It was a sunny day. The air was fresh, the wind cool. The
excitement of children filled the campground. I walked hastily to the barn,
hoping I would not be late for my fourth-period class. After I got to the barn,
I sat quietly on the benches waiting for the class to begin. I tried to not let
my excitement get the best of me, but I’m sure the staff could tell.

            Finally,
everyone had arrived and the class began. My group got to go first! I walked up
to the gigantic beast, a beast who had become a friend, and began to mount onto
its back. Rocky, he was my favourite. We began the trail ride, and my horse and
I effortlessly made our way through the trails—he already knew the way; I was
just simply a passenger.

            When
the ride was over, I dismounted with a heavy heart. It was Friday, the last day
I got to be with him. I gave him a hug, kissed him on the nose, and said a
quiet goodbye, praying I would get to see him next year. Unfortunately, I never
did. I was seven then, and 13 years later I have gone from being a camper with
an excited heart, to the Horsebarn Director with a stronger passion.

            The
impact these animals have had on me, and the difference I have seen them make in
so many other people’s lives, is phenomenal. I could share so many stories of
the experiences I have gained through my job at Camp Frenda. They say the way to heaven is on horseback, and I couldn’t be more convinced God
smiles every time a horse and human fall in love.

            Some
of my favourite moments on the job are seeing a girl who was too scared to even
touch a horse the first time, begin to cry on the last when it is time to say
goodbye. Or seeing the young boy who struggled to accept himself get so
excited when he realizes the horse finally understands him. Or times when we’re
able to use the horse to illustrate how God loves us, even more so than the way
we love our horses, and seeing the pondering look on campers’ faces trying to
make sense of it all. 

            The
Horsebarn at Camp Frenda plays a uniquely powerful role in people’s lives. I
have seen every willing soul from the old man with a cane to a young girl in a
wheelchair, and people from all walks of life, be blessed by the ministry we
are able to bring them. 

            The barn has gone through a fair
share of challenges these past few years. From constant changes in leadership,
aging equipment and infrastructure, and limited staff experience—the barn has
struggled recently to maximize its potential. By God’s grace, I hope to turn
the barn around. I hope to inspire those who come after me as people before me
have done. I hope to make my barn more than just a summer camp activity, but a
sanctuary for both beast and man to show each other God’s love.

            I look forward to the day when we all
get to heaven and I can hear all the stories of everything that has happened
inside that small red building at the bottom of Horsebarn hill.

            Some people may never set foot in a church, but in my barn, there isn’t much of a difference.
—Matthew Mann, Horsebarn Director at Camp Frenda

Source: https://adventistmessenger.ca/features/when-beasts-become-friends

Every five years, since 1999, the International
Pathfinder Camporee has transformed the Experimental Aircraft Association’s AirVenture
Campgrounds in Oshkosh, Wis., from a barren land into a vibrant international
village. This year a record 55,000 people travelled to Oshkosh for “Chosen”—the
2019 International Camporee—from as far as New Zealand, Ukraine, Bermuda, and
of course, Canada, with creative entrances welcoming guests to their region.

            A camporee standout was “Canada
Park,” with Canada spelled out in block letters on a hill, imitating the
Hollywood sign, as well as replicas of landmarks from various Canadian
provinces. It was an apropos stomping grounds for 3,672 Canadians from the
Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba-Saskatchewan, Maritime and Ontario Conferences, as
well as the 256 international guests they hosted. Notably, the Canadian
contingent included Mark Johnson, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
in Canada, as well as several conference administrators and pastors.

            From August 12 to 17, visitors were
treated to a smorgasbord of on- and off-site activities, including sports
competitions, community outreach, zip-lining, archery, and touring hangars
where they earned prizes, completed honours, and more. Among Canadian
contributions, the British Columbia Conference sponsored ice-skating at the
YMCA; Quebec taught CPR, camping skills craft honours in French; Ontario
facilitated the international soccer tournament, the “Chosen” Race—a Pathfinder
version of the Amazing Race,
plus the geology, Bible marking, stewardship, and family life honours. And to
the very end, people from different regions eagerly traded Pathfinder pins, including
the highly sought-after six-pin Canadian set.

            But the heart of Oshkosh was the nightly programs. There,
Toronto native Damian Chandler, a pastor, spoke powerfully of the God who has
chosen us for a mighty purpose. On the 12^th, he gave the first of
several appeals, “We have a God who sees us … knows us …
chooses us. Will you choose on tonight to see Him? To know Him? To love Him?”
Attendees’ responses were so great that the number of baptisms ballooned from
400 pre-Oshkosh to 1,311 by week’s end.

            Over 73
of those opting to be baptized at Oshkosh came from Canada. Several pastors,
including Chandler, Ontario pastors Sereivudh Ly, Jim Nziwa, Gerry
Pasiktan, and Fitzroy Radlein, and former British Columbia communications
director, Charles Aguilar, joyfully baptized their children at Oshkosh.

Having baptized his eldest daughter in 2014, Aguilar
was thrilled to now baptize his younger daughter and son. “I can’t help but
shed several tears of happiness! I pray that they continue to love Jesus and
the church,” he stated.

            Following
Chandler was a nightly stage production depicting David’s bumpy road to the
throne after being hand-picked by God as Israel’s next king. With professional
acting and singing, and impressive sets including live animals, the play was a
standout for attendees of all ages. Keen Canadian
observers might have noticed that Ahimelech, the high priest with whom David
sought refuge when fleeing from Saul, was acted by Kendal Brouet, a former
Ontario Pathfinder and present British Columbia resident. Brouet persevered
after being turned back at the border on July 19 to become the first Canadian
actor on the Oshkosh stage. He explained his motivation—“Because I was
teaching drama at my church, I told myself, I want to prove to my kids that if
God is with them, they can do anything.”

            The big stage also showcased Canadian Pathfinder talent, including Mount Zion Pathfinders performing a traditional Filipino dance, Pathfinder-turned-motivational speaker Nyjel Camanzo of Hamilton Hylanders, and the first place-winning Orion Pathfinder drill team, chosen from all the drill teams to perform on the Sabbath and drummers from Ontario and Quebec. Off-stage, several Canadian drill and/or drum teams from Manitoba-Saskatchewan and Ontario Conference also had an impressive showing, including the first place-winning Ontario Conference Drum Corps and Ontario Conference Drill Team. On the final day, Canadians also contributed to the 13,309 people forming the Guiness Book of World Records’ Largest Human Cross, and an impressive 16 Master Guides from across Canada were invested.

            Martin, at his fourth camporee, now serving as coordinator of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada’s Pathfinder Ministry, reflected on a busy but blessed week. “Above all the fun, it was fitting for our Pathfinders to be reminded, through the story of David, that they are a chosen generation. I can’t wait to see the positive impact they’ll make as they return to their homes and communities as a result of their encounter with God at Oshkosh Camporee.”
–Christelle Agboka, Ontario Conference

Source: https://adventistmessenger.ca/features/record-breaking-number-of-canadians-attend-2019-international-pathfinder-camporee-in-oshkosh-for-a-week-of-fun-friendships-and-spiritual-renewal

Release Date: December 11, 2019

Oshawa: On Dec. 10, 2019, the Seventh-day Adventist
Church in Canada (SDACC) Board of
Directors elected Paul Llewellyn as the next executive secretary/vice-president for administration. Llewellyn will
begin his duties as of Jan. 1, 2020.

“Paul Llewellyn comes to
our leadership team from a strong
background of both teaching in Adventist education and working with
the youth and young adults of our church,” Mark Johnson, president of the
Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada, commented. “He has served ably as
educator, pastor, camp director, conference secretary, and conference
president. These areas of service and
ministry have provided excellent orientation as he steps into this
new role as voted by our Board of Directors. I have great respect for Paul’s
faith and his effectiveness as a leader. I am certain that he will serve the
church well in this new capacity.”

The Maritime Conference will
begin a search committee to appoint a new president early in the new year.

“I am
thankful for the Lord’s leading to allow me this
opportunity to serve as the executive secretary and vice-president for
the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada. I look forward to supporting all of
our conferences,” said Llewellyn. “It is with heavy hearts that my wife and
I will be departing the Maritime
Conference as we leave behind our family and the friends we have made
over the last 10 years. May God continue to bless the work in the Maritimes and
pour out the Holy Spirit on all of Canada as we work together to share the
everlasting gospel.”

Paul Llewellyn was born in
Prince Edward Island and has been married to his wife, Sonya, for 23 years.
They have two children, Jessica and Daniel.

The national headquarters of the SDACC oversees seven regional
districts that serve 72,000 members, 588 congregations, 44 schools, various
media ministries, and humanitarian organizations. Their mission is to help
people understand the Bible to find freedom, healing, and hope in Jesus.

For more information, contact:

Stan Jensen, Communication Director Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada jensen.stan@nulladventist.ca 905-433-0011

Source: https://adventistmessenger.ca/features/sdacc-elects-new-executive-secretary-vice-president

Frantically,
Mike Carter, a Kelowna chef, called all his former employees in the Bahamas
after he heard about the devastating hurricane. However, only one person was
able to answer the phone; it would be a lifesaving call for Dexter Ferguson and
his family.

            Ferguson told Carter that he had lost
everything in the hurricane, and asked if there was any possible way his former
employer could get him and his family to Canada. Without hesitation Carter said,
“Sure,” and then the enormity of this nearly impossible request dawned on
Carter. However, with God all things are possible, and Carter, driven by what
he called a Higher Power urging him on, went to work the next five days making
the impossible happen. Truly, it was a miracle and answer to a desperate prayer
from the young Bahamian Christian family.  

            Amazingly, the Ferguson family
survived in their flooded house by standing on top of the kitchen counter for
48 hours while hurricane Dorian hovered and the relentless waters rose. Tragically,
many friends and relatives weren’t as fortunate.

            The congregation at the Rutland
Seventh-day Adventist Church was riveted listening to Dexter telling his
family’s story on the Sabbath morning of Sept. 14, 2019. Dexter’s wife,
Bridgenna, stifled a sob while Dexter recounted their horrific experiences
throughout the storm and the harrowing and dangerous exodus from the Bahamas.

            Boats were available for the
desperate Bahamians, but at exorbitant prices for those urgently trying to flee,
and getting the whole family to Canada would take at least $25,000 total. In
the meantime, pandemonium ensued with huge numbers of people trying to get onto
ferries to escape. To add to their misery, the water table was poisoned from
the flooding, so there wasn’t safe water to drink or shower with, and food was
scarce, and the lineups to obtain these necessities lasted hours.

            Mike Carter started a GoFundMe
Campaign, and complete strangers along with some generous friends assisted
financially. One such big-hearted friend spent her life savings on the boat
ride for them, and she has since been paid back. The family got off the island
and then eventually made their way to Canada. Dexter’s sister, Amanda, and two-month-old
son Maverick soon followed suit and found their way to Kelowna too, and the
siblings were reunited thanks to Carter as well. They have a 90-day visa to
stay in Canada, but have nothing to go home to, and Carter is working on trying
to get them emergency refugee status.

            Kelowna citizens and businesses are
rallying to help the family, and the Manteo Resort Waterfront Hotel in Kelowna is
currently putting up the families in the interim until they find more permanent
housing, while Hotel Eldorado in Kelowna is accepting clothing donations.

            The Rutland church’s iServe team has
also contributed by giving the families a handmade quilt and a Bag of Love to
Dexter Jr. In addition, iServe is in it for the long haul, with leaders Dwight
and Donna Rose coordinating various efforts to meet the family’s day-to-day
needs. The Fergusons are very touched by Canadians kindness and how safe it is
compared to where they recently left. They feel at home at the Rutland church
and have been attending there the past few weeks since arriving in Kelowna and
plan on continuing to do so, while the church, through the iServe team, are
doing all they can to help this Bahamian family.

–Doreen Zyderveld-Hagel, Communications Secretary, Rutland Seventh-day Adventist Church

Source: https://adventistmessenger.ca/features/iserve-kelowna-helps-hurricane-dorian-victims

It is an honour to congratulate
Tabitha Phiri for winning a Diversity Award for her passion
to foster diversity and inclusion in Alberta. She is an outstanding citizen who has committed the
last decade of her life to making
Alberta a welcoming province for all.

            Over the last six years, Phiri has coordinated
three research projects in the areas of economic security, domestic violence,
and immigrant settlement programs. She has also worked as the program coordinator
of Domestic Violence and Research for the Central Alberta Immigrant Women’s Association
(CAIWA).

            Phiri is a
passionate advocate for marginalized minority groups and believes that
employers, community service providers, elected
leaders, and educators can meaningfully effect change in the lives of
immigrants who are working hard to start a new life in central Alberta.

            Again,
I would like to congratulate Tabitha Phiri on receiving this award and look
forward to working with her in the future.

By Mr. Ronald Orr (UCP)

MLA for Lacombe-Ponoka

This
article was first published in Lacombe Online on May 27, 2019, at lacombeonline.com/local/local-woman-recognized-for-fostering-diversity-and-inclusion.
Reprinted with permission from the office of Mr. Ronald
Orr (UCP), MLA for Lacombe-Ponoka.

Source: https://adventistmessenger.ca/features/adventist-woman-recognized-for-fostering-diversity-and-inclusion-in-alberta