“I have been excited to be part of ADRA’s ministry for many years, Astleford stated. “Relief and development agencies are growing increasingly professional and sophisticated and world needs are pressing,” he commented.  “In this new role I will seek to lead ADRA in meeting these challenges.  We must be a strong agency that continues to provide effective, loving service to those in poverty and distress around the world.”

Astleford has served at a senior management level within the ADRA network for more than twenty years.  His years of service have included appointments as executive director at the ADRA offices in South Sudan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Nepal and assistant country director for ADRA India.  Astleford holds a MSA degree in international development and a MA from Andrews University as well as a BA from Washington Adventist University.

“I have had the privilege of working with James for the past several years and know that with his past experience, strong commitment for the growth of ADRA, and his knowledge of the Canadian field, he will be a strong asset to our humanitarian agency.  There is no doubt that with all of our support he will bring ADRA to another level of excellence,” stated Daniel Stojanovic, chair of the ADRA Canada board of directors.  “I’m confident that James, along with his staff, will continue to promote a positive vision for the work of ADRA Canada here at home and around the world,” continued Stojanovic.  “On behalf of the Board and the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada, I assure him of our full support and prayers for his success,” he committed.

“Through my many years with ADRA, I have seen how the lives of individuals and whole communities in many countries have improved as a result of ADRA projects,” reflected Astleford. “I am also very proud of, and thankful for, the contributions Canadians make through their support of ADRA Canada.  Our supporters are our lifeblood and I appreciate their continued support and prayers as I take on this new role.”

Astleford will be balancing his new role along with his current role as the ADRA Canada Emergency Management Director until a replacement is selected.  Astleford replaces Ron Kuhn who held the executive director position until March 2012.

Just for fun, we’ve hidden our Messenger “M” somewhere in the pages of the December 2011 issue of the magazine. Carefully search each page, find its hiding spot, and then comment on this story (giving us your name and contact information), and you will be entered into a random draw for a prize furnished by the Eastern Canada Adventist Book Center.

Remember what the Messenger “M” looks like (the font on the front cover for reference). It’s not in any of the places where our logo usually goes, like the masthead or page footers.

This will be our last Something _issing Contest and we hope you’ve enjoyed it. We already have a long list of contestants, but don’t despair – you have until February 19 to join in the fun.

Happy Hunting!

Walikonis leaves behind his wife, Dawn, and two daughters: Stephanie, a preschool teacher in Loma Linda, Calif., and Janelle, a Peace Corps volunteer in Cameroon, Africa; his brothers, Steve (Cindy), Randy (Jean), Jeff (Connie); sister Karen (Gary); and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service was held on Thursday, December 29, at the Azure Hills church in Grand Terrace, Calif.

Klam was born in Outlook, Saskatchewan. After graduating from Walla Walla College, he went to work as an assistant auditor for the SDACC in 1971, then, in 1976, he became the treasurer for the Alberta Conference, and in 1981 he came back the SDACC where he also worked as treasurer. Klam moved to the United States in 1986 where he joined the Oregon conference as treasurer. In 1992 he moved to the Lake Union Conference where he worked as treasurer for 10 years, and then from 2002 to 2008 he was treasurer of the North Pacific Union conference. Klam served on various health system and university boards during his career. He helped to develop Beyond the Bottom Line, a training seminar for church financial leaders.

Norman W. Klam is survived by his wife, Marlene; daughter, Cheri Oellrich, a physician, of Vancouver, B.C.; son, Jeffrey, an assistant treasurer for the Northern California Conference; and several grandchildren. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, January 14 at the Meadow Glade church in Battle Ground, Wash.