Canada Karen Adventist Ministry Gathers in Windsor

“Witness of His Love” Brings Together Karen Families from Across Canada

From August 26-30, 2026, the Windsor Seventh-day Adventist Church had the privilege of hosting the annual gathering of the Canada Karen Seventh-day Adventist Ministry. More than 100 adults, youth, and children came together for five days of worship, fellowship, training, and spiritual renewal.

Under the theme “Witness of His Love,” participants gathered from several regions of Canada, with a particularly strong representation from the Karen community in Ontario. The gathering was not limited to Adventist members. Friends and family from the wider Karen community were intentionally invited to join for worship, meals, fellowship, and training—making the weekend an opportunity for both spiritual nurture and outreach.

A significant emphasis of the camp meeting was practical discipleship and witnessing. On Friday evening, Pastor Emile Maxi presented on the practical aspects of discipleship, challenging participants to live out their faith in everyday life.

Pastor Jimmy Shwe, North American Division Karen Refugee Ministry Church Planter Coordinator, led transformative training sessions for the adult group. These sessions focused on practical ways to witness effectively within our homes, churches, and communities. At the same time, youth and children participated in activities designed to empower them to connect with those in need and to understand what it means to be a light for Christ in the world.

For many, the most meaningful moments came simply from being together. Shared meals, conversations, prayer, worship, and testimonies provided opportunities to reconnect, form new friendships, and strengthen relationships across the growing Karen Adventist community in Canada.

The Karen Ministry expressed special appreciation to Pastor Alex Golovenko and the Windsor Church Board for opening the Windsor church facilities for the gathering, as well as to the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada, the Ontario Conference, local congregations, and the many individuals whose prayers and support helped make the event possible.

“Without your help and prayers, this camp meeting would not have been as meaningful as it was. We are immensely grateful for your love and support.”

As participants returned to their communities, the purpose of the gathering continued beyond the five days in Windsor: to actively reach the Karen community with the good news of Jesus Christ and to be witnesses of His love wherever God has placed them.

The Canada Karen Seventh-day Adventist Ministry invites the wider church family to continue praying for this growing ministry, its families, young people, and leaders as they share Christ’s love throughout Canada.

Shar Kay Htoo
Bible Worker