Mission

SULADS CANADA NEWSLETTER Our Mission is “To reach out in

A publication of SULADS CANADA service to the less remembered people in
Box 190, Kitwanga, British Columbia Canada, providing them with non -formal
V0J2A0, Canada education, Agriculture, Health programs,
Phone #: (+1) 250-849-5953
designed to alleviate illiteracy, poverty
Email: suladscanada@gmail.com
Website: www.suladscanada.com and disease while promoting social
awareness, giving due respect to local
WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR traditions, beliefs, customs, aspirations
CONTENT! and interests, so that all may see the
Please send your story, ideas, articles,
value and beauty of their cultural
and photographs to:
suladscanada@gmail.com
heritage and way of life as purposed by
their creator.”
On the Cover:
Sulads Canada Sir Ephraim Baragona
and Sir Lemwel Ramada
Yellow Knife Seventh Day Adventist
Church.
Photo Credit: “ My brother and sister, we need to keep before us the
Jonathan Geraci example of Christ’s perfection. When we allow our minds
Resource: to dwell upon the imperfections of others, our own souls
http://www.adventistreview.org/chur
become filled with the leaven of evil. In our endeavors to
ch-news/story4040-go-north-god-has-
represent the truth for this time to the world, we shall
people-there-too
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meet with many difficulties, but, if we keep the mind and
heart fixed upon the precious Saviour, if we talk of his
love and power, the perplexities will pass away, and we
shall become happy in the assurance of a Saviour’s
love.”
SULADS FairhavenProduce -This Day with God, page 372
Kitwanga
We stood in the old, run down restaurant, observing the mess
it had become. At “one point this place served food made from
the heart.”, Sheldon had said. Despite the fact that the
foundation was falling down on one side of the building this old
place had potential, not because of its physical space but
because of its heart. Nowadays, there are not many places you
can go where they will serve food with a passion and care for
their customers. Those who had nothing, would come and in be
fed, Sheldon mentioned that at one point they had served six
turkeys at Thanksgiving. They would simply sit down and enjoy
the warm, loving atmosphere of this restaurant.

This is how our story began, before Christmas Sulad Lito

called me and said someone from the village was giving away
their fridge and stove. I said that our prayers had been
answered, because our stove had started to die one burner at a
time. So, we went to the village of a friend of ours named
Sheldon - a young man still in his thirties - who was getting rid
of his appliances. We helped him take out his old appliances
and loaded them on the truck, then Sir Lito and I installed his
new appliances. Afterwards, we spent some time visiting and
talking, at which point he then mentioned that he had some
more things he needed to be fixed around his place. I told him
we would be back after Christmas, as we were leaving for
Christmas vacation the next day. We said our goodbyes for the
meantime and left on our trip.

TO BE CONTINUED TO THE NEXT PAGE…..

 After our Christmas holiday, Sheldon was eager to get his light switch fixed. The calls kept coming more and
more, it seemed like the Holy Spirit was urging him to call me. So, I figured I had to go and see him. Many times, when the
Holy Spirit is urging us to do good for others, opposing forces try to discourage you, keep you in your comfort zone, keep
you unmotivated. But in order to get God’s blessings, we must move out of our comfort zones.

So, I called our young friend in the village and decided to go and pay him a visit. I knocked on his door, went in
with my tools and got straight to work, I fixed his light switch and installed the door stop for his front entrance. The fixing of
the things in Sheldon’s home was a way in, but that wasn’t the only thing that God had in mind. It became apparent to me
why I was called to be here and that reason was to talk with Sheldon and give him a Bible study. I had never really given
anyone a Bible study before, but I thought to myself that I will do my best.

As we talked, we exchanged stories about our lives and Sheldon told me about how he had grown up, living in
many different places, not knowing his family or his father. The person who was always there, was his mother who still to
this day would bring him food and the things he needed, as he was struggling with a major alcohol addiction. Because of
this, he was unable to drive or to get things for himself. As I sat there listening to Sheldon's story, a man who was maybe
just a couple years older than me, who had already had three different wives and three children with each, who sat at
home every day struggling with his addiction became apparent to me that God wanted me to intervene even more.

I gave him advice on how he could change his lifestyle and change the direction of the future of his life. I asked
him what was most important for him, to live or die?What kind of legacy did he want to leave behind for his children, for
his daughters? How could we change his drinking problem? I agreed to purchase him a detox package, filled with vitamins
and natural remedies which would detoxify his body and lessen the cravings for alcohol. Sheldon shared with me that he
had been to seven different rehabs, tried doing the different treatments and none had worked for him. As he shared this
with me, a light bulb turned on in my mind. Or rather, should I say the Holy Spirit turned on the light bulb. As he was
sharing with me these struggles he has had, a light bulb went off in my head. Or should I say the Holy spirit gave me an
idea.

Different people have different ways of approaching a situation or an idea, my idea was to take out the alcoholic
away from his current environment and get him to go back doing what he loved. which was cooking. He loved being a
chef and cooking for people. With this solution in mind, I presented my idea to him as a different rehab. In order to fix or to
work on a problem, you must present the situation and the circumstances to the person, giving them options and
negotiating the deal. So, I presented him my solution.

The solution to Sheldon’s problem was to make his dream become a reality. We all have dreams at one point in
life, right? Some wait to live their dreams until the money is there or until their marriage is stable. But what is life, when we
only live it when it is all gone?

Then what is the point of living when we have nothing in the end? This was what our dear brother was struggling
with. So, when it comes to Jesus teachings, what was more important? For our own dreams to be fulfilled or to make
someone else’s dream come true, and in turn receive two-fold blessings? What is our purpose, if we really think about?
How do you acquire more blessings from God? This is what it is to be the blessed first, by being the blessed first we will
then afterwards receive the priceless gift or two fold the blessings from God. I shared with Sheldon Matthew 10:8, “Freely
give as freely you have received”, sharing with him the message from Jesus, His instruction for us.
 I told Sheldon that I would help reopen his restaurant, only if he would stop his drinking and change his life. I
presented him this so he would have options, but also to help him to get motivated to do something with his time. I wanted
to give him a reason as to why this life was important and let him know that God had a plan for him.

Sheldon shared with me that he used to run a small restaurant next to his mobile house on the reserve. At this
small restaurant, he would serve food for the tourists and villagers. It was a place where people could come and hangout.
He said that on Thanksgiving, he would make a turkey dinner for everyone. Some of friends on the First Nations’ reserve
very envious of his restaurant, so much so that they would kick over his signs on the road, so people wouldn’t know
whether or not he was open. But he said that the way of life here, always fighting amongst each other and never
supporting one another.

I told Sheldon, “My brother, let’s change your outlook and let’s start to teach those who are envious of us by doing
good to them. The Holy Scriptures teach us that you can only overcome evil only if you do it by doing good.”. I then asked
him to show me this building that he used to cook out of. We walked over to the building next door with the stairs and
porch severely deteriorated with one corner of the foundation rotting away. We walked up the stairs, he opened the doors
and the light shone in, this place had been used for storage for the past few years, all of the original equipment gone, but
even then, what I saw was that it still had potential.

I asked Sheldon what the restaurant used to be called. He told me the name, but I said, “Let’s come up with a
name, a new name. A name that will make people think, a name that will give people hope with a message. When they
ask you where or how this started, you will have a message to give them.” I told him to think of name in Gitxsan, the
native language of this First Nations Reserve. I also told him to think of a name that would be for the people who would
remember him in their native language. I also told him think of name that is for the people what he would be remembered
by?

He thought for a couple of seconds. I said to him that if he needed time to think he could call me and tell me later.
But before I finished speaking, he told me the name,

“Heart Café”.

“Heart Cafe, why?” I asked.

He replied, that was what had come to his mind. I knew that it was divine intervention, and I told him that he couldn’t have
come up with a better name. Sheldon wanted to help both himself and to help his people who were also in a feeble stage
as he was. What excuse could I have if I couldn’t help him? How could I not be the motivation to help him to live and be
the light he was meant to be? How could I not be the light that God calls us to be? “A shining candle under a bushel
cannot be seen.” So, what excuses are we going to come up with, saying that we cannot do it? Sometimes the devil
pushes us down to the point where we just want to be left alone. but that is the time God wants to show Heaven what we
truly are made of. It is hard, it is difficult but in the end, we all have each other. We are a family in God and we need to
continue to help each fulfill our dreams, helping each other not only to fulfill our dreams but also by helping one another.
Be a blessing and receive the blessings that will continue to flow when we freely give.

The cleaning and renovation of Heart Café will start this spring. So, all I have to say is, to be continued and watch
how God answers prayers.
 A poem inspired by Neng Nazareno
It was August of two thousand and sixteen
When I joined our youth’s mission team
Those who came for the trip were a total of fourteen
I believe we can all testify, that serving the Lord is very rewarding.

We went to a place called Kitwanga,

One of the reserved areas of British Columbia,
The mountains, the lakes are a magnificent panorama
The salmon, the berries, made every meal like a fiesta.

On our first two days, we did the native’s church painting,

This is in preparation for the Chief’s nephew’s wedding,
We didn’t realize that this had marked the beginning
of our wonderful friendship, through the Lord’s working.

Backyard “clean up,” was our next assignment

And everyone seems to be so competent,
In pulling the weeds or mowing the lawn,” you’re all excellent
What a God-given skill and an unbeatable talent.

Our major project, we didn’t forget to deliver,

A gift to school children, that’s the “bus stop shelter”
While waiting for the bus, especially during winter,
It will protect them from snow, rain & very bad weather.

There’s also work done in the carpentry shop,

The youth made stools for the kids, so they can reach their desk top
Only a half day was spent there, it’s just a shortstop
Then they cut logs into firewood, it’s as easy as doing “hip hop.”

Everyone enjoyed picking blueberries,

A part of our daily routine activities,
So sweet and so fresh, the mouth can’t resist,
The urge is so strong, the heart and mind insist.
 Visiting the neighbourhood is another opportunity,
And caring for them is more of a loving responsibility,
We sang and pray for them, serving is a joy, really!
And we’re able to extend sympathy to one grieving family.

We were so honored by attending their feasts

Observing their tradition, is one in the list
Refusing an offer insults everyone especially the chiefs,
Better follow the instructions, or they will be displeased.

We were all amazed with chief Gary’s testimony,

His life and his wife’s changed, by God’s transforming ability,
There are also others, whose depression and anxiety,
Had been cured by God’s love, and had removed their misery.

Let’s all praise the Lord for His abounding grace

He had brought the SULADS to this aboriginal place,
To rescue His children from addiction disgrace
And the love of Jesus, many people embraced.

There’s so much work to do, the SULADS are busy,

Their steadfast commitment is extraordinary
Their relentless dedication, is not just an accessory,
But a very important tool, possessed by a missionary.

The coming King will bring you, your hard work’s reward,
Keep on keeping on, and always move forward
Just patiently wait, you’ll get it afterward,
Be faithful and true, keep your hearts on guard.

Let us work together, this command is for all,

Let us respond quickly, to our Saviour’s call
Let’s join hands together, so nobody would fall,
Meeting Him in the air, is our major goal.

We thank you O Lord, for this golden opportunity,

To work with the SULADS in this northern part of the country
It has always been my dream to become a missionary
Wherever you want us to go, lead my husband and me.
 Cutting wood for
elders in Gitwangak.
Feels so good to be
doing the Lords work
and appreciate all His
blessings. We need
to look at what God is
doing for us and be
thankful for it.

-Viktor Sabo

Left: SULADS Canada President, Ephraim Baragona. Right: SULADS Canada VP, Lemwel Ramada wearing
traditional dress.

The Northern Mission Summit was held in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada. On the said
event, SULADS Canada missionaries shared how they use agriculture and positive experiences for
young people to connect and grow the church in an indigenous community in northern British
Columbia.
Read more here: http://www.adventistreview.org/church-news/story4040-go-north-god-has-people-there-too
If you wish to buy our produce or send donation to Gitxsan Mission,

Please send it to
-marked as: SULADS CANADA MISSION PROJECT
311 Kline Crescent, Edmonton, AB, T6L 6K7