Mount Zion Filipino Marks 35 Years: A Legacy of Faith Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

For 35 years, Mount Zion Filipino Seventh-day Adventist Church has been a testament to God’s faithfulness, love, and guiding hand. What began with a vision and a community of believers has grown into a spiritual family built on worship, service, fellowship, and an enduring commitment to share the Gospel.

On September 12-13, 2026, MZFC marked 35 years of God’s Faithfulness opening our Sabbath celebrations with a Dedication and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the newly renovated foyer. Pastor Jakov Bibulovic, President, Ontario Conference; Pastor Edwin Martin, Director, Communications & Media Ministry; Pastor Sereivudh Ly, Director, Church Planting, Revitalization & Evangelism took part in the Dedication Ceremony and ribbon cutting alongside Pastor Ardison Bernardo, Lead Pastor; Pastor Ariel Ganob, Assistant Pastor, and Elder Jay Gamez, Head Elder. Pastor Martin and Pastor Ly both served as past Pastors of Mount Zion Filipino Church.

It was truly a beautiful Sabbath of worship and fellowship with a morning worship, divine worship and afternoon concert entitled ‘A Legacy of Worship’ featuring singers and music groups including our children, Adventurers and Pathfinders, the original Rondalla group who first started playing as youth under the leadership of Mrs. Aurora Adap, and our church choirs. The Sunday Fellowship Festival was a fun parking lot event for our church family and local community featuring one final devotional by Pastor Aguilar, music, games and food.

Pastor Charles Aguilar – President, Manitoba-Saskatchewan Conference, along with his wife, Elizabeth, graced our Sabbath morning and divine worship services as the guest speaker for the weekend. We were truly blessed by their presence, time and encouragement.

Established as a church plant, a group first officially met on July 27, 1991 at Glen Shields Public School. Pastor Efenito Adap was officially appointed as the Pastor of the ‘Mount Zion Seventh-day Adventist Company’ on October 9, 1991. Following several moves, the former warehouse and office space and current location at 140 St. Regis Cres. S., Downsview, ON was purchased on December 16, 1993. The members were actively involved in the Phase 1 renovation providing their time, sacrifice, sweat and financial equity. After much anticipation, the church family finally found a permanent home on February 4, 1995.

Yesterday reminds us of the pioneers whose faith, sacrifices, prayers, and dedication laid the foundation upon which we stand today. Their legacy continues to inspire us.

Today, we celebrate God’s blessings and the privilege of serving Him together. Through every season, Mount Zion remains a place where lives are nurtured, families are strengthened, and faith is renewed.

Tomorrow calls us to carry this legacy forward—to remain faithful, reach new generations, and boldly share Christ’s love with our community and beyond.

As we celebrate 35 years, we look back with gratitude, live today with purpose, and move into tomorrow with hope. God is truly Faithful!

Judy Gamez
Communications Lead
Mount Zion Filipino Seventh-day Adventist Church