Six million families have lost their homes, livestock, and livelihoods as their communities have been consumed by the devastating floods in Northern Pakistan. Torrential rains have already taken the lives of 1,500 individuals. It is feared that many more lives will be lost, particularly children and the elderly as water-borne diseases spread.
Many of these individuals were already displaced from
their homes by the fighting between the Afghanistan Pakistan borders. Now, their misery and loss are extreme. The losses faced by these displaced peoples
and the residents of this area will be felt for years to come. The loss of livestock, crops, homes,
infrastructure/transportation systems will further impoverish this area.
ADRA is starting relief work to help victims of the
recent floods in Nowshera. Located in the North West Frontier Province,
Nowshera District borders on the Punjab province and is approximately a 2-hour
drive from Islamabad on the way to Peshawar. A base office will be established in
Rawalpindi which will accommodate the project management team.
Given the urgent need for medical attention and the
likelihood of a sharp increase in the incidence of water-borne diseases, ADRA
will be partnering with Karachi Adventist Hospital in providing medical
services to the affected population. Medical
services will be set up at the local schools, hospitals and community centres. Site locations will be selected in
collaboration with local and tribal authorities as well as the army, which is
also supporting the response efforts.
ADRA's first response will focus around the three
hospitals and health clinics that were destroyed in the Nowshera district. In addition, health education will be
undertaken in the schools to raise awareness to different water-borne diseases
and how to treat and/or attend to those who may be suffering from one of these
diseases.
ADRA Trans-Europe is coordinating the project while
the ADRA network partners and ADRA International are providing funding. ADRA-UK is contributing US$10,000 towards this
first response programme.
Wales is not short of castles, but it's pretty rare that you can give out Adventist literature in one. However that's exactly what happened on Wednesday, 18 August when five members of the Lampeter Company set up a stand inside Margam Castle near Port Talbot.
The opportunity came through a series of connections. This year Jack Rayne, one of the longest
standing members of the Lampeter Company, began writing articles about
Adventist beliefs in his local Llandovery based newspaper, 'The Post'. With a circulation of around 4,500 Jack was
not optimistic about getting much feedback. However, one of the people who did responded
was Mrs Valerie Wood-Gaiger MBE, who runs an organisation called "Learn
With Grandma". Jack gave Valerie a
copy of The Desire of Ages and also showed her some of the other Adventist
literature and DVDs that he regularly promotes.
In turn she invited him to run a stand at a couple of her events. The first of these events was in the National
Botanical Gardens of Wales, on Friday, 13 August, and the second in Margam
Castle.
Speaking during the event Jack Rayne said, "These
days we try to take every opportunity for outreach. A lot of what the church does seems to be
focused more on 'inreach' but outreach is what He's put us here for. He gave us this opportunity in Margam Castle
and we're going to make the most of it."
Admittedly Margam Castle is not as old as some of the
other castles in Wales. In fact it is a
19th century manor built in the Tudor Gothic style - but it's still pretty
impressive. Youngest member of the group
Ellen Williams (13) seemed to be in her element exploring the dark corridors and
other nooks and crannies - as well as helping on the stand of course.
Events at the castle attract thousands of visitors and
the Lampeter members were able to make numerous contacts and give away lots of
magazines, books, pens and DVDs.
Record crowds came to the Irish Mission annual Youth Summer event at the Portlick Scout Camp in Glasson near Athlone, 10 - 17 August. With 93 people in attendance, "this is the largest youth camp we have had," said Adam Keough, Irish Mission Youth Sponsor.
"There are young people
from all over the Irish Mission, representing almost every church in both
Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland".
Pastor Des Boldeau, BUC Youth director, along with his
wife Cathy, were the speakers for the Camp. They gave presentations in both the morning
and evening worships centred on the search for truth. Using film and cartoon clips, games and
activities, the morning sessions were interactive, while in the evening the
worships focused around a sermonette re-emphasising the points made in the
morning. Each day the Boldeaus used a
different Bible Story to talk about truth and lies. "Our aim was to get the kids to think
about truth, lies and the long-term consequences of their actions," said
Des. Using as their key scripture, John
14:6, 'I am the way, the truth and the life...' they encouraged the youth to
choose Jesus.
During the worship services the young people and staff
were actively encouraged to participate.
This was done not only by joining in the corporate singing, but by
individual special items. Musical
numbers were given by several of the young people with outstanding pure voices,
but the highlight of the musical worship items was 'The McCormack Sisters (and
friends)' singing, 'You are my All in All'.
There were many engaging activities during the week
such as pioneering, videography, kayaking, laser skirmishing, paintballing and
arts and crafts as well as the notorious water fight with staff and campers
alike being drenched. And the 'seniors'
were taken out for a 'survival' night on a nearby island. Kevin O'Brien, camp nurse and 'artesian' was
kept busy removing ticks from some of the more adventurous young people.
Mission President, Pastor David Neal, and his wife
Marci, visited on the Sabbath. David noted
that, "Summer Camps are an important part of youth spiritual development
and it is good to see so many of our young people coming together to worship
and fellowship". And spiritual
development was an integral part of the week.
The first being an impromptu sermon by Thomas Neal, on the first evening
due to the delayed flights of the Boldeaus while the second development was the
decision evening, where the young people made commitments to follow Jesus and
nearly half of them stated that they were interested in being baptised in the
future.
"I love Summer Camps," said one senior, "I'm
able to meet up with friends, make new friends and learn more about God".
19-08-2010,
ADVENTISTS LEAD ON COOKING AND HEALTH SHOW»»
Vast lakes, mountainous regions and lush vegetation are the scenes that greet the eye as one travels through Brunnen and the surrounding countryside. This was the setting for ten days of filming during early August for a series of TV shows on healthy lifestyle.
Accepting a service request
to Switzerland, Sharon Platt-McDonald was invited to host a Health and Cooking Show
which promotes holistic living along with culinary demonstrations of healthy
food options. Joining her was Angelette
Muller, nutrition consultant and director for the newly established CREATE School
of Food and Health.
Filming for the cooking show was at the beautiful home
of Adventist, Joyce Hoffer, author of cookbook 'Heavenly Delights'. Her kitchen was transformed into a TV studio. A health enthusiast, Joyce is an excellent
advert for optimum health. At age 67 she
has more energy than most people I know; radiating vitality and enjoying a
balanced lifestyle of regular exercise, good food, positive outlook and a strong
faith in God.
Joyce's home had the added benefit of being situated
on a lake with the backdrop of towering mountains and forestry which provided
an ambient and picturesque setting for our outdoor meals and relaxation from the
punishing filming schedule which occupied most of the day and well into the
evenings.
Over the 10 days a range of 40 dishes were
demonstrated from Joyce's cookbook. Commenting on their health benefits Angelette
Muller gave nutritional analysis of each dish and its ingredients.
Captioned 'Healthy Delights' this health series
accompanied interviews with 'super seniors' whose active lifestyle, positive
outlook and healthy eating have enabled them to enjoy good health well into
their 70s and 80s. The film crew
followed these older adults on mountain treks, Nordic walking, swimming, gym
work out, outdoor exercise and running - this to the amazement of Sharon
Platt-McDonald who was forced to engage in each of these activities whilst
interviewing these vibrant golden oldies!
This filming came to the attention of the local press
who were immediately interested in meeting the team to talk about the work they
were doing. In an interview with show
host, Sharon told journalist Silvia Camenzind from the Bote newspaper of her passion
to share the message of health in practical, engaging and visual ways to
capture interest and encourage individuals to make healthy life choices to
enhance their well-being.
Lead cameraman Waldemar Laufersweiler an Adventist
from Germany, was also interviewed and spoke of his delight to engage in this
form of outreach into the community as well as raising the profile of health
evangelism as a effective tool for witnessing. He will be producing DVDs of the series as
well as video format for Hope Channel Europe and the Bible Stream network.
In the article for the Bote newspaper, Joyce Hoffer is
featured with local children participating in the cooking show for children. The article describes the 8-10 year olds learnt
the art of preparing dishes like patties, spaghetti sauce with nuts and herbs and
also fruit pies. Both Angelette and
Sharon are enthused about being able to experience this unique opportunity and
will be using the learning and subsequent DVDs for their health programmes in
the UK. They are grateful to Joyce for
her inspiration which led them to participate in this cutting edge health
opportunity.
Joyce's cookbook, 'Heavenly Delights' is available for
purchase from the BUC Health Ministries department.
[Sharon
Platt-McDonald, BUC Health Ministries & Disability Awareness Director]
Glenda Augustine reports on the commitment of a man who has given forty years to Pathfindering - and loves every minute.
The congregation was called to attention and silence
reigned for a minute before the resounding beat of drums heralded the entrance
of the colour party, followed by the Adventurers and Pathfinders. The last to enter behind the uniformed bodies
was Joseph Spencer and his wife Edris. Representatives
of Pathfinder and Adventurer Clubs from around the West Midlands and the SEC
gathered at West Bromwich church to join Joseph in celebrating 40 years in
Pathfindering, on Sabbath, 14 August.
Joseph's love for Pathfinders began in 1970 when he
became an active member of the New Carmel Club in Montserrat. By 1975 he had completed the Master Guide
course and was Club director. Twenty-two
years later, in 1997, with a history of running two clubs and being area
co-ordinator, the active volcano in his home country led to Joseph's move to
the UK. West Bromwich church benefited
greatly from his experience as he supported the Pathfinder Club on his arrival
and by 1998 became director. The club
moved from having indoor experiences and nature walks to embracing the rigours
of camping, winning the gold award at their first Camporee!
In the afternoon programme his former Pathfinders who
are now directors led out and told of their experiences of the rigorous
activities they had to take part in for fundraising ventures, which afforded
them the opportunity to visit different countries including Antigua, St Kitts
and Guadeloupe. It was a fantastic
opportunity to listen to the many stories accompanied by a picture slideshow,
which made it very apparent that Pathfindering was a fun and memorable lifetime
experience.
Throughout his time in Pathfinders Joseph has assisted
a number of local, national and international clubs in various activities
through the development of camping skills and activities such as archery. He has spent time with Pathfinder Clubs in
Canada, St Thomas and the USA. This
service celebrated the impact of Pathfinders on the life of Joseph Spencer, who
is currently a Pathfinder Area Co-ordinator but has plans to return to club
directorship. One of the main
motivations for the organisation of this event was to raise funds for the New
Carmel Pathfinder Club in Montserrat to provide tents as well as donating
finance to other clubs on the island.
Climate change champion, Anna Surridge, made such an impression with her media skills in Wales during 2009 that reports of her 'eco-baptism' and other environmental projects spread across the world to places as far away as New Zealand and America. As the story grew tedMedia produced a video showing both her passion for the environment and for Christ.
This was
aired during the "Youth on Parade" programme at the recent General
Conference Session in Atlanta and was seen both by the stadium audience of some
40,000 people and a worldwide TV audience.
Anna's remarkable passion and story is now available on the UK
Hope TV website as a source of
inspiration for other young people who want to make a difference in their
communities. She also has her own website where you can find
out more about her climate change ideas.
A number of BUC News readers have been asking questions about the change of frequencies for radio microphones used in our churches and places of worship. The principle concern is as to whether churches will have to change their equipment or obtain a licence to operate.
Church audiovisual specialists, B+H, have produced
some very helpful advice for
churches on their website and point out that the majority of churches will be 'community
users' using the deregulated frequencies such as 863 to 865 Mhz (part of
channel 70). They will not need to
change. Even if change is needed this
will not take effect until after the Olympics in 2012. Principally only those churches with multiple
radio mics, or using radio mics in the vicinity of other users and as such have
other frequencies licensed to them, will be affected by the change, and will
need to re-tune or replace equipment.
Ofcom has now announced the details of a compensation
package for users of licensed wireless microphone systems whose equipment may
effectively be made redundant following changes to spectrum allocation due to
take effect in 2012.
Church of England Communications notes that this is only
likely to affect large churches and cathedrals currently using channel 69,
which tend to be those using four or more wireless microphones, or those in
dense urban areas which have experienced problems with interference in the use
of unlicensed channels. Compensation of
up to 55 per cent of the cost of replacement equipment, or modification costs
up to the same amount, is likely to be available to such churches if they held
a valid channel 69 licence during 2008. It
is, however, vital that such churches register with the scheme administrator
between September and December this year, in order to be eligible for the
compensation. For more details on how to
register, see Ofcom's
detailed material.
FUNERAL DETAILS FOR MRS RUTH HULBERT. LATEST MESSENGER ONLINE. CHURCH MAPS UPDATES. NO BUC NEWS NEXT WEEK.
FUNERAL
DETAILS FOR MRS RUTH HULBERT
Following last week's announcement of the passing of
Mrs Ruth Mary Hulbert, wife of the late Pastor
Edgar Hulbert, who served as a Bible Worker for two years in Plymouth, Norwich,
Southend and Wimbledon before marrying Edgar in 1946 and serving with him in West
Africa for over eleven years. Returning to the British Union in October 1957 she
then supporting him in ministry in the Scottish and Irish Missions and finally
in the South England Conference until his retirement in 1983.
We are now able to confirm that the funeral service will
be held on Thursday, 26 August at the Stanborough Park Church, 609 St Albans
Road, Garston, Watford, Herts, WD25 9JL.
The service will commence at 11:45 am followed by a committal at West
Herts Crematorium at 1:20 pm. This will
be followed by light refreshments at the church. The family would welcome donations in lieu of
flowers to support an ADRA child feeding project in Niger. Donations can be made online at <http://www.justgiving.com/hulbert>,
at the service, or by posting your donation to ADRA-UK, Stanborough Park,
Watford, WD25 9JZ.
LATEST
MESSENGER ONLINE
As there will be no BUC News next week, the 3
September edition of the Messenger, the official journal of the Seventh-day
Adventist Church in the UK and Ireland, is being published early and can now be
found online at <www.adventistnews.org.uk/messenger>. A steel band is featured on the front page -
part of the Newbold award ceremony celebrations, while Dr David Marshall makes
a valiant attempt to get to grips with the issues regarding the role of women
in the church. A full report from the
TED Pathfinder Camporee, a commission for Ghanaians to embrace a distinctive
role in the UK Church - and 'The whisper that shook the world'. All this, along with a complete round up of
news from around the British Union.
CHURCH MAPS
UPDATES
Two churches have moved location and a new church
plant has started in Dublin. These are
among the changes in the latest Sat Nav updates on the Churches page of our
website, <www.adventistchurches.org.uk>. The Church Directory page itself is also
being reworked making it easier for you to navigate to the church of your
choice - or more importantly, to ensure that your un-churched friends can find
their way to a welcoming Adventist presence.
In addition, the BUC Communication department has been
working with the 118 information service.
This means that very shortly church location information will also be
available more readily from 118118.com, 118 directory services, as well as
Yahoo, Scoot, Multimap, Touchlocal.com, 192.com, Upmystreet.com,
City-visitor.com, bing.com, and Sat Nav systems such as BMW and TomTom among
many others. Please note that these may
take a few weeks to populate but the hope is that this will make it easier for
the general public to find our places of worship.
This does make it essentially important to ensure that
your church details are correct on the BUC website - including your exact
location on the map. Please check this
weekend - and if there is a discrepancy then let the BUC Communication
department know by emailing <buc@adventist.org.uk>.
NO BUC NEWS
NEXT WEEK
Due to the funeral of Mrs Ruth Hulbert, mother of the
BUC News editor, there will be no BUC News published next week. Normal service will resume the first week in
September so please keep sending your stories in the normal manner.
Pat Eastwood & Paul Lee share their stories on the Hope Channel Satellite. New on the web, Garth Anthony discovers that God is not limited by circumstances.
The
love of "family" crops up over and over during this lively and
engaging interview with Pat Eastwood, but the love and support for her own
family has made Pat venture forth to distant places around the world despite
her terrible homesickness for those she had left behind. Pat is this week's guest on "In
Conversation" on the Hope TV satellite channel and on the web at <www.hopetv.org.uk>.
Monday 23 August:
3:00 am and 9:00 pm: Pat
Eastwood
Wednesday 25
August: 8:00 am and 8:30 pm: Pat Eastwood
Friday 27 August:
4:30 am and 8:00 pm: Pat Eastwood
8:30 pm: Faith Development.
Sabbath 28 August:
3:00 pm: Pat Eastwood
3:30 pm: Faith Development.
New on the <www.hopetv.org.uk> website: "God isn't limited
by the circumstances we find ourselves in. In fact God often uses the unusual to reach
through to us." Garth
Anthony's words reflect his belief that a life open to God's leading has
taken him on a journey down many unexpected paths.
Also: Michael
Lattibadare knows about trouble. Dumped
by his mother at the age of 6, then suffering severe abuse from his father, he
became a street child until a loving Adventist family took him in. Nevertheless, his teenage years saw him back
on the streets of Kingston, Jamaica, and eventually on the wrong side of the
law in the UK. But God never gave up on
Michael and in this programme we learn how God works even in times of
difficulty and rejection.
News 