Interview with Daniel Saugh
Daniel Saugh is currently serving as the Canadian Programs Manager (National) and the Adventist Ministries of Compassion Coordinator for the SDACC. The executive secretary of the Quebec Conference recently had a interview with him. Read more to get more insight on the recent ADRA grants in reponse to the COVID-19 pandemic
- How long have you been working for ADRA and what is your role?
Last year September 2019, I received a call to serve at ADRA Canada and started in October 1, 2019 to the present time. I am currently serving as the Canadian Programs Manager (National) and the Adventist Ministries of Compassion Coordinator for the SDACC.
- What is ADRA doing to support churches responding to the COVID-19 crisis?
ADRA responded immediately to the crisis in March when we learned of it launching into action to offer emergency assistance to priority areas such as food relief, psycho social care and vulnerable groups in need of assistance.
- What are some of the criteria that have been used for the ADRA grant?
Some of the criteria we used were very specific and needed to demonstrate alignment with them such as:
- Ability to implement the suggested activities while adhering to the federal and provincial safety and security procedures, including those for COVID-19
- Ability to prove that the suggested response is a gap in the community that is currently not funded by the Canadian government or other humanitarian agencies and reaching out to the most vulnerable.
- Ability to prove that the proposed intervention is deemed effective in addressing the identified gap, given the context.
Ability to have in-kind or cash contribution e.g. volunteers, equipment, assets, or matching funds from the church or conference or other
- How many churches in Quebec and Canada received funding under the ADRA grant?
We would have really liked to fund more projects in Quebec but 4 churches were selected. Moreover, we have funded over 34 projects across Canada out of over 88 proposals we had to read, review and select.
- Where is the ADRA grant money coming from?
The ADRA grant funds comes from ADRA’s emergency assistance funds, the SDACC, ADRA International, and the NAD ACS department, which helped us to provide more funding to conferences to fund projects that was able to be funded beyond the initial ADRA assistance.
- How does ADRA Canada see what is happening in the churches of the Quebec Conferences in response to the crisis?
ADRA really appreciates the work that is happening in Quebec and we want to continue to support the work there by partnering with the Conference and churches to meet the humanitarian and disaster relief needs.
- What expectations are there in regards to the churches that have received an amount of money under the ADRA grant?
The expectations of churches who received the emergency funds is that they will use it well according to the criteria; work closely with their project managers; report back to ADRA and the QC Conference and; and finally serve as a example of how ADRA can collaborate to work in for future projects like these.
- What are some of the ways in which ADRA Canada will continue focusing on projects for Canadians?
ADRA is committed to rebuilding its Canadian Program (national program) by working in partnership with our conferences across Canada and the SDACC so we can be present to respond to any emergency, crisis or disaster that may arise. We will work to train volunteers and support them in their area of service. We are here as a resource and to make our presence and ministry to others known so that we can point them to Him the Savior of the world.
- Do you have anything testimony to share related to the ADRA grant?
We are very to happy to hear that the funds received are helping meet many needs. One testimony comes all the way from the Nunavut Territory close to the artic circle where it look a long time for food and supplies to get there. Once they received it, some of the Inuit people really appreciated the love and care shown to them. Many had shortages of food but because of the partnership with our church groups in Nunavut we were able to get food and essential items to this remote community.
- How can the Quebec Conference support the ministry of ADRA Canada?
We are grateful for the prayers and generous financial support from the Quebec conference. We are all on the same team and when one shines we all shine for God’s glory. Please continue to pray for us and thank you for giving to ADRA a gift, because this gifts helps to bless others by giving back.
- Do you have a final word for the churches and members of the Quebec Conference?
We wish great success to all the churches and QC conference to continue to be God’s hands, feet, and voice to help, heal, lift, encourage and give hope from the Source of all hope as we fulfill our motto at ADRA, to serve humanity so all may live as God intended, both here and now, and in our eternal home soon to come.
