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northpoint
June 2021
North New South Wales Conference News
Making Little Big Camp A Reality
Juliana Muniz
we also trialled an intergenerational Skaf inspired young adults on how our
After a forced hiatus in 2020 due worship program in the big tent,” said stories matter in presenting God to
to COVID-19, the North New South Pastor Iorgulescu. others. By the end of the series, 60 peo-
Wales Conference (NNSW) finally had ple committed to serve God by sharing
their annual Big Camp in 2021. This The new intergenerational program their testimonies with others.
year, event organisers scaled down focused on families and children aged The initiative to livestream started in
the event and renamed it Little Big between zero to 10, with the evening 2020 when the camp was cancelled due
Camp due to the uncertainties of the program starting at 6pm and finishing to COVID lockdowns, and the NNSW
pandemic. at 8pm— one hour earlier than usual. young adults teamed up to create Big
“We decided to make an all out effort “Usually, children would go to bed Camp Online. “We decided to continue
to put on this event because it is the or fall asleep, but this time we had a with the live stream this year because
heartbeat of our conference,” said special program, and the speakers and we knew there were people that
NNSW General Secretary Pastor Abel activities highly engaged them,” said wanted to follow along but couldn’t
Iorgulescu. Pastor Iorgulescu. make it due to whatever restrictions or
“It was still a risk, and we had no There were also children’s tents with commitments, so we decided to make
certainty what the restrictions were fun and creative activities during the the message available for a wider
going to be when we were planning day. audience,” said NNSW Young Adults
the event,” explained NNSW President Ministry director Pastor Blair Lemke.
Pastor Adrian Raethel. The 18+ tent, for young adults, also fea- He shared that as the only lives-
With registrations reduced by half tured a range of programs throughout treamed program on the campsite, they
and a detailed COVID safety plan that each day and livestreamed the nightly received positive feedback and thank
included an isolation accommodation sermons, presented by Warners Bay you messages for making the program
facility in the event of a COVID case church pastor Joseph Skaf, centred on available online.
during camp, around 1300 people gath- the theme “Say So”, inspired by Psalm
ered at the Stuarts Point Convention 107:2: “In every tent, the speakers did
Centre from April 14 to 17. “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, amazing. People were happy with the
Little Big Camp also had fewer pro- Whom He has redeemed from the programs they’d chosen to go to. Even
gram tents than previous years, and hand of the enemy.” though it was a little camp, just having
campers were required to register for something was a highlight to have peo-
every worship program they attended. Pastor Joseph Skaf shared his testi- ple come back and have a taste of what
“This year, we had three tents, young mony in a four-part series. Sharing we would like to do in the future,” said
adults, high school, and his story in a four-part series, Pastor Pastor Iorgulescu.
President’s Message
- 5 ADRA food pantries
Pr Adrian Raethel - 5 ACS (Adventist Community
NNSW Conference Services) Op shops
President - 25 ACS food pantries
- 4 ACS God’s closets
- 10 independent Op shops
“Serving Humanity” is the second - 1 independent food pantry
of the 4 strategic focus areas - 1 women’s refuge.
adopted by the delegates at the
September 2019 constituency Literally hundreds of dedicated
meeting. A large suite of projects volunteers demonstrate and
and ministries are operating share God’s love in a practical
within our Conference. Some way each week, positively
projects come under the umbrella impacting the lives of numerous
of ADRA Australia, some under people within their respective
Adventist Community Services (a communities. Relationships
department of the Conference) have been built, lives changed
and some are independent. and people have engaged with
While you may be aware of local churches as a result of these
some of the projects currently ministries. We thank all of our
operating and indeed may even volunteers and leaders for their
be involved in one or more, commitment and faithful service
you may not be fully aware of and express appreciation to
the extent and the number of ADRA Australia for their ongoing
projects. As of the end of 2020, support. These ministries really
there were: are the gospel message in action.
The Muscle Behind
come back to assist after her equipment. An in-depth safety
Little Big Camp retirement and hand over the briefing is facilitated. The 14
Jodie Bird role to Mrs. Roselyn Harrison. hour work days are dedicated
WHS Coordinator The conference office is truly a to the glory of God. This year
buzz for those planning months, we saw the handing over of the
Every year we gather at Stuarts and preparation goes into the camp superintendent role from
Point (2020 exempt) to celebrate literal move of the office to the Pr. Cranville Tooley to Pr. David
Jesus and who He is, in our lives makeshift space we have on the Kosmeier. Cranville has served
and share with others who have grounds. We all cram into that in this role for many years and
yet to know the blessings that our small space and carry on with continued on as a member of the
Saviour brings. But do you know our duties. big shed team. David’s leadership
what goes into facilitating this had morale at an amazing high,
event? Up to a month before camp, a reminding us daily of why we
team of pastors gather to prepare do big camp with stories of
Around July / August the planning the grounds for the family tents inspiration and conversion.
committee come together to and the big canvas to go up. This
discuss themes, potential event team of amazing men and women Further, the camp secretary was
clashes, leaders, staff allocations dig out the anchor points from Pr. Michael Chapman following
and so on. These plans go on 12 months of elements, gather on from Pr. Ray Eaton. Michael
right through the end of year the quarter poles and canvasses found an amazing new way to
breaks and into the new year etc. All this not withstanding manage the registration process
where our camp coordinator the week prior to camp where and so many of our guests
releases the applications and all staff come together to put up remarked at how it just didn’t
starts gathering all the special the family tents, place your van seem like registration. Our
requests that we make alongside (if it’s stored) on your allocated administration officers worked
our bookings. This year we were site, put together the office, build tirelessly alongside the team
blessed to have Mrs. Debbie Head stages, decorate and set up sound members in areas such as big
shed team, camp secretary and
Better Books and Food. All other The End of Time
staff worked when and where they
were required for the whole July 13 – August 5
camp. We have such an amazing
conference of staff! This year‘s digital Adventist
message evangelistic campaign
Pack up is a day where there is will be new, creative and
so much to get through as school challenging. For the first time
goes back the next day and our ever we will be presenting
ministries go on and everyone the entire series live in an
is looking forward to sleeping in interactive format over a
their own beds. Safety is always a series of presentations. It
matter of importance as it is often will be broken into short
the mountaineer that falls on the bite sized sections aimed at
descent not the ascent. Thankfully the YouTube generation that
the rain held out this year and will include a presentation,
allowed for the refolding of the big rapid-fire Bible study and
canvas and family tents. Q&A. Audience participation
will be a major feature and
After camp we gathered as a team encouraged throughout. Please
and participated on a thorough start planning now about how
debrief focussing on three main you can invite your friends to
areas; what we could celebrate, participate.
what went wrong and where we PHOTO
can improve. Find the programs here
www.theend.digitial
A sincere appreciation is expressed youtube.com/theenddigital
to Eddy and Wade Beard who fb.com/theend.digital
volunteered their time to repair
lights, pumps, septic systems,
equipment and so much more.
Little Big Camp would not have
happened without them and their
Bible Boot Camp
families who also pitched in with 2021
grounds maintenance and kitchen
assistance. September 19 - October 2
Hamilton SDA Church
Thank you to all the staff and
volunteers that put so much time Join us for a two week intensi-
and effort into making camp ve training experience in the
spiritual, safe and fun. Camp is a Word and in the art of personal
place for spiritual growth, renewal soul winning. This immersive
and conversion. We hope that all experience offers both full time
campers went home with their and night time course options,
cup overflowing. The Conference designed to strengthen your
staff look forward to being able to connection with Christ. It is
facilitate a full Big camp in 2022. our desire that this experience
will empower you to love God
in a way that will powerfully
impact others in your daily
living.
For more information visit:
nnsw.adventist.org.au/bible-
boot--camp-2021
“The church has a long history. cater for all needs,” said Pastor
Forresters Beach For more than 20 years we’ve Stanley, adding that some have
Adventist Church endeavoured to buy land and claimed it could be numbered
along with the best of the church
relocate, but we’ve been stopped
Official Opening time and time again by protests facilities in the North New South
Ron Evans/Maryellen Hacko and council regulations. To finally Wales Conference. “When we’re
come together after years of finished with COVID-19 and all
After decades of planning and planning means a lot,” said Pastor the restrictions are gone, we’re
construction, Forresters Beach Stanley. “We had issues with ‘land going to have another day where
Seventh-day Adventist Church offset’ legislation requiring that we invite those that haven’t yet
was formally declared open at a if you cleared an acre, you had to seen the building— ‘back to Erina
special church service attended ‘off set’ 10 acres somewhere else and the Entrance’ reunion kind
by 200 people on Sabbath, April to be reserved as bushland. But of day.”
10. “We called it a ‘COVID-19 to save on a huge expense, the
opening’, with the understanding state member, Adam Crouch told
that it was limited,” explained us, ‘don’t do anything for a while
senior elder and retired pastor because we’re going to change
Russel Stanley. “There were that legislation.’” Originally, the
about 100 invitations we couldn’t churches decided to join forces
send out. [But] it was a really because Erina had outgrown its
great occasion.” After having original location where it had
to postpone their original opening stood for 102 years, and The
in March last year—just five Entrance church, formed 75
days after COVID-19 shutdowns years ago in 1946 “was in need
were introduced in the area, the of further development. [So] on
Pastor Dada Ordained
congregation were glad to meet May 9, 2015, their church having Marta Rutkowska
together after a long process of been sold, members held their
planning and building, and now last service in that building,” Alstonville Adventist Church (NSW)
that COVID-19 restrictions have explained church member and was filled with people from all over
eased. retired pastor Ron Evans. North New South Wales on April
24th to celebrate Pastor Odailson
The two-hour service was Meanwhile, after Erina Fialho’s ordination to ministry.
officiated by North New South Church sold their premises to During the first two decades of
Wales Conference President Creighton Funeral Services, Pastor Dada’s life, there were
Pastor Adrian Raethel and Adam they were permitted to continue several experiences that lead him
Crouch (MP), NSW state member worshipping in the building to serve in ministry. In 2014, Pastor
for Terrigal, who carried out the until February 3, 2018. After this, Dada graduated from Avondale
opening ceremony and unveiled Terrigal Uniting Church offered College and has worked in full time
the plaque commemorating the the use of their premises. Once ministry for the past 6 years. He is
occasion. “Following significant all council regulations were met, currently the pastor at Alstonville
delays and many unexpected construction of the building itself and Ballina Churches. Pastor Justin
hurdles, it was a privilege and only took nine months. “After Lawman presented the sermon
honour to be part of the official several years the builders, Pluim and NNSW Secretary Pastor Abel
opening of the Forresters Beach Group Constructions, were able Iorgulescu gave Pastor Dada
Church. This attractive and to move in and commence the his ministry charge. The NNSW
functional facility will be a building,” said Pastor Evans. President Pastor Adrian Raethel
ministry hub and a beacon of “This was quickly completed offered prayer and the ordination
God’s love in the community,” and the date was set for the concluded with an appeal to young
said Pastor Raethel. An first church service and official people in the church to dedicate
amalgamation of Erina and The opening of the new facility on their futures to God.
Entrance Adventist Churches, the March 21, 2020.” Due to COVID-19
new church premises are located restrictions, the building sat
on the corner of Bellevue Road empty for quite some time. Now,
and Kyte Place in Tumbi Umbi, the congregation have a brand
NSW. After first purchasing the new building that functions as
land in 2013, the newly formed both a church and community
church had planned that their centre. It features an all-weather
building would be completed drive through alcove, a very large
very soon after the land was foyer and a hall and kitchen area
purchased, but there were many nearly as big as the church itself.
frustrating delays. “We pulled out all the stops to
Manning Adventist
What it was like to push through seen how nature connects the
Bush School the scrub and explore the bush, students to each other and to our
Sam Duke play in the mud, and use your Creator. Many skills have been
School Chaplain imagination to create a kingdom learnt and friendships built out
What causes a school to change out of sticks? This freedom to in the Bush, and as a chaplain I
its name? It takes something explore and be messy was all couldn’t be more excited about
special. We discovered through part of our learning process. getting creative with teaching our
running our Bush School Over the years we have grown younger generations about God’s
program that our young people and adapted to different ways of love and His creation.
are developing core skills, learning. Our kids today are at
knowledge and values. Each week arms reach of some of the most It is reported that last year
on a Tuesday afternoon you will incredible technology, which Manning Bush School was the
find the entire school outdoors in helps stimulate and challenges fastest growing Adventist school
the bush, no matter the weather. them in very different ways. But in Australia, with around 275%
This is where relationships are Manning Adventist Bush School growth. Praise God for our Bush
strengthened, and the students has discovered that our young School, Principal Mrs Dianne
experience resilience. people are struggling to engage Hillsdon and her staff.
Think back to when you were their imagination, emotional
young. Do you remember what processes and social skills.
it was like to hit the ground and Over the past few years, since
bounce straight back up again? introducing Bush School, we have
Lismore Church Ends and Begins the year with multiple Baptisms
Sherree Merritt
The year of 2020 ended on a high A few weeks later Abby Tickner
with Trevor being baptised in and Aaron Fayers enjoyed a
his aunty’s pool on 21 December. time of fellowship together with
Family and church members family and friends, before they
enjoyed a picnic together before dedicated their live’s to Jesus
the baptism. Trevor was excited through baptism at the beautiful
about committing his life to Jesus setting of Lake Ainsworth in
among family and friends in the Lennox Head.
beautiful country setting.
Two weeks after that Violet
This year began with another Suffolk, Eva Suffolk, and
high on 1 February when Shanina Maryjane Geaghan were baptised
Foster and her family shared a in the Lismore church. The
picnic lunch with their church church was full of members from
family and friends at their both Alstonville and Lismore who
property in Coraki. Following this came to show their support and
time of fellowship Shanina was witness the girls special day.
baptised at one of the beautiful
dams on the property.
Friendship leads to Baptism at Armidale
Lorelei Smith
With a couple of years of of holding Peter and Pastor
attendance and friendship, David Cherry. Surrounded by
January 16, 2021 marked the day blessings, songs, support and
when Armidale Church formally farewells from the church
welcomed Peter Ryan into family, Peter chose to be
membership, supporting Peter’s baptised in Armidale, before
decision for baptism. Given the continuing his life-journey,
local water-restrictions at the seeing more of NSW with his
time, a small but deep enough wife, Esther. We wish them
pool was constructed in the farm God’s richest blessings!
shed, fully fit for the purpose
Read through the book of Jonah in the Bible to discover the story of how Jonah
ended up the belly of a whale.
JONAH IN THE BELLY OF THE WHALE : FIND-A-WORD
X V V N K I N G M X B H
A D S I D P J X K Y Y A JONAH WORM
WHALE ASLEEP
D O T N N G S E A T V N CAPTAIN
SEA
K G O E A J Y R R C T O BOAT CREW
NINEVEH LAND
A H R V L F P O C A N J ROUGH FORTY
S B M E K T F Z R I T L BELLY KING
KRILL CITY
L Z O H D G W O R M T L GOD STORM
E L Y A E W U W W Q L Y PRAY VINE
E V I L T G Y L L E B A
P E A R H E N I V Y R W
F H V Q K E D V J Y D C
W N N S N I A T P A C Z
Coonabarabran
Thank You Dinner
Pr Christopher Peterson
To celebrate Easter Friday
with the local community, the
Coonabarabran Church hosted
a thank you dinner for its Food
Pantry and ADRA Op Shop
volunteers. For many years now,
the Coonabarabran Food Pantry
and ADRA Op Shop have been
providing affordable food and
clothes and other essential items
to the people of Coonabarabran.
These ministries have only
been made possible through
the ongoing support of local
volunteers, most of whom are not
members of the local Adventist
church. To thank these volunteers,
Food Pantry leaders Mark Bennett
and Nicole Chapman, along with
Op Shop leader Vicki Poyser,
organised a home cooked dinner
in the church hall with over 30
attendees. The night was full of
fun and thanksgiving. A short VEGAN AVOCADO PESTO PASTA
Easter devotional was given
by church pastor Christopher
Ingredients:
Petersen, and toasts were given by Pasta of choice ( wholewheat or
the ministry leaders. The dinner
Juice of 1 lemon
was an incredible experience to wholemeal spelt) 4 TBSP nutritional yeast
show appreciation for the ministry 2 cups tightly packed basil (stems salt to taste
teams and demonstrate the love of removed) 3 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
God to them. 4 TBSP pine nuts (or nuts seeds of 3-4 TBSP water or as needed
choice) 1 large avocado
2 cloves garlic
Method:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions
2. In a food processor combine all pesto ingredients (except
avocado) and process until smooth and creamy like pesto. Ad-
just seasoning and consistency by adding more water if needed.
Condolences Once the pesto is to your liking, add the flesh of 1 avocado and
The North NSW Conference sends blend again.
condolences to the Norris family 3. Once pasta is cooked, drain water and pour pesto avocado
for the sudden passing of their sauce over pasta and mix to combine. Serve with cherry toma-
beloved Genene. May the Lord toes and any other toppings you like.
bring you comfort during this time
of mourning. Friends and family
gathered on Sabbath afternoon 1st
May to celebrate her life and give Find this recipe and lots more
thanks for her lifetime of service
to God. May she rest in the peace
online at hazelandcacao.com
of Jesus until His return where the
family will be reunited.A Planned Miracle
Rachael Thomson
“God Started to Move,” is what Lyn
Lyn discovered a fuel depot in
the area where the gentleman Subscribe to
Furrugia said when interviewed lived. Being a small town, only
about the blessings her and her
husband, Sam Furrugia, have
a few phone calls were made,
and Lyn was able to contact the
NorthPoint
shared with a little family down in
Rainbow Flats.
gentleman directly.
online!
Lyn asked Keith and Gwenda Don’t miss out on the
Lyn and her husband, like many of Duncan (the gentleman and his
excitement. Get the conference
us, were shocked and astounded wife), what she could do to help
news straight to your inbox!
by the carnage and devastation, them. They mentioned a few
the 2019/2020 bushfires left during little things that were needed, nnsw.adventist.org.au/
its destructive rampage on most and Lyn and Sam were able to northpoint-bulletin
of Australia. When watching the help provide them with those
news one particular night, Lyn and requests. However, Lyn and Visit our website for the latest
Sam noticed a gentleman being Sam knew that they still needed news and events.
interviewed on what happened a house and were able to source nnsw.adventist.org.au/news-
to his home during the fires. He supplies and contractors to start and-events
explained that the blaze was so preparing.
intense that even his driveway was Enquiries
burning. Everything he owned was Sam and Lyn decided not to
destroyed by the horrific inferno tell Keith and Gwenda about The NorthPoint Bulletin is printed 10
that swept the land. what they were doing, just in times per year by the Adventist Church
(North New South Wales Conference).
case they were unable to make
Quite touched by this man’s story, it happen. On the 28th of April, Editor Marta Rutkowska
Lyn turned to her husband and Sam and Lyn were able to go Phone (02) 4951 8088
Email northpoint@adventist.org.au
said “When this is all over, we are down to Keith and Gwenda’s, Website nnsw.adventist.org.au
going to find that man, and we are finally meet them in person and
going to do everything we can to tell them the news. Contributions
help him.” Before they could make
true to their promise, COVID-19 hit. As you can imagine, Keith and We would love to share local news with
the conference in print or online. Please
Everything changed for the world Gwenda were totally in shock send through relevant contributions to
during this time, and the gentleman and awe that someone would do the above contact address.
and his family slipped from Sam this for them. Gwenda couldn’t
Disclaimer: Articles express the opinions
and Lyn’s minds. That is, until God have said it better “It really of the authors and not necessarily those of
stepped in and reminded them. renews your hope in humanity.” the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
In November 2020, Lyn says, Sam and Lyn still have much
“God made sure that Sam and more to do and achieve
I remembered this particular before the house will be built.
gentleman, because I got hurt.” However, the Duncans will have
While Lyn was recovering she saw a home to live in soon, and it’s
a 9 News feed, a one year update on because a couple listened to God
the fire victims. This is where Lyn when He prompted them to act.
saw the same gentleman from a
year earlier. With a renewed sense
of compassion, Lyn decided to find
the gentleman.
Sam, Lyn, Gwenda and KeithYou can also read
