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The 14th Biennial All Filipino-Canadian Camp Meeting recently concluded on August 11 and 12, leaving a trail of inspiration in its wake. Hosted by the Filipino Adventist Ministries Coordinating Council (FAMCC), which is comprise 12 Filipino churches in the Conference. This gathering marked a milestone as members gathered online and in person at the First Filipino Canadian Adventist Church in North York and the Bramalea Filipino Canadian Adventist church. The theme for the weekend was "A Heart for the Harvest.”

The event witnessed the participation of the president of the Ontario Conference, Jakov Bibulović, along with Executive Secretary Emile Maxi. Pastor Bibulović acknowledged the Filipino community's substantial influence, as he remarked that the Filipino community made up 2.6% of the Canadian population and over 400,000 in Ontario alone. “Your influence and impact in your ministry are profound.”

Even the president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada, Paul Lewellyn, contributed his support through a letter of greetings to the congregations, which attendees read and received with immense appreciation.

On Friday, August 11, Pastor Sheldon Imperio, from Niagara Falls and St. Catharines Adventist Churches, led a spirited vespers program. Addressing the FAMCC youth and young adults, his message, "A Heart for the Harvest," resounded powerfully. He spoke about how we Adventists need heartfelt concern for lost souls. He preached, "If we have no heart for the harvest, then we ourselves need to be harvested!"

Sabbath brought another compelling message, this time from Pastor Ferdinand Regalado of Durham Fil-Can and Scarborough Filipino Adventist churches. He challenged the church family, reminding them that the decision to serve God and fulfill His mission is a great privilege, one that all Adventists must embrace.

The afternoon unfolded with music by FAMCC youth and young adults, uniting all twelve Filipino churches that blessed all that heard. Testimonies from a recent mission trip to the Philippines further enriched the gathering. Finally, introductions of new FAMCC youth and young adult officers revealed the council's commitment to succession planning and growth of the council growth.

Edith Habaradas, director of Health and Prayer ministries at the Conference, reflected, “The recent All Filipino-Canadian Camp Meeting was a blessing to me. May we, through the power of the Holy Spirit, continue to move forward and answer Jesus' call: 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?' with 'Here am I, LORD, send me!'"

Secretary Pastor Emile Maxi concluded as the event ended, “Like Nehemiah, the Filipino Adventist community gathered as “one army.” Everything centred around growing the kingdom, reaching lost souls for Christ. It was so refreshing to see everyone working together for this purpose. With such great attitude and determination, the Filipino community will accomplish great things for the Lord.”

If you want to see the 14th Biennial All Filipino-Canadian Camp meeting, you can watch it on YouTube at the following links:

Friday Vespers
Sabbath School & Divine Service
Youth Mini Concert