DEPARTMENT NEWS
ADRA Backpack Delivery to Saddle
I
t was a trip of a lifetime. When we set out Lake. She mentioned how she had built up the on our journey, we never expected to be Emergency Management Department there. impacted in the way we were. We were tasked We thought, ‘Wow, what a powerful woman.’ with the mission of delivering 50 backpacks Jodyann then took us on a tour of the comfilled with care kits on behalf of ADRA Canamunity. We were taken to the Boys and Girls da. Pastor Daniel Saugh requested that several Club. Unfortunately, because of COVID-19 of my youth and I head up to the Saddle Lake and a pipe leak, the facility had not been Cree Nation reserve. It would take an overused in over two years. As youth pastors three-hour drive to arrive at our destination. with a deep love for youth, it was hard as she On the trip, I was accompanied by Pastor told the stories of what the youth face in the Bryan Saint Louis. He drove from Calgary and community. Our hearts were sad. We ofmet me at the conference office in Lacombe. fered any assistance that would be needed. We then picked up Pastor Daniel Madden We met an incredible man by the name of in Edmonton and continued our journey. It Stacy Harrison. He gave us an eye-opening tour was great reconnecting with each other in the of the space. What was most interesting was his car. We talked about life, family, ministry, and overview of the restorative justice program that the future. We realized we were very far from he runs at the center. It is a youth- and famithe city as we were driving. We realized that ly-based strategy that includes prevention and were it not for the task of dropping off the reintegration. He focused on the healing circle bags, we would have never ventured that far. that fosters conflict resolution and healing. He As we got closer to the Saddleback reserve, mentioned a lot of the processes involved in we noticed people getting back to nature along the streets and being at peace collecting cans. with the environment As we pulled and oneself. It was a into the emergency fascinating experience. management center, When it was time we were greeted by to say goodbye, we friendly smiles and felt God wanted us to warm welcomes by be there that day. We Jodyann, director of agreed we would come Emergency Manageback in the form of a ment for Saddle Lake conference mission Cree Nation. She trip experience on gave us a tour of the behalf of ADRA. We building, then sat us came filled with backdown to meet her team packs, but we left filled and get acquainted. with inspiration and It was truly a motivation to continue pleasure learning to help those who are Pastor Bryan with the Saddle about the history in need.—Submitted Lake Cree Nation fellows. and culture of Saddle by Dr. Lyle Notice
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Alberta Adventist News
JUNE 2022
