In today's digital age, ensuring our children's online safety is paramount. Recognizing this need, the Ontario Conference recently hosted a groundbreaking event, "Digital Safety Day", a collaborative effort between the Children's Ministry and the Communication Media Department. This event brought together experts and the community to address and discuss the pressing issue of internet child exploitation and provide valuable insights into safeguarding our children in the online world.

The event featured speakers from the Durham Regional Police Service ICE team (Internet Child Exploitation), including Detective Constables Jamie Pogson and John Powell, and Superintendent Glenn Courneyea.

The program was hosted by Patricia Ferreira Lopez, Director of Children's and Women's Ministries, who asked questions on various topics, ranging from awareness of online risks to practical steps parents can take to safeguard their children. One particularly eye-opening segment demonstrated how sharing a child's picture can allow a predator to identify who they are and their location.

The event also provided an interactive platform for viewers to engage with the speakers through a question-and-answer session to understand the issues and solutions better.

In his closing remarks, Superintendent Glenn Courneyea encouraged any young person caught up in an exploitative online situation to contact law enforcement or trusted community members like the church for support. He reassured viewers that they are not alone in facing these challenges. He also expressed their gratitude to the Ontario Conference for the opportunity to share vital information.

After the program, the officers were so pleased with the experience that they expressed interest in a future partnership with the church to continue raising awareness about other community safety issues.

This Digital Safety Day demonstrated how the church can become relevant in the eyes of our community by showing we care about the whole person: spiritually and physically.

Stay tuned for more media programming from the Conference.

For those who missed the event, it is available to view on the AdventistOntario YouTube channel, here: [Digital Safety].

Pastor Shawn Ellis
Director of Communications and Media

By the grace of God, the Ontario Conference Health Ministries is delighted to announce the launch of RESTOREDTM, which is the Ontario Conference trademarked acronym for the Eight Laws of Health. RESTOREDTM stands for Rest, Eat Wholesome Food, Sunshine, Trust in Divine Power, Oxygen, Restraint/Self-Control, Exercise, and Drink Water.

The digital booklet and activity sheets for children and youth/adults with answer sheets are now available to be used for health evangelism and outreach. Go to adventistontario.org/ministries/health/ to download the documents. Banners will be made available for churches to lend for health programs.

We pray that these resources can be useful in promoting biblical whole-person principles, healthy lifestyle choices, and disease prevention, to bring health, healing, and restoration, and ultimately, to bring people to Jesus Christ.

Edith Missah-Habaradas
Director, Health & Prayer Ministries

Earlier this year, the Compassion Ministries department hosted a meeting for Ontario community service leaders, health ministries leaders and pastors. It was the first of many planned for 2024.

Pastor Andrew King, Director of Compassion Ministries, led the meeting and began with a devotion focused on Jesus’ words, ‘In as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these.’ He reminded participants that Compassion Ministries focus on the forgotten and that they have the blessing of helping to lessen the hardships in life for individuals and families by making a positive impact through service.

The meeting was filled with sharing and strategies for food distribution and ended with information about the annual ADRA proposal submission.

The role of community outreach in Ontario has changed drastically because of COVID. While many challenges remain, God has given the church more opportunities to minister to our neighbours and friends and share Jesus's love with them.

Many community service teams feed neighbourhood families, clothe newcomers, provide children toys, and sometimes offer a shoulder to cry on.

As your community service leaders address the challenges of ministering to neighbourhoods in Ontario, please keep them in your prayers.

Pastor Andrew King
Director of Compassion Ministries

London Seventh-day Adventist Church's Stewardship Weekend, themed "Committed: Giving my best," unfolded on February 16 and 17, guiding attendees through a journey of empowerment and reflection.

Led by Pastor Anthony Reid, director of Stewardship, Public Affairs and Religious Liberty, and Alvin Ram, director of Planned Giving and Trust Services from the Ontario Conference, the weekend proved enriching. Pastor Reid's Friday evening message acknowledged God as the ultimate owner of our possessions, sparking gratitude and commitment.

Saturday morning, Pastor Reid delivered a compelling sermon urging our dedication to God, prompting recommitments towards God.

In the afternoon, Alvin Ram's reflections on life's fleeting nature emphasized the importance of planning and leaving a legacy. His insights shed light on our stewardship's profound significance.

A fruitful Q&A session followed fostering dialogue and clarity.

As the weekend concluded, gratitude abounded for the blessings received, and our sincere thanks were offered to God for the transformative experience.

Dário Gabriel Ferreira
Pastor of London Seventh-day Adventist Church