DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING
“I can tell you that before this week, the person I was is completely different than the person I am today—and that is only through the power of Jesus.” Fifteen-year old Ayden Polishuk’s words captured the spirit of the Back to the Altar discipleship training in Red Deer, Alberta.
Ayden described a transformation not only in his own heart, but also within his home. “In my family, the Spirit of God has turned our hearts toward each other. There used to be a lot of chaos, but now there is peace, joy, and love.”
This week-long training event, led by Pastor Don MacLafferty, drew participants from across Canada—young and old—who were seeking a deeper connection with Jesus and a practical path to becoming disciple makers. “Being a disciple and a disciple maker is not a program. It’s a lifestyle, which should impact our homes first, then overflow into our schools, churches, and communities,” Pastor Don explained.
Each day began with revival-focused, interactive time exploring God’s Word. In the evenings, participants stepped out in faith to share Jesus, returning the next day to report and encourage one another—just as Jesus did with His disciples.
Pastor Don cast a vision of a church on fire for Christ: “Can you imagine Jesus living in our hearts by faith, leading us to fearlessly go and share Him wherever we put our feet? There’s an urgency now to live as disciple makers to help everyone get ready for the best event of the ages—Jesus coming again.”
Thirteen-year-old Clayton Rogers, from British Columbia, echoed that urgency. “This week got me thinking that we shouldn’t ignore what we hear in Bible preaching. Jesus is coming really soon— probably in my lifetime.”
Clayton’s mother, Sarah, described a spiritual heart surgery of her own. “Jesus has been so gentle and tender with me. I didn’t realize how much I was being controlled by my phone and technology. Now, Jesus is in control of my time, and the joy and freedom He gives doesn’t compare to anything I found in scrolling.” Their family is now committed to revitalizing worship at home—interactive, Christ-centered, and Spirit-led.
Others, like Richard Green, an entrepreneur from Ontario, brought their entire families. “It was more than a program—it was dynamic and stretching. We were challenged to live this every day in our homes, not just at church. The quiet moments, hearing God’s voice, were highlights for me. I saw Jesus standing at the door of my heart—but it was cluttered with junk. That junk has to go, and it hurts, but it’s like open-heart surgery. He only removes what harms us, so He can fill us with His best.”
Even pastors were renewed. “Pastoring can be overwhelming,” said Pastor Ryan Brousson of the Medicine Hat/Brooks District. “This week helped me reconnect with God and reenergize for ministry.” The experience raises a crucial question for all of us: Are you following Jesus’ call to make disciples? If not, would you like to learn how?
Jesus cares for each of us individually—“as if there were not another on the face of the earth” (Desire of Ages, pg. 480). “If there had been but one lost soul, Christ would have died for that one” (Christ’s Object Lessons, pg. 187).
When René and I met Pastor Don MacLafferty, it felt as if Jesus Himself had come to us saying, “Come, follow Me.” Don’s teaching, modeled after Christ’s methods, makes Scripture come alive in practical, transformative ways.
Not only in Red Deer, Alberta, but also in other churches, like Creston, BC, René and I have been sharing the principles and practices of how to live daily and fearlessly as a disciple and disciple maker for Jesus.
If you’re hungry and thirsty for more in your walk with God, consider inviting us to conduct a Discipleship Training event in your church. It’s an intergenerational, hands-on revival and discipleship training experience you don’t want to miss.
Email: [email protected]
Address: It Is Written Canada, Box 2010,
Oshawa, Ontario, L1H 7V4
Phone: (905) 404-6510
– Mike Lemon
Upcoming Episodes
JUNE 7
How to Save a Failed Marriage: From Ashes to Beauty
Marlon and Doreen Cliffe know the frustration of a lonely, disconnected marriage with the ongoing feelings of hopelessness. The good news is that they have also experienced restoration and happiness in their marriage, and they love showing how you can experience it too!
JUNE 14
Surviving the Cambodian Killing Fields
The arrival of the Khmer Rouge in April of 1975 marked the beginning of a horrific era in Cambodian history. From 1975 to 1979, more than a quarter of the Cambodian population perished through executions, overwork, starvation, and disease. Sereivudh Ly, who was in his early teens at the time, miraculously survived the Cambodian killing fields.
JUNE 21
Healing from PTSD after the Killing Fields
Working in brutal labour camps deep in the Cambodian jungle, young Sereivudh’s life was unexplainably spared time and again, yet once he was set free, he did not want to live. He was filled with anger, bitterness, and hatred; suffering from PTSD, he needed help.
JUNE 28
The Benefits of Gratitude
Both the Bible and Science agree that gratitude really is good for you. But what about if you are going through a very dark moment in your life? How then can you give thanks? How could the angels sing praises when God’s only Son came to a world that was hellbent on rejecting Him?
STRENGTHENING OUR MISSION:
Mishra Bowen Joins as NEW Director of Operations
With over a decade of financial and operations experience, Mishra Bowen has been appointed Director of Operations for It Is Written Canada. Formerly Senior Accountant at the Ontario Conference of the SDA Church, she brings expertise in payroll, audits, and compliance. Backed by a BBA and industry certifications, she’s known for her collaborative spirit, problem-solving skills, reliability, leadership, and commitment to excellence in mission-driven organizations.
Welcome to our team, Mishra!
THIS MONTH’S FREE OFFER – End – Time Hope: A Journey to Eternity by Mark Finley
With all the trouble in the world, where can we find answers to facing life amidst all the discouragement and strife? This book will lead you to discover the hope Jesus provides. The Biblical description shows us this world is not racing randomly toward destruction, but it is headed for a date with destiny– the return of our Lord.
RAINBOW POTATO SALAD
INGREDIENTS:
- 1.5 lb bag baby potatoes, quartered
- 1 tsp salt
- 5 tbsp vegan mayo
- 3 tbsp pickle juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- cayenne pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup carrot, grated
- 1/4 cup celery, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp dill, finely chopped
- 1-2 tbsp garlic dill pickles, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp red onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp green onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
INSTRUCTIONS:
- In a large pot, cover the quartered baby potatoes with cold water, add 1 tsp of salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Turn down to a simmer and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Do not overcook.
- In a small bowl, combine the vegan mayo, pickle juice, paprika, 1/4 tsp salt, and cayenne pepper. Add the dressing to the potatoes while they’re still warm. Mix with a fork.
- Cool the potatoes and added dressing in your fridge or freezer until they are room temperature or cooler.
- Gently mix in all the remaining ingredients: carrot, celery, dill, pickles, red onion, green onion, red and green bell pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Garnish with paprika and dill.