The convention started with Friday evening worship and workshops amidst howling winds and a snowstorm that resulted in more than one accident around the surrounding streets and highways—but people still came in numbers. One member shared: "I was thinking of not coming because, at my age, I'm not that good at driving in the snow." She continued, "But the Holy Spirit said I MUST come! So I got an Uber, and I am here, and I have been blessed! I'm glad I listened to the Spirit!"

Pastor Chanda Nunes-Henry, Vice President for Administration of the Nevada-Utah Conference, preached the message in the evening worship. She shared the story of the demoniac in Matthew, chapter 8, demonstrating how his testimony transformed a town from initially kicking Jesus out of town to flocking to him upon his return. She pressed the point home that each person's testimony can transform a city if we are only willing to share it.

A significant moment of the Sabbath afternoon service was the inaugural land acknowledgement, read by Pastor Mansfield Edwards. Land acknowledgements recognize and respect Indigenous peoples as the traditional stewards of the land and their enduring relationship with it. Indigenous Chief Clifford Bull followed with his statement, "I proclaim the Lord Jesus as Lord and Saviour!" to which the participants responded with a resounding amen. He made an impassioned plea for outreach to indigenous communities. He emphasized that understanding cultural contexts and historical injustices done to indigenous people is essential if Adventist churches are to minister to them successfully.

In the afternoon program, President Jakov Bibulović of the Ontario Conference outlined the strategic goals for church growth over the next few years. He mentioned the goals of planting 28 churches and growing the Conference by 10,000 members by 2028. He also noted the results of Ontario church growth surveys, which highlighted a high need for leadership development. "If we are to achieve the goals set out by the church, we must ensure each church is developing its current and future leaders and putting structures in place to ensure that your churches are operating "on mission," which is the Great Commission." He also highlighted a surprising survey finding: many members feel their local church lacks loving relationships. " How can we show the love of Jesus to the community if we are not feeling it in our churches?" He shared that while initiatives are in place at the Conference, actual change will require each member to become an agent of change by being reflections of Jesus and His love for others, starting in their homes and churches.

The convention ended with a stirring closing charge from Pastor Balvin Braham, Vice President of the Inter-American Division. His rousing message ended with calling forward all Ontario Conference directors and asking all participants to pray for them as "they have been chosen to lead the conference for this time." This was followed by a call for all pastors to come forward, for everyone to recognize and support their leadership in helping manage overall church growth, and to pray for their churches. Finally, all attendees were called to stand to support God's ministry in Ontario. Every member then sang with passion the theme song, "I Will Go," followed by a closing prayer of consecration by Pastor Biaggi.

Of the many members who attended Ministries Convention, a number were international visitors. One was Sister Cunningham from New York, who hadn't missed a convention since it was called the "Festival of the Laity." When asked about her impression of the 2024 Convention, she hailed it as "off the chain!"

"I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit, the workshops were relevant, and watching the baptism showed how powerfully the Lord worked during this event." Her sentiments echoed countless others who left inspired, empowered, and eager to elevate their ministries to new heights.

Pastor Shawn Ellis
Director, Communications and Media