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Grande Prairie Pathfinders Attend PBE; Community Mourns Tragic Loss

February 11, 2026 | Edwin Martin | Ontario Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

On February 7, 2026, the Grande Prairie Pathfinder Club of the Alberta Conference travelled to Edmonton to take part in the annual Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE), joining clubs from across the region for this special Bible-testing event.

According to a news release issued by the Alberta Conference on February 9, the club was involved in a tragic accident while returning home to Grande Prairie on a charter bus following the PBE program. The accident claimed the life of Lillian Banda, the beloved wife of the Pathfinder director. Her sudden passing has brought deep sorrow to the Banda family, the Pathfinder Club, and the wider church community.

Several other passengers sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment. Thankfully, those injured have received medical care and have since been discharged.

During this difficult time, everyone is invited to lift up the Banda family in prayer, asking the Lord to surround them with His comfort and peace. Also, please remember in prayer the Pathfinders and leaders who were injured, that God may grant them continued healing and strength.

A Celebration of Life service honouring Lillian Banda will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. (MST) / 12:00 noon (EST) at the Christian Fellowship Assembly, Grande Prairie, AB. The service will be livestreamed on the Grande Prairie Adventist Church YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@grandeprairiesdachurch7574/streams

Your prayers and support would be greatly appreciated.

Pastor Edwin Martin
Director of Communications and Media Ministry,
Ontario Conference