Seven Gospel Workers Commissioned and Ordained to the Ministry

October 10, 2026, marked a significant milestone in the lives and ministries of seven gospel workers from the Ontario Conference, who were commissioned and ordained at the Downsview Seventh-day Adventist Church in Toronto, Ontario.

The service was graced by Pastor Cyril Millett III, Executive Secretary of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada (SDACC), who served as the guest speaker. Ontario Conference administrators, directors, pastors, Bible instructors, and church members from various congregations gathered to offer their spiritual and moral support to the candidates.

In his sermon, Pastor Millett challenged ministers to remain faithful in proclaiming Christ, even when biblical truth becomes unpopular. “More and more, it’s out of season when you will need to preach Christ,” he declared. Emphasising dependence on the Holy Spirit, he reminded pastors that “our sufficiency is from God” (2 Corinthians 3:5).

The sermon concluded with a vivid illustration of two heavenly celebrations. The first portrayed Christ’s triumphant ascension into heaven, where angelic hosts welcomed the victorious Saviour into the heavenly courts. Drawing on Psalm 24, Pastor Millett described the joyful proclamation, “Who is this King of glory?” and the triumphant response, “The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory.”

He then directed the congregation’s attention to the future gathering of the redeemed, highlighting the glorious hope awaiting believers at Christ’s return. He urged ministers to preach faithfully, reflect Christ’s character, and prepare others for the ultimate celebration—eternal life in God’s kingdom.

Pastor Frankie Lazarus, Ontario Conference Ministerial Secretary, presented the seven candidates, accompanied by their spouses and sponsoring pastoral couples, to the congregation. He explained that each candidate had undergone a rigorous preparation and evaluation process before being recommended for commissioning or ordination. He affirmed their readiness for this sacred responsibility, emphasising that ordination is not a right but a privilege. A video presentation followed, sharing the personal stories of each pastor’s calling to ministry.

Meet the Commissioned and Ordained Pastors

Evadne Williams-Henry, Commissioned

Pastor Evadne Williams-Henry was born in Jamaica and immigrated to Canada. Raised in a Seventh-day Adventist home, she felt called to missionary nursing at age six and was baptised at 13. She holds a doctorate in Pastoral Counselling, a master’s degree in Theology, and degrees in Bible and Theology and Nursing. A board-certified chaplain and former cardiac nurse, she now serves as a pastor at Willowdale Seventh-day Adventist Church. Supported by her husband, Albert, she is passionate about evangelism, prayer, and discipleship. Having led over 100 individuals to Christ, she remains committed to guiding others into a saving relationship with Jesus.

Gui Rim Yi, Ordained

For over 17 years, Pastor Gui Rim Yi has faithfully served God through preaching, discipleship, worship, and pastoral care. Guided by Scripture, his ministry reflects a deep commitment to walking with God and nurturing others through life’s joys and challenges. Inspired by the biblical example of Seth’s lineage, he believes ministry is not about personal achievement but about dependence on God and faithfulness to His calling. As he takes this sacred step in ministry, Pastor Yi, alongside Yoo Eun Yim, humbly recommits himself to prayer, obedience, and compassionate service, seeking to glorify God and faithfully shepherd His people.

Mon Ryan Llamado, Ordained

Pastor Mon Ryan Llamado serves the Blessed Hope and Fairhavens Filipino Seventh-day Adventist Churches in Ontario. Raised in a family of literature evangelists, he developed a passion for sharing the gospel through literature and pastoral ministry. A graduate of Central Philippine Adventist College with a Bachelor of Theology, he has over 16 years of combined experience in pastoral and literature ministry. After immigrating to Canada, he worked in long-term care before returning to pastoral ministry. Married to Nyssyl Shayne, a nurse, they have three children: Sean Ryan, Shielsy Ryean, and Seth Rynier. He remains committed to evangelism, discipleship, and Christ’s soon return.

Nicholas Nicholls, Ordained

Born in Ajax, Ontario, Pastor Nicholas Nicholls moved to Trinidad at age six and was baptised in 2005. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theology and is pursuing a master’s degree in Counselling Psychology. With 12 years of pastoral experience in Trinidad, he has served in youth ministry, Pathfinder leadership, and evangelism. Passionate about nurturing young people, he has trained youth preachers and mentored future leaders. In December 2023, he married Sabrina, who shares his passion for ministry. Returning to Canada in 2024, he now serves as Assistant Pastor at Toronto West Seventh-day Adventist Church, faithfully answering God’s call.

Nicholas Patrick, Ordained

Raised in Jamaica, Pastor Nicholas Patrick developed a deep commitment to God and Christian service. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Theology from Northern Caribbean University and a Master of Theological Studies from McMaster Divinity College, specialising in Spiritual Care and Counselling. Formerly Assistant Pastor at Toronto Perth, he now serves at Toronto East Seventh-day Adventist Church and supervises the Metro East Youth Association. Having shared the gospel across the Caribbean, Europe, and North America, he is passionate about compassionate ministry, intergenerational relationships, and spiritual healing. Guided by Galatians 2:20, he seeks to lead others into transformative relationships with Christ.

Rod Tabingo, Ordained

A third-generation Seventh-day Adventist, Pastor Rod Tabingo was raised in a family devoted to faith and ministry. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from Mountain View College and a medical degree from Southwestern University in the Philippines. With extensive experience in medical ministry, community outreach, and church planting, he combines compassionate care with spiritual leadership. He currently pastors the Hamilton and Waterloo Region Filipino-Canadian Seventh-day Adventist Churches, fostering unity, discipleship, and spiritual growth. Alongside his wife, Mae Joy, and their sons, Skye Amadeus and Niall Ray, he remains committed to serving God and others with humility, dedication, and joy.

Sean Folkes, Ordained

Pastor Sean Folkes has served in the Ontario Conference since 2019, ministering in the Greater Toronto Area before assuming his current role as Assistant Pastor of the North London, St. Thomas, and Living Truth Seventh-day Adventist Churches. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Ministerial Theology from Oakwood University and a Master of Divinity from Andrews University. Passionate about preaching, youth and young adult ministry, and digital evangelism, he seeks to connect faith with everyday life. He and his wife, Christine, have three children: Isabelle, Imani-Claris, and Jeremiah. As he approaches ordination, he remains committed to sharing Christ and equipping others for ministry.

A Sacred Charge to Faithful Ministry

After Pastor Frankie Lazarus and his wife, Sharon, read the Litany of Ordination, Pastor Millett offered the Prayer of Ordination. Ordained pastors were invited forward to lay hands on the candidates, symbolising the church’s recognition and affirmation of God’s calling on their lives.

The service continued with the Ordination Charge delivered by Pastor Jakov Bibulovic and his wife, Ljubica.

Addressing the newly commissioned and ordained pastors, Pastor Bibulovic declared, “I charge you to follow Christ in humility, in mission, and in ministry; abide in Him, learn from Him, and let His character shape your life and leadership.”

He continued, “Let Christ be the pattern for your character and ministry; let the mind of Christ be in you … serve as a faithful undershepherd of Christ, and remember: Christ is the Shepherd.”

Addressing the spouses, Ljubica Bibulovic emphasised their vital role as “invisible ambassadors” of Christ, whose often-unseen contributions are essential to pastoral ministry.

She encouraged ministerial spouses to serve alongside their partners as a united team, offering spiritual, emotional, and practical support while maintaining a healthy balance between family and ministry. She also reminded them to remain grounded in Scripture, seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and recognise their sacred calling as partners in advancing God’s mission.

A Celebration of God's Calling and Faithfulness

Pastor Raul Gonzalez, Associate Ministerial Secretary, and his wife, Eddy, presented certificates and gifts to the newly commissioned and ordained pastors.

The Ministerial Choir offered a moving rendition of the Christian hymn “I Shall Then Live,” followed by heartfelt words of welcome from Pastor Emile Maxi, Ontario Conference Executive Secretary, and his wife, June.

The service concluded with the congregation singing “We Have This Hope,” reaffirming the blessed hope of Christ’s soon return.

In her benediction, Pastor Evadne Williams-Henry expressed gratitude to God for calling and setting apart these gospel workers for ministry. She prayed for wisdom, courage, and spiritual strength, asking God to guide them as they preach with conviction, lead with compassion, and serve with humility. She also sought God’s blessings upon their families, recognising their shared sacrifices and vital role in ministry.

The occasion served as a powerful reminder that commissioning and ordination are not merely milestones in pastoral service but sacred affirmations of God's calling to proclaim the gospel, shepherd His people, and prepare the world for Christ’s soon return.