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From May 22–24, 2026, leaders, church members, and ministry participants gathered at the beautiful JW Marriott The Rosseau in Muskoka Lakes for the Ontario Conference Health & Prayer Ministries Leadership Training & Retreat. Centred on the theme, “Thrive in Babylon — The Daniel Blueprint for Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Excellence,” the weekend provided inspiration, practical instruction, spiritual renewal, and heartfelt fellowship.

The event featured keynote speakers Paul Lehmann, CABL (Collegiate Advocates for Better Living) Coordinator for the NAD Health Ministries Department, and DonnaLee Lehmann, an expert in Public Health and Occupational Therapy. Through engaging presentations, practical lessons from personal experience, and many hands-on, enjoyable activities, attendees were challenged to live with purpose and excellence while remaining faithful to God in today’s modern “Babylon.” Their presentations linked biblical principles from the life of Daniel to practical applications for prayer life, physical health, emotional resilience, leadership, and spiritual growth.

Special prayer sessions were led by Inés Telis, who deeply touched attendees by sharing her personal testimony of facing critical moments in her life. During those difficult times, God led her to the book of Daniel, reminding her that He still had a plan and purpose for her life. Her testimony encouraged participants to trust God through uncertainty and trials, knowing that He remains faithful in every season.

One particularly meaningful moment occurred when a hotel worker approached a few attendees and asked whether they were part of the training and retreat group. Upon learning they were, she asked them to pray for her and for a difficult situation involving her family back home. Though she was not a Seventh-day Adventist, the group's spirit of prayer and kindness left a lasting impact. It was a powerful reminder that ministry extends beyond church walls and that God opens opportunities to minister to hearts wherever His people go.

The event was also graced by special music from the Mississauga Filipino Angklung Ensemble, who performed two beautiful selections on the angklung, a traditional Indonesian instrument. Their music added a distinctive cultural and spiritual richness to the weekend.

During the closing remarks, Edith Missah-Habaradas challenged attendees to remember the foundation of Daniel’s excellence in Babylon. She said that if leaders and believers wish to excel physically, mentally, and spiritually as Daniel did, they must begin with hearts full of gratitude. She encouraged everyone to intentionally cultivate an “attitude of gratitude” by practising thankfulness for 14 days, replacing complaining and murmuring with thanksgiving to God, and focusing not on what is lacking but on the many blessings God has already provided.

As part of the event’s outreach spirit, Inés Telis and Jackie Kielbasiewicz, both Ontario Conference staff, prepared special gift packages for more than 20 hotel workers. Each package included copies of Vibrant Life magazine and a bag containing an encouraging Bible verse, sharing hope and appreciation with the staff who served throughout the weekend.

The impact of the event continued even after participants returned home. Norma Cejudo-Lachica from the Mississauga Filipino Seventh-day Adventist Church later wrote to Edith Missah-Habaradas, “We had a wonderful experience, and we can't stop talking about it. The group was so blessed. The group has been talking about lifestyle change and will share our learnings with our church family.”

The weekend event was a meaningful reminder that God still calls His people to thrive faithfully amid modern Babylon. Through prayer, gratitude, healthy living, fellowship, and trust in God, attendees left inspired and renewed to serve their churches and communities.

Above all, God receives all the glory, honour, and praise for the many blessings experienced throughout the event.

Edith Missah-Habaradas
Health & Prayer Ministries Director,
Ontario Conference