ALBERTAADVENTIST.CA/AAN
There was once
A Silent Night Our Journey to Health and Healing
DECEMBER 2019 EDITION
A Tribute to a Worker with the Deaf Tis the Season and for the Season Sunset Calendar 2020 Alberta Adventist Education Leadership Team Agreement for New Ownership of Parkview Adventist Academy
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
There was once
a silent night lmyra and I love the Christmas season. It is a time for families to get together and express the joy of shared fellowship. It is a time to attend the many Christmas programs that are hosted by the various churches during this special season of the year. Among my favorites are the Christmas concerts and live nativity scenes. It is the time for the reciting of the Christmas story as recorded in the Gospels. This is the heart of what Christmas means for me. I also love the many Christmas carols sung throughout this time of year. My favorite song is “Silent Night.” Some time ago, I heard a story about how this song was given its proper title and credited to the true authors of the tune and lyrics. This tune was becoming popular throughout Europe by the 1850s. It was the favorite tune of Emperor Frederick William the IV of Prussia, who heard this tune and had entitled it “The Song from Heaven.” He realized this was not its true title, so he commissioned the 2
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concertmaster of the Berlin Cathedral Choir, Mr. Ludwig Eck, to investigate and introduce him to the true author. During the next seven years, as Mr. Eck traveled throughout Europe, he inquired about this song, but to no avail. Then one morning, while having his breakfast at an inn located close to the Austrian border, he heard the tune being sung by a little bullfinch perched in his cage, entertaining the guests during their morning meal. It was the tune “Silent Night.” Eck asked the waiter from where the bird came. He informed Eck that the bird had been purchased from a young Felix Gruber, a student at St. Peter’s Abbey across the border in Austria. He learned that the students would train these birds to sing and then sell them to help pay for their tuition. Eck wasted no time in traveling to St. Peter’s Abbey and interviewed the young man. He asked young Felix how he had learned the song. He informed Eck that his father, Franz Gruber, had written the music and Father Joseph
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Mohr had written the words. Eck was elated and left immediately for the village of Hallein, where the student’s father was the organist at a local church. Franz told Eck the story about how the organ was damaged, and they needed a song for Christmas evening in 1818. Eck, on his travels back home, stopped by the inn, purchased the songbird, and took him home. I find it fascinating that the common finch finally gave “Silent Night” it’s true name and authorship. It is the privilege of all Christians to do the same for the name of Jesus. May this year find us giving the good news of Jesus to all who come within our spheres of influence.
Gary Hodder
President Alberta Conference
Contents
DECEMBER 2019 EDITION is a print and digital media publication of the Alberta Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
Highlights
Communication Director/Editor Eric Ollila Co-Editors Jenny Nickel & John Simon Graphic Design Mishell Raedeke/omnidesign.ca Photo attribution Alberta Adventist Communication unless otherwise noted
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Submission Guidelines albertaadventist.ca/aan Submissions albertaadventist.ca/aansubmit ALBERTA CONFERENCE OF THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH Address: 5816 Highway 2A, Lacombe, AB T4L2G5 Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Phone: (403) 342-5044 Fax: (403) 775-4482 Email: info@albertaadventist.ca Twitter: ABAdventist Facebook: ABAdventist Instagram: ABAdventist Website: albertaadventist.ca Elected Officials President Gary Hodder Secretary/VP for Administration Wayne Williams Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer Keith Richter Board Members/EXCOM Gary Hodder—chair Wayne Williams Keith Richter Benjamin Arias Miguel Brown Norman Ewing Massiel Davila-Ferrer Vicky Ford Rayette Hetland Curtis Letniak Lara Melashenko Japheth Ndhlovu Terri Proud Melanie Semchuk Middin Galve-Sumiller Deborah Silva Sheldon Trenchuk Griffin Webster Departmental Directors Ministerial & Evangelism Director George Ali Sabbath School, Children's and Personal Ministries Director Olaf Clausen Human Resources Officer Vicky Ford Education Superintendent Ronda Ziakris Planned Giving & Trust Services/ Philanthropy Director Lynn McDowell Foothills Camp Director Troy McQueen Youth Director Lyle Notice Communication/IT/Media Director Eric Ollila Risk Management/Project Development Director Llew Werner
Our Journey to Health and Healing 10 His Mysterious Ways 11 A Song in the Night 13 Church’s Prosperity Depends on God’s Plan for Systematic Generosity
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42 Changing people’s lives in North Korea
Index 02 Message from the President 04 From the Editor 06 Devotionals 14 Poems
16 Department News 24 Sunset Calendar 2020 29 Church News 45 In Memory 46 Means & Meaning
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FROM THE EDITOR
Dear Alberta Adventist Church Family It was our desire, here at the Alberta Conference, that you discover meaningful, spiritually edifying, uplifting, heart-convicting, encouraging articles and artistic content in the pages of this issue of AAN Magazine. We hope we succeeded. Whatever may be your particular conviction regarding Christmas, we hope peace, joy, rest, rejuvenation, and a renewed commitment to serve God will find you. December and January present unique and beautiful opportunities for service, generosity, giving, and gratitude. It may also afford extra time to spend with family and friends. Consider some of the benefits and opportunities presented to each of us this time of year: 1. December is the conclusion of an entire year. Therefore, it can be a great time to tie up loose ends, complete outstanding projects, and finalize decisions. What can you achieve or finalize by December 31? 2. December and January are excellent months to reflect upon all that has happened in 2019. How has your character improved over the last 12 months? Do you have the fruits of the Spirit in your life, or is some other spirit living there? Have you grown closer to Christ, or further away? 4
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How have you been as a husband or wife? Mother or father? Sister or brother? Have you come closer to your family and significant other, or gone further away? On what character trait do you need to work, with Christ’s help, in 2020? 3. This season is an ideal time to document all your blessings. For what are you grateful in 2019? What blessings has God given you and your family this year? Have you taken the time to write them down and thank God for all of His benefits?
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I hope you will join me in making the most of this season by getting closer to God, reviewing your life and relationships, and expressing your gratitude for all that He has done.
See you next year!
Eric Ollila
Communication/IT/Media Director Alberta Conference
Agreement Reached for New Governance and Ownership of Parkview Adventist Academy Burman University and The Alberta Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church Adopt Memorandum of Understanding
Lacombe, AB October 23, 2019 — In May of 2019, Burman University initiated a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Alberta Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church regarding Parkview Adventist Academy. The goal of the MOU is to transfer governance and ownership of Parkview Adventist Academy (PAA), from Burman University to the Alberta Conference. On October 4, 2019, the Burman University Board of Trustees voted to approve the offer of the MOU to the Alberta Conference. On October 20, 2019, the Alberta Conference Board of Directors voted to accept the offer. The MOU between the two organizations, which goes into effect November 1, 2019, outlines that The Alberta Conference
will commence ownership and operation of PAA in the fall of 2020. Burman University will also provide land and an endowment that will facilitate the building of a new high school. The Alberta Conference will assume full responsibility for the planning and construction of the new facility. PAA will remain at its existing location until the new building is complete. A date for construction has yet to be determined. Burman University and the Alberta Conference have worked diligently to ensure the long-term success of PAA. The Alberta Conference is happy to accommodate the transition of PAA from a Burman/ Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada entity, to an Alberta Conference school.
DEVOTIONAL
What’s gone WRONG with our
PRAYER MEETING? By George Ali
Ministerial Director, Alberta Conference
Prayer Meeting Is Important
Intercessory prayer is an essential approach designed by God to communicate with Him for our spiritual benefit to grow in His likeness.
The Effective Power of Prayer
“And after they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the Word of God boldly” (Acts 4:31). Where there is much prayer, there is much power. However, today, we experience a power shortage in the house of God and among His people. The question is, WHY? For centuries, the prayer meeting was a central part of church life; it was an indispensable part of the weekly church program. Yet today, few of our churches have a prayer meeting. What was once a significant emphasis of church activity has been either pushed to the sidelines by a favourite sporting event, television program, or training at the gym or ignored by most members and dispensed with altogether. Furthermore, many prayer meetings today involve little prayer. Even in meetings set aside for prayer, other activities typically crowd in and leave short time for adoration,
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confession, intercession, and thanksgiving to the Lord. Therefore, we need to ask ourselves, “Why is that happening in our churches?” When a pastor of persecuted Christians “Behind the Iron Curtain” was asked how he knew who real Christians were, he replied, “A real Christian loves God, a real Christian loves to read the Bible. A real Christian loves to pray, and a real Christian hates sin.” Then the pastor added, “We don’t count our members by how many attend the Sunday service, but by who attends the Bible study and prayer meeting.” By that standard, how many real Christians and faithful members do we have? A hunger for God’s Word and a desire to pray are some of the first pieces of evidence of the new birth. I remember, as a new Christian, spending time each day in Bible study, memorization of chapters of the Bible, and prayer, as well as memorizing every Sabbath school memory verse. The more we study God’s Word, the more we will want to pray. The more we pray, the higher will be our compulsion to share the gospel with the people around us. This is what the early church experienced. As they laboured in intensive, heartfelt prayer, they were filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they went out and proclaimed God’s Word boldly.
The church is called to be “a house of prayer for all people.” If Christ were to come to any of our churches today for prayer meeting, what will He discover? Will He find us interceding and giving thanks for His goodness and love? Maybe, and if not, we should endeavour to make His church “a house of prayer for all people.” Therefore, intercession, evangelism, and missions should be an indispensable part of every congregation. The prophet Samuel described prayerlessness as a sin. “Moreover, as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way” (1 Samuel 12:23). The reformer John Knox prayed, “Give me Scotland or I die!” No wonder Mary Queen of Scots declared that she was more afraid of the prayers of John Knox than of an army of ten thousand! The Bible places great emphasis on prayer: • “Pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:19) • “Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always” (1 Chronicles 16:11) • “You will seek Me, and you will find Me when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13) • “Search me O God and know my thoughts, I pray. See if there be some wicked way in me; cleanse me from every sin and set me free” (Jeremiah 17:10) • “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41) • “Then, Jesus told His disciples … that they should always pray and not give up” (Luke 18:1) • “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7) • “Yet you have not called upon Me … you have not wearied yourselves for Me …” (Isaiah 43:22)
• “No one calls upon Your Name or strives to lay hold of You” (Isaiah 64:7) • “All their kings fall, and none of them calls on Me” (Hosea 7:7) • “Will the evildoers never learn … who do not call on God?” (Psalm 53:4) • “The shepherds are senseless and do not inquire of the Lord; so they do not prosper, and all their flock is scattered” (Jeremiah 10:21) • “Those who turn back from following the Lord and neither seek the Lord nor inquire of Him” (Zephaniah 1:6) • “All this disaster has come upon us, yet we have not sought the favour of the Lord our God by turning from our sins and giving attention to Your truth.” (Daniel 9:13) Prayerlessness is a root sin, and to reverse this disastrous trend, we need to give attention to: • the Word of God • studying the Scriptures • turning from our sins • and seeking the Lord. “If My people, who are called according to My Name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven, I will forgive their sin, and I will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14) “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests … be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:18) “If you abide in Me and My Words abide in you, then you will ask whatever you want of Me, and it shall be given to you.” (John 15:7) If you’re too busy to pray, then you’re busier than God wants you to be. There’s nothing beyond the reach of prayer except that which is outside the will of God.
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DEVOTIONAL
Light and Peace to the World
A
s people around the world celebrate the Christmas season and experience the joy and peace it brings into their lives, it will leave a constant reminder that Jesus Christ came into the world to bring peace and save and bless us. While others celebrate for other reasons, it is a time to reflect on what God did for us by giving His Son to bring light and peace on earth. The passage I have chosen to share is one of great hope and assurance of salvation, for we don't have to worry about saving ourselves because Jesus came to save us. “She shall bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).
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In these verses, the prophet Isaiah spoke of the coming Deliverer who will effect the changes in the nation of which the prophet had been speaking. The Messiah’s coming will lead the nation into joy, righteousness, and prosperity. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them light has shone” (Isaiah 9:2). Isaiah records five things about the coming Messiah: 1. “For unto us a Child is born, to us a Son is given.” 2. He will rule over God’s people and the world. “The government shall be upon His shoulders.” This is figurative of the kingly robe to be worn by the Messiah. As King, He will
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be responsible to govern the nation; hence the reason He is called King of kings and Lord of lords at His coming to establish His kingdom on earth. 3. He will have four descriptive names that will reveal His character. He will be the nation’s Wonderful Counselor, and the people will gladly listen to Him as the authoritative One from God. Isaiah 2:3 reminds us, “And many peoples shall come, and say: come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that they may teach us His ways and that we may walk in His paths. For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” He is also called the Mighty God. Some have suggested otherwise, but Isaiah understood that the Messiah is God, for he had spoken of the Messiah earlier doing what no other person had been able to do (see 9:2-5).
By George Ali
Ministerial Director, Alberta Conference
“For unto us a child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulders, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end.” (Isaiah 9:6, 7) The Deliverer will also be called the Everlasting Father. Many people are puzzled by how the Messiah, God’s Son, is called the Everlasting Father. It is interesting to note that Jesus possesses all the attributes of God, including eternality. It has more to do with His relationship to time, not His relationship to other members of the Godhead. He is said to be everlasting, just as God (the Father) is called “the Ancient of Days” (Daniel 7:9). The Messiah is also called the Prince of Peace. Jesus is the only One who can bring true and lasting peace into our troubled lives. He extends this peace to all. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you
as the world gives.” During the Christmas season, much is being said and done about peace and goodwill to men, but in reality, true and lasting peace do not come from gifts that we give to or receive from others, but are experienced through a personal relationship with a Person, and that Person is Jesus. 4. The Messiah is seated on David’s throne. “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His father David.” His rule of peace and justice will have no end; it will go on forever. We long for that day with great expectation when there will be peace and happiness forevermore.
5.“The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” The ushering of His kingdom is a promise by God to us, and He will zealously see that His kingdom is established for those whom He brought out of darkness into His marvellous light. I want to be among those who will be ready when Jesus comes. What about you? As we approach the climax of another year and reflect on the goodness of God in our lives, let us be mindful that we made it thus far only because of God’s love and grace. Christmas is a time when we fellowship with family and friends. Let us use this opportunity to share the Light and Peace of the world, which is Jesus our Lord and Savior.
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HIS
HOLIDAY REFLECTIONS
ways
MYSTERIOUS
By Cheryl Morrison
“N
o hot chocolate on Christmas Eve?” our teenage daughter, Christine, asked. I looked away. “Next year,” I promised as she went to get ready for the midnight service. We always had hot chocolate on Christmas Eve — it was a tradition. But this year we couldn’t afford even that simple item. When my husband, Jack, was laid off six months earlier, he started a claims-adjusting business, working out of our basement. But the response had been dreadful, and it didn’t help when our car’s transmission died. Our older daughter, Janice, contributed her earnings from her first
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“
We always had hot chocolate on Christmas Eve — it was a tradition. But this year we couldn’t afford it." full-time job, and the girls never complained about doing without. Still, as the year drew to a close, our financial picture looked bleaker and bleaker. As we headed out the door, my eyes fell on our old artificial tree draped with last year’s dulled tinsel. And
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I couldn’t even squeeze money for hot chocolate out of our budget, I thought. During the service, I prayed silently. Oh, Lord, you promised to take care of us. Have you forgotten? Everyone except me, it seemed, was uplifted by the message of hope in the service. At its close, people hugged and shook hands. As we bundled up in coats and scarves, Christine’s youth counselor called to us: “Wait!” She pulled a ribboned jar from her bag. “Merry Christmas!’ She had bought us a hot chocolate mix! She hadn’t known about our family tradition. And she didn’t know that, to me, this simple gift was a reminder that God had not forgotten us after all.
HOLIDAY REFLECTIONS
A Song In The Night By John Walter Halliday
I
t was Christmas night. The French trenches were filled with weary men. A fine snow was falling. All was silent and calm. Suddenly an officer sprang to his feet and cried, “Get ready! It is almost time for the charge!” The men aroused themselves. There was no complaining, but some of the men were crowding back tender memories of other Christmas nights when they were home with their loved ones in the midst of peace and good cheer.
Silent night, holy night, All is calm, all is bright; Round yon virgin mother and Child! Holy Infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace. Here and there, a soldier lowered his rifle, his lips trembling as he recognized the song. Then the command was given: “Charge! Vive la France!” Not a man moved forward. Something like a sob was the only response. The commanding officer was amazed.
Again he prepared to issue the Word came down the line that command, but paused; the words there were but five minutes left. of the song had reached his ears The loyal sons of France tried in also. He lowered his rifle, and in a vain to forget their homes and softened and subdued voice, said, loved ones. They gripped their “Very well, no charge tonight. Let rifles and waited for orders. Then us also sing!” At this season, in it happened. The stillness of the the midst of the vain strivings of night was broken by the sound of this age, our Savior appeals to men’s voices singing in German. us to join in the words of praise: Every Frenchman grew tense. The song grew in volume. Its message, “Glory to God in the highest, which in any language thrills the and on earth peace, heart, was full of rest and comfort good- will toward men.” for the worn and weary soldiers: Luke 2:14
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But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause
great joy
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2:10-11 (NIV)
HOLIDAY REFLECTIONS
By Ellen G. White
Church’s Prosperity Depends on God’s Plan for Systematic Generosity
“T
he (unique) system of tithing was founded upon a principle (that) is as enduring as the law of God. This system of tithing was a blessing to the Jews, else God would not have given it (to) them. So also, will it be a blessing to those who carry it out to the end of time. Our heavenly Father did not originate the plan of systematic benevolence to enrich Himself, but to be a great blessing to man. He saw that this system of beneficence was just what man needed. “Those churches who are the most systematic and liberal in sustaining the cause of God are the most prosperous spiritually. True liberality in the follower of Christ identifies his interest with that of his Master. In God’s dealings with the Jews and His people to the end of time, He requires systematic benevolence proportionate to their income. The plan of salvation was laid by the infinite sacrifice of the Son of God. The light of the gospel shining from the cross of Christ rebukes selfishness and encourages liberality and benevolence. It is not to be a lamented fact that there are increasing calls to give. God in His providence is calling His people out from their limited sphere of action to enter upon [more significant] enterprises. Unlimited effort is demanded at this time when moral darkness is covering the world. Worldliness and covetousness are eating out the
vitals of God’s people. They should understand that it is His mercy which multiplies the demands for their means. The angel of God places benevolent acts close beside prayer. He said to Cornelius: ‘Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.’ “In the teachings of Christ He said: ‘If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?’ The spiritual health and prosperity of the church is dependent in a great degree upon her systematic benevolence. It is like the lifeblood which must flow through the whole being, vitalizing every member of the body. It increases love for the souls of our fellow men; for, by self-denial and self-sacrifice we are brought into a closer [relationship] to Christ, who for our sakes became poor. The more we invest in the cause of God to aid in the salvation of souls, the closer to our hearts will they be brought. Were our numbers half as large, and all of these devoted workers, we should have a power that would make the world tremble. To the active workers Christ has addressed these words: ‘Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’”[1] 1
This excerpt has been taken, with some editorial
adaptation, from Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, pp. 404-406. Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1855.
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POEMS
What does Christmas Mean to You? By Megan M. Elmendorf Hopson “Soft colored lights twinkling on a snowy, winter’s night,” was her answer to the question: “What does Christmas mean to you?” Listening to quiet music telling of a virgin’s faith and a Savior’s birth, then reflecting on how this relates to you…
A noisy world muted into whitened peace is the snow’s softest gift to you.
Ice skates sharpened and at the ready, with gloves or mittensboth protecting and hinderingbring adventure to you; and holding steaming mugs of cocoa, or cider, sipping slowly while the wood pops and crackles in the fire… this time of year brings such sensations to you.
Or, midnight services singing “Silent Night” a cappella, this echoing melody coming quick to you
Candle lit services with little ones dressed as shepherds, more often forgetting their lines than remembering, but still looking adorable to you.
Snowmen gaining life out of a landscape of white are an ever-amusing sight to you,
Pine wreathes on doors and decorated trees by windows, both bringing seasonal cheer to your neighbors and to you. Red and green partnered up to rival silver, blue, or white: this most important color scheme choice is up to you.
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Flour covered countertops, ovens ever filled, with platters ladened with ginger cookies are sweet memories and treats given to you.
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for these songs that transcend generations being sung together are perhaps the best in the world to you.
and feeling kinship even with strangers is one of the greatest seasonal emotions to you. The scent of cold, cinnamon, and pine united along the road leading home to you, these are snippets gathered from friends and family, those far and those near; and as I bid them share, they smiled and asked: “so what does Christmas mean TO YOU?”
Tis the Season and For the Season
Want to know what’s happening in the Alberta Conference?
By Dan B. Hopson
One comes at winter time, the other at the end of time. One brings gifts and spreads joy for the day, the other brings eternal life and takes us to Heaven to stay.
Get the latest news and updates with Alberta Adventist Weekly eNews! Subscribe here:
albertaadventist.ca/enewssubscribe
One is dressed in scarlet, black, and white, the other comforts our blackened souls and washes our scarlet sins white. One is ‘‘tis the season”, the other is the beginning and the end of all seasons.
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DEPARTMENT
NEWS John and Alberta Blake's adopted deaf son, David (with the beard), with his four children. The Blake's learned about David needing a (signing) home while Alberta was in Dr. Ann Kennedy's Deaf Education class (Dr. Ann Kennedy is the lady in grey at the top of picture).
A tribute to a
47 YEAR WORKER with the Deaf
W
hat do you do when you discover that your youngest child, a baby of three months, has become profoundly deaf because of a high fever? One thing is you must gradually realize that your life has come to a drastic change and will never be quite the same again! As an Adventist — you may begin to wonder — why has God allowed this to happen to our family? Could there be an essential reason? Gradually we came to wonder if
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God wanted us to work in ministry with the Deaf. How would one prepare for such a ministry when formal training for this was not available in the Adventist church? Perhaps taking preparation as a teacher of the Deaf might help! My wife, Alberta, decided to add a year of specialized deaf education training to her earlier teacher training. We became more and more involved in the 'World of the Deaf.' At first, it was mostly working with the parents of deaf children. We
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helped organize some deaf groups. We began to meet with SDA Deaf in Camp Meetings for the Deaf. Alberta led out in starting a mini-camp meeting for the Deaf during the regular BC Conference Camp meeting. This ministry continued for over 15 years until Alberta contracted atypical tuberculosis and had to cut back on her responsibilities. At that time, she was on two leading North American SDA Deaf Committees, but to help in recovery, that also had to
Left photo: Alberta Blake teaching signing during the BC Conference Camp Meeting. Right photo: Filming production for the Deaf TV Program.
stop. However, she continued to do what she could from home and through the internet. In the early 1980s, Alberta had taught the younger Deaf while I worked with older Deaf at the Christian Deaf Center (SDA) in Arkansas - a Bible School for the Deaf. We both became involved with video productions and a Red Deer cable Deaf TV program where Alberta would teach a bedtime story in sign language for two small children. She worked in helping prepare for a video series of Bible Studies in sign language. Also, Alberta took a General Conference youth doctrinal series of studies. She adapted all 27 lessons into a set of baptismal guides in more accessible English for the Deaf. Alberta had hoped to write a history of SDA deaf work in North America. She worked at collecting materials and pictures for this production. However, her health condition continued to decline, and she did not have what it would take to prepare this history. So, if it was going to happen, someone else needed to take over. I decided to become the writer
with Alberta as the editor. It is now basically all written and requires approval and final editing before going online on the General Conference deaf ministry website. Unfortunately, by March of 2019, Alberta's overall health condition called for full long-term institutional care in Lacombe, AB. While there, on July 13, she tripped on her oxygen line, fell and broke her hip. The operation was successful, but her congestive heart failure and weakened condition finally gave out. On July 23, she passed away. At Alberta's Memorial service at College Heights on August 23, we were delighted to have her deaf education teacher from 47 years ago, Dr. Ann Kennedy, at 82 years of age — drive alone to Lacombe from Calgary and give an extraordinary tribute. Other tributes were made, in person, from the General Conference, the North American Division Deaf Ministry Department, and Three Angel's Deaf Ministry. While I miss my wife and her specialized help in ministry with the Deaf, I plan to
carry on in some phase of this ministry as long as the Lord gives me a sound mind and capable body. One's prayer is that the seeds sown in over 40 years of ministry with the Deaf, will continue to bear fruit, not only here, but for eternity! We praise God for what He was able to do in this unique ministry through Alberta, having a deaf child. God has taken a severe disability and turned it into a great blessing to many Deaf around the world! Pastor John Blake, Alberta Conference Deaf Ministry Department PO Box 308, Clive, AB T0C 0Y0 (403) 784-3798 Email: blake@deafhope.org Website: deafhope.org
John Blake
Volunteer Deaf Ministry Coordinator, Alberta Conference
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DEPARTMENT NEWS
AB Education Leadership Team from left to right: Jai Dubyna, Heidi Morehouse, Leidamae Muse, Ronda Ziakris, Tricia
Gabrys, Bruce Fillier, Catherine Rosengren, Chris Dubyna, Gail WIlton, Brent van Rensburg, Mildred Weiss.
Alberta Adventist
Education Leadership Team
We wanted you to meet our 2019-2020 Adventist Education Leadership Team and learn a little about them. Ronda Ziakris,
Director of Education
Ronda has been in school leadership in the Alberta Conference for over 15 years, with responsibilities that have included being a vice-principal, principal, and associate superintendent. She is humbled by and deems it a privilege to now serve in her role as the Education Director. She is passionate about Adventist education and looks forward to continuing to work with our educators to move our system forward. Her greatest joy is being the mom of Kalista and Steven and her marriage to her husband of 25 years, Loney. Ronda states that Philippians 4:13 is her motto: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
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DEPARTMENT NEWS Brent van Rensburg, Associate Director of Education Born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, Brent moved with his family to Canada in 1988. He is married to Tamara and they have two sons, Braydon and Liam. Graduating from Canadian University College with an Elementary Education degree, Brent worked at the Peel Adventist School in Ontario until he was called to serve as an Assistant Residence Hall Dean at Burman University. This past August, he began as Associate Director of Education for the Alberta Conference and is pleased to be working with a great team. “God has great things in store for all of us, and I’m honored to be a part of it,” he says. His favorite text is Proverbs 3:5,6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths."
Mildred Weiss,
Education Technology Specialist and Education Registrar
Mildred is always ready to try and share new educational technology to enhance learning in the classroom. She believes that technology should be easy to use for teachers, making learning fun and interactive. Her passion for Adventist education defines her service in the office, as making disciples is her mission.
Gail Wilton,
Principal, Mamawi Atosketan Native School
Having been raised in the Adventist Educational System, Gail is committed to lifelong learning. She desires to educate children as well as lead them into a loving relationship with Christ. A visionary with ten years of experience in leadership and administration, Gail has, with a dedicated staff, helped build a robust educational program. Gail says she “cannot imagine working in a place where the message of hope cannot be central in learning.”
Bruce Fillier,
Principal, Chinook Winds Academy
Living in Alberta and teaching at Chinook Winds Adventist Academy has been one of the greatest joys of Bruce’s life. He exclaimed that letting the Holy Spirit lead in his life has been a privilege that everyone needs to experience. Bruce reports that it is a blessing to witness students’ lives transformed as they draw closer to Jesus. He is looking forward to seeing how the Holy Spirit leads the teachers, support team, parents, and students in the future at Chinook Winds Adventist Academy. DECEMBER 2019
Alberta Adventist News
19
DEPARTMENT NEWS
Chris Dubyna,
Jai Dubyna,
Heidi Morehouse,
Before joining College Heights Christian School, Chris spent four years in a multi-grade classroom at Sylvan Meadows Adventist School, then four years at Prairie Adventist Christian eSchool as a viceprincipal/teacher. Now at CHCS, he looks forward to collaborating with teachers and families to expand the mission of showing children Jesus, nurturing their love of Him and others, and empowering them to serve. "I am excited to have the opportunity to work with the Alberta Conference, school staff, and families, as we all grow in Christ and experience His love," he said.
From attending SDA church school as a child and graduating from CUC to working as a teacher in the Alberta conference, Jai has been part of Adventist education her whole life. For almost a decade, Jai taught subjects she loved at CHCS — Bible, math, drama, outdoor ed, and more. Her passion for educating students for eternity continues as she has moved into the administration of the four Micro-Schools in Central Alberta. She believes in creating welcoming schools that focus on preparing students for Christian service.
Heidi is pleased to be continuing her leadership role with PACeS this year. She is passionate about creating a community of Adventist learners and supporting families in their educational choices. “As an Adventist educator, I am blessed to be in the ‘business’ of people. Each one of the people I work with is beautiful in their unique way. As Ecclesiastes 3:11 states, "He has made everything beautiful in its time." It is my privilege to be a part of the educational journey alongside my students and staff.
Principal, College Heights Adventist School
Administrator of Micro-Schools
Principal, Prairie Adventist Christian eSchool
Leidamae Muse, Principal, Coralwood Adventist Academy Born and raised in Toronto, Leidamae is a proud product of Adventist education. After graduating from Canadian University College (now Burman University), she began her teaching career, which has brought her to practice in the Bahamas, South Korea, California, and Windsor, Ontario, before arriving in Edmonton to be the principal at Coralwood Adventist Academy. Leidamae is a firm believer in the Adventist blueprint of education, which calls the home, school, and church to work in tandem for the future of all children. She is deeply committed to Adventist education because she wants every child to come to know and love the God she knows and loves.
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Alberta Adventist News
DECEMBER 2019
DEPARTMENT NEWS Tricia Gabrys, Learning Coach
After graduating from Canadian Union College, Tricia began her teaching career at Avalon Adventist Junior Academy. After moving back to her home province of Alberta, Tricia joined the teaching staff at College Heights Christian School, where she has taught for the past nine years. She has a passion for music and literacy and has taken this passion with her into her new role as Learning Coach for the Alberta Conference. Tricia’s primary goal is to see our teaching staff become more unified in our focus and mission.
Catherine Rosengren,
Principal, Higher Ground Christian School
Catherine is the mother of three young boys and wife of the Adventist pastor in Medicine Hat. She has a passion for sharing Jesus with young children and felt a calling to accept the principal position at Higher Ground Christian School after being a substitute teacher there for a few years. She is excited to lead her team in reaching more children for the kingdom. Photos by Danelle Wright Photography
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Edmonton Filipino Delegates during the convention.
Delegates with the N.A.D. Women's Ministry Director.
Edmonton Filipino Women's Ministry Team Attends N.A.D. Women's Convention Alberta Women attend “Whole and Holy” “Whole and Holy” was the theme for this year’s convention held in Orlando, Florida on September 26–29. The theme was based on the text in 1 Thessalonians 5:23: “May the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, and put you together — spirit, soul, and body.” Carla Baker, director of NAD Women’s Ministries, stated, “Health is a three-legged stool — spiritual, mental, and physical health. If you are not healthy emotionally, then
you won’t be healthy spiritually or physically.” This four-day event is hosted every five years by the NAD Women’s Ministries. It included general sessions, breakout seminars, worship services, and community service activities. Daniel R. Jackson, President of the North American Division, welcomed the ladies and stated, “The work of God on earth would never succeed without women … God is counting on you.” More than 1,000 women from all over
North America, including Guam and Puerto Rico, attended, as well as guests from England and Peru. The Edmonton Filipino Seventh-day Adventist Church sent 13 delegates, led by the Women’s Ministry leader, Cristina Brillon. Leaders of several retreats held in the Alberta Conference were also privileged to attend and enjoy such an inspiring event. They were seeking ideas they could implement that would be a blessing to the women who attend the Alberta Retreats.
Speakers for the convention included Kiti Freier Randal, a pediatric neurodevelopment psychologist, Katia Garcia Rinert, associate director of health ministries for the General Conference, David De Rose, an internal and preventative medicine physician, and Addy Campos, an international evangelist and founder/president of Well-Being International. The Sabbath morning message, “Your Promise Is on the Way,” was given by Hyveth Williams, professor and director of homiletics at the SDA Theological Seminary. She shared, “Sometimes to make us mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually healthy, God will push us beyond our narrow perspectives by putting promises in our hearts that don’t make
Photos courtesy of Jocelyn Adante, Elvie Lacampuengca and Cristina Brillon.
Participants of the 5k run/walk. sense to our minds and seem impossible in our own bodies … All we’ve got to do is believe, trust, obey, and be patient.” Approximately 20 girls participated in a program geared for high school girls offered for the first time in the convention’s history. Spearheaded by Erica Jones, assistant director of NAD Women’s Ministries, the program offered sessions on dating, sex, identity, self-image, and experience from their local churches. “One of the biggest things we see in our local church is the sad fact that a lot of girls feel judged based on what they are wearing. They do want to be in church, but they want it to be an authentic experience (without judgment),” Jones stated. “I hope (the teens) learned
Delegates pictured standing by the convention banner. that church, despite its flaws, really cares about them and loves them, and that they are mentors who are willing to journey alongside them.” Another first for the convention was a 5K run/walk held at 6 a.m. Sunday morning. This opportunity was provided by NAD Health Ministries, and 260 women participated. The race was an inaugural event for the “Made to Move” campaign that will unfold next year. The oldest participant of the 5K run was from the Edmonton Filippino Church, our beloved Paz Adante, who is 91 years old. Each of the eight women from the Filippino Group who entered the race crossed the finish line, along with three of the Retreat Committee members, so
they all received a medal. As a result of months of planning, “God in Shoes,” the Georgia-Cumberland Conference ministry, was able to involve over 600 ladies in volunteering at a variety of organizations—those that address homelessness, combat hunger and food insecurity, and provides safe spaces for girls and women and their families, as well as a center for grieving children. Nine of the thirteen delegates from the Edmonton Filipino Church participated in the “God In Shoes” program. It was an amazing experience for them to put themselves in this program. Those who did not participate in the community outreach attended the seminars scheduled for that day.
—Submitted by Jocelyn Adante, Bernardo Lacanilao and Jenny Nickel
The breakout sessions held on Thursday afternoon, Friday, and Sunday morning focused on physical health, prayer, emotional healing, depression, and many more topics of value. Carla Baker has been with NAD Women’s Ministries for 14 years, but plans to retire next year. Her assistant, Erica, and the women’s ministries leaders from each division surprised her with gifts, thanks, and farewell wishes. “Whole and Holy” was an inspirational event and will long be remembered by those who were blessed to attend. The hotel was a great facility, and the grounds were amazing for women to walk, swim, or soak up some Florida sun. The next Convention will be in 2024.
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Alberta Adventist News
25
FEATURE
Our Jou
Health an Carole and Rob Morton witness to God's healing power through anointing, prayer and the health message
O
n September 15, 2019, I arrived at the hospital to find Rob in respiratory distress. Blinking monitors indicated heart rate and oxygen levels. Questions whirled in my mind. What happened since I saw him last night? His condition was not this serious when I left. Why is he by himself? Where is the medical help he needs? Someone do something! Rewind to May 31, 2018, when Rob’s doctor called and told him that preliminary tests indicated he had cancer. Cancer? He had a persistent cough that would not leave and could feel something in his chest, but cancer? Rob never smoked, and we thought we lived a healthy lifestyle. On May 31, we began a journey of trusting our God to carry us through all our questions, changing fear into faith, and in our vulnerability, seeing how loved and supported we were by family, both biological and spiritual. We talked about anointing —Rob, for his current health issues, and myself, for the chronic pain with which I lived from two worn-out knees. I had waited a year and a half for bilateral knee surgery and still had no surgery date. For three weeks before our
26
Alberta Adventist News
SEPTEMBER2019 DECEMBER 2019
anointing, I studied everything I could find on the subject. And I prayed a lot!! I wanted to be one hundred percent sure anointing was in harmony with God’s will for us. On the beautiful evening of Sabbath, June 23, 2018, Rob and I were anointed. The service began with singing and sharing, and Rob and I gave our testimony. We were ready to trust God with our lives and health (whatever that looked like). We held hands, and I was anointed first. As the oil trickled over my head, I felt a powerful surge go through my body. I breathed deeply, wanting my experience to continue. I don’t know how else to describe it, other than it was the power of God. After the anointing, I told Rob what I felt, and he turned to me and said, “I felt it pass through your hand into me!” That very night, I slept the entire night!! Sleeping through the night was quite an accomplishment. Because of the pain with which I lived, I had not slept a whole night in over two years. To God’s praise and glory, I did not have surgery! I can ride my bike again, mount my horse by myself, walk more than a block, and have slept every
rney to
nd Healing
Carole and Rob Morton.
night since the anointing! God is good! In July, Rob finally got to see a thoracic surgeon who told us that the growth in his left lung was inoperable, and the lymph system in his left lung was not working. After CT scans, a PET scan, and delays that seemed to go on and on, Rob finally saw an oncologist on August 7, 2018. We knew very little about his cancer and nothing about his prognosis. I asked the oncologist point-blank about it. He paused and then said lung cancer was bad, very bad, and that Rob had less than a year to live. They could only offer him “palliative chemo to try to put the brakes on his cancer.” Rob had stage-four metastatic lung cancer with a tumour in his left lung — one inch by three inches. The cancer had spread to his right lung, chest, both sides of his neck, and right armpit. We left the office numb. When the initial shock wore off, we began to plan. Rob did not feel sick, so why would he want to take chemo and feel sick? I began to research natural treatments for cancer. On August 21, 2018, our juicer arrived, and we started to juice. We made radical changes to our diet and lifestyle and began to move forward
on “our journey to health and healing.” Rob continued to work full-time, and life settled into a new routine. His cough gradually diminished, and eventually, he could not feel his tumour anymore. God provided and still provides many opportunities to share our testimony with people. Our life focus reflected our new passion for natural cancer treatment. On August 7, 2019, one year since we saw the oncologist, we rejoiced for God’s blessings and healing power over the past year. Rob still worked full-time and felt well. On September 3, 2019, at Rob’s driver’s medical check, his lungs sounded good. As a precaution, he had a chest x-ray. The next day, he did not feel well enough to go to work. By September 6, he felt much worse. His doctor called. Rob’s left lung had collapsed. The doctor arranged to have a pleural drain done on Monday, but Sunday morning, Rob went by ambulance to hospital. On Monday, they drained one and a half litres of fluid. By the next Friday, his chest was filling up again. He was scheduled for a permanent drain insertion in Red Deer on Monday. On Sunday morning, the 15th, he went into respiratory distress. SEPTEMBER DECEMBER 2019
Alberta Adventist News
27
FEATURE
“
Some of our church family who helped harvest, September 22, 2019
Someone do something! I quickly sent an urgent request to our prayer chain that the medical team could do the drain today. Rob may not make it until tomorrow. In less than an hour, God answered our prayers! A doctor would do the drain right in Ponoka. Praise God! The doctor removed 6.6 litres of fluid. The next day in Red Deer, they removed another 500ml. Rob had 8.6 litres of fluid removed from his pleural space in one week. Rob’s lung began working over the next week, and his oxygen requirements decreased. Another miracle! I wondered how I was going to harvest the garden and get ready for winter. Our church family came to our rescue. On Sunday morning, September 22, over 25 people arrived at our house and quickly set to work. Within several hours, 28
Alberta Adventist News
He holds us tenderly in the palm of His hand, and only what passes through Jesus can touch us." the garden was harvested, all the yard work completed, and the trailer winterized. The help was a blessing beyond words! The greatest blessing came when Rob texted a thank you to everyone. He also let us know that he was off his oxygen. His lung was functioning! Praise God!! Rob came home on September 23 after 15 days in the hospital. We expected him to require oxygen, but by God’s grace, his lung functioned
DECEMBER 2019
correctly and continues to do so. The fluid amounts drained from his pleural cavity continue decreasing. We give God all the glory for sparing his life and keeping us in the center of His will on our journey to health and healing. Health and healing come in many forms and is something He desires for each one of His precious children, whether it be mental, physical, or spiritual. He holds us tenderly in the palm of His hand, and only what passes through Jesus can touch us. We feel very blessed with all the answered prayers and miracles in our lives and trust God on this journey, one day at a time. We are very thankful for Lorelei providing meals, Brian providing lawn care, all those who donated their time to help us harvest, and for the power of prayer.
CHURCH NEWS
Fort Saskatchewan wellness workshop T he Fort Saskatchewan SDA Church just completed another successful Healthy Choices Wellness Workshop and Cooking Demonstration with Dr. Darlene Blaney. This event is their fifteenth healthrelated community program since the church’s inception in 2014. Diabetes Undone was the emphasis of this program. As a result of a handbill mailout, newspaper ads, and a Facebook advertising campaign, 110 people preregistered for the event. Pastor Darrell Beaudoin said, "Several days before the event, we had to close registration because we did not have enough seating available." The event was fully attended, and everyone was blessed by and enthusiastic about the information
received and the delicious, nutritious food samples. A short presentation was given by Pastor Darrell on anxiety and depression in connection with global unrest and disasters. An invitation was extended to attend the upcoming Revelation of Hope prophecy seminar beginning October 25 in Fort Saskatchewan. Pastor Darrell said, "On a one-day event like this, building ongoing relationships is not as effective as a long-running program, so we need to strategize ways to utilize our health messages evangelistically." A special thank you to the church members who came together to help facilitate the workshop.
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:58). Please pray for the Fort Saskatchewan Church as we continue to grow and reach out to bless the community. — Submitted by Pastor Darrell Beaudoin
This photo: Dr. Darlene
Blaney shares valuable information at Healthy Choices Wellness Workshop. Top photo: Greeters at the door registered attendees and cared for door prizes.
DECEMBER 2019
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CHURCH NEWS
Members of the Calgary Mountaineers MGO Club on their first back packing trip to Tomstone in the Elbow-Sheep Wildland area of Kananaskis.
Calgary A Mountain View Church Launches Mountaineers Master Guide Outdoors Club (MGO)
ccording to the 2018 North American Camping Report, today's young adults are venturing into the outdoors more than ever before. Millennials, specifically, have strongly indicated a desire for outdoor activities, and more than half plan to increase their time outdoors this year alone. Recognizing these needs, the North American Division (NAD) has created a new initiative called Master Guide Outdoors (MGO) to engage and encourage the current generation of young people. With the purpose of connecting all people with God by exploring His creation, this initiative provides likeminded individuals the opportunity to both participate in and lead successful expeditions in the beauty of nature, while experiencing the God who created it. Following the NAD's lead, the Mountain View SDA Church in Calgary started a new ministry this year called the Mountaineers MGO Club with directors Chris and Melissa Ohlmann. This group provides leadership and outdoor skills training through the Master Guide program. It also creates a community
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CHURCH NEWS
Additional members of the Calgary Mountaineers MGO Club on their first back packing trip to Tomstone in the Elbow-Sheep Wildland area of Kananaskis.
Melissa Ohlmann is the MGO Director.
Jeremy Roque, active member of Mountaineers MGO.
for young adults at an age of transition and those still young at heart, whether or not they grew up in other club ministries such as Adventurers or Pathfinders. In August, the Mountaineers MGO Club went on its first backpacking trip to Tombstone in the Elbow-Sheep Wildland area of Kananaskis. In September, the group was significantly represented at the first-ever NAD-sponsored MGO event in Glacier National Park in Montana — t he MGO Glacier Expedition
2019. The Mountaineers MGO group is currently preparing for an upcoming hike on October 19 and a winter campout at the beginning of November. For more information, please visit the Master Guide Outdoors section of the Mountain View SDA Church website (mountainviewadventist. ca/ master-guide-outdoors-club). — Submitted by Chris Ohlmann, Associate Director of the Mountaineers MGO Club DECEMBER 2019
Alberta Adventist News
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CHURCH NEWS
Philippine Mountain Ministries (PMM) P
hilippine Mountain Ministries (PMM) has been working with the tribal mountain people for the last ten years, and God has blessed this ministry, which is sponsored by the Lacombe Community Church. Matthew 25:40 says, “In as much as you have done it to the least of these My brothers [and sisters], you have done it to me.” In the mountains of Mindoro, there are thousands of primitive people who have never heard the name of Jesus. With the support of many donors, PMM is making a difference. God has opened the doors for “this gospel of the kingdom to
be preached to the tribal people of Mindoro.” I have often been asked, “Why do you do this?” My answer is simple: Because God has called us to do it! As I look ahead to 2020, it is obvious that God has opened doors for evangelism in at least three villages. 1. The first is the remote little village of Paglantayanan. Currently, there is a young missionary (Resty) who is building a small church and holding worship services every morning and evening. This village and surrounding villages will be ready for an
evangelistic team in March. 2. The second evangelistic site will be Concepcion. We held meetings there in 2018, and God blessed our efforts with many villagers accepting Jesus. Today, a new church is being built and will be ready for evangelistic meetings next year. 3. The third focus for evangelism is the Barangay of Lisap. There are 1,339 households with a population of 6,069. There are 36 villages in this barangay. God has called Bong Andres, a volunteer VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Mission Trip opportunities open to families, students, retired people — young and old.
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THE 2018 PMM DONATION REPORT Last year PMM received $134,100 in donations. The funds were used as follows: BUILDING PROJECTS
EVANGELISM OUTREACH
STUDENT SPONSORSHIPS
SPECIAL PROJECTS
PROJECTS SUPPORTED
1,100 Baptisms
Motorbikes for Bible Workers.
Construction of six
Training and support of
Agricultural land purchase.
churches.
Bible workers (100).
Repair and construction of
Supply workers with food
three schools.
and medicines.
69,000 48,570 11,000 5,530 Teachers support.
Grand total, 2018 $134,100.00
A mission trip participant visits with children outside their home.
Dental clinics are held for the mountain people.
missionary, to work in this area. With the support of PMM, we now have a church and a small medical clinic that serves the needs of this community. Bong will be holding evangelistic meetings in four villages in preparation for a reaping campaign in 2020. We desperately need people who are willing to go and share the love of Jesus with people in the villages who are preparing for evangelism. The possibilities are unlimited. This opportunity is open to families, students, retired people — young and old. To meet these needs, we should have at least three groups: a medical team, a youth team, and a seniors team. We have found that a five-person team is very effective when we pool our spiritual gifts to the glory of God. If you or someone you know may be interested in experiencing God’s power through His Word, please let me know. Perhaps your church may be interested in supporting one of the village campaigns. I am also willing to come to your church to share a PowerPoint presentation of the work. Please pray that God will impress workers who are willing to go and minister to the "least of these My brothers.” You can call or email me at (587) 377- 3044 (cell) or bhawes@shawcable.com. — Submitted by Brian Hawes DECEMBER 2019
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CHURCH NEWS
Micah Babbitt baptized by Pastor Brent Wilson.
Mountain View welcomes six individuals during summer baptisms
M
ountain View Seventhday Adventist Church was delighted to welcome six individuals to our church family as a result of baptisms throughout the summer. Alex Tokarev was baptized on July 6 at the Bow River; Dylan Smith was baptized at Camp Meeting; Melanie Chiu was baptized at the Bow River on August 10. Each one had several family and friends joining them in celebration. During the Oshkosh “Chosen” Camporee, three of our Mountaineers Pathfinder Club members got baptized. Pictured are Valrii Arsenev, Lacey Babbitt, and Micah Babbitt. Brent Wilson officiated. We rejoice with each of these persons who have chosen to follow Jesus in baptism and be part of the ongoing ministry and fellowship of the Mountain View Church. —Submitted by Phyllis Corkum, Communication Chair 34
Alberta Adventist News
Pastor Honey Todd baptizes Melanie Chiu in Bow River.
Alex Tokarev baptized by Pastor Honey Todd.
Lacey Babbitt baptized by Pastor Brent Wilson.
Pastor Kevin Wilson baptized Dylan Smith at Camp Meeting.
Valrii Arsenev baptized by Pastor Brent Wilson.
DECEMBER 2019
CHURCH NEWS
College Heights Church Baptisms and Baby Dedications W
e are thrilled to celebrate that God is still drawing people into a closer relationship with Him. Recently we witnessed several individuals publicly proclaim their commitment to Jesus by being baptized. —Submitted by Warren Kay
Pastor Potts dedicated Ewan and Trishana Nugent’s son, Joel Ewshaun Nugent, who was born on April 23, 2019. Eli Huether was baptized by Pastor Matthew Piersanti.
Top photo: Serena and Luke Grovet were baptized by Pastor Steve Reasor. Bottom photo: Bill and Anita
Holmes were baptized by Pastor Jeff Potts.
Cassi Kay was baptized by her grandpa, Pastor Ron Nelson.
Pastor Potts dedicated Agnes Eloise Ollila (born October 12, 2018) on her first birthday, Sabbath, October 12, 2019. Parents, Pastor Eric and Lucy Ollila. DECEMBER 2019
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CHURCH NEWS
Treats and Tracks on Halloween in Okotoks W
hile the Town of Okotoks was celebrating Halloween night on October 31, 2019, twenty Okotoks SDA Church members went out to visit homes in the neighbourhood of the church. After knocking on doors and constant prayer, they introduced themselves as members of the nearby SDA Adventist Church. They gave each home an invitation for worship services. A colourful bag with treats, books and tracks
were also handed out as well as sharing the Adventist celebration of the life of Jesus. People were surprised! Some rejected the gift, and a few reactions were unpleasant and hurtful. Even so, the members continued and also responded to five prayer requests (that were gratefully received). One hundred thirty-eight bags were handed out. Let's pray that the hearts of people in Okotoks may be touched and listen to God's invitation.
— Submitted by Ria Schurig, Communication Director for the Okotoks Seventh-day Adventist Church
Church members carrying gifts bags (containing Happiness digest, Steps to Christ, and other books together with invitation card) for distribution. Church members prepared gift bags.
Pastor Jinwook Lee read Scriptures and rendered a prayer before the members head out door knocking.
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Outreach leaders: Pastor Lee, Personal ministry leader and the AY leader.
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CHURCH NEWS
Top photo: Action songs are always a favourite. Insert: A variety of activities add interest to the service.
"Truly I tell you unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven� (Matthew 18:1–3) 38
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The Children of Edmonton Central SDA Church I
t is no coincidence that the Edmonton Central Seventh-day Adventist Church routinely holds Children's Church one Sabbath a month. In Children's Church, children feel more comfortable and relaxed as it provides a sense of ownership in their own space. This opportunity gives children the chance to worship in an age-appropriate setting and helps them connect with God in their childlike ways. At Edmonton Central Church, a large percentage of our members are children between the ages of four and fourteen.
CHURCH NEWS
This opportunity gives children the chance to worship in an age-appropriate setting and helps them connect with God in their childlike ways." These are the most formative years when values, worldviews, and perspectives of life are shaped either positively or negatively. Today's four-to-fourteen-year-olds are referred to as the ''Internet generation.'' They are the digital kids who use iPhones, Facebook, and YouTube, among other social media networks. They don't think twice about sharing their opinions with strangers. This is frightening and disheartening. We must stay connected with them through access and technology. The Adventist Church cofounder, Ellen G. White, states, ''Too much importance cannot be placed upon the early training of children” (Ministry of Healing, p. 380). She also says, ''It is still true that children are the most susceptible to the teaching of the gospel; their hearts are open to divine influences, and strong to retain the lessons received” (The Desire of Ages, p. 512). Jesus recognized the importance of children and youth in His kingdom when He was asked by the disciples, ''Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” Jesus
called a little child whom He placed among them and said, "Truly I tell you unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 18:1–3). Children model faith and discipleship by showing us adults how to humbly repent and trust in God. Both the Old and New Testaments identify children and young people who were used by God to transform their world. Samuel was called by God as a child to deliver a difficult message to Eli (see 1 Samuel 3). Esther was used by God to save the Jewish people (see Esther 2). I truly believe that the Children's Church has the potential to help our children understand the importance of our worship to God in their childlike ways. Let us not fail to grasp the immeasurable value of these precious young lives made in the image of God. As I close this article, I say thank you to all those who facilitate these events at Edmonton Central Church. —Submitted by Ina Martin, Edmonton Central SDA Church Children's Sabbath School Department
Adult leaders provide an age-appropriate worship setting. DECEMBER 2019
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CHURCH NEWS
Ponoka Church health retreat
O
n Labor Day weekend in September, the Ponoka SDA church had its second annual Health Retreat at Lloyd and Gayle Birney's farm near Bashaw. In this article, Gayle answers a few questions:
What are these retreats all about, and why did you decide to have them?
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songs for my theme: “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and “Day by Day.” Each guest received a binder that had health tips that I have collected, along with the story of my health journey. Saturday: Pekka Maattanen, a biology teacher from Burman University, spoke on digestion, our gut bacteria, and the relationship between the brain and our gut. Saturday night, he answered a host of questions and amazed us with the wealth of knowledge he has. Even though he is a college teacher, he has the talent to make very complicated things simple to understand.
Gayle: About seven years ago, I had a bout with cancer. The Lord led me through a journey of some major lifestyle changes, and with His healing power, I have been free of cancer for seven years. I have done a lot of research that has led to many changes in my life. Numerous people have asked me for advice as to how they can fight their cancers and other lifestyle diseases, so I asked the Lord what I could do to get this information out to as many people as possible. The Lord and I came up with what we called “Back To Eden Health Retreat." Our guests bring their campers or tents, or drive in each day. Quite a few just brought blankets, pillows, etc., and bunked up wherever they could find a corner. Everyone had breakfast on their own. The other two meals were potluck style with a planned menu. We chose not to charge a fee, but we had a donation box. The donations more than covered the costs, and the extra funds will be used for other health ministries of the church. Last year, our speaker was Glenda Nischuk from Saskatchewan. We had about 60 people and had such a good time that we decided to make it an annual event. This year, we had about 50, and once again, the Lord blessed us with good speakers and wonderful people. It was like one big happy family. Everyone pitched in, helped out, and cooperated so well. Everyone said that they had a real blessing.
Monday: About 20 people were here for Gardening 101 when Lloyd spoke on soil management. They also toured the farm and took home large quantities of strawberries and veggies, as well as garden blend fertilizer made up especially
Friday Evening: I shared my story on how the Lord gave me strength for each day. I chose two
Gayle Birney holding a binder guide to use in the health retreats.
Alberta Adventist News
DECEMBER 2019
Sunday: Donna Lee Lehmann had us all working with hands-on home treatments. We chose partners and learned how to give massages, hot and cold foot baths, steam inhalation, and many more easy-to-do treatments. It was a pretty wild time with about 20 or so stations, but we learned a lot and took home some handouts.
CHURCH NEWS for this area. Pekka was so fascinated with it that he later brought his biology class out for a tour. They took soil samples from different areas to take back and test for soil bacteria, etc. This sounds like a lot of work! Where did you find room for meetings and meals for that many people? Gayle: That's where the blessing of being a part of a church family, as well as our own family, comes in. They all pitched in. I was amazed at how smooth things went. For eating, we have a large two-car garage. The Mirror Church loaned us all the tables and chairs from their fellowship
room. We rented some tables The weather was a bit on from Ponoka Farmer's Market. the cool side, but we brought We have a summer kitchen and in blankets. We all looked bathroom on the north end of like Egyptian mummies. I the shop, so that is handy for believe we could handle about the campers to use, in addition 80 people quite easily, and I to the house bathrooms. My am praying that the Lord will girls supervised the cooking send that many or more next in the house kitchen. year. He hasn't told me who the For the meetings last year, speakers should be, but it was we pushed back the machinery His idea and it is His farm, so in our shop and then draped I guess you could say that it it with white plastic (It is is His problem, not ours. We amazing how much you can are planning on having the hide behind some plastic). next retreat on Labor Day This year, the Lord led us to weekend of 2020. See you there. purchase a 20-by-40 party For more information and tent. It took about eight hours updates, you can contact Gayle to set up and another eight at (780) 372-2290 or email hours to take it down, but grammags39@xplornet.ca. once again, the Lord sent — Submitted by Pastor just the help we needed. David Beaudoin
Alberta SEEDS 2019 I
t takes more than a snowstorm to quench the passion of church members desirous of learning how to advance Christ’s kingdom. On September 28–29, about 70 people participated in the 2019 Alberta SEEDS event. The presenters, organized by the North American Division Evangelism Institute, led Sabbath services at Calgary Central and Northwinds churches. Seminars were conducted for members of all churches on Sabbath afternoon and Sunday morning. — Submitted by Don Corkum Presenters and organizers of the 2019 SEEDS were
(left to right in picture):
Pastors Ghena Girleanu, Dr. Errol Mclean, Don Corkum, Marc Lien, and Hugo Villalobos.
The seminar topics presented by Mclean, Lien, and Villalobos were Pray and Recruit, Lay out Vision, Activate Ministry, Navigate Worship, and Train and Send. A booklet was handed to everyone who attended. If anyone wants a digital copy of this booklet, contact Don Corkum at dcorkum1@msn.com for a copy.
DECEMBER 2019
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CHURCH NEWS
Changing people’s lives within the most restricted communist country of the world:
North Korea!
I
knew exactly when we were flying over North Korea airspace! When you fly into the most restricted communist country of the world, the aircraft plays a number of military marches over its speaker system, all the way into your gate! As part of my responsibilities, I travel to North Korea on a regular basis. I do hope that you can understand that
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it is not appropriate to share everything we do and how we advance God’s love to such a hopeless place in full detail. Regardless of your destination, the first stop you take once in Pyongyang, the capital city of North Korea, is downtown, where everyone goes to worship the president of their country and his relatives. Each government agency in North
DECEMBER 2019
Korea is directed by a specific federation. The Christian Federation is one with which I have had the privilege to work. They are lovely, but quiet, people. The capital of Pyongyang has a number of checkpoints that limit the traffic of people coming into such a unique city. I have been treated with respect and kindness on most of my journeys into such a singular place. One of the major highlights of our experience and mission in North Korea this year was to speak and play
at one of the major church buildings in the capital of NK. Like everything else, I was surrounded by special cameras connected to an office where people hold a lot of power. I was transformed by the musical expression of “Under His Wings” — a traditional SDA song that has so much meaning in a country like North Korea. But perhaps the most touching experience was the opportunity I had to play for the choir while they sang: Amazing grace! I pinched myself a couple of times to be
“
My name is Pr. Eliseo Lozano and I’m the president of CHANGING PEOPLE’S LIVES (CPL) International Ministries, a support ministry that specializes in missions to the communist countries of the world through the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church." certain that I was not dreaming, and that I really was playing in the capital city of North Korea, where most religious people end up in prison for such a public expression of faith. For us at CHANGING PEOPLE'S LIVES (CPL) International Ministries, with headquarters in the city of Toronto, ON, we consider it a sacred privilege to share the Seventh-Day Adventist message in North Korea. We recently contributed in a very meaningful way to the building of a fully equipped dental clinic. Communist authorities recognized
our efforts by working in partnership with us, and by creating an active network of support towards the elderly and children in North Korea, among some other very important initiatives Recently, I was riding in a North Korean military jeep in the southern portion of the country, and some of the military personnel that were part of my convoy took me aside and told me: “The sound that you hear over our heads is coming from a nearby joint military exercise between the United States and South Korea. Are you scared?” “Are you scared of getting killed by either their fire of by
our military response?” telling me: ‘Eliseo “General Kattoi*,” I come with me … I responded. “Why have a better place should I be scared?” for you … a place (They forgot the where communism is fact that on my list nowhere to be found.’” of concerns such a — Submitted by Pastor possibility is at the Eliseo Lozano bottom of my personal worries). “If something To know more about happens to me, do this ministry go to you know what will cplives.ca happen? . . . The next face I will see is going *This is a fictious name to be the face of Jesus for security reasons. DECEMBER 2019
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CHURCH NEWS
The Great Disappointment
1844
M
embers of the Sylvan Lake Church enjoyed a play depicting The Great Disappointment that was performed by the Sylvan Lake Lighthouse Pathfinder Club and students from Sylvan Meadows Adventist School. The play was a wonderful reminder of the events that occurred 175 years ago.
Stay connected with your Alberta Adventist family…
Read Alberta Adventist News! Coming to an Alberta Adventist Church near you: • • • •
March June September December
Alberta Adventist News is an official, quarterly print and digital publication of the Alberta Conference of the Seventh- day Adventist Church. To learn more, visit albertaadventist.ca/aan
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DECEMBER 2019
IN MEMORY
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Evelyn Jennie (Low) Widdicombe December 31, 1927 May 26, 2018
E
velyn was born on December 31, 1927 and passed away at the age of 90 on May 26, 2018. She and her husband George farmed in the Gull Lake area while their children attended school. A trained nurse, Evelyn worked at the Lacombe and Bentley hospitals. She was also very active in the Bentley Church, where she helped with fiveday Stop Smoking Plans, Children’s Sabbath School, and Vacation Bible Schools. You would also find Evelyn playing trumpet in church bands. She will be sadly missed by her five children: Leslie (Don) Price, Neil (Dianne) Widdicombe, Laurell Crocker, John (Cheryl) Widdicombe, Bill (Melinda) Widdicombe, her daughter-in-law Linda Widdicombe, 16 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She was predeceased by her husband George, son Harold, grandson Ernie Guillet, and seven siblings. A memorial service was held on July 15, 2018. Inurnment was at the Upper Tuscoola Mountain Cemetery in Chetwynd, where Eveyln waits for the resurrection.
Harwood—Matiko Wedding Michael and Brittany (nee Harwood) Matiko were married by Pastor John Gilbert in Leduc, AB on June 30, 2019. Their parents, respectively, are Everett and Joan Matiko of Millet, AB and Pastor Rick and Sharlene Harwood of Lacombe, AB. The couple will be residing in Millet, AB and attending the Wetaskiwin Seventh-day Adventist Church.
MAY
29–30 2020
One Hundredth Anniversary Celebration — The Bentley SDA Church invites all members and families, former members, pastors, student pastors, and friends to join us for a 100th Anniversary Celebration Weekend, May 29–30, 2020. For more information, visit our website, bentleyab.adventistchurch. org, or like us on Facebook, “Bentley Seventh-Day Adventist Church.”
DECEMBER 2019
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MEANS & MEANING
An MNP Partner shares his favourite
TIPS FOR YEAR -
One of my favourite Camp Meeting seminars is one that I just hosted. Since 2014, Darren Swann, CPA, CA, has generously donated his time and expertise at PGTS Camp Meeting seminars, sharing the latest in charitable tax developments and fielding audience questions (let’s face it — that’s free professional consulting that would cost hundreds of dollars if you booked time in his office). One of the rare accountants who really understands charitable tax law and planning, Darren graciously agreed to collaborate with one of his tax managers, Dianne Hayduk, to share their favourite year-end giving tips, seen below.
C
hristmas is the season for giving, and charities in Canada receive up to 30% of the next year’s budget during “the season.” Here are some tips to get the most from your year-end giving: 1. Make sure you collect the official receipts — Charity receipts can only be used as a successful donation deduction if they are complete and contain: • name, address, and registered
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charity number of organization date, eligible amount, and place of receipt • full name and address of donor • signature of authorized individual • serial number of receipt • name and website address of the Canada Revenue Agency The Canada Revenue Agency website also maintains all registered charities through Canada.ca/en/services/taxes/charities. •
MEANS & MEANING
- END GIVING
BY LYNN MCDOWELL
2. Consider giving greater than $200 — Additional tax credits are available to individuals who give greater than $200. In Alberta, tax credits of 25% of amounts of $200 or less are available to be deducted against an individual’s taxes payable. However, for donations over $200, the additional credit will qualify for a 50% tax credit, or possibly up to a 54% credit if you’re in the top tax bracket. 3. Give personally rather than corporately—In Alberta, it is more tax advantageous to make a donation personally than through your corporation. If you wish to share some of your corporate profits, consider distributing funds to the shareholder(s) to allow him/her to make the donation personally. If you reside in a different province, you should review with your tax advisor which method is more advantageous.
4. Donate publicly-traded shares—If shares are donated directly to a registered charity, capital gains relating to those shares are not taxed in the hands of the donor. The charity can issue a tax receipt for the fair market value on the donation date of those shares, allowing the full amount to be included in calculating the donor’s donation tax credit. For discussions on other giving scenarios, such as estate donations, donations of life insurance, or shares of private corporations, please contact your local tax advisor, or Dianne Hayduk at Dianne. Hayduk@mnp.ca, or Darren Swann (of MNP LLP) at Darren.Swann@mnp.ca.
DID YOU KNOW? Giving in the Alberta Conference happens mostly in the last quarter of the year. Typically, about 36% of tithe, offerings and gifts to the Conference are given in the last quarter, with 20% of the year's total income in these categories contributed in the month of December. As of September 30th, the Conference received $10,926,025 — on par with last year.
Darren Swann, Tax Partner for MNP’s Central Alberta Tax Group, is based in Red Deer but travels to Airdrie and Drumheller as well. Darren has extensive experience in charitable gift planning and farm succession planning. Dianne Hayduk is a Tax Manager for MNP’s Central Alberta Tax Group.
Lynn McDowell, JD, CSPG
Director of Planned Giving | Philanthropy Alberta Conference (403) 342-5044, ext. 233
DECEMBER 2019
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Better Together 2020 Women’s Ministries Retreat Cambridge Hotel Red Deer
April 17-19, 2020 Guest Speaker
Dilys Brooks - Chaplain LLU
REGISTER TODAY Early Bird until March 3 - $ 199 Regular Registration ends March 31 $ 229
www.albertaadventist.ca/wm2020
Phone: 403-342-5044
“TWO ARE BETTER THAN ONE… A CORD OF THREE STRANDS IS NOT QUICKLY BROKEN.” ECCLES. 4:9-12
for all the people.