The Mountain Andrews All Nations Seventh-day Adventist Church seeks to be a blessing to their community of North End in Winnipeg, Man. Thus our outreach as church members stems from the concept that the primary need of each person is to find God through Jesus Christ.           
During the summers church members walk the streets distributing faith-based inspirational materials such as books, magazines, Bible study enrolment cards, and invitation flyers for public evangelism. All this effort is accompanied with much prayer and with hope that many in our neighbourhood would be open to know more about Jesus. Our observation is that most people remain distant.
To overcome that distance, our church has been doing what Jesus did and going to where the people are and ministering to them. The Native Ministry Team arranged for a meeting with a member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in which she informed us of the issues and needs of the community. One need is healthful food for poverty-stricken individuals. High substance abuse and drug addiction call for a group recovery program. Vacation Bible School (VBS) is needed to minister to the many children with little to do in the summer.
Teams from Native Ministries, Children’s Ministries, and Women’s Ministries, and other volunteers are working together for two specific outreach activities.
First, the VBS events in the two summers 2018 and 2019 succeeded in reaching more than 95 children from the community: 55 percent non-Adventist and 45 percent from Adventist homes.
Second, regular Neighbourhood Pancake Breakfasts were held on Sundays once each month, beginning in April 2019 (omitting July, during campmeeting). The numbers attending ranged from 20 to 140, with the total served being 350.
We are encouraged by people’s responses as the number of attendees from the community grows. One man said, “Thank you very much for the Neighbourhood Pancake Breakfast. This church has not only blessed its members, but the community people as well.”

            An
elderly man sent a three-page handwritten letter, from which are a few quotes, “Thank
you for caring … We love you … Food is love, bringing people together … We
are searchers, seekers, and finders …We search for the kindness of strangers …
You exist, you are here, we are alive, you reach out to people … You are the
sunshine that lights other people’s lives … You love our people, you are part
of the Canadian dream … You have made a difference in our spiritual lives.”

            Two
men approached Pastor Neil Tagarao after the meal on BBQ Day on Aug. 4. One man
said, “Thank you very much for this
BBQ Day. It is becoming a community fellowship. You see, if not for this event,
the two of us would not be reconciled. I have been wrongly suspecting my
neighbour of dumping snow on my yard, only to find out that it was not him. The
guilty person is already in jail. So, in learning the truth, we are now friends
again. Thank you so much for this event that brings the community together.”

            That
same day (Aug. 4), a couple came to Tagarao and expressed their interest in
Bible study, and eagerness to join the First Nation Adventist Training (FNAT)
at Camp Hope, B.C.

            While our church is reaching out to the community through providing food and fellowship for their physical and social needs, we also continually offer material for their spiritual needs in our sanctuary. A table at the entrance of the church displays free books, magazines, and DVDs. We pray that the many who take these items will discover the most essential food in life—Jesus, the Bread of life (see John 6:32, 33.)

— Ruby Tagarao, Women’s Ministry Leader, Mountain Andrews All Nations SDA Church

Source: https://adventistmessenger.ca/news/bringing-the-community-together

On the Sabbath of Sept. 7, 2019, Really Living Centre kick-started
its grand opening with hundreds of members and visitors from across North
America. The 25,000 square-foot facility is Ontario Conference’s
first centre of influence, serving as both a worship space for Really Living
Seventh-day Adventist Church and a community centre, open several days a week.

The newly established centre will allow for the expansion of
existing programs, like a plant-based cooking school, free oil changes for
single parents, boot camp, summer camps, and drop-in sports nights, as well as
new programs, such as sewing classes, a smoothie bar, and indoor rock climbing.

            “We tried to
think of everything—how we can meet not only our needs but also the needs of
the community. That’s why we’re here,” said Brenda De Medeiros, elder and
founding member.

            Centres of
influence like Really Living address the reality that, in today’s secular
society, traditional outreach methods like evangelistic series or going
door-to-door are insufficient. Rather, ministering to people’s needs, then
sharing the gospel—Christ’s method—will make the biggest impact, particularly
in urban centres like Hamilton.

            Pastor Dan
Linrud, the midday service speaker, expressed joy at seeing the seeds he had planted
for such a centre 19 years ago as the founder of Living Word Church (now Really
Living), come into full bloom. He described the church’s humble beginnings
meeting as a small group of roughly 25 transplanted members from the mother
church, Hamilton Mountain, in the basement of church members.

            “That small group
of believers wanted to make a difference by being salt and light in the world,”
he noted. Thus, they followed the Acts 2 model of studying the Word and praying
together in different homes, building relationships, and reaching out to the
community. Linrud urged all present to likewise allow Jesus to transform them
so they could transform and illuminate their communities. 

            Linrud also
praised the church’s current leadership for making his blueprint, sketched out
on napkins at Tim Hortons, a reality. “Pastor Francis and Tina Douville took on
the baton of leadership when I left this church, and they are the ones, along
with this membership, through whom God has accomplished this amazing vision.
I’m just so proud of what God has done through them.”

            Douville, in
turn, praised Linrud as a “man of vision” while also giving credit to the
church members. “I’m surrounded by selfless people who are teaching me how to
put God first. The people in this church are absolutely phenomenal.”

            Linrud and
his wife, Verlaine, made the trek from Oregon, where Linrud currently serves as
Oregon Conference president. Also present were former Living Word associate
pastor Juan Fresse, also coming from Oregon; Ontario Conference president
Mansfield Edwards, who participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony; and
Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada president Mark Johnson.

            In his opening
remarks that Sabbath, Johnson lauded Really Living as a model for other Ontario
churches. “We are not saved to be hermits in a cave. We need to be where God’s
people are.”

            As he closed,
Linrud noted that Really Living Centre was “meant to be a beacon of light [in]
a community that is overrun by darkness.” However, he said, “As beautiful and
amazing as this building is, as comfortable as the seats are, this is not our
final destination. This is not our home.”

            Let us support Really Living and future centres of influence in Ontario in pointing a troubled world to the hope, healing, and wholeness found only in Jesus Christ and our eternal home.

–Christelle Agboka, Ontario Conference

Source: https://adventistmessenger.ca/features/ontario-conferences-first-centre-of-influence-really-living-centre-celebrates-its-grand-opening

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