15th Biennial All-Filipino Camp Meeting Unites More Than 2,000 in Worship, Fellowship, and Mission
Posted: June 16th, 2026
The Filipino Adventist Ministry Coordinating Council (FAMCC) successfully concluded its 15th Biennial All-Filipino Camp Meeting, held on June 12–14, 2026, bringing together over 2,000 members and guests from 16 Filipino congregations across Ontario and beyond. Under the inspiring theme, "Together in Mission," this year's camp meeting was a beautiful reminder of God's faithfulness and the strength of His people when united in purpose, worship, and service.
The weekend began on Friday evening, June 12, with a spirit-filled Vespers program hosted at the First Fil-Can Seventh-day Adventist Church. Members filled the sanctuary with anticipation and gratitude as they gathered to welcome the Sabbath. Our guest speaker, Pastor Allan Martin, who traveled from Texas to minister to the Filipino Adventist community in Ontario, delivered the keynote message, "Lift Each Other Up." Through biblical principles and practical insights, Pastor Martin challenged believers to encourage one another, strengthen one another's faith, and become instruments of God's grace within their homes, churches, and communities. His message set the spiritual tone for a memorable weekend of worship and fellowship.
The highlight of the camp meeting was held on Sabbath, June 13, at the spacious and beautiful Canada Event Centre in Whitby. From the early morning hours, members, attired in their Filipino barongs, arrived with excitement and joy, greeting old friends and meeting new ones. The venue proved to be an excellent location for the gathering, offering a comfortable, welcoming environment for worship and fellowship.
During the Divine Worship Service, Pastor Allan Martin delivered a powerful message entitled "Pass the Baton." Drawing lessons from Scripture and the Olympic relay race, he emphasised the importance of mentoring, discipleship, leadership development, and faithfully passing the mission of the church to the next generation. His message resonated deeply with young and old alike, reminding everyone that God's work continues through faithful men and women who will carry on the mission.
Heartfelt congregational singing, inspiring special music, uplifting testimonies, and earnest prayers marked the Sabbath services. The presence of the Holy Spirit was clear throughout the day as members worshiped together in unity. Many attendees remarked that it was one of the most blessed and memorable camp meetings they had ever experienced.
Adding to the event's significance was the extensive media coverage from Adventist Ontario TV (AOTV). Over nearly 9 hours of live television broadcasting, thousands of additional viewers could take part virtually in the worship services and special programs. The livestream ministry helped extend the blessings of the camp meeting far beyond the venue's walls, reaching homes across Canada and around the world.
One of the most meaningful moments of the weekend was the Music Fest, held on Sabbath afternoon and evening. The program featured a wide variety of musical presentations from church choirs, vocal groups, instrumentalists, and individual performers representing the different Filipino congregations. Through sacred music, participants expressed their love for God and celebrated His goodness.
The Music Fest also featured testimonies from the London Fil-Can Group and the Ottawa Fil-Can Group, highlighting God's leading and faithfulness in the lives of His people. Special moments of appreciation and gratitude were given to the retired and volunteer pastors, as well as to the outgoing FAMA (Filipino Adventist Ministerial Association) and FAMCC officers, recognising their years of dedicated leadership, sacrifice, and commitment to advancing God's work among Filipino Adventists in Ontario. Their faithful service has contributed significantly to the growth, unity, and mission focus of the Filipino churches.
The spirit of generosity was also clear throughout the Sabbath services. Members responded cheerfully to the appeal for God's work, resulting in an offering totaling more than $11,000. This generous support reflects the Filipino Adventist community's commitment to continue expanding ministry, evangelism, discipleship, and mission initiatives throughout the Conference and beyond.
But as the afternoon program was wrapping up, Pastor Leo Launio, the Ontario Conference's appointed Filipino Ministry coordinator, signaled the preparation for another Filipino camp meeting by introducing and praying for the new FAMA and FAMCC officers. Sam Adriatico, the outgoing FAMCC president, gave the final remark by recognising all the FAMA pastors, the chairs and members of various committees, the event coordinators at Canada Event Centre, the camp meeting's guest speaker, Pastor Allan Martin, together with his wife, Diedre Martin. Above all, he gave thanks and glory to God Almighty for His guidance, blessings, and faithfulness throughout the event.
As many attendees observed, the weather throughout the weekend could not have been better. God blessed the camp meeting with beautiful sunshine, pleasant temperatures, and ideal conditions for travel, fellowship, and outdoor activities. The favourable weather added to the overall joy and success of the gathering, allowing participants to enjoy every aspect of the weekend fully.
The camp meeting concluded on Sunday, June 14, with the annual Sports Fest held at Kingsway College. Members of all ages enthusiastically took part in various sporting events, recreational activities, and friendly competitions. Beyond the games themselves, Sports Fest fostered camaraderie, teamwork, and lasting friendships among the churches. Laughter, encouragement, and Christian fellowship filled the campus as members celebrated the blessings of community and healthy recreation. The games were momentarily interrupted with a sumptuous meal prepared by the Hospitality Ministry from various churches.
The success of the 15th All-Filipino Camp Meeting was made possible through the dedication and hard work of many individuals and groups. Heartfelt appreciation is extended to all FAMA pastors, FAMCC officers, committee chairs, volunteers, church representatives, ministry leaders, technical teams, musicians, church choirs, greeters, registration staff, and countless others who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Their willingness to serve exemplified the camp meeting theme, "Together in Mission."
Special thanks are also extended to every member who attended, took part, prayed, sang, volunteered, and supported the event, making the camp meeting a true celebration of faith, unity, and mission. Most importantly, all glory, honour, and praise belong to God. He blessed everyone with safe travels, beautiful weather, excellent venues, meaningful fellowship, generous support, inspiring music, and powerful messages that touched hearts and strengthened faith. It was truly a weekend filled with God's presence and abundant blessings.
As members return to our respective churches and communities, may the messages "Lift Each Other Up," "Pass the Baton," and "Stand on Your Shoulders" continue to inspire and challenge them. May they move forward united in purpose, committed to discipleship, and devoted to sharing the everlasting gospel.
The 15th All-Filipino Camp Meeting may have concluded, but its impact will continue in the hearts of God's people. By His grace, we remain "Together in Mission," faithfully serving until Jesus comes.
To God be all the glory!
Leo Launio
Filipino Ministry Coordinator, Ontario Conference
Pastor, Bramalea Filipino-Canadian Seventh-day Adventist Church
Photo credit: Jay Karl Grijaldo Gumban