ADRA Celebrates Anniversary with Mission Stories Book

A book of stories from the missionary and development experiences of a former Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Australia CEO was launched as part of the 40th anniversary celebration of the agency at Avondale University Seventh-day Adventist Church on October 26.

All Things to All People by David Syme is a collection of short stories along 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 emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifice and commitment of our pioneers,” said 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.”

Syme and his wife, Elizabeth, first went to Ethiopia as medical missionaries in 1967. As they worked in a number of African countries, David 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 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.”

Syme has directed royalties from All Things to All People to support the continuing work of ADRA Australia. Grellmann wrote a foreword for the book and said it adds to the work of ADRA in more than monetary terms, however.

“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,” Grellmann 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, David Syme continues to work as a volunteer at the ADRA thrift 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 [He does for] any helms-person, He has changed our course many times but has always been there.”

The original version of this story was posted by Adventist Record.