SOUTHEAST ASIA UNION essenger M.I.T.A. (P) No. 294/05/93 � May/June 1993 ISSN 0026-0371 THE MARATHON OF LIFE The Messenger Time With God Sometimes I fear we face the peril of substituting busy work for a real walk with God. The life of Jesus was completely focused on the agenda of His Father. "My food," He said, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work" (John 4:34, NIV). Into this task He threw His entire being. Matthew captures the dynamics of His ministry: "Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd" (Matthew 9:35, 36, NIV). What was the source of this energy, this drive, this commitment? The Gospels paint a portrait of our Lord's life completely anchored in prayer. One Saturday night, after the sun went down, people who had been anxiously waiting all day rushed to Jesus with their sick and suffering relatives. "The whole town gathered at the door" where Jesus was, Mark said (Mark 1:33). Late into the night He ministered to them. What time do you suppose He got into bed? Yet, "very early in the morning (Sunday), while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed" (verse 35). On another occasion, feeling the burden of an expanding ministry, He "went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God" (Luke 6:12). There are several questions we as Christians must ask ourselves: How important is prayer to us? How keenly do we sense our own need? How much time do we spend in personal, in-depth Bible study? When was the last time we really came to grips with our personal relationship with God? In short, how is our time with God? Sometimes I fear that all of us face the peril of substituting busy work for a real walk with God. It is so easy to let the pressure of daily living push aside time for a personal encounter with God. In the Christian life everything is dependent upon the quality of the time we spend with God. It is in our secret chamber, face to face with the Lord, that we find ourselves. This is where the unadulterated reality of our Christian life is defined. In the real-heart encounter with God, we drop the facade — the pretence — and come face to face with the condition of our own souls. It is in this setting that real personal growth happens. The strength and insight derived from this spiritual growth, derived from our quiet time with God in personal devotion and Bible study, means everything to the church. It determines the quality of the contribution we make on boards and committees, in the Sabbath school class, at the prayer meeting, as well as our Christian witness in our secular activities. It affects the light in which we view issues — from ordinary to complex — facing the church. Our orientation to these problems, the posture we adopt, the positions we take, our ability to sense the moving of the Spirit, our sensitivity to the needs and problems of others, both individually and corporately — all these, whether we realise it or not, have a relationship to the quality of our personal devotions. The issue is practical and urgent. For if worldliness, busyness and the general distraction of the mundane preoccupy our attention and our time, then the contribution we make to the mission of the church will be tainted. It will lack the depth, the insight and the sensitivity that derive from a close and intimate relationship with the Lord. Therefore, however fierce the rat race that surrounds us, each of us must find a hideaway to meet with God. There is no substitute. Without this, we will degenerate into the mechanical, the perfunctory, the routine — playing church, but remaining complete strangers to the real power of God. I have always been amazed by the devotional life of Daniel, surrounded as he was by the hectic pace and endless intrigues of the royal court of Babylon. The Bible says that three times a day, with his windows open toward the city of his birth, he lingered with God in prayer (Daniel 6:10). This is the secret of all those who have successfully walked with God across the centuries, and this is precisely the life that Jesus models for us. "From hours spent with God He came forth morning by morning, to bring the light of heaven to men. Daily He received a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In the early hours of the new day the Lord awakened Him from His slumbers, and His soul and His lips were anointed with grace, that He might impart to others" (Christ's Object Lessons, page 139). May this be our experience too. — Robert S Fol ken berg, President General Conference of SDA 2 � May/June 1993 The Messenger SAUM Welcomes New President Elder and Mrs. Robin Riches arrived in Singapore on Monday, June 28. Elder Riches has now taken over responsibility as president of Southeast Asia Union Mission. Mrs. Riches is serving as secretary in the office of the Ministerial Secretary, Communication Director, and Global Mission Coordinator. She will also serve as coordinator for Messenger. Elder and Mrs. Riches are British citizens. She was born in Cornwall and he in Suffolk. They met at Newbold College while both were studying there. Elder Riches graduated with a degree in theology and Mrs. Riches received a diploma as a Bible worker. The Riches come to Southeast Asia with a rich background of service in Asia. From 1966 to 1973 Elder Riches served as a departmental director in South India. During those years he also completed a masters degree in New Testament at Andrews University. From South India they moved to Bombay where he served as president of the Central India Union from 1973 until 1980, at which time they moved to New Delhi where he served as president of the Northern India Union until 1985. In 1985 Elder Riches was elected to serve as secretary of the Southern Asia Division, a position he held until 1990, when he took a position in the United States in order to be closer to their daughter and her family. But soon a call came for them to return to India, and Elder Riches served again as president of the Central India Union from 1991 until he accepted the call to take over as SAUM President. During his service in India Elder Riches gave strong emphasis to opening the work in new areas, and he plans to continue that emphasis here in Southeast Asia. The Central India Union administers more than 50 schools, which meant that much of his time was taken up with administrative duties, so now he looks forward to being able to spend more time in what he calls the "real work of the church:" evangelism. In his spare time Elder Riches enjoys golf, music (he plays piano and organ), and reading. Mrs. Riches enjoys swimming, music, stamp collecting, reading, and cooking. But perhaps the most joy for her comes from just being with others and socializing. The SAUM staff has given the Riches a warm welcome. No doubt the rest of the constituency will respond with the same enthusiasm. Mr. Wu Chook Ying, the Union Secretary, may be the happiest of all to see them here, since he has had to fill the role of acting president since Elder George Johnson took up responsibilities at the Far Eastern Division on February 1. — Kenneth R Wade, Communication Director, SAUM I PENINSULAR MALAYSIA I Ipoh Pathfinder Club Revived The Pathfinder Club of the Ipoh Chinese Church, which was revived about two years ago after a lapse of many years, now has a membership which stands at 15 including three adult leaders. The youngest member of the club is about five years old, and the oldest member is about 14 years old. They meet every Sunday afternoon from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The program includes activities such as singing, devotional, praying, flag raising ceremony, and marching. The pathfinders also spend time completing requirements for certain honours like knot-tying and language study. Pastor Leong's advice to the young people of our churches in Peninsular Malaysia is to join the pathfinder club if there is one in their church. Through this they can train themselves to serve God, His people, and the nation. At the same time they can have some fun together with their friends while they learn more about Jesus and His love. — Benjamin Paramiah, Church Ministries Director, PEM May/June 1993 � 3 The Messenger I SABAH I First Church Treasurers' Meeting Held The Sabah Adventist Mission held its first church treasurers' meeting. The meeting took place on March 24, 1993 in Tamparuli and on March 28 in Goshen. The 100 plus treasurers, elders, and pastors were warmly welcomed by the treasurer of the Sabah Mission, Lim See Him. After an inspiring song service, the devotional was presented by Tom Massengill, the treasurer of Southeast Asia Union Mission. During the treasurers' educational session, various duties and points of information were presented by both the Sabah and SAUM treasurer and translated by Francis Lajanin, publishing director of the Sabah Mission. Each session brought lively discussion from questions the local church treasurer asked. Discussion items included banking, monthly treasurers' reports to the local church board, reporting local church tithe and offerings to the Sabah Mission, confidentially of a treasurer, tithe funding to the Union and World Church plus much more. Participants were so enthusiastic that they did not want to close the session to break for lunch. A vote was taken to have further treasurers' meetings in Sabah. As one person stated, "I have been a treasurer for more than 30 years and have never felt a sense of fellowship at any time like we experienced here today. I know now we are truly a team to help God's cause." — Tons Massengill, Treasurer, SAUM I SARAWAK I News from the President's Desk Ministerial Association Seminar Draws Crowd Pastor Abdulmusin S. Abdulmajid, Far Eastern Division Associate Ministerial Secretary, conducted a two-day Ministerial Association Seminar on June 11- 12, 1993 at the Kuching English Church. It was attended by approximately 80 including laymen, lay pastors, and pastors of the mission. The seminar was aimed to help pastors and elders in the aspect of soul winning, nurturing and making disciples of those whom they have won to the church. Among the topics presented during the seminar were: Small Group Ministries, Biblical Methods of Nurturing, Follow-up Work, and Global Mission Concepts in Relationship to Mission Expansion. Pastor Muzz, as he is known, made his presentations practical to the level of the laymen and backed up his ideas with experiences. Touching on the topic of nurturing new members, Pastor Muzz emphasized that the church as a body must be willing to be involved in the nurturing process which includes: adopting and watching new members, leading new members to Jesus through prayer and personal devotion, encouraging and visiting new members in their homes and training new members to carry the gospel commission. All church members must participate to show people to "the Way, the Truth, and the Life," Dr. Muzz seems to say. 4 � May/June 1993 The Messenger In his closing remarks, Pastor Muzz stressed the importance of working unitedly as a body of Christ and working unitedly with the Holy Spirit. "Not by might, nor by power, but by my (God's) Spirit" that the work can be finished, and that Jesus will come soon to save His own. Sarawak Mission Conducted Workers' Retreat Sarawak Seventh-day Adventist Mission pastoral staff and their families attended a workers' retreat conducted at a beautiful beach in Sematan June 13-16. Workers' retreat is a time for reunion for the mission families, a time to share experiences with one another, and a time to enjoy one another's company. It is also a time for relaxation from all pastoral duties and a time to meditate on the calling that God has placed on their shoulders. Pastors' children listening attentively to career guidance led out by Lawrence Randig. Shirley Chapman, Associate Director of the Church Ministries Department of the Southeast Asia Union Mission conducted a seminar on Parenting and Team Ministry during the workers' retreat. The seminar was designed to help pastors better understand their wives because the success of the ministry depends on their working unitedly together for the glory of God. Mrs. Chapman spent considerable time with the pastors' wives to help them with their problems and to give guidance on how to maximize their talents for the ministry. A career guidance seminar was also conducted for the benefit of the pastors' children. It aimed to open their minds to choose professions that will not conflict with Adventist principles and standards. The retreat was a success for it bound the workers' families together to achieve a common goal of hastening the coming of the Lord. It was the desire of every pastor and their families to have the next retreat in the land made new, together with those for whom they worked. Jesus Christ will be the host. Sarawak Mission Conducted Strategic Planning Sarawak Mission conducted strategic planning for two consecutive days on June 17-18, 1993 to chart the work of Sarawak Mission for the next five years, 1993- 1997. The planning was conducted in the Mission office, attended by all the members of the Mission board, the Sunny Hill College board and the Ayer Manis school board. A few selected laymen were also invited to sit in the various subcommittees to give feedback and to contribute ideas as to the direction the Mission will take for the next five years. In his opening message, Pastor Edmund M. Liah compared the Adventist church of today with the time when the children of Israel were about to cross the Jordan River into the Land of Canaan. Israel as a nation made spiritual preparations for this move. They were united, moved with faith, and vowed to serve the living God and then, God commanded them to go forward. To "Go Forward" is the command of God. To Moses God said, "go forward and cross the Red Sea," to Joshua it was, "go over this Jordan," to Gideon, it was, "go in thy might," to the Apostolic Church it was, "go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost." To the man from whom Jesus cast out demons the command was, "Return home and shew how great things the Lord has done unto thee," to the disciples the command was, "launch into the deep" and to Paul, "Arise, and go into the city and it shall be told what thou must do." Furthermore, Pastor Edmund encouraged the planning committee and the church members as a whole to go forward to win more unentered territories for Christ, to go forward in spiritual growth, in God's word, in self support, in unity, in obedience to God's holy precepts and in faith. With more church members participating in Global Mission and faithfulness in stewardship, we can see a great progress in the work of God in Sarawak Mission. — Edmund M Liah, President, SA K May/June 1993 � 5 The Messenger Lubok Antu District Conducts AY Camp Forty-five young people from Lubok Antu, Sri Aman, and Roban Districts attended an Adventist Youth Camp conducted on a beautiful island near Batang Ai Hydro Dam on June 6-9, 1993. The AY Camp was led out by Pastor Edmund Liah, Mission president, assisted by Pastor and Mrs. Anyau Kinchang, Pastor Andrew Wong, and Pastor Attie Gara, district pastors of Roban, Sri Aman, and Lubok Antu respectively. The objective of the camp was to address the Adventist youth on the proper concept of courtship and marriage. Topics such as "Choosing Life Partners," "How to Differentiate Between Love and Infatuation," "Proper Ethics of Courtship," "Dangers of Premarital Sex," and "Sexually Related Diseases," were discussed. AY camp conducted on an island near Batang Ai Hydro Dam. Another very important topic on "Adventist Youth and Global Mission" was also discussed. The Advent Movement was started by young people who have dedicated their lives for the spreading of the gospel that Jesus Christ will come soon. The year 1993 is the Year for Youth Evangelism and they need to be challenged, inspired, and motivated to participate in the Great Gospel Commission. The campers that came to Lubok Antu AY Camp enjoyed the fellowship with one another during social activities around the camp fire or the boat ride or even fishing along the beautiful coastline of the Batang Ai Hydro Darn. They left the camp inspired to face the challenges ahead — to work with God that His coming will be soon. — Jeros J Liah, SAK SAK Intern Pastor Ties the Nuptial Knot Francis Amer, Sarawak Mission intern pastor, and Grace Ng, otherwise known as Glum Bee, were married on May 16, 1993. The wedding took place in the Kuching English Church and was officiated by Pastor Lawrence Randig. Grace was smiling happily as Francis led her to the altar. � A reception followed at the Santubong Inn. Francis is presently serving as an intern pastor in Serial, and Ghim Bee is teaching in the Business Institute at King's Center. We're happy their dreams have come true and wish them a happy marriage. — Lawrence Randig, Communication Director, SAK Sarawak Mission Conducts Combined LE Convention with West Kalimantan Mission A historic event was created when Sarawak Literature Evangelists had a combined LE Convention with the Literature Evangelists of West Kalimantan Mission on May 19-23, 1993. It was conducted in Pontianak SDA Church, Pontianak. Special speakers and lecturers who attended the convention were Pastor Johnny Lubis, West Indonesia Union Mission publishing director and his associate, Pastor J B Banjarnahor. Unfortunately, Pastor Branum J Oberholster, SAUM publishing director was not able to attend due to his inability to get a visitors' 6 � May/June 1993 New Acting Publishing Director for SAK Historic picture of Combined LE Convention with West Kalimantan Mission. Vincent Amer's family. The Messenger visa to enter Pontianak. However, the vacuum caused by his absence was filled by Pastor Edmund M Liah and Ishak Simatupang, president and treasurer of Sarawak SDA Mission respectively, who gave the spirit-filled devotional talk every morning and evening throughout the convention. a colporteur." Only eternity will reveal the result of their dedicated services. — Vincent Amer, Publishing Director, SAK On Saturday afternoon, Pontianak SDA Church requested that the Literature Evangelists take over the young people's program, where they shared their interesting experiences in the field. During the dedication service every Literature Evangelist of both missions surrendered their lives to this important ministry — to prepare a people for God's kingdom. They all happily adopted the slogan, "once a colporteur, always Mary Ng, the publishing director of the Sarawak Mission for the last several years, has asked for a maternity leave of absence, effective April 1993. Vincent Amer has been asked to be the acting publishing director. He and his wife have four children — three boys and one girl. We welcome him to the Mission office. — Lawrence Randig, Communication Director, SAK I SINGAPORE I The "Winning ..." Series Set against the backdrop of the upcoming 1993 SEA Games, the SDA Mission of Singapore ran an evangelistic series called "Winning the Marathon of Life." After having gone several years without a major evangelistic project, SAM successfully planned for and conducted a series of nine meetings. Spaced out over three weekends, the meetings reinvigorated dormant evangelistic muscles throughout SAM. The "Winning ..." series, as the project was affectionately called, was run on May 28-30, June 4-6 and June 11-13 of 1993. The meetings were held at the Southeast Asia Union College Auditorium. The entire pastoral staff of the Mission and many lay leaders were involved in the endeavor. During the three weekends, three different preachers, delivered the message of truth to the people of Singapore. The series opened with Pastor Victor Lee explaining to the audience the futility of life without Christ. During the second weekend, Pastor Warm Fanwar presented Jesus as the answer to the deepest spiritual needs of the May/June 1993 � 7 The Messenger Wann Fanwar with translator Johnny Kan. human heart. The "Winning ..." series reached its climax on the third weekend when Pastor Samuel Money preached about the believer's life of victory. Throughout the nine meetings, an average of 150 people attended nightly. The series reaped a rich harvest of 145 new interests and 31 persons who made decisions for Christ and Bible studies. During the series itself four candidates were also baptized. Besides these four, other baptisms are expected in the near future. A number of factors rendered the "Winning ..." series unique. Each night's program consisted of a magazine segment and a sermon. In the magazine segment congregational singing, health talks, puppet shows, quizzes, and special musical renditions provided the audience with a variety of ideas to reflect upon. The series also made use of three local pastors rather than a single evangelist. Pastor Victor Lee is the chaplain of the SDA School. Pastor Wann Fanwar is a pastor with SAM and also Church Ministries director of SAM. Pastor Samuel Money is the Voice Of Prophecy director for Southeast Asia Union Mission. Concurrent with the main series, a children's series, "Heroes of the Bible," was also held. The children were separated into two age groups, 3-6 and 7-12. About 40 children attended the children's series nightly. Much hard work was put in to present Jesus to Singapore and to uplift His name in this city. The success of the series owes a great deal to the dedicated effort of the pastoral staff and the untiring ministry of a large number of the laity. Numerous individuals contributed to the series in a multitude of ways. Some contributed songs; some provided the logistical support necessary; and others cared for the visitors and interests. All those who worked with the "Winning ..." series sensed the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. We believe that the triumph of the series was truly providential. We pray that the Lord will continue to bless SAM and its attempts to bring the gospel to the people of Singapore. — Wants M Fanwar, Church Ministries Director Singapore Adventist Mission Miracles for the Master God often sends angels to assist literature evangelists in their work. The wide awake gospel worker recognizes them and praises the Lord for His divine help. These angels may appear in the form of a human being, or they may be invisible. In the case of literature evangelist Tony, the angel appeared in the form of a human being, a lady. It happened one morning while he was going from one small business to another, calling on the shopkeepers to buy his books. The going was not an easy job, but Tony was as much aware of God's presence as ever. He entered a shop and immediately noticed that there were no customers in the shop at that moment. He approached the Greek owner with all the confidence he could muster, together with a big smile. Unfortunately the man did not seem very impressed with Tony's books. After a number of tries the literature evangelist realized that he was not going to make a sale here and started packing his books away. And then it happened! Into the shop walked a well dressed lady with a big, friendly smile. She walked straight to where the two men were standing, looked directly at the shop owner, and said to him: "I advise you to buy these books." Without another word she turned around, walked out of the shop, and disappeared. The man, without further argument, walked over to the cash register, took out the money and paid cash for his books. Who was this lady? You would have difficulty convincing Tony that it was not an angel -- and I, somehow, believe it as well. "Those who labor for the good of others are working in union with the heavenly angels. They have their constant companionship, their unceasing ministry." Testimonies for the Church, Volume 6, pp. 307, 308. Friend, why don't you join the army of literature evangelists in this Union and enjoy the companionship of angels with us? You will be most welcome. For 8 � May/June 1993 The Messenger information contact the publishing department of your local mission. — A J Oberholster, Publishing Director, Southeast Asia Union Mission Positive Parenting Seminar The Adventist Student Care Centre, operated by the Youngberg Seventh-day Adventist Church, organized a Positive Parenting Seminar from April 30-May 2, 1993. Lively lectures aided by an overhead projector were presented by Mrs. Shirley Chapman, SAUM Family Life director. Often she would mingle her lectures with her own parenting experiences for she said that one of her goals in conducting parenting seminars is to help parents avoid some of the mistakes that she had made. The lectures were interspersed by lively group discussions led by Pastor Michael Ho, Pastor Lee Ki- plin, and Elder Mark Haddad. There was also a video presentation to enlighten the participants. The topics presented were: 1. Developing a Loving Relationship With Your Child 2. Discipline 3. Passing on Our Christian Values to Our Children 4. Anger in Small Children, Teenagers, and Parents Mrs. Shirley Chapman conducted a Positive Parenting Seminar at Youngberg Church. This seminar attracted seven visitors and about 25 members. All who attended were very appreciative of the parenting principles and concepts shared by Mrs. Chapman. Each one left with a renewed zeal and a determined effort to be a better parent. — Lilian Ho, Church Clerk Youngberg SDA Church Dr. Walters Joins Youngberg Dr. Nick Walters and his family arrived at Youngberg Adventist Hospital to serve as specialist-physician. He graduated from Loma Linda University with a Doctor of Medicine degree in 1989 and took up residency and internship at Florida Hospital from 1989-1992. He is a member of the American Board of Family Practice. It was his experience as a student missionary in Thailand from 1982-1983 that created a strong impression on him to be a medical missionary upon his graduation from medical school. Dr. Nicks Walters and family. His wife, Phosfe, is a nurse by profession with a bachelor of science degree in nursing. They have a two-year-old son, Christopher. The hospital administration would like to welcome the Walters to the Youngberg family and trust that their ministry in Singapore will be an enjoyable experience. — Jonathan Ng, Public Relations Director Youngberg Adventist Hospital May/June 1993 � 9 The Messenger I THAILAND I "For the Sabbath was made for ...." On Sabbath, March 13, a group of almost 60 medical doctors, dentists, nurses, beauticians, Adventist lay people, youth and pastors climbed on a large tour bus at 6:30 in the morning on their way to Ban Dan, a small village four hours north of Bangkok in the province of Nakhom Sawan. They were on their way to conduct a mobile clinic. Mobile clinic work in Thailand has a long history, but large groups such as this one started only last year when Mr. Chaiwat, personnel director at Bangkok Adventist Hospital, and Mr. Udom Srikureja, a local businessman and elder at the Ekamai English Church in Bangkok, joined together with the support of Bangkok Adventist Hospital. Since then they have gone out regularly to many small villages in Thailand providing free clinics for the people. Ms. Miiw, a worker in Mr. Udom's factory, lived in Ban Dan until eight or nine years ago when she moved to Bangkok. When she learned that her employer was willing to go to various areas to help provide clinic work, and was also willing to listen to, and care for his employees, she took the opportunity to ask him to go to her village with the medical clinic. As a result, at noon that Sabbath, 60 people poured off that tour bus onto the grounds of the small village school. Dental care in the open air of the school's veranda. They were expected. Although the school has only approximately 140 students, the whole village seemed to have turned out, and over 250 people were waiting with food prepared on the verandas. After a lunch of fried rice, fruit, and spicy papaya salad, the tables were cleared off, and the medicines were set up. A general health examination was provided, and medicines were dispensed for high blood pressure, aches and pains, ulcerations, and all the common ailments of a typical village. A row of "ghosts" appeared in front of the teachers' housing — white sheets draped children and adults taking advantage of free haircuts, and then there was the dentists' row of chairs and a crowd of onlookers. Those in the patients' chairs — faces etched with the pain and agony of waiting (always seeming to be a more terrible experience than the actual pulling...) were anxiously observed by the crowd, many of whom eventually took their places after they concluded that the dentist wasn't killing or maiming any of their neighbours. The whole event had a carnival-like flavor filled with children laughing and playing rubber-band jumping games and dart-rockets, and the older ones talking and sitting in the shade. There was ice cream and kanome, and music filled the air. The music came from the Adventist youth and pastors who had joined the clinic. Bringing with them guitars, speakers, keyboards, and an abundance of enthusiasm, they worked along with the doctors and nurses. In between songs that gave praise to the living God, the group talked about health principles such as the dangers of smoking. Their message could be heard throughout the clinic area, quietly explaining who they were, that this day was the Sabbath of their God, and that this God cared for that village. At about 5 o'clock that evening, the sky darkened ominously, and most of the villagers scrambled for their motorcycles or bicycles or ran home before the downpour started. About four inches of water later, the skies cleared up enough to pack up and head back to Bangkok. On the way back, the words of Mr. Udom seemed to echo the day's experiences. "We need to be 100% of what we believe. We need to be a caring church, in a real way.... In the cities, they have no time for things like (these clinics). But here in the villages, we can provide what is needed." There were no baptisms that day, and no conversions. There were no miraculous healings. There was laughter and music and learning and caring for the needs of a village that was home to one possibly 10 � May/June 1993 The Messenger One of the "White Ghosts" gets trimmed at the clinic. considered an insignificant worker in a Bangkok factory. There was the chance to witness in a way that would open doors to others who can now bring more of the caring of Christ to the village of Ban Dan. And when they come, they will introduce themselves as "people from the clinic's church." And they will be remembered, as Ms. Ampom Jataput, the principal of the school expressed it, not as people "who only came here to talk to us about religion. They came here to help us." — Yvonne M Terry, Correspondent, TAM Phuket Adventist Hospital Fund-Raising Concert On April 25, 1993 at 7:30 p.m., the workers and staff of Phuket Adventist Hospital held a fund-raising concert at the Thavorn Ratanakosin Grand Ballroom in Phuket. Physicians, nurses, and other workers united their talents for the benefit of the new hospital building project. The choral group opened the program with the "King's Anthem" and a song from West Side Story, "Tonight" by Bernstein. Mrs. Nursia Supunavong, hospital president, gave the introductory remarks. Highlighted that evening was Dr. Kittiporn Tantraroongroj, a surgeon at the hospital and an accomplished pianist. He played many piano favorites such as Chopin's "No Other Love," "Variation on Theme ABC" by Mozart, "The Entertainer" (Joplin), "Fur Elise" (Beethoven), and many others. In between the piano selections were vocal numbers. Several workers rendered solos and duets, singing both Thai and English songs. Mrs. Rosemary Malkiewycz sang "Buakao" and "Amazing Grace." Pranee Chirawongviroj, a nurse, sang "Fark Rak Wai Nai Pleng" and "Memories." Neil and Pamela Bayeta sang a duet in Thai, "Talay Mai Keuy Laab," then their three children joined them for a song from The Sound of Music, "Do Re Mi." Dr. Nantje Twijnstra, dentist, and a retired volunteer worker, played "Londonderry Air" on her clarinet. Her "children" joined her in playing some familiar selections on their recorders. The choral group closed the program with four songs: "Dork Mai Hai Koon," "Sai Tip," "You Never Walk Alone," and "Jai Prasarn Jai." The 1000-seat ballroom was nearly filled to capacity. The audience was composed of both Thais and foreigners. Among those who graced the event were Mr. Virapong Hongyok, son of the businessman who donated the land where PKAH is now located; and Mr. and Mrs. Jaroen Thavornvongwong, son of the owner of the Thavorn group of hotels. The whole program was woven into a beautiful tapestry by the brilliant narration of the Master of Ceremonies, Pastor Surachet hisom, editor at the Thailand Publishing Halve. Every participant was rewarded by positive comments from the audience. "This is the first time I have attended a concert here in Phuket where all the participants were workers and staff of an institution," one was heard as saying. And, truly, when people work together for a common cause, especially one as noble as this new building project, anything is possible. To God be the glory! — Pamela A Bayeta, Physician, PKAH Phuket Adventist Hospital Observes "WHO" World No Smoking Day On May 31, 1993 Phuket Adventist Hospital (PKAH) observed World No Smoking Day as designated by the World Health Organization (WHO). An inter-departmental poster-making contest was held with the hazards of smoking as the theme. Awarding ceremonies were held on May 30, 1993, at 8:00 a.m. in the hospital lobby so everyone could view the posters. The pharmacy department bagged first prize (Bht500) with the accounting department coming in second (Bht400); third prize went to the chaplaincy; and there were two fourth prizes, medical records and the laboratory (Bht350 each); fifth prize went to the maintenance department (Bht200). The rest were given consolation prizes of Bht 100 each. May/June 1993 � 11 The Messenger SOUTHEAST ASIA UNION MISSION DIRECTORY On the same day PKAH organized a parade, the only institution in Phuket to do so. Hospital staff and workers, students of Tepamnuay School, students of nearby Ban Ku Ku School and the Phuket Witiyalai Band marched through the streets together to highlight the stop smoking theme. The parade started at the Phuket Bus Station at 9:00 a.m. with a kick-off speech from PKAH president, Mrs. Nursia Supunavong. This was followed by the releasing of balloons. No Smoking caps were provided by Phuket Department of Health as well as bookmarks and stickers which were distributed to the public. They also provided banners which were carried along with many posters on the hazards of smoking and appeals to the public to cut this life-shortening habit. Leaflets were also given out inviting the public to attend the 5-Day Plan To Stop Smoking which was held on June 27-July 1, 1993 at PKAH. During the parade, a scenario was staged showing how a person's health can deteriorate fast with continued smoking. A float depicted how smoking can control a person's life and end it prematurely. The hospital workers and other participants looked smart in their No Smoking T-shirts as they paraded down the main thoroughfares of Phuket town to the music of the Phuket Witiyalai Band. Everyone had refreshing drinks and snacks after the hot walk. They were compliments of PKAH dietary department and Pepsi Cola Bottling Company. It was indeed an exhausting but enjoyable and successful No Smoking Day parade. — Pamela A Bayeta, Physician, PKAH Robin D Riches � President, ADRA C Y Wu � Secretary, Religious Liberty Tom Massengill ....................................................................................... Treasurer Peter Wong � Associate Treasurer Steven Goh, Simon Sim ................... . ....... ............................................. Auditors Shirley Chapman � Family Ministry � Church Ministries Samuel Money � VOP, Assoc CM, Asst Communication A .1 Oberholster � Edmund Siagian � Publishing Education, Associate CM � Health & Temperance Health Care, Spirit of Prophecy Kenneth R Wade � Ministerial, Communication, ASI Dorothy Walter � Child Evangelism Shepherdess International LOCAL MISSION DIRECTORY Cambodia Attached District (attached to Union office) House No. 29 Street 287 Khan Teal Kork, Pluiom Penh, Cambodia. Fax: 855.232-6140 M Daniel Walter � Director Van Thom Nhem � Acting Secretary Peolosalar Malaysia 166-A Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Telephone: 242 7795 David Leoh � President � Secretary Lai Swee Chan � Treasurer Sabah P.O. Box 7, 89257 Tampanill, Sabah, Malaysia Telephone: 782346, 782244; Fax: (088) 782346 Charles S Gaban � President Mansor Gingging � Secretary Lim See Him � Treasurer Sarawak P. 0. Box 41, 93700 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia Telephone: 242340, 242341, 242342; Fax: 242343 Edmund M Liah � President Lawrence Banyie � Secretary !shah Simatupang � Treasurer Singapore 90 Jurong East Street 13, Singapore 2260 Telephone: 561 0022; Fax: (65) 562 4923 Phoon Click Yat � President John S K llo � Secretary-Treasurer Thailand Prakanong Post Office Box 234, Bangkok 10110, Thailand Telephone: 391 0525, 391 3595, 381 1928; Fax: (662) 381 1424 W S Bassbarn � President Rungsit Saejang � Secretary Thor Pedersen � Treasurer Vietnam 224 Phan Dang Luu, Phu Milan, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Telephone: 440179 � President Trait Cong Tan � Secretary Duong Thuong � Treasurer INSTITUTIONAL DIRECTORY Mission College � Salinee Navainaratna Mission Health Food Company � Ken Myers Southeast Asia Union College � K S Koh Southeast Asia Publishing House � Wong Yew Seng Thailand Ptiblishing House � Solomon S Agdon Bangkok Adventist Hospital � Ronald W Brody Penang Adventist Hospital � William Laspe Phuket Adventist Hospital � Nursia Supunavong Youngberg Adventist Hospital � Joshua Goh The Messenger is published bi-monttil y as the official organ of the Southeast Asia UtliOt1 Mission of Seventh-day Adventists, 251 Upper Serangoon Road, Singapore 1334. Tel: 284 7281; Fax: 284 7757 Editor � C Y Wu Circulation Manager � C Y Wu Layout and Printing by Southeast Asia Publishing House 12 � May/June 1993