ADRA Backpack Delivery to Saddle

It was a trip of a lifetime. When we set out on our journey, we never expected to be impacted in the way we were. We were tasked with the mission of delivering 50 backpacks filled with care kits on behalf of ADRA Canada. Pastor Daniel Saugh requested that several of my youth and I head up to the Saddle Lake Cree Nation reserve. It would take an over-three-hour drive to arrive at our destination.

On the trip, I was accompanied by Pastor Bryan Saint Louis. He drove from Calgary and met me at the conference office in Lacombe. We then picked up Pastor Daniel Madden in Edmonton and continued our journey. It was great reconnecting with each other in the car. We talked about life, family, ministry, and the future. We realized we were very far from the city as we were driving. We realized that were it not for the task of dropping off the bags, we would have never ventured that far.

As we got closer to the Saddleback reserve, we noticed people along the streets collecting cans.

Pastor Bryan with the Saddle Lake Cree Nation fellows.

As we pulled into the emergency management center, we were greeted by friendly smiles and warm welcomes by Jodyann, director of Emergency Management for Saddle Lake Cree Nation. She gave us a tour of the building, then sat us down to meet her team and get acquainted.

It was truly a pleasure learning about the history and culture of Saddle Lake. She mentioned how she had built up the Emergency Management Department there. We thought, ‘Wow, what a powerful woman.’

Jodyann then took us on a tour of the community. We were taken to the Boys and Girls Club. Unfortunately, because of COVID-19 and a pipe leak, the facility had not been used in over two years. As youth pastors with a deep love for youth, it was hard as she told the stories of what the youth face in the community. Our hearts were sad. We offered any assistance that would be needed.

We met an incredible man by the name of Stacy Harrison. He gave us an eye-opening tour of the space. What was most interesting was his overview of the restorative justice program that he runs at the center. It is a youth- and family-based strategy that includes prevention and reintegration. He focused on the healing circle that fosters conflict resolution and healing. He mentioned a lot of the processes involved in getting back to nature and being at peace with the environment and oneself. It was a fascinating experience.

When it was time to say goodbye, we felt God wanted us to be there that day. We agreed we would come back in the form of a conference mission trip experience on behalf of ADRA. We came filled with backpacks, but we left filled with inspiration and motivation to continue to help those who are in need.

by Dr. Lyle Notice - Director | Youth Ministries