News Archives: 2007

December 2007

NO LIMITS AND BLESSED VOICES AT SWAAF THANKSGIVING DAY

On Sabbath 15 December some 200 members and guests attended a special Thanksgiving and Praise Concert Day organised by the South Wales African Adventist Fellowship. The event, which was held in a large lecture theatre at the University of Wales Institute Cardiff, brought visitors from as far away as London, Birmingham, Reading, Watford, Manchester and Sheffield, and even Cape Town!

The main attraction of the day was the music, with top quality groups and artistes performing during the morning, afternoon and evening programmes. Among the performers were the No Limits quintet from Soweto, Blessed Voices from London, and the Reading Ghana Youth Choir.

Although the day was targeted at the African Adventist community it actually attracted people from a wide range of cultures and denominational traditions. Dr Molapo Selepe, one of the main organisers, brought a number of his friends from the Pentecostal community in Brecon, two of whom assisted with the praise and worship in Sabbath School. Others present came from Caribbean, Welsh and English backgrounds but all were united in their worship and their enjoyment of the various styles of sacred music.

The Sabbath School study was led by Dr Asaph Mokotjo from Sheffield, and during the Divine Service Welsh Mission President Pastor John Surridge spoke on the importance of building the new SWAAF church community according to the pattern laid down in the Bible. Music in these morning services included Sujoya Paul Bullock on the harp, a solo by Vera Selepe, No Limits, and a concluding song by Blessed Voices, who arrived just in time after travelling all the way from London.

MC for the afternoon programme was Pastor Clive de Silva. An experienced minister in the South England Conference and recently featured on the Hope Channel's "In Conversation" programme, Pastor de Silva was known to many in the audience. His relaxed and friendly manner helped to ensure an orderly service which, although primarily musical, included devotional thoughts and a fundraising drive for the fledgling SWAAF church.

Each musical item was moving and impressive in its own unique way. Some of the loudest applause followed a performance by Kim and Pam Mbenenge and Rea Selepe - three talented children who had travelled to Cardiff from Walsall to take part. Nkosi ka Ndlovu and Vera Selepe (Rea's mother) were similarly appreciated.

With more than 20 members the Reading Ghana Youth Choir was the largest group taking part. Most of their performances were conducted by their usual leader Eugene Mitchell. However in an interesting twist at the end of day the choir was led in the Hallelujah Chorus by guest chorister Elder Lungile Jacobs from the University of Cape Town. Elder Jacobs conducts two choirs back in South African but had travelled to Wales especially to support the SWAAF day and to learn a little more about the Adventist music scene in the United Kingdom.

Blessed Voices lived up to their reputation of being both professional and inspirational. With a number of dedicated fans in the audience many of their songs were recognised and applauded after just a note or two, and "By the Rivers of Babylon" in particular was greeted with cheers and shouts of appreciation.

Topping the bill however was another a cappella group, the No Limits quintet from Soweto. Some in the audience had travelled from as far away as Eastbourne just to hear them perform, and others, although they had not heard of them before, soon realised that No Limits was a world class act.

No Limits started in Soweto, Africa's largest township, back in 1995 but since then they have toured all over the world and have recorded five albums. They describe their music as "Afro-Jazz-Gospel" and their influences include groups like Ladysmith Black Mambazo. However, like Blessed Voices, they are adamant that despite their success their main inspiration comes from God and their primary aim is to bring glory to Him.

160 photos from the day can be seen on the gallery page of the SWAAF website at: <www.swaaf.org.uk/gallery>. For more information on No Limits and Blessed Voices see their websites at: <www.nolimitsvocal.com> and <www.blessedvoices.com> respectively. Nknsi ka Ndlovu has his own website at: <http://nkosikandlovu.co.uk>.
 

November 2007

WELSH YOUTH ATTEND ATLANTA YOUTHWORKERS CONVENTION - ED SAMMONS

On Thursday 15 November, half of the members of the Welsh Mission's Youth Advisory Committee flew to America to attend the East Coast's National Youthworkers Convention in Atlanta. More than five and a half thousand youth leaders from many denominations turned out in search of spiritual refreshment and to be empowered, coached and encouraged to build effective strategies for youth work.

The advertising read, "Hear from the leading youth ministry voices, visionaries, and social justice activists in seven General Sessions. Get essential training from 80+ seminars covering topics on Outreach and Missions, Culture, Gender and Sexuality, Soul Care, Teaching, Programming, and many more." The convention was true to its publicity. Seminars were available from 8.00 am and finished around midnight. Members of our Welsh team were offered a plethora of opportunities to learn, develop and worship with topics such as:

• Disconnected: Raising Teens in a MySpace World
• They Like Jesus but Not the Church
• Preparing High Schoolers for Post High School Years
• What Monks Can Teach Us: Helping students discover the ancient art of listening to the voice of God
• No More Sugar and Spice: The dark side of teenage girl world
• Small Church, Big Times: How to build creativity into the small church youth ministry
• Building Morals and Values in the Lives of Kids
• Reaching Out to Unchurched Teenagers
• Programming Outreach Events for 10 to 10,000
• Connecting With Kids So They Can Connect With God
• Developing Student Leaders

It was wonderful to see our youth leaders taking advantage of the unique environment provided at the conference, with the opportunities for worship, training and spiritual formation. In this time of learning our youth workers were given the opportunity to reflect on how this affected their spiritual lives and ministry. They were given time to consider and discuss the shape of their future youth programming and how they might foster a better spiritual rhythm in their own lives.

Encouraged by meeting with other Adventists at the convention, some of us felt a greater appreciation of belonging on two levels: firstly, to the larger global Adventist family, and secondly, to the larger body of Christ.

Although there was a drought in Atlanta there wasn't a drought for God's word and Spirit. We left refreshed and challenged, feeling empowered with new strategies, training and a new vision for reaching youth. It was fitting that one of the seminars ended with this ancient Celtic prayer pointing to our experience: "Christ be in my life and in my living. Christ be in my heart and in my loving. Christ be in my lips and in my speaking. Christ be in my eyes and in my seeing. Christ be in my mind and in my thinking."
 

DR RADISA ANTIC AT NEWPORT - SABBATH, 10 NOVEMBER 2007

On Sabbath 10 November Dr Radisa Antic, Director of the Ellen G White Research Centre at Newbold College, was the guest speaker for a Day of Fellowship held in the Newport Church. More than 100 people attended, with members travelling from as far as Pembrokeshire, mid-Wales and Bristol. In the morning service Dr Antic told a humourous and memorable children's story about a man who dressed as a chimpanzee in a zoo, the moral of which was that we all tend to wear masks, but Jesus sees us as we really are.

In the sermon Dr Antic gave a detailed exposition of the passage in John 4:1-21 which tells the story of Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. Dr Antic highlighted the importance of this passage in the overall structure of the book of John, pointing out that it is actually the longest of Jesus' conversations recorded in the Bible. He went on to show how the woman had to overcome five obstacles in coming to an understanding of who Jesus really was: firstly He was a stranger, secondly He was a Jew, thirdly He was a religious teacher, fourthly He was a prophet, and finally He was actually the Messiah. These obstacles are similar to the obstacles that people face in coming to Christ today, but as Jesus helped the woman to overcome the obstacles so He can work through His church to bring people to Him today.

Following a well-attended fellowship lunch Dr Antic gave a presentation and answered questions on the topic "Does the Prophet Ever Err?". In the wide-ranging discussion Dr Antic spoke about the developments in theology that have led to a misunderstanding of the nature of scriptures - the false expectation of some that every word must be correct in every detail - and pointed out a number of places where the scriptures seem to contradict themselves. He emphasised the Seventh-day Advventist understading of the process of inspiration - that the writers were inspired in their thoughts rather than God dictating the actual words that they wrote down. Parallels can be drawn with the writings of later individuals who had the gift of prophecy, including Ellen G White who was so influential in the early development of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Some pictures of Dr Antic taken during the day can be seen in the gallery section of this website.
 

October 2007

WELSH MISSION SESSION - SUNDAY, 28 OCTOBER 2007

On Sunday 28 October around sixty representatives from Seventh-day Adventist churches throughout Wales and the border counties met at the Cardiff Seventh-day Adventist church for a triennial business session. Representing the British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, which has its headquarters in Watford, were: Pastor Don McFarlane (President), Mr Victor Pilmoor (Treasurer), Pastor Alan Hodges (Ministerial Association director) and Pastor Victor Hulbert (Communication director).

The opening worship was led by Pastor Alan Hodges and in the business sessions which took up most of the rest of the day reports were presented as follows:

President's Report: Pastor John Surridge
Secretary Treasurer's Report: Mr Victor Pilmoor
Family Ministries and Children's Ministries Report: Pastor Clyde and Mrs Anette Moore
Health Ministries Report: Mr Irving and Mrs Lil Saunders
Stewardship and Trust Services Report: Mrs Wendy Sammons
Women's Ministries Report: Mrs Jane Wells
Youth Ministries Report: Pastor Ed Sammons

A Recommendations Committee selected the members for the Nominating Committee and the Credentials and Licences Committee which in turn selected the following people to serve over the next three years:

Sponsors:

Children's Ministries:Mrs Anette Moore
Family Ministries: Pastor Clyde and Mrs Anette Moore
Health Ministries: Mr Irving and Mrs Lil Saunders
Stewardship: Mrs Wendy Sammons
Trust Services: Dr Brian Phillips
Women's Ministries: Mrs Jane Wells
Youth Ministries: Pastor Ed Sammons
Communication: Pastor John Surridge

Executive Committee:

Chair Pastor John Surridge (ex officio)
Secretary: Mr Victor Pilmoor (ex offico)
Miss Elda Alvarez
Mrs Valerie Dust
Mr Davis Gachuba
Pastor Mike Logan
Pastor Clyde Moore
Dr Paul Shaw
Mr Malcolm Turner

Credentials and Licences:

A. Ordained Minister Credentials

Pastor Geoff Dennis
Pastor Michael Logan
Pastor Ed Sammons
Pastor Clyde Moore
Pastor George Asiamah

B. Licensed Minister Credentials

Mr Jeremy Tremeer
Mr Jan McKenzie

C. Lay Preacher's Credentials

Mrs Barbara Anger
Mr Tim Barber
Mr Duncan Bayliss
Mr Peter Bayliss
Mrs Erica Cameron
Mr John Down
Mrs Veronica Down
Mr Fred Dust
Mrs Ruth Frederick
Mr Theophilus Gokah
Mrs Dorothy Gregory
Mrs Ina Douglas-James
Ms Sheila Johnston
Mr Harold Mason
Mrs Peggy Mason
Mr Alvern McCrow
Mr Jon Meredith
Mr David Parker
Mrs Joyce Phillips
Mr Leslie Riskowitz
Mrs Wendy Sammons
Mr Irving Saunders
Mrs Lil Saunders
Dr Marrick Schoonraad
Mr Cliff Tomos
Mr Malcolm Turner
Mrs Jean Watkins
Mr Stanley Wells
Mrs C Jane Wells

D. Emeritus Credentials from the BUC are held by:

Pastor Roger Neal
Mr Ron Kelly
Pastor Len Lane
Mr Glynne Meredith
Pastor Brian Phillips
Mr Bryan Watkins

In the afternoon business session a number of plans were put forward and discussed by the delegates in order to give some direction to the incoming Executive Committee in its stragetic planning for the future, as follows:

Plans for the Current Triennium

A. Evangelism

Develop a systematic card distribution and follow-up strategy.
Expand LIFEdevelopment type evangelism from the base in Newport, emphasising café style meetings and programmes that will appeal to the community.
Develop the CHIP health programme, aiming to have each district running at least one campaign based on the programme during the triennium.
Investigate the potential for chaplaincy ministries in Wales.
Investigate the use specific books which will emphasise specific Seventh-day Adventist beliefs.
Invest more in the development of Welsh language materials.

B. Training and Development

Promote a positive attitude towards diversity within the church, emphasising the potential that we have to witness and grow within people groups.
Promote house fellowship meetings, small groups, and youth 'squash' meetings.
Organise training events for lay preachers, elders and leaders.
Investigate the potential of using the Brecon Camps as a forum for training.

C. Church Planting and Growth

Establish a company in Lampeter.
Establish a company in Wrexham.
Develop the SWAAF group into a regular church.
Organise training for each church in Church Planting.
Investigate the benefits of setting a percentage goal for membership growth over the triennium.
Assess the potential for re-establishing a group in Cwmbran.

D. Media Ministry

Continue to develop and promote the AdventistWales website.
Assess the available range of Adventist videos and DVD's for their suitability in training and door to door witness and use where possible.
Continue to promote the Hope Channel.
Try to obtain materials in the Welsh language.
Continue to emphasise the distinctive Seventh-day Adventist message.
Keep assessing the churches public relations impact.

The business session was formally closed at 3:50 pm and in the concluding worship service Welsh Mission President Pastor John Surridge used the illustration of a lighthouse to underline the church's mission of raising the light of Jesus Christ in the world today.

More than one hundred pictures from the day can be seen in the gallery section and a full report will be printed shortly in the Messenger.
 

BUC PRESIDENT QUIZZED AT WELSH MISSION DAY OF FELLOWSHIP

On Sabbath 6 October approximately 200 members and friends of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Wales gathered for a day of fellowship at the Pavilion Conference Centre in the beautiful mid-Wales spa town of Llandrindod Wells.

Guest speaker for the day was BUC President Pastor Don McFarlane who preached on the theme of "hope". Building on 1 Corinthians 13:13 Pastor McFarlane described "love" as the supreme motive, "faith" as the currency that we use to access the blessings of God, and "hope" as the engine of life. "Faith deals with details," said Pastor McFarlane, "but hope deals with the largeness of life". Drawing a parallel with people who are motivated by hope, albeit misguidedly, to gamble on the lottery, he went on to say that "hope is what gives us a reason for going on, even when the circumstances around us seem dull and dark and drear."

Pastor McFarlane drew further examples of the motivating power of hope from Jesus' encounter with the woman at the well, then concluded by emphasising the great hope that we have in the return of Jesus Christ. Although seen as foolish by many people in the world it is nevertheless "a sure and certain hope".

The day had begun with a traditional Sabbath School led by Pastor Geoff Dennis, minister for the churches in north Wales. During the programme Leslie Riskowitz, a concert pianist and a member of the Rhyl church, played a specially composed sacred music medley which set the scene for the morning's lesson study. Classes were conducted separately, allowing maximum opportunity for interaction and discussion.

Pastor Ed Sammons, together with singers and a band, led the contemporary praise and worship which made a significant contribution to the atmosphere of the day. Pastor McFarlane described the music as "moving" in both senses of the word, and expressed his appreciation for the young people who had taken the time to rehearse and bring their instruments and voices to enhance the day of fellowship.

In a special presentation during the morning service Welsh Mission President Pastor John Surridge paid tribute to the work of Pastor Roger Neal and his wife Marilyn. Pastor Neal came out of retirement to minister in the Shrewsbury and Telford churches three years ago but retired again at the end of September 2007. After being presented with a card and a bouquet respectively, Pastor and Mrs Neal stayed on the stage as Pastor Brian Phillips prayed for them. In his response Pastor Neal spoke of how much he had enjoyed his ministry in the Welsh Mission and pledged to continue supporting the work of the church in his retirement.

In an innovate afternoon programme hosted by BUC Communication director Pastor Victor Hulbert and filmed by Wes Kapon from the Adventist Media Centre, Pastor McFarlane faced some hard questioning from a panel of young people. The programme was unscripted and although he had no prior knowledge of the questions Pastor McFarlane dealt well with subjects ranging from Christianity and evolution to the role of women in the church. Asked whether he thought a time would ever come when a woman could be the BUC President, Pastor McFarlane responded that the most important criterion for holding that particular office is that the person should be an ordained minister. Although women are not yet ordained as ministers in the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist church Pastor McFarlane said that he personally felt that they should be. In response to a question on jewellery he pointed out that the Seventh-day Adventist principle behind this issue is actually 'modesty', and that Christian modesty should help to determine our entire lifestyle, not just what we wear. He did concede, however, that in the Old Testament many times of revival were preceded by God's people, en masse, giving up their jewellery.

The finale to the day was a "Songs of Praise" concert which included congregational singing as well as musical performances that drew on a number of different styles. Warmly hosted by Pastor Mike Logan from the Carmarthen district the concert had something for everyone and, despite their very early morning start, most people stayed right to the end.

A number of people worked hard to make the day a success. Members from the local Llandrindod Wells church helped with the catering, and each member of the Welsh Mission ministerial team had a specific role. In addition to those already mentioned Jan McKenzie kept things running to schedule, Jeremy Tremeer managed the screen display, and George Asiamah headed the ushering. Although Clyde and Anette Moore were unable to attend due to other meetings being held in Greece, Anette provided a banner and some spectacular fabric flowers.

Download and view the "Let's Talk - Wales" video in wmv format. Broadband only as this is a 160Mb file.

Around 200 pictures from the day can seen in the gallery section.
 

September 2007

MEETING JESUS FOR THE FIRST TIME AGAIN AT BRECON - John Surridge

Pastor Mike Logan was the guest speaker for the Welsh Mission's Family Camp held over the weekend of 7 to 9 September at Aberbran, near Brecon. Following his interview on the Hope Channel's "In Conversation" programme, a number of people had asked to hear more of Mike's fascinating life story, and in his series of talks entitled "Meeting Jesus for the First Time Again" he expanded on the way that he had been led to Christ.

Mike was brought up in the Republic of Ireland in a large Catholic family with connections to paramilitary organisations. His understanding of God in his younger years was as a "cosmic monster" - someone to be afraid of rather than a friend or loving father. After going through some difficult and dangerous situations, as well experiencing personal problems in his life, Mike spoke of how it was probably his fear of God, and the potential consequences of purgatory and hell, that kept him from suicide.

However things changed when, through a series of encounters with genuine Christians, he was led to a true understanding of salvation. In his Sabbath morning sermon Mike illustrated the joy of coming to Christ through the story of Zacchaeus, imagining how he could possibly have met up with several others whose lives had been changed when they encountered Jesus for the first time.

Warm weather over the weekend allowed a pleasant Sabbath afternoon walk and an evening bonfire on the riverside, and also enabled the campers to enjoy nature in ways not usually possible for town and city dwellers. A well-fed hedgehog invaded at least one tent at four o'clock in the morning, fish could be seen jumping from the river, and a large heron was witnessed attempting to reduce their numbers. A clear sky on Friday night revealed the Milky Way and numerous constellations in stunning detail. The closeness of nature and its impact on those at the camp is perhaps best expressed in the prayer of an eight-year-old at morning watch: "Dear Jesus, thank you for the owl we heard last night."

There is always a good atmosphere at the Brecon Family Camps. They are open and relaxed, and an ideal place to bring non-Christian friends. Many people have met Jesus for the first time there and even more can say that the renewal they experience at Brecon Family Camp has led them to meet Him for the first time again.

More than 100 pictures from the weekend can be seen in the gallery section.

Watch the In Conversation video interview with Mike Logan on the BUC web site.
 

August 2007

ORDINATION OF CLYDE MOORE AND GOSPEL CONCERT IN CARDIFF - John Surridge

On Sabbath 11 August 2007 Clyde Moore was ordained into the gospel ministry in the Cardiff Seventh-day Adventist church. Pastor Moore was brought into the Welsh Mission by the then Mission President Pastor Brian Phillips just over five years ago and has ministered in the Cardiff and Barry churches since that time, first serving an internship and then taking over full responsibility for the district.

Somewhat unusually the ordination service took place on a Sabbath morning, replacing the usual divine service. This, however, was appreciated by the nearly 200 people in attendance, some of whom commented that having the programme in the morning helped to underline the spiritual nature of ordination and its importance in the life of the church.

The ordained ministers who took part in the service were Pastors George Asiamah, Geoff Dennis, Michael Logan, Roger Neal, Brian Phillips, Watson Southcott and John Surridge. In his address current Mission President Pastor John Surridge spoke on 2 Chronicles 7:14 and 'God's Four Steps to Successful Service'. The text was chosen especially by Pastor Moore who said that it had sustained him through his entire Christian experience.

Pastor Brian Phillips introduced Pastor Moore to the congregation and also offered the ordination prayer. In his response Pastor Moore began by giving thanks to God for the way that He had led him to this particular point in his ministry. He also thanked the members of his family for their influence over the years and particularly thanked his younger sister Dr Christine Salter and her daughter Victoria for flying over from St Louis just for the service. Their journey had been quite traumatic with planes cancelled and luggage lost, but they still managed to present a special musical item - "Through It All" - during the service.

One particularly influential person in Pastor Moore's life is his wife Anette who currently serves as Children's Ministries sponsor in the Welsh Mission. Anette accompanied her husband on the platform and, following the official welcome to Pastor Moore, was given a special welcome to the ministry by Mrs Nancy Dennis, herself a minister's wife.

The morning service was largely planned by Pastor Moore himself, and additional musical items were provided by the Croydon Seventh-day Adventist Gospel Choir, Ken Burton's quartet 'Tessera', Jenny Grant, and a quartet from the South Wales African Adventist Fellowship.

Following a fellowship lunch, which was in itself a logistical triumph for the ladies of the Cardiff church, there was an afternoon concert featuring the Croydon Seventh-day Adventist Gospel Choir. Renowned for their professionalism the Croydon Choir endeared themselves to the congregation with their warmth and the way that they genuinely seemed to be enjoying themselves - sharing in Pastor Moore's special day. Their version of "By the Rivers of Babylon", no doubt a Ken Burton special arrangement, was particularly appreciated.

Other performers included Sharon McKenzie, whose husband Jan will be taking over the Cardiff district when Pastor Moore moves to Shrewsbury and Telford, Wayne and Sarah from Tamworth, Jenny Grant, Tony Kofoworola-Kuti, Christine and Victoria Salter, and Kim and Pam from Birmingham. Victoria Salter's "Alabaster Box" was beautifully delivered and very moving, and Kim and Pam, brother and sister, and also only youngsters, held everyone spelbound with "Undisputed Champion of Love" and "Shine Your Light" respectively.

The Croydon Choir concluded the day with a lively, and congregation-involving rendition of "In My Father's House". As Ken Burton played the piano, conducted, and taught, all at the same time, the whole audience was transformed into a choir. And with Paul Lee helping out the newly recruited and struggling tenors, the result was a fairly joyful noise.

Many people helped to make the day a success and special thanks go to Tim Barber, who hosted the afternoon programme, and Ian Matthews, whose careful nurturing of the public address system ensured that everything that should have been heard was heard.

Pictures from the day can be seen in the gallery section.
 

July 2007

CARIAD PROJECT IN WALES - Ed Sammons

Cariad is a formal expression in Welsh for love. It became not just an expression but a reality for Welsh Mission youth who, joining with a team of youth from Minnetonka, Minnessota, USA, shared God's love with the different communities in Swansea from 23 to 30 July 2007.

In a joint project, the youth gathered at a campsite near Oxwich Bay, leaving every morning to host a holiday bible club called Avalanche Ranch in two separate locations. The young people then spent the afternoons involved in various service projects, including painting and gardening at The Old People's Information Centre, litter picking in a nearby community, hosting local children in a community art project, and finally handing out balloons, face painting, hair braiding and handing out literature and toys to children in the Swansea city centre. The Welsh group were also proud to take their American visitors to several historical locations in Wales. For the Americans, it was an exciting experience to visit their first castle and Roman amphitheatre, and have worship on the steps of the Senydd (Welsh Parliament) on Cardiff Bay.

In spite of a week of camping in the heavy rain and long days, the youth worked tremendously together right from the start. Local church members showed their support by serving the group with meals and assisting where possible. The week concluded with a sight seeing trip to London, where sadly the group said their tearful goodbyes.

God blessed our experience together. Community children learned about Jesus, new friendships were formed, and commitments of service were renewed. For many, the week holds a lasting memory as youth from nearly opposite ends of the globe worked together for His Kingdom.
 

PROMISING START FOR NEW LIFE DEVELOPMENT CENTRE - Vera Machell

The Gallivan LIFEdevelopment Centre at the Newport Seventh-day Adventist Church held its first public programme on Thursday evening 26 July 2007. Construction of the centre was funded by Mrs Joan Gallivan whose husband, the late Dr Terry Gallivan, attended the church in his youth and he had made it clear in his will that he wanted to support some kind of project there.

Miss Rebecca Phillips from Breast Cancer Care of Cardiff gave an enlightening talk and was ably assisted by volunteer Mrs Sally Stoat. The audience were made aware of the help and advice available for practical assistance and emotional support. Breast Cancer Care is a registered charity, supported by public donations, which offers a free telephone service for individual needs and programmes which range from one hour lectures to two day courses for group participation.

The new café style furniture provided a comfortable setting which was appreciated by those who attended the presentation. Homemade cakes and drinks were provided afterwards by church members which enabled those present to socialise and ask questions. Future evening programmes are planned, the next being for early Autumn when a paramedic will advise on how to act in life-threatening situations.

For more information about Breast Cancer Care see their website at: <www.breastcancercare.org.uk>.

TIM BAPTISED IN CARMARTHEN - Harold Mason

The highlight of Sabbath 14 July at Carmarthen was a baptism. We had a congregation of over fifty including members, friends, and especially the Mertens family, including 16-year-old Timothy who was baptised. This was a special day, completing the baptism of the whole family. They are a loving and very hospitable section of this fortunate church. Pastor Mike Logan was in charge of the afternoon service, supported by Elder Fred Dust.

This was a spontaneous, joyful, Spirit-filled occasion. Few words were spoken, but they were adequate to reveal what it means to accept Jesus as both Saviour and Lord, and to portray the full result of total commitment. Timothy was baptised by Pastor Mike, and so reminded many of us of our own baptism. Our pastor and his wife Evelyn have endeared themselves to the Carmarthen church by their loving and caring attitude.

Leading up to his baptism, Timothy had Bible studies with Pastors Ed Sammons and Mike Logan, but he was also greatly influenced by the young people he met when he went to the camps. It was encouraging to see a number of young people present at this special occasion.
 

May 2007

RAIN, RODDS AND TALKING DOGS AT BRECON

An appalling weather forecast did little to deter the more than two hundred people who attended the Spring Family Camp in Brecon, Wales, over the Bank Holiday weekend of 25-28 May. In the event the weather in Brecon was considerably better than in most other parts of the UK, though admittedly it was pretty chilly and there was drizzle for most of Sunday.

The speaker for the weekend was Pastor Bob Rodd, former Scottish Mission President though known to many at the camp for his nine years as Youth director of the North England Conference. Bob's theme for the morning and evening talks was, "More Important than Gravity - Christ's Laws for Successful Living" Under this heading he focussed on the importance of looking at the life of Christ, making a deliberate choice to serve Him, actively looking for opportunities to serve, giving thanks, forgiving, and never ever giving up.

In all of his talks Bob was assisted by his wife Moyra who read poetry, organised activities and also told stories for the children. Particularly successful was a Bob and Moyra double act where, with the aid of puppet dogs, they held the children - and most of the adults - spellbound with their humorous and topical dialogues. The puppet dogs were joined in the marquee by an assortment of real dogs who punctuated the programmes with barks or yaps - not always at appropriate moments - much to the amusement of the congregation.

Bob's banter with his good friend Barry Alen was a highlight of the camp. The butt of many jokes that Bob included in his talks, Barry also suffered when others were speaking. During a story about Noah the children were asked, "Now, who was living before the flood?" A voice from the front row of the audience, sounding suspiciously like Bob's, called out, "Barry!"

Those who have attended the Brecon Camps regularly over the years know that they have a very special atmosphere. This is of course derived from the place and the people who go, but a lot of it is also down to the careful worship leading of Leamington Spa member Rob Pearce and his team. The camp is blessed with a number of highly proficient musicians - in one service there were (at least) five guitars, a bass, an oboe, a saxophone, a flute and a clarinet - but it is the way that the music is selected and the way that it blends with the words of the carefully chosen songs, that creates a genuinely spiritual mood.

Many other people helped to make this camp special. Mike and Vicky Beamish with their songs for the younger children; Anette Moore and her puppet team from Cardiff who are now becoming famous in the North and South England Conferences as well as the Welsh Mission; Richard Vine with his esoteric monologue on Milton Keynes; the various musicians; those who led the 8.00 am Morning Watch worships; and of course Jeremy Tremeer who directed the whole camp.

There are two Brecon Camps every year and they are open to everyone. The next one will be held from 7 to 9 September. If you would like to come just phone Jeremy on: 02920 832559.

To see photos from this camp check out our gallery page.
 

CARMARTHEN MALE VOICE CHOIR SINGS IN CWMFFRWD

On Sunday 20th May the Carmarthen Male Voice Choir performed a sacred concert at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Cwmffrwd. They sang in English and Welsh and around twenty visitors from the community attended. Most stayed after the programme for refreshments and to mix and mingle, and for many it was there first time in an Adventist church. Some commented on how lovely the church looked and others asked about Adventism in general.

The concert raised £235 for the Cardiac Unit at the West Wales General Hospital and it was also mentioned twice in the Carmarthen Journal.

The Carmarthen Male Voice Choir has been an integral part of the music scene in Carmarthen and its neighbouring villages for almost half a century and, during the last two decades, has travelled to such places as Brittany, Germany, Holland and Canada. The Musical Director was Mr Brynmor Jones, standing in for Mrs Carole Rees, who has just has had an operation on her hand. Flowers was presented to Carole's husband in her absence. Mr Wyn Maskell was the organist.

Mr John James, the president of the choir, asked when they could come back to perform again. It was a wonderful afternoon and much appreciation goes to Vera College and her Personal Ministrries team for organising the event.
 

DEDICATION OF THE GALLIVAN LIFEDEVELOPMENT CENTRE IN NEWPORT

On Sabbath 12 May members of the Gallivan family joined visitors from several South Wales churches at the Newport Seventh-day Adventist church for the dedication of its new LIFEdevelopment Centre. Construction of the Centre was funded by Mrs Joan Gallivan in honour of her late husband Dr Terry Gallivan who attended the church in his youth and had made it clear in his will that he wanted to support some kind of project there. "This project came along at just the right moment," said Mrs Gallivan, "and I'm sure he would have approved of it."

The special afternoon service included a talk by former Welsh Mission President Dr Brian Phillips who spoke about the history of the Newport church and the key role it played in the early work of the Adventist church, both in Wales and further afield. Adventist work first began in Newport in the 1890s through the literature ministry and the church itself was organised in 1904. A key figure in the establishing of the church was the highly successful evangelist A F Ballinger, and other famous names associated with the church include W E Reid, A A Carscallen and A F Bird. Terry Gallivan's name first appeared in the Messenger on the 26th of May 1939, in a report of a Missionary Volunteer Investiture at the Newport church, where he is listed among the "Friends", along with six others.

Dr Richard Gallivan, son of Terry, spoke about his father and told of how he had been an active lay preacher in the Welsh valleys. Among the anecdotes he recounted was one about a service that he had organised in a disused signal box by a railway line. All went well until a train went by, filling the meeting room with steam and smoke. When he was a student Terry worked as a window cleaner with Harold Baker, whose family are still in the Newport church, and he later worked on evangelistic team with George Emm.

Current Mission President John Surridge, and Newport minister Jan McKenzie, spoke about the philosophy of LIFEdevelopment and how the centre will be used in the future. One of the first programmes to be run will be a lecture for the community by health professionals on the subject of breast cancer, and various other lectures as well as social and youth events are planned.

The Gallivan family as well as Mrs Sharon McKenzie added to the programme with musical items and Mrs Gallivan was presented with a bouquet as a token of thanks from the Mission and the local church.

Photos from the dedication service can be seen in the gallery section of this website. For more details of the life of Dr Terry Gallivan see the obituary written by Pastor Patrick Boyle in the 19 January 2007 edition of the Messenger.
 

March 2007

EVANGELLION IN MANCHESTER

On Sabbath 31 March the Pendleton Seventh-day Adventist church was host to a widely anticipated Children’s Day and over 200 children and adults were pleased to see the arrival of Evangellion, a puppet ministry team from the Cardiff Seventh-day Adventist Community church. In his introduction of the group local minister Pastor Mike Simpson explained to the congregation that Evangellion was Greek for good news - the good news of Jesus Christ. Josiah Sherwood played Amazing Grace on the clarinet as the introit.

The group are led by Mrs Anette Moore who trained them and also designed and made the puppets that were used in the worship service. Group members were dressed in t-shirts with the Evangellion logo - designed and printed by Anette's daughter, Heidi, who lives in the USA. The team members are: Elda Alvarez, Elisa Alvarez, Maya Mwangalika, Joel Haran, Arianne Haran, Josh Haran, Anette Moore and honorary puppeteer, Pastor Clyde Moore.

The theme for the whole day was "Grace". Using the puppets the puppeteers, through a series of songs and sketches, told the story of grace - unmerited favour. The Manchester Praise team gave a mime and sang during the taking of the offering. The scripture reading was recited verbatim by Leon Fifield.

It was appropriate, in the week that saw the celebration of the bicentennial anniversary of the abolition of slavery, that Pastor Moore - looking relaxed in his matching Evangellion T-shirt - reminded the congregation that we are all under the tyranny and slavery of sin and that through God's grace - or as John Newton wrote - God's Amazing Grace, we are now set free in Jesus Christ.

After lunch Pastor and Mrs Moore were interviewed by Pastor Mike Simpson for the local radio station 105.6FM. The radio station serves the area of Moss Side - a deprived part of the community of Manchester - and is aimed at the knife carrying; gun-toting youth gang culture. Pastor and Mrs Moore answered questions on Evangellion and ministering to young people. Pastor Simpson asked Pastor Moore what could he say in 30 seconds to the youth of Moss side. Pastor Moore said, "The exciting thing with the ministry of Evangellion is that it is young people reaching out and ministering to other young people the message of the good news of Jesus Christ."
In the AYS meeting the topic was the importance of reading and studying the Bible - God's Word. The children squealed with awe and amazement when Anette presented the "magic bible" and giggled with delight at the appearance of the Bible puppet "Kid James". However, the biggest applause was for the moving rendition by the puppets of the song "Take My Sins Away" to the tune "Take My Breath Away".

Pastor Moore encouraged both young and old alike not to just read the Bible but to study God's Word and apply its principles to their lives. Reluctantly the puppets sang their last song "He Loves You" to the Beatles classic tune "She Loves You, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah" and the programme came to an end. In the vote of thanks an invitation was extended to the puppet team to return in the summer for outdoor witnessing in the community. The exhausted puppeteers all agreed they would be willing to return. Fours hours after leaving Pendleton all were safely home - including the puppets!
 

VALUING FREEDOM - ABOLITION OF SLAVE TRADE BICENTENARY EVENT

On Sunday evening 25 March sixteen representatives of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Wales were among the guests at St David's Hall in Cardiff to commemorate the bicentenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act. "Valuing Freedom" was the Wales national event to mark this historic act, which made it illegal to trade slaves throughout the British Empire and banned British ships from involvement in the trade.

Guests at the event included representatives from a wide cross-section of Welsh society and all were invited to reflect on their past and unite in condemning a practice that is still in existence today. In a joint statement the Right Honourable Rhodri Morgan AM, First Minister for Wales, and Rodney Berman, the leader of Cardiff Council, said, "We … join together to pledge our support to promoting equality, justice and dignity among all people to create a world where everyone, whatever their race or background, is given an equal chance to live free from fear of discrimination, prejudice and racism."

The wide ranging programme included music from a Welsh choir and several gospel choirs, soloist Sian James who accompanied herself on the harp, and popular folk singer Tracey Curtis whose hard-hitting "Sasha's Song" was specially commissioned for the event and told the story of a young girl trafficked from a quiet country village to a life of abuse and prostitution on the streets of a western city. "Amazing Grace" was performed several times in different ways and extracts from the film of the same name, starring Welsh actor Ioan Gruffydd as William Wilberforce, were shown on a big screen.

Wales's role in the slave trade was highlighted by a number of speakers who pointed out that much of the industrial revolution in Wales was financed by slave trafficking. In turn Welsh industry helped to power the trade by providing raw materials for slave ships which sailed frequently from Cardiff and Newport.

However there was also evidence of Welsh opposition to the slave trade, including poetry from Iolo Morganwg, founder of the Gorsedd of Bards, who was a major anti-slavery campaigner.

African and African Caribbean participation in the programme highlighted the lasting legacy of slavery and its continuing influence in society today. This was brought home most poignantly by Diane Pennant, a descendent of the Pennant family slaves. She told the story of how Richard Pennant, the first Baron Penrhyn, gained his fortune from slave plantations in Jamaica - a fortune which enabled him to build Penrhyn Castle and a massive slate industry in North Wales.

Although initially apologetic in nature "Valuing Freedom" also celebrated the efforts of those millions of people, slave and free, whose dogged opposition and campaigning eventually brought about the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act. Illustrated musically through Blues, Jazz and Gospel, and verbally through poetry and prose, the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act marked a major turning point in the world's history.

However the programme went on to point out that while the Slave Trade may have been officially abolished, it is still very much alive today. Bonded and forced labour, early and forced marriage, slavery by class or caste, trafficking and child labour, are still practiced throughout the world. In their closing prayers Rev Aled Edwards, General Secretary of Cytun, and Deacon J C Earle of the Bethel Apostolic Church, asked for forgiveness for the evils of slavery in the past and the present, and for God's grace and power to be shown in the world today through the eradication of slavery in all its forms.
 

CHILD DEDICATION FILLS NEWPORT CHURCH TO CAPACITY

On Sabbath 24 March the Newport Seventh-day Adventist church on Chepstow Road was filled to capacity as some fifty visitors came to witness the dedication of Ebenezer Evan Delegencia. Ebenezer is the son of Rey and Mary-Lou Delegencia, originally from the Philippines but both now working in Newport.

Rey has a degree in Marine Biology and works at the Royal Gwent hospital, and his wife works as a nurse at the same place. Both are from Adventist families and both were active in youth work in their home churches back in the Philippines before coming to Wales. They met while studying together in Singapore.

Mary-Lou's parents, both retired teachers, spent six months with the family last year, until the baby was born, and their weekly presence at the Newport church was much appreciated by the members.

The extent of Rey and Mary-Lou's circle of Filipino friends was not fully understood by their friends at church until they saw them all turn up for the dedication. "It was wonderful to see the church so full," commented one member. "I can't remember when I've seen so many people here," said another.

Child dedication is practiced by Seventh-day Adventists all over the world. It is a public pledge of the parents' desire to bring their children up as Christians. In the case of Ebenezer Delegencia a short address and the prayer of blessing was given by local church pastor Jan McKenzie. Also present was Pastor John Surridge, President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Wales, who gave the morning sermon.

Note that Pastor McKenzie runs his own website and blog at: <www.thejerichoroad.com>.
 

CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES DAY IN DUBLIN

On Sabbath 24 March Pastor Clyde and Mrs Anette Moore, Family Ministries and Children’s Ministries sponsors for the Welsh Mission respectively, attended the Dublin Seventh-day Adventist church. The Dublin church is a thriving cosmopolitan church with an increasing population of children and local pastor Doug McCormack invited Clyde and Anette because he wanted to emphase the GraceLink curriculum for the burgeoning children's department.

Pastor Moore preached at the 9:00 am service on the theme "The Family of God" and at the 11:15 am service on the theme "Growing in God's Way" - artistically assisted by Anette with paints and paper, emphasising that the condition for optimum growth is having good soil, plenty of sunshine and water. After a sumptuous multi-cultural fellowship lunch, Anette led out in the GraceLink curriculum. Local Sabbath School children's leader Annie McCormac was grateful for Anette’s presentation, and for the assistance given by Clyde, who spoke on the importance of making the teaching of children, fun.

Kathy Hillier (Beginners Sabbath School teacher) was overcome with emotion as Anette donated some of her own specially designed resources, and a request was made for her to return to share her puppet ministry in Dublin. Everyone agreed that the time was ripe for us to teach our children the ways of the 'the Book' in ways that they understand and that it is far better to educate our children, than to try to repair broken men and women.
 

SOUTH WALES AFRICAN ADVENTIST FELLOWSHIP HOLDS FIRST SERVICE - Theophilus Gokah

On Sabbath 10 March 2007 the South Wales African Adventist Fellowship (SWAAF), held its first service at the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff. Some thirty Africans, representing many different nationalities, attended the event which was led by Pastor George Asiamah, coordinator of the fellowship.

SWAAF came about through an initiative of the Welsh Mission. In keeping with the Global Mission strategy of the General Conference the Welsh Mission wanted to explore the possibilities of reaching out to the significant and growing African population of South Wales. Basing their approach on similar "peoplegroup" churches that are already well established in other parts of the British Union Conference, the Welsh Mission carried out a feasibility study to determine the level of support that such a venture would have in Cardiff. The response from the majority of Africans already worshipping in the Cardiff church was very positive, and, although there were a few reservations, it was decided to press on and begin separate Sabbath services straight away.

In preparation for the first Sabbath service a contact list of more than one hundred people was compiled and invitations were sent out by various means. People who were invited included Adventists known to be living in the area but no longer attending church, and non-Adventists with or without experience of Adventism in any form.

Among the African community in Cardiff there are many people who have Adventist relations, or who once attended Adventist schools, or who at least know what Adventism stands for. These are the people that SWAAF initially wants to target. However, SWAAF's focus goes beyond its immediate locale and in future it will extend its activities to other communities in and around South Wales as part of the Welsh Mission’s evangelistic strategy.

In his morning sermon Pastor Asiamah focused on "human choices" and spoke about the importance of the choices that we make in life. "These choices invariably shape our lives either for better or for worse," he said. After the service members of the fellowship met for an informal discussion in which they addressed issues of common interest and concern to the group. The members affirmed their resolve to seek to motivate Africans in Cardiff and other South Wales communities to stand for Christ. They also affirmed their sense of responsibility to the wider community - those beyond their natural target group but who are equally in need of the gospel.

More information, as well as pictures from the fellowship's first Sabbath, can be found on SWAAF's dedicated website at: <www.swaaf.org.uk>.
 

February 2007

THREE MISSIONS STUDY RETREAT

From Sunday 11 to Wednesday 14 February more than forty pastors and leaders from the Irish, Scottish and Welsh Missions met together at Roundelwood in Crieff, Scotland, for a time of study, meditation, relaxation and reflection. In addition to these, visitors from the surrounding Adventist community as well as ministers from other Christian churches in the area, were invited.

Guest speaker for the six study periods was Dr Jean-Claude Verrecchia, Principal Lecturer in New Testament Studies at Newbold College, who chose as his topic "Temple Deconstruction versus Gospel Reconstruction - Studies in the Book of Hebrews". Despite this somewhat daunting title, and some challenges to traditional understandings of the book, the detailed examination of Hebrews chapters 7 to 10 was enjoyed by all - even those who had little or no knowledge of New Testament Greek. All of those who attended will remember at least one Greek word - "tupos" - roughly translated as "type", but which, as Dr Verrecchia pointed out, has other, more subtle shades of meaning. A memorable phrase, initially aimed at the first recipients of the book of Hebrews but one frequently repeated by Dr Verrecchia with an eye on his audience, was, "Don't be sluggish, you ought to be teachers".

The retreat was organised by Pastor Llew Edwards, President of the Scottish Mission and pastor of the Crieff Seventh-day Adventist church, following the success of a similar retreat last year. Good transport links, excellent lecture facilities in the church, and the fine Scottish air, make Crieff a good venue for the retreats. However it is the luxurious accommodation, catering and health facilities of the Roundelwood Health & Lifestyle Spa that really puts the icing on the cake. Gaps were deliberately left in the programme to allow participants to make use of the pool, gym, sauna, and steam room, and these proved to be good places to mull over the ideas presented in the lectures. Many in the group also took advantage of the health treatments that Roundelwood has to offer.

Commenting on his experience at the retreat, Pastor Geoff Dennis, one of the senior ministers in the Welsh Mission, said, "Dr Verecchia's light and friendly way of presenting deep material was refreshing. I particularly enjoyed his illustrations from every day life… The fellowship during the two days was also a real blessing, as were the facilities and the staff at Roundelwood. They were so friendly and genuinely seemed to want to help."

These comments were echoed by many others, in different ways. Each one, it seems, gained something from the retreat that will enhance his or her ministry in the future.

54 pictures from the Study Retreat can be seen on our gallery page.
 

January 2007

NEW COMPANY ORGANISED IN WEST WALES

On Sabbath 20 January some 27 people were present at the Memorial Hall in Pontargothi, near Carmarthen, for the organisation of a brand new Seventh-day Adventist Company. The establishment of the Pontargothi Company had been approved the previous Sunday by the Welsh Mission Executive and Welsh Mission President Pastor John Surridge led the service, together with local minister Pastor Michael Logan.

Over the last fifteen years or so the number of isolated Adventist members in West Wales has been steadily increasing and during this time they have met together in various places. The Pontargothi Memorial Hall became available only recently, following a one hundred thousand pound renovation programme by the Welsh Assembly. The facilities are outstanding, with a modern kitchen area and toilets, a dining area which can also be used for Sabbath School, and a main hall which can seat well over 100 people.

Pontargothi is relatively central but for some members it still means a journey of at least two hours to get to church. "It's not too bad," said a cheerful Mrs Libby Goodman who serves as Treasurer for the Company, "unless you get behind traffic that is; then it can take a bit longer!"

Leader of the new Company is Mrs Elisabeth Williams, and during the inaugural service she spoke of the challenges and difficulties the members had faced on their journey. "God planned what is happening today a long time ago," she said. "When we moved here and slept in a touring caravan we never dreamed that we would be sitting here today. We started with a few house meetings, then had a few more, then had fortnightly meetings, and finally we were meeting every week. We asked ourselves, 'Is this the way forward?', and came to the conclusion that yes, we were being blessed. We did have some disagreements, but we prayed and they melted away like snow before the sun."

"Of course that was all when were 'unofficial'. Now we need to rely even more on God as He leads us forward. God has plans, but the enemy also has plans, and who will win depends on our choices."

Elisabeth and others in the group paid tribute to the work of former President Pastor Brian Phillips whose encouragement over the years was a significant factor in the eventual formation of the Company. Similarly Pastor Michael Logan, though he has been in the district for less than a year, was praised for his leadership and 'people skills'.

Fifteen members asked for their names to be included in the Pontargothi Company list and it is the desire of all of them that the Company will eventually be organised into a fully-fledged church.
 

News Archives:  2006