Northern Ontario Project

Years back, AWA had an inquiry from the members of the small church in Sioux Lookout Ontario, they had a burden on their hearts for the indigenous people scattered across Northern Ontario in small and isolated communities. They saw the social and spiritual challenges that these villages faced, including drug and alcohol dependencies and disproportionately high suicide rates. It was clear to them that the only way to reach and sustain a presence effectively would be to have a dedicated aircraft, so they turned to AWA for a solution.

AWA partnered with the Ontario Conference of Seventh-day Adventists from that original grassroots initiative. Under the direction of Pastor Mansfield Edwards and the Ontario Conference, original Funding of $ 150,000 was raised to acquire and prepare a plane for Canada. The Ontario Conference continues to partner with AWA under the direction of Elder Lloyd Douglas and Pastor Ray Davis. Subsequent meetings with the local chiefs and communities will help AWA better understand the humanitarian provisions that need to be correctly supplied.

Various planes were tested as the best for the region and the current one, a Cessna 206 with six-seater capacity and better long-range and cargo capacity is finally the best option for flying in the Northern Ontario region. Wrought with ever-changing weather patterns. Dotted with multiple lakes, fog, low clouds, wind, snow, and rain, the weather can hinder a pilot at any given moment.

When the plane cannot fly due to weather, the small local church team in Sioux Lookout has been earnest in getting the supplies out by vehicle to the secluded indigenous communities that can be reached by road. There is always a need to help with the burden of those costs and to keep the cupboards replenished in the church food bank, along with clothing and personal living supplies.

It has been amazing to watch how quickly the various elements and resources have fallen into place. Having a project located in Sioux Lookout, the Hub of the North, is truly a divinely orchestrated blessing for Northern Ontario.

In looking ahead to the possibilities of the Northern Ontario Project we invite you to join hands with us as we endeavor to make a difference like never before. Jesus’ return is getting closer with each passing day, and the impact we can make could be unprecedented.