Alberta Adventist News September Issue 2023

But By My Spirit - Saith The Lord Camp Meeting Highlights

The 50th Anniversary of Alberta Camp Meeting at Foothills Camp and Retreat Centre was held July 14-22, 2023. The theme was But by My Spirit Saith the Lord, the same theme of the first camp meeting at Foothills Camp back 50 years ago.

04

Counting Your Blessings.

In a heartwarming and insightful article, President Pastor Jeff Potts reminds us of the profound importance of Thanksgiving and counting our blessings in a world that often seems filled with challenges and uncertainties. As the holiday season approaches, his words resonate with a timeless message of gratitude and reflection.

22 Ukrainian Church Starts in Calgary

The first church service of the newly formed Calgary Ukrainian Fellowship Group was held Saturday, September 2, under the leadership of Pastor Viktor Kononenko.

Counting Your Blessings

Summer holidays have ended. School is back in session for another year. The fall season is upon us. Many of us have been canning and freezing putting away food for the winter. The other day when I was out hiking in the mountains, I noticed the little pikas gathering grass to store away in their dens for winter. It is indeed that time of the year.

As we gather in the fall harvest, we’re reminded how truly good God is to us. Let us be sure to thank God for the many blessings He showers on us. No less than twelve times in Psalm 36 we’re urged to give God thanks. The psalmist declares, “Give thanks to the God of heaven. His faithful love endures forever.” Psalm 136:26

Several years ago, the residents of a nursing home were gathering around the table for their Thanksgiving meal. Before they ate, the director asked each in turn to express one thing for which they were thankful.

Thanks were expressed for a warm home in which to stay, their families, friends, etc… When it was her turn to speak, one elderly woman said this “I thank the Lord for two perfectly good teeth, one in my upper jaw and one in my lower jaw that match so I can chew my food.”

I love this story! Many of us would complain that we had lost almost all our teeth. But this dear woman chose to give thanks for her two remaining teeth that they matched each other, and that she could still chew her food!

In life, many of us see the cup as half empty rather than half full. But even in difficult circumstances, we can still give God thanks. We read in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Be thankful in all

“

When I’m feeling down, I turn my thinker into a thanker, and soon I’m feeling very blessed. Try it. See what happens when you count your many blessings.

circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” No matter what our circumstances may be, it is always God’s will that we be thankful for the blessings we do have.

In Ephesians 5:20, the Apostle Paul challenges us, “And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Have you ever made a list of “everything” for which you’re thankful? I encourage you to do it. Get out a pen and paper. Write down all your blessings. Make a list of ALL the things for which you’re thankful to God. The old song says, “Count your blessings! Name them one by one. Count many your blessings, see what God has done.”

This is so simple! But it is highly effective! It is one of the best ways I know to cheer myself up. When I’m feeling down, I turn my thinker into a thanker, and soon I’m feeling very blessed. Try it. See what happens when you count your many blessings. How long will your list be? See if you can come up with a list of at least 100 blessings!

Jeff Potts President Alberta Conference

As Jesus spoke the people listened carefully, hanging on every word. They were not used to hearing such a message. He spoke with compassion and not criticism. Those doing wrong felt convicted to change. He counseled us not to make rash vows. A simple, “Yes, I will,” or “No, I won't,” will suffice. He spoke about revenge, getting even. I felt angry and revengeful when someone tried to take our fishing spot or cheated us out of a fair price for our fish. Andrew and I often got into verbal fights and once in awhile, even fist fights. Jesus suggested turning the other cheek. If someone sues you for your coat give him your shirt, too. If a Roman forces you to carry his pack one mile, take it two. I hated being forced to carry anything for a Roman. “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,”

the

BY DENNIS NICKEL

he said. Was that possible? Even the Pharisees didn't do that. Someone shouted, “Are we to love the Romans?” Jesus simply repeated what He'd said and added, “Even sinners love those who love them. Be like your Father in heaven who sends rain on the good and evil alike.” He went on, “Give from the heart privately, without a big show.” Everyone knew the Pharisees liked to make a big production of their giving. He continued, “Pray sincerely, from your heart.” We'd all heard the showy, hypocritical prayers of the Pharisees. At these statements, the Pharisees in the crowd were noticeably agitated! Jesus asked us to forgive others so that God would forgive us. Then He taught a simple prayer: “Our Father in Heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your

will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need and forgive us our debts and sins as we have forgiven those who sin against us. Don't let us yield to temptation but rescue us from the evil one.” I loved that prayer and memorized it. Jesus was touching people where they lived.

Dennis Nickel was pastor for 30 years in Alberta, British Columbia, and Upper Columbia (US) conferences. It was during his morning times with God in that chair that he wrote his book A Day in the Life of Jesus.

Matthew 5:33-6:15

Meet the Presenter: Liz Obomsawin – “Yakothahiyo” – is a band member of the Oneida Indian Nation in the U.S. Northeast and the Abenaki First Nation in Quebec.

She is the host of the podcast/radio program

Restoring Hearts Indigenous Ministries (restoringhearts.ca). Liz is the author of The Moccasin Trail to Heaven, and is currently the Native Ministries Coordinator for the Terrace Adventist church in Terrace, British Columba. It is her heart’s desire that the First Peoples of Canada and the United States will come to know Jesus as their personal friend and Saviour so that they can be restored to the peace and happiness our Creator has always planned for them.

The 50th Anniversary of Alberta Camp Meeting at Foothills Camp and Retreat Centre was held July 14-22, 2023. The theme was But by My Spirit Saith the Lord , the same theme of the first camp meeting at Foothills Camp back 50 years ago.

Camp Meeting 2023 was a wonderful eight days filled with spiritual renewal through inspiring Biblical preaching, uplifting music, and testimonies of God's goodness to us.

Retired pastor and former Alberta Conference president, Don Corkum,

opened camp meeting with an uplifting message entitled "Singing the Lord's Song in a Strange Land." Pastor Corkum reminded the audience that Jesus is our ever-present friend, Jesus is Everybody's friend, and finally Jesus is our Forever Friend. He closed with a familiar Bible text, “The redeemed of the Lord will come forth with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head; they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.” Isaiah 51:11

Other speakers throughout

the first weekend included retired pastor and former Alberta Conference president, Ken Wiebe, who shared a wonderful presentation on the history of camp meetings in Alberta Conference and highlights over the past 50 years of camp meetings at Foothills Camp. He finished the presentation by saying, “Looking back over 50 years… we can see blessings and maybe detect some struggles. But because we’ve kept our eyes fixed on God we’ve seen His goodness, His leading and the blessing this camp has been … and for that we can Praise Him!”

Pastor Jeff Potts (L) introducing Pastor Ken Wiebe (R) in the main auditorium on July 15, 2023.

Top photo: 50th anniversary cake being served at the Family Fun Day activities on Sunday. Next photo: Debbie Schwarz handing out 50th anniversary totes. Other photos: People celebrating in the 50th anniversary of Foothills Camp activities.

Pastor Wiebe followed the history presentation with a powerful message for the church service entitled, “Our Eyes are Fixed on You…”

Herb Larsen Sr., who is also a retired pastor and former president and secretariat of the Alberta Conference, shared a message at the Ordination/Commissioning

service entitled, “Three Reasons Why I am a Seventhday Adventist Pastor.” Followed by the current president of the Alberta Conference, Jeff Potts, who shared an inspiring evening message entitled, “This Could Be Our Finest Hour.”

The week was filled with educational seminars,

Check out the recordings of many of the camp meeting presentations online at albertacampmeeting.ca

Please note that not all presentations have been recorded.

heavenly music, and powerful biblical preaching with topics such as When the Lord Remains Silent by Elden Ramirez, Health Ministries by Ernest Medina, How to Read Your Bible by Olive Hemming, Community Service by ADRA Canada, and Living with God in Turbulent Times by Frank Hasel, just to mention a few.

Top photo: Sunday Fun Run/Walk. Next photo: Welcome to Ordained/Commissioned Ministry - Pastor Jeff and Nancy Potts.

Clockwise: Red Deer Hawks Pathfinder Club; Gladys Seventh-day Adventist Church; Pastor Jeff Potts speaking in the main auditorium; Pastor’s Choir singing “The Servant Song.”

Uniform Ministries Parade Pathfinder and Adventurer clubs from across Alberta marching through the camp.

Clockwise: Calgary FilCan and Chestermere choir and strings; Foothills Camp entrance; children's division program; hay rides during family fun time on Sunday; meeting tents setup in main field.

Programs for children and youth ran daily in their divisions and included music, Bible lessons, crafts, games as well as outdoor activities such as swim time at the pool, horse rides, rock climbing wall and waterfront activities at the lake. Family Fun Day was held on Sunday and included hayrides, face

painting, pony cart rides as well as a fun run/walk that involved approximately 100 participants, the largest group yet.

The guest speaker for the final weekend was Cyril Millett III, Secretary/VP for Administration of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada. For the

church service, Pastor Millett shared an uplifting message entitled, “Breathe,” where he looked at the text from Ezekiel 37 talking about the dry bones.

For more information about camp meeting 2023 and to check out the recordings of many of the camp meeting presentations, please visit albertacampmeeting.ca

Clockwise: Resource tent; Chief Randy Ermineskin delivering his speech during Sabbath School; Education staff sitting at the Education Hub; evening worship lead by education staff from across Alberta; Pastor Cyril Millett III giving the closing message.

A shallow glance at the Red Deer Soup Kitchen might see only a community service project. But deeper attention reveals a deeper truth.

In reality, the Red Deer Soup Kitchen is a haven for people struggling through some of life’s darkest challenges, and a scene of constant compassion and neighbourly advocacy. Supported by local donations, ADRA, and the Alberta Conference, the staff members and volunteers deliver around 600 meals per week and perform a week-long street outreach that meets the needs of a community struggling with extreme mental health issues, substance abuse, poverty, homelessness, and more. Very often, those most pressing needs besides food are listening ears and willing prayer partners for those who are too often cast aside by society.

The soup kitchen serves broader social needs as well. The team has been involved in supporting its project participants during court dates, helping with probation compliance, creating opportunities for those with community service requirements, advocating for the sick and injured as they navigate the

hospital system during emergencies, and dispensing or applying medication under the supervision and direction of the Alberta Health System. These actions have earned the trust of people seeking a way to catch a break from life on the street, as well as respect from the broader community.

Knowing that addiction, hunger, and unhoused living do not take Sabbath off, the Red Deer Soup Kitchen remains open on Sabbath, a constant source of help for people in need. Healthy meals on Thursdays and Sabbath evenings complement a well-loved Sunday brunch with waffles, hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, and muffins. These meals build bridges. One young foster youth with autism, other mental health issues and addiction had been living in a dumpster in the local area. After marking a new start with grape beverage and a cracker, he has begun volunteering at the Soup Kitchen and serving food to locals who used to mock and torment him.

Another young person, wounded by the lifelong absence of his parents, became deeply attached to a recently donated t-shirt which simply read “I love Jesus.” After wearing the shirt for an entire week, he reported seeing Jesus in a dream. The Lord’s words in the dream were “You are my child; I am your protection.” This same young man has been seen checking in on other young people on the street, telling them to come to the soup kitchen for clean clothes and snacks.

Maxwell Aka is a content writer for ADRA Canada

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God’s Love: Real and Forever

The word “love” is the most explicitly used, extremely misused and abused word, and at the same time, the least demonstrated action word. Numerous writers have attempted to define love, and many continue to amend and amplify the significance of this most desirable concept. It is unfulfilling to constrain love to its hypothetical element. Instead, we may entertain the concept that love is a verb, an action expression, not just a static trait.

There are many unanswered questions about love. Is love a deliberate choice of commitment or a feeling of connection? Why do we “fall in love” but do not rise? Is it the heart or the brain that loves? Does love encompass a mental or emotional state? Love is still the paragon of virtues, powerful and unyielding, the means to many ends, and surely the need of all today.

Despite love being a complicated concept, it is sad to see how we exist in a cold society where, instead of thriving, this ideal is more fleeting and fading. No wonder a person’s core character is measured by love, which is the only healing response to a world steeped in self-gratification. The virtue of a true Christian is assessed by the fruit of the Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.” (Galatians 5:22, 23 KJV)

Ancient Greek philosophy categorized love into seven aspects, a perfect number: Eros romantic and passionate love (of the body), Philia —affectionate and friendly love, Storge —unconditional and familial love, Agape —selfless and universal love, Ludus —playful and flirtatious love, Pragma committed and long-lasting love,

Philautia —self-love. The greatest and purest among these is the matchless type of Agape love. Agape (selfless love) is the highest level of love to offer. It is given without any expectations of receiving in return. Offering Agape love is a decision to spread love in any circumstances, including destructive situations. This is priceless love that cannot be measured or counted.

Agape Love

The Bible describes the source of this transcendent Agape love as coming from the Father. The Father’s love so envelops us that it completely changes our lives. His love keeps us alive as we abide in Him. There is no one else throughout the eons of time and space in the universe, who ever demonstrated and revealed such an ultimate level of love. There could be no greater evidence of His deep love than that He sacrificed a part of Himself, His only-begotten Son Jesus, not just to suffering and shame, but even to death. The cup of suffering that Jesus experienced in the Garden of Gethsemane continues to be beyond human comprehension today. No intelligence can truly fathom the agony, sorrow, anguish, and sacrifice endured by Jesus on the cross.

Although the cross symbolizes victory over sin, it also represents our refusal and rejection of our dear Saviour, hanging in sinless innocence, serenity, and utter benevolence. The amazing event marked the highest expression of love, and God’s purpose to redeem us from the snares of sin and destruction. What if God were not love? Then there would have been no cross. Then there would be no life, only eternal demise!

Love is such a powerful component that Solomon, the wisest man on Earth, said, ”Love is as strong as death” (Song of Solomon 8:6). Jesus said, “Greater love hath no man than this, than a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13 KJV). This was done exactly by our self-sacrificing God. God’s love is so unconditional that it does not change because of what we do or do not do. His love is so deep that it goes farther than the farthest, and higher than the highest that one could ever dream! God’s love remains timeless, as it surpasses the test of time and lasts forever throughout all ages and eternity. God’s love is real but not forceful. Love is the agent which God uses to expel sin from our lives. His love unfolds and reveals to us every single day His grace, forgiveness, and acceptance, no matter how wretched we are.

Call to Action

How fortunate we are to be called the “children of God” (1 John 3:1). Thank God for His unfailing love toward us. Brothers and sisters, we are called to action, to “ ‘love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and ‘your neighbor as yourself’ ” (Luke 10:27). This love is to be also extended even to our enemies (see Matthew 5:4). May God help us to be ambassadors of His great LOVE.

Rupa Manukonda

Trust

Officer

| Office Assistant | Planned Giving & Trust Services

Alberta Conference

First printed at https://timetogetready.org

“

The greatest and purest among these is the matchless type of Agape love. Agape (selfless love) is the highest level of love to offer. It is given without any expectations of receiving in return."

2023 SAGE Convention NEWS DEPARTMENT

The 2023 SAGE Convention was held at College Heights May 26-28 with guest presenter, Alex Golovenko, senior pastor of the Windsor, ON Seventh-day Adventist Church. Pastor Golovenko presented thought-provoking messages starting Friday morning and continuing through the closing devotional Sunday morning:

• What to do with the Holy Spirit

• God’s Energy for Living Right

• Growing in Christ–the Present Truth for Adventists Today

• War in Ukraine and the impact on the Church

• Where are we going? Future of Adventism

Delightful features of the weekend included an Art Walk in downtown Lacombe where our group viewed paintings done on building exterior walls that shared life as it was in “yester-year;” a picnic

SAGEAlberta

lunch arranged by Lorna & Ron Joch at “Lest We Forget Park;” our traditional banquet, fellowship and SAGE Update on Friday evening; Sabbath School with Brian Hawes leading the lesson discussion; beautiful music organized by Vera Wiebe for the meetings and the wonderful Gospel Concert, organized by Darlene Reimche, with MCs Leo and Reo Ganson.

Guest presenter: Alex Golovenko.

Retired pastor Brian Hawes teaching Sabbath School.

Submitted by Phyllis Corkum

A Ministry Description for Local Church Treasurers

Finances are an integral part of the ministry of the laity. Local church finances are handled by a member of the congregation with business skills elected to the important responsibility of church treasurer.

The history of church treasurers goes back to 457 B.C. when Ezra appointed guardians for the funds given for the work in Jerusalem. To those given the care of the Lord’s goods Ezra commanded, “Ye are holy unto the Lord; the vessels are holy also; and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering unto the Lord God of your fathers.” Ezra 8:28.

“The care exercised by Ezra in providing for the transportation and safety of the Lord’s treasurer teaches a lesson worthy of thoughtful

study. Only those whose trustworthiness had been proved were chosen, and they were instructed plainly regarding the responsibility resting on them. In the appointment of faithful officers to act as treasurers of the Lord’s goods, Ezra recognized the necessity and value of order and organization in connection with the work of God.”

(Prophets and Kings, page 617)

Jesus and His traveling band of disciples also had one designated to take charge of their funds. Jesus taught the importance of proper management and integrity in the handling of monies.

If it was important in the days of Ezra and of Christ to have someone to take care of church funds, it is essential today.

The work of the Church treasurer is sometimes not recognized as a ministry because it is done behind the scenes. Nevertheless, it is a specialized, vital ministry in which the treasurer exercises his or her spiritual gifts. The whole congregation benefits indirectly from the work of the treasurer.

DUTIES OF THE CHURCH TREASURER:

The duties of the ministry to which a person is called when he or she becomes a Church treasurer can best be described in the following ways:

Tithes and offerings. The treasurer receives the tithes and offerings which come in on Saturday morning or to the Church office during the week.

Bookkeeping. All funds received must be posted in the Church bookkeeping software, ChurchPal. The keeping of these records is vital not only for the auditor who will be checking them each year but for the members as well, who may receive official donation receipts.

Banking. It is the responsibility of the treasurer to see that the Church monies are deposited in a local bank.

Official donation receipts. The official donation receipts for donations given by the members should be distributed to them annually, by the end of February the following year. Official donation receipts should also be issued upon request by the donor.

Expenses. Authorization for the disbursing of Church funds for Church operation is generally given in the annual Church

WAYS TO PREVENT ONLINE FRAUD:

- Guard your Online Information. Be sure to use and protect a secure password.

- Regularly Monitor Your Online Accounts. It is recommended to log into your financial account regularly and keep an eye on your balances and account activity to ensure that you catch unauthorized transactions quickly.

- Be Alert to Email Compromise: Avoid spam and scam. Be aware of emails that note a change

in financial data, attachments, links, unusual content, and requests.

- Report Suspicious Activity. If you

budget. Special projects or items not in the budget must be authorized by the Church Board or by a Church business meeting.

Financial statements. The treasurer should prepare a monthly financial statement and distribute copies to the Church Board at their meeting.

think you’re a victim of actual or attempted financial fraud, contact the Alberta Conference Treasury Office as soon as possible.

Ukrainian Church Starts in Calgary

The first church service of the newly formed Calgary Ukrainian-Canadian Fellowship Group was held Saturday, September 2, under the leadership of Pastor Viktor Kononenko. Approximately 50 people were in attendance to worship on that first day. Pastor Kononenko and his family were recently working with a group of Ukrainians in the Lacombe area. The Kononenko's have moved to Calgary in August 2023 to lead a Ukrainian church plant and to minister to the needs of the Ukrainian families living in the Calgary area. Pastor Kononenko says that those who attended the church service expressed great excitement and joy for the opportunity to worship together in Calgary and in the native language of Ukraine. Since the war in Ukraine, many have started turning to God as a source of hope in the difficult time.

Pastor Viktor took some time to pray for the children, students, and teachers as they began a new school year. After the service, there was a potluck and a planning meeting with the church leaders.

For more information about the Calgary UkranianCanadian Fellowship Group, please contact Pastor Kononenko by email at vkononenko@albertaadventist.ca Please continue to pray for this mission and ministry. —Submitted by Pastor

Viktor Kononenko

Ukranian-Canadian Fellowship Group

SABBATH SCHOOL: 10 AM

WORSHIP SERVICE: 11 AM

A moment of prayer when Pastor Kononenko invited students to kneel before the altar as he blessed them for the new school year.

Adult's Sabbath School class

Children's Sabbath School class

Ukrainian Evangelistic Meetings Held in Calgary

On September 10-13, 2023, an evangelistic series entitled, "How to Find the Peace You Dream Of," was held in Calgary under the direction of Viktor Kononenko, pastor of the newly formed Calgary Ukrainian-Canadian Fellowship Group. The focus of the evangelistic series was to share the message of hope from the Bible with the Ukraine families and individuals living in the Calgary area and to let people know about the new Ukrainian-Canadian Fellowship Group. The speaker for the series was Viktor Alekseyenko, former president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ukraine and former executive secretary of the Euro-Asia Division (EAD). Pastor Alekseyenko understands well the situation in Ukraine and what Ukrainians are going through because of the war. Approximately 40 individuals attended the meetings each day and many have expressed an interest in Bible studies and attending the weekly church services. Please continue to pray for this mission and ministry.—Submitted by Pastor Viktor

Kononenko

Ukranian-Canadian Fellowship Group

Mountain View Church Holds Service in the Park

Mountain View Adventist Church held a service at Bowness Park on May 27, 2023. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, warmth and a sense of community as church members gathered for worship and fellowship in the beautiful outdoors. The young adults kicked off the day with a scrumptious breakfast at 9 a.m. It was the perfect way to fuel up before the main worship service at 10 a.m. The event was made even more memorable as the church celebrated the recent baptism of Jackie and John Phillips and welcomed them into the church family. Jackie and John found out about Mountain View Adventist Church through the recent Archeology Seminar

and the Voice of Prophecy Revelation Speaks Peace Series that was held at the Winsport Arena, Calgary. It's exciting to have them in our church community! The church also had the pleasure of honouring the graduating students of 2023. Sonia Harton provided a beautiful two-tiered graduation cake — a well-deserved treat for all of the graduates’ hard work and dedication. There was enough cake for all to enjoy a piece as individuals congratulated the graduates on their achievements. We pray for God’s guidance as they take the next steps in their educational journey.

—Reprint with edits from Mountain View Highlights by Stacy Kindopp

Kateryna and Oleksandr singing .

Hispanic ladies of all ages sharing activities at the congress.

From left to right keynote speakers: Ilka Bermúdez, Norzelie Saldaña, Ximena Flamenco - Vásquez, Karina Bermúdez and Ana Cruz (singer).

Four Baptisms at Edmonton Spanish Church

On April 22, 2023, four individuals from the Hispanic Churches of Edmonton decided to follow Jesus and were baptized by Pastor Saldana at the Edmonton Spanish Church. Elías José, a twelve-year-old boy, was prepared for baptism by his mother, Silvia de Rodríguez. She is a member of the Edmonton Ebenezer Spanish Church. She is a commendable example to be imitated by all parents who wish to pass on their faith to their children, which is the best inheritance we can leave our children.

Alfredo Negritto, who was invited to the Edmonton Ebenezer Church by Bro. Rosendo Bello felt the love of the church brethren, continued attending and learning more about the Saviour and then decided to give his life to Jesus in the waters of baptism.

Married couple, María Palacios and Enrique Cajias were looking for a place where Spanish was spoken in Edmonton to preserve their Hispanic roots in their family and were concerned about the moral and spiritual

future of their children. God directed them to sister Susana Jimenez, who recommended our church. They established a beautiful friendship, and that relationship was strengthened when they embraced the church as though they were old members. The wonderful work of the Holy Spirit took an interest in them. Before being baptized, they were involved in community activities such as, retreats, camps and activities for their adolescent children, so they studied the gospel with Brothers Eli and Susana Jimenez to unite with Christ and His church through the waters of baptism.

Let us continue to pray for these individuals so that they can grow in Christ, for parents so that they continue to teach their children in the footsteps of Jesus, and so that the body of Christ (the church) continues to reflect the character of Christ to continue bringing more citizens to the Kingdom of heaven. Praise The Lord! —Submitted by Pastor José Eric Saldana, Spanish churches of Edmonton

The candidates being presented to the congregation prior to their baptism, from left to right: María Palacios, Enrique Cajias, Alfredo Negritto and Elías Rodríguez.

Canada-Wide Call to Prayer

Everyone who has ever experienced the death of a loved one knows the feeling: the pain ebbs and flows, but the ache never goes away.

God Himself knows for He lost His own Son to the cruel clutches of death.

Though you have faith in the promise that one day “there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain,” it still hurts.

However, I have discovered something that hurts even more than death: watching a loved one walk away from God.

René and I receive one prayer request more than any other: “Please, pray for my children.” These parents are crushed.

Why are we losing so many of our children and grandchildren?

What can we do to stem the tide of

young people leaving our churches?

Since we have worked with youth for most of our careers, René and I know that only God can raise the dead. We are like Ezekiel standing in a valley of dry bones, which the LORD identifies as His people, who say, “Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!” (Ezekiel 37:11).

He replies, “O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, … Then you shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves. I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, … Then you shall know that I, the LORD, have spoken it and performed it” (Ezekiel 37:12-14).

I think you will agree with us: It’s now time for action.

It’s time for God’s people to unite in prayer, for He has promised: “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Jesus knows what we’re up against. “As the world's Redeemer, Christ was constantly confronted with apparent failure. He, the messenger of mercy to our world, seemed to do little of the work He longed to do in uplifting and saving. Satanic influences were constantly working to oppose His way. But He would not be discouraged” (The Desire of Ages, pg. 679).

Do not be discouraged.

Jesus relentlessly pursues each one who is “dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephe-

sians 2:1), working to break the spell of the evil one and set the captive free.

Whether your children are 1 or 101 years old, they are still your children.

René and I sense the LORD guiding us to facilitate a Canada-Wide Call to Prayer for our Children, and the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada has set aside September 30 – October 7, 2023, for this purpose.

We would like to ask you and your local church family to set aside this time to pray (and fast, if the LORD puts that on your heart) for our children who have given up on God, for He has NOT given up on them. He loves our children, and He promises us: “For I will contend with him who contends with you, and I will save your children” (Isaiah 49:25).

Please visit: ItIsWrittenCanada.ca/CallToPrayer for more information.

Thank you for your ongoing support of It Is Written Canada, and may God continue to bless you with abundant faith in His faithfulness!

First Nigerian Camp Meeting held at Foothills Camp

The inaugural Nigerian Adventists in Canada (NACA) camp meeting took place June 1 – 4, 2023 at Foothills Camp Alberta. The camp meeting was themed “Immigrants on Earth, Citizens in Heaven.” Attendees were from Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Quebec, Ontario, and The Maritime provinces. Altogether about 80 individuals attended the weekend with a few additional persons coming for the Sabbath day program. The camp meeting was a fun, social, and spirit-filled gathering for the attendees with lots of singing in various Nigerian languages that reminded us of our origins.

The main speakers for the weekend were Pastor Fidel Soto (from Miami, Florida) and Nwamiko Madden (From Alberta). Pastor Soto provided talks and messages that help in dealing with Trauma, the Role of Forgiveness, Couple Dynamics--the art of listening and communicating, and Emotional and Spiritual Wholeness. These messages were meant to identify the obstacles— illustrated as “lizards” and “nails” in our lives that are affecting our spiritual well-being and relationships. Brother Madden expounded on the link between the Israelite’s journey and our journey to heaven and our role in

Submitted by Felix Nwosu, Mountain View Adventist Church

the end-time evangelistic approach. Brother Madden also spoke with the young people (from ages 8 – 16 years) about using social media as an evangelism tool (Social to Save). Children from ages 3 -7 years also had a fun time learning through crafts, rhythms, and Bible memorization. For Sabbath Vespers, we had a talent show, where our young ones including Japhet, Justus, and Jenny presented musical pieces and memorized Bible verses. The camp meeting was a success, and we look forward to the next camp meeting in Manitoba, in 2025! Thank you for your prayers and support.

Revelation Speaks Peace Series, Calgary

Five years ago, the Calgary Ministerium made a decision with the Alberta Conference to invite the Voice Of Prophecy to come and hold a set of Revelation Speaks Peace Meetings. Initially the meetings were to happen April/May 2022, but due to COVID-19 things were pushed back one year.

After several years of planning between the Voice of Prophecy (VOP) and the Calgary Ministerium, much prayer, training, outreach events and meetings the VOP team arrived in Canada the beginning of April 2023 to kick off the Revelation Speaks Peace (RSP) Meetings with an Archeology Seminar five days prior with speaker Tony Moore. The Archeology Seminar was a great success with over 900 people the first night and several people who transitioned into the RSP meetings.

The RSP meetings officially started on April 14, 2023, at the WinSport Arena in Calgary and went five nights

a week, and the two final Saturday morning’s until May 13, 2023. The meetings had approx. 400-500 nightly visitors with weekend crowds swelling to just over a thousand people. The guests were very touched, and some made comments like the meetings are amazing, informative, exciting to hear each night the truth, or never heard this before, this is new, but makes sense as it’s from the bible, the music is beautiful and much many more. A total of just over 2500 people in all attended both events, and to God’s glory in all 67 decisions for baptism were made, 27 of which happened right at the event, 10 of which were

rebaptism’s and in total 329 decisions to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour were made. Praise God.

Both Pr. Shawn Boonstra and associate speaker Pr. Alex Rodrigues shared that the meetings were the best meetings for visitor involvement. By the end of the series Pr. Shawn believed we could see 200 baptism or more as a result of this harvest.

Please continue to pray that God continue to reach many of our guests here who are taking bible study marking classes and preparing for Baptism.

— Submitted by Paul Antunes

Calgary Ministerium President

From left: Stacy Kindopp, Christine Wollman, Alex Rodriguez, Shawn Boonstra, and Paul Antunes

Beauvallon Revival with Andy Weaver

Late last year, the Beauvallon church discovered that ten Sabbath-keeping Mennonites were meeting together in a home church. They are passionate about spreading the three angels' messages to their own Mennonite community. Sadly, they have experienced a form of shunning due to bringing Biblical questions forward in their Mennonite church. It has been stressful for them in some ways to be Mennonite in culture and tradition but Adventist in faith and doctrine.

Why don’t they join

our church? What is the big deal? Over time, we realized we had a problem. If they are trying to reach their own people, we may hinder these steps because we have different cultural values. So, how can we help them out? “I have an idea!" Allen said to me one cold Sabbath morning. “Let’s invite this Amish man from Ohio, named Andy Weaver, to host a revival here in this Mennonite community. That might just attract some to come out and hear a man that looks like them.”

This was uncharted

territory. But we prayed and asked God to reach the hearts of those looking for something more. Andy Weaver came and preached the straight gospel truth. We saw Mennonite families throughout the weekend. Two Mennonite ministers showed up Friday night and expressed agreement with what they heard. Family members and friends of the Sabbath-keeping Mennonite group came and stayed to fellowship. God poured His Spirit into this event. Afterward, one of the young men

approached me and expressed joy and gratitude for what had taken place. During brunch, Andy shared his personal journey with the Sabbathkeeping Mennonite group. This helped encourage them to want to join the organization and become members of the Beauvallon church through baptism. Truly, this gospel is for “every nation, tribe, tongue, and people.”

Pastor Jeremy

Wellman Beauvallon and Vegreville Adventist Churches

ASI Highlights MAC-Maskwacis at 2023 Convention

The auditorium in Kansas City was packed as Pastor Tsholo Sebetlela was interviewed on Sabbath, August 5 the high day of the biggest ASI convention in years. The pastor had been selected to share the story of Maskwacis and the pressing need for the Mamawi Atosketan Centre with the crowd. The interview opened with a three-minute video telling the story of the Mamawi Atosketan Centre

(MAC) and its mission, taking viewers onto the very site where the MAC will be situated through a video narrated by Dr. Lyle Notice. Pastor Tsholo was then able to share some of the ways ministry has been done in Maskwacis in addition to the positive influence of MANS.

The key takeaway of the ASI interview is that without a building that Maskwacis Adventists can use as a base for spiritual meetings and

community service, the Indigenous local Adventist group is severely hindered in reaching out. MANS’ presence continues to be a positive force and the choice of many parents in Maskwacis the Class of 2023 was a record 10 strong but there are many more Maskwacis youth who don’t attend MANS. Many who attend MANS and other high schools, whether they graduate or not, do not leave the Maskwacis community.

Most want to continue gaining life and work skills as do many adults, who also seek positive spiritual and social gatherings.

The story of Maskwacis told that Sabbath day helped to raise more than expected in ASI’s Sabbath offering, and secured a $50,000 contribution from ASI toward the new MAC.

Watch the video and hear the interview at FinishTheStory.ca.

—By Lynn McDowell

Past National ASI President Debbie Young interviews Pastor Tsholo Sebetlela about Maskwacis and the Mamawi Atosketan Centre.

2022 Annual Appeal “Add a Teacher” tops

$105,405

Allows More Students to Attend MANS ($75,000 from direct personal solicitation), allowing the addition of fulltime CTS/Industrial Arts teacher Jonathan Belinsky. The addition of Jonathan allows MANS to offer more seats to students entering Grade 10, which have quickly filled. Jonathan’s students are very enthusiastic about the new career and technology studies/ industrial arts classes being offered.

permanent Alberta teaching certificate, a passion for teaching Indigenous students, four years of experience with Indigenous students in the Grasslands public school district in the Lethbridge area.

—By Lynn McDowell

Jonathan Belinsky is a red seal journeyman carpenter with a

Meet Our School Principals

The Alberta Conference Office of Education is grateful to our heavenly Father for providing incredible people to Lead our Adventist Schools as Principals. We would like to take a moment to introduce you to them and ask that you lift them up in prayer as they begin another school year.

Martha Boehner

School: South Side Christian School, Red Deer

Years of Experience: Martha is one of our newest principals! As South Side Christian School grew so much it moved out from under the MicroSchool umbrella to become an independent school with its own principal! SSCS poured its belief into its head teacher, Martha and she graciously agreed to step into this new role. We're excited to have her as a part of our administration team and know you will all provide her a "village of support" as she endeavors to follow God's calling for this new chapter in her life. Welcome to the team, Martha!

Tami Braman

School: Higher Ground Christian School, Medicine Hat

Years of Experience: Tami has taught in various schools since 2012 but joined us here in Alberta in 2017 answering the need for a teaching principal in Medicine Hat. Teaching full time and administrating a school at the same time is a challenge and Tami's ability to talk to anyone and everyone in any situation is impressive! She can make friends anywhere! Tami loves the outdoors, and her love of nature has added awesome support to our outdoor school programs.

Aldo Bruccoleri

School: Chinook Winds Adventist Academy, Calgary

Years of Experience: Aldo has served as a university professor, researcher, and educator in the public sector previous to his employment with us but answered the call of his heart for Adventist Education in April 2023. Aldo's research and expertise in grant writing and proposals provides an incredible resource that he has graciously offered to all our principals for which we are extremely grateful!

Dani Desjardins

School: Parkview Adventist Academy, Lacombe

Years of Experience: This is also Dani's first experience in Adventist Education joining us as PAA's principal in August 2022. As a PAA Alumnus, Dani offers a unique perspective to the success of our schools and our Principals Council, often reminding us of our purpose and mission for the decisions we are making. He is a wonderful addition to our leadership team!

Chris Dubyna

School: MicroSchool Principal

• Woodlands Adventist School, Ponoka

• Sylvan Lake Adventist School, Sylvan Lake

• Peace Hills Adventist School, Wetaskiwin

Years of Experience: Chris has served as a teacher in the Adventist system for many years prior to stepping into administration as CHCS principal in 2019 moving to the MicroSchools (his passion) the following year. Chris is one of our longer standing principals and we are grateful for his experience and the zest that he brings to our administration team.

Dave Elias

School: Prairie Adventist Christian eSchool

Years of Experience: Dave started his educational career as a student of Chinook Winds and returned there in 2010 to give back to the school that gave him so much. Moving to the Vice Principal role at CWAA gave him a wealth of experience and knowledge, which he used as he branched out into other realms gaining more experience as he went. In 2021, Dave came back to Adventist Education as the PACeS principal and has worked hard with his staff to create an amazing online and home school option for our students. This unique program ensures that quality Adventist education is always within reach. Dave provides amazing insights, great comic relief and is always up for a new adventure. We're grateful to count you among us, Dave!

Steven Gabrys

School: College Heights Christian School, Lacombe

Years of Experience: Steve started his career as a teacher in BC, but shortly thereafter, moved home to Lacombe to teach at CHCS in 2005. Over the years, many people have attempted to move him into administration, but Steve loved the classroom too much to leave it! In 2020, Steve heard God's calling and took up the mantle of leadership just in time to lead his school through COVID. While it’s been an incredible learning curve, Steve has provided mentorship and leadership to so many of us as we too navigated unchartered waters. We're grateful for his ability to see roadblocks and challenges before we hit them and provide insight based on his experience. And if you've met him, you know that he loves "his" kids a lot!

Rayette Hetland

School: Coralwood Adventist Academy

Years of Experience: Before taking the call to administration in August 2021, Rayette enjoyed teaching elementary grades at her school (CAA). Rayette's amazing attitude and ability to look out for all of us adds a much-needed support to our leadership team. Her kindhearted spirit and willingness to do the hard things is inspirational to all of us. Thanks for being you, Rayette!

Roxanne McPherson

School: Mamawi Atosketan Native School, Maskwacis

Years of Experience: Roxanne is also one of the newest additions to our Administration Team. Roxanne has served as the Mamawi elementary VP for many years, and we are grateful to her for her willingness to step out in faith into this new role. We know that her experience at Mamawi will help to provide stability during this time of transition. We are looking forward to supporting you through this as we get to know you as "Principal McPherson"!

There are many more people we would like to introduce to you, but we thank you in advance for taking the time to pray especially for these amazing individuals. As our school year gets underway, we pray that God's will is done in the lives of our students, staff and parents and that God's love will shine through in all our programs and activities. Thank you seems insufficient, but it is what we have. — Submitted by Holly Kay, MS, Data Coordinator/Education Support, Alberta Adventist Office of Education

The School of Business equips students with the tools and knowledge to be dynamic and versatile leaders in their chosen field. To apply go to burmanu.ca/apply

MANS 20th Anniversary Featured at Camp Meeting

BY LYNN McDOWELL

After the Sabbath School MANS highlight on July 15, the Maskwacis table in the Resource Tent at the 2023 camp meeting featured artifacts loaned by MANS teacher Janice Clark plus video and photos taken at MANS. The painting (left on table) is a portrait of Janice and Jim Clark’s family, a commissioned work by well-known Indigenous artist Simone McLeod.

The July 15 Sabbath School feature by Lynn McDowell Director of Planned Giving/Philanthropy, and Principal Mike Willing, reviewed highlights from the school’s 20th year including two videos.

The 20th Anniversary Highlight included a video of how alumnus Joshua Saddleback and Dakotah Pratt are giving back.

SAGE Work Day at Sylvan Meadows Adventist School

June 25th was one very special day. Thirty-seven SAGErs and friends, along with Sylvan Lake Adventist Church members, participated in this special day. The day began with a message by Don Corkum, SAGE Ministries Coordinator. He suggested that today was an opportunity to help the school become an even greater place than it already is. It is a place where Jesus reaches out to many, young and old.

Following worship, those participating broke into six groups and started work for the day. Chairs, tables, desks, windows and floors

in classrooms were cleaned; some hallway doors were painted; new weather stripping around gymnasium doors was installed; a new drinking fountain was installed, some flooring pieces were replaced. Outside branches were picked up, broken tree branches cut off; removal of small bushes and plants in front of the school began; two piles of broken wood and branches were picked up and hauled away. The work carried out by all those participating was such a blessing and much appreciated.

—Submitted by Darlene Reimche

What is SAGE?

SAGEALBERTA (which is the acronym for Seniors in Action for God with Excellence) is a ministry of the Alberta Conference designed to engage the energy and skills and enhance the lives of Alberta Conference church members who are 50 years and older, as well as their friends and neighbours.

Through service and work projects; recreation and social activities; tours, travel and mission trips; retreats and conventions, SAGEALBERTA provides opportunities for continued active service to God, the church, and the community as well as opportunities to develop enriching social connections.

Installing drinking fountain.

Removing broken tree and old bushes.

Chief Shares Roadmap for Working with Indigenous Peoples

BY LYNN McDOWELL

As we near our goal in fundraising for the Mamawi Atosketan Centre (MAC), Chief Randy Ermineskin of the Ermineskin Cree Nation prepared a presentation at the invitation of the Alberta Conference on how to work with Indigenous peoples. Below is a summary of his presentation, given during Sabbath School, July 15, and which can be viewed on the Conference website by going to the MAC video section at FinishTheStory.ca .

1. When you choose to work with First Nations:

• Learn and educate yourself about the history of First Nations and their interactions with the world over time (example: Negative attitudes toward First Nations that have been cultivated through school curriculum, box left).

• Understand us who we are. There are hundreds of distinct Indigenous nations in Canada with 300+ languages. There is

laypeople, can be viewed at FinishTheStory.ca.

no “Indian” or “First Nations” template that fits all.

• Take time to know our story as individuals.

• Realize we are all different. Each nation has its own traditions, stories and views on things. This is also true of individuals within each nation.

2. Try to comprehend the Residential School System. It’s one of the things that cuts across the differences

between Indigenous people as common experience. “Many of our ancestors attended residential schools,” the chief told Sabbath School attendees. “While some survivors did not experience abuse at the residential schools and some report having benefitted from the experience, the residential school system, on the whole, had devastating impacts that continue to affect First Nations peoples and their communities psychologically, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.”

In trying to comprehend the impact of the Residential School system and why it has to be faced:

• Be understanding; survivors cannot “just get over it” when something so traumatic happened.

• Recognize that hurt people hurt people. This is happening with Indigenous people now. Start a conversation, and you will start to understand the intergenerational traumas and why what happened in

“

Chief Randy Ermineskin’s presentation, prepared at the request of the Alberta Conference after consulting interested

the past continues to impact the lives of the next generations.

3. Only talk about Reconciliation after you’ve done the above, and be careful when you talk about Reconciliation. Often parties to reconciliation processes acknowledge wrongs done on both sides; in this case, unfair and damaging government policy was imposed and First Nations had to submit. They were severely wronged in the process based on government goals, not on moral wrongs they committed.

4. Recognize that Indigenous views about education are changing, but there are some unique hurdles, most of which can be traced to historic events and the government’s use of education. “Education is our new buffalo now,” says Chief Ermineskin, who taught for many years in the public system and is a PhD candidate at Gonzaga University in Washington. He advocates for education at every level in his community. “It’s our new buffalo,” he tells people, and he likes to add when addressing First

nations groups (especially youth), “How is your hunt going? Are you reading and writing and doing your homework? If not, you are weakening the buffalo hunt.”

5. In order to reach people, we need to reach their hearts (Attah or “spirit” in Cree). When speaking with or otherwise interacting with First Nations people, Chief Ermineskin sets out the keys to reaching hearts:

• Be genuine

• Be caring

• Be kind

• Have empathy.

Chief Randy Ermineskin is a hereditary chief as well as an elected chief, and a PhD candidate at Gonzaga University in Washington. He was in residence as a student at Canada’s largest Residential School, which was on Ermineskin Cree Nation land, when it closed in 1973.

Celebrating God The Creator

This profound statement begins God’s Word and introduces the record of creation. It’s a declaration of the origin of all that exists—a foundational belief held by millions of Bible-believers worldwide.

God, the Creator, is the source of the diversity and complexity encountered in our world. The phrase “Then God said” is mentioned eight times in the first chapter of Genesis, demonstrating God’s involvement and intentionality in organizing the planet to support life and populating it with living beings. From separating the light from the darkness to placing the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and the animals that scurried on the ground, His works remain an expression of masterful design.

God established the Sabbath, the seventh day of the weekly cycle, as a memorial of His mighty acts of creation. In resting and worshiping on the seventh day, we contemplate the majesty of God through

the wonders that surround us. Each sunrise, each season, and every living creature is an ongoing reminder of the divine creativity that shaped our world, but Sabbath provides a special time of focused reflection.

Celebration of the creation should be a component of worship during every Sabbath of our life. However, each year the world church highlights on its Calendar of Special Days and Events the fourth Sabbath of October as “Creation Sabbath,” a day of intentional emphasis and outreach for the global church to celebrate and share the God of creation through activities and special features about nature in their worship program.

This year, Creation Sabbath falls on October 28, and all are invited to join the global celebration. While practical resources and ideas for specific activities can be found at creationsabbath.net, there are at least four major themes that can inform the flavor of your planning.

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”

First, Creation Sabbath can serve as a reminder of the beauty, complexity, and diversity surrounding us. Make it a time to pause, step back, and marvel at the intricate design of the natural world.

Second, Creation Sabbath can be a time to emphasize the interconnectedness of all life forms, the delicate balance of ecosystems, and the interdependence that sustains our planet, from the tiniest microorganisms to the vast expanses of galaxies.

Third, Creation Sabbath can serve as a call to action—a reminder that we are entrusted with the profound responsibility of caring for our precious planet, prompting us to consider the impact of our choices on the world that surrounds us.

Finally, in a fast-paced world where technological advancements often take center stage, Creation Sabbath can offer a

respite—a moment to reconnect with the rhythms of nature and to reflect on the profound truths that transcend time. It’s an opportunity to realign our priorities, to rekindle our reverence for God, and to be inspired by the intricate handiwork that lies at the heart of existence.

So, on October 28, let us come together to celebrate Creation Sabbath. Let us set aside time to marvel at the heavens and the earth, to contemplate the mysteries of life, and to reaffirm our commitment to preserving the beauty that has been entrusted to us. In doing so, we not only honour the act of creation and the ongoing story of life itself, but most importantly worship the God who created the heavens and the earth.

Emeraude Victorin is director of marketing for the Faith and Science Council of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Dr. Ronny Nalin is director of the Geological Research Institute based on the campus of Loma Linda University.

Here’s how you can help spread the word:

• Share one or all of the save-the-dates. Languages can be found scanning the QR code.

• Encourage churches to Register (creationsabbath.net/register-event) their event and download additional resources (i.e., posters, bulletin inserts, videos, articles and more).

• Follow us on social media: facebook.com/creation.sabbath/ instagram.com/creation.sabbath/

Please, Can You Help Me?

It was a long day. I didn’t have time for social distraction; I had worked overtime and was helping a friend manage his serious illness when my cell phone began to vibrate in my coat pocket. Picking up the phone, I quickly recognized her frantic voice. She was a young woman who I was fully acquainted with. I had volunteered several times at one of the Women’s Shelters in my community, where she

frequently sought help. It was during this time that I got to know her. I tried my best to focus and listen to her frail, weak voice as she spoke softly. ‘’Please, can you help me? I don’t want to die”. At that moment, my heart sank. These words embrace all my worst fears and suddenly remind me how fragile life is. I silently poured out my heart to God and asked Him to keep her safe until I could reach her.

It was only a few weeks ago I recalled praying with her as she shared with me her struggle with a symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder, alcohol addiction, and physical abuse from her previous relationships.

During one of those private moments, after I had prayed with her, I told her how much God loved her and wanted to save her from her past, and I quickly handed her a soft-covered book of Steps to Christ. As we said goodbye, I encouraged her to read the book as often as she can and to allow God to speak to her heart. However, at that time, I did not realize that I had written my cell phone number, not intentionally, on a page of the book I gave to her. Looking back, I now believe that was God’s doing, not mine.

As I made my way through heavy traffic to her home, I again silently asked God to keep her safe. Stepping into the entrance of her doorway to her apartment, I tried to stay focused.

Despite my frequent communication with God, I still felt concerned for her safety and mine however, my strong sense of empathy forced me to continue. I was not expecting her to open the door on my first knock, but she did, and at that moment, it was quite evident from her appearance that she was suffering from extreme weight loss, poor appetite, lack of sleep and intense fear. I followed closely as the medical team transported her to receive

Despite my frequent communication with God, I still felt concerned for her safety and mine however, my strong sense of empathy forced me to continue."

care, and again, I poured out my heart to God. I told Him I didn't want this person to die. As I reflected on this experience, what if I had refused to get involved? Or to ignore the vibration of my phone.

Many others like her are experiencing some form of hopelessness, feeling displaced and having nowhere to go. A life without God can become very complex, confusing, stressful, and unexplainable to those who cannot find their way.

As I reflect on the ministry of Jesus, He encountered people whose outward appearance could have turned Him away. Including the demonpossessed man in Mark 5: 1- 20, but He saw the heart, and He met them. We cannot give up on our witness to God. Let's look beyond outward appearances!

— Submitted by Ina Martin, Edmonton Central

“

Encouragement Through Difficulty

As followers of Christ, we are not exempt from difficult times. The reality is that we live in a broken world where trials and suffering are inevitable. Jesus Himself said, "In this world, you will have trouble" (John 16:33). However, we can take heart because He has overcome the world. Our faith does not shield us from hardships but strengthens us to endure and find hope in the midst of them.

Amid trials, God offers us His comfort and peace. The psalmist declares, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me" (Psalm 23:4). God's presence

sustains us, providing solace and strength during our darkest moments. He is our refuge, and His peace surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

While we experience trials in this world, we have the blessed hope of full restoration in the earth made new. Revelation 21:4 assures us, "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

In that glorious future, every pain, sorrow, and injustice will be swallowed up in the perfect love and righteousness of God.

As difficult as it is to hear, trials have the potential to

shape and refine us. James 1:2-4 encourages us to consider it pure joy when we face trials, for they produce perseverance, maturity, and a deeper reliance on God. As we trust Him, our character transforms, and we become more resilient and compassionate toward others who suffer.

During trials, it can be challenging to understand God's plan fully. However, we are reminded that His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9). We can trust that God is working all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Even when we cannot see a reason behind our suffering, we can cling to the truth that God is in control.

As we navigate trials and suffering, let us find comfort and peace in the presence of our loving God. May we remember that our suffering is temporary, and a glorious future awaits us in the earth made new. Let us trust in God's plan, grow through our trials, and extend His love and comfort to those around us. May we find assurance in the words of Jesus: "In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

Pastor John Murley Accepts Call to Serve as President of the Seventh- day Adventist Church in Newfoundland and Labrador

On June 11, the SDACC Board of Directors appointed Pastor John Murley as President of the Seventh - day Adventist Church in Newfoundland and Labrador. Murley brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the role, having served as Senior Pastor of the Edmonton South Seventh- day Adventist Church since 2010.

Pastor Murley previously served as pastor of the St. John's Seventh-day Adventist Church for nine years and the BotwoodCottrell's Cove District for four years, and he was the Youth Director and Evangelism Coordinator for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Newfoundland and Labrador. He has also served on numerous boards and associations of various community groups.

“Pastor Murley's leadership will be instrumental in advancing the Church's mission in Newfoundland and Labrador, and we look forward to the positive impact he will have on the Church and the community,”

said Paul Llewellyn, President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada.

John and his wife Marilyn have been married for 35 years and they have two adult sons. Shane is an RCMP officer and lives with his wife, Mary, in Fort McMurray. AJ is employed with Hockey Canada and resides in Calgary. John and Marilyn have three grandchildren.

Pastor Murley begins his new role on September 1, 2023.

—Submitted by Evaldo Vicente Communication Director Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada

“

As we navigate trials and suffering, let us find comfort and peace in the presence of our loving God. May we remember that our suffering is temporary, and a glorious future awaits us in the earth made new."

Pastor Jeremy Wellman Beauvallon and Vegreville Adventist Churches

SAGE Sponsored Mission Opportunity

Dates: Mission Trip - “Giving Safari” March 6 to 20, 2024

Place: Kenya, East Africa with The Olmalaika Trust

“The Olmalaika Trust provides four ‘giving safaris’ each year in March, July, October, and December. These create opportunities to give care to those with insufficient access to health and dental care as well as volunteer at the Trust. The focus on each safari is not on how many patients are treated or the number of teeth extracted/restored, but instead on building relationships and enabling hope. Each safari is unique and gives you the opportunity to experience the culture, see the countryside, make new friends, and enjoy the amazing wildlife.”

Kim DeWitt, CoFounder and Director of Olmalaika Trust

Who Will Be Served:

The Olmalaika Home – A safe haven for young girls to infants who have experienced trauma in their lives such as female genital mutilation, childhood marriage, assault, rape/defilement, and abandonment.

The Maasai People – Cattle are the centre of all Maasai culture. Wealth is measured in cows, and the majority of their diet is made from what they can get from the cows. Maasai gender roles are very distinct, with the men (warriors) protecting the people and animals and the women doing work centered around caring for the family. They are traditionally nomadic.

One does not have to be a SAGE member to be a part of this mission.

Peoples of Taita Hills – The Taita people are a Bantu tribe living in the Taita Hills in southwest Kenya near the Tanzania border. This area is rich in WWI history. Taita people have assimilated many western values so that much of their traditional cultures have been lost.

Utange Primary School in Mombasa – Mombasa is located on the coast of the Indian Ocean. This area is famous historically as a trading centre and is believed to have been founded in 900 A.D. Because it was a trading centre, cultures of the people are represented by Swahili, Arab, Portuguese, British and Kenyan local ethnic tribes.

Who Should Plan to Come: Dentists, Dental Hygienists, Doctors, Nurses, Teachers, Accountants, Handy-persons, Mothers, Fathers, Students, Quilters, those who enjoy babies, those who are willing to listen to someone share their story, those willing to encourage others, those willing to serve.

Solomon Agdon to be new Treasurer in Montana

Solomon Agdon has accepted a call to serve as Conference Treasurer in Montana. His good judgment, strong work ethic, and wealth of experience will be a great blessing to the Montana Conference.

We wish he and Rosie all the best as they relocate to Montana.

Solomon has been faithfully serving the Alberta Conference as Associate Treasurer since August 15, 2011. Solomon and Rosie have been wrestling in prayer over this call to Montana for some time. They love the Alberta Conference. They love Lacombe. But they have sensed God’s call, and they are willing to go wherever Jesus leads them. Solomon and Rosie have two young adult children, Ian and Sol, and three foster children — Channel, Sophia and Benjamin. Please keep the Agdon's in your prayers during their transition.

For more information contact Lorna

Joch at lorna.joch@gmail.com

Call or text (587) 879-1077

facebook.com/theolmalaikatrust

facebook.com/africanspringssafaris

alongside of youth leaders, pastors and uniform ministry leaders to help create meaningful programming for the youth of Alberta. Pastor Lyle’s legacy will live on here in Alberta. We wish Lyle and his family all the best in this next chapter!

Lyle Notice Returns to Ontario After the Passing of His Father

Lyle and Cheri Notice and their children, Marlowe Rae and Cairo, are moving back to Ontario to be closer to their family, after the passing of Lyle's father.

Pastor Lyle has served faithfully in the Alberta Conference for the past 12 years. He will be greatly missed. We have deeply valued his dedication to our youth and young adults. He will long be remembered for his innovative approach to youth ministry, especially during COVID-19. Pastor Lyle’s incarnational approach to youth ministry has been an inspiration to many. He has spent countless hours

hanging out with community youth at the local skate park in Lacombe.

During Pastor Lyle's tenure as Youth Director, we have witnessed dramatic growth in our uniform ministries. Our Young Adults have been greatly blessed by the weekend retreats Pastor Lyle has organized. He has made a point of empowering young adults at events like ElevateX. He worked alongside of youth leaders, pastors and uniform ministry leaders to help create meaningful programming for the youth of Alberta. Pastor Lyle’s legacy will live on here in Alberta. We wish Lyle and his family all the best in this next chapter!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Job Opportunity - ABC Christian Store Bookmobile Driver

The Alberta Conference is accepting applications for the ABC Bookmobile Driver position. This position reports directly to the ABC Manager.

Key areas:

• Responsible to make a Bookmobile schedule 6 weeks in advance with assistance of the ABC Manager

• Responsible for loading the Bookmobile with proper product for the Bookmobile run. Includes transferring of products between the ABC store and Bookmobile

• Assist with the annual February food sale delivery

• Maintaining the Bookmobile with regular vehicle maintenance

• Obtain proper permits for commercial Bookmobile for the Province of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba

• Maintain professional driver log

book according to Transport Canada requirements

• Update the bookstore’s inventory after the Bookmobile returns from each sale

• Responsible for advertisement and promoting Bookmobile to churches, schools and all other customers on email and mailing lists

• Assist in the ABC store as needed

• Willing to work some evenings and weekends

• Other duties as required

Qualifications and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalency, with the ability to communicate in oral and written English

• Sales experience is desirable

• Mechanical ability

• Ability to perform work in Microsoft Office

• Ability to create social media posts and respond to online inquiries

Physical Requirements:

• Must have a valid Class 1 with air brake

• Clean driver’s abstract

• Physical demands are standing for long periods, driving, bending and lifting up to 50 lbs

• Frequent trips away from home with varying days off based on the requirements of the schedule

Please send your resume to hr@albertaadventist.ca

Applications accepted until suitable applicant is found. Only those who are shortlisted will be contacted for an interview.

Substitute Teachers Needed

The Alberta Conference is looking to expand the list of available Substitute Teachers for our conference schools. Our teachers are a wonderful commodity and the ability to support them in creating balance in their lives is an important part of this program. If you hold a valid Alberta Teaching Certificate, are a member in good standing in the Adventist Church, and would be willing to become a part of our substitute teacher pool, we invite you to submit your information on our website: albertasdaedu.org/employment-opportunities

Charitable Gift Annuities at Highest Rate in 20 years

Giving to God’s work has never been more rewarding.

The excitement in Harry’s voice was contagious. “Lynn, the CGA rate is the highest it’s been in 20 years! There’s never been a better time for charitable gift annuities.”

Harry Houtman knows what he’s talking about. He’s personally been tracking charitable gift annuity (CGA) rates every week for the last 12 years and has gone into historical records for the time before that. He’s a raised-inAlberta high school teacher who was recruited into the

charitable sector 40+ years ago (including Lacombe). He’s made estate and gift planning his specialty, and now is volunteer chair of the board of Link Charity. Harry has

BY LYNN McDOWELL

more years of experience than anyone I know in charitable annuities, so my ears perked up at his announcement.

What does a higher CGA rate mean in dollar terms?

More money each month gets paid to the person who makes an agreement with the Alberta Conference now, and that rate will never go down or change; it’s a lifetime guarantee of receiving the agreed amount for as long as the donor (and their spouse) live.

It’s possible to have more than one annuity contract with the Conference. It’s not

The self-insured gift annuity [CGA] is impossible to ignore, impossible to beat! Ask for details!”

— Harry Houtman, Charitable Sector

Comparison of February 2023 Commercial and Charitable Gift Annuity Payments

($100,000 Commercial Annuity vs. $100,000 Charitable with $20,000 Charitable tax receipt)

like stock market shares, which can go up and down. The Alberta Conference annuity payment for each contract is fixed on the date of contract and never changes. That means if you make a contract today, the 20-year high rate will never go down for you, even if the rate changes for new annuities in the future (rates are calculated based on age, marital status and Bank of Canada variables).

What’s Harry’s advice?

“The certainty of income means you can spend with more certainty and less “fear” of running out of money. You can also GIVE more while living. All or almost all of the annual income is tax free, a great benefit year to year. The up-front, one-time charitable receipt effectively reduces the cost of acquiring the annuity. *

“I have done comparisons with life insurance companies.

DID YOU KNOW?

Adventists from across Canada have invested in Alberta Conference Charitable Gift Annuities.

contract at age 70, the charitable annuity/CGA is returning a slightly higher return on investment.

“The self-insured gift annuity [CGA] is impossible to ignore, impossible to beat!” concludes Harry.

“Ask for details!”

For more details on Alberta Conference Charitable Gift Annuities, contact Lynn or read the “Frequently Asked Questions” in the Annuity link of the Planned Giving page at albertaadventist.ca.

[With a charitable annuity] you receive payments that are comparable apples to apples with commercial rates,” says Harry, sharing the chart above.

Comparing the $80,000 adjusted commercial and the Charitable Gift Annuity of someone making a CGA

*If withdrawing money from an RRSP, for example, to acquire the annuity, the tax receipt can offset the tax triggered by withdrawing funds.

**For apples-to-apples comparison purposes, the commercial annuity is adjusted to $80,000 to reflect the tax benefit gained by using the Charitable Annuity rather than a commercial annuity from an insurance company.

NEW Highest Annuity Returns in 20 Years!

Alberta Conference Charitable Gift Annuities

• Guaranteed Stable Income for Life

• Immediate Charitable Tax Receipt

• Donor Wall Recognition in Mamawi Atosketan Centre*

• Multiplier Effect Option to Increase Monthly Income

If you’re 65+ and have $15,000+ you’d like to eventually invest in any aspect of God’s work in Alberta, you could receive income equivalent to better than market rates.

The Alberta Conference is one of a few organizations licensed to offer charitable gift annuities in Canada. It is the only organization offering Adventist- controlled annuities that is recognized by Canada Revenue Agency.

*Donors can choose the ultimate use of the gift in Alberta. During the Community Bridge Campaign for Mamawi Atosketan Centre in Maskwacis, the amount of the CRA-recognized tax receipt can be counted as a contribution toward the MAC.

See Maskwacis story inside about big MAC donation!