The event was attended not only by church members but also individuals from the Conference and community, including Patricia Ferriera Lopez, Director of Women's and Children's Ministries; Pastor Allan Chichester, Director of Family and Men's Ministries; Adil Khalqi, Town Councilor for Ward 3 (South-East), a representative from the Office of the Hon. Parm Gill, MPP and Kaitlin Mckenna from the Halton Women's Shelter. Together, they officially opened the event and made a proclamation against all forms of abuse targeting women and children.

Pastor Mansfield Edwards, Vice President of Evangelism and Outreach, served as keynote speaker. His message clearly illustrated the emotional and psychological toll on victims. Pastor Edwards reminded everyone that the Adventist church needs to make our voices heard on the issue of abuse, and every member needs to take an active role in standing against it.

Throughout the event, attendees and guests were equipped with valuable resources on abuse. They were also educated on how to recognize the signs of Intimate Partner Violence and how to seek help for themselves or those in need.

In reflecting on the event, lead Pastor Dre Thompson stated, “We at the Milton Seventh-day Adventist Church will continue to bring awareness of Intimate Partner Violence, knowing that ‘Action Changes Things’. No more silence. We will defend all those who need it as we play our part to end all forms of violence in society.”

Pastor Thompson
Milton Seventh-day Adventist Church

Read more of Britanny Jerry, Peel District Pathfinder Secretary’s report.  

See the flyer in this issue and be sure to bring a friend!

Isabel Thorman
Bronte Music Director

The event featured a diverse array of vendors offering health-based materials and services, making it a one-stop destination for all things related to well-being. Abigail Llewelyn, the health director of the church with her team, worked to ensure that the day engaged all ages. Upbeat music was playing. There were activities, seminars and food. There was also Christian literature. One church member working the literature tent exclaimed, "I only have one Bible left! All the others were taken by visitors!" It was clear guests attending were looking for not only physical health but spiritual nourishment.

Guests from the community really appreciated the Health Expo. One guest summed it up, saying, "We found it very empowering. We loved the information on nutrition and the practical way to use it in our lives. It was also great to see others from our neighbourhood here as well!” This sentiment echoed throughout the event, highlighting the positive impact it had on attendees.

There was a strong turnout to the event, due to Agape’s simple yet effective advertising strategy: email, OCN, and word of mouth. The strategy clearly drew diverse members from the community.

As the sun set on August 20, the Agape Seventh-day Adventist Church Health Expo had reached its goals. The community was empowered with health information, new friends were made, and follow-ups for Bible studies were scheduled. As a community member stated, “I look forward to the next one!"

Pastor Shawn Ellis
Director of Communications and Media

The Conference is working to craft a program and workshops that will empower your ministry. Whether you're an experienced ministry leader or someone eager to take their first step, this convention is tailored for you.

There will also be special group discounts to encourage your church ministry teams or groups of friends to attend.

Many more details are to come, so stay tuned and be sure to place March 22-23, 2024, on your calendar for the Ontario Conference Ministries Convention. 

Pastor Shawn Ellis
Director of Communications and Media