Contacts Editorial

Cover photo: Shaniel McKenzie © Dejan Stojkovic, SEC Teens Ministry.

ncounter
The purpose of ncounter is to Welcome to our summer edition of ncounter
Vol. 12 Issue 3 • July 2016
Editor: Nathan Stickland • Co-editor: Natalie Davison develop youth and youth leadership magazine. I have been enjoying the longer evenings that
Youth Dept, BUC, Stanborough Park, Watford, WD25 9JZ. spiritually and motivationally, spring and summer provide, although I’m hopeful we will
Design: Abigail Murphy in faith and in service. have a late, sunny, summer during August following a rather
2 3
wet and windy spring. Especially for the BUC Camporee
To contact us directly or for regional youth director contacts, taking place next to eight miles of beach!
please see the website for details or scan this QR code. Inside this edition you’ll find the last-minute adverts for
www.adventistyouth.org.uk the summer camps, inspiring articles, and a taste of future
events to plan for. To be sure of getting the latest copy of
ncounter join our Facebook page and find an electronic
This issue’s contributors: copy on our website: www.adventistyouth.org.uk
I had a discussion with someone recently and I found
Science and Faith myself defining something by way of its limitations. This has
got me thinking about how we define things according to
Irving Annan is a chartered materials engineer working in the offshore subsea their limitations. Notably, how do we define God, or why do
oil and gas industry, with a BSc in Material Science and Engineering as well as we think we should? The first line of Genesis chapter 1 is a
an MSc in Advanced Engineering Materials. He is aiming to qualify as a health lesson to me in why I should not define God by way of my
evangelist/medical missionary in the near future. limitations. ‘In the beginning’ means God created time.
‘Created the heavens’ means God created space. ‘And the
earth’ means God created matter. I will therefore always run
Youth Issues into problems when I try to define God in terms of the things
that He has made. I should not limit my definition of God by
Jaz Rodney-Sargeant is back with her third installment of ‘Smart Pathways’. time, space, or matter. God transcends all three.
She is a careers and business Coach, and in this issue, she shares the impact I hope that during the summer, no matter what the
of faith on our life and careers chooses and the importance of effective
weather brings, you will experience – but not limit – God in
planning as we set goals.
time, space, and things around you.

Pathfinders & Adventurers

The Pathfinder honours that we highlight in ncounter can be found on the
General Conference website: www.gcyouthministries.org – all the honours are
detailed here as well as Adventurer awards and organisational information.

ncounter is a magazine for teens and young adults. If you are part of this age group
then we are very happy to have contributions from you in future ncounter magazines.
Perhaps you want to write about a recent faith-sharing experience or you want to tell us
about your time volunteering. Maybe you are a student in the field of science and you have
come across some research which has helped cement your faith in the Bible. Or you may
even have a topic close to your heart that you would like us to tackle in the Youth Issues
section. Contact us – we’d love to hear from you! bucyouth@adventist.org.uk

Love it, hate it or think you could do better? Have your say about your
ncounter magazine. Fill in our online survey at www.adventistyouth.org.uk
 Volunteering
d Tina Jeanette
A mission story

ncounter
My name is Tina Jeanette, and I have 23 ‘Preach it, sister,’ my Norwegian
4 years of life experience on this planet. I’m from wanna-be-African brain thought. That has 5
Norway, but these days I’m at Maxwell Adventist been my greatest challenge my entire life:
Academy in Kenya. This school year I have been to love when I feel I’m the one that needs
assisting as girl’s dean here at MAA. It has been to be loved and understood.
. . . wonderfully challenging in every aspect of my No matter where we are in this world,
existence. This is for sure something I can put on there are moments that we feel we are
my spiritual CV. The girls make me laugh and drowning. It can be school, work, could be understanding enough to humble At some point I had some serious
smile, they make me cry. I couldn’t ask for more. homesickness, and relationship issues – themselves and show the respect I want. I’m communication problems with a close
When my friends and family at home ask me there will always be something or praying daily to be a blessing to them. I ask God friend of mine, across the sea. I was
how I’m doing and what I’ve learned, I put on a someone that is making your life a bit to give me a loving and forgiving spirit. I do what homesick, and I was fed up with being
goofy smile and tell them these two things: more complicated, right? I can to find the balance between mercy and away from my loved ones and my own
1) No matter where you are in this world, Seventh-day Adventists are called by justice. I strive to show them that Jesus loves culture.
teenagers will be teenagers. Period. God’s love to serve, to love, and to help them. But sometimes they don’t feel loved. I It broke my heart to feel that I was
2) I’ll NEVER get 47 girls. (It has never really those around us to realise what it means can’t even imagine how painful it must be for letting down people on all sides. I felt that I
been an alternative either, just sayin’.) that God is love, what love means. That’s God to pour out His entire life for us, yet still we didn’t have anything to give, I was facing a
Now don’t get me wrong. I love my job. God our mission. Sometimes it feels like I’m not accuse him of not caring for us or loving us. burn out. I still tried to be a good dean, but
is using those kids to bring forth the worst and able to love as fully and deeply, because Ellen White was for sure inspired by God when I felt I never managed to give 100%. There
best in me, to show me what He needs to I’m going through a hard time. There are she said that love is a holy principle, not a will always be misunderstandings and
remove, and what has to grow in my life. moments that without realising it I think feeling. Sometimes I try to love my students and conflicts, no matter who you are talking to.
Sometimes I have to smile at the thought of God that I have a greater need and reason for co-workers in my own power. Then I’m doomed I’ve learned that conflict is not an enemy: it
bringing me here. He must have brought me being loved than my girls do. I wish they to fail. is simply a result of intimacy. Conflicts will
here to work on my character, more than for the either draw you closer or push you further
sake of the students. apart. It’s a choice.
One day I was scrolling down Facebook – this We have to learn to stop excusing our
quote popped out from nowhere: sins by saying: ‘(S)he has the greater
blame, I just. . .’. It doesn’t matter. We
have to make things right with God and
our fellow men; whether the others choose
to do the same is between them and God.
I guess the summary of being a student
missionary is: Romans 8:28 is still active,
simply because God is active, as He
always has been. He is the greatest
missionary in the universe. I have a lot to
learn from Him. I praise God for Adventist
Volunteer Service, and their passion to
inspire young and old to be missionaries
both at home and abroad.

For more information about

volunteering at home or abroad:
www.tedadventistvolunteers.com
Youth Issues
d Sharon Platt-McDonald
Smart pathways

ncounter
& Jaz Rodney-Sargeant

– part 3 9

Welcome back to our penultimate issue of Smart Pathways. We

hope you have been enjoying the journey as much as we have!
Now, you will recall from our previous issue that we served up an
offering of somewhat challenging questions for you to explore as
the key to ‘smart’ decision-making. We also talked about looking
at the potential answers to some of those questions, as well as
taking the opportunity to pose further questions for further
exploration. So let’s get started!
Did you do the ‘spiritual’ check? For those of you who did,
great! Remember the question: ‘Is God involved in your
ambitions?’ If your answer was yes, that’s fantastic! God does not
want us to exclude Him from anything taking place in our lives,
and indeed in doing so we are ‘. . . more than conquerors through
him who loves us’ Romans 8:37. However, for some of you there
may be a niggling element of doubt as to whether your career
path and spiritual path are mutually exclusive. You may be
wondering how, for example, your faith can work in a career
involving sports or performing arts (both of which have
association with the leisure and entertainment business).
Or careers such as music, fashion or modelling. For
this reason, you may be struggling or have struggled,
like so many, with the question of ‘where does God
want me to be in all of this?’ And indeed, what
ultimately is my purpose in life?
The answer to this is far from complicated,
as God is not a God of confusion. Our purpose
is almost always bound up in our ‘spiritual gifts’
(Matthew 5:3-10), which don’t differ from our earthly
gifs, as you can see from the text. Take just one or
two of these, for example, gentleness and patience.
They are easily applicable to the questions posed
above, which are essentially saying: are my life
choices in sync with God? Consider this: could it be
possible that there are countless numbers of Christians
currently experiencing active and successful careers in
the very profession you may be worried about entering?
Surely, there must be at least one person out there who
has a story to tell about how they navigated the same
pathway you may consider to be off-limits to you! The
 Youth Issues

ncounter
apostle Paul calls for us to be ‘light entertainment, and less so in what might be Well known basketball player Magic Johnson of the page: Career ideas. 5 bullet points –
bearers’ ‘. . . that you may become considered ‘regular’ career areas such as also managed a successful career in sport What? Where? Why? When? Who? And
blameless and harmless, children of health/medicine, engineering or finance. But why? Is as a Seventh-day Adventist; as does Jaci most importantly, How? Now let’s get going!
10 God without fault in the midst of a it because these are far more ‘acceptable’ areas for Velasquez (a Christian contemporary singer Following on from previous questions, now 11
crooked and perverse generation, Christians to be ‘un-conflicted’? I would argue that who appeared in the movie Aye Papi) in consider these:
among whom you shine as lights in those careers allow for far more ‘hiding’ of one’s music. There are almost definitely many
the world’ (Phil 2:15, NKJV). Let’s face faith, than perhaps the leisure and entertainment more. . . . What are my top 3 areas of interest
it – our gifts and abilities are God- industries, where events frequently take place on a So, your ‘homework’, for next time is to (more if you have them). These should
given, not things you struggle to learn Saturday (the Sabbath), calling for a declaration of do some research and see how many be broad areas, not too much detail at
or get passionate about. faith from the beginning. Seventh-day Adventists you can find in the this point.
Therefore – for me – the question But if it is only the ‘Sabbath’ where the conflict leisure and entertainment industry (or even
as to whether or not God wants me to lies, then this is far more easily overcome than one your own career area); look at their story (as Why do these areas interest me? It
be doing something is somewhat might think. Take for instance Olympic medallist they will have one) and see if you can find could be, I’m really good at this. Or I
moot. God invites us to ‘ “Let your Jonathan Edwards OBE. In 1991 he made history by out how they have managed the challenges love the idea of being able to…. Or I’ve
light so shine . . . that they may see refusing to compete or train on his Sabbath (a of being a Christian within that career area. I observed a specific person(s) doing
your good works and glorify your Sunday) and through the power of his conviction, invite you to write to us here at ncounter this, and really been inspired by...
Father in heaven” ’ (Matt 5:16, NKJV). went on to become one of Britain’s most successful and tell us what you found out – there will be
Do you remember the young footballer athletes. He once said, ‘My relationship with Jesus a prize for the most compelling story How can I find out more? Who do I
– Fabrice Muamba – who in 2012 and God is fundamental to everything I do. I have (jaz@smartpathways.co.uk)! My ‘homework’ need to talk to who can help me make
collapsed with a heart attack on the made a commitment and dedication in that for the next issue is to take the time to do the this happen? In fact, who in addition to
pitch in front of fellow team members relationship to serve God in every area of my life.’ same, and I will be sharing that story with God?
and hundreds of supporters? His heart you – don’t miss it!
stopped for 78 minutes and he was © REX/Shutterstock OK, so we’ve tackled Question 1. Let’s Where do I need to go for more
effectively pronounced dead at the take a look at Question 2. Do you have a information or areas of research –
scene. Through social media, plan? Is it rigid or flexible? Do you have a Google, books, teachers, people in the
banners, flags and their shirts at the backup? Have you done enough research, profession, etc.?
next game, the team called on the investigated this idea enough – have you
world to pray for his recovery, and prayed enough, and if so, did you get the By when do I need to make a decision?
recover he did! Dr Andrew Deaner, the answer you were looking for, or something
cardiologist and Tottenham fan who you really did not expect from God? OK, so you’ve completed your
leapt from his seat in the crowd and In my many years as a school and planning – now for the next step. The fuel in
rushed on to the pitch to help college Careers Adviser, I would always this particular engine is the ability to bring
Muamba, said his recovery could be advise young people to have a ‘well your ideas to life and really achieve those
described as 'miraculous'. informed plan’. Simply put, this follows the goals. In our final issue we tackle detailed
Had his faith not been evident as a old but worthy adage – ‘fail to plan, is to plan questions of setting SMART objectives and
professional footballer, and but for the to fail’. Nevertheless, the frequent response I how to see them through. For now,
faith of those Christian team hear from young people is ‘I have no idea remember Proverbs 19:21 (NIV), ‘Many are
members, this would have been the how to do this!’ Not that, as some parents or the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the
last thing they would have considered teachers might fear, you are just too lazy to Lord’s purpose that prevails.’ Timothy sets
doing. do this, but many genuinely don’t know us the challenge in 1 Timothy 4:12 (NKJV):
So many young people report how! And I believe this to be true of many. ‘Let no one despise your youth, but be an
feeling ‘conflicted’ about their career So here is a very simple starting point: take example to the believers in word, in
choice in areas of leisure and a blank sheet of A4 paper. Write at the top conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.’
 Youth Issues
d Pastor Cyril Sweeney
Crux of the

ncounter
BUC Family & Children’s Ministries Director

Dear Pastor,

12
matter I have always been taught, from childhood, that it is important to pray. I have,
however, found in my older years that I do very little in the way of praying these
13
days. I have found that nothing seems to be gained by praying. God does not
answer my prayers. I remember praying for a friend who was very sick to be healed
and, instead of being healed, they died. Praying was a waste of time, Pastor.

I can appreciate your feelings of father and on numerous occasions it seemed

disappointment in prayer. Maybe it would help as if God was not hearing me or listening to
to have a greater understanding of what me. My prayers seem to be just bouncing off
exactly prayer is. I am reminded of Genesis the ceiling. Then, after all those years of
3:8, when God came walking in the cool of prayers, my father just gave up his job which
the evening, looking for Adam and Eve, as required him to work on Sabbaths, gave up the
His custom was. Being an all knowing, all- lifestyle he was living and returned to Jesus
present, all-powerful God, He still came and the fellowship he had previously
looking for our first parents, knowing what experienced in church. I often asked my Lord in
they had done. This beautiful scene shows prayer why it had taken so long to answer my
me a very important point: that God loves me prayers? It was the words of the Psalmist that
and wants to communicate with me. For any had kept me going, ‘Wait on the LORD; Be of
human relationship to grow and develop, good courage, and He shall strengthen your
constant communication must take place. heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!’ (Ps. 27:14,
And so it is with the most important NKJV.) I am mindful of Elisha who performed
relationship that you and I could ever have… many miracles of healing in the name of the
a relationship with Jesus. Prayer is simply Lord, but who was not healed of the disease
talking with God. When we communicate with that would later take his own life. Likewise, Paul
our friends, our conversations do not simply prayed for healing from a physical affliction, but
consist of our asking for things. It would was not healed from it. Both men accepted
eventually be a big turnoff for our friends. and understood that God had a plan for them
Likewise, our prayers with God should not be in their lives. They believed what Revelation
solely asking for things. Our prayers should 21:4 expresses – the healing may not come in
consist of thanks, praise, adoration, asking this life, but will come in the next life.
forgiveness, repentance, for guidance, Two important things that we should
protection, wisdom and knowledge, not only remember is that: a) God always answers
for ourselves but, unselfishly, also for others. prayer. He may not, however, always answer
But why does it seem that God does not when we think He should or according to our
seem to answer our prayers? I remember as a understanding of what is best. b) Some
youngster being told by my mother to pray for things we will not understand until we get to
my father who had stopped going to church heaven, but one thing is certain: God loves us
and adopted the lifestyle of one not following and wants to do only what is best for us. So
Jesus. This made it very hard for my mother to please do not give up on your prayer life.
bring up a teenager and two toddlers in the Don’t give up on your daily talk with Him.
nurture and admonition of the Lord. I Don’t let your relationship with Him die due to
remember praying for almost a decade for my lack of communication.
 Youth Issues
d Angelette Müller
Eat to live

ncounter
Bean-based Added ingredients Pulses
Bean salads are amazing at Add vegetables • lentils (lentils with their
Summer is here. It’s the season for salads. Salads are healthy due to a variety helping to balance blood or herbs skins rather than red lentils
14 of fresh raw vegetables, and tasty because of healthy salad dressings. Putting a sugars. They are packed full Also consider adding or split peas) tend to make 15
salad together can be as easy as washing a bowl of mixed lettuce leaves, adding of protein and can help you something tasty: better bean salads.
some chopped cucumber and sliced tomato. Salads can work as a side dish to feel fuller for longer. • sun-dried tomatoes • chickpeas.
add vegetables to a meal, or can be used as a main dish. There are several Ensure you soak the beans • olives Beans
different bases you can use for a salad, such as greens, grains or beans. Here are before cooking. Add • onions • black-eyed beans
three basic formulas for making salad as a main dish, for pot luck or for a picnic. some ginger, kombu or • garlic • edamame beans (soy)
asafoetida while cooking • tamari (gluten-free • pinto beans
Salad building • Salad as a main dish to aid digestion. soya sauce) • black beans
You can eat too many beans • miso • kidney beans
Choose something green Choose something Choose some protein Choose something tasty
in one sitting. If you do, you Variety of beans
lettuce – cos, romaine, iceberg, colourful plant protein - mange tout, onions – spring onions,
may experience bloating, that can be used.
english salad, curly leaf, oak tomatoes green/french beans red onions, shallots
indigestion or flatulence. Green beans
leaf, lambs lettuce, etc. radishes edamame, kidney beans, olives
Chew your beans well to • french bean
spinach avocado chickpeas, puy lentils artichokes
help the digestive process. • broad bean
broccoli (tiny florets raw or butternut squash any variety of beans or raw sundried tomatoes
Some bean salads are • peas
bigger florets steamed) sweet potato (cubes) nuts/seeds (i.e. walnuts), lightly grilled peppers
bean-heavy and others • mange tout
kale (steamed) carrots dairy or eggs – organic herbs – basil, dill, thyme,
have more vegetables. • sugar snap
cabbage (steamed) sweet peppers eggs boiled, feta cheese, marjoram, mint, coriander,
swiss chard beetroot ricotta, cottage cheese parsley, etc.
watercress sweet corn (preferable to avoid hard
mustard cress cheese)
Salad dressings can really make the Vinaigrette
Creamy • basic
salad so much more enjoyable. It Mix together 1 cup of extra
Take 1⁄3 cup of
gives you an opportunity to use some virgin olive oil, 1⁄3 cup
olive oil, 3 tbsp
Grain-based Added ingredients of those oils that are not for use in of lemon juice, and
of lemon juice,
A grain-based salad is Add vegetables or herbs cooking, like flaxseed oil, and to add
1
⁄2 teaspoon of sea salt.
blend together
made predominantly An example of a herb-based a little fat to the salad so all those fat- with 1 cup of
from grains or grain-like grain salad is Tabbouleh. soluble nutrients are better absorbed. Super-low fat • blended cashews, 1⁄2 cup
foods such as millet. Add protein We look at two salad dressings: Take 1⁄3 cup of extra virgin of water, 1 clove
The good thing about • green beans • creamy salad dressing olive oil, 1 tbsp of lemon of garlic, 1⁄2 tbsp
these salads is that they • green, brown or black lentils • vinaigrette juice, blend together with 1 of sea salt, and
can be made up in • pinto beans I like Jamie Oliver’s idea of making cup of sweet pepper, and 1
1
⁄2 tbsp of garlic
advance and stored in • cannellini beans salad dressings in a jam jar. You add teaspoon of minced garlic. powder
the fridge for a quick • butter beans the ingredients such as lemon juice,
and easy lunch. • sunflower seeds olive oil and salt, and shake.
Grains made into pasta • pumpkin seeds Here are some formulas: Creamy • blended
can also be used as a • pine nuts Ratio: The vinaigrette is based on a Take 1⁄3 cup of olive oil, 3 tbsp of lemon juice,
base for a salad. But • cashew nuts ratio of 3 parts oil and 1 part lemon blend together with 1 cup of cashews, 1⁄2 cup of
this is a more • almonds juice. Not all oils taste the same, so water, 1 clove of garlic, 1⁄2 tbsp of sea salt, and
processed option than • walnuts you will want to give it a taste before 1
⁄2 tbsp of garlic powder.
the wholegrain itself. • pecan nuts serving. But there are many variations, Add 1 teaspoon of fresh chopped dill, and
and no fixed rules, so give it a go! 1
⁄2 cup of fresh chopped basil after blending.
2016 BUC Calendar

1-3 MG Training Weekend 3 NEC

2 Day of Fasting & Prayer BUC
3-10 Special Needs Camp in Aberdaron BUC 1 Day of Fasting & Prayer BUC
5 PEACE 4-month programme begins NEC 2 Irish Mission Session IM
9 World Mission Promotion GC 8 Pastor Appreciation Day BUC
10 Athletics Day NEC 8 Student Day of Fellowship BUC
16 Reach the World: Media Ministry Promotion GC
14-17 Youth Retreat incl. Youth Day of Fellowship (17th) SM
16 NEC Rally Day NEC
16 Welsh Mission Session WM
18-22 Student Camp SEC
21-24 North England Conference Session NEC 15 Adventist Heritage & Spirit of Prophecy Sabbath GC
23 Children’s Sabbath BUC 22 Creation Sabbath GC
31 Welsh Mission Session WM 24-28 Prayer & Faith Conference SEC
31-7 Aug BUC Pathfinder Camporee BUC 28-30 Youth Weekend IM
31-7 Aug Junior Camp NEC
29-5 Nov Week of Prayer GC

1-7 Youth Camp SEC

6 Global Mission Evangelism GC
7-14 Earliteen Camp NEC
7-24 Conference Jamaica Pathfinder Camporee NEC•SEC
9-17 Summer Camp IM 5 Annual Sacrifice – Global Mission Offering GC
13 Reach the World: Church Planting GC 11-13 SEC Youth Congress SEC
13 Teens Summer Concert SEC 12 Pathfinder Rally Day SEC
14-21 Youth Camp NEC 18-20 PLA Training 3 IM
20 Education Day BUC 19 Sabbath School Guest Day GC
22-28 Extreme Teens Camp SEC
27 ‘EndItNow’ and Lay Evangelism Emphasis GC

1-4 ASC Students’ Training Retreat NEC

2-4 MIT/PLA Weekend SEC
3-10 Family Togetherness Week BUC
4 Stanborough Press Open Day BUC
9-11 MG Training Weekend 4 NEC 2-4 World Stewardship Day GC
10 Youth Day NEC 2-4 Iron Sharpeneth Iron Retreat SEC
10 Mission Promotion – World Mission GC 9-11 2016 Youth Leader Level 1 Training NEC
11 Sports Day IM 10 Health Emphasis Day GC
11 Fund-raising Banquet NEC
10 Teens Day of Fellowship SEC
12-17 School of the Prophets NEC
17 Pathfinder Rally Day GC
11 Pathfinder AGM SEC
18-24 Make a Difference Week BUC 18 Pathfinder Banquet SEC
23-25 PLA Training 2 IM 31 End-of-year Programme (tbc) SEC
24 Power of 36,000 BUC
30-2 Oct SEC Youth Congress SEC
30-3 Oct BELA Assessment NEC
30-2 Oct Welsh Mission Camp WM For more information about these programmes please see the Events section at www.adventistyouth.org.uk
 Footsteps through the Bible
d Pastor Efraín Velázquez PhD
Jerusalem: looking for living

ncounter
President of the IAD Adventist Theological Seminary
living witnesses of Jesus’ betrayal by
the hand of Judas. They claim that years of wars in the city of peace.

18
witnesses of Jesus’ sufferings? radiocarbon dating or tree-ring dating
has determined that they date back to
The Romans planted a forest of crosses during
the destruction of Jerusalem in AD70, as did 19
Jerusalem is a city full of wonder and and has a spectacular view of Jerusalem. the time of Jesus. However, the Hadrian in AD135. Some centuries later, Persians
surprises, with ancient streets that have I want you to stay on the lower part of the evidence has not proven that popular invaded Jerusalem, then Sunni Muslims, then
witnessed many joyful – and tragic – events. mount. There you can see the olive trees, tradition. This is the right garden, but the Christians, then Shia Muslims, then Christians
When you walk, you can see the scars on the like the ones that witnessed Jesus’ agony trees . . . again . . . then Ottomans, and so on. However, the
walls and pavement, silent reminders of scenes the night before his crucifixion. trees that are there today are at least 900 years
that made a deep impression on the inhabitants You are able to see olive trees The Olive Trees old!
of the city. If you allow your imagination to run sprouting out of ancient trunks that look Olives trees are a commodit. In times Most likely, the most ancient surviving trees
loose, you can go back centuries and recall as if they have been there for millennia. I of siege the enemy will make sure they come from the time of the Crusades, when
biblical, Jewish, Christian and Muslim stories. hope you do not simply go to the church break the economic back of the Jerusalem was under the Crusaders’ influence.
Nevertheless, we want to dwell on the last days to stare at the gold and decorations, not besieged city. That is why they tore Christians began to venerate the trees as they
of the life of Jesus. seeing even the older trees around. Let’s down terraces, which was the main way celebrated Jesus’ sacrifice. Muslims did not
Since I love to visit the city with my see the trees at the other side of the of doing agriculture in the hill country, destroy them since it would be dishonourable to
adventurous children, many people ask me street, in a small garden. There are olive and also cut down the trees. Plus, cut them down, and they were not invaders who
where is my favourite spot in Jerusalem. Some trees that are younger, with no shrines or armies built siege ramps and catapults planned to leave; they wanted to stay in
suggest that it is perhaps the area where distractions so you can read The Desire and needed wood for fires. That means Jerusalem. The preservation of the olive trees by
Solomon’s exquisite Temple once stood, and of Ages in the peacefulness of a garden. that it is very unlikely that trees which Muslims and Christians are a symbol of peace
later it was Herod’s majestic Temple that Some locals will tell you that the trees were living in the time of Jesus could and tolerance. After centuries of the annihilation of
crowned Mount Moriah. The same area of land next to the Church of All Nations are have survived the last two thousand trees, they represent a hope of coexistence.
where Isaac was almost sacrificed, or not far
from there: the Golden Gate, where Jesus Jesus at Gethsemane
entered riding on a donkey. Others, who know I love the Garden of Gethsemane, because it’s
my drive for adrenaline, suggest the exciting more than a church built over a traditional place,
tunnel of Hezekiah, with rushing water to the or ruins of an ancient construction, and more than
waist, crossing in the dark under the Old City of an approximate place. I am certain that around
David. Or perhaps some will think it is the sober here is where Jesus wept and interceded for my
‘burnt house’, full of memories of Jerusalem’s sins. He was crushed, as is implied in the word
destruction some decades after Jesus’ death. ‘gethsemane’.* As olives are squeezed for oil, my
Even though those are very special places – and Saviour was pressed and crushed to the extreme.
there are others close to my heart, like the living These living creations remind me of the One who
room of my friend Khader and his sons – I have undertook the most dramatic sacrifice, and they
a preferred place just outside the city walls. remain as a symbol of peace and love.
Reading The Desire of Ages in Gethsemane
My much-loved place has a living
* Editor’s note:
environment, almost the same as during the
Γεθσημανή, Gethsemane;
Gethsemane (Greek:
night when Jesus chose to give his life for us.
Come with me to the Garden of Gethsemane! Hebrew: ‫שמנים גת‬, Gat
Shmanim) ‘The name
derives from the Hebrew
The Garden
gath schmanim (“oil
This wonderful garden is just east of the city presses”)’. Avraham
walls, at the foot of the Mount of Olives. Negev, The Archaeological
However, I will not ask you to come with me to Encyclopedia of the Holy
the top of the hill, even though is not a long hike, Land (New York: Prentice
Hall Press, 1990). Ezekiel before an olive tree
Going into the Garden Ezekiel before the Church of All Nations (almost a thousand years old)
 Spotlight on:
Children:

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Three, and two go to Newbold College and go into Your vision for youth ministries in the BUC:
grandchildren! pastoral ministry. For a fuller picture of what I dream for in
Name: Job title: Even while studying for my youth ministries within the BUC you can
22 Nathan Stickland undergraduate degree in Biblical and read some of my other articles in previous 23
Youth Ministries Director, Pastoral Studies I was searching for other editions of ncounter. In brief, we need to
BUC
things to do with this degree. I came to take our young people from when they are
Age: Hobbies: learn that if this is what God wants me to tweenagers, through their teenage years,
47 I have recently taken do then I need to stay at Newbold, finish and into young adulthood, affording them
up wood turning my postgraduate degree in pastoral the opportunity to serve in the local church,
Place of birth: Pets: ministry, and take up employment as a engage in service activities in their
Near Newbold College, None now, but I have pastor. I did not choose these subjects, community, and promote a lifestyle of faith
Royal Berkshire had fish, birds, dogs, God chose them for me. I have sharing – all with the perspective that life is
Currently living: gerbils, rats, stick insects subsequently completed a Master’s degree not about the here and now; it is about the
Yes, I am currently living, Most inspiring Bible text: in Outdoor Teacher Education. happily-ever-after.
which is better than the Jeremiah 29:13 If Christ is truly the centre of my life, and
Why be a pastor/work in youth ministry?
other option if the only thing I can take to Heaven is
artedly, I have said that I did not choose to be a
‘If you look for me wholehe people, then education, accommodation,
you will find me. ’ (NL T) pastor, but I have learnt to accept that this
vocation, vacation, and transportation are
is where God wants me to be. It has been
important, but secondary to the life that
easy for me to gravitate towards youth
Jesus calls us to live.
ministry because I would like young people
What was your life like growing up? One benefit from having busy parents to have some of the experiences I had Your most standout moment in youth
I grew up as the pastor’s kid. Throughout my working in youth ministries was that I got to when I was young. This includes ministries:
primary school years we moved house at attend all the summer camps my dad was Pathfinders and its outdoor activities, I cannot think of one particular standout
least once every year. This normally meant running – six weeks of new friends, crafts and summer camps with the opportunity of moment in my experience of youth
moving every year. Moving around so often other activities, worship, and being outdoors, meeting and making friends, and working ministries, but the highlights seem to relate
was a challenge to my education. It’s often along the coastline. with young people to help them realise that to young people wanting to give their lives
probably one of the reasons why I resolved in they are capable and lovable, especially in to Christ and following through with
Favourite memory as a youth?
my mind that I would never go to Newbold the eyes of God. baptism. It is a privilege to baptise anyone,
For me the reference to youth means
College and I would never go into pastoral as it was to baptise my son and nephew
teenager. I can’t say that I have one that Worst/funniest experience in youth/pastoral
ministry. last year. A standout baptism, for me,
stands out above many others, but most of ministry?
It’s only been in recent years, when I was happened in Serbia at the European Youth
what I can think of relates to camping, other My worst moments in youth ministry tend to
writing a paper for my masters degree in Congress, 2013. I got a phone call from a
youth events, and generally mucking around relate to dealing with adults that should
outdoor education, that I have come to pastor friend of mine who said he had
with friends. know better. I will always do what I can to
appreciate the experience of many locations, someone with him who wanted to be
deflect the attitude and behaviour of these
both suburban and rural, that I would not Where did you study and why did you choose baptised right then. And she wanted me to
foolish grown-ups so they do not negatively
have been exposed to if we had stayed in one that particular (those) particular subject(s)? baptise her. She was certainly ready to be
influence young people’s experience of the
place in an urban environment. When I left school I studied furniture craft. baptised, but had never made the choice.
church or their encounters with God.
My dad went on from pastoral ministry to Demand and opportunity let me out of a On a hot evening there were plenty of
My funniest moments in youth ministry
work in youth ministries, and for a three year workshop making furniture and onto building reasons why I was happy to empty my
probably involve me getting up to mischief,
period in between worked with my mum in the sites doing carpentry work. Some years later I pockets, pray with her, and get into the
so for fear of getting myself into more
Stanborough boarding school. My garden got my truck licence, and taking on agency pool to baptise her. I’d do it again, for
trouble or giving other people ideas, I’m
then became playing fields and woodland, driving work helped pay my way through anyone, even on a freezing cold day.
going to leave this answer in the back of
and this probably inspired my curiosity and Newbold College. You should remember that
my mind.
love for the outdoors. there were two things I never wanted to do:
 Science and Faith
d Irving Annan preferentially to protect the steel from
Corrosion
God and the Son of man. A ladder to breach

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the chasm between me and God, between corrosion by donating electrons to cover the
earth and heaven (Genesis 28:12, John 1:51). steel surface or the sites of coating damage.
All metals come from ‘dust’ or ores. They together as a harmonious unit for the benefit I am reminded that I need Jesus Christ in The main sacrificial anode used subsea is
of creation, and especially for the salvation of order to be accepted or to bond with God. based on aluminum. Aluminium is special in
24 exist as dust in their natural state and need to 25
be mined, extracted and refined. An ore may man. The three are One. The functions of this This bond with God, I understand to be that, under certain circumstances, it is highly
be defined as a piece of rock which contains coating system help me to understand that, in salvation (John 17:3), i.e. an intimate resistant to corrosion. However, when
important elements, including metals. For the beginning, God’s plan was to isolate us relationship with God. electrically connected to steel, and mixed with
engineering purposes, the elements obtained from sin and therefore protect us from The secondary, and complementary, some other elements, it corrodes sacrificially
from these ores may then be combined to corrosion or death. It was never His intention method of subsea protection of carbon steels to protect the steel from corrosion. This helps
form an alloy. An alloy is just a mixture of two to expose us to the ‘knowledge of evil’ and all from external corrosion is by sacrificial anode me understand that Jesus Christ is God, and
elements, one of which is a metal. The most its accompanying problems (Genesis 2:16-17 cathodic protection (SACP). The SACP since God is life (Deut 30:20, John 14:6) it is
widespread engineering alloy is carbon steel. and Genesis 3:16-19). system, although it is installed from the ‘impossible’ for Him to die. However when
Steel is primarily an alloy of the elements Iron On a different note, the middle layer of the beginning, only activates when there is a ‘mixed’ with humanity, He died a sacrificial
and Carbon, with some additional elements three-layer coating system is an adhesive breakdown/damage of the primary protection death to protect all those connected with Him
depending on the type of steel. Steels are which possesses certain properties of the first system (i.e. the coatings). This helps me from eternal death. Just like the sacrificial
widely used sub-sea for crude oil and/or and third layers. The first and third layers understand that Jesus is indeed the Lamb anodes in cathodic protection, Jesus protects
natural gas transport infrastructure. Carbon cannot directly bond to each other without the slain from the foundation of the earth us from eternal death by paying the penalty
steels, however, suffer from a phenomenon adhesive middle layer. And when I specify this (Revelations 13:8). Jesus was ‘installed’ from for our sins and by covering us with his
known as corrosion or ‘rusting’. Physically, coating system for external corrosion the beginning as our sacrifice. And the perfect righteousness.
corrosion is a return of an alloy or metal to the protection, I am reminded that, due to sin, a moment Adam sinned, his sacrifice was One day soon, God will again physically
original ore or ‘dust’ state. To paraphrase the great gulf exists between God and humanity. ‘activated’ to protect us from eternal death. In isolate us from this corrosive world of sin (and
concluding part of Genesis 3:19, God and humanity cannot bond directly, and sacrificial anode cathodic protection, a metal has actually promised that we would never
metals/alloys ‘were made from dust and unto an adhesive with certain properties of God with special properties (the sacrificial anode) lose that isolation a second time - Nahum
dust they do return’. Corrosion is especially and humanity is required to achieve this is electrically connected to the steel pipeline. 1:9). In fact He will make all things new (Rev.
severe when carbon steels are exposed to the union. An adhesive who is both the Son of The sacrificial anode then corrodes or dies 21:5). In the meantime, He has preferentially
corrosive environment under the sea; and one died for us, so that anyone of us connected
of my responsibilities as a subsea materials with Him would not have to suffer eternal
and corrosion engineering specialist is to death (John 3:16). The fact that God ‘prefers’
prevent or mitigate this corrosion process. my eternal life so much that He gave up His
Generally, a combination of two methods own life to protect mine inspires me. It gives
is employed under the sea to prevent me confidence that I can trust Him. It
corrosion of carbon steels. The primary enhances my faith in Him.
method is by physically isolating the alloy God has blessed me with a career in
surface from the corrosive environment. science which helps me to more clearly
Commonly, this is done by coating the steel understand the science of salvation and my
with an organic polymer. One of the main need for Jesus Christ. Indeed, ‘For the
organic polymer coatings is a three-layer invisible things of Him from the creation of the
system, known as three-layer polyethylene or world are clearly seen, being understood by
three-layer polypropylene (3LPE/PP). For the things that are made, even His eternal
these coating systems to be effective, all power and Godhead’ (Romans 1:20).
three-layers must perform their different roles
perfectly. The three-layers, with different roles, Irving was born an Adventist in Ghana and moved to the UK
after completing his BSc in Material Science and
make a single protective coating. This helps Engineering. He subsequently completed his MSc in
me understand the Godhead as three distinct Advanced Engineering Materials at Manchester and is
presently a chartered materials engineer working in the
persons with different roles working perfectly offshore subsea oil and gas industry. He is aiming to qualify
as a health evangelist/medical missionary in the near future.
He enjoys reading, classical music and nature walks.
 Dispatches
d Nathan Stickland
Growing out of youth ministry

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option. Where possible, develop a sense BUC Youth Ministries Director
progression with your work for young people,
so they already know when it is time to move Coming back to Welch’s article, the
In a previous article I read about the activities, like holiday Bible schools, without on. subtitle is: ‘Youth work is for life: not just until
26 If the young person has developed a high you get ordained/bored/a better job.’ If 27
ageing of youth ministry, which suggested intentionally providing them with something to
that there has been a shift in the age range follow on to. Tweenagers are 9 to 12-year- dependency on the youth group, then it is the signing up for youth ministry seems too
the local church youth ministry caters for – olds, and form the feeder group into a leader’s responsibility to coax this young daunting, at least aim for more than a one or
which I see as largely involving teenagers – teenage-based youth ministry. In some adult into more relevant Church life. It is a two year stint. Pledge five years minimum,
and the youth ministry at higher administrative churches Tweenagers may be included as wonderful thing if you can develop your youth and see how things go.
levels, which might tend towards a young part of your Youth ministry. My point here is ministry to a point where young people can’t Welch starts his article by referencing a
adult ministry. This may only be a UK and simply for you to look for every opportunity to wait to join, and young adults wish they didn’t conversation with a 22-year-old and his
Ireland situation, but one I feel needs build a contact list of those who will become have to leave. realisation that he had been in youth ministry
addressing. In this article I wish to consider eligible to be part of your youth group. It is for 22 years! I’ve had 17 years on the British
‘growing’ as a youth ministry verb. I will claimed that children and young people are Youth leadership for the long haul Union Youth Advisory, and I tell stories of being
consider youth ‘growing’ into, through, and beginning to make decisions for Christ and I read an article in Youthwork Magazine shot at in Sarajevo while working for ADRA in
out of youth ministry provision; the growth for the church at an increasingly younger age. titled, ‘Youth work is for life’1. The author, 1994; the Balkan war now features in my kids’
stages of youth ministry leadership; and the You need to know who to contact and who to David Welch, suggested five stages in the life school history books! Longevity is a quality in
combined benefits obvious for both the youth invite in order to feed your youth group with of a youth worker. Most church youth leaders youth ministry, but don’t get stuck in a rut and
and the leader: growth for both. new recruits. may reach stage four. It is less about pronounce, ‘We never used to do it this way.’
Guarding the edges of when a young hierarchy and about a sequence, recognising
Grow up and get out person can join the youth group is balanced longevity within this ministry. Growth for both
I don’t want to beat on about when youth by letting young people know that it’s time to A brief summary of the stages would be to Through the work of youth ministry in your
ministry starts and finishes, because that will move on. From 18 years old these young say: stage one is when you get caught; stage local church, young people and leaders alike
be somewhat determined by the age range of people are young adults, and while it might two is when you first help; stage three is when have the opportunity of growing spiritually in a
young people within your local church be the same adult leaders who run youth and you lead a part of your local church’s ministry; mutual collaboration of sharing and
context. What I would say is there is a need to young adult ministries, a sense of stage four is when you lead your whole group. experiencing faith and Bible study. While the
have clear boundaries as to who can be progression needs to be established and You may have rocketed to stage four, maybe purpose of youth ministry in your local church
involved in this ministry programming in your maintained. Of course, it is always a problem as a result of a nominating committee, but this is to develop and provide opportunities for
local church. It may be that Adventurers and when there is no one else of the same age as is where most youth leaders find themselves your young people, never underestimate the
Pathfinders provide the clearest example of the oldest youth, who has just had his 19th spending their days. Stage five is to take on powerful blessing that you will receive as you
age ranges within this programme ministry. If (or 21st) birthday. responsibility for several groups. This could be share your faith.
your youth group is for 13 to 17-year-olds Making this ‘old’ within your church or regionally. Stage six is Growing your youth ministry is about
then you need to be prepared to help people youth a young likely to be within an employed role as a youth numbers, so why not set an ambitious target of
transition in and out of this ministry. It is the leader may not ministry advisor. Stage seven is probably growing your youth group by 50% every year.
role of everyone involved in youth ministry to always be the an advanced stage six, in that this is Whatever you achieve numerically, remember
look at feeders to sustain and grow your best someone who many people turn that your ultimate aim is to reveal Jesus to your
youth group. At every opportunity you should to for youth ministry advice: a young people, to help them build their lives
consider the activities of your church and how sage of youth ministry. with Christ at the centre, and to develop habits
you might invite new young people into of service as the motivation for every young
your youth programme. person, because of what Jesus has done for
It is a wasted them. The life of the young person in a
opportunity for youth group lasts for a season of a few
your church to years, but the life of a youth leader
run child- grows beyond a few years.
based
1 https://www.premieryouthwork.com/Past-Issues/
2014/November-2014/Youth-work-is-for-life
 Pathfinders

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Heading to the beach this summer? Why not consider doing a dunes honour? Those
attending the BUC Pathfinder Camporee at Pembrey Park, Camarthenshire, Wales will
be able to complete this honour during the camp. With eight miles of golden beach
next to beautiful sand dunes, there will be plenty of opportunity to explore this
30 wonderful seaside location. Badges may be obtained through your usual sources. c. Watch a video about dunes or plants or animals that live in dunes. 31
ssion using
d. Construct an outdoor working demonstration of dune progre
Observe how the
sand, an object for obstruction, a fan to blow the sand.
tion and falls on the other side forming a dune.
sand blows over the obstruc
Dunes • Level 2 Nature e. Draw or paint a picture of someth
studying dunes.
ing you had fun learning about while

Requirements: f. Talk to your group, write about or make a short video about
a real life dune
why this specific habitat should be saved, i.e.
1. What are dunes? What is the primary ingredient? conservation project. Explain
there.
endangered species of plants and/or animals living
2. Name four items needed for dune formation.
3. Explain the following three ways that wind
moves sand.
a. Surface Creep
b. Saltation
c. Suspension
4. Explain the following dune formations: Dunes Advanced • Level 3 Nature
barchans, star dunes, linear or longitudinal dunes,
parabolic. Requirements:
5. What is Ecological Succession? How is this demonstrated in
dune communities? 1. Earn the Dunes Honor.
6. What is Dune Blowout? How does it relate to Succession? 2. Arrange or participate in a service project
nities? Give two benefiting the dunes community (clean up,
7. What are pioneer plants? What is their purpose in dune commu trail making, helping others learn about
examples.
adapted for this specific habitat). Write a report about
they
8. Give three examples of plants in dune environments. How are the following things (including maps,
survival? photographs or drawings may help):
How are they unique for
9. Give five examples of animal species in dune environments. a. What dune did you visit?
living in dune communities? b. When did you visit?
vation within your
10. Discover an early pioneer of dunes management and conser c. What did you do there?
discov ery with an instructor or group.
conference, union, or division . Share your
d. New information you have learned about this type of
11. Tell a story about sand and draw a spiritual lesson. habitat beyond what was learned in the basic honor.
12. Do at least two of the following activities: e. Information about the specific dune you visited.
a. Visit an exhibit or conservatory of desert plants/dune plants.
Look for how they f. Describe the service project you did (be specific).
are adapted to living in sand or poor soil, harsh temper
water.
atures and lack of g. What did you learn about yourself while doing the service project
that are adapted to ?
b. Visit a zoo where there are desert animals, especially ones h. What did you learn about this habitat while doing this service
of the ones you studied while learning project?
living in sand. If possible, observe some
about dunes.