Baptisers

Seminarians encourage communities to rethink life

Presentations by Avondale ministry and theology students in a major Australian regional city and across the New Zealand capital have helped change lives.

Sixty-six people—37 in Griffith and 29 in Lower Hutt and Wellington—attending two  reTHINK Life evangelistic series in July made public decisions to dedicate their lives to Jesus Christ.

In a message to the students, Griffith Seventh-day Adventist Church minister Abel Afele says this is a “testament to the power of the Holy Spirit working in our community and to the dedication of you and our members in spreading the gospel. It has been a privilege to watch you speak God’s word and shine his light. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to this mission.”

Church leaders are asking Ministry Practicum Associate Director Pr Neil Thompson about why the series are successful. “The great news is I get to say ‘Jesus.’ He promised to draw all to him when we lift him up. That’s what we try and do.” It isn’t well-delivered words that matter, he adds, “it’s the nature of the message.”

Presentations in the series combined contemporary Bible teaching about the character of Christ with personal testimony. It reminded students about the power of stories, particularly their own. We are still learning how to be preachers, says Tufunga Lolo, but “God used us to proclaim the good news. He can use anyone.” Ryan Cuff described the approach as like a “cross between a Week of Prayer and an evangelistic series, with the blessings of both.” “It has encouraged me to rethink my life,” says Adri Van Der Zel.

As an off-campus student, Boi Besele enjoyed being part of the team—which also included former Avondale seminarian Dr Erika Puni—in Wellington. The externship “showed me what a future in pastoral ministry could look like.” Coming from rural Queensland, “which isn’t known for its cultural diversity,” Brett Weier enjoyed connecting with the Samoan community. “Cultural differences enrich us. We can learn so much from one another.” Christie Chen felt the church members ministered as much as her classmates. “Their hospitality, kindness, warmth and friendship impressed us.”

Neil will take students to Bondi and Manly for their externship next year. Using digital and health ministry, “and preaching Jesus in a new take on our reTHINK Life program,” they will seek to reach “one of the hardest groups in Australia—the secular and affluent. Please pray for us.”

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Photograph: Avondale University Master of Ministry student Aaron Bejan helps baptise a candidate during the reTHINK Life evangelistic series in Wellington.