On a cold night in Alberta on Feb. 8, the RCMP stated that they responded to a report of a charter bus that had hit the median and rolled over at approximately 10:27 pm on Feb. 7 on Highway 43, one kilometre west of Debolt.
The vehicle was a charter bus carrying the Grande Prairie Adventist Church Pathfinder Club home from a Pathfinder Bible Experience program in Edmonton.
Of the 37 occupants, Pathfinder leader Lillian Banda was pronounced dead at the scene. Of the remaining occupants, six sustained serious injuries and were taken to a local hospital, where they were treated. All the other travellers made it safely home.
Alberta Conference president pastor Jeff Potts said the conference will send a team of pastors trained in counselling to Grande Prairie Adventist Church to provide support. Pastor Dan Wilson of Grand Prairie Adventist Church held a special prayer service on Feb. 8 at 6 pm, which included pathfinders conference wide. Youth Director Roberson Dorelus is also supporting the youth.
“Please keep the Grande Prairie Church in your prayers,” Potts said. “Pray for [pastor] Dan Wilson as he ministers to his church family.”
Written by Pastor Shawn Ellis, editor of Canadian Adventist Messenger, with contributions from Troy McQueen, communications director for the Alberta Conference, and Erika Rolling, reporter for Everything Grand Prairie!
