Greetings and Happy Sabbath, Willowdale Church Family,
Matthew chapter twenty-four outlines the signs that will precede the second coming of Jesus. Verse eight delivers a sobering truth: “All these are the beginning of sorrow.” This includes famines, pestilences, and natural disasters that seem to be intensifying globally. Over the last three consecutive weeks, natural disasters have dominated news headlines. Week one, Hurricane Melissa struck the Caribbean. Week two, Super Typhoon Fung-Wong displaced nearly a million people in the Philippines. Week three, Cyclone Ditwah lashed Sri Lanka, resulting in over 460 deaths and immense destruction. We know that many among us have family and loved ones directly affected by these heartbreaking events.
In response to this continuous need, the leadership of the Ontario Conference made an initial emergency appeal. However, it quickly became clear that weekly, indefinite video appeals were not a sustainable approach. After much prayer and deliberation, the leadership realized we needed a permanent solution for immediate disaster response. On November 27, 2025, the Ontario Conference launched a permanent Disaster Response Account. This new account for giving works in addition to the vital, ongoing global efforts of ADRA (Adventist Disaster Relief Agency).
Jesus taught in Matthew twenty-five that sharing and service are fundamental to a disciple’s lifestyle: “inasmuch as you did it to the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” We will continually hear many financial appeals as we near the second coming of Jesus. How do we determine where and to whom to give? I believe that the process for giving should be guided by three core principles:
- Acknowledging that all resources flow from God.
- Committing to wise stewardship of His provisions.
- Responding to the prompting for giving by the Holy Spirit.
Ultimately, we give because God first gave to us. We are to be motivated by love for Him and our fellow human beings. Let us embrace giving as a lifestyle choice with cheerful hearts as we reveal our character and what truly matters in these times of crisis.
Maranatha!
Pastor Glenn DeSilva
