A collection of stories from the missionary and development experiences of a former ADRA Australia CEO was launched as part of the 40th anniversary celebration of the agency at Avondale University Church on October 26.
All Things to All People by Pastor David Syme is presented as a collection of short stories, with Bible verses and discussion questions for devotional use, and the first copies of the book were shared with those who joined in the ADRA celebration event.
“Having the book launch at ADRA’s anniversary event emphasised the importance of remembering the sacrifice and commitment of our pioneers,” commented Denison Grellmann, current CEO of ADRA Australia. “Today, ADRA is a significant humanitarian and development agency due to God’s providence and much effort and dedication of our pioneers.”
Pastor Syme, with his wife Elizabeth, first went to Ethiopia as medical missionaries in 1967. As they worked in a number of African countries, he played a part in the establishment of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) network internationally and would later serve as ADRA Australia’s CEO from 1998 to 2004, among other roles.
“Over 52 years Elizabeth and I served God in a variety of ways amid multiple cultures on five continents and in nine countries,” said Pastor Syme, who added that two themes link the stories in All Things to All People. “First, the incredible way in which God demonstrates His presence in our lives, and the need for us to carefully adapt the manner in which we reach out in multicultural situations by listening first before we speak.”
Pastor Syme has directed royalties from All Things to All People to support the continuing work of ADRA Australia, but Mr Grellmann wrote a foreword for the book and said the book adds to the work of ADRA in more than monetary terms. “The stories in this book demonstrate authenticity and openness to understanding local knowledge and practices, but also the responsibility to challenge the status quo with humility and cultural sensitivity as appropriate,” he said. “These stories also express the role of faith in our lives. David and his family had their faith tested on many occasions, but God creatively intervened and came to their rescue as He does to you and me today.”
Now retired, Pastor Syme continues to work as a volunteer at the ADRA op-shop in Bairnsdale, Victoria. “Much of our time and energy has been focused on the growth and global extension of ADRA’s demonstrative contribution to the gospel of God’s love and redemption,” he reflected. “This has been one life journey with God as the helmsman and us as the crew. Like any helms-person, He has changed our course many times but has always been there.”
All Things to All People: Stories and Devotions from a Life in Mission and Development is available now from Adventist bookshops in Australia and New Zealand, or online.
