An Attitude of Gratitude (p. 7); Bird on My Shoulder (p. 22): Unfailing Love (p. 17); And Then There Was Light (p. 30)

december 2016 &r ({?ltta YAr;p;111:]) Give Gifts that Change lives! Canada's Really Useful

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DKetnNrln6Val. asNo.1 l ''For everything there is a Co.....akatlonDirwctoriEdlhr Sian Jensen Jensen.sla�dvenllst.ca season, and a time for every Art DlndorJoan Tonasiy

Ad lbugerf(lraolatloaAlmee Perez '' perez.aim�advent:is-t.ca; matter under heaven. mess""9e�dvontlst.ca ESV (OJIJ Vesna&lltor Mirkovich -Ecclesiastes 3:1, messonger(ofadvontlst.ca

Thoc.a..r.IHIIMratlst.....,...._ the offoclal magazine ort h11 Seventh·dayAdventist ChurchIn canada-Is. P

Seventh-day Advendst enjoy December. Ir's a time ro take srock of rhe past and look forward O.urch In Canada ro the future. It signals a time of change, a time of completion, in It48 King S�et East Oshawa,ONL1H 1H8 a way. Care to join me for a few moments of reflection? It phon& 905!433.00 rax 905/433>09$2 First, how carefully have I integrated the spirit of Christ in my ProsldtntM•ri< Johnson everyday life? And further, is that really one of my core values? I've JOhnson-m>O�adventl.)\.(41 begun thinking of carrying with me a little notebook where I can VPMmlnlstratl .. Daniel Stojanovlc sto)anovlc.danladventlsLca make note of my spiritual well-being from day to day. How deeply do I understand the message of the Bible? Some who VP finlna Ulyssos Guann [email protected] read this column may recall my reading the Bible through in less than two momhs a few years back. Good for an overview, but it needs to be Conferences enhanced by a slower, thoughtful read and reAecrion of God's word­ Allorta5816 Highway 2A.L acombe, AB T4L2GS. son of like putting soup to simmer in a slow-cooker. We benefitfrom phone 403/342· 5044 the bringing together of all the parts. This coming year is my time to 8oK1000,Abbotsford. BCV2S lrltlsltealamWa read the Bible slowly. 4P5, phone 6041853-5451 What abour this one> Am I living a life of faith, or have I pursued MallitoN/Saslcatdlowan 1004VIctorla Avenue. Saskatooo.SK 57N OZS, phone 306/244·9700 something that I want so badly that I'm willing to swap who I am and

Maritlmo 121 Salisbury Road.Moncton, NBE1E what I have inC hrist for the object of my desire? So many times accom­ IA6.phone 506/857·8722 modation comes at an incredible cost. And if I've made a decision that NlllfHndlllld104 ITC)Jlsall . .Rd Mount Pearl, Nl A IN SE9, phone 709!745-405 I has taken me in a surprising direction, have I really considered rhe cost?

Ontario1110 Klng Street Eas� Oshowo. ON LI H Who would those around me say that lam? Would the folksat 1 phone 905/571 1022 HS. work, the neighbours. my family, rakenotice that I've been with .Jesus, Qutlltc940 Ch.Ch•mbl y.Longueult QCJ4H or do my words or actions cause them confusion? 3M3. phone4S0/6Sl·S222 And finally, is th.:re something that I need to make time for that 1111111111Unmrslty 6730 University Drive, Lacombe, AB T4L 2ES, phone 403!782·3381 will bring me closer to rhe peace that comes from a life offaith? All good things ro think about, don't you think? Submission Deadlines Thus, at this time of closings and beginn ings, perhaps it would Febr u•ry 15$Ut: _, serve us well to slow down a bit and bring Christ back into this season March issue ,_, of the year in a very real and personal way. • April luue f""-JI

> > VIew lhls """'onhne •• www.aMnlist.ca/messenger Mark Johnson is president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada.

Postmaster:Pltast rttwm undtlivtrablt Canadian Hdr•"*' to MtntngtrsubKriptlon.s.. II•UingSt.!.,Osh>w•,OH liH IHI

IJj December 2016 3 Body ___, Mind

Spirit

Healthy Lifestyle Coaching Certification

The iHeal School of Health & Outreach provides training for Seventh-day Adventist members to become Healthy Lifestyle Coaches. iHeal students are taught to listen to health concerns, do lifestyle assessments and guide individuals to resources and services that help reach positive health goals. This training assists in creating outreach and income opportunities. Below are details for the upcoming LIVE training. For those who cannot attend the training, please contact us about the option of completing the full certification online at your own pace.

WHEN: January 22 - 27, 2017

9 AM - 5 PM Daily (Friday training ends at noon)

WHERE: Kingsview Village SDA Church, Toronto, ON

COST: $700- Includes Daily Lunch, Professional iHeal Shirt, All Textbooks, Coaching Forms, Online Courses and much more!

TRAINING: Intensive LIVE presentations by Health Professionals and Wellness Coaches. Certification includes the following user-friendly online courses:

Ministry of Healing ... Lifestyle Diseases Treatments � .,. & l:'".:.·t.,.,.,_.�� MH201 . �� LDT501

Basic Literature Evangelism Fundamentals of Diet & Nutrition BLE301 FDN502

Principles of Lifestyle Coaching I Principles of Soul-Winning PLC401 SW601

. • • • • • • Principles of Lifestyle Coaching Spiritual Revival • • II • • • PLC402 SR101 • • • • • • • • • 0. • • Contact the Lifestyle Canada office ••• •• . . . . ., to register and to obtain more information: • • •• • E ail • Web: P: (905) 576-6631 m : [email protected] iHeaiSchool.org • Ofi:CLAJMER 1Hnl �Kh" ••HOT do�ton. nu""· dleliUinl or profnstonllmeoic.- c•tprovkttrl theyuntns heppen t o •t10n h t undtraonelic4nt•ngin thoM filkfe.l'lform•Uon. The by thlred UWIII CoecM•i• providedto• Cl C:ai'\KI�=:::;:=:=� Educlbon S.l\'ietC:orp.oqUon. nt ctfbfiatta inutcf :�fOf lHe�LHH tyft C01cn.t.,., not :f!a��:.ntcHI.wlt'/tndOr.tcl by olhrtrectuaUOI\IJ ::.r::.:;:e:!:n�:��u:!::O��':::!',="J.=�otm���';��n�11\JUtutiOftS ot ctf'bty"lng bOdtn. ur•coacl'llnt it 1.numtQu t1tedme��.�. uy"' =�=�:�':':n'=::.-.�::,:n�i:.•l�:===::!::=:::;: NO(tb�!= Am.,tc• Cr•«fil4may •attwd nm tr.11nt:f•r eo .a othf,'mtMI '"'-bluhqn�,"'" tht nMKtsof ""'Y ahldt'nl or ..,paoy... Ad ""'f11Mdeot.t � rt01h't!Cludt Md�t-on t111 HST. December 2016

ll'fj December 2016 5 TEN DAYS AFTER HURRICANE MATTHEW SLAMMED water began roscream inro the house. Rexilia gathered her d1ildren, IN TO HAITI causing massive darnage, a truck carrying food and they began to pray for the Lord's protection. Although her and hygiene supplies for rhe survivors left Les Cayes. This was house was constructed of durable materials such as cement, it was not the firstaid distribution the Adventist Development and nor enough ro wirhsrand the wind, the rain, and the flooding. It Relief Agency (ADRA) would make in the region, and it would was swept away. Fortunately, they all survived. They now live not be the last. underneath a tarp provided by a kind neighbour. The roads leading from Lcs Caycs began in fairly good Rexilia lost more rhan her house. She had a small business condition, but they deteriorated quickly. Damage from the selling used clothing. Her entire invcmory was lose wid1 rhe hurricane lined the roads. Trees were downed. Houses were house. Her husband is a farmer who grows potatoes, maize, and dan1aged and destroyed. Electrical wires and poles leaned at manioc. They were planning ro harvest in November, bur nothing odd angles. Cell phone signals were quickly lost. remained after the storm. Hungeris a real fear,as they now have The journeyirself was not uneventful. At one poim the no sow·ce of income. truck had to proceed ahead gingerly as a downed electrical wire Rexilia waited on che riverbank. All of her possessions were was held up over it. A little further along, just after the truck gone. Even the clothes she was wearing at the time had been crossed a bridge, the asphalt ended. As the truck starred on the given to her by others after the storm. AD RAwas able to give dire road, it became stuck in mud. For over an hour the volunteers her rice, oil, a water filter,toothbrushes. soap, and other essential escorting the truck struggled to free it, only succeeding when items. Her happiness was evident. She thanked God tl1ac her

some local villagers joined the effort. needs were being met.

The truck's final destination was a school in the community "I am so happy ·coget something. I will share it with others ofManiche where the food and supplies would be given ro the who didn't get anything. Thar's how we will survive,» she said. villagers. ADRA Canada is grateful for the timely and generous gifts It never arrived. from our supporters that enabled people like Rexilia to receive To r·each the school, the rruck would have to ford a river, emergency assistance in the inunediate aftermath of Hurricane which it could nor do. Instead, the truck srayed on the riverbank, Matthew. and the villagers can1e to the truck. Thank you for saving lives! • Rexilia was one of the people who gratefully received the relief items. She was ar home with her eight children when the Sharmilla Reid is the donor relations A1� ) > 1\ hurricane hir. They were Living in a flood-prone area, and soon directorfor ADRA Canada. ( • .:111:1<�1 a

6 December 2016 IJj t shall I render unto the Lord

II his benefits toward me?" Psalm 116:12 (KJV)

ne of my favourite verses in the David arnswers his own question by presenting what Scriptures is Psalm 116:12. Ir reads, he chinks could be the most special way of showing "Whar shalll render unro the Lord gratitude: He suggests chat he would even be willing for all his benefits toward me?" (KJV). to surrender his lite(see verse 15) as a loving response For me, one of rhe beauties of chis verse is char it is a to God's goodness, love, and mercies shown to hin1 as quescion, nor an isolated or definitive statement. Why he wanted co continue co serve che Lord as a servant. do I feel char way? Simple. A statement is an already Look ar the attitude; ir is one of a servant. And so here defined view a person might have about something, we have another gem in this psalm. whereas a questionshows charsomeone is interested in Iris hard ro believe rhar in a few days 2016 will be listening co what the ocher person has to say about the parr ofhiscory! Despite some challenging moments we

matter. Also, a question allows us co express, in our own may have e:xperienced chis year (which could certainly words, what we understand or how we feel regarding a be considered as character building opportunities situation or rhe challenges we may be having with ir. given by God for our own growth), we should reflect More can be said about the above verse. The psalmist and say, Thank you, Lord! The simple fact that we is asking himselfa question-that is what captivates me can read this message is a great reason to be grateful.

about this verse. Whenever I read the Wo rd, I try ro May I invite all of us to seriously consider counting imagine chat I am situated in the narrative and chat the our blessings daily and have the same humble attitude messages are directed co me alone. In my opinion, chis of David, recognizing that all we have-the knowledge exercise is nor selfish bur rarher a way co personalize of His Word, being part of God's family, our relatives, what I read and apply it to my own life. Therefore, I friends, shelter, fo od, andeternal life in Christ-comes askm yself,just as David did, What shallI render unto from God. Consequently, our response should stem the Lordfor ali his ben'!fits toward me? from a humble and serving attitude. We can confi· Ofren we are afraidto ask hard questions, especially dently place the best we have on His altar of sacrifice

of ourselves. That can happen when we pretend that with love, crusting that He completely owns and everything is all right or because we arc afraid co face guides our lives. a challenging reality. Some describe chis mindsct as a I pray chat God will continue to give us all a heart state of being in denial, and this is a very dangerous with an attitude of gratitude state of mind for any person ro be in when dealing during thisfestive season, when

with reality or faces char are difficult co confront. When we are especially reminded of we avoid asking questions and remain stuck in denial, God's amazing love for us in we close ourselves off from opportunities ro grow. I Christ and throughout the have often heard (and I agree wid1d1e sraremcnr), char new year to come! • "there are never wrong questions, but wrong answers." Thus, asking ourselves how we can be more graceful Wesley Torres is president of the

to God, as David did, simply gives us che chance to British Columbia Conference. evaluate our level of gratitude co Him.

llfj December 2016 7 Q: I think I've gone too far. I feel disgusting.

That's a horrible feeling (((hugs))). Some of us have gone through A that, and it sucks big-time. It's like looking at yourself in the mirror and being disgusted by what you see. Behind the mirror there is a Person who sees you differently, though. You see a broken teen, perhaps somebody who !hasno future and can't be fixed. But Jesus sees an amazing miracle about to happen. You see all the same sins that you've committed over and over, even those that you did on purpose. Jesus looks at you through the holes in his hands. You look down. Jesus says, "Look at me:' You cry. Jesus cries too. Yes, you may have gone far, but never too far. Psalm 139 says that even when we go to the other end, God is already there, waiting for us. So look up, my friend. See Jesus' eyes. •

Do you have a question forPastor Josue Sanchez? Email it to [email protected]. When I heard that our new pastor keeps tarantulas for pets, I felt anxious. I don't normally have a -...._"""'=::::::::::__...:::>J...... panic attack when I see a spider, but my heart raced as I pictured a man with big black boots, a heavy chain hanging from his pocket, and 40 treacherous tarantulas crawling over his own heavily tattooed hairy arms! I didn't know how I'd be able to focus on a sermon given by a pastor who looked like that. Once Pastor Scott unpacked his spider houses, he held out a magnifying glass and pushed a big hairy spider toward me on the palm of his hand. "Just look at the colour of this pretty girl;' he gushed. The spider stretched out a long, dainty leg as I had a close look. "She's purple!" I was surprised to learn that pet tarantulas are gentle, don't give deadly poisonous bites, and can be beautiful shades of green, pink, purple, and blue.

T"ir�kabout if. I had been prejudiced; I had judged our new pastor and his pets before I knew any­ Take time to really get to know thing about them. In the same way, many people are prejudiced against God, Sev­ God for yourself. Pray that He enth-day Adventists, or Christians in general. They believe things about God and His will fill your heart with love for people that aren't true. Pastor Scott changed my mind about tarantulas because he Him and for the people around showed me their beauty. Will you help change the minds of the people around you? you. Pray that the beauty of His Will you show the world the beauty of Christ? character will shine through you.

Tammie Burak and her family enjoy studying and learning from God's creation You can contact her at tammie.burakrrogmail.com or follow her blog at www.creationcornerforkids.blogspot.ca. IJj December 2016 9 burm n universit a it

and A QUICK GLANCE at Pek.kaMaatranen's professional experience and you will sec over I 0 years of research experience. With a PhD in Biology from McGill University in Montreal. Quebec, Dr. Maattancn's research experience

ranges from neuroscience and basic biochemistry to nutrition and hose­ pathogen interactions. Inhi s own words, he is "highly motivated rouncover safe and cost-effective prevention and tream1cnt strategies for chronic diseases.� Given his wealth of academic knowledge and his aim to serve God, Pek.ka Maattanen is a great firfor Burman University. Pek.ka and his wife, Sarah (Picknell), alongside their three-year-old son,lsaac, and cighr-momh-old daughter, Lilja, arc the newest members of rhe Burman Un iversity family. Heading inro his firstyear of reaching ar Burman, Pek.kais beyond eager roger into the groove oft eaching. ''I'm

really looking forwardto gcrring toknow my studems bcm:r and working with them more. I've already been inspired by them. I'm also excired because I have a lab where I can do some research projecrs I have been rhinkjng about for some time. I have some talented students I'm working with now on two projects, and I'm already excited about these smdies," says Pek.ka. Having grown up in Ontario and gone rhrough our Adventist educa­ tional system, Pek.kahas seen the value ofCh ristian education and wants to conrriburc to that here at Bmman. "I was fonunate to benefit from a Sevemh-day Advenrisr Christian education in grade school (College Park Elementary School] and high school (Kingsway College]. My further education was at secular institutions .... My experiences there in the classroom and research were formativein my f:uth jomney and also helped me recogn izc both the strengths and weaknesses of science, as well as the inlportance of critical thinking. Academics aside, challenges I faced near Pekka Maattinen the com pletion of my doctoral studies really helped ground my faith and solirufy my trust in God; says Pek.ka. As he looks at how his students experience his classes, one theme stands out: the integration offaith in learning. "Of course, I wane my student.� to learn the basics of biology, nor just by memorization bur through application. I want my srudencs ro have a faith·buildingc..xpcricnce and tO learnto apply

the knowledge they gain to health ministry or any ministry they enter in the future, no marrer what occupation. Through their S[lldies, I want them to understand the unique opportwlities we as Adventists have to connect science with faith and inspiration. This experience, coupled with critical thinking, will help rhem tackle any challenges they face as rhey pm their fullt rust in God." In and our ofthe classroom Pekka is here at Burman to serve. "My

highest aim is to serve God wherever He calls me. 1 never saw myself as a teacher when l was younger-in fact, 1 was very shy and nervous in front of people. However, God often has tmexpected plans for us, and God led me to enjoy research, health ministry, and eventually teaching, through events roo many ro describe in a shorr profile. I have a passion forhealth ministry, youth ministr y, and studying the wonders of God's Creation, and I feel that these firwe ll wi rh the vision and mission of Burman." •

Jr Ferrer is vice-president for marketing and enrolment at Burman University. 10 December 2016 IJj pl anned giv ng & trust services

ENISE HAS BEEN PASSIONATE sector ofrhe music department, and rhe first bursary ABOUT THE PIANO SINCE wasto be given co a student at the doctoral level co pay

CHILDHOOD. Although she became a for his cui cion. Knowing chis, I advised her co purc hase history professor, her heart was always with rhe piano. a joint life insurance policy with her husband, so char AsD she got older, she wanted co do something for the the death benefit could be added co the fw1d, increasing music facu Icy and students ac che university where she che value of che bursaries. worked. When I wenc co visit them co deliver che insurance InDecember 2013, I spent an evening I will never policy, I asked rhem, "I know rhat your tlrstbu rsary will forger at chis university. It was magical. I was with my be given shorcly. Arc you looking forwardco rhis event?" fiancee ac rhe University of Montreal for a private piano Their eyes glistened with em orion as( hey said, "To see recital in rhe old performance hall, an historic building a srudem receive our bursary, and have it make such a with much character. The 80 or so attendees sat on the difference in this student's life, means a lot to us." stage surrounding two grand pianos at rhis intimate event, Back co December 2013. during which srudenrs performed a variety ofpieces for The guests quiecly cook their sears on the scage invited guests and donors. I had anended this type of surrounding rhe pianos. Aftera brief welcome, che dean recital before, bur chis one was special-it was dedicated dedicated the recital to Denise and Claude. Then, seven co a couple co acknowledge che generous donation they studenrs wenr on scage, one after the orher, co perform. had made to fund bursaries for piano students. The magical moment was the grand finale-when Let's backtrack a bit. In January 2008, I was asked co Denise sat at one piano, and the student who had received meet with cwo of rhe university's loyal donors, Denise her bursary for three years saT at the orher. To see both and Claude, who wanted ro sec up something special pianists, playing back and forrh, was deeply moving. for the music faculty. They knew about gift planning My fiancee held my hand tight, and now, I had damp through rhc lireramre of rheu niversity, bur they wanted eyes. Watching and listening to this student play so co learnm ore. magnificently wirh cl1e one wl1o had made his doctorate Denise and Claude were in their 60s, married with possible was nothing short ofe nchanting. no children, and were both retired history professors. On that night I fully understood the magic of

Their wills said rhey were leavinge veryrhing to the philanthropy. • un iversity's hiscory department; however, chey wanted co do somech ing for the music departm ent as well. Alain Levesque is a specialist in gift planning Denise had already pur in place a fund for rhe piano and philanthropyin Sherbrooke, Quebec.

PASSIONS, PIANOS, PHILANTHROPY

"On that night I ful ly understood the magic of phil anthropy."

I

B December 2016 11 where are they now

.-----Where Are_

Messenger catches up with former leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada. In this issue we talk with Ron Nelson.

Interview by J.D. Victor Fitch, Messenger Staff Writer.

Ron and Sandra Nelson

Messenger: Tellme whereyou were bam andabout M: Youwere not bom into an Adventist home. How did come Advemi.stfamily? yow· cbifdhood. .YOtt into the Ron Nelson: I was born and raised just sourh of R: When I was a young boy, Mom had given me a New Chilliwack, B.C., in a small valley called Ryder Lake. Testament and told me that ifl wamed answers ro this My father was a good man who worked hard and life'squestions, I needed to read the Bible. My mother provided a modest, adequate lifestyle, but the greatest passed away suddenly because of an aneurysm in her gift he gave me was an example of faithfulness. Mom heart on the second day of my Grade 12 school year. struggled with depression and was institutionalized The shoc.kof this was devastating to our family,but

twice in my childhood. This cast a shadow on our eventually 1 was led to study the Scriptures todetermine otherwise happy home, and Dad's ardenr love and truth. I have found answers that have strengthened my devotion for Mom was inspirational to me. faith and informed my life.

12 December 2016 l'fj Early in our marriage Sandra and I had a retail M: You retired eadier than yrneneeded to. What led you business in Kamloops, B.C., called Keen Kraft Music, to this decision? where I sold guitars, amps, PAs,a nd drums, etc. One of my R: I was under deep conviction in November of2010 customers, Terry Martin, witnessed to us and evenwally to step out by faith to pursue a ministry focusing on my rook us ro church. Pastor Peter and Rurh Fritz and the creative gifrs as a singer/songwriter. I love evangelism congregation in Kamloops nurrured us, and we joined and wanred a more focused opponunity to serve in this the Adventist movement as members in 1979. area. When I was asked to serve as conference president M: WtJilt led to your desire to become a minister and for the church in Manitoba-Saskatchewan, I set aside then to Bunnan Universityfor preparation? these convictions in favour of the revealed will of His people. I have no regrets. The people of the conference R: Pastor Fritz had encouraged me to become involved responded to God's vision, an.d we were able to do in rhc church and to prayerful ly come tO an understanding much ro srrcngrhen the conference administratively as of my spiritual gifts. I became very active, and ir became it rransirioned from a small ro a large conference. Ir was evident to His church that God was blessing my efforrs a privilege co serve them and a wonderful way toconclude for Him. Through Pastor Peter's modelling and suppon, rhat chapter of ministry. I eventually answered those and the encouragement of the church members, we earlier convictions and am now working hard ro Fulllll followed God's providence ro attend Canadian Union God's will as a singer/s ongwriter and an inspirational College {now Burman Universi to prepare tor the ty) speaker. ministry. Sandra and I are both ever so grateful for the influence of rhose who patiently raughr us and led us M: Tellme aboutyourfomily. into a deeper appreciation of Jesus. Our time at college R: Sandra and I have partnered rogerher for ser rhe tone for our ministry. It was a very special time 42+ years of marriage. And our three children, )ana {Luke for us as a family. Heimann), Holly (Brad Kay). and Brody (Vanessa M: WJJere11rzd in what cap11city have you served God Palamaruk). arc now married and have blessed us and the chm·ch? with eight grandchildren. They have all chosen ro makethe Lacombe area horne, and so upon retirement R: \Vebegan our ministry at CUC, where I served we joined them there. (while sriII a student) as rhc director of employmenc and the direcror of student llnance. After graduation, M: Where haveyou retired? I served pastorally in rhe Alberta Conference and then accepted a call to British Columbia. Eventually, I was R: As I said, currently, we are in Lacombe, Alra., bur called to serve in the BC Conference office in the following God's leading, our plan is to eventually build treasury department. Providence again led us back ro a home ncar Ri mbey, Alta. rhe pastoral ministry and to rhe Maritime Conference, M: What doyou see as your mirzist1y now, and bow wilt where I served as tl1e ministerial director. you stiLlbe serving the Lm·d and the church althoughnot recenrly, Most we served the Manitoba-Saskatchewan int�ltt�dersbiprole? Conference as the presidential couple. Ministry has been a very rewarding and personally satisfying journey. R: I am actively engaged as a singing evangelist and have booked a full slate of concerts for this fall, including some M: Ministryin the Adventist Church often requires work· dares with It Is Wrirren Canada. Next spring is filling up ingliSa team. In what way(s)has your wijeassisted in _your with a scheduled evangelistic series and a concert tour ministry? into California. I want to model my love for Jesus in the R: Sandra has always been a tremendous support to centre of my deepest passion. 1 would hope to encourage me. Ministry has had irs challenges and has been very ochers to serve ably and creatively for Him. In many ways, difficult at rimes, but her steadfast and consistent prayer I believe that the most impac1rful days of my ministry life has always en couraged us both to be found faithful are still beforem e. Iforhcrs arc interested to know more ro each other and to our call to serve His church. She has about my minisrry and to lisrcn ro some songs from my been, and is, a remarkable mother and wife, and her gift new album, On HolyGround, rhey can check our my of hospitality has done much to make our home and website, www.ronnelsonmusic.com. • churches a blessing.

IJj December 2016 13 ABetter World Canada

willMan's honour A60th Better Worldbirthday Canada in a big way

and have well thought-om solutions. "A larger donation like this helps us co also conduct deeper research before deploying the funds," said Rajah. "It

also encourages and inspires others to be more compassionate and invest." While Bonrje's donation is grand, A Better World continues ro search for potenci l sponsors. "Thisa will fund many projects for the long rerm and rackle some diftlculr projects:' said Rajah. "Our budger is $3 million per year, so every dollar, big and small, matters." Bonrje learned about A Better World in 1999 through a longtime friend who was already sponsoring projectS. Bontje was impressed with the charity's efficiency at keeping each project on task to completion, the local community's buy-in requirement , and that all don ors' money goes directly ro After dedding to give a monumental donationin honour of his 60" birthday, Central Alberta businessman a project. Gord Bontje aims to inspire others to give to A Better World Canada. He immediately donared $5,000. Bontje, his family, and Laebon ousands of children and people who are sick or poor Homes have been passionate supporters since then, financing n East Africa are seeing their lives changed because of everything from housing and water infrasrrucrure to surgeries committed sponsors working with A Better World for children. The projects toral 28, so far. Canada. "He likes children and improving d1eir lives:' said Rajah. "It T r was very difficult to raise money for a school that would serve Gord Bontje is one such committed sponsor. For nea ly two decades this Ccmral Albertahomebuilder has partnered wirh A intellectually disabled children, especially in Lamu [on the east Better World Canada on effecting positive, sustainable change coast of Kenya], but now it is winning allkinds of awards and in Kenya and elsewhere. As with many donors his age and older, becoming a model." he is keen to leave a legacy. The Bonrje family sponsored new classrooms, a special learning As parr of celebrating his 60'" birthd y, which happened classroom, a water system, dining area, as well as dormitory on Nov. 27, Bonrje will contribute $500,000. Bonrje, a humble renov rions. i a Sometimes potential donors call Boncje, a well-known business man, said this donation isn't about h m. His heart is set on a "helping the developing world:' and he hopes ro inspire ochers leader in the area, to get his thoughts on A Better World. He tells ro give w such a worrhy cause, ro leave a legacy and, in his case, them how much good they can do clu-ough this volumeer-driven mark a special occasion through a gift ro A Better World. organization. "I've been blessed and had good fortune in my life," said "The delivery process is so pure;' said Bonrje. "lr's done by Bonrje ar his Red Deer area office."l want to giveo f my success:' volunteers and people of very high integrity. The projects are Eri c Rajah, co-founder of A Better World, says the interna­ done very inrelligemly. I c n give people and companies a great tional development organization is grateful forBo nrje's donation level of comfort that what they arc supporting is really what t n " a supporting yet-ro-be determined projects in Kenya, Rwanda, hey are supporti g. • and Afghanistan. The money will be used in1mediarely and as needs a rise. Laura Tester travels with A Better World Witl1 this donat ion , A Better World can make long-term plans and is a fr eelance writer for newspapers.

14 December 2016 llj > > To support this program, please contact [email protected]. < <

" .. .rest assured, there is never a time when you are not loved."

ave you ever just sat at the base of a mountain and marvelled at how absolutely massive and majestic it is? As it rises up into the sky, cutting irs jagged form into the air, I marvel at not only irs size but also at a ki nd of beauty that is hard to explain. I am dwarfed in comparison, filled with aH quiet awe as I try to absorb irs majesty. We arc privileged each day to pause and marvel at the majestic attributes of God. I invite you to fo cus on a particular characteristic ofGod that appears throughout Scripture. I encourage you, with the help of a concordance or a Bible search function on your Bible app on your electronic device, to read the many verses that include the phrase "unfailing love." This exercise is heart- moving as you absorb the realiry of this wonderful portrait of God. Let me \,... whet your appetite with just a few of the highlights. We are reminded that God loved us, even before He made the world (Eph. 1:4). While the Bible docs not state exactly how long ago that was. we can know that even before this world was made, there was love in God's heart for you and me. From before the very beginning of anything on this earth, God's love was there. So rest assured, there is never a time when you arc not loved. David describes rhe magnitude of that love with rhe fo llowing comparison. "Your unfailing love, 0 Lord, is as vast as rhe heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds» (Ps. 36:5).1 ln an age before we had space travel and are measuring just how vast the heavens arc. David uses the heavens to try to illustrate char God's love is that vast, and nor only that-it is unfailing. There si nothing as unfailingas God's love. When something has failed us, we feel let down. Perhaps your health is failing. a friend has let you down, or the economy has collapsed and the political system has not come good on their campaign promises. Whatever it is rhar has failed you, know rhar God's love is not only Lmfailing but also as vast as the heavens. Plus, His unfailing love draws you to Himsclf (Jer. 31:3). This God is so incredibly rich in mercy and loves you so much, that even though you are dead because of your sins, He gave you life when He raised Christ from the dead (Eph. 2:4, 5). He reveals His kindness and love by saving you. nor because of any good things you have done, bur because of His mercy. He has washed away your sins, giving you new life through the Holy Spirit. Not only that, but because of His grace He declared you righteous and gives you confidence that you will inherit eternal life( Tims 2:4-7). That is how unfailing His love for you is. You may be tempted to despair, bur take courage, for He is a God of forgiveness, gracious and merciful, slow to become angry and rich in unfailing love, who will nor abandon you (Neh. 9: 17). His goodness and unfailing love will pursue you allthe days ofyour life (Ps. 23:6). His unfailinglove and faithfulness come tluough Jesus, who is near to the Father's heart and reveals Him to you (John 1:17, 18). So you can be glad and rejoice in His unfailing love, for He has seen yom troubles and cares about what brings anguish ro your soul (Ps. 31:7). •

Warren Kay is a pastor and life coach in Alberta.

'All S<:ripture quotations in this article are taken from the New Living Translation (NLT). B Decembe r 2016 17 nterviews

BY STAN JENSEN

One of the many Ca nadians that serve

in the General Conference is my fr iend Rick Kajiura. I value his passion and ministry in Global Missions, and after

reading this you will understand why.

Rick and Robyn with their daughters, Kylie and Karina

EDITOR: Tellus 11 bit aboutyoumlf Conference Auditing Service responsible for the North American Division territory. We have two daughters, Kylic. RICK KAJIURA: I grew up in a smaU town in Ontario. arrending Andrews University, and Karina, attending My fa mily attended the Hamilton Mountain church, which Kingsway College. overlooks the downtown area ofHamilton. I remember the poem on our bulletin's cover: "To rhis church ser on a hill, EDITOR; What is your·position atAdventist lvfission ? Have whose light must shine abroad. We welcome you a valued you served in other departments within the Ch urch? friend, to d1is place , the house of God.n It was penned by RICK: I Ivan Proury, one of rhe church elders ar the rime. serve as communication director for the Officeof My wife, Robyn, and I mer while we were at Andrews Adventist Mission at rhc General Confercr1cc. If you read University. She's an Australian who grew up as a missionary rhe mission stories in rhe Adulr Bible study guide and the quarterlies, or watch the #fission Sp otlight videos or kid in India. Robyn is the associate director for General mission Mis sion 360 program on Hope Channel and 3ABN, you

18 December 2016 l'fj have seen $Ome of what we do. away, don't give up. Pray about it, and if you feel God is calling

We also operate the Global Mission program, which you, check back again, because needs change over tin1e. sends Global Mission pioneers to areas where there are few The church needs renm1akers, people who go inro a diffi­ or no Adventists. These pioneers are local people, so they cult mission area and get regular jobs bur who are missionar­ speak the local language and understand the culture. They ies-we call it Total Employment. Ifpeople want to Jearn are given a small living stipend and sent to scare new groups more, they can visit To caiEmployment.org. Incertain areas we of believers. Today many people would call them church need "Waldensian smdem:.s," ymmg people who arewilling ro planters. go to university in a mission area so they can be a living wirness I've had the privilege of serving in a variety of positions. I to their fe llow students and even reachers. You can sec a video worked on the Lake Union Hemld at rhe Lake Union in about chis program here: hrrps:/ /goo.gl/8jw0HC Michigan. I've also served as assistant director in the General Conference communication department, and as communi­ EDITOR: Ifsomeonls dream was to serve as n mis.rionary, what is the roadmap they .fhouldfo llow? cation director for ADRA Lnternarional. RICK: They need co follow God's plan for their lives, so the EDITOR: What doyou best about tvhat you mrrently do? like nrsr step is ro pray and ask God to show where they are needed. RICK: Probably my favourite parr is meeting fr ontline mission They should starr gc rting involved in outreachwhere they workers. They arc passionate abour whar rhey arcdoing. are-be parr ofToral Member Lnvolvcmenr. Then serve for a InSri Lanka I met a pioneer who used to walk through the year as an Adventist Vo lun.teer Services volunteer. It's a wonder­ rea nelds ar night for miles ro give Bible srudies. That might ful way co serve and get experience in cross-cultural mission. not sotmd bad untilyou realize there are no streetlights. He EDITOR: Hotv can readttrsoft he Messenger be moreactive in didn't have a flashlight, and there were leopa ds and bandits in r supporting Adventist Mission i1J their locaL churches? the area. Bur he had faith and was passionate about giving Bible smdies. RICK: Pray for the work, and pray for missionaries and Global I've mer many missionaries who make a difference in peo­ Mission pioneers. Ask God what He would have you do for ple's lives. One of them is Dr. Gillian Seton, a medical mission­ mission. Also remember mission offerings. Over the years, mis­ arywho arrived in Liberia just before rhe £bola crisis hit. The sion offerings have probably been che single most important Ebola crisis was mainly tmder control in Liberia, and we asked factorin advancing mission around the world. her to come to San Antonio, for tl1e Sabbath afternoon pro­ They can also support Global Mission pioneers and proj­ gram at rhe GC Session. Bur she didn't want roleave unless ects. One htmdred percent of the funds go ro supporr frontline there: was a doctor to cakeher place while she was gone. Lorna mission work. Linda University president Dick Hart was able to get someone to fillin fmr her so she could share witl1 the GC delegates the EDITOR: Isit possible to giue regular montiJ(y donations 11.sing challenges and joys of serving in Liberia during one of the most a credit card? How do yrm accept donationsfiwn Ca nad ia n.

RICK: Yes, there is a great need for medical missionaries, and Stan Jensen Is the communicaton director people can visit Imps://am.advenrisrmis sion.orglcareer-open­ for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada ings co see current openings. If you don't see something right and editor of the Canadian Adventist Messenger.

IJj December 2016 19 ometimes when you have a recipe that everyone enjoys. changing the recipe and trying something ( a lirde diffen:nr can be daunting. However, you never know what the result will be until you try. Sometimes it doesn't work; sometimes it worksbeautifully. Cornbread is an old favourite tl ur our family loves, and since we like ro experiment, one day we decided ro try tweaking rhe recipe ro see if we could improve it. The result

is a recipe that we all now enjoy. The jalapeno doesn't add

roo much hear bur does add a fair bit offl avour. This is good served warm with vegan margarine or with a variety

of roppings. •

Keith and Cheryl Chant, along with their son Ben, enjoy baking, cooking, and experimenting with flavours and recipes.

20 December 2016 l'fj voar I on the road Fa mily s a Chrisrian sra£ion, we have noticed rhac many of our A listeners worry about their families. Over the lase number of decades, the order and stabil i ty of the home has changed significantly. The challenges mosr of us faced as children have al tered in narurc and intensity. How do we respond co all chat society thr-ows at us to lure families away from the church? Lois writes. .. Dear VOAR,

I am M'itingto askyou to pray for my daughter Rhonda, who is 20yrs. old. Rhonda has had many struggles in her life, and we as afamily have had many stmggles along with your music andfi nnilyprogramming. want you he1: She is searching but doesn't know where to turn some­ Ijust to know, with a heavy heart andyet a boptjiJ/ one, how mMh times. She went to an AI·Anon meeting a couple of weeks your station means to me. l know I could continue to be an ago, because she had asked me to take believe that she Jm: I anonymouslistener, but !.feel the need to tell you how much is really affected by herfather:< drinking, and my behaviour I need and t�·uly what you ln·ing into my home . .from much younger years. apprecia te Please keep allmy family in prayer. She doesn'tseem to want to go to church yet. Tobe truthful Thank youfor being therefor us andfor always haven't gotten grozmded in any one church. Please prayfor 24/7 1 pointing the way to our loving Go d! me, that I allow the Lord to lead me. I have attended the Salvation Am1y, where I was so blessed, and I also attended Yoursin Christ,

numn·ous women'srett·eats and touplel minist1·ies with Lois • othe1· denominations. Howe vet; it'sbeen ove1· two yeat·s since r have stepped inside any church. Christine Bergen is the secretary/treasurer for the I do continue to listen to VOAR, and I am so blessed by Seventh-day Adventist Church in Newfoundland and Labrador.

ON THE

ROAD WITH I How do you findGod?

r AT TIIF GAR�EN ROADANDBRIDC.I I AND B ecJ�,r, CHL RC.HI:S IN AI.Bl-:RfA.

Kayon Brevett: I go in my closet alone and sing and pray and just sit and talk like I am talking with my husband or best friend.

Elaine Marshall: Actually, l did not find God; He found me. ! was lost in sin, and God found me, with the help of a neighbour who invited me to church. ! gave my life and heart to Him.Thank God.

Sunila Sangam: [He is my] Rock [where] I [can] hide and shelter when the trouble comes.

Latoya Small: My grandparents [raised] me to know this man Jesus and from this I know and find God.

IJj December 2016 21 literature evangelism

t was a very hot day, and Simon, fe eling tired and diseour:1ged, had had enough. He had been knocking on doors all afternoon, and things had not been going well. So he decided to lie down under a tree, relax, and forget about this whole Canada Yo uth Challenge ordeal. Suddenly, from above, he heard the raucous sotmd of squawking. Looking up, he saw a black bird flying straight at him. and, to his astonishment, it landed on his shoulder, squawking loudly in his hear. "Shoo, shoo!" Simon shouted, waving his arms. But the bird simply circled the air and landed again on his shoulder. screaming. Simon got up. the bird still perched on his shoulder. Then, srranger sri II, the bird seemed to point with its beak in the direction it wanted Simon ro go. When Simon tried to go elsewhere, the bird would squawk and nip at his car and neck unril he fo llowed orders. So Simon, with the bird still perched on his shoulder, went where he was led. A woman answered the first door Simon knocked on, and when she saw him standing there with the bird, she stared in amazement. The b.irdwas louder than Simon, and allSimon could say was that tt:hebird was a new friend. For three doors, the bird smyed perched on Simon's shoulder, fascinating the people who observed it. There were wide-eyed stares, lots of questions, plenty of laughs, and, at the end, a number of books were left with the people at the doors.

A Message of Hope There is a quiet movement spreading all across the nation of

Canada. The face of this movement is as wide and diverse as the Bird world we live in. lt is made up of people all ages, ethnicities, and life experic11ces. Its leader is All Powerful, its method is simple, and irs purpose is u.nd1anging-to win Canada for the kingdom, one door, one book, one soul at a time. This movement, the work of literature evangelism, is impo rtant to God because it fulfllls a on my desperate need, a need to come lose tothe pain and isola o char c ti n so fillsthe hearrs of our nation, and to share a message of hope: Shoulder • Hope for the woman whose emotional scar ran deeper than the physical one left when her husband, while committing suicide, rried ro rake her with him. To her, a How ordinary people message thar lcfr her in rears was given-God heals the deepest hurts and brings peace to the broken-hearted. are touching our nation, • Hope for the man who, suffering with diabetes, was shown how ro manage his disease through simple one door at a time. lifesrylc changes. To him. restoration was given as his illness was reversed.

• Hope for the young man who, receiving a GLOW tract, asked for Bible studies. To him new life was given as he fmmd comfort a11d hope in the shelter ofGod's promises.

• Hope for one of the many federal cabinet MPs who received a package from our office and took the time co say thank you. To rhem, an opportunity was given to come to know health of body and soul.

22 December 2016 l'fj These stories, just a few of the many experienced this past Canada Youth Challenge (CYC) is our srudenr liu:rarure year, demonstrate the impact of this ministry. It is a ministry evangelism program. Every year srudenrs from across Canada whose merhods have been ordained by God and whose ultimate and around the world dedicate a summer of their lives to work success is guaranteed by Him, ifwe do our parr. for God. They knock

our country, personally bringing the message of a Saviour's love The Methods of Our Ministry ro those who need to hear it most. This year CYC students We here at Lifestyle Canada have been given the incredible visited over 300,000 homes, prayed for over 11.000 individuals, privilege and responsibility ro head the literature evangelism and gathered more tha.n 1,000 interest.� for Depression seminars, movement in Canada. Our ministry, which operates throughout Bible studies, Stop Smoking clinics, and other programs. Canada and has covered all major cities across this nation, runs Literature-With a Persona/Touch three progmms: Through our programs, we at Lifestyle Canada aim tO come GLOW, which stands for "Giving Light to Our World;' is close ro the hearts of Canadians. We offer literature with a our every member ministry. Through the use of GLOW tracts, personal touch, because it isonly as we come close rhat we are we train ordinary church members across Canada to share their able to bring a message ofcomfort to those who need it mosc. faith every day, everywhere, and with everyone. Just last year If there is any doubt that the work ofliterature evangelism ordinary church members distribmed nearly one million GLOW is important, remember Simon's story. Through feathers, beaks, cracts across Canada. Because of these eflorrs, our office receives and squawks, God sent Simon much-needed encouragemen t, weekly requestS tor prayer, more literature, and Bible studies. putting him back on his feet and back at the doors where he iHeal is our professional health certification program. It could share God's message oflove. This is how important this trains ordinary members to become healrl1y lifestyle coaches, work is to God. All He needs are people who are willing to join bringing the message of healing for body, mind, and soul ro the movement and go- • homes across Canada. Because of the service and dedication ofiHeal coaches, a number of people have experienced health � Jonathan Zita is the executive director ofLifestyle Canada, transformations, such as reversing diabetes, fighting cancer, a charity organized to better fu lfillthe mandates of the and ultimately experiencing the reality of a God who heals �GJ literature ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church body, mind, and soul. across Canada. To learn more about this ministry, please visit LifestyleCanada.org or contact us at [email protected]

eve students

IJj December 2016 23 cover story

mas

I'D '<

V\ N Q) 3 ::-;- 0

It is Four o'clock Ckr,istmas mo1"ning. The nc�salJ,oning ol- a chanting monk over' loud speaker's S.om thenea,by wat (Buddhist temple) abY'uptly staY'tles me S.om deep sleep in the preclawn hou1"s. In the coming minutes the sound penehating ou-r Cambodian home is mingled w1th the wcophomJ of compe-Ling blessings f-rom

SU1"rounding wai.s, CY'OWing 1"00sl:e1"S, waking neighbour'c hild1"en, and the nabonal anthem played ove1" tl"1e Y'adio S.om aC1"oss the wall. ToweY's ot loudspeaker's f-rom a distant. t.we-r bon ce1"emony soon pump out a musical mix of t.mdit.ional Khmer,

\:x/este1"n "Top 40, " and a Few carols thY"own in Fo-r good luck.

lay soaked by swear, even in rhe cool season, "\XIestern lholida( beyond whar they have learned from II reflect on my childhood Christmases. My Hollywood movies. sister and I would eagerly blmdlc: up against Before wewent to Cambodia, our family home was the cold and rip·toe fr om our beds to give rhc presents in Canada. I grew up in Calgary, Alra., and after my Aaround rhe tree one more shake. \XIhile predicting rheir fa ther passed away, we moved ro Ponoka County near contents, we debated what my parents' plea of"Don't Burman University (then Canadian Union College, wake us up too early" meant. Now I. too, wished for just CUC). Afrcr graduating from CUC, I pasrorcd ar the a bit more sleep. Merry Christmas ... 2009. My family's Henderson Highway Seventh-day Advcnrisr Church first Christmas far from home as missionaries. in Winnipeg, Man.; the Willowdale church in Norrh We have since had eight Christmas days pass while Yo rk, Onr., (parr of the greater To ronto area); the serving God as International Service Employees for the College Heights church in Lacombe, Alra., where I also Seventh-day Adventist Church. None of the events of se rved as campus chaplain at, chen, Canadian Un iversiry that first Christmas had anything to do with Christmas. College; and, finally, as rhe senior pastor at rhe Edmonton Cambodia is predominantly Buddhist (85.1 percent) and Sourh church inEdmonton, Alta. largely unreached by Christianity (3.2 percent Christian). My wife, lvonne, was born in lquiros, Peru and grew The Seventh-day Adventist Church is growing, largely up on the campus ofUniversidad Peruana Uni6n, our

because oflocal workers such as Global Mission pioneers. Adventist university just ourside of Lima, Peru, before Still, as ofmid-2016 there is only one Adventist church/ attending medical school in Bolivia. We accepted rhe church company forevery 464,324 Khmer. Like rhe ocher call ro Cambodia through the General Conferencewhile

unreached countries in the J 0/40 window, 1 Christmas is in Edmonton. When rhe call was finalized, we had rwo kept by most indigenous people only through conuner· weeks ro say goodbye to our church members, rhen one cialism, Western Christmas music, and an occasional monrh of pre-embarkation to sellour house, get rid of

Clu-istmas tree or manger scene-frequently wicl1 Sanca our things we did nor wish to rakewirh us, wrap up our

Claus as rhe dominant figure lookin g down at baby life in Canada, and say goodbye ro our family in Canada Jesus. Most people never stop to ask more about this and Peru. At rhe tin1e our adventure was beginning, my

'The 10/40 Window is the region of the world between the 10'" and 40"' parallels 24 December 2016 l'fj known for, amongst other challenges. being the area least reached by Christianity. wife had been sworn in as a Canadian citizen just a short also strong resistance ro change; about 97 percent of time before the call came, our daughter was only three Adventists who convert experience some direct fo rm of months old, and our son was not quire two years old. social, mental, or physical persecution. Afterliving for rwo years in Cambodia, we spenr five Christmas inTin1or-Lcste was another new cx pclicncc. years in the reladvely new country ofTimor-Leste (locally While Camolics celebrate Chrusrmas and life-sized nativities called Timor-Lorassae). A predominantly Catholic country are a common sight in every suco (neighbourhood) (it is 91 perccnr Christian, 94.4 percent of whom arc throughout rhc capiral ofDili during December, the Catholic), Timor-Lesre was officiallyenrered by the Adventist faith in Timor-Leste la(gdy rejected Christmas. Seventh-day Adventist Church in i 974-f"or only a Mosr Adventists believed it was wrong to observe few momhs. Political instability forced the Australian Christmas. There were no decorations, presents, carols, missionary ro retreat as nearly 400 years ofPormguese or even Scripmre readings about the birth ofJesus in colonial rule came to an end. After only a few weeks, the Adventist church during Christmas when we came the freshly discovered independence ended as Indonesia ro Timor-Leste. Unfortunately, while church members invaded. Ir wasn't tmtil another 10 years or so before the ignored rhe message ofJesus' binh in church, rhey Adventist Church re-established itself rherc. With the frequently joined in the secular Christmas naditions bloody end of Indonesian rule in the late 1990s, most when they went home to friends and neighbours. Adventist members joined the Aight from conflict and As the mission presidem, I found it challenging to combat, leaving only five knownAdvemists in the cotmtry balance our church members' sensitive consciences along afterTimorese independence was restored. with their expectant confidence in our leadership with The church began again and has rebuilt to the 536 our personal wishes and plans to make our Fa mily time at members, one church, three companies, and eight groups home special and reach our own growing children about ir has today. There is one Adventist forevery 2,138 people Jesus' gift to us. Over the years, we had several church in Timor-Leste. The Catholicism that exists in Timor­ fo rums discussing the dangers ofChristmas materialism

Leste is, for the most parr, a syncretic blend of Catholicism, and secularism versus the wonderful opportunity, as animism, ancestor worship, and spirit worship. There is suggested in the writings of Ellen G. White, to reach

IJj December 2016 25 our friends and neighbours with me true story ofJesus' Cruiser Troopy on a washed-our back road right after a birth and love. downpour). Bur the true gifts we treasure from those Thanks to your 20 1 5 Thircenrh Sabbath offerings. the Christmases arc the visual memories of the fa ces ofeach Seventh-day Adventist Church began irs first elementary unreached person couched by the love of God throughout school in Timor-Leste. Christmas 2015 was celebrated rhe year as His Holy Spirit breathed a spark of eternal by a church fullof parents and family members of non­ life into their heart. Advenrisc studenrs, blended wim our Adventist members, We have since moved ro doing work based in the joining to see and hear rhe students acting our, singing, Philippines. With so many Christmases and years apart and reading Bible passages about the great gift char God from our family, friends, and loved ones in Canada, the gave through Jesus, the hope of salvation. and me news Chrisrmas cards rarely findus, and at rimes we long for of.Jesus' soon return.Me mbers throughout rhe country home. The temptation ro rerum is great, bur rhe need

are now encouraged ro plan community events at around us is greater. Christmas to reU the story ofj esus and proclaim His Now, as the director ofthe Office ofAdventist soon return. Mission for the Southern Asia-Pacific Division of the The following are some of the highlights of rhc General Conference of rhc Seventh-day Adventist past eight Christmases our family has experienced: our Church, I am blessed and challenged ro support leaders Cambodian tradition of riding elep hants on Christmas and to empower the work of mission to the least-reached day; a special Christmas spent with AFM missionaries people in J4 countries ofSourh and Southeast Asia­ in the hill country of Mondulkiri, Cambodia; our one the heart of rhe 10/40 window. As I visit the42 largesr Chrisnnas back in Canada during which our children cities in our territory, which range in size from 1 million experienced freezing cold {going from 35°C ro -30°C), to 28.1 million-often wirh few members; as I struggle snow, frozen lakes, skating, snow forts, and dog sledding; and pray with those engaged in work in highly resistant seeing cuttlefish and sea turtles while snorkelling by Jaco communities where baptizing someone can result in Island in Timor-Lcsrc {where with the only fo orprims imprisonment or death for both parries; as I listen to in rhe sand were our own); and having my wife's parent.� the GlobaJ Mission pioneers on the frontline in country visiting us one year from their country of Peru (including after country appealing ro me for a higher wage so they the "fun" parr of nearly rolling our 4x4 Toyota Land can feed their children and cominue to serve God-

26 December 2016 l'fj while knowing we must choose between reducing rhe Pray for cl1e Holy Spirit to be pomed inro rhe frontline work or keeping their wage the same; as I lives ofthe unreached ro prepare them to receive struggle with the immensity of the work left to be done the gospel and the rllree angels' messages in this among rhe unreached, and struggle knowing the few otherwise impossible work. If you don't know engaging in unentered areas in my territory ... what is where to starr, visit www.Globai-Mission.org my Christmas wish? and www.joshuaproject.net.

This Chrism1as I have three wishes: I wish that every committed Christian would wish for every person reading this article ro commit to praying every day toask God one 3 question: "\xrharcan I do to join You in com­ join me in giving ar least 25 percent of what 1 pleting Yo ur work?" And then do it in God's r1 hey .spend on their family rhis Christmas ro mission work of the Seventh-day Adventist power. Chucch in the least-reached areas of the world. A special thanks for the loving support and prayers Our church is highly engaged in mission on of our family and friends in Canada and throughout the the very front line, bur the resources are world. Please do nor srop praying for us and for God's diminishing proporrionally, not growing. work. Ir is how we exist. Every day I see firsthand the amazing work ':And us notp-ow wem'Y while diJing good,Jor in due and tremendous need of what is happening let directly through the Adventist Church organi­ setzSon u1e shall reap ifwe do not lose heart. TIJerefore, as we have opportunity, Let tJS do good to aLl especiaLly to zation thanks to your tithes and mission tho.re who are oj 'the howeJJoldoj'f oith."-Galarians 6:9, offerings and your support of the GC Global IO,NKJV • Mission program.

I wish that every Sevenrl1-dayAdventi st would Merry Chris tmas from Wesley, Jvonne, William, and commit to choosing one country in the l 0/40 Alyssia Szamko serving God and the unreached in 2 window and pray for it every week. Pra for Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, y the frontline Global Mission pioneers and Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, m issi.onaries. Pray for the pastors and leaders. Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.

All statistlcs taken from joshuaproject.net and 2006 Quarter 2 statistics of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division oft he General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

IJj December 2016 27 AMAZING FACTS INISTRIES

"New" Amazing Fa cts Ministries can now be viewed on Miracle Channel! Check your local station for the correct time in your area.

• Miracle Channel

• Zoo mer Media - Vision TV

• Vertical TV "Those who loved you and were

helped by you, will retnetnber you ...." Clutrles Sp11rgeon

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f� �� N)SE\VENTI '\;I I'�T ( HL R< H ad ra canada feature

Maria views one of the new windows installed in her ground floorapartment in Schastiya, Russia. Damage from the shelling is all too apparent.

ecemly, I was reminded once again While in Schasriya, a small rown nor memories of\Vorld War II. As she was ofthe vast difference between reading far from the front line, I had the honour telling me about this, she covered her Rabout something and experiencing of visiting Maria Vo ronkina. At roughly head and rocked back and forth, tamping it firsthand. After reviewing the project five feet rail, with wispy white hair and a down the worst of the memories. "I know documentS forthe Advenrist Development face lined by lifeand laughter, she reminded what war is;• she said, her eyes looking out and Relief Agency's (ADRA) work in me so much of my own Baba, my grand­ the window, seeing something I couldn't Ukraine in preparation for my rrip there, mother. Maria is 83 years old. She is a see. "Ir's extreme stress, and even worse, I thought I had a firm handle on what to wi dow and lives alone in a small apartment it's fe ar." expect. on the ground floor of her building. Her After spending a month recovering ADRA has been working in Ukraine two daughters live fur away, one in Russia, ar the hospital, Maria was finally able to ever since the conflict began in the other across the from line. Maria go home. She could hardly wait to return Our current project is assisting pe20o 14.ple doesn't hear much from the latter. to her haven. But upon returning,she in the East, near the front line, with The day the shelling ofSchastiya began. discovered gaping holes where her windows unconditional cash grams. This money Maria was in the rown centre. The shells had once been. The same day she had been enables them to meet their most pressing fe ll without any warning, save the surreal wounded, a shell had exploded outside her needs. whether it be repairing homes from whoosh before impact. Maria was struck building. blasting through the windows shelling, or rem, medicine, or items for by flying shrapnel, which severely woundedl and spewing shrapnel across her walls and winter, such as clothing and coal. Most her leg. Somehow-and she can hardly ceiling. Her neighbours had come and of the people with whom we work are recall how-Maria hauled herself home, cleared away the debris, but Maria couldn't pensioners. widows. widowers. and those where she promptly passed our on cl1e floor. keep herself from crying. What was she to

who are simply unable ro leave. Her neighbours acted fust, performing do? She was a pensioner, barely scraping

I wem to Ukraine to report on our fim aid and getting Maria to the hospical. by. She had no savings to draw from for work and its impact. But nothing in black She spent a month in the hospital, all the repairs. She had nowhere else to go. and wh ire could prepare me for the people while praying rhat the shelling wouldn'r Ma.ria lived for a year and a half with I would encounter-and their srories. srart a war. She still had vivid, aching jusr scrap board slapped across the holes.

30 December 2016 l'fj Standing inside her apartment, Maria enjoys the sunlight now streaming through her new windows. Right and bottom photos show the devastation left by the shelling.

InUkraine, with its long and ha rsh wimers, I visited her, she had been enjoying her rhough most of the time I see ir only living like rhis woul d be a hard cask for new windows for almost a week. "Only through the lens of black ink on white anyone, let alone a widow of83 living ADRA has helped me. I am beyond paper. Because ofGods grace and blessing, by herself. happy !" she beamed, crying ar the same I know we make a positive difference.

"I barely managed;' she said, shaking rime. " I pray for ADRA every night," she My rime in Ukraine showed me some her head. "The room seemed to be very said, crossing herself. "I pray chat God of these improvements flrsth:md. I am small and moist. It was always dark. I was will blessyour project and your workers!" so grateful to God rhar we are meeting very cold." From the way she told her story, My favourite moment with Maria was the immediate, physical needs of our I got the impression that the dark coldness when she walked over to her brand-new, neighbours in distress. I am even more had emere�i more chan her aparnnent. I sun-soaked windowsill, looked up ac the grateful thac we are also bringing life­ could sense that Maria had been in the sky with rears ofhappiness, and exclaimed, changing hope, healing, and light ro he;ms midst of a struggle against depression "Rada! Rada! Rada!" This word, my that have been darkened by immense loss and despair. translator told me:, meant "joyful." and gric£

When she was rold char she would I didn't need project documenrs ro It is because of your prayers and receive help inthe formof an unconditional tell me rhe impact of this project (though support rhar this kind of work happens. cash l:,'rancfrom ADRA, she couldn't believe those arc very importam and crucial ro Every hcanfdt dy akuytt and spasiba it. She couldn't believe char anyone would our work). I could see rhe difference wich ("Thank you" in Ukrainian and Russian) help. The tlrsrrays ofhope glimmered in my own eyes in che joy and gratitude char was urrered ro me I pass on to you. her heart, but they were not yet strong emanating from Maria, bright and warm May God bless you abundantly, for you enough ro put her faith in them. "Only as the light from her window. I was have been an abundant blessing. Thank

rhe day I gor the money on rhe card did humbled ro know that our church, through you. • I believe ir; she confessed sheepishly. the agency of ADRA. wa$ rouching her The moment she had the money in life and changing her dark coldness ro Heather Grbic is the church relations hand, she purchased new windows and warm light. coordinator for ADRA Canada. hired rhe labour ro install chem. When I believe in the work ofADRA,

IJj December 2016 31 k ngs way college

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Q)..._ Vl� 0 "' U'\ en ·-Vl - ::J· c 0 E >- ::::.:::: -a '+- ...... - "' rtl RAKtivists uilding connections can be tough, studenrs see rhe value of giving back and serving rhe 8whether it is your first year at a new school or community, as our mono at KC is "Service Not Fame,» even just getting to know new classmates. For and it fe els nice to give back to people who have, in

some, high school is rhe most memorable time; for odl­ many ways, comribured to our school.

ers it can be such a challenge. Select RAKtivist groups participated in another ac­ This school year at Kingsway College, Campus Min­ tivity that served as an educational component, namely, istries has introduced a new program called RAKrivisrs a conversation about mental health and awareness led {Random Acts of Kindness). RAKcivim are small by the school chaplain, Campbell Page. It was an eye groups that meet in multiple locations on the campus. opener. because some of these students didn't know the These groups consist of about I 0 co students and are extent to which mental health is affectingpeop le in led by a staffmember. One of the goals12 is for students co Canada. The discussion was an avenue for students to build better connections wirhin the smaller group and confr ont som<: stigmas about mental healrh and, overall,

hopefully build long-lasting friendships. gave rhc groups more knowledge on the ropic. Being in­ Another goal is co help create a fruitful environment fo rmed earlier in life means rhac our smdenrs share their for connecting and parrnering with various local organi­ knowledge and help improve other people's knowledge

zations, such as King�·way Pioneer Apartments {assisted about chi:s issue. I iving facility), ABC Christian Books core, and College Overall, rhe groups have added a positive dimension Park Elementary School. One of the most recent activi­ co the smdenr body because they serve as a space for

ties RAKtivists took part in was baking cookies and connection, and potentially, rhey may even draw some

greeting rhc seniors at Kingsway Pioneer Aparnnenrs. of om students who aren't Christians roChrist. Please This ace ofkindness resulted in positive comments from stay tuned for more updates on our RAKtivists, and our seniors and may become a regular activity-after hopefully we have inspired you to scare your own all, who doesn't like freshly baked cookies once in a groups! • while? The positive fe edback from our commun iry helps Mana Martin is a Grade 12 student from Windsor, Ont.

32 December 2016 l'fj - 6:: � o I

� Construction begins on high school buildings

New

fter a tremendous amoum of prayer and hard work, The new project is having an impact on the community. construction ofMamawi Awskccan Native School's high "The Lord has truly blessed rhis project on behalf of a people Aschool and industrial arcs centre is undenvay. Excavation who have experienced so much injustice in our country� Hall of the site began shortly afi:er Mamawi Acosktan Native School's observes. "I recently chatted with several First Nations individuals (MANS) May 25 groundbn:aking-an ev ent char featured Native who could hardly find words ro express their joy and rhc sense Council members, govcrnmcm officials, as well as d1c Grammy­ of hope d1ey have in d1e differencechis MANS expansion will nominaced drum group Northern Cree. make ro their community. Personally, I am very grateful ro all who A palpable sense of accomplishment and excitement pervaded have contributed financially and otherwise to make it happen." as the footingsfor the school were pomcd. "We have been dreaming "The begirming ofconmuction is d1e hand of God at work:' abour and planning for a high school for a long rime;' says MANS says honorary campaign chair Larry Wilkins, "He still listens ro principle Gail Wilron. "Finally seeing the ground work begin the prayers of average people. He still aces on rheir behalf. He has created such a sense of excitement. The Lord is busy at work still performs miracles." here at Mamawi, and we are eagerly looking fo rward as we watch Wilkins. who is hi.mselfFirst Narions, expressed gratitude for His plans unfold." the vision and commitment of Conference adminisrrarors Larry The sentiment is one mat construction manager \Villiam Hall and recently retired president Ken Wiebe. "I cannot thank Piersanri shares. After fiveyears ofprayer, planning, and discussion, d1em enough for givinlg everyone involved with clUs ongoing he was ready ro begin construction. "The school is cxacrly where project d1e courage ro believe. Their humble bravery solidified it needs ro be, and l can't rake the credit. I'm just the clay working our fa ith in rhc question of nor whether rhe school would be in the clay;' he says with a smile. built, bur when." Reflectingon his involvement with the MANS projecr, "When I am in my rocking chair," concludes Wilkins, "I newly retired Alberta Conference secretary, Larry Hall,echoes know I will remember (Ken and Larry] and mis time with joy the principal's enthusiasm. "The MANS project is one of the and intense gratitude. I will be smiling like a Cheshire Cat for

most significant, timely, and relevam mission projects ever apparently no reason, bur for now, it's back to work." • undenaken by a tremendous amount ofdedication, work, and prayer over the past few years, and it is truly one ofmy greatest Myken McDowell is communications assistant for the delights ever ro finally see irs construction begin. Bridge Campaign, which funds the new high school buildings of Mamawi Atosketan Native School.

CGmdiGir,,_.,.,..,_lilt,.,,. Jr , Stpfar6tr/Vdlhrissur.LIIw w.m.r(llft),Miata c.r.r- 1'19jectc.dlnltor,MANS llrllbgrouadllongslde sludentsllld r..dint dollor.1lonolwJCIIIPiillt dlllra.wyWIIIu. :�;;�J�/ ;\' •I • pa rkv ew adventist academy

"I've really seen the Christian environment of learningin how the teachers want to have a personal relationship with their students."

Parkview Adventist Academy places great importance on rhe responsibility of being the first choice for Seventh-day Adventist srudenrs in We stern Canada. The fa milies who sacrifice and commit ro placing their young people in the care of committed reachers are a valued support to learning here on campus. For theJolmsron fa mily from Pore Hardy, B.C., Advenrisr education did nor make rhe mosr sense, and ycr every one ofAudrey's 12+ years has been spent in a Sabbarh-observ:mt school where the reachers begin class with prayer. "When I was scarring kindergarten, my parents had ro decide whether ro send me to the public school that was one minute how r ended up leaving the town r grew up in and the school l

from my house, or w the Advenrist school. which was a bit of a had attended for 10 years. and moving ro Alberta, which I had drive. My dad figured there was no harm in trying it our, so they never even visited before."

sent me ro Avalon Academy. just to see if I'd like it." She did. The transition was made easier as Audrey found her fit. ''l'vc Audrey's community has been built through her experience never had a problem with making friends, but when I firstgor inAdvenrist education: "That's how friendships start," she says. here, I was incredibly shy. I was new and didn't know anyone, "At PAA, I discovered the friends I'm going to keep after school. bur when classes sr<�rred and there were tryoutS for reams, and I mean, you are friends with whoever you're in classes with, but all that, it was easier to meet people. I've been on the volleyball now I know I'm gening close ro the people I '11 see for 30 years team for three years now, which has helped me grow quire a bir at alumni." as a player and a person." The friendly tone of campus interactions begins with PAA's Some ofAudrey's fuvourite memories at PAA have been made reachers, and for Audrey, rhar's what made rhe biggest impression while travelling ro tournaments with her team, or attending class on her growing faith. ''I've really seen the Christian environment parties, banquets, and other campus events as a student, bm there of learning in how the reachers want ro have a personal relationship are a few special people who made her time here significant. "One with their students. They're not just throwing work at them or teacher [fadlirared] Discussion Fridays for Bible class, and 1 essentially nor caring. I had a friend who wem to public school would ger to ask random questions abom God and swff withour where rhe reachers make it apparent that they don't want ro be any judgment. Another helped me wirh mtoring every day last there as much as rhc students, bur here the teachers care and will year, which shows that they really, really care." do anything and everything ro make sure you do well." PAA provides a safe and caring learning environment thar Audrey knows abom this commitment firsthand because considers the strengths and struggles of every student. For PAA's vice-principal, Rod Jamieson, along with his wife, Tracey, Audrey, now srudying at Burman Universiry, this connection

arc the reason she was able to smdy. "I was getting ready for has proved ro be invaluable. Sometimes the option that seems my Grade I 0 year ar Avalon, bur something happened, and just to make sense is nor the one that makes a difference, and the before school smned, they decided that they couldn't offerhigh difference is seen clearly at PAA. • school. So we were Stuck with an educational emergency, and my dad, who used to fish with Jamieson, called him up. They Katelyn Ruiz is the director ofpublic relations made the plan for me to enroll in PAA righr away, and that's at Parkview Adventist Academy.

34 December 2016 IJj education Using distributed learning to promote alignment in British Columbia

British Columbia is a REACH 1 conference, Unfortunately, RVJA was nor able ro run kids." Mathea admirred, "I love waking and we are always searching for ways to as a school during the 2013/2014 sd10ol up every morning to go ro school because bring alignment between our churches year. Instead, all 15 students ancndcd the I get ro sec my friends and learnsome­ and schools. One of the ways West Coast learn ing centre. thing new each day." Nathan is "thankful Adventist School (WCAS) promotes chis Through God'� blessing, a reacher, for WCAS ro be helping these learning alignment is through providing distributed Laura Kozak, accepted the call co rhe centres across the province; and he hopes learning. Ina ddition roo ur students who tiny conununiry. and RVJA again opened they conrinue unriiJesus comes. Finally. school at home, WCAS also supports irs doors in September 2014 ro I G lower­ Raylcne shares char with our WCAS and local churches in providing Advemist grade and eighr upper-grade srudenrs. rhe learningcentre, "we probably wouldn't educational opportunities in locally Kozak raughr rhe lower grades, and rhe srill have this school running. God has organized learning centres. upper grades remained as a learning centre definitely blessed otu little school with A learning centre is a unique learning with WCAS under the supervision of rhe usc ofWCAS." environment that pairs the local church Brandon Holland. Through this partnership, God is with WCAS. Ina traditional eLearning This past September, RVJA had an blessing cl1e McBride SDA Church, rhe environment, studenrs arc supported in enrolment of29 srudems. lnsread of hiring learning centre, and RVJA. The church meeting the curricular objectives at home a new teacher, the church decided to run is full of children on Sabbath morning, by their parents. In a learn ing centre, a Grade 1-6 classwom with 21 srudents and several of rhe parenrs have begun parents and the church come together and continue the learning cemre through attending services regularly. WCAS is to provide a classroom and a supervisor WCAS for kindergarten and Grades 7- proud to be able to promote the BC to help the students with their courses. 10. To day, RVJA and the learning centre REACH goals of alignment and educating These learning centres are autonomous are aourishing under rhe direction of for eternity while it partners wirh local in the running and hiring of the local teacher Laura Holland (note the change churches to provide Adventist education supervisor, while WCAS provides reachers, oflast name), secretary IreneT wiss, and to students anytime and everywhere. curriculum, and provincial academic credit�. rhe two learning centre supervisors, If you would like more information on

Approximately five years ago the Brandon Holland and Cheryl Lipke. providing school at home or on starting

McBride Seventh-day Advendst Church The students have wonderful things to a learning centre in your church, please parrnered with WCAS as an option for say about rheir learn ing centre experiences. contact WCAS in one of the fo llowing maintaining an educational presence in Daniel shared that he "really likes rhe ways. Call 877/853-5053, email office the Robson Valley area. At its inception, learning cemre. It combines the Christian @wcasdl.ca, or check out our website ar the learning centre provided courses for educational curriculum and kind reachers www.wcasdl.ca. • students from junior co senior high school, from West Coast with the structure of a while the lower grades were raughr at school." Heather added that she likes Lisa Clarke is the West Coast Adventist Robson Valley Junior Academy (RVJA). "being able to interact with the younger School principal and curriculum coordinator for the British Columbia Conference.

1 REACH Is an acronym that represents the following core values (1) Revival and Transformalion, which Is about our relationship with God; (2) Education for Discipleship, which is about growing strong in Christ; (3) Alignment Within the Church, which is about collaboration; (4) Community Outreach and Evangelism, which Is about witness; and (5) Healthy Leadership and Management, which is about effective organization. IJj December 2016 35 of Canadian Adventist members and churches in action

Please note: Items in the ·News ·section may originate from various sources. The Canadian Adventist Messenger will give credit, via a byline, to authors of material submitted directly to us for first printing. Stories withou t a byline may have been writ ten by Messenger staff, reprinted fromother publications or supplied to us by a general press release.

British Columbia

Charles Aguilar Joins ADRA Uganda

churches on copies as wide-ranging as branding and marketing, fundraising, evangelism and community outreach, live-screaming, website maintenance, video production, and photography. For his part, Charles is grateful for many of the unique projects he was involved in as the BC Conference's communication direcror. He cites

his most outstanding memory asw hen the board of directors convened at Camp Hope to chart a tangible initiative for rhe conference's local churches and schools-"co REACH British Columbia and Yukon with a Christ-centred message ofhope and wholeness." Charles Charles Ed II Aguilarand his wife, Elizabeth thoroughly enjoyed being parr of the process "from inception to conception co witnessing n Aug. 28, Charles Ed II Aguilar ended a four-year min­ the growth and application of REACH in the local churches Oistry as communication director of the British Columbia and schools." He also loved his work on the frondines with Conference to serve as rhe new country director for ADRA pastors, helping them with various projects and workshops, and Uganda. Charles will begin at ADRA Uganda on Sept. 27, 2016, equipping them wirh relevant media and communication tools.

where his main responsibilities will encompass srraregizing­ Charles's co-workers have no doubt chat he will continue to vision, planning and design, resource management, and people be a flrsr-rare example in his ministry, carrying lessons learned development. and skills gained from the BC Conference to his work at ADRA Joining Charles on chis journey will be his wife of 16 years, Uganda. We sley To rres, current BC Conference president, scared, Elizabeth, and their three children. Elizabeth, a registered dental "The members of the BC Conference were really blessed by the hygienist, will serve ADRA Uganda and the Uganda Union of spiritual, committed, efficient, creative, and fruitful ministry Seventh-day Adventists as a technical assistant for health; and of Charles for rhe lase 11 years. He sec an example ofa faithful, Jewel (Grade 9),Jade (Grade 6), and Onyx (Grade 4) will continue friendly and hard-working servant as he ministered to God's their education via West Coast Adventist School, the British people as a church pastor and for the last fo ur years as an Columbia Conference's distance learning school. excellc:nt communication director." Charles can be described as a Renaissance man, with a unique Bur while it's nor easy to say goodbye, Charles is happy co background-including a BA in Theology and a Diploma in expand his horizons. "Working for ADRA has been a dream of Digital Design from Vancouver Film Scho ol-chat has taken mine since college years. I am looking fo rward to the challenge him places he never imagined. "[ never dreamed of working of sharing rhe loving, just, and merciful character of God in for the British Columbia Conference office, much less as com­ situations and places with very limited resources:' He is inspired munication director. I worked as a Bible worker, youth pastor, by this quote: "In sympathy and compassion we are to minister

school chaplain, church planter, and church pastor (in the to chose in need ofhelp, seeking with unselfish earnestness to

conference] before accepting [the communications role]." lighten rhe woes of suffering humanity."1 • v Each experience pro ed valuable as he helped various -Karen Hemrich, Secretary, u communication ra departments set and g ide a st tegy through Communications Department, rhe use of rhe web, print, video, social media, ra dio, and newsletters. British Columbia Conference He also facilitated communication workshops for colleagues and

36 December 2016 llfj 'Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 104. news

do some of their basic yard work anymore, and we encountered working parems who could usc an extra hand. lt was a joy for rhe group ro brighten people's days and lives wi th not only their colourfltl T-shirrs and warm smiles but also their service. lr was an honour for rhe group co be able ro go and represent rheir church and God in the comrmmity. One gentleman whose property the group spenr significant rime cleaning up shared, "I probably shouldn't tell you this, bur I'm kind of an atheist." The group quickly assured him rhar this was no barrier ar all co rhe service and rhar they were delighted ro be a blessing to him char day. After the groupvisited with him for some rime, he concluded rhe chat with "I hope you guys come back every year, Volunteerspitching in for (ran brook SDA Church's firstWhat-Can+Do·For·Vou day. and maybe I'll come hang our with you guys if you don't preach at me." Some of rhe church members who mer this man What-Can-1-Do-For-Yo u? Day have been praying for him since and are excircd ro sec how God may continue ro he fo recast for Sunday, Sept. 18, had as rakes, lawn mower, weed whackcr, and use rhe church co bring this dear man co Tbeen 90 percem chance ofprecipitation. so on, rhe group was ready tO work. They a relationship with Christ. The weather did nor look promising for went door to door wearing bright yellow Mark I 0:45 says, "For even the Son a group of church members fi·om rhe T-shins, with the question of the day of Man came not ro be served bm ro Cranbrook Seventh-Day Adventist Church. wrirrcn on rhe from, "What Can I Do serve, and co give His life as a ransom for The personal ministries ream had picked For You?"Some people were curious about many." Although rhe primary purpose rhis dare for a community outreach event this free offer but had norhingomside of this outreach was ro serve others, it that had been planned fo r over I 0 months. their home rhat needed to be done, and was tmdoubredly a gift to the church But when God's people pray, anything is others were surprised and grateful for members who participated. What a joy possible! Prayers were answered when the service. A few community residents and privilege it is to show Christ's love Sunday morning arrived with blue skies expressed their hope to see the group to others through service. • and sunshine! The group wenr our in rheir return ro their home every year ro come. -Ta mmy Molina, Co-Leader, community, starting with the streets closest The goal of this outing was to make Personal Ministries, to their church, for their first What-can- people's day, co bring smiles ro rheir f.'lces, Cranbrook Seventh-day

1-do-for-you? Day. The church hopes co and most importantly to be Jesus' hands Adven tist Church make this an annual and growing event. on this earth. We met many elderly persons Equipped with a trailer of tools such in rhe community who were nor able co

Maritime

Maritime Conference Ordination

n rhe Sabbath of]uly 23. 2016, schools for most of his elementary and teaching. Llewellyn taughr in our school Oduring carnpmecring, rhe Maritime secondary school years. Early on, he cold sysrem for 13 years (nine of rhose years Conference ordained Patti Llewellyn and the Lord that he would become a pastor, reaching religion). After being a youth

David Hamilton. and while attending Andrews University, pastor in To ronto he moved into admin­ Paul Llewellyn was born in PEl and he became a reacher instead. The Lord istration ar rhe Ontario Conference, where grew up in To ronto. He arrended Adventist slowly moved him into ministry from he spenr four years as camp, assisranr yourh,

IJj December 2016 37 news

to his need for God. He mer Cheryl, who was speaking about AD RAin Cambodia ar a campmeering in the GulfStates. They married in August 2000. David graduated wid1 a Master ofDivinity from Andrews University in 2010. David and Cheryl have three children: Nathan, Rebekah, and Andrew. The children are homeschooled and are always looking for ways to serve the Lord. David and his Family have been serving in rhe New Glasgow, Pugwash, and Tr uro church district since graduation, as well as a time in North Sydney, and is now working with members from New Glasgow to plant a new church in Antigonish. He also designed and oversaw rhe construction Cheryl and David Hamilton; Paul and Sonya llewellyn. ofd1e new church in Pugwash. His greatest

and men's miniseries director. Their son, Daniel, is attending Burman passion is co sn1dy rhe Bible wirh people He and his wife wanted ro raise their University to pursue a degree in biology. and help them prepare for rhe soon children in a more rural locacion and in David Hamilcon was born inKingston, rerum of]e sus!

2009 re ceived :1call ro come ro Nova Scoria Onr., and grew up learning co operate The ordination sermon and ordination to pastor the Annapolis Va lley churches. heavy equipment. He attended Adventist charge was given by Daniel Stojanovic,

Within two years he moved co Halifax as sd1ools for Grades 8-13. Upon graduating, vicc·prcsidcnr of administration ofrhe

superintendent ofe ducation, as well as David worked for his farher's construction Seventh-day Advemist Church in Canada. yourh and camp director, and also became company and rhen decided tO become a Mark Johnson, president ofthe Seventh·

the executive secretary of the Maritime civil engineer. After graduation, with day Adventist Church in Canada, offered Conference a few years later. He loves co borh a bachelor's and a master's degree rhe ordination prayer. Roy and Penny serve rhe Lord and loves co sec yomh and in civil engineering from Queen's Ufflndcll gave a fo rmal welcome ro the

young adults become active in ministry University, he worked in Kingston, candidates and their wives. The Maritime in the Maritimes. then moved sourh co work for the U.S. Conference would like to congratulate Paul is married co Sonya, and they are Army Corps of Engineers. Paul Llewellyn and David Hamilton and

now empty nesters. Their daughrer, Jess ica, After 12 years of being totally their families.We wish rhem God's bless ing

is attending Red Deer College fornursing. immersed in his career, David woke up in their ministries. •

Halifax Church AY in the Park

or the month ofJuly and August, the Halifa.xA dventist FYo uth have been ministering in song ar the public gardens on Spring Garden Road. The "Praise in the Parkn first starred on July 16 and was planned as a prayer walk, but as rhe group started singing, persons walking in the park joined rhem and starred

requesting favourite chorus or hymns. The yo uth decided co ler the Ho[y Spirit lead, and the group ended up singing for two and half hours praising God. You could say rhat rhc program

was hijacked, in a good way, by the Holy Spirit. Onlookers were asking if the group would be back again next Saturday, so the group did rhe same activity rwo more Sabbath afternoons. Every rime we ministered, tourists were present. We have mer individuals from Connecticut, Illinois, from other also handed out GLO\X! tractsand had a prayer circle each time, provinces in Canada, and from other pam of the world. One inviting onlookers to join us. At rhe last Praise in the Park, in couple from Illinois said that rhey had been yearning for praise our prayer circle, everyone was given rhe oppornmity to say music, and when they heard us in rhe p:trk,they got so excited something that rhcy were thankful for. We praise God fo r His and fo llowed the singing. We did not only minister in song bur blessings and for the opportunity to minister in song. •

38 December 2016 l'fj news

Ontario

Service, a Lifestyle at Really Living

alph Waldo Emerson said itbest Rwhen he scared that "the purpose of life is nor to be happy. Ir is to be useful, ro be honourab le, cobe compassionate, ro have ir make some difference rhar you lived and lived wcll."1 Ar Really LivingSevenrh-day Adventist Church, it is our go al ro really live and do so by helping ochers in need. A major fo cus of our church is ro have a presence in our loca.l community, and a great way for us ro do this is by providing various services for rhem. Some of the even ts char we have done so far this year include a Community Food Drive, Oil Change for Single Moms, Active Living Boor Camp, and a Mega Sports Camp. At Really Living, we identify well with the scripture "Do nor neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing co rhe Lord" {Heb. 13: 16). We count it a privilege co use our resources ro bring glory ro God.

Tluough our small-group ministry, on Saturday, May 28, 2016, several of our church members collected food from 3,000 different homes in the Hamilton collllnw1iry ro donate to Neighbour ro Neighbour Food Bank, an acriviry we do annually. The coordinator at Neighbour w Neighbour very much appreciated chat we rook the rime ro go om and collect donations. This community omreach was done colleC[ively as a church and bwuglu us even closer wgether as a church fan1ily. One of the core values at Really Living Seve nth-day Adventist Church is living a balanced life that focuseson mind, body, hikes were a way for our church members Moms, championed by our senior pastor, and spirit. We believe rhar our bodies are and the community members ro interact Francis Douville. This rook place on remp ies of God, as mentioned in I Corin­ and get to know one another a little better. Father's Day, Sunday, june 19, 2016. We thians 6:19. To honour God with our About 30 individuals participated in rhis had the opportunity to service 10 cars bodies, we held rhe Active Living Boot event. A fewof our members were a parr for single moms and also rook rhe rime Camp. After a rhor ough inte,rview process of this program, but the major fo cus was ro derail and wash their cars. In addition, we brought on Marta Fowler as our ftrness ro inte ract more with community members. face painting was offered for ci1e children trainer. Two of our members, Bentley The hom can1p was free of charge and had accompanying their mothers. The mothers Rattray and Don DeMedeiros, spear­ a great community turnout. Survivors of were all so appreciative of gerring their headed this event. the boot camp were awarded T-shirts for cars serviced for free. Different businesses During. rhe months of May and June all of their hard work. Another boor camp donated oil and oil hirers co make this we offered 16 workout sessions, as well as is expectedto begin sometime this fall. efforta success, including Mountain seven afternoonhikes on Sabbaths. The Next, wehad our Oil Change for Single Autotech, A&A Discount Auto Pans,

'This quotation is commonly attributed to Emerson, but speculation as to its origin does exist. IJj December 2016 39 news

Parr Source, and Tigercat Industries Inc. panicipated in either the sports camp or friends with them. We had a blast! We also had help &om other sponsors such the drama camp, led by members from We ar Really Living are committed to

as Tim Honons, Costco, and Tik Tok our church. Five children who came were serving others in our conu11unity and

Media. Many thanks tO our church mem­ nor affiliatedwith our church and rhus building relationships with those outside bers who came out and volunteered. This fo rmed new fr iendships. We received of our church. We have more exciting event is scheduled to happen again on great fe edback and hope to bring back outreach ideas that are just waiting for Ocr. 30, 2016. As a church body, we had Mega Sports Camp next year with one or rakers who want ro see God lead them a great time interacting wirh the mothers more additional spores and an extended through that journey of serving others. and children who came out to this event. time period. Because special interest in We are excited for what rhe future holds

Most recently. we conducted our dran1a was expressed, our church may and anticipate God doing great things Arsr-ever Mega Sporrs Camp led by our begin a drama club soon! After the camp through us as a church family. We would children's and yomh pastor, Daniel Madden. fini sh ed, we culminated our fun together love ro hear abom some of the great things

From July 25-29. we held a camp at our at Wild Waterworks here in Hamilton. you are doing or plan to do in your local Adventist school, Grandview Parents and children from the camp came communities and to know about how

Adventist Academy. Fifteen children along for rhe fun and even brought some your church is really living! •

Alberta

Alberta Conference Constituents Elect a New President and SecretaryNP for Administration lberta Seventh-day Adventist Delegates approved the fo llowing cwo AConference delegates gathered on major changes to the bylaws: Ocr. 2. 2016. ar rhe College Heights • Vo ted ro implement a quinquen· Seventh-day Advenrisr Church in nial (every five years) session in Lacombe, Alta., to conduce their quad­ alignment with other Canadian rennial consriruency session. Along with conferences and the Seventh-day numerous reports received and bylaw Adventist Church in Canada changes, Alberta Conference delegates (SDACC). elected Gary Hodder aspresident, Wayne Williams as secrerary/vice·president for • Voted that departmental directors administration, and re-elected Keith and associate directors be evalu­ Richter as treasurer. ated by EXCOM within a year Hodder (currently execurive secretary after each regular quinquennial session. for the Ontario Conference) replaces Ken Wiebe, whose retirement became Ken \'V'iebe gave some encouraging Almyra and Gary Hodder effectivear the end of che session, and closing remarks before SOACC executive Williams(currently a pastor in the Ontario secretary, Daniel Srojanovic, dismissed Conference) replaces Larry Hall, whose the delegates with prayer. retirement also became effective at the The day's proceedings were posted end of che session. Riduer has been with live to Alberta Conference social media the Alberta Conference since2006, having fe eds such as Facebook and Twiner. served as treasurer since 2011. Furmer comments or questions about

Dan Jackson, North American Division rhe session can be directed to Keith

president, starred the day off by sharing a Richter, treasurer. • powerful message about Jonah. "God is in rhc people-changing business," stated Cheryl and Wayne Williams Jackson.

AsofSept 30, 2016, therewere427 deposltors wltha total deposlt

• of > > SDACC REVOLVING FUND REPORT, $30,093,604 T here were 87 loans w1th a value of $26,677,51 3 For more information or to make a deposit, contact Girly [email protected]; 905/433·001 1.

40 December 2016 l'fj news

SDA Ch urch 1n• Canada

Zimbabwe Adventist Women Abroad Conference

"/ have not set fo ot in an Adventist church fo r 70years .... "

housands of miles away from land­ spending rime with you ladies." She later The vibrant and harmonic acappella Tlocked tiny southern African colmtry senr a text message of appreciation, saying, singing ofthe handful of ladies who ofZimbabwe, 16 women from this country "It's funny how God works. I have been sounded like a mighty choir attracted came together in Barrie, Om. Sharing praying for group of God-fearing women the attention of other conference cemre their Zimbabwean heritage and Adventist rhat I could be comfortable with ro pray guests. So beautiful was the mus ic that the &i th, they came to spend time in fe llowship, and share and learn. This has been one of guests requested the women to minister prayer, praise, and relationship building. my constant recurring new year resolutions. ro them in song at dinner rime. At the end of the three-day retreat, I was And here you all arc. Blessed I am." The conference centre's general manager struck by rwo commems from rwo young This year marked the second retreat sent a message: "Although I didn't have ladies. for the women meeting as Zimbabwe rhe pleasure of experiencing the singing The first, a baptized Adventist said, "I Advenrisr Women Abroad Conference myself, I am rold by staff who did rhar have nor set fo or in an Adventist church (ZAWAC) Canada. Similar meetings your ladies had rruly beautiful voices." ror 10 year:s. This is the closest I have come have been held in the United States, May God continue to bless rhis to chmch. Thank you for inviting me." where ZAWAC was born. The purpose blossoming ministry as we seck out oLu The second young mother shared, "I ofZAWAC is to create a platform where sisters who are caughr in rhe busyness rhar am a staunch Catholic and I don't know Zimbabwean women can flnd one another characrcrizcs life in North America. • what my mother will think about me while finding themselves in the diaspora.

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IJj December 2016 41 advert sements

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The Process for Nominators: Must bea stakeholder (superintendent, principal, school board member, teacher, pastor, school staff member, parent, student, or church member). Must not be immediate family members of the nominee It the nominee is a teaching principal, the nominator must select either Teaching or Administrator Award. AU leners of recommendation must sup­ port the appropriate award they are being nominated for. •important- please check with local conference or boarding academy to see If the teacher and/or administrator that you want to recommend fulfills the requirements for the Nominee noted below Must complete the Nomination Form, Letter of Recommendatton Form, and a Letter of Recommendation Must find two other stakeholders (one from each of the two other categories), unrelated to the nominee, to complete the Letter of Recommenda­

tion Form and write Letters of Recommendation. For example, If the nominator Is someone from the School Leadership category (Superintendent, Prlnc:lpal, or School Board Member), the remaining two letters of recommendation must be from each of the remaining categories, one from Colleagues (Teacher, Pastor, or School Staff Member) and one from School Community (Parent, Student, or Church Member).

Nominee: Must havea valtd Standard, Professional, or Administrator denomlnaltonal teaching certificate. Recipient of teacher award must have a minimum of one full year teaching experience in the Seventh-day Adventist Church In Canada school system. Recipient ofthe administrator award must have a minimum of two years of admintstrator experienceat the current school to be eltgtble for the administrator award. Must bea teacher or administrator who is employed at least half time for the Seventh-day Adventist Church In Canada school system Must not have received an Excellenc:e Award within the last five years. (A list of teachers who have received awards are posted on CAT-net - http://catnet.adventist.ca.)

It is our hope that the SDACC Excellence in Education Award will inspire our teachers and school admintstrators to always stnve for excellence in teaching

and serv1ce, and that those who are presented with this prestigious award will truly appreciate itas a token of our thanks for havmg them as excellent teachers in our school system.

Please take the time to nominate your Adventist School teacher or pnncipal today. Nomination forms can be found on CAT-net, hnp://catnet.adventlst.ca under Resources- SDACC- Excellence In Education Award or you may call the SDACC Office of Education at 905.433.0011 x2072.

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42 December 2016 l'fj announcements

Paul Cranidge was baptitha church. barbaral7@sh;lw.ca. Michelle (Corey} Redbcrg. sis MARITIME B.C., on Aug. 27. 2016. by Cameron born on April3, 1928, in HalifilX, 14. 2016. Ashley Boel'lner was baptized in Koronko. She is now a member of N.S., and died on Aug. She Pugwa.�h. N.S .. onjuly 30. 2016. by the Rutland church. was a faithful member of d1e Halifu.x Jared Browne. She is a member of the church fo r over 75 years and caughtfor Jacob and Isaac McPherson were Halibx church. many years in the children's division. baptized in \�hitehorse. Y.T, on She was a foster parent for over 30 23. 20 16, Darren Brimble was baptized in April by joseph $reel. They years, fo stering more than 100 children id Bible studies with Pastor Steel Halifax. N.S.• on May 21.2016. by d in that time. Audrey is predeceased fo llowing an evangelistic series by Kevin Scott. He began attending as a by her parents. Ainsley and Ida {nee r�ndt of �\ran.gclistic m�cdngs. He: is Anthony Kern. They arc both Casley} Boutilier: nrst husband. now a member ofthe Halifax church. members of d1e \�hitehorse church. Donald MacDonald; second husband, Paltl Pangborne; sister, Beulah Rose-Marie Cormier was baptized MacBournie; and brother, Donald 30, 2015, in Miramichi, N.B .. on April 23. • Births Dec. with F.u nily and Boutilier. Surviving: sons, Donald 2016. by LisebycLuchmun. She friends. The Manwdlcts have two (Jeannette} MacDonald and Tony began >trending as a tcsulr of health Luna Talitha Marcinyk was born children, Raycttc (Lonnie} Hetland {Melissa} MacDonald; daughrers, meetings in 2.008 and Bible studies on April 27, 2016. cojason and and Trevor Manwcilcr; and four Carroll (Jim} Ryan and /\nita (Tc)(ld} rhroughom rhe years. She is now a Leanne {nee Adams) Mardnyk of grandchildr

llj December 2016 43 advert sements

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44 December 2016 l'fj advert sements

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llj December 2016 45 from the ed tor

fro m the editor • • miSSIOnS

THERE ARE SEVERAL GREAT ORGAN IZATIONS WITHIN THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, rwo of which l consider to be parricularly srcllar and make me proud of our church: one is ADR.A Canada and rhe orher, Global Missions. This monrh's cover story is about one of the many Canadians in service overseas. Wesley Szamko; his wife, lvonne; along with their children,

William and Alyssia, arc serving in places char do nor necessarily boasr the same comfortS and pleasures we enjoy here in Canada. Personally, I would findit especially hard not to be with my fa mily and close friends during the Christmas season, as char is rhe highlight of my year. And Advenrisr families serving far away from home ser these pleasures aside so that rhey can serve and bless others. The worldwide Global Mission team, including the Szamkofamily, have been fa ithful in ministry in every place they have served. Now it is our time to help and encourage them as they stand for us in places many of us would not risk going. Our church is having more and more discussions about potentially keeping more tithe funds within the North American Division, thus reducing the amount going overseas. However, such a ch:mge may be

detrimental toour frontline ministries, especially workers like the Szamkos. I th ink we need to make sure they arc supporrcd. lfyou agree, please make use of rhe envelope inserted in this issue to become involved with Adventist missions. As families we can sir down ar our respective Christmas rabies, knowing

that we arc not only praying for "the missionaries and colporteurs" but also raking a concrete acrion ro help rhem monrhly in their important work. This year, my Christmas wish is rhat those who fo llow us find that we have faithfully supported Adventist Mission on a regular basis. Pasror Wesley has bur rhree requesr.s ar rhe end of cl1e cover story. I ask rhar you re-read and consider cl1em prayerfully. •

Stan Jensen, editor-in-chief Canadian Adventist Messenger

PS: We are looking for Christmas stories to use for next year. 46 December 2016 l'fj Email your stories and photos to [email protected].

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