Canadian Adventist Messenger - Cover Stories

COVID-19 swept the globe at a threatening rate. A pandemic was declared, and we were plunged into a period of lockdowns, closures, restrictions, and the unknown.But in Saint-Georges, Que., a lovely voice pushed back against the uncertainty.

For many people, the message and the medium used for its communication are two separate phenomena. One might even say that the message is what really matters, while the medium is only the method for delivery or the means of expression. But that leads to several questions: Is it possible to isolate the message from its medium? Doesn’t a message require a certain medium to travel and be well received by a specific group of people? Doesn’t the medium influence the effective reception of the message? Doesn’t the message need to be adapted for the medium that will carry it? In Jesus’ incarnation we saw that the message and the media are interconnected, because Jesus was the Word, and the Word became flesh. By God’s grace, Hope Channel Canada will be a comprehensive media undertaking, available on cable, on the web, through apps, speaking to different demographics on different media. As 2024 begins, we invite you to join Hope Channel Canada in partaking of God’s mission. We need your prayers, your trust, your encouragement, and volunteer help.

Despite unfavourable circumstances, a 28-year-old young man was adamant about starting to publish a little paper. Unable to walk properly because of a foot injury, he trudged 13 kilometres back and forth between Rocky Hill and Middletown, Conn., in search of someone who’d be willing to produce an eight-page publication and get paid once the money was raised. How would that become a reality? And why would a gifted speaker who experienced toil on the farm want to use the printing press in the first place? Why go through such challenges? Where did such determination come from? The short answer is God’s mission! Written by Douglas Pereira.

In early childhood, our children contend with sickness and diseases. Recently, the children of this world were forced to deal with a global pandemic. But children don’t come with an awareness of their environment and of safety concerns conveniently preloaded into their brains. There is much they don’t know and much they need to learn. This month, in the Messenger, read how ADRA Canada has partnered with other global organizations to be fair, defend and rescue children at risk. Written by Heather Grbic and read by Dauncey. For the video version of this and other Messenger cover stories, please follow: ⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEnG36kSv-61CjzYILZFj7AHDIIfvueEk⁠⁠⁠ Check us out: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/camessenger_sda/⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/CanadianAdventistMessenger

In the intricate tapestry of human existence, autism weaves a vibrant thread, imbuing Canada’s diversity with depth and wonder. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, approximately one in every 66 children (ages 5–17) is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This complex neurodevelopmental condition presents various strengths and challenges for those it affects, and that includes children in our schools, churches, and local communities. The Pule family’s journey with neurodiversity is no exception.   (Neurodiversity refers to the idea that neurological differences, such as those seen in autism or ADHD, reflect normal variations in brain development. “Neurodiversity,” Psychology Today, 2023, https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/basics/neurodiversity.) Written by Angelica Sanchez and read by Lisa Mercer. For the video version of this and other Messenger cover stories, please follow: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEnG36kSv-61CjzYILZFj7AHDIIfvueEk⁠⁠ Check us out: Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/camessenger_sda/⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/CanadianAdventistMessenger

“Health is a treasure. Of all temporal possessions, it is the most precious,” said Ellen White in Counsels on Diet and Foods. These profound words resonated deeply within the hearts of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The Apostle Paul refers to our bodies as “temples” (1 Cor. 6:19, 20); therefore, it’s our duty to nurture and cherish this precious gift of life.  The first Canadian Adventist lifestyle clinic located in Newmarket understood the profound value associated with one’s health and well-being. Opened in July 2023, Paradise Health Clinic aimed to spread the health message through the power of holistic medicine. Ontario Conference president, Jakov Bibulović, referred to the project as “a dream come true.” The development and creation of this clinic have exemplified the transformative effects health and prayer can bring to both individuals and the community at large. Written by Clesha Felicien and read by Dauncey. For the video version of this and other Messenger cover stories, please follow: ⁠https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEnG36kSv-61CjzYILZFj7AHDIIfvueEk⁠ Check us out: Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/camessenger_sda/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/CanadianAdventistMessenger

Angelique Furaha, originally from Rwanda, a central East African country, shares her story of how she survived the 1994 Rwandan genocide against Tutsis. She was initially angry at God for allowing her and her family to go through this catastrophic cruelty, but she came back the Creator. Warning: This article is a first-hand account of the Rwandan Genocide. It includes descriptions loss of life and other potentially distressing content. Listener discretion is advised. Written by Angelique Furaha and read by Lisa Mercer. For the video version of this and other Messenger cover stories, please follow: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEnG36kSv-61CjzYILZFj7AHDIIfvueEk Check us out: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camessenger_sda/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CanadianAdventistMessenger

A Place Where We Belong: Parents. Hear of the many blessings when the home, school, and church are in sync for your children's education. The opportunities for service and community building are endless. Anyone and everyone can get involved. Your influence on the future begins today when you find a community of belonging at your local school. The family you never knew you had is waiting. Written by Leidamae Muse. Reading by Shad Lehmann. For the video version of this and other Messenger cover stories, please follow: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEnG36kSv-61CjzYILZFj7AHDIIfvueEk Check us out: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camessenger_sda/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CanadianAdventistMessenger

Ministry to incarcerated individuals and their families (prison ministry) is one of the least visible ministries of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. People who are incarcerated are often out of sight, out of mind—and sometimes the importance of ministering behind prison walls is overlooked. Yet the significance of prison ministries cannot be underestimated. Information contributed by Carlton Roulston, Millicent Fairman, Moses Henry, Edward Haynes, and Ontario Prison Ministry Association of Seventh-day Adventists Leadership. Reading by Lisa Mercer. For the video version of this and other Messenger cover stories, please follow: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEnG36kSv-61CjzYILZFj7AHDIIfvueEk Check us out: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camessenger_sda/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CanadianAdventistMessenger

Michelle Clarke says, "I remember not having any food, but God was always on time. I remember not being able to wash my clothes, but God said you have a tub and there is nothing wrong with your hands. There were so many other hardships, but God kept me. I’m thankful for those trials I experienced because they transformed me into a woman of faith. I got to know who God was for myself. Previously, I had been relying on my mother or my father’s faith, but eventually it was just me and God." Written by Michelle Clarke and read by Shad Lehmann. For the video version of this and other Messenger cover stories, please follow: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEnG36kSv-61CjzYILZFj7AHDIIfvueEk Check us out: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camessenger_sda/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CanadianAdventistMessenger

Don McLeod is likely the best lemonade-maker you'll ever meet. Every so often, you meet another human being who “sets you back on your heels” to take stock of your own life, prompting you to ask yourself what you will do when life gives you lemons as it has for Don. In the time you listen to this story, I hope you’ll be saying, “I could learn a thing or two from this man’s life.” Written by Frank R. McMiller and read by Lisa Mercer. For the video version of this and other Messenger cover stories, please follow: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEnG36kSv-61CjzYILZFj7AHDIIfvueEk Check us out: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camessenger_sda/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CanadianAdventistMessenger

Hear how ADRA Canada is working to fight hunger in 13 countries through emergency assistance and livelihood development. Written by Heather Grbic and read by Shad Lehmann. For the video version of this and other Messenger cover stories, please follow: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEnG36kSv-61CjzYILZFj7AHDIIfvueEk Check us out: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camessenger_sda/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CanadianAdventistMessenger

The story of Mario Roque, written by Mike Lemon and read by Lisa Mercer. For the video version of this and other Messenger cover stories, please follow: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEnG36kSv-61CjzYILZFj7AHDIIfvueEk Check us out: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camessenger_sda/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CanadianAdventistMessenger

The story of Dr. Mpoki Ulisubisya, written by Annie Warner Donnelly and read by Shad Lehmann. For the video version of this and other Messenger cover stories, please follow: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEnG36kSv-61CjzYILZFj7AHDIIfvueEk Check us out: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camessenger_sda/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CanadianAdventistMessenger