 Pr Mark Finley, AYC The title phrase was also prompted by my study of Ecclesiastes this quarter, where “life under the sun” is one of meaninglessness unless there is something beyond the sun – i.e. something eternal, transcendent. And it’s only that eternal perspective that makes my running around from one country to another, from one pursuit to another, and from one Lao province to another meaningful. Theeternal perspective for me is that this world is not my home - there is a perfect and eternal new earth to look forward to and to invite others to. The most meaningful event so far in my year was AYC...
Awesome AYC
The second Australia Youth Conference was not only an inspirational blessing while it lasted, but it also provided a time of reflection and re-orientation that, I pray, will last my lifetime. The theme of the conference was training the youth to be part of God’s army. “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” 2 Timothy 2:2. This was not about entertainment or making a group of young people simply feel good about the idea of being a Christian. Over 300 youth from Australia came because they want to commit their lives to making a contribution to God’s cause on this earth – of sharing His last message of love to a world that needs it. I am so inspired to see so many young professionals lay aside their careers (some even completely) to take up some form of ministry; and I am reminded of how the Seventh-day Adventist church was also started by a group of youth about 150 years ago.
 I had the (at times) overwhelming responsibility of being the MC. For me personally it was quite a challenge. I would much have preferred to just sit back and take it all in. But the organisers persisted in asking me, so I did it, and I took it as God wanting me to grow in this too. The responsibility of standing before such a highly committed group of youth and set the tone of the conference was the part of doing it that I shrank from. But it also helped me to depend more on God for the right spirit.
Most of the participants came from Australia, and I knew many of them, so it was good to come back to see many of my best friends on this earth. Some of the main speakers and workshop presenters came from afar, including the Seventh-day Adventist world church vice-president, Pr Mark Finley. His message for the final consecration service was truly powerful. We also had several church and youth ministry leaders from Australia attend and speak.
One of the things I take away from the conference is a desire and a tentative plan to take a few months off to do Bible work, once I finish working here with ADRA Laos. Most of all I want to be where and doing what God wants for my life.
Thesis
I was only in Australia for one week – arriving in Sydney a few days before AYC started, and leaving directly from AYC back to Laos and back to work on the Monday morning. While in Sydney (or at least NSW) I caught up with my family and also went to my uni (UNSW) to try to get things finalised on my thesis. The third and last examiner’s report finally arrived while I was in Sydney, but the Higher Degree Committee (HDC) did not meet until I was already in Melbourne at AYC. Only then was I able to get the news on my thesis, which is both good and bad… The good news is that it was ‘passed’ pending required changes to the satisfaction of the HDC. But the bad news is that there’s quite a lot of changes to be made! So somehow I need to find time to do that, plus everything else that’s on my plate – and there is a lot with work here. I may have to adjust some of my plans – e.g. forego the planned trip to Europe to continue training there in June (although I hope to still make it!) and/or take some leave without pay – but that might be hard to arrange given the pending leadership changes at ADRA Laos.
More Miscellaneous Life Under the Sun
Going to Australia also meant that I had a bit of a shopping list of things to bring back for some friends here as well as for myself. I brought back some Weet-bix, although I had finally found some here and bought two packets at about US$ 8 per 750 gram pack. There were chocolates, a pillow, water colour paints and a cricket bat and ball!
 Sad day for these clubs
Today I also finally got to run in the weekly Monday evening Hash House Harriers fun-run again! The track was on the dry riverbed of the Mekong River, which made for some pretty tough running through soft sand and tall prickly grass. Each year in the dry season the Mekong goes down several meters, leaving a huge sandy beach across much of the riverbed, leaving a narrow channel with water still flowing.
 Motorbike trips require preparation!
 Monks at a stupor in Oudomxay
Church life here continues to be interesting and rewarding. Some of the key components are featured in photos recently added to the gallery – communion, the English Sabbath School, kids’ Sabbath School, Pathfinders and the weekly church lunch.
Work
 Tobacco control network at Mahasot hospital
I am also starting to feel more a part of the wider community in Vientiane, having become better acquainted with various people in NGOs and government – and even their families. I also get to meet various diplomats and other interesting people – including the Australian ambassador to Laos who gave a very down-to-earth speech (in English and Lao) at the Australia Day reception at his house.
 In memory of Pingo...
Another potential challenge for ADRA Laos is that right now there’s bird flu in Vientiane; and one person has died already, according to today’s report from the Australian embassy here. But life continues more-or-less as usual, albeit one of the key participants from today’s anti-tobacco policy workshops was also deemed a key player for combating bird flu, so could not participate. ADRA Laos has not yet been involved in any bird flu interventions, although we might need to be prepared. Your prayers for our work and safety here are appreciated – we know that God has everything in His hand. |
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