Canadian Adventist Messenger for 2000 - Vol. 69 - No. 09,10

32 Pages·2013·1.55 MB·English

ember/October 20 sK
f
For
Richer
or
Poorer
nan Beads
and Feathers
ticultural Church of Jesus
H E A R T T O H E A R T
The Multicultural Church of Jesus
How do we feel about this multicultural flavour of our church?
and later became the apostle to the Fanguage is a major barrier for
Gentiles. some. Others, by lack of recognized
Eighteen centuries later, the small degrees or Canadian experience,
group that came out of the great have a tough time entering the job
disappointment was once again market. Many are victims of
challenged by the same gospel prejudice, their own and others’.
commission. After struggling with These factors make immigrants
the early “shut door” view, they crave for acceptance, and the church
were faced with the mandate of provides that ideal place where they
Matthew 28:18-20 and Revelation find a sense of belonging. Immigrants,
14:6. How could anyone fathom in general, and recent immigrants, in
by Nit to n Amorim, that these few individuals, with particular, are usually more open to
president of the limited education and financial the gospel than nationals. Because of
Quebec Conference resources, could reach out to the their need for acceptance, they are
whole world? From a human often a field ready for the harvest.
They were just a few in the perspective, this was an impossible The SDA Church in Canada
upper room; uneducated, mission. So they rationalized that reflects the multicultural dimension
from the same ethnic group, they had in their own country of this country. In developing
speaking the same language, with a (U.S.A.) people coming from differ­ countries, the church has a more
very parochial mentality. Yet their ent nations, and by reaching them, uniform face. Immigration has
master had cast a great vision for they were reaching out to all nations. brought a rich multicultural flavour
them — to “go to the whole world Fortunately, that short-sighted and to the church in Canada. However,
and make disciples of all nations.” distorted view was soon corrected, the question still remains: How
In the book of Revelation, this vision and the gospel commission was taken successful have we been in reaching
is broadened to include “every at its face value. Soon, missionaries out to immigrants in this country?
nation, and tribe, and tongue and were sent out and today our church How do we feel about this multi­
people.” Revelation 14:6No one on has reached many nations, tribes, cultural flavour of our church? Do
this planet was to be excluded. This tongues and peoples. We can boast we embrace it joyfully as a miniature
vision implied an action — Go. It of a multiracial, multiethnic, multi- of what Jesus wanted His church to
required an intentional movement to tongued, 11 million member church be, or shun its diversity and feel
reach out to other people. It also that continues to grow. Although threatened by its rapid growth? The
implied overcoming prejudices. the mission is a long way from being GC Session in Toronto provided not
Prejudices are bidirectional. They completed, one can marvel at what only the true face of the Adventist
encompass our own and others biases. has been accomplished thus far. church, but the realization of Jesus’
The Jewish nation had prejudices Canada is a country of immigrants. vision for His church. There is
about other people. As Jews, the Thousands of individuals — Adventist beauty in diversity. The multicultural
apostles were first to overcome their members among them — immigrate church in Canada is the miniature
own prejudices before they could every year to Canada. Some of these version, and the GC Session in
help individuals from other nations Adventist immigrants form ethnic Toronto was an enlarged version of
overcome theirs. They also needed to churches with the purpose of Jesus’ final triumphant church. The
adapt the message in such a way that reaching out to those of the same God of diversity awaits to hear from
it would be grasped by those with ethnic or language group. Immigrants the sea of glass the choir of the
different world views. It was not an face similar challenges — a different redeemers singing the song of Moses
easy task for them. They had to face language (for some), a different and the Famb. In that choir there
their own biases in accomplishing culture, a different world view, and will be people from “every nation,
this mission. Some were more suc­ the loneliness that comes from being and tribe, and tongue and people.”
cessful than others. Peter, reluctantly far away from family and friends. To Jesus’ vision for the church will be
and in a rather awkward manner, be accepted in the Canadian society, realized. The few in the upper room
was the first to reach out to the and to ultimately break through the have become the “great multitude”
Gentile world. Paul followed suit job market, is a challenging task. of Revelation. ■
2 September/October 2000 Messenger
M U L T I C U L T U R A L F E A T U R E
For Richer or Poorer
by Beverley Connors, vice-president of CHER Board of Directors
It is customary, and sometimes useful, to refer to that plagues the region. He is learning a better way, that
persons geographically — Finns or Aussies, Sri Lankans transcends the cycle of revenge and violence.
or Tongans. But since everyone gifted with life shares the Alejandro, a Bolivian boy now 12 years old, began to
same basic DNA, it might be helpful to sweep away all misbehave after his mother died. Lured to life on the
geo-political designations, and call us Terrans, Earth streets by older boys, he began taking drugs, which were
People, Third Rockers. readily available. His father found him and brought him
It is habitual, and sometimes useful, to refer to persons home, but physically abused him, which made him run
economically, as rich or poor, the haves and have-nots. away again. This pattern was repeated over several years,
But since everyone gifted with a glimmer of God shares until he came to the attention of a worker at Cerenid, a
the humbling certainty that all are His and all is His, it CHER-sponsored outreach which takes street kids to a
might be helpful to sweep away all economic designations safe haven in a rural setting. There they receive schooling,
and call us by a relational term — brothers and sisters, a chance to learn a trade, and loving bandages for their
members of the family, kin. wounded and reckless hearts. Alejandro doesn’t have a
The Old Testament is full of urgings sponsor yet, but the school director hopes that someone
that God’s people “do justice.” What will want to play a part in reclaiming this hurt child who
that means, at bottom, is that we try to is just learning to read and write at an age when most
make this planet a more level playing North American children are as fluent as their parents.
field, where what the “haves” actually In Ontario, a small business encourages its employees
have is an opportunity to know real to fund the education of dozens of kids in Malawi, where
joy by serving as conduits for the CHER sponsors support 300 of the little ones that to
grace of God. Him belong. Letters and drawings done by the children
CHER (Children’s Health, are posted on the bulletin board, along with photographs
Education and Relief) is a group of sombre or smiling faces with hope in their eyes.
of “ciwie Sewies,” lay persons In Mexico, a father abandons his children on city
working through Adventist mission streets, but a government worker has heard of the
structures to make a difference in remarkable work of Hogar de Refugio Infantil Villa
young lives. There is a lovely flow Juarez, an Adventist orphanage run by Bob and Annette
between those in need and those Mason of Peachland, B.C. Today the children live there,
Sparkling eyes and laughter whQ know their need to help, and have a good chance at a positive future.
reflect the changed life of this juli ¡s a 7_year_0ld Bangladeshi In Saskatchewan, an elderly couple whose children are
child rescued by Cerenid girl. In her picture, she stands at grown, write to a little girl in a remote village in the
attention, with her toes pointed straight ahead. Her Philippines, and the ties that bind grow longer and stronger.
teachers describe her as good in her studies and regular in 2 Corinthians 9 has a lot to say about attitudes
attendance, but a mischievous child, with spark and spirit. toward other Terrans, other members of the family. The
This is encouraging, a small wonder, for her parents are Message paraphrase gives a new zing to the old familiar
illiterate and numbingly needy. Her father is an occasional phrases, jolts and tenderizes hearts that are weary from
labourer who cannot provide for his family each day. the bombardment of the out-stretched hands of the poor
Juli’s application for CHER sponsorship had this poignant that we have with us always. Listen. “I want each of you
note from the assessing caseworker, “Sometimes (the to take plenty of time to think it over, and make up your
family) spend the whole day by starving.” Juli is fortunate own mind about what you will give. That will protect
that a Canadian family finds joy spending $20 a month you against sob stories and arm-twisting. God loves it
on this child, guaranteeing her education at a church when the giver delights in the giving.”
school where she receives one nutritious meal a day, and What an exciting thing to be part of a group that
all her school supplies. spans the globe, and runs havens of acceptance and
A Sabbath School class in Alberta pools an offering learning, of nourishment and health. Have you ever
and gives a break to a youngster in Sri Lanka. This boy’s watched the heart-rending ads for World Vision on TV
family has deposited him at Lakpahana School, as into a and thought, “I wish my church had a child sponsorship
safe deposit vault, to escape the random political terrorism program?” Good news! It does. ■
For information, write CHER Canada, Box 31012,1300 King St. E., Oshawa, ON LI H 8N9, or E-mail [email protected]. Phone [phone].
September/October 2000 Messenger 3
M U L T I C U L T U R A L F E A T U R E
More than Beads and Feathers
by Linda Calderbank, co-chair, Canadian Native Advisory,
and principal of Mam a wi Atosketan Native School in Po n oka, Alta.
on some of the incidents I’ve played a very significant role in the
encountered over the years, and I fur trade. You could not be lazy and
have to admit that there have been survive in that environment.
times when I’ve been placed in one Are the Indian people hopeless? I
or more of these categories. I recall think not! Should we bother trying to
being asked one time, “Why do we Christianize them? Most definitely!
bother trying to Christianize the When Christ decided to come to
Indians when most of society has earth, He must have looked down
given up on them?” I also remember and saw despair and hopelessness,
that when our school was located on but He came anyway knowing the
the reserve teachers asked, “Are we price He would have to pay for the
safe here?” salvation of mankind. If Christ did­
First of all, Indians do not live in n’t see mankind as hopeless then we
tepees. They live in ordinary houses have no right to look upon another
like other people. Their tepees are people group as hopeless. It is our
used primarily for special gatherings responsibility as Christians to go out
such as pow wows. Secondly, Indian and tell others about Christ, but it
people dress like most other people. needs to be done in a kind, loving and
We don’t limit ourselves to leather, sensitive manner. I thank God that
beads and feathers, although some of the missionaries that converted my
the outfits of old were very attractive. ancestors didn’t see them as hopeless.
I’m not sure how the use of the How does prejudice enter our
word “savage” came into play. I do lives? Why do we judge others on
know that historically native people the basis of their ethnicity, gender,
welcomed their white brothers. Many or beliefs? When you watch children
tribes had prophecies that told of play, there is no prejudice. At the age
Retired lawyer, Leonard Maracle and his the coming of the white man. If of four or younger, children play
wife, Kitty, were the directors of Native Indian people had been savages, without concern if their playmate is
Ministries in B.C. before they recently many white people would not have red, yellow, black or white; Jew,
retired to their home reserve at Six
survived the harsh environment of Catholic or Adventist; male or female.
Nations in Ont.
this land in the new world. Indian It seems that when a child enters
During the recent General people taught their white brothers school awareness of our differences
Conference Session, I had winter survival techniques, such as begin to surface, and discrimination
the privilege of being one of how to boil the bark of certain trees and prejudice arise making it a
the hosts to the many visitors who to stave off scurvy. Native people have learned behaviour.
stopped by our Native Ministries contributed much to the development I find most often that prejudice
booth. As part of our display, our of this country, but there is very little and misunderstanding of other
booth featured a miniature tepee. I that is known by the dominant people groups generally comes from
was taken aback at the number of society of these contributions. ignorance of that groups’ culture.
visitors that came by and asked, “Do Ignorant and dumb? Many of the Not knowing the other persons’
Indians still live in tepees?” or “How early missionaries and government norms and values within their culture
do they live in these in winter?” or agents expressed just that in their makes us more prejudiced in our
“Where’s your Indian outfit?” I travel journals. What really was views of other people. We often try
couldn’t help but think, “What is the happening was an inability to to minister to people from our values,
perception of Indian people to our communicate, primarily because of and not the values of the people we
church members?” Do they see us the difference in languages. Many are attempting to reach. I have
only as “beads and feathers?” Are we Europeans could not understand encountered many principled and
perceived as savages? Ignorant? the nomadic lifestyle of most tribes honourable Indian people in our cities
Helpless? Less intelligent because and saw them as drifters, lazy and and on our reserves. Unfortunately,
we’re Indian. I began to reflect back unproductive. Yet Indian people we most often hear only about those
4 September/October 2000 Messenger
that have problems. Sometimes all it Native Americans made up approxi­ a day in his moccasins.” In other
takes to overcome our prejudices is mately 1 per cent of the North words, don’t be quick to draw
getting out there and talking to the American population. This reduction conclusions about someone from
people, listening and trying to in numbers was a direct result of another people group until you
understand each others’ values. I diseases, such as smallpox, brought know what they have to endure each
believe that through education and by the Europeans. day. Please pray for us who are on
awareness of another persons culture, The Bible tells us that in the eyes the front lines of this very worthy
we can overcome prejudice. of God we are all equal. God is no ministry. ■
Indian people have suffered greatly respecter of persons. He loves each
at the hands of “Christians.” The of us the same. He wants us to love
missionaries and the church played a one another with the same kind of
major role in the Indian losing their love He shows us. Remember that
land, their culture, their language no matter what you may experience
and their way of life. The goal of the at the hands of others, God is a
governments was to assimilate the witness. We can change people’s
Indian into the white culture. The views and attitudes by rising above
church and the missionaries had a ignorance and prejudice, and not
direct role in the process of assimila­ allowing ourselves to be drawn into
tion. Churches made deals with situations that put down or treat
governments in exchange for special others in a prejudicial way.
considerations. Often the methods Christ’s unconditional love should
used by these groups were not help us fight against prejudice that
The author and Kitty Maracle, attired in native
Christ-like. We who work in Native tries to come into our lives. An old
dress, enjoy a few moments of relaxation between
Ministries today have this legacy to Indian saying is: “Never judge
the crowds at the Native Ministries booth at the
deal with when we go out into our another man until you have walked recent GC Session
native communities. Prior to the
arrival of the Europeans, the Indian
Please remember the Native Ministries offering on Sept. 30 which helps to support
people numbered 12 million or
the native schools and provides resources to the conferences for the native work.
more on this continent. By 1900,
because we already have attached a pejorative label to the
source. Conversely, we give other ideas far more credence
Nathanael was a good man, but he suffered from a fault
than they deserve merely because the person who originates
that overtakes many good people — he was quick to
them wears a badge that makes us feel comfortable.
stereotype others. Nazareth was notorious among the
Labelling can be downright vicious with regard to
cities of his day, and when Nathanael heard that Jesus
young people. Early in life some children are branded
came from Nazareth, his immediate response was “Can
“losers,” “dull,” “misfits,” troublemakers.” Teachers and
any good thing come out of Nazareth?”
peers expect them to fail; the label becomes a self-fulfilling
Labelling people is unfair and unchristian.
prophecy. But how far from the approach of Jesus, who
It’s unfair because labels are inaccurate. No one is
saw the best in every person and encouraged them to see
conservative or liberal or radical or progressive in all
it also!
matters. People are complex, and they surprise us by
I find it more helpful to think in terms of open- or
their reactions and positions, their behaviour in different
closed-mindedness, rather than conservative or liberal.
circumstances. Some who sound liberal are traditional in
The open-minded person is ready to look at new ideas,
behaviour, while others who have a conservative image
regardless of his own position; the close-minded person
are more daring in their practices.
is not. Close-mindedness is just as much a problem of
Labels help simplify life — for the labeller. They enable
liberals as it is of conservatives.
him to reduce highly complex situations and people to
Fortunately, Nathanael was open-minded. Although
pigeonholes, to categories. But labels distort reality, fool
he was quick to stereotype Jesus, he reversed his position
the labeller, and get in the way of exchange of ideas.
when confronted by the evidence.
Because of labels we fall into the trap of assessing the
May we today likewise be open to others.
value of an idea by referring to its source. We dismiss
ideas out of hand that may have great merit simply by William G. Johnnson from Behold His Glory
September/October 2000 Messenger 5
M U L T I C U L T U R A L F E A T U R E
H i s p a n i c G r o w t h in N o r t h A m e r i c a
...
The Untold Story
Marcial invited these two men of 1998, they had 655 churches and
a
c
ri into his home and listened as they companies and 421 pastors. They are
e
m expounded on the material they among the most active and involved
A
vered North hapapdr soeatc bheefdo rteh eh ismub. jWecth eonf tthhee y mis esmtilbl earns uinn fNinoisrhthe dA smtoerryi.c aT. hAen edn dit
o
sc in Sabbath, Marcial at first became will be told in Heaven!
di m defensive, but being an honest
plaque dventis Cheh reivsetinatnu aalnlyd aocpceenp tteod Gthoisd ’str luetahd.ing, TCehnet ceenlenbiaral tCioenles bwreartei ovna rAiecdt iavnitdie s
A
rative panic hBayd D 1e5c epmeobpelre, Brelaadcky faonrd b Wapitlilsiamm asn d tFoeobkr upalrayc e2 7th, rionu Sgáhnocuhte tzh, eA yreizaor.n Oa, n
mo His requested that someone be sent to Hispanics had the main celebrations
e
mm of baptize the group. R. M. Kilgore of with representatives from the state
Co dle the General Conference responded of Arizona, the General Conference,
a
cr to the call and boarded a train for the North American Division, the
the Sanchez, Arizona. local fields and many special guests.
at
When Elder Kilgore arrived, he Three historical markers were
met with the baptismal candidates dedicated to honour the efforts of
and found them all firmly grounded those first Hispanics who responded
It was the summer of 1899.
in the truth. Arrangements were to the Sabbath teaching of the
Walter Black and Charles made for a baptismal service, and Seventh-day Adventist Church. The
on December 9, 1899, a cold but Sabbath services and the services
Williams, two Seventh-day sunny afternoon, Kilgore led the held in the afternoon at the Sánchez
baptismal candidates to the bank of cemetery were trilingual. They were
Adventist colporteurs, were the Gila River, where one by one he held in English, Spanish and what
immersed them in the chilly waters. we would describe as “Spanglish.”
faithfully and methodically Pastor Marcial Serna was the first
one into the Gila for his spiritual
knocking on doors in Tucson,
burial and resurrection to a new life
in Christ as a Seventh-day Adventist.
Arizona, searching for folk who
On December 23, the Sánchez
Seventh-day Adventist Church was
would be interested in buying
officially organized, becoming the
the books they carried in their first Spanish SDA Church in North
America. And Pastor Serna became
bags. As they approached the the first Hispanic pastor.
This is, in brief, the beginning
Fabiola Jaramillo was the first Hispanic
home of Marcial Serna, pastor of a success story. From these small
to be baptized in Canada (Feb. 1973)
beginnings in Arizona, the Adventist
of the Mexican Methodist
Hispanic work has continued to As part of the celebrations of the
grow and prosper until now, 100 100th anniversary, other events took
Church, they had little idea of
years later, their number exceeds place throughout the year. From
the impact this particular visit 100,000 members in the North July 27-31, the Hispanic pastors
American Division. Hispanics make throughout North America met at
would make in the lives of a up 13 per cent of the total member­ Atlantic Union College to plan their
ship, and had 23 per cent of the soul-winning strategy for the next
number of families in this area. baptisms in the Division. At the end quinquennium. Aggressive evangelistic
6 September/October 2000 Messenger
by Victor Schulz, a Hispanic evangelist and appointed member of several
Hispanic committees at the GC, NAD, PPPA and VOP. In that capacity, he
represents the Hispanic work of the S D A Church in Canada.
plans were made, and everybody
"It was shown to me that the Spanish work will be at the 'vanguard',
left feeling spiritually motivated to
follow through this programme of and will be in the front of the Lord's work in North America"
action.
For our Hispanic brethren,
there is no better way to celebrate year. But in the last two years, by
than doing soul-winning. They the grace of God, 242 new members
determined to do preaching during were added to the family of God,
the anniversary year using Heaven­ making these the best years of the
sent technology. From September Hispanic work in Canada.
11 -25, they conducted the Hispanic “It was shown to me that the
NET 99 involving all the pastors, Spanish work will be at the
churches and members of the ‘vanguard’, and will be in the front
division. Thousands of baptized of the Lord’s work in North
souls were presented to the Lord as America.” These are the only words
a result of this outreach. that we have from Ellen G. White
Every member who participated in reference to the Hispanic work,
in the NET 99 crusade will receive a and they were directed to Jose Abel
copy of the 300 page, fully illustrated Sánchez, one of the sons of the first
book on the history of the Hispanic Hispanic Adventist members in this
work in North America. Our division. It seems that this prophecy
colleges, institutions and local fields is being fulfilled 86 years later. The
throughout North America will also Hispanics in the Canadian Union
be presented with a copy. praise God for what He has done for
them. At the same time, they want
Dr. Victor Schulz at the tomb of Miguel Serna, the
Spanish Work in Canada Growing
to commit themselves to do their
first Hispanic SDA minister, and the first Hispanic to
In Canada, there are fewer Spanish­ best in finishing the work the Lord be baptized in the NAD
speaking people than in the other has entrusted us all to do. ■
Unions of the North American
Division. Yet the number of members
is growing in a marvelous way. In
February 1973, at the Portuguese
church in Toronto, the first Hispanic
members were baptized. The first
Spanish church was opened in May
1978. Today, a few years later, we
are glad to report that there are 21
congregations (churches, companies
and groups), 11 Hispanic pastors
and 1,295 members in the Hispanic
churches. In addition, we have a
number of Hispanic attending
English-speaking churches where
we don’t yet have Spanish work
established. In the past, the
Canadian Union had an average of
Descendants of the first family in accepting
only 60-70 Spanish baptisms per the Adventist message among Hispanics
September/October 2000 Messenger 7
My Sel f
O t h e r
ADRA Canda by Kay Bacchus-Kierstead
I remember the day I was After purchasing some sleeping pills, Agency — was offering loans to peo­
born. It was noisy and hot. she carefully put me away in her ple who didn’t have access to objects
Shuffled along with millions of purse and we went home. such as myself. We would be given
my brothers and sisters, I reached It was getting late into the to individuals to help them start a
the stamp of no return, and voilà, I afternoon when I heard a knock new chapter in their lives, and even­
was officially created, complete with on the front door. Two kind people tually, we would be returned so that
the queen’s insignia. greeted my newest owner and asked we could help somebody else.
It was only a couple of days before if they could talk to her for awhile. I thought that was pretty useful
we were all moved to a financial They were canvassing for something instead of sitting in a slot machine in
institution. They took really good called the ADRA Annual Appeal. Las Vegas. Here I was helping people
care of us here, allowing only a few I suppose they could see the lady to improve their lives dramatically.
of us to be given away at a time. was interested, but that she was also My first Indian owner was a woman
Eventually, my turn came. I was troubled. They asked if they could named Rheena. Over time, I learned
stacked into an automated machine pray for her before they left, and she her story. She had two small children
and eagerly awaited the adventures was really glad for that. She reached and no husband. He abandoned her,
ahead. for her wallet, and I got tucked into and she was left trying to take care
One day, I got bumped an envelope. of herself and the two little ones. At
down and ejected out of my first she begged on the streets
resting place into the real for help, but that didn’t get
world. I barely had a chance her very far. Then she met
to look at my new owner as someone from ADRA who
I was carelessly stuffed into a wanted to help her. She
crowded pocket. A little enrolled in classes, and
shocked, I was overwhelmed learned to read and count.
by the cigarette smoke in the Then she decided she would
vehicle as we drove through start to raise cows, but she
the city. This wasn’t how I needed help. That’s how
envisioned living out my I came into the picture. I
purpose in life. Later that helped her get her first cow,
evening, I got thrown on a and she worked very hard to
gaming table. Aghast, I tried take care of “Bessy.” Every
to hide my crumpled body morning she checked up on
in shame, but to no avail. I her, and soon she was selling
lay there exposed until the game was I was taken to a church and extra milk and butter at the market.
over and I had a new owner. counted out with more of my rela­ The children are really growing now
This time, I was put into a wallet. tives. We were sent to a bank, and that they have nutritious milk in
We drove home and I was placed on we waited there for awhile. One day, their diet.
a table. In the middle of the night, without warning, we were trans­ Rheena gave me away as a church
however, my sleep was disturbed by ferred to India! I couldn’t believe it. I offering, and again, I was sent to
a child’s crying. “She’s got a fever; never envisioned international work work for ADRA. This time, I ended
we’ve got to get something,” I heard. in my career. This was a whole new, up in the Middle East. In Jordan,
The wallet was tucked into a coat exciting experience for me. I helped to purchase some medicine
pocket, and later, I was blinded as I I soon learned that I was to be for physically challenged children.
was pulled out as payment for some put into a bank again, but a very They can’t run and play like other
children’s medication at the pharmacy. different kind of bank. This was an boys and girls, and their families
I spent the rest of the night locked ADRA bank. After eavesdropping struggle to take proper care of them.
in a drawer. The next day a woman on a few of the workers that came But with ADRA’s help, these children
became my new guardian. She around, I learned that ADRA — the are living more comfortable and use­
seemed troubled by a lot of stress. Adventist Development and Relief ful lives than before.
September/October 2000 Messenger
After Jordan, I ended up in a year, that keeps on giving and giving assistance and love to people in
place called Nicaragua. Here, even all year round. desperate plights of poverty. The list
though it’s been more than a year Today, we live in a “global village” of needs goes on and on, while
and a half since the devastation — interacting and interdependent ADRA’s funding does not. Please
wreaked by Hurricane Mitch, nearly with people who are hundreds of help ADRA help. Your support and
5,000 people are still living in thousands of miles away. But in the prayers go a long way in touching
refugee camps. This time I helped to midst of all this technological the lives of millions with a glimpse
buy materials to build homes for advancement, there are still people of Jesus’ love. Together, we can make
families, to get them out of the who live in stunning poverty — on a difference...one life at a time. ■
dusty camps and back into a normal less than $ 1 a day. Working in over
house. 120 countries around the world,
Through ADRA, I’ve made a ADRA is bringing hope to others.
difference all over the world. I’ve With water, food, medicine, and
helped immunize children in most importantly, education, ADRA
Mexico, provided blankets and food is touching and enriching the lives
to single moms in Canada, brought of millions of people.
water to thirsty people in the In September 2000, the ADRA
Philippines, and I’ve helped teach Annual Appeal will be officially
children how to read and write in launched once again. With your
Africa. I never would have been sent continued and generous support,
on this adventure if it had not been we still aim to reach a goal of $ 1
for the ADRA Annual Appeal, a million. Through this campaign,
fund-raising campaign done once a ADRA continues to provide
How Your Donation Helps
In the words of Dr. Bruce
ADRA conducts a fund-raising campaign every year; 46% of the funds
Larson,"Money is really
raised by this drive is utilized for ADRA programs overseas. Ten percent
is allocated for administration and the remaining 44% is used in Canada
another pair of feet to walk
for community service programs and disaster response.
where Christ would walk;
money is another pair of hands
to heal and feed and bless the
(Community
Admin: Services and desperate families of the
1 0 % Disaster Response):
earth. In other words, money is
44%
my other self. Money can go
where I do not have time to go,
VIMGT' DOLLARS TWENTY
where I do not have a passport
Last year, Canadians contributed $721,037.59. Of this amount,
to go. My money can go in my
$317,266.54 was allocated for ADRA Canada’s national program,
while $331,677.29 was used for programs overseas. place and heal and bless and
Since 1978, ADRA Canada has received funding from CIDA, the
development branch of the Canadian government. Since 1989, CIDA feed and help. A man's money
has funded ADRA Canada on an annual matching grant basis. Last
is an extension of himself."
fiscal year, ADRA received $1,030,106.00 from CIDA.
September/October 2000 Messenger
The Extra Mile:
Helping Newcomers on and off Campus
by Preston Smith
CUC's "new neighbours" come in many guises. They may be a
student from outside Canada or an immigrant grappling with a
new culture. CUC faculty, staff and students are continually finding
new ways to reach out with a welcoming, helping hand.
CUC Reaches Out to Tamil “they don’t mess around.” people. “We have to meet them
Homahan is a radio broadcaster where they are,” Doss says.
Community in Toronto
for the International Tamil Plans for this summer are
The 200,000 Tamils who live in Broadcasting Corporation (ITBC) focused on Bible studies in the Tamil
Toronto are a special concern of Dr. in Toronto, and his influence community. A former employee of
Deva Doss, Professor of Mathematics stretches across Europe via cable TV NASA, Doss looks forward to
at CUC. For Doss, a Tamil himself, and satellite. Both brothers have taking Tamil teenagers to the NASA
helping the new immigrants — most been accepted into the Crossroads space camp in Huntsville, Alabama
of them refugees from Sri Lanka — is Christian Broadcasting TV broad­ this summer. “We are looking for
one of his priorities. casting training program that takes something other ministries aren’t
Thrown into a culture very foreign place in Hanover, Germany, for doing to excite people about our
to them, they are, Doss finds, adrift three months. This excites Doss, for ministry,” Doss says.
and often confused, with little hope. as he said, “People are not reading Doss is spending the summer in
“They are buying into Toronto. He is involved in a series of
the North American Bible studies in the book of Daniel
junk culture,” said with several different groups, and is
Doss, who in the working with a charismatic leader of
summer of 1999 four different congregations totalling
began a ministry around 500 people. He studies with
among them with the a pastor of a Pentecostal church
help of one of his who has around 60 people in his
CUC students, congregation, and this past school
Johnson Washington, year held a Sabbath morning session
who came to CUC with anywhere from eight to 12
from Sri Lanka three people, and another evening session
years ago. with 10 to 14 more. All of this
Washingtons transpires mosdy over the phone.
Catholic brother, During the year, Doss spends 10 to
Homahan, a local 15 hours a week on the phone in
The first fruits of the Tamil outreach: (L to R) Dr. Randal
Tamil celebrity, Tamil Bible studies.
Wisbey, Homahan and Johnson Washington, and Dr. Deva
helped publicize the While Doss sees opportunity to
Doss after Homahan's baptism
math camp the CUC work among the Tamils, he wants to
duo conducted to give Tamil youth books.” Upon completion of the make it clear to them that he isn’t
an academic leg up. As a result of his program, Doss and the Washington trying to make an opportunity out
involvement, Homahan decided to brothers plan to prepare videotaped of working with them. “We want
become an Adventist. In January, chapters of Daniel. Already, 12 to demonstrate Jesus’ love,” Doss
2000, Homahan made the journey chapters have been dubbed into the says, “love that expects nothing in
to CUC to be baptized. “When Tamil language, which they consider return.” ■
these people commit,” says Doss, a huge step towards reaching the
10 September/October 2000 Messenger