A solar eclipse is a captivating event that often creates fear and fuels superstition. Some point to Matthew 24:29-31, where Jesus foretells an eclipse and other events immediately preceding His return. People then start to see eclipses as a threatening sign, while others look for prophetic revelations. However, it's important to approach such natural phenomena with discernment.

Jakov Bibulović, President of the Ontario Conference, offers a reassuring perspective, suggesting, "We should view such amazing occurrences as reminders that Jesus second coming is imminent, and we need to be ready for that glorious day." He continues, "Instead of the eclipse being a source of fear or obsession, let's refocus our efforts on the mission Jesus has already called us to do: to make disciples for Him."

In fact, Ellen G. White, in the book Prophets and Kings, said, "God gives opportunities; success depends upon the use made of them" (pg 486). So, during this coming eclipse, while your neighbours and friends are discussing the event, speak to them about the wonders of God and His creation, and seize the opportunity to talk about Jesus and how He gives us these signs to prepare for His soon return.

Pastor Shawn Ellis
Director, Communications and Media

Genesis 1:14 says, "Then God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years."

What is a SOLAR ECLIPSE?

A solar eclipse happens when the moon comes between the earth and the sun.  As a result, the sun casts a shadow over the Earth.  While partial eclipses are common, when the sun is blocked 100% by the moon, it is a very special occasion. Only 0.5% of the world's population lives in the path of a total eclipse. The next total solar eclipse will happen in Kingston, Ontario, in the year 2399. The last one was around 700 years ago.
When the sun is completely blocked by the moon, the temperature can drop as much as five degrees Celsius. It will become noticeably dark, like dusk. To experience this God-given phenomenon, however, you must be in the path of 100% totality of the shadow of the moon. Most of the Greater Toronto Area will not be in a 100% totality zone; thus, thousands of Ontarians will travel to Niagara or Eastern Ontario to experience totality. There’s no comparison between a partial solar eclipse and a total solar eclipse. People who have experienced the latter often say it is a deeply moving event.

When the moon partially blocks the sun, it may dim the brightness of the sun, and it may be tempting to look at the dimmed sun, but this can damage the light-sensitive tissues at the back of the eye and even the front of the eye.  This can cause blurry vision, eye pain, and even lifelong damage. Hence, it is imperative to wear proper solar eclipse protection. The effects of eye damage from a solar eclipse may improve in time but if the damage is severe enough, it can be lifelong. So please enjoy the eclipse with approved solar eclipse glasses. The glasses should conform to ISO 12312-2 to prevent eye damage. God has made the sun 400,000 times brighter than the moon, so even 1% of the sunlight (during the partial part of the eclipse) can damage the eyes.  Please make sure any children in your care are also protected.
Monday’s eclipse will start around 2:05 p.m. and last about 2.5 hours. At the peak of the eclipse or totality (around 3:20 p.m. in Ontario), it will get so dark that viewing the eclipse directly will not be seen through the glasses. This will last around 3 minutes. Make sure your eclipse glasses are on when there is not totality of the eclipse.

To see the exact path of the eclipse and to determine when the total eclipse will occur near you, please see the following:
https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/map/2024-april-8

For more information about the eclipse from Queens University, visit https://www.queensu.ca/physics/2024eclipse.

Also, a list of vendors for safe eclipse glasses can be found at https://eclipse.aas.org/eyesafety/viewers-filters.

Markus Minder OD BSc Biology

The day commenced with an encouraging devotion led by Ministerial Secretary Frankie Lazarus. This was followed by a welcome by the president of the Ontario Conference, Jakov Bibulović, who emphasized the importance of modelling stewardship in all aspects of life and ministry, not just money.

Following a season of prayer, Pastor Michael Harp, Stewardship Director for the North American Division, took the stage. He described what the true core of stewardship is—the love of God. He shared that true Christian stewardship calls each believer to be more than cheerful givers but to use all our possessions and resources to glorify God. Pastor Harp gave many examples of the blessings of giving and receiving under this stewardship model. In one story, he mentioned a pastor in dire financial need whose friend stepped in to provide an unexpectedly large amount of financial assistance because of what he saw as the pastor's faithfulness.

Pastor Haper also shared familiar aspects of stewardship—Time, Talent, Temple (body), and Treasure. He then added what he called three "foundational pillars" to that list—Trust in God, Sharing your Testimony, and the Theology that stewardship is grounded in the Love of God. This comprehensive framework was new to some participants and gave a new holistic understanding of stewardship, emphasizing our relationship with God and fellow human beings.

Reflecting on the impact of the workshop, Pastor Anthony Reid, Director of Stewardship and PARL at the Conference, said, "Getting back to the basics of stewardship, which is the love of God and recognizing His providential hand in our lives, widens the scope of stewardship substantially; so even giving a sermon is an act of stewardship." He continued, "I believe the Seven Ts will help change the mindset in our churches so that, as Pastor Harp says, we recognize that everything in our possession is to be used wisely for the Glory of God."

Pastor Shawn Ellis
Director, Communications and Media