Your Health, Our Passion: Serving Downtown Toronto

Sunday, September 6, 2026, at the Novotel Toronto Centre in downtown Toronto, became the setting for a remarkable day of compassion, service, and faith. Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, this was the second medical mission held under the theme, “Your Health, Our Passion.” From 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., more than 60 volunteers, coming from as far as Niagara Falls and Kingston, united to serve the community.

Throughout the day, volunteers interacted with more than 100 people, while over 80 individuals received free health and wellness services. These included naturopathic and nutrition consultations, massage therapy, mental health consultations, fitness and body-composition assessments, haircuts, and assessments for chronic and acute health concerns. Guests also benefited from scheduled health talks, the RESTORED booth, a resources booth, a prayer booth, free clothing, and care packages. One participant even flew from Antigua specifically to receive the services offered at the mission.

The day also brought beautiful reminders of God’s providence. An older gentleman who spoke only Mandarin arrived and registered for services. Volunteers struggled to understand his needs and attempted to communicate through Google Translate. As silent prayers were lifted to God, the answer came within three minutes. A young Seventh-day Adventist man, Jeff, visiting from British Columbia, happened to arrive to see what was happening at the medical mission. He came from the same country as the older gentleman. Although they spoke different dialects, his familiarity with Cantonese, together with Google Translate, helped the older gentleman communicate his needs and receive assistance. The same gentleman then went to get his friend, who also received services.

A similar moment occurred when a Spanish-speaking couple arrived. Ines Télis, an Ontario Conference staff member who speaks Spanish, arrived at the precise time and was able to translate for them. She also exchanged contact information with the couple and plans to stay in touch. Once again, God provided the right person at the right moment, opening the door for continued connection and ministry.

Many participants expressed heartfelt appreciation for the mission, especially noting the friendliness, warmth, and smiles of the volunteers. One mother and daughter asked which church was organizing the event. When told, “The Seventh-day Adventist Church,” the mother replied, “That’s good—you can pray for me.” Our prayer team gladly prayed with her.

Several visitors asked questions about the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and more than a dozen requested connection with a local congregation to learn more about wholistic health: physical, mental, and spiritual.

This second medical mission demonstrated that compassionate health ministry opens doors to meaningful relationships. Through willing volunteers, professional services, sincere prayer, and God’s perfect timing, “Your Health, Our Passion” became more than a theme; it became a living expression of the healing ministry of Jesus.

Edith Missah-Habaradas
Health and Prayer Ministries Director,
Ontario Conference