December 2009
special edition
Well , I don't know about you, but 2009 has just flown away with a blink of an eyelid! We have been so busy here at Highwood, that time just slips away and before you know it, the year is over. But it's been good, God has really blessed in a mighty way. We are sorry you haven't heard from us for so long. With short staff numbers and a growing work load, things just pile up. But by God's grace we do the best we can.
Emmanuel has been going a great job with the website, and sharpening his own web design skills in the process. Our newsletter is going to be published online (as an actual webpage) from now on. Which makes things easier for you and us. Let us know what your thoughts are of the new layout.
The Highwood family wishes you all a happy and healthy holiday season! May God bless you through a new year. Keep your eyes on Jesus, spend time with Him every day, so you can get to know Him as a personal friend, is out prayer for you all.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
Yours in the Master's Service,
Joel
Highwood Health has been experiencing great blessings and witnessing opportunities during our health programs. Our guests have been experiencing a taste of a better life. With simple remedies and lifestyle changes, we hear comments like, "I feel like a new man!" "I've Never felt better!" "Wish I could feel this all the time" or "I thought I'd never feel full eating vegetarian food, but I found that I've never been more satisfied!". Eating good food, drinking plenty of water, getting off coffee and tea, and going to bed early, make a huge difference. Even those living a fairly healthy lifestyle are experiencing better health with the wise counsel of Dr Bird, directed by the Divine Doctor, our Heavenly Father.
Our guests have also been feeling the spiritual impact of their visit to Highwood. Watching how the staff work and interact together is a powerful witness to them. The team work and dedication of our staff really warms their hearts. Many have never heard of Seventh-day Adventists before, and they leave with a very good impression of our faith. Its a real privilege to be able to share the love of God with these dear people.
We want to thank all those who are supporting Highwood Health for your prayers and generous donations.
Highwood's monthly vegan cooking classes are attracting increasing numbers of non-Adventists, with 16 participating in our last program.
Each participant is given the book, Ministry of Healing. Classes include a health talk covering one of the eight laws of health. After attending earlier programs, and having enjoyed the delicious food prepared, many invite friends to later programs. Elizabeth Dayble, who coordinates the classes is receiving the encouraging feedback that participants are practicing the recipes at home.
One attendee, who writes feature articles for the local newspaper, commented effusively, "I love everything that Highwood does." She plans to write another article about Highwood.
Since the bushfires, Highwood has also witnessed by service for the local community. We helped man the relief centre, provided relaxation massages and simply talked with those who were suffering.
In all Highwood's missionary work in the local community, it is a privilege and joy to share the love of Jesus.
Last month, Highwood ran an evangelistic campaign titled, "The New World Order and the Coming Global Crisis" aimed at our local community.
Pr Maurice Berry was asked to be the main speaker, along with Br. Robert Pannekoek. The 15-20 minute health nugget ran by Br. Pannekoek at the beggining of each meeting, was always a highlight of the evening. Pr Berry then began the main message. His topics centred around the Economic crisis and the New World Order. Some of the things he touched on were endtime events, the signs of the second coming of Christ, the state of the dead, the sabbath, the rise of the papacy, America in prophecy and Daniel 2. He also brought things closer to home by exposing the dangers of rock music, entertainment, and other issues that youth face today.
We had a fairly good attendance considering the small population of Alexandra, the town where the meetings were being held. We were averaging around 7-10 non-Adventists each evening, as well as some Adventists. Their interest was very encouraging. The messages were videoed, and are available for a donation.
Our tech team has been busy this year updating and improving our college website. Part of the update included restructuring our article section. We've added a series of articles for youth entitled "Courtship and Marriage", which addresses one of the hardest decisions that we as young people have to face. These articles explain why so many marriages result in unhappy lives and why there is such a high divorce rate in our society today.
Below is a preview of part one in this series entitled: "The Secret to Finding a True Life Partner".
We've also added a new comment feature to all of our article pages; so we encourage you to have a look and give us your comments and opinions!
If you've got any suggestions or improvements don't hesitate to email me at: emmanuelhiggins@gmail.com
May God richly bless,
Emmanuel
(part 1)
It has been called the greatest mystery that faces humankind. Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived, couldn't understand it. The strongest and toughest men fall for it. Defying reason and logic it, carries its unsuspecting victim away on a tidal wave of emotion and feeling. The knees knock, the heart flutters, and he is swept away. It's called, love. Hollywood has painted this romantic, rosy picture that we all gaze at in movies, TV, magazines and books. The "perfect" lover is out there somewhere. You just have to find her. She maybe on the other side of the world, but that's ok. Sooner or later you will meet her. In the mean time, keep shopping. Hang out, date as many as you can, hoping that this time it's for real. But then one day, by a stroke of luck, you meet her at the top of the Empire State Building in a thunderstorm. The eyes meet and it's love at first sight. And you are carried away by an even bigger tide of emotion. This time it must be for real....
Though somewhat exaggerated by Hollywood, this is the picture that most people have in their minds of love. The question I want to ask is, is this the correct way of establishing a relationship?