Adventist Special Needs Association Launch

Advent Centre - 1 December 2001

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On Saturday evening, 1 December, the Adventist Special Needs Association marked its official launch with a major concert held at the Advent Centre in London. Performing artists included: the Sign Cross Deaf Drama Group, Anthony Ashby (USA), 3D, Uncut, Oasis, Andrea Clarke, Jeffrey Codagan, Norman Clark, Beryl Pussey, Insigna, Just Men, Channels Only, Oasis, concert pianist Lora Dimitrova, Lorraine MacDonald, and Resurrection. Guests of honour from the community included the Deputy Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Mark Page and Mrs Lisa Page. Special guests from within the Church included: Pastor Don McFarlane, South England Conference President, Pastors Cecil Perry and Eric Lowe, British Union Conference President and Secretary respectively, Pastor Paul Clee, Trans-European Personal Ministries director, and Pastor Brighton Kavaloh, Ministerial Association director of the SEC.

The event was opened by Pastor Cecil Perry who gave a brief overview of the need for such an association within our Church. Commending the committee for their initiative, he gave his support to the venture and opened the event with prayer. Pastor Sam Davis, Youth Ministries director for London and ASNA Patron, was the compere for the concert, and his introductions and commentary helped to create an atmosphere of Christian fellowship and celebration.

The launch of ASNA was introduced by Nigel Nicholls (ASNA chairperson). He brought our attention to the need of catalysts in the initiation of processes and that the association was such a catalyst with reference to God as the chief inspiration. Councillor Page then launched ASNA officially with poignant words. "Our society suffers from crime and violence which stems from the breakdown of the family," he said. Making reference to the excellent work performed by many voluntary and Church organisations involved in maintaining the fabric of our society he went on to say that, "the care of our society rests with the family, the schools and the Church." He encouraged ASNA to become an important strand in supporting people with disabilities and special needs, and thus help to build stronger families and communities.

The event concluded with a summary from ASNA Padre, Pastor Sweeney who emphasised the work of the committee. He encouraged the audience to have continual and active involvement in the work of the association. The closing remarks of Pastor Don McFarlane, echoed this message. "ASNA is an association whose time has come," he said. As a representative of the South England Conference he pledged his commitment to ensuring the success of the association, and closed the event with prayer.

Afterwards many said how they had been impressed with the "quality and professionalism" of the event, the artists, and the presentations. Some also said that they were "proud to be members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church" and that this event provided an excellent means of promoting the Church in the community.

The Adventist Special Needs Association would like to hear from anyone interested in becoming a member or a supporter. Please contact Sophia Nicholls (ASNA Secretary) on 01491 833395, e-mail: asna@special1.fsnet.co.uk, or visit the web-site at: <www.tagnet.org/asna>.

 

	All artists with ASNA commitee
	All groups signing opening song
	Anthony Ashby USA
	ASNA launch reception
	Channels only - Northants
	Cllr Mark Page - Deputy Lord Mayor of Westminister
	Insignia and all groups enter for opening song
	Insignia mime group
	Insignia
	Just Men - Manchester
	Lorraine Macdonald
	Nigel and Deputy Mayor
	Nigel Nicholls - chair of ASNA - during launch speech
	Oasis Birmingham
	Pastor Cecil Perry talking to cllr Mark Page
	Pastor Perry during his opening presentation
	Pastor Sam Davis and Hodgson
	Sign Cross deaf Drama Group 2
	Sign Cross Deaf Drama Group
	Sophia Nicholls and Desmond - interpreter for the deaf
	Uncut - London