Ministry means service, and to this ministry we are all called. It is a dishonor to God for anyone to choose a life of self-pleasing.... We owe everything to grace, sovereign grace. Grace ordained our redemption, our regeneration, and our adoption to heirship with Jesus Christ. let this grace be revealed to others. Review and Herald, Jan. 5, 1905 SOUTHEAST ASIA UNION MESSENGER May-June, 1986 M.C.(P) No:142/2/86 SOWING BESIDE ALL WATERS Ellen G. White We are to sow beside all waters, keeping our souls in the love of God, working while it is day, using the means entrusted to us in the Master's service. Whatever our hands find to do, we are to do it with cheerfulness; whatever sacrifice we are called upon to make, we are to make it cheerfully. As we sow beside all waters, we shall realize the truth of the words, "He which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully."... 2 � THE MESSENGER � May-June, 1986 VARIATIONS ON SHARING IN THE CARING CHURCH e;eu. SVEEd SVoi eonzmunicaie (Especially for the Hesitant) Mr. R. Martin Moores As a professional accountant, the idea of personal evangelism always sent shivers of uneasiness down my spine. I was sure someone would ask me a theological question far beyond my ability to answer. Witnessing didn't seem like my cup of tea. But when the idea of the "Caring Church" was introduced, I liked it. Here seemed a way out of my dilemma of not wanting to knock on doors or give out literature. I began to pray that the Lord would simply give me the opportunity to show His kindness and love to someone else that day. After working in Jayapura, Irian Jaya (West New Guinea), I arose one morning to prepare to return to Singapore. As usual, I asked God's blessing on my day and concluded my prayer with a request that I might be able to share His love with someone on my way. To myself, however, I thought, "the literature I brought is all used up. I don't speak Indonesian. Any English- speaking person will most likely be a missionary from another church. I guess I'll just count this a "day off". Confidently I went on my way, little knowing that God had other plans. The airlines in that part of the world are not known for serving good vegetarian food. It is quite another matter to get good drinking water. Tea and coffee are generally the only liquid available. Thus, a kind friend prepared a sack lunch and a canteen of water for my 12-hour journey that day. I went to the airport early and checked in. Then I found as suitable a place as possible to sit in the hot, smokey departure room. The room began to fill with people. Soon my eyes caught sight of a little girl belonging to a family apparently waiting to fly to the Indonesian interior. She appeared to be about five or six. Her dress was several sizes too big. The ties were untied and dragging on the floor at the sides of her little body. Cheap plastic thongs protected the bottom of her feet. Inspite of her unsightly appearance, she seemed to be a happy little lady. She played around near her parents for about an hour without complaint. As I watched, however, I noticed a change occur. It seemed her sunny disposition was suddenly overshadowed by a thundercloud. First her father tried his best to calm her growing restlessness. Then Mother tried. Nothing worked. Soon the little lady had turned herself into a crying, screaming, kicking bundle of humanity rolling across the dirty floor. Tension in the room mounted as everyone watched to see what the parents would do. Suddenly a voice seemed to say to me, "Give the girl your water." "How can I," I reasoned with myself. "I've already drank from the container." Again the voice spoke, "Give the girl the water!" "I don't want to," I countered. "I'll need it during my next eight hours to Denpasar. The voice grew louder, "Give the girl the water." I felt embarrassed. I was the only foreigner in the room. I would have to walk in front of everyone in the room. My shy nature didn't like the idea of being so conspicuous. But I could not silence the voice urging me forward. Finally I rose to my feet, crossed over to where the little girl lie rolling on the floor and knelt down in front of her. I poured out a little of the water into the cap top and handed it to her. Then as quickly as possible I gave the mother the bottle with its remaining water and returned to my seat. I hoped no one noticed me. But an immediate change had occurred. The passengers relaxed as the little girl stopped crying and began smiling again. As I watched, she continued to take small drinks while holding onto the bottle as if it were her prized doll. The last thing I saw as my aircraft taxied down the runway was the little girl looking out the window holding onto her bottle of water. I had not given a Bible study or passed out literature. I had not spoken a word to anyone. But God had given me a little child to show a kindness to. Suddenly Jesus' words in Matthew 10:40-42 held new meaning for me. "And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward. Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Mr. Martin Moores is currently serving as Auditor for the Far Eastern Division. May-June, 1986 � THE MESSENGER � 3 Communicate (Especially for the Bold) Pastor Calvin L. Smith Hebrews 13:16 says, "Forget not to communicate." I would urge "forget not that you always communicate." Witnessing is not something you do on Sabbath afternoon. To everyone you meet you are saying something about God. What does your approach indicate? Is the command "Go into all the world" a burden to you? Or does your approach indicate your God is a loving, kind, and caring friend? Too often we have failed. We put selfish desires first and then seek to relieve our conscience by "witnessing". To witness merely to relieve a guilty conscious is no-witness at all. It never reaches out to touch the other person's needs. Each person is on a journey to heaven. We must find out where he or she is in the journey. To do this we must: 1) be filled with the love of Christ and the Holy Spirit, 2) listen, 3) ask questions. To speak without listening is to deliver unwanted goods which are thrown away as soon as your back has been turned. When you meet a person on the bus or in the market it maybe time to speak, merely listen, or listen and speak. The only way to communicate the message is to live in total communication with Christ. I am His witness. Daily ask, "Dear Lord, please cleanse me of self and fill me with your love and spirit. I am clay in your hands to be used as you see fit this day." Then maintain this attitude of prayer with each encounter. Many worry about methods and words to speak. But being clay in the Master Potter's hands removes the strain and fear of witnessing. Perfect love for Him forms a river of love from our hearts for every soul we meet. "He will guide me continually," says Isaiah (58:11). The Lord will help us lead the person we meet step by step from where he is to where God wants him to be for that particular day. He will guide us from going too far or too slow in our witness. If one is always praying while encountering individuals, the Holy Spirit will indicate when to approach a person, what subject to talk about, how far to go, when to urge, and when to allow time to think. Each encounter is not mine. Therefore, this constant communication with Christ is vital. Let me illustrate. I met Ed in Thailand. He was riding his bicycle around the world from Canada and would soon be riding to Singapore. As a witnessing opportunity, I invited him to stay at my home when he reached Singapore. He came and stayed two weeks — attended church, Sabbath School, spiritual meetings, family worship, etc. I provided him with books, praying that God would help me to reach his heart. Our witness had some effect, but he was not interested in Christianity. There was no apparent result. Last week on the plane to Bangkok I was tired and wanted to be alone. A gentleman with a strange accent sat down beside me whom I discovered was an escaped Jew from Russia. Within minutes we were talking of spiritual things. He asked about the state of dead. When I finished he said, "My mother passed away recently and now I know what has happened to her." He sat spellbound until I had finished the capsule view of the Great Controversy from beginning to end. His enthusiastic response again was "thank you so much, I want to know more. Please send me more information." What a privilege and joy to work constantly in His presence. (Psalms 16:11). Every morning, dear friend, "give yourself to God for the saving of the lost." (E. G. White). Ask Him to fill you with love for Christ, with His Spirit and wisdom. In so doing you will live in the joy of the Lord to successfully communicate the gospel. 4 � THE MESSENGER � May-June, 1986 cS'EvEtaf Communicate (Especially for the Seed-Sowers) Pastor Calvin L. Smith "Mom, Dad, this is wonderful. I am just so excited about what I am learning!" Jackson exclaimed as he bounded into the house. "What are you learning?" queried Mother with raised eyebrows. Father paused to look up from his bowl of rice. A frown creased his forehead. Jackson had been acting different lately. It worried him. "Oh, Mom, Dad, this good news about Jesus and His love for all of us. I love the singing. It is such beautiful music. And the judgment! Mom, Dad, Jesus is coming soon to take all those who love Him to heaven. It's just wonderful. I can hardly wait. I want to become a Seven- day Christian! Please, may I? And I want you to come too." The words fairly tumbled from 12-year-old Jackson's mouth. When he had first attended the meetings conducted by a layman, Dian Sulaiman, Jackson wondered if he should tell his parents. He wasn't sure they would like it. So he had decided not to say anything. Instead, he quietly slipped out each evening and ran down the long corridor of the longhouse to the home where the beautiful singing and lovely stories were told. As he listened, however, a longing grew in his heart to share his new joy. Finally, he could keep it to himself no longer. He knew he must tell his parents. Once he started, his words came out so fast. He just couldn't help himself. Would his parents understand? Would they let him continue to attend these meetings which now meant so much to him? Jackson held his breath. As his eager eyes met the cold stare of his father and mother, he knew his answer. His happiness faded like a whiff of smoke into the sudden chilly atmosphere. Father cleared his throat and merely stated, 'Jackson, you can not join those Seven-day people, and furthermore you are not to attend one more of their meetings. Is that clear?" Jackson gulped, "Yes, Father". Feeling alone and rejected, he left the room. For six long years the truth was to lay buried in his heart. The day came when Jackson went away to the government school in Bintulu. The principal of the school was a kind Catholic priest and a close friend of an Adventist pastor, Jonathan Ng. At the moment of first introductions, Jackson liked his new principal. He seemed to Jackson like a gracious and generous man. One day the principal came into the classroom and asked the students if any of them would like to study the Bible. Something stirred inside Jackson's heart. He remembered the joy he felt so long ago when he had attended those meetings about the Bible. Quickly he raised his hand. The priest handed him a card and told him to fill in his name and address. "The lessons will come to you in the mail," he commented. Jackson looked at the card. It read, "Voice of Prophecy" across the top. That sounded interesting. "He would see," he mused to himself. Soon the lessons began coming from Singapore. He enjoyed them and completed the course. But then school let out and Jackson had to find work. Again the truth lay dormant as Jackson went to work as a scaler at a sawmill on the Tatau River. Two years later, Jackson was sent to Miri, a sea coast city 100 miles north of his home for vocational training in welding. After a short intensive course he returned to Bintulu to work. One day to his surprise, he met Dian Sulaiman, the layman who had first opened his mind to God's love. Their conversation turned to spiritual things and Dian invited Jackson to Sabbath School. This time Jackson could go. He no longer needed to ask his parents' permission. Joyfully, Jackson accompanied Dian to church for three years. Then for a time he was again transferred to Miri for work. This time he looked up the Adventist pastor and asked for Bible studies. Pastor Wung Wei Kong gladly studied with him and on October 20, 1982, Jackson was baptized. That weekend Pastor Calvin Smith happened to be in town teaching the members how to form action teams to teach the "Bible Speaks" lessons to their neighbors. Jackson and two of his friends immediately formed a team and returned to work for God in Bintulu. It wasn't long before a family living there was ready for baptism. The next year Jackson and his team returned to Jackson's longhouse home at Pasir Nangka. Now filled with the Holy Spirit's power and joy, Jackson's team eagerly worked among their relatives and friends. Three years passed quickly, during which time 34 precious people came to know of Jesus' love for them and joined the Seventh-day Adventist church through baptism. Marvelous is our God, who uses various and asundry ways, to bring His people to a knowledge of Himself. May-June, 1986 � THE MESSENGER � 5 NEWSBREAK � REMARKABLE SUCCESS BRINGS DELAY The new Seventh-day Adventist Church Hymnals for the Singapore area and Penang churches are scheduled to arrive in Singapore sometime during the middle of July or first of August. When the order was placed with the Review and Herald Publishing Association in December, 1985 the stock was all sold out. Thus, the unfortunate delay has occurred. The hymnal has become an all-time best seller from the Review and Herald Publishing Association during this past year. Read the following lastest report just received from Dr. E. Harold Lickey, Seminary professor at Andrews University and chairman of the text committee for the new hymnal, concerning this exciting and timely volume. The new Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal is the most remarkable success-story in the history of Adventist publishing. At first the Review and Herald Publishing Association was hesitant to print more than 50,000 copies on their first press run. However, courageously they decided to take a considerable risk and print 100,000. Much to the surprise of all, the first printing completely sold out immediately. As quick as possible they printed another lot of 100,000. These too sold immediately. As of April 1, 1986, the total stands at 335,000 with orders still coming in. This kind of acceptance and enthusiasm has far exceeded the most optimistic dreams of all those involved in the project. All elements of the church constituency are finding the volume packed full of material they like. Those who prepared the Hymnal were successful in providing a wide range of quality materials designed to strengthen congregational praise in worship. Evidently the time was ripe for the production of a new collection of hymns for our people's use. There seems to be a wide sense of awareness for the importance of music in our church program. This awareness has grown during the last few years as many complex factors in today's environment have affected our Adventist culture. Dr. E. Harold Lickey The new Seventh-day Adventist Church Hymnal has made a great impact for good on the worship service of our church members in other parts of the world field. The increased value derived through the new materials and helpful worship aids can hardly be estimated. As church members in the Singapore/Penang area plan towards the soon arrival of their hymnals, watch the Southeast Asia Messenger for more details concerning the use of the new hymnal as well as other aspects of current church development and thought in this very vital area of church worship. Loralyn Horning SOUTHERN COLLEGE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA HELPS BUILD CHURCH The Southern College Symphony Orchestra raised $7,690.00 for the Adventist Better Living Centre Facilities at the new Jurong Church Complex of Singapore. Under the able directorship of Dr. Orlo Gilbert, the 75 member orchestra gave excellent performances in the Singapore Conference Hall on May 17 and Southeast Asia Union College, May 18. Many community people came as a result of advertizing by radio and local newspapers. Approximately 150 copes of the "Friendship Issue" of the Adventist Review were given to these folk. We praise God for blessing the entire project so that much money was raised for the Jurong Church. A big thank you goes to Dr. Orlo Gilbert and the Southern College Orchestra for their outstanding performances and Singapore's Working Committee members: Larry Colburn, Lolabelle Wee, Snowda Siregar, Dale Rhodes, Edmund Ho, John Lim, Loralyn Horning, and Matthew Yuen for their nine months of behind-the-scenes preparation and excellent organization. Pastor Danson Ng, Chairman Southern College Symphany Orchestra Working Committee ILJP THE MEND OF THE WORLD WINN 4 � -10 a! PPRIL 1986 111.,:- NIGHTLY. 6 � THE MESSENGER � May-June, 1986 WEST MALAYSIA � WORLD DRUG PREVENTION CONGRESS Community leaders from 60 countries will meet in Nice, France, August 31 - September 4, 1986, for the Sixth World Congress on the Prevention of Alcoholism and Drug Dependency. "The drug and alcohol problem has now reached epidemic proportions and is threatening to destroy an entire generation of young people and their families," stated America's first lady, Nancy Reagan, at a recent gathering. But the climate is changing maintains Dr. H. J. Steed, Executive Director of the International Commission For the Prevention of Alcoholism and Drug Dependency. "Prevention concepts and programs by government agencies and other organizations are gathering momentum. Alcohol consumption is dropping," he reports. According to an Agence France Presses wire service report 12-24-85) a "lake of unwanted alcohol in Europe" has the wine industry worried. The Adventist World Health Council will take place in Nice, September 5-10, immediately after the International Conference on drug prevention. Victor Cooper, General Conference Correspondent AWR-ASIA NEWS IN CAPSULE The construction of AWR-Asia's two antenna systems is in full swing. Some 50 galvanized steel anchor rods and 26,000 pounds of guywire cable have been essembled into 64 dipoles, the unit that does the actual radiating of radio signals. These dipoles are now stacked and awaiting the construciton of the towers, which range in height from 202 feet to 330 feet. The towers, inspected in Peoria, Illinois, April 21, were shipped to Guam and should arrive the first of July. Papau New Guinea and Pakistan are discussing the possibilities of joining with the other Seventh-day Adventist entities of Hong Kong East Asia, Far Eastern Division, and Southern Asia Division to broadcast programs. If they join, Papau New Guinea would use the official language, Pidgin English, to reach its over 3 million population. Of this number, 75,000 are already Seventh- day Adventists. Due to the remoteness of many villages on this large island, shortwave radio is very popular there. Pakistan would develop programs in the Urdu language from a studio in their capital city of Lahore. JESUS, FRIEND OF THE WORLD SEMINAR DRAWS CROWD In early April following months of careful ground work, 30 visitors came nightly to a one-week evangelistic crusade held at the Melaka Seventh-day Adventist Church. A Vacation Bible School was conducted jointly for 20 children. As the week drew to a close, many of the visitors asked that the meetings be continued. Thus, four additional Friday evenings were scheduled. At the conclusion, ten individuals requested further Bible study. Toh See Wai, member of Melaka SDA Church Friend of the World seminar participants. A BREAKTHROUGH AT KULAI During the past five years, the lay activities work of the Kulai SDA Chinese Church has suffered for various reasons. Concerned church members discussed the problem with Pastor Calvin Smith. It was decided to conduct a health seminar on a Sabbath afternoon in March. Dr. and Mrs. Clarence Ing and Dr. and Mrs. Donald Bates from Youngberg Adventist Hospital were invited to lecture on various subjects, including dental care. Their service was much appreciated and 65 people signed up for Voice of Prophecy lessons. Connie Chia, Lay Activities Director, Kulai SDA Chinese Church. May-June, 1986 � THE MESSENGER � 7 SINGAPORE � YAH ACQUIRES NEW EXERCISE TREADMILL The latest facility at Youngberg Adventist Hospital is a new fully computerized exercise treadmill. It was purchased this last April, 1986. It provides better ECG analysis of patients with heart problems than the normal type of treadmill equipment. According to Dr. Baldev Singh, YAH Specialist- physician in cardiology, this equipment will be used on patients with chest pains to rule out narrowing of arteries or coronary artery disease. It will be used on older patients to check for fitness before they begin any type of an extended exercise program. In addition, participants attending "Newstart" and "Heartbeat" will benefit from this more in-depth testing equipment. "It is a new generation type of equipment for exercise testing. It has already been put to full use since it arrived. The load will definitely increase since it's demand is high," remarked Dr. Singh during an interview. Jonathan Ng, Public Relations Director, YAH Dr. Singh checking the blood pressure of a patient using the fully computerized new exercise treadmill at YAH. Linda and Lam Kiong. WITNESSING BRINGS RICH DIVIDENDS The Chuan Hoe Seventh-day Adventist Church of Singapore records the highest ratio in Singapore of members within its church marrying each other. Despite the limited choice among only 25 regular members, a surprisingly high total of 14 young people have married each other. Key to this high ratio has been church fellowship and witnessing. In addition to the weekly church services and potlucks, frequent Saturday night socials, and an occasional picnic or camping trip, the young people worked faithfully in house-to-house ministry. As they went out each Sabbath in groups of two or three to share Jesus' love they had the opportunity to become well acquainted. Such was Linda and Lam Kiong's experience. In August of 1976, Linda attended a crusade held at Chepstow Close, Serangoon Garden Estate. Following the crusade, Pastor Michael Ho and Mr. Lim Eng gave her Bible studies for about a year. She attended church for several months and then stopped due to some personal problems. Fortunately late in 1979 she attended a second evangelistic series held in Serangoon Garden Recreation Club. She was baptized in January, 1980. At this time she met Mr. Lam Kiong, one of the church members. Mr. Lim Kiong was concerned that she understand her Bible better, so he continued to study with Linda following her baptism. He taught her how to witness and they became a regular witnessing team. During the next five years their aquaintance deepened into love and reached a beautiful summit on their wedding day in September of 1985. Pastor Michael Ho, Associate Churuch Ministries, Director, WMSM 8 � THE MESSENGER � May-June, 1986 THAILAND � GROWTH AT CHAINAT Mr. Komol Santimalapong (Tan Qui Kiang) MR. TAN QUI KIANG Retirement with a big vote of thanks was granted to Komol Santimalapong (Tan Qui Kiang) by the Thailand Mission. Mr. Tan has served the Thailand Mission since 1936 when he began work as an office clerk three months before his 16th birthday. Between 1936 and 1986 his denominational work included service in the Thailand Mission, the Phuket Hospital, Bangkok Adventist Hospital, and Adventist English School. During his years at A.E.S. he oversaw the planning and financial arrangements for developing the school plant, faculty housing, and academic programs for Adventist English School and Adventist Ekamai School. His leadership and insight helped these schools maintain a strong financial basis and subsidize various projects of the educational work of the Thailand Mission. In February of 1956, Mr. Tan married Lee Lee Koh. The Tans have two daughters serving in denominational institutions in Thailand. Effie is a physician at Phuket Hospital and Amy is a dentist at Bangkok Adventist Hospital. Mr. Tan's official retirement begins what he calls the "cutting back" period. It is a time in which he will help others prepare to carry on his responsibilities. Mr. Tan is an active leader in the Ekamai Thai church and works faithfully to provide Bible instruction to the many support staff employees of Adventist English School and Adventist Ekamai School. His talents, so long dedicated to God's service, are continuing to be used. Paul W. Essig, Administrator, Adventist English School After a short evangelistic crusade conducted by the Bangkok Adventist Hospital Chaplain's Department, February 22-March 8, five people were baptized into Chainat Seventh-day Adventist Church located in north Thailand. During the series, Pastor Penaflorida spoke of God's power over evil spirits and disease. Approximately 30 villagers attended the nightly meetings. They enjoyed the lectures so much that they often asked questions afterwards into the wee hours of the night. The construction of the new Chainat church continued during the evangelistic meetings. Today this chapel, large enough to hold 60 people, stands completed to the glory of God. Public Relation Department, BAH Pastor Penaflorida (right) with five individuals at baptism. VOICE OF YOUTH TRAINING COURSE FOR UBON YOUTH Pastor Rungsit, Thailand Mission Church Ministries Associate Director, and Pastor G. T. Ng conducted a three-day Voice of Youth Evangelism Training Course for over 80 youth from the Ubon district churches in February, 1986. During the session, the youth separated into discussion groups to plan for their own Voice of Youth seminars to be held later this year. G.T. Ng, Church Ministries Director, SAUM Amami Niyonkun (left) shwas a moment of Joy with a Nand, Nat Mahal. May-June, 1986 � THE MESSENGER � 9 THREE-FOLD OUTREACH MEETS WITH SUCCESS On February 11, 1986, 30 children and 8 adults, respectively, received diplomas for faithfully attending a Branch Sabbath School for one quarter and completing the Voice of Prophecy Health Course. This large number of graduates resulted from a three-fold outreach carried forward by the Adventist English School Church members of Thailand. Mr. John Perumal and a group of teachers from the school organized three Branch Sabbath Schools to run simultaneously. Mr. Paul W. Essig, AES Administrator, and Mrs. Rajpal formed a group to visit homes and shops to enroll people in the VOP Health Course. Mr. Johnny Rueh, Mr. Edward Pang, and Mr. Anant Srikereja, with their group, distributed Christian literature. In the Klongtan area, the largest Branch Sabbath School grew to 40 participating children. Each Sabbath many individuals were enrolled in the Health Course, while hundreds of Signs of the Times and Thai Health and Home magazines were distributed. The graduation of so many young people boosted the morale of the workers so much that the three-fold outreach continues in a strong way with the help of the Holy Spirit. The logistic support of the Adventist English School and the Thailand Publishing House is greatly appreciated. Mr. Johnny Rueh, Director, Thailand Publishing House Mrs. Puangpat, Director of Thailand VOP, gives away Health Course Diplomas. Mr. Johnny Rush, TPH Manager, giving away a diploma to the youngest BSS member. SABAH � FAITHFUL THOUGH ALONE Naumen Satin Lakansa, a young Seventh-day Adventist man from Kayangat, Tenghilan, Sabah married a non- Adventist girl from Bongol in 1983. Though happy in his marriage he was disappointed to discover that he was the only Seventh-day Adventist in his wife's village. Instead of loosing heart, however, and drifting out of the church, he began to share his faith. Naumen and his wife began studying the Bible together. Then, as he witnessed in the community Naumen discovered that the majority of the people attended either the local Borneo Evangelical Mission, True Jesus Church, or Roman Catholic Church. A few families belonged to the Islamic religion and the rest followed their ancestral worship. It was difficult to evangelize these people, due to a wrong concept of Seventh-day Adventists that had previously been formed. Naumen didn't give up, however, and one day God led him to two families in need of love and encouragement. As he endeavored to help these families with their material needs he began to share Jesus with them. One sad day one of their sons died. Naumen read many verses of hope and comfort to them from his Bible. A little later he obtained some necessary clothing and rice from the mission office for these people. The families were very impressed. Upon request, the mission granted Naumen some financial assistance to hold a layman's effort in the home Continue on page 12. 10 � THE MESSENGER � May-June, 1986 SARAWAK � IMPROVED CHAPEL FOR CHINESE MEMBERS OF KUCHING The Chinese congregation of the Kuching Seventh-day Adventist Church with their Pastor Chai Nyuk Fah now enjoy a comfortable, Sarawak first-time air-conditioned church home following the recent renovation of their crowded, stuffy basement chapel located beneath the English SDA Church. The seating capacity was nearly doubled by extending the walls approximately eight feet. A new porch and walk were added to provide easier access. Gothic style windows of colored glass, a new ceiling, a contemporary lighting system, and two air-conditioning units to aide ventilation were installed. Daniel Walter, Ministerial Secretary, Sarawak Mission The renovated Chinese SDA Church of Kuching. A taste of the demonstration dishes at the potluck held the last day of the cooking class. Four campers take their stand for baptism at the Bible Camp. SARAWAK YOUTH BIBLE CAMP The Sarawak Youth Bible Camp under the directorship of Pastor Andy Ng and Mr. Watson Ho was held April 6-11 at Santubong Beach Campsite. At the conclusion, one girl, Miss Leslivia Ereser of Penrissen Secondary School, was baptized. Four took their stand for baptism, and 20 indicated their desire to accept Christ as their Saviour. Pastor Jonathan Ng, Chaplain of Youngberg Adventist Hospital, guest-lectured on the popular self-development topics of love and responsibility, understanding the adolescent, family relationships, communication, and finding a life partner. The students expressed appreciation for the question and answer sessions, as well as the counselling services provided by Pastor Ng. The 40 campers were comprised of students from Sunny Hill School, Penrissen Secondary School, Tunku Abdul Razak College, and the Voice of Prophecy. Pastor Andy Ng, Kuching English SDA Church "A TASTE OF NATURE" COOKING SEMINAR A six-day cooking class was conducted at the Sunny Hill School of Sarawak during the week of April 6-11 for 30 community ladies. Lectures on vegetarianism were given by Peggy Chaw, Union Health/Temperance Director. She and Mrs. Janet Ng, Pastor Andy Ng's wife, demonstrated a variety of tasty dishes. Many of the ladies commented that they never knew vegetarian cooking could taste so good and be so nutritious. Choo Wee Fong, President, Sarawak Mission May-June, 1986 � THE MESSENGER � 11 VILLAGE EVANGELISM SCHOOL The first part of a two-part Village Evangelism School was conducted March 6-22 in Bunga (Flower), 33 miles SE of Kuching under the direction of Pastors Dan Walter, Ng Gan Theow, Dr. Steve Bassham and Pastor Lawrence Banyie, evangelist for the Sarawak Mission. On Sunday, 12 pastors and eight Village Lay Pastors arrived at Bunga and were invited into the homes of a number of the Adventist villagers. Dr. Bassham, Pastor Ng Gan Theow, and Pastor Lawrence Banyie lectured on various aspects of evangelism during the day. Dr. Bassham spoke on the "Bridges of God" and "Reclaiming Straying Sheep". "Bridges," he said, "are Adventist members reaching out to their non-Adventist relatives." He divided "backsliders" into 18 different categories and discussed the most proven ways to reach each group. Pastor Ng Gan Theow spoke on personal preparation and motivating the laymen for community outreach. Pastor Banyie guided the pastors in understanding how to adapt basic evangelistic principles to the needs of the local village people and how to give Bible studies to illiterate individuals. On Tuesday and Friday morning, the pastors and village lay workers went with their host families into the fields to help with the rice harvests. One family, through a recent difficulty, was unable to harvest their rice, so the pastors harvested it for them. Despite the fact that this village is largely Seventh-day Adventist, 100 names of present non-SDA family members, young people not yet baptized, and discouraged, non-attending church members were discovered during the evening visitation periods. This list of individuals will be the target of much prayer during the intervening months until October. At that time the second phase of this evangelistic training school will culminate in an effort conducted by Dr. Ray Roth from the Philippines, Dr. Steve Bassham, and Pastor Dan Walter. On Sabbath, a harvest festival of thanksgiving was rendered to God. Non-Adventist visitors from Bunga and surrounding villages joined their Adventist friends in this praise ceremony. Over 20 sacks of rice, stalks of bananas, squash, etc. were brought to the church as tithe. In addition, small sacks of rice representing next year's crop were brought to receive God's blessing during a special seed-blessing ceremony. Presently, Edmund Liah, the church pastor of Bunga, and Pastor Daniel Walter are continuing to train the local members as they prepare for the evangelistic effort in October/November of this year. Daniel Walter, Ministerial Secretary, Sarawak Mission Village lay pastor. Morriss Ak. Nylpong, harvesting rice for disabled family Dr. Steve Bassham carrying 50 kg. begs of rice from the field Village lay pastor, Sanggum, (R) making plans with Y.L.P. Morris. SOUTHEAST ASIA UNION MISSION DIRECTORY G. C. Johnson � President C. Y. Wu � Secretary, Religious Liberty T. G. Staples � Treasurer H. H. Kong � Assistant Treasurer Peter Wong � Auditor R. C. Horning �Publishing, Spirit of Prophecy G. T. Ng � Church Ministries G. A. Pauner � Education Assoc. Church Ministries, C. L. Smith � Communications, Voice of Prophecy Assoc. Church Ministries, Peggy Chaw � Health and Temperance W. S. Bassham � Ministerial Nancy Bassham � Shepherdess International LOCAL MISSION DIRECTORY Sabah: P. 0. Box 7, 89257 Tamparuli, Sabah, East Malaysia Telephone: 782-244, 872-346 Charles Gaban � President Edmund Siagian � Secretary/Treasurer/Auditor Sarawak: P.O Box 41, 93700 Kuching, Sarawak Telephone: 427079, 418933 Choo Wee Fong � President Atherton M. Singo � Secretary/Treasurer/Auditor Thailand/Laos: P. O. Box 11-234, Bangkok 10110, Thailand Telephone: 391-3594, 391-3595, 391-3808 W. L. Wilcox � President Sompong Srisawat Secretary/Treasurer/Auditor West Malaysia/Singapore. 166-A Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur 06-26 Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia Telephone: 242-7795 David Leoh � President C. 8. Lim � Secretary/Treasurer/Auditor Editor � Lucy Ho Managing Editor � Loralyn Horning INSTITUTIONAL DIRECTORY Southeast Asia Union College � K. S. Koh Southeast Asia Publishing House � John Ho Thailand Publishing House � Johnny Rueh Bangkok Adventist Hospital Haad Yai Mission Hospital Penang Adventist Hospital Phuket Adventist Hospital Youngberg Adventist Hospital Ronald W. Brody Chuiwat Kootanasan R. R. Standish Rodrigo R. Caagbay Kenneth Reimche 12 � THE MESSENGER � May-June, 1986 KUCHING CHARACTER BUILDING SCHOOL In early April, several of the Adventist teachers from the area took a portion of their vacation to conduct a Character Building School for 50 children at the Kuching Seventh-day Adventist Church. The parents appreciated the generosity of these teachers. They gave an offering of M$150 on graduation night, April 13, to demonstrate their thanks and defray the expenses incurred. Choo Wee Fong, President, Sarawak Mission Graduation night for the Character Building School. Continued from page 9 of one of his new friends, Mr. Suanti. The Master Guide Club of Kapa Church and Kapa's district pastor, Mr. Stephen Gunggut, helped him. After this effort in April, 1985, Naumen began to hold regular Branch Sabbath School meetings in Mr. Suanti's home. Both families decided to throw away their 'tinumung' (fetish). "We must follow the true God," they determined. The small group increased in size. Finally towards the end of 1985, Mr. Stephen Gunggut conducted a regular effort at Togop Church during which time 16 people were baptized, thirteen of which resulted from Naumen's efforts. Today, this small church group of 20 people conducts a regular Sabbath School program each week in the crowded conditions of Mr. Suanti's home, only 10' by 18' in size. Earnest prayer is requested that God will continue to bless and enlarge this new group of believers and that someday they might have a larger place in which to worship. M Gunggut, Wife of District Pastor, Kapa, Tamparuli "We learn from the Holy Scripture that the Church has only one task, which is to bear witness to Him who was and is and is to come.... We can do nothing, we have nothing, we are nothing." Ludwig Ihmels, The Stockholm Conference of 1925, ed. K. A. Bell.