lelilio

News - Ministry of teaching affirmed

noreply@blogger.com (The Edge) — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Avondale College education students help launch an initiative to reposition teaching as ministry.

Launch affirms ministry of teaching
Cooranbong, New South Wales

An Avondale College initiative to reposition teaching as a ministry launched nationally in Seventh-day Adventist churches on September 15.
The initiative, called “Ministry of Teaching,” includes the following resources: Ministry of Teaching, a website containing teachers’ reflections on the ministry of teaching and pathways to enter it; TEACH, a biannual, online journal of Christian education, published by Avondale Academic Press; and an Adventist education issue of RECORD (September 15 issue).
Affirmation of teachers, the desperate need for more teachers in Christian schools and a desire for Adventist Church administrators to recognise education as a “mainstream” form of evangelism provided the impetus for the initiative.
The dean of the Avondale College’s Faculty of Education, Dr Peter Beamish, who is also the Ministry of Teaching coordinator, speaks passionately about a generation of young adults “wanting to make a significant contribution to the community.”
His message? “Stop! Is God calling you to the ministry of teaching?
“If the answer’s yes, then I’m calling you not to enter the classroom but to enter the ministry.”
Dr Beamish launched the first issue of TEACH, published as a one-off hardcopy, at a luncheon for Avondale staff members and education students on September 17.
Editor Dr Wilf Rieger dedicated the journal to Christian teachers and “to the One who inspires us—Jesus, a teacher sent from God.”
Avondale College president Dr John Cox received the first copy. Vice-president (academic administration) Dr Vivienne Watts had previously challenged the faculty to reach publication levels equivalent to those in a research-intensive university. “This journal has helped you reach that target this year,” she said.
Every teacher in Adventist schools in Australia and New Zealand, and one in every three teachers in Christian schools in Australia, will receive a free copy of TEACH. Avondale is also sending 1600 copies to teachers and schools in the Pacific islands.
Avondale Academic Press will publish the next issue of TEACH in April 2008.—Brenton Stacey

News - Pathfinders reach out

noreply@blogger.com (The Edge) — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 23:58:00 +0000

Pathfinders reach out to community in Mackay
Mackay, Queensland

Mackay Central Pathfinder troop, Queensland, took to the streets to storm the neighbourhood for Christ on August 18, believing that any age group can win souls.
One hour and fifteen minutes after 5pm on Saturday, church pastor Anthony van Duyn briefed the troop of 17 Pathfinders on what to say, gave them their territory, loaded and unloaded them and enjoyed a successful time of outreach.
Four local parents wanted their children to join Adventurers, while 10 wanted their children to join Pathfinders. Pastor van Duyn adds, “Four responded that they would like to join our Wilderness Adventure Club. Another parent responded that they would be interested in Adventist education for their child. One person even responded that they would like in-home Bible studies!”
The group also had a number of responses to parenting seminars, Quit programs, communication, various health programs and other events and workshops the church is hosting.
Pastor van Duyn says, “Amazing Facts, It Is Written, Fountain in the City and Gateway Church all rely heavily on the use of a doorknock community-survey form as a major means of soliciting Bible-study contacts with a high degree of success. The Mackay churches decided to build on this good foundation and develop the program to reach even younger age groups, while still capitalising on the success of these other styles.”
Pastor van Duyn developed a professional-looking survey form, then localised Pathfinder promotional materials and application forms. He told his members: “If I could increase both Mackay clubs by 20 children and even one-third of those gave their hearts to Christ, I would think that we had a very successful year, in ministry terms.” But the benefits were even greater, he continues: “Not only that but we would have direct and repeated access to the parents. This way, we recruit the age group that we need most to secure the longevity and sustainability of our churches.
“Pathfinders and Adventist Education also feature as some of the major reasons for Brazil’s exceptional church growth rates—if they can make it work, so can we!”—RECORD staff/Anthony van Duyn

NewsShorts

noreply@blogger.com (The Edge) — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 23:50:00 +0000

> For the past two years, Canberra Christian School (CCS), ACT, has participated in the “Shop For Your School” program, conducted in Westfield shopping centres. The program encourages people to have the value of their shopping dockets tallied and registered for a school. The major prize is a school makeover, this year valued at $A150,000, from the TV program Better Homes and Gardens. Both years, CCS has just missed the makeover but has won a number of valuable prizes. This year, the school won over $A12,000 in technology, plus a $A10,000 upgrade of its library. The school appreciates the support of members in sister churches throughout Australia who have helped in the program. “As a small school of less than 40 pupils, it would take a lot of fundraising to purchase these items,” says school principal, Jenny Coutts. “Thank you to everyone who registered for Canberra Christian School.”—Jenny Coutts

> A number of university students who attended the recent youth conference in Melbourne have taken up the call to share the Word of God with other students on university campuses. Adventist students from Monash University are conducting a series called the “Elijah project,” which shares their belief in Jesus, His values and the message of His soon return. In the lead up to this series, students busily conducted surveys, doorknocked surrounding areas, handed out leaflets and commenced a Bible-study group on campus. On the opening night, while the young presenters said they were “nervous,“ 30 people attended and shared in both the message and meal.—Wayne Boehm

> Mountain View Adventist College students (Sydney, NSW) raised about $A7000 for literacy programs, walking and running against each other in the school’s late August walkathon. “We had about 200 children sponsored for the walkathon,’’ says Mountain View’s head of primary, Megan Sketchley. ”It was also a fitness program we linked to Book Week, since the money raised will go to the school’s literacy resources.’’ Some students were in casual dress while many came as their favourite fictional characters, in keeping with the Book Week theme. Teachers also promoted reading by choosing a book and working on it with their students.—Roderick Shaw/Blacktown Sun

News - Student's design wins praise

noreply@blogger.com (The Edge) — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 23:48:00 +0000

Chris Granger with his car hoist, which will feature in the DesignTECH display at the Powerhouse Museum.

Student’s car hoist design wins praise
Cooranbong, New South Wales

Mechanics have high-lift car hoists to make working on vehicles less backbreaking but without the high ceilings of a purpose-built workshop, how can home car care be made easier?
This was the question a Year 12 student, Chris Granger, from Avondale School set out to answer. The solution he came up with is so good, it has been nominated for display at DesignTECH, an exhibition to be held at the Powerhouse Museum later this year.
“I have been driving in car-club events since I was 13 and have spent lots of time lying on the garage floor,” says Mr Granger. “We can’t fit a hoist in our garage, as we do not have enough height. I thought it would be a good idea if I could make a simple hoist to lift a car about a metre high.”
For the past year, Mr Granger has been working steadily on the project—“I have learnt it is better to tackle a big project little by little”—and when the Board of Studies examined his work, they decided it was up there with the best in the state.
“We are very proud of Chris,” says Avondale School’s Design and Technology teacher, David Hoey.
“He has developed a strong understanding of the design process, including researching, experimenting and testing solutions. He has displayed excellent practical skills in the production of a quality design solution with a strong eye for detail.”
The DesignTECH exhibition is run by the Board of Studies to showcase the best HSC Design and Technology projects of the year.
Other projects from Avondale students included high fashion clothes, a horse-feeding system, furniture and steel-capped ugg boots.—Braden Blyde

News - School baptisms

noreply@blogger.com (The Edge) — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 23:44:00 +0000

(Left to right) chaplain Leighton Heise, Scott Farquharson, Pastor Clive Nash, Claire Farquharson, Destyni Till and Lauren Farquharson.

Students baptised at Avondale School
Cooranbong, New South Wales

Four students—Destyni Till, Lauren, Scott and Claire Farquharson—were baptised on August 31 in what is believed to be the first baptism at the Avondale School. The baptism service came at the end of the week of spiritual emphasis and about 500 students, friends and family attended. Each candidate gave their personal testimony and dozens of students came to the microphone to support their decision.
After the baptism, chaplain Leighton Heise called for students to make a commitment to baptism. Some 40 students came forward.
The baptised students were welcomed into membership of the Lakeside church the following day by Pastor Clive Nash.—RECORD staff/Clive Nash

News - STORM Co

noreply@blogger.com (The Edge) — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 23:18:00 +0000

Youth teams take countryside by STORM
Warburton, Victoria

In recent months, a number of STORM Co (Service To Others Really Matters) teams have gone to various towns around Australia to run kids clubs, work on service projects and share God with others through different forms of outreach.

^ Macquarie College STORM Co team members Breanna Lewis, Jenny Hosken and Nicole Wilson ballooning in the main street of Walgett.

From July 5 to 13, a group of 23 students from Macquarie College in Wallsend, New South Wales, went to Walgett. The students and teachers from the college got involved with outreach, kids clubs and service projects. The trip was coordinated by Pastor Brad Rae, the college’s senior chaplain, with two former students, Marc Hinten and Stephanie Jamieson, as co-leaders.
An average of 45 local children attended the kids club program each day, coming from Walgett, Namoi Aboriginal village and Gingi Aboriginal mission. The programs featured clowning, ballooning, puppetry, drama, face-painting and stories, all conducted by STORM Co team members.
The STORM Co team also took part in gardening work at the local hospital, visited other churches in the area, helped paint the Collarenebri Anglican church, visited elderly people in a retirement home and provided Sanitarium breakfasts for two Aboriginal communities.
Pastor Rae says, “The outreach, kids clubs and service projects to the community were successful. However, the team members themselves also grew in their own spiritually, personal character and leadership abilitiy through the experience.”

^ The Nunawading STORM Co group.

For the seventh year in a row, a STORM Co team from Nunawading church visited Camperdown, a small rural community in western Victoria, to conduct a kids club and provide community assistance. With an age range of 15 to 44 years, this year’s youth group ran a children’s holiday program in the Camperdown Uniting church. They also visited two local nursing homes, armed with gifts of Freddo frogs and attractive Bible-text cards, and assisted the small local Adventist congregation with church maintenance.
Team leader Carlie Dunne estimates that around 75 per cent of the children return each year. According to Ms Dunne, “One of the benefits of visiting the same location each year is that the local children look forward to our visit, and keep on coming back and bringing new friends.”
Nunawading church’s senior pastor, Trevor Rowe, says he is extremely proud of Ms Dunne and her team. Pastor Rowe says that “while it is true that the program is primarily geared to serve others, the real benefits are evident in the lives of the kids who participate. This is a team of young people totally united in their cause, their friendships with other team members and their service to God. I have seen the benefits of STORM Co firsthand. This program builds lifetime friendships and at the same time proves service to others really does matter.”

^ Avondale College students went to a variety of towns to conduct STORM Co outreach.

Avondale College also got into the STORM Co spirit, with a 17-member team led by first-year nursing student, Angie Butcher, spending time in Coonabarabran (NSW). According to the local church’s pastor, Eddie Mackie, children in Coonabarabran “recognise Avondale College students make a difference and stand out from the world.”
The team fixed houses, cleaned up the town and ran a kids club—more than 100 children arrived on the first day. “It was overwhelming to start with,” says Pastor Mackie, “but indicative of the warm response from the community.
“The theme of giving and not expecting anything in return is refreshing,” he says. “To offer service with no strings breaks down barriers. By God’s grace, some of those kids will come into the kingdom because of the work of these students.”
“Avondale students have been going to Coonabarabran for years, so the kids remember you and tell you they want to be in STORM Co when they grow up,” says Ms Butcher.
Jessica Blake, a second-year arts and teaching student, had a similar experience in Gwabegar, where she led a team of 16. “The kids got really involved and would often organise the afternoon program themselves,” she says.
Four other STORM Co teams, led by Jeanine Bougaardt, Katie Brown, Bridgette Judge and Ashley Penz, served in Wallaga Lake, Goodooga, Macquarie Fields and Moree respectively.
Ms Brown found that although not everything went to plan, her team members were still able to mix with a range of community members. “Our bus driver dropped out, some of our team couldn’t come and the school didn’t want us,” she says. Yet she and her team members were able to meet the town’s Aboriginal elders. “It was our third year in Goodooga and it felt like our relationship with the town got a lot better,” she says.—RECORD staff with Brad Rae/Bronwyn Rowe/Trudy Adams

Cecil tells all: The (near-tragic) accident

noreply@blogger.com (The Edge) — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 06:33:00 +0000

Hi! Cecil here, just back from my adventures in Germany and England (yes, there will be photos to come soon).

I just thought I'd let you know about an accident I nearly had while on holidays. We went to Neuschwanstein - that castle in Barvaria that's really fancy and apparently what Walt Disney based his fairytale castles on. Behind the castle and over a 300 foot ravine is a bridge called Marienbrucke.

It's a great place for photos and of course I had to head up there to take some. While I was there, I'd just gotten ready to pose for a photo when a rather rude tourist brushed past me on the bridge and nearly bumped me off of it!

Fortunately someone grabbed hold of me and I didn't fall over the edge but phew! Talk about a close one. It was a real relief to get back down to the bottom of the mountain (walking, not falling!) and have an ice-cream.

Okay, I have to head off and find some more adventures to have - you know how it is! But have a great day!
- Cecil

News - ADRA and The Edge team up

noreply@blogger.com (The Edge) — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 06:19:00 +0000

ADRA teams up with The Edge to connect with youth
Warburton, Victoria

For a fourth time, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in Australia has collaborated with The Edge to produce a special issue of the magazine.
“We do it to encourage the interest many young people have in the world around them. They have a lot of power in being a voice for the poor,” says Candice Jaques, communication coordinator for ADRA Australia. “This is about engaging them and getting them interested in helping others, both in their community and around the world.”
“Young people do want to make a difference,” agrees Record editor, Nathan Brown. “We hope this magazine will encourage that.”
The Edge is the South Pacific Division’s magazine for young people in Australia and New Zealand, published seven times per year as a supplement to Record. Look for the ADRA issue of The Edge in churches this week.—RECORD staff

More @ www.edgeonweb.org

News - Fire at Adventist school

noreply@blogger.com (The Edge) — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 05:57:00 +0000

Beulah College’s library, canteen and five classrooms were destroyed by fire on May 19.

Tongan school counts fire cost
Vaini, Tonga

A fire in the early hours of the morning of May 19 caused extensive damage to buildings at Tonga’s Beulah College but did not disrupt classes or exam preparation.
Believed to be caused by an electrical fault, the fire destroyed the college’s library, canteen and five classrooms, with damage estimated at $TOP400,000. With students away for Tonga’s Father’s Day holiday weekend, no students were injured by the fire at the boarding school.
“Through God’s ever-present leading and the support of a dedicated community of students, staff, parents, church members, ex-students and friends, students and staff have adjusted well during these difficult times,” reports college principal Mele Waqa Vaihola.
“At the moment, we are using the two science labs, home economics, computer and staff rooms for classrooms,” she says. “We are facing the problem of not having enough desks and chairs. We cater for that by seating four or five students per desk at the limited desks we still have. We are now using chairs from the nearby Adventist church, which are enough.
“One major problem is our library. With most of our student textbooks and teaching resources gone, we have no reading materials for the students,” says Ms Vaihola.
An architect has assessed the burnt buildings to determine whether they will need to be demolished or may be repaired and renovated.—Record staff

NewsShorts

noreply@blogger.com (The Edge) — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 05:50:00 +0000

> A former St George Rugby League player addressed students at Avondale High School, Cooranbong, NSW, on May 28 about the dangers of taking drugs. Darren Marton, the “Drugs: No way” campaign manager, spoke to students, staff and parents at an information session designed to tackle the increasingly dangerous issue of drug and alcohol abuse among teens. Mr Marton spoke of his own struggles with drug abuse, which culminated in the destruction of his promising football career. With recent statistics suggesting that up to 20 per cent of teens are using and abusing alcohol while 13 per cent live with alcohol abusers, it is an issue the community needs to tackle head on. All 480 Avondale students listened to Mr Marton’s powerful presentation, with a small handful of parents and community members also attending. Leighton Heise, Avondale school chaplain, said that although hoping for more community involvement “it highlights even further the drug culture in Australia, and how as families we tend to be apathetic about drug use, particularly alcohol in our communities.”—Braden Blyde

> “Jesus saves,” was the theme of a recent week-long spiritual program at Pacific Adventist University (PAU), which saw two students baptised and 50 others publicly dedicate their lives to Christ. After struggling with peer pressure and addictive substances, Neil Macdonald and David Kundi were both baptised during the program, which called on the students to recommit and consecrate their lives to God. PAU chaplain, Pastor Jeffrey Paul instigated the meetings after several recent incidents on campus.—Warren Marape

> Staff and students of Mountain View Adventist College, Sydney, NSW, volunteered their time to run a stall at the annual Blacktown Festival, held on June 2. Families from all over western Sydney were present, providing a good opportunity to present Adventist education to the local community. Hundreds of information packs were handed out as well as free balloons and face painting, done by student Revona Govender who finished in 2006, but came back to help promote the school. Marketing coordinator Fiona Lelilio was extremely thankful for the support of the MVAC staff and students. “Having an MVAC stand at the Blacktown Festival allowed us to get out in the community and show God’s love,” she says.—RECORD staff/ Fiona Lelilio

> Mountain View Adventist College (MVAC), Sydney, NSW, has begun its “Pray for 50” campaign in an effort to have 500 students enrolled by the end of the year. The school recently saw the need to build a new Middle school block, catering for students from Grades 5 to 8. Plans to further develop the college by building a much needed administration block after the Middle school building is completed at the end of July were planned but due to limitations in funds, the development cannot go ahead until 50 new students are enrolled at MVAC, and there are sufficient funds to continue the building project. The concept was envisioned by MVAC chaplain, Pastor Jean-Pierre Martinez, who is excited by the possibilities of God’s intervention.—Fiona Lelilio

> The Duke of Edinborough weekend camps have seen 19 Avondale School students (Cooranbong, NSW) experience the challenges of the Australian bush. Half the students ventured south to Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain on the last weekend in May, hiking through the rugged wilderness in rain, high wind and the occasional sunny period. The highlight of the weekend was walking to Marion’s lookout, although bad weather stopped them climbing to Cradle Mountain’s peak. The other 10 students spent the weekend riding through the Watagan Mountains, NSW, on pushbikes as part of their bronze-level award. They completed 65 km during the weekend, including steep climbs and rugged descents but students were blessed with no injuries or mechanical failures. Bill Ward, coordinator of the program, is already planning to make the trip an annual event for those going on to silver and gold levels of the award.—Braden Blyde

News - SAC students say thanks

noreply@blogger.com (The Edge) — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 05:46:00 +0000

SAC students visited Burwood police station to say thanks.

SAC students say thanks
Strathfield, New South Wales

Students from Sydney Adventist College (SAC) celebrated the National Day of Thanksgiving on May 25 by thanking others. The day began with students writing thankyou cards to staff members, family and friends during their roll-marking period.
On behalf of the college community, a group of students provided the staff of Burwood police station with morning tea.
“I was happy to see that our small gesture of gratitude to the police officers could make such a difference,” says SAC captain Jennifer Latu.
The students toured the police station and officers at Burwood Local Area Command presented the students with a certificate of appreciation in response.
“The annual National Day of Thanksgiving gives a wonderful opportunity to recognise those whom we may take for granted,” commented SAC chaplain Pastor Kevin Robinson.—Grace Rosales

News - Baptisms in Kiribati

noreply@blogger.com (The Edge) — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 05:45:00 +0000

Kiribati school baptises 107
Abemama, Kiribati

Kauma Adventist High School celebrated the baptism of 107 of its students during the past year.
“This is the most productive year in the history of Kaumu Adventist High School,” reports Pastor Tengon Taabuke, president of the Kiribati and Nauru Mission, who paid tribute to school staff members. “These baptisms came as a result of the work of school chaplain George Worru and all the staff of Kauma.”
According to Pastor Taabuke, the number of baptisms is more remarkable considering about 90 per cent of the high school students come from non-Adventist backgrounds. “Unfortunately, many of these young people go through persecution from their parents when they commit themselves to the church,” he says.
“Recently, I visited one of our church members on the island of Maiana and there I met one of the students I had baptised at Kauma High School. I asked her why she had missed the Sabbath worship service, and she shared with me the persecution she endures from her parents and relatives.”
Her parents don’t support her financially, explains Pastor Taabuke, so she has been unable to complete seventh form at Kauma. “But I believe these students will come to church when they leave home,” he says.
Kauma recently added Form 7 University of the South Pacific courses to its curriculum, making it easier for Kauma students to further their studies beyond high-school level.
Pastor Taabuke says that because of the support of the wider church, Kauma Adventist High School “is able to carry on the important task of caring for our young people, not only for this life but most importantly for the life to come.”—Pacific Waves

News - "Reading is giving"

noreply@blogger.com (The Edge) — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 05:42:00 +0000

Year 6 students at MVAC are aiming to read 300 books by September.

“Reading is giving” at MVAC
Doonside, New South Wales

Year 6 students at Mountain View Adventist College are helping others while they help themselves this year, by participating in Scholastic Book Clubs’ ClassroomsCare, a philanthropy-based literacy campaign designed to teach children about the joys and importance of reading and giving.
From April through to September, students in Maree Worker’s classroom and all across the country will read 100 books and, in turn, Scholastic Book Clubs, a division of Scholastic Australia, will donate 100 books to disadvantaged children.
The class of 34 students has set itself the goal of reading 300 books by September. More than 100 books have already been read.—RECORD staff/Maree Walker

NewsShorts

noreply@blogger.com (The Edge) — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 05:10:00 +0000

Past and present students of Carmel Adventist College in WA celebrate the school's 100th anniversary.

> Carmel Adventist College, WA, recently celebrated the beginning of its centenary year celebrations with the cutting of a special five-tiered cake during school assembly. Honoured guests for this occasion were John and Enid Eaton (pictured left to right), who commenced studies at Carmel 50 years ago. The Eatons met for the first time at the school and were married in the college chapel in 1961. Assisting in the celebrations were their grandchildren, Brydon Eaton and Larissa Hockley. Brydon is a student in Year 11 at Carmel, while Larissa is completing her teaching practicum at Avondale College.—Kerrie Long

> Young people from the Palmerston North, NZ, junior Sabbath school participated in the “Meet your neighbours” project from March 17 to 22. The project was run during Sabbath school time and included the juniors introducing themselves to our church neighbours and giving a gift of a loaf of bread, canned food and apples, along with other small food items. The kids were enthusiastic about the project. “Meet your neighbours” will take place once a month to teach them the skills of meeting people and sharing friendship and faith to people outside the church community.—Julene Duerksen-Kapao

> Four Avondale School students, Cooranbong, NSW, achieved exceptional results at the recent Sydney Equestrian Interschool (SEI) Championship, held at Sydney Equestrian Grounds. Jessica Willard (pictured) took out the overall SEI Champion trophy with a first and second in dressage and took out first in the St George Grand Prix for her division. Samantha and Harrison Faber along with Tessa Stoddard also topped the podium in a number of events. The success comes as no surprise for the school, which has seen excellent results dating back several years. “We have a very talented group of riders and have had at Avondale for quite a while,” says coordinator Donna Nevell.—Braden Blyde

> Students and staff at Nunawading Christian College, Vic, have had a “hair-raising” experience. By shaving or colouring their hair, participants raised $A800 for the Leukaemia Foundation’s “World’s greatest shave.” Organised by the student leadership team, the day began with a pancake breakfast. Initially many of the staff had their hair coloured but as more money came in Mr Lonsdale lost his 20-year-old beard. Mr Stiles (pictured) and school principal Jacques Calais agreed to have their heads shaved when funds reached the $A550 mark.The fundraiser was important to students and staff as a former teacher at the school had recently lost her battle with leukaemia. Next year students hope to raise $A1000.—Jacques Calais

> A member of the Albury church, NSW, Daniel Brinsmead, was awarded first prize for the Best Gospel Song in the youth category at the Australian Gospel Music Awards, held in Canberra, ACT, on March 8. Mr Brinsmead, a first-year university student studying vocal performance and composition, wrote the song “Look up” after his grandmother, Grace Mitchell, passed away in February 2006.—Beverley Hogg

News - Melbourne Bible workers

noreply@blogger.com (The Edge) — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 05:05:00 +0000

Bible workers are already studying in the homes of 62 people in the lead up to the “Discoveries” program

Youth Bible workers target Melbourne
Melbourne, Victoria

In an outreach initiative of the Victorian Conference, 16 young people have been equipped as full-time, volunteer Bible workers to make contacts and reach people across Melbourne in the build up to the “Discoveries” evangelistic series (see “Melbourne outreach goes Pacific-wide,” News, March 24).
Many of the group have left careers, homes and families to come to work in Melbourne, with students, doctors, IT professionals and people of various backgrounds making up the group.
“I want to take people to heaven with me,” says Geoffrey Lomas, one of the student Bible workers, originally from Port Macquarie, NSW. “I want to learn how to reach my friends.”
The conference is funding the Bible workers for the six-month period between January and June. “It’s great to see the church backing the young people in their ministry,” says director of youth ministries for the Victorian Conference, Pastor Wayne Boehm.
The group began in January with a three-week intensive training program. Roy Kim, who is the team leader of the project, has been a Bible worker at Gateway church for over three years. Originally from the United States, Mr Kim is responsible for helping to train, coordinate and mentor the team, along with Johnny Wong, head elder at Gateway church. “I want young people here to have a vision that will inspire other young people to do the work,” says Mr Kim.
Divided into teams of between two and five people, the Bible workers are focusing on distinct territories around Melbourne, including Nunawading, Ringwood, Auburn/Springburn, central Melbourne, Northpoint and Preston. Their work includes knocking on doors and conducting religious surveys that seek to identify whether people have an interest in learning more about the gospel.
The result of their work is already being seen, with figures after two months showing 62 in-home Bible studies and more than 120 contacts, who are being supplied with DVDs and correspondence materials. The hope is that these people will be ready to attend the “Discoveries” programs, having already encountered the gospel message.
Young people around the conference are also supporting the Bible workers, who lead a church youth group in doorknocking every Sabbath afternoon. The workers also plan to visit and support country churches in an effort to bring as many people to the “Discoveries” seminars as possible.
Church members demonstrated their support at the recent “Discoveries” launch, when an offering raised $A40,000. The Bible workers will work up to the end of the “Discoveries” programs, when the responsibility for nuturing those people the Bible workers are in contact with will pass to local churches.
Mr Kim hopes other churches will replicate the model these workers are using. Expressions of interest are already being made for Bible work in Sydney in 2008.—Jarrod Stackelroth

News - 10 years of Edge

noreply@blogger.com (The Edge) — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 04:41:00 +0000

The Edge still sharp after 10 years
Warburton, Victoria

The Edge is 10. The first issue of The Edge—the magazine for young adults, currently published seven times per year as a supplement to Record—appeared in churches on March 22, 1997.
The Edge began as a special project in connection with the Year of Evangelism in 1997. Then-Record editor Pastor Bruce Manners and inaugural editor of The Edge, Brenton Stacey, launched the magazine in response to research showing that many young people decide to leave the church during their final years of high school.
Initially, funding was approved for just the four issues of The Edge that appeared in its first year. But, since that time, a total of 62 issues have been distributed in Adventist churches, high schools and youth groups across Australia and New Zealand.
“The Edge is specifically designed for the most important niche market in the church,” says Pastor Barry Oliver, general secretary of the South Pacific Division and consulting editor of Record. “It has consistently addressed issues which are of concern to its target audience in language and in a context that are relevant. This has not always been understood by those of us who come from another era. But that is okay.
“While ever it maintains its integrity to our Christian and Adventist roots, The Edge has a place in our church,” he says. “The young people of the Church too often feel marginalised by those of us who are older. We do not set out to do that, but for whatever reason it seems to happen just the same. The Edge is a significant medium through which young people can share their concerns and their faith through their eyes in terms of their world view.”
Former Edge editor, Kellie Hancock, has similar views on the role the magazine has come to play in the life of the church. “The Edge is for young adults and aims to provide an atmosphere of belonging—a ‘place’ where the church listens to their stories and the things that matter to them,” she reflects.
Current and former editors of The Edge met on the weekend of March 3 to reflect on the magazine’s 10-year history and look at the possibilities to grow The Edge into the future. The discussions confirmed the mission and target audience of the magazine, particularly identifying with the magazine’s tagline, “Believe in Christ; Live the life.”
“It’s a timeless statement,” says Mr Stacey. “Christ himself said the same thing. And it’s a statement supported by every article in the magazine.”
According to Mrs Hancock, The Edge is a resource for young people who are endeavouring to do that. “The Edge has not been afraid to tackle the tough topics, the real-life issues kids deal with,” she says. “Sex, suicide, finding a career, pornography, navigating the net, interpreting culture, working out who God is and where they fit in His story.”
Current Edge editor Adele Nash, who started writing as a contributor to the magazine, agrees. “If The Edge can help readers look at problems other young people are facing or to think about Christianity and life differently, it’s a good thing,” she says. “Young people need something to help them connect with the church as a larger church body, not just with the few people who might be at their local church.”
During its decade, The Edge has also supported and reported significant youth events. “Nothing else comes close to Edge’s coverage of events such as the Thailand and Fiji youth congresses, the Underground, REZ10, conference youth events, Adventist musicians and local church youth groups,” says Mrs Hancock.
Online since 2000 and dramatically redesigned in 2005, The Edge web site has become an archive of youth news, ideas, stories, reviews and articles on beliefs, culture and issues. “We hope to continue to build this resource,” says web site coordinator Scott Wegener. “We also hope the site remains a fun and relaxed place that young people can share with their friends who may not yet realise how much God loves them.”
During the past 10 years, The Edge has received a number of awards for its creativity and originality from the Australasian Religious Publishers Association and Edge editors are enthusiastic about possibilities for the future. “Edge is maturing as a masthead, but it continues to speak the same language as young adults.” Mr Stacey comments.
“The Edge reflects the church’s aim to build a faith community based on a relationship with Jesus,” says Ms Nash. “Basically, we’re working to encourage people in their relationships with Jesus, as well as with others—I guess that explains ‘Believe in Christ, live the life.’”—Nathan Brown

News - Avondale awards scholarships

noreply@blogger.com (The Edge) — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 04:26:00 +0000

Females top males at awards ceremony
Cooranbong, New South Wales

Female students at Avondale College have received almost twice as many scholarships and awards as their male classmates this year.
Some 52 students received scholarships and awards—with a total value of $A150,000—during a forum on the college’s Lake Macquarie campus on March 14. The most valuable scholarship, at up to $A27,500 each for a four-year course, is that presented by the Avondale Foundation to recognise academic excellence.
“We are delighted to give 10 scholarships to high academic achievers, and we regret not giving out all 15, but where are all the blokes?” said president Dr Norm Young.
However, five of the six winners of the first-ever scholarship for ministry to children, which traditionally appeals more to females, were males.
Most of the scholarships, worth up to $A5110 per year, are merit-based and cover the fields of business, education, music, science and theology. The President’s Scholarships and Awards recognise high school students from Australia and New Zealand who achieve or who are likely to achieve tertiary entrance rankings in the top 10 per cent of their state, territory or country.—Ursula Borgas
(Pictured above right: Clairessa Free receives a scholarship for academic excellence from Avondale Foundation president Dr Norm Young.) (Photographed by Ann Stafford)

News - Queensland youth "revved up" to help

noreply@blogger.com (The Edge) — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 04:19:00 +0000

Pastor Martin Losi, with one of the two bikes sent to the Solomon Islands.

South Queensland youth get “revved up” to help
Brisbane, Queensland

Young people in Brisbane, Qld, during Youth Week of Prayer have donated enough money to sponsor 19 motorcycles for district directors in Papua New Guinea. Originally asked to provide the sponsorship portion for only two motorcycles at $A750, the young people far exceeded expectations, raising $A14,250 during the week.
Pastor David Lawson, coordinator of the motorcycle project, was overwhelmed by the support shown. “Praise the Lord for such a wonderful, generous group of young people,” he said. “Give the youth a vision and they will respond.”
A brand-new Yamaha motorcycle was on display under the Week of Prayer theme, “Going God’s Way—Full Throttle.” Each night an offering was taken up. During the Sabbath program, more than $A6000 was raised. One young person’s parents heard about the project and gave five sponsorships.
Last year Pastor Lawson set a goal of funding 10 motorbikes for district directors around the South Pacific Division (SPD). The SPD sponsored 50 per cent of eight bikes and eventually money for 11 was raised. This year, Pastor Lawson set the target at 20, after which “The Quiet Hour” program in the United States agreed to pay half for the first 20 bikes. Yet with the help of the young people, the total has already become enough to fund 23 motorbikes and there are 20 on order. So Pastor Lawson has increased his target for this year to 30.
“I will have to come up with another exciting project to put to the young people for the 2008 Youth Week of Prayer,” says Pastor Lawson.—David Lawson/RECORD staff

Cecil - Happiest mascot on earth?

noreply@blogger.com (The Edge) — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 00:59:00 +0000

Rumour has it Cecil is currently in Disneyland (wanted to meet Pinocchio for some reason). Stay tuned!!