At the Kingsview Village Church and Mount Olive in Toronto, distribution centers were set up to give out warm winter coats that were donated from churches across the Ontario Conference. Each church also provided meals. At Kingsview Village, a special sit-down Thanksgiving meal, with beautifully appointed table settings were prepared for over 150 to make their guests feel welcome. Refugees arrived by the busload, and a team of volunteers, including Ontario Conference President Jakov Bibulović, Treasurer Virene Meikle, Compassion Ministry Director Pastor Andrew King, Prayer Ministries Director Edith Habaradas and local lead pastor Harold Johnson along with their families, assisted in distributing the coats and ensuring they fit everyone appropriately. After receiving their winter wear, the refugees were treated to hot meals. At both Kingsview and Mount Olive, spirits were high, and smiles adorned the faces of the recipients, who were deeply grateful for the coats. The event organizers and the Seventh-day Adventist Church received resounding applause for making this heartwarming initiative possible.

Speaking with the volunteers, it was discovered that several of them were members of the Adventist Church in their home countries. One volunteer expressed, "I can't tell you how good it felt to come to this country and still feel like we are coming home to our Adventist Church, which is still looking out for us."

The success of this event is a testament to the Ontario Conference community, which recognized the need and came together to support those in challenging circumstances. Pastor King aptly summarized the sentiment when he said, "What better way to show the love of Jesus on a cold fall day by giving a 'hug' in the form of a warm winter coat."

President Jakov Bibulović expressed his gratitude, stating, "We are grateful to all the members of the Ontario Conference who made sacrifices in time, effort, and money to help meet the pressing needs of these refugees. You are part of what has put smiles on their faces today, and I encourage you to continue to work together to minister to those in need in your communities and show them the love of Jesus." 

Pastor Shawn Ellis
Director of Communications and Media

On October 6th, in a display of community spirit and compassion, the Apple Creek-Seventh-day Adventist Church collaborated with the non-profit organization Keep 6ix to make a positive impact on the community by providing much-needed support to families during the Thanksgiving season.

Keep 6ix is a Toronto-based not-for-profit organization founded in 2017. Their mission is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of at-risk youth from racialized communities who have been impacted by the criminal justice system. The founder of Keep 6ix, Richard Miller, was present at the event and expressed his gratitude for the successful collaboration. He mentioned, "It was overwhelming to see how well everything worked out. We were expecting rain, but it held off. I'm happy to know that families will have a meal this holiday."

Lead Pastor David Rogers shared his thoughts on the day's success. "We served well over 100 people of different ethnicities," he said. "It was wonderful to see the church community working together in the spirit of camaraderie to make sure everything ran smoothly."

The best review of the event came from one of the grateful recipients of the assistance. She said "I can't tell you how grateful I am to this church. What we received today is a Godsend, and it will make it easier for my family to have something nice for this holiday. Thank you!

Pastor Shawn Ellis
Director of Communications and Media

Some churches invited guests to speak to the congregation, like Richmond Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church, which invited a professor from York University to share about the history and challenges of the Truth and Reconciliation process. He also reminded the church that the Seventh-day Adventist Church is the leader in ministering to Indigenous people. Pastor Todor Levterov indicated that the members appreciated the presentation and they recognized the necessity for ongoing action and ministry to Indigenous people.

Other congregations, like Shiloh Church, read a land acknowledgment, reminding members that the land on which their church stands was historically owned and taken away from indigenous people. Similarly, Apple Creek Church had many of its leaders wear orange, a symbolic colour of solidarity. Lead Pastor David Rogers recounted the historical injustices faced by Indigenous communities, particularly those affected by the residential school system and other institutions, including the church. He emphasized the need for the church to pray and serve the indigenous community by stating, “It was through these [institutions] these things were inflicted on them, and it is through the church we need to show them that God is love”

Even in the lead-up to the Truth and Reconciliation Sabbath, Adventist schools, such as College Park Elementary School, played a role in raising awareness among students. They organized a program around the day and Indigenous Ministry. Pastor Mansfield Edwards, Vice President of Evangelism, Seniors, and Indigenous Ministries, shared with the students, emphasizing the importance of this work.

While many activities were done this past Sabbath to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, much more must be done. Ministry to Indigenous people is challenging. The historical actions of institutions have left scars that must be healed and trust needs to be built. Nevertheless, it's a vital mission that should be considered as significant as any other ministry.

In Revelation 7:9-10, we read about a diverse multitude standing before the throne, united in praise to the God of our salvation. As followers of Christ, we are called to minister to all people and ensure that the message of salvation reaches every nation, tribe, language and people. (Revelation 14:6).

Pastor Shawn Ellis
Director of Communications and Media