Windsor Welcomes Pastor Patrick Sano to Ministry

The Windsor Seventh-day Adventist Church joyfully welcomed Pastor Patrick Sano as its new Assistant Pastor for Youth, together with his wife, Olivia, and their daughter, Hadassa, marking the beginning of a new chapter of ministry in Windsor.

The official welcome took place on Sabbath, August 29, 2026, during a special service attended by Pastor Emile Maxi, Vice President/Executive Secretary of the Ontario Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, and his wife, June.

During the worship service, Senior Pastor Alex Golovenko formally introduced Pastor Patrick and his family to the Windsor congregation. Pastor Alex led the Pastoral Installation Litany, presenting Patrick to the church and calling him to the responsibility of serving as Assistant Pastor. Pastor Patrick responded by accepting the call and committing himself to serving God and His people in Windsor. Pastor Emile Maxi offered the Prayer of Consecration over Pastor Patrick, Olivia, and Hadassa. He prayed for God's presence and protection over the family, for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and for power from above as Patrick was set apart for ministry among God's people.

The congregation also received a video greeting from former Assistant Pastor Edwin Darius, who encouraged Patrick to learn, ask questions, and enjoy the journey of ministry. He especially encouraged him to seek God's wisdom as he ministers to young people and helps them become disciples whose lives are centred on a relationship with Jesus.

As part of the welcome, Elder Willys Abali presented Patrick with the church keys that Pastor Edwin had prepared before leaving Windsor. Pastor Alex presented him with a daily planner and pen, while Brenda Bhanks, on behalf of the church administration and congregation, presented a welcome gift to Olivia and Hadassah.

But Patrick's ministry assignment extends beyond the Windsor congregation.

Following his introduction and consecration at Windsor, Pastor Patrick and Pastor Emile Maxi travelled to the Ubuntu Company, where Pastor Maxi formally installed Patrick as Ubuntu's pastor. The congregation had previously been led by elder Jovin Mwizerwa with the assistance of retired Pastor Eriazali Mpamira. Pastor Patrick preached his first sermon at Ubuntu that Sabbath, beginning his pastoral ministry with the congregation.

Pastor Patrick brings a rich multicultural background to his new assignment. A graduate in Theology from the Adventist University of Central Africa, he has experience in pastoral ministry, preaching, teaching, evangelism, youth ministry, discipleship, worship, and community outreach. His previous ministry experience includes service in a congregation of approximately 900 members, and more recently he served as a deacon at Ottawa East Seventh-day Adventist Church. He also has administrative experience from his work at the Adventist School of Medicine in Rwanda.

Growing up, Patrick spent time as a shepherd caring for cattle—an experience that helped develop patience, responsibility, attentiveness, and care, qualities that continue to shape his approach to pastoral ministry.

His linguistic abilities will also be an asset in Windsor's multicultural ministry. Pastor Patrick speaks English, Kinyarwanda, Swahili, and French, enabling him to connect with people from several cultural and linguistic communities.

On Sabbath, September 5, First Elder Willys Abali welcomed Pastor Patrick before he preached his first sermon to the Windsor congregation in his new role. His message, “The Everlasting Kingdom,” provided a fitting beginning to his preaching ministry at Windsor. Following the service, members gathered for a fellowship lunch, giving the congregation an opportunity to become better acquainted with Patrick, Olivia, and Hadassa.

The Windsor church family is grateful to welcome the Sano family and looks forward to serving alongside them. We pray that God will guide and strengthen Pastor Patrick as he serves the Windsor congregation, ministers to its youth, and provides pastoral leadership to the Ubuntu Company.

Welcome to Windsor, Pastor Patrick, Olivia, and Hadassa. May God richly bless this new chapter of ministry!

Ruby Chand
Windsor Seventh-day Adventist Church and Windsor Ubuntu Adventist Group