Posted: March 7th, 2024
Reflections on Black History Month
Under the leadership of Deacon Orrell Watson, the Ajax Adventist Community Church celebrated a multi-week Black History Month event with the theme “Together We Rise.”
In Week 1, Pastor Hurlock led off with a message encouraging the congregation to rise above the denial of rights and systematic racism and strive for excellence by developing better relationships with each other and with Christ.
In week #2, Sister Shanee Watson focused on resilience. She shared the spiritual key to overcoming trauma by opening our hearts to the Holy Spirit.
Week #3, Elder Adrelle Lewis presented a powerful sermon on “Code Switching,” or changing who you are to fit in with a different culture. He shared several instances from his own experiences growing up in Canada. Elder Adrelle reminded the congregation that their progress through times of historic and present systemic racism is only through the grace of Christ. He shared that we need to unify as a people, as we are stronger and more confident when we are united in faith.
In Week 4, Pastor Joseph Amankwah closed the month with a message of all races uniting in Jesus, using the theme of the Black Anthem, “Life, every voice.”
During the final Sabbath, officials from the Town of Ajax, including Shaun Collier, Mayor; Regional Councillor Marilyn Crawford; and Ward Councillors Rob Tyler-Morin and Nancy Henry, were in attendance. First Elder Stephen Kapakasa, during his church building promotion, asked the Town Officials for assistance in creating the first Adventist Church in the Town.
The celebration culminated in several events, including a Speech competition; among the winners included youth Deacon and Pathfinder Joshua Mason. The International Night featured members and visitors dressed in their national colours, with sumptuous meals from various countries around the world, while proceeds from food sales were donated to the Ajax Seventh-day Adventist building fund. The Toronto Ghanaian Adventist Church provided entertainment, along with other guest singers and performers who kept the audience entertained.