BUC News #571 (11 January 2008)

Email Newsletter of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the United Kingdom and Ireland

Contents:

NEW YEAR MESSAGE FROM DR BERTIL WIKLANDER.
ADRA ASSISTS FAMILIES DISPLACED BY KENYA'S POST-ELECTION VIOLENCE.
I'M AN ADVENTIST GET ME OUT OF HERE...
YOUTH CHANGE THE WORLD IN TAIWAN
PRAYER REQUEST FOR PASTOR MIKE LOGAN
DEATH OF PASTOR HAROLD CALKINS
FUNERAL DETAILS: PASTOR JOHN FREEMAN
HEADING SOUTH ON THE HOPE CHANNEL
LARGE PRINT VERSION OF BUC NEWS
COMING EVENTS

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NEW YEAR MESSAGE FROM DR BERTIL WIKLANDER [Bertil Wiklander/TED News/BUC News]

Editor's Note: Dr Bertil Wiklander, President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Trans-European Division covering forty countries in Northern and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Pakistan sends New Year greetings to all our members across this territory. The British Union Conference is an important part of the TED, not only playing host to the TED office in St Albans but also making up about 25 percent of the membership.

A new year has come, not only for the world, but for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Trans-European Division (TED). Let me first share with you my warmest personal good wishes for God's abundant blessing. I wish that this year might bring hope and unity in the faith as we continue to serve Him faithfully.

There are countries and peoples, of course, that begin their new year at other times than now, especially in our Division where Islamic and Jewish customs are well represented. It is simply practical for us to follow the Western Christian tradition in counting the years.

What is essential, however, is that every new year, is a 'year of the Lord's favour', which Christ came to proclaim. This 'Christian year' is not limited to God's favour for me personally, as a power that brings me what I wish for and dream about, although some of that may be included too. Above all, however, as we see in Luke 4:19-20, proclaiming the Christian new year of the Lord's favour is a 'spirit-filled' event affecting the people, one in which the servants of God are spiritually anointed to preach good news to the poor, proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, and to release the oppressed. This is our mandate. This is our calling. This is our objective and reason for existence.

As we pray and work, there are some matters I wish to bring to your attention:

On 8 January, I will be travelling to Florida where the General Conference leadership is having an important meeting. Among many vital plans for the future, a major proposal from our Division will be discussed and acted upon. We believe that, if granted, the project will have a strong impact on the life of the church in our Division. It is called 'Relay Christ', and focuses on children and youth, using Internet and television technology both in Europe and the Middle East. I would ask all of you to pray earnestly to God for this project - not only that it may be granted, but also that it may be successfully implemented. We will keep you informed of how the matter proceeds.

During the past days we have received news of political unrest in Pakistan. We have good news so far from our brothers and sisters in the country, in that none of our people have been hurt. However, our prayers are needed for this valued part of our Division.

A few days ago, a severe earthquake hit Greece, especially the southern part of Peloponnese. We have members and churches there, who suffered greatly by the fires last summer. We thank God that our people were protected during the earthquake, but continued prayers are needed for the growth and development of our church in Greece.

For a long time we have prayed for more stability in the country of Lebanon, where our Middle East Union Headquarters has been situated since September. Some of us were able to visit Beirut in November and December and found that the church is doing well, while the political tensions relating to the election of a new national president continued. Let us continue to pray for Lebanon and the entire Middle East where peace is needed.

A few days after my visit to Belgrade and Nis in Serbia in December, the South-East European Union Conference President informed me that a group of people had threatened our Theological Seminary in Belgrade and that a bomb had been found in the basement of the Adventist church in Sarajevo. The church leaders are working with the government and police to deal with these threats. We are thankful for God's protection up to now, but we need your prayers for the situation in Serbia.

These are only some examples of the many situations where we depend on the Lord's favour in our work. We may work hard and do our very best, but without the Lord's blessing, nothing will be accomplished. I therefore invite you all to take part in God's work in our Division by praying for protection and peace as we continue to proclaim a year of the Lord's favour.

May God bless you and lead you as we work together and grow together in 2008.

For more information on the work and mission of the TED visit their website: <www.ted-adventist.org>.


ADRA ASSISTS FAMILIES DISPLACED BY KENYA'S POST-ELECTION VIOLENCE

Following the violent unrest resulting from last week's presidential elections in Kenya, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) has coordinated with local partner organizations and non-governmental agencies (NGOs) to provide emergency food assistance and medical supplies for displaced and affected families in and around Nairobi.

Coordinating its response with the Kenya Red Cross, ADRA Kenya is working with local partners, along with Food for the Hungry International, Catholic Relief Services, and other agencies to distribute one-week supplies of food, including 12 metric tons of donated maize, to approximately 1,000 families in the Jamhuri Park and Kibera communities of Nairobi. Relief web reports that estimates from Jamhuri Park speak of up to 3,200 people camping there with growing concern for the children in terms of food and protection.

The coordinated response will also provide each family with a coal stove, a 90-pound bag of charcoal, and cooking sets.

In addition, ADRA is preparing a shipment of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, which will be used to treat the urgent medical needs of those in the affected communities of Kisumu, Kisii, and Eldoret, in the Nyanza and Rift Valley provinces west of Nairobi.

Along with the food and medical supplies distributed through ADRA Kenya, ADRA has committed funds to the response efforts and will continue to expand its assistance as needs change.

To donate to ADRA's emergency response effort to aid violence-displaced families in Kenya and other emergencies, please contact ADRA at 01923-681743 or donate online to ADRA's Emergency Response Fund at <www.adra.org.uk>.

The Nation/All Africa Global Media reported one individual case of goodwill from Mr William Ombese, a Seventh-day Adventist member in Nairobi. He offered accommodation to a family of three who have been displaced by the post election violence. Mr Ombese, who is also the chairman of the Concerned Citizens Alliance said, "Let the leaders and other affluent Kenyans do the same and in that way there will be no internal refugees in Kenya."

New Vision in Uganda noted that the Uganda Red Cross Society has been supplying relief items to about 2,500 Kenyans stranded in Uganda including 230 Kenyan students at Kireka Seventh-day Adventist primary school. The society's chairman, Tom Buruku, told the students: "We don't consider you refugees because Ugandans and Kenyans are brothers and sisters."


I'M AN ADVENTIST GET ME OUT OF HERE... [Richard de Lisser, SEC Communication Director/Carmen Chisholm]

"I'm an Adventist Get Me Out of Here," could be the mantra of those who regularly engage in the work of Prison Ministries. With singing, preaching and sharing these men and women enter into Her Majesty's Prisons to share the Good News of the Gospel with those on the inside. Search Prison Ministries, established in 1989 as an arm of the South England Conference, is actively engaged in working with Her Majesty's Prisons to help reduce re-offending and make our communities a safer place. Co-operating fully with the Coalition on Criminal Justice, the ultimate aim of Search is to let prisoners know that in Jesus there is a better way. On Sunday, 6 January, a dinner hosted by Pastor Roy Chisholm to celebrate the success of this venture gave 180 prison volunteers opportunity to express that it was a happy privilege to serve in prison but also it was a comfort in knowing that they could leave.

Mrs Thelma Soremekum leader of the Hanwell group for the past 18 years received an award for her leadership. In her acceptance speech she expressed the desire for more young people to get involved.

Invited church leaders included Dr Daniel Duda, Education, Chaplaincy and Ministerial director for the Trans-European Division. He reminded the audience that in the feeding of the five thousand Jesus did more with less and in His feeding of the four thousand Jesus, did less with more. He went on to say, "don't look at the resources or at the problem - look to Jesus." Other guests included Pastor Cecil Perry who spoke of the fact that "Christ came to set the captive free", and Pastor Paul Lockham, Executive Secretary for the South England Conference who encouraged the prison visitors to invite young people to join them in ministry. He stated that there was "nothing wrong in our young people seeing the results of wrong choices", adding that this could then add an impact to their witness both in and outside the prison.

The highlight of this celebration was the singing of Recall from the St Albans church. They regularly sing in prison. Mr Blackburn from the Lewisham group spoke of the enthusiastic singing of the prisoners on the inside when compared with mediocre singing done in some of our churches on the outside. The inmates find there freedom in song!

With the prison population predicted to rise to over 9 million world-wide the work of Prison Ministries continues to grow in importance and significance. The UK prison population is set to rise from the current 80,000 to 109,000 by 2010. In inviting others to get involved Pastor Chisholm states, "This is an exciting and positive way to make a difference."


YOUTH CHANGE THE WORLD IN TAIWAN [Des Boldeau, BUC Youth Ministries Director]

At the Civic Centre in Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan, 1,500 young people and their Youth leaders convened at the 2nd World Conference on Youth and Community Services organised by the Youth department of the General Conference.

The night before and eight hours ahead of the UK, Taipei celebrated the birth of 2008 when at the 101 Tower, the tallest building in the world, a myriad of fireworks were released into the cold night creating a shimmering display of the colours of the rainbow against the backdrop of the darkened sky.

As a prelude to the opening ceremony and almost as if it had been planned, most of us were privileged to witness a colourful, cultural, musical presentation put on by the civic council in Taipei in celebration of the new year.

After the usual greetings from civic and GC leaders, the conference centre exploded into melodic singing as the 'Golden Angels' directed by the Northern Asia Pacific Division Youth director, Pastor Joshua Shin, led the delegates in powerful praise to God. A fitting start as youth, representing all the areas of the world church, gathered to learn, to gain new insights, to be inspired, challenged and empowered by God.

Our own Trans-European Division Youth Ministries director, Pastor Paul Tompkins, presented a plenary session, "Challenges Facing Youth Today", as well as a workshop on Youth and Culture. They were both well received by all present.

Prior to the conference, some 350 young people from across the world, including Alycia Hanson and Clarissa Lewis from the UK, participated in several community projects ranging from cleaning up communities, building and school projects to teaching and Bible studies. Alycia remarked on what "an amazing, cultural experience it was working alongside people in the schools and community". Their particular assignment included teaching English in a community school. "I learned a lot from them as well as them from me, in a warm and friendly environment" she stated.

The evening programmes showed reports from the individual Divisions, highlighting what young people are doing to progress the work of the Adventist Church and the youth motto of 'The Advent Message to All the World in Our Generation'.

A full report will be published in the next edition of the Encounter and on the BUC Youth page in due course. A selection of photos from the event are available on the GC Youth website: <www.wcycsphotos.com/index.php>.


PRAYER REQUEST FOR PASTOR MIKE LOGAN

Pastor John Surridge, President of the Welsh Mission, returned from a visit to Cork this week where he was able to visit with Pastor Mike Logan, his wife Evelyn and his daughter Joy in the University Hospital. He, along with the family, the members of Mike's churches in Wales, and Mike's many friends are seeking your prayers as doctors on Wednesday confirmed that Mike has a brain tumour of a particularly aggressive kind and that the only treatment available is palliative.

The family know that many people around the world are praying for them. They have seen God's presence in their lives and trust in Him at this difficult juncture. Please do not phone them at this time but cards and messages of encouragement can be sent via the Welsh Mission office: 3 Drovers Way, Radyr, Cardiff, CF15 8GG.

Mike has an encouraging testimony. He recently shared a story of God's leading at the LIFEdevelopment Training weekend in Slovenia, and before that generated a very positive response sharing his story on the Hope Channel: <http://www.hopetv.org.uk/content/media-library/program-in-detail/medialibrary/64/>.


DEATH OF PASTOR HAROLD CALKINS

We are sorry to announce the death of Pastor Harold Calkins on Friday, 4 January 2008. Pastor Calkins served as BUC President from 16 September 1981 to 31 July 1986. It was his vision during that period that led to the re-development of Stanborough School. He also had a great burden for Ireland and even on his return to America placed considerable energy into supporting the work of the church there. Pastor Calkins entered denominational service in June 1943 and went into retirement at the conclusion of his service with the BUC after having given 43 years service to the church in North America and Britain. A memorial service will be held this Sabbath evening at the Bellflower church in California with an internment the following day at Montecito Memorial Park, Loma Linda. A further memorial service will be held on 8 March allowing a larger community of those whose lives he touched to be able to share memories of a life well-lived.


FUNERAL DETAILS: PASTOR JOHN FREEMAN

Following last week's announcement concerning the death of Pastor John Freeman on Tuesday, 1 January 2008 we can now confirm that the funeral will be held on Wednesday, 16 January at 11.00 am in Newbold church. Flowers may be sent, or a charitable donation to "Gucha Orphanage" (for children in Kenya) in lieu of flowers, to A B Walker & Son Ltd, Ellen Lodge, 157 Binfield Road, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG42 2BB.


HEADING SOUTH ON THE HOPE CHANNEL

Last Friday night I came across an entertaining and informative piece of journalism on The Hope Channel. "34 Degrees South" is a monthly magazine focused on the countries in the Southern part of Africa. It is principally for an African audience but I have to say I was impressed with its production values and mission focus. Currently this is a monthly show but Andre Brink, Communication director and Media Centre director for the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division is hoping that it will shortly move to a weekly edition. Focusing on an international audience the word speed is slightly slower than for domestic television but if you find yourself near a TV at 9:00 pm on a Friday evening then you may wish to give it a try.

Steven Logan works to keep your aircraft in the air. He is also keen on world issues including "Make Poverty History". Steve is the guest in the Hope Channel programme, "In Conversation", this coming week. Watch him at the following times or on the "Broadcast on Demand" section of the website, <www.hopetv.org.uk>.

Friday 11 January: 4:30 am and 8:00 pm: John Wilby
Sabbath 12 January: 12:30 and 3:00 pm: John Wilby
Monday 14 January: 3:00 am and 7:00 pm: Steve Logan
Wednesday 16 January: 8:30 am: Steve Logan
Friday 18 January: 4:30 am and 8:00 pm: Steve Logan
Sabbath 19 January: 12:30 and 3:00 pm: Steve Logan
Week starting 20 January: Sue Matthan

"In Conversation" is an interview programme produced by the BUC's Media Centre and broadcast on Hope Channel Europe. North American and International versions of Hope Channel are only available on the Internet here in Europe. To find out more and to watch Hope Channel online please visit: <www.hopetv.org.uk>.


LARGE PRINT VERSION OF BUC NEWS

Peter Walton, a member of the Stanborough Park church takes BUC News and increases the font sizes each week so that those with failing eyesight can read it more easily. If you would like the news in a larger font size, usually 13 point serif Times New Roman or Garamond, Peter would be happy to forward it to you. Simply send BUC News an email <bucnews@adventist.org.uk> and we will forward your details to Peter.


COMING EVENTS

A full list of coming events is located on the BUC website at: <www.adventist.org.uk>. Only brief details are listed below.

NO LIMITS IN BRISTOL - VOICES OF SOWETO. Sabbath, 12 January. Come share in the worship and praise experience with No Limits in Bristol. These Adventist ambassadors of Soweto are a sheer blessing. You don't want to miss this privilege. Bring family and friends along. Time: 10:00 to 19:00. Venue: North Bristol Seventh-day Adventist church. Contact: Pastor Richard Daly <richarddaly@ukonline.co.uk>. Phone: 01452 423 089.

CHILDREN'S GOSPEL FESTIVAL. Saturday, 12 January. The 4th annual Children's Festival to raise funds for the Gambia School Project at 6.30 pm. Venue: African Caribbean Centre, Maidstone Road, Leicester, LE2 0UA. Tickets £5.00 (£4 concessions). For details contact Kaine Management, 0116 2616842 or email <info@kainemanagment.org.uk>.

NO LIMITS' CONCERT IN LUTON! Saturday, 12 January. Time: 19:00. Concert ticket price: £5. Venue: Luton Central Seventh-day Adventist church, 1 North Street, Luton, Beds LU2 7QD. Contact: Fred <molapo_selepe@yahoo.com>. Phone: 07722 166 696.

PERSONAL MINISTRIES & SABBATH SCHOOL LEADERSHIP TRAINING WEEKEND. Friday, 25 to Sunday, 27 January. Purpose: Quality training of Personal Ministries (PM) and Adult Sabbath School (SS) leaders. Features: Main presenter, Gary Gibbs from the GC and author of "Winsome Witnessing" - the book for every Adventist PM and SS Leader who are impacting on their churches, will say how it is done. Venue: Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick, near Derby. Those who attend will return inspired, equipped and be qualified to give a professional edge to their leadership. Enquiries: Phone 0115 960 6312 or email Pastor Roy Morgan <rmorgan@nec adventist.org.uk>.

PERSONAL MINISTRIES AGM. Sunday, 27 January. Purpose: To provide quality training, resources and discussion. Speakers include: Pastor Eglan Brooks of the BUC; Pastor Aris Vontzalidis of the SEC. Venue: The Advent Centre, London. Time: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Lunch will be provided. Enquiries contact Pastor Terry Messenger on 01923 232728 or email <tmessenger@ secadventist.org.uk>.

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SMALL ADS

NEWBOLD COLLEGE is seeking to appoint a full-time colleague in Pastoral Theology (Pastoral Care and Counselling) commencing 1 August 2008. The deadline for receipt of applications is 15 February 2008. Further details are obtainable from the Newbold College website: <www.newbold.ac.uk> or from Vice Principal, Mike Pearson, at <mpearson@newbold.ac.uk> or tel: +44 1344 407401 or fax: +44 1344 407404.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR TALENTED DESIGNERS: Intaract is a design and marketing consultancy in North London. We are interested to hear from talented graphic designers (web & print). Ideally you would have a design qualification and commercial experience. Please email us your CV and folio to Daniel Cudjoe at: <daniel@intaract.net>.

ROOMS FOR RENT or overnight stay (B&B style), or just a short break away, in a Christian home in Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 5NP. Very near the town and all amenities - shops, trains and buses. Cost is flexible and can be arranged on booking depending on length of stay. Call Sirbrina on 07775768707 or email <mommycookie2@yahoo.com>.

LARGE FURNISHED ROOM TO LET in Stanmore. Adventist female owner would prefer female tenant. Rent £75.50 per week including gas/electric. Ring Maureen on 07949-909-268.

TWO BEDROOM FLAT fully furnished to let. Looking for Adventist professional person. Ring Maureen on 07949-909-268. Rent to be discussed.

CARPET AT DISCOUNT PRICE. A Brighton and Hove church member has 5 large rolls of hard wearing pale blue carpet available suitable for a church or residential facility. It does not need underlay. If you are interested please contact Pastor Leslie Hill: <leshill@greenbee.net>.

BUC RECEPTIONIST. The BUC has an immediate vacancy for a Receptionist and is looking for a cheerful person, conversant with switchboard operation and able to offer a welcoming, helpful and professional approach to visitors and callers, both in person and on the telephone. Responsibilities include oversight of photocopying, franking and fax machines, supervision of the post room and the maintenance of general office supplies. Employees at the BUC office are expected to be committed to the mission and the values of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Salary £17,500 - 20,000 per annum in accordance with experience. Closing date for applications 22 January 2008 with interviews to follow on 28 January 2008. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Please send CV to: Executive Secretary, BUC Office, Stanborough Park, Watford, Herts, WD25 9JZ or email <secretariat@adventist.org.uk>.

DUDLEY HOUSE SCHOOL VACANCY. The Headteacher and Governors at Dudley House School wish to appoint a qualified, experienced teacher to fill a Key Stage 1 post in January 2008. The successful applicant will: Have QTS, Be enthusiastic and professional; Provide evidence of excellent class teaching across the curriculum, but especially in literacy and numeracy; Be an excellent classroom practitioner; Have the ability to establish good relationships with parents; Be hard working with a good sense of humour; Be flexible and adaptable in dealing with situations as and when they occur; Be willing to engage in the full school programme; Be committed to supporting the Christian ethos of the school. Please submit your CV with a letter of application and contact details for two referees, to the Headteacher, Mrs Jenny Johnson, if you would like to join the hardworking team in this successful and happy school. We are committed to the safeguarding of children, and child protection screening will apply. Closing date for applications: Thursday, 10 January 2008. Dudley House School, 1 Dudley Road, Grantham, Lincs NG31 9AA. Telephone: 01476 400184. Email: <headteacher@dudleyhouseschool.co.uk>.

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION. Learning Continues is a newly established organisation which identifies potential in young people who leave the education system without any qualifications that enable them to be of immediate use to employers. Our vision is to help them widen their work opportunities and acquire employability skills through real job participation. We are seeking to recruit a non-Executive Board member to assist with running the organisation. This voluntary position is for someone who in the first instance is compassionate towards young people's skills needs in East London and can offer 1 day per month. For more information please email Rachel Nabudde at <r.nabudde@b2si.co.uk> or telephone 07961019177, or 05601327601 (6:00-8:00 am/8:30-10:30 pm on Monday - Wednesday).


BUC News is a weekly news bulletin produced by the British Union Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and edited by the Communication Department. Victor Hulbert, director; Mary Kapon, secretary. Items for inclusion should be sent to <bucnews@adventist.org.uk> and need to be received by 6.00 pm on Wednesday, preferably as simple email text. All unattributed stories written by the editorial team. Coming Events and Small Ads should be kept short and preferably be submitted via the on-line form at: <www.adventist.org.uk>. The editor reserves the right to modify articles received to make them suitable for inclusion. The views expressed by individuals cited in this bulletin do not necessarily reflect the views of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, though we try to ensure that they do. You are free to re-print any portion of this bulletin without the need for special permission. However, we kindly request that you identify BUC News or other sources whenever you publish these materials. Back issues and an RSS feed including photographs are available on our website at <www.adventist.org.uk>.

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