Communications

Posted: July 6th, 2023

OCN – Ontario Conference News – July 6, 2023

Ontario Conference News (OCN)

Thursday, July 6, 2023

From Coast to Coast: Pastors Unite for Restoration and Empowerment at Burman University

Photo Credit: Evaldo Vicente (SDACC) (top) and Jermaine Parker (bottom left)

Pastors from across Canada recently gathered at Burman University in Alberta for a four-day event organized by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada (SDACC) every ten years. This nationwide Ministerial Summit aims to restore and empower pastors and their families through worship, workshops, networking, and the exchange of ideas.

The event featured a range of activities and resources aimed at uplifting and informing attendees. Display booths provided valuable information on ministry and wellness issues, while workshops covered various subjects such as self-care, student mission, and theological concepts. The session began with an inspiring message from SDACC President Paul Llewellyn, who emphasized the importance of prayer and thinking outside the box to spread the message of Jesus.

Each day commenced and concluded with powerful and inspiring messages from various presenters. Notable figures included Pastor Ivan Williams and Jose Cortes Jr, Director and Associate Director, respectively, of the Ministerial Department at the North American Division (NAD), as well as Dr. Elizabeth Talbot, Speaker Director for Jesus 101 Biblical Institute, a media ministry of the NAD.

The Ontario Conference had a strong presence at the event. President Jakov Bibulović led a pastoral workshop on "Church Revitalization Leading to Growth and Multiplication." Pastor Mansfield Edwards presented on Chaplaincy, and Pastor Elizabeth Pule spoke on creating inclusive churches to support children with special needs. Ontario Conference pastors were also involved in praise and worship, workshop facilitation, and even seeking project funding for innovative ministry ideas. Two iPads, prizes from a random draw, went to Ontario pastors among hundreds that were in attendance.

As the conference came to a close, heartfelt goodbyes were exchanged among old friends and new acquaintances. When asked, former Ministerial Secretary Damson Oppong, one of the event's primary organizers, shared that he was "happy with the successful outcome and the blessings it brought to pastors across Canada." Many Ontario pastors shared the sentiment, with one describing it as a "mountaintop experience." As pastors return to their churches in Ontario, they carry a sense of restoration and empowerment, ready to lead their congregations in sharing the Gospel of Jesus with their communities and the building up of God's kingdom.

Pastor Shawn Ellis
Director of Communications and Media

From Texas to Toronto: Pastor Ferdinand Regalado Joins the Ontario Conference team

On July 1, 2023, President Jakov Bibulović and his wife, Ljubica, welcomed newly-hired pastor Ferdinand Regalado, and his wife, Charito, to the Ontario Conference and to the Scarborough Filipino Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Ferdinand is the former McAllen All Nations Seventh-day Adventist Church pastor in McAllen, Texas. Before moving there, Pastor Ragalado taught Hebrew and Old Testament classes in the School of Theology at Walla Walla University, Washington. Pastor Ferdinand has served as a teacher and pastor in the Seventh-day Adventist Church for over 28 years. He served as a graduate and undergraduate teacher at the Adventist University of the Philippines from 1994 to 2007. He then taught at Montemorelos University in Mexico from 2007 to 2012, where he was ordained into the gospel ministry.

Ferdinand is fluent in Spanish, Tagalog, and English.

A graduate of the Adventist University of the Philippines with two Bachelor's degrees in 1992, Pastor Regalado received his Master of Arts in Religion in 1996 and a Ph.D. in Religion, both in the area of Old Testament studies in 2004 from the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies. In 2017, Pastor Regalado finished his Master of Education, majoring in Curriculum and Instruction from Walla Walla University. He is currently finishing a doctorate in ministry with an emphasis in urban ministry from Andrews University.

Pastor Regalado is originally from the Philippines and is married to Charito Cariaga, a former elementary school teacher. They have been blessed with two daughters, Lyndsay and Samantha.

Pastor Regalado is scheduled to be installed at his second congregation, the Durham Fil-Can Seventh-day Adventist Church, this Sabbath, July 8.

Kristen Whyte-Bailey
Departmental Secretary for Communications and Media

Revitalizing the Church:
Unleashing New
Methods for Outreach and Worship

In the book "Evangelism," Ellen White wrote, "New methods must be introduced. God's people must awaken to the necessities of the time in which they are living." (White, Evangelism, 70). These inspired words were strongly affirmed during the pandemic.

During the COVID-19 shutdowns, churches across Ontario made technological innovations to ensure the distinctive, Christ-centered Adventist message of hope and wholeness was shared with our congregations and online communities. Livestreamed services, virtual Bible studies, and online prayer meetings quickly became necessities to help maintain connection and foster spiritual growth.

As we emerge from pandemic restrictions, it is imperative that we continue to develop new methods to keep our ministries relevant. The goal is to use these methods to encourage more people to seek and embrace the life-changing message of the Gospel.

In the following articles we highlight pastors and congregations who have embraced innovation. These inspiring stories serve as a reminder that change may be challenging, but when we present our ideas prayerfully before God, He ensures that our efforts bring glory to His name and blessings to His people.

As we eagerly await the imminent return of our Savior, Jesus Christ, let us, as individuals and churches, continue to seek new methods to preach the Everlasting Gospel to every nation, tribe, language, and people.

Pastor Shawn Ellis
Director of Communications and Media

Camp Oasis: An Innovative VBS Experience for Kids

Ottawa East and Ottawa Seventh-day Adventist Churches have joined forces for a second year to provide a new and exciting form of Vacation Bible School (VBS) for the community called Camp Oasis. The program began yesterday and will run for the entire month.

Pastor Anthony Kern from Ottawa East Church shared that this innovative summer camp started with a clear mission—to offer an affordable summer camp VBS experience for racialized and underserved communities. While summer programs in the Ottawa region typically cost $200 per week, Camp Oasis provides an active and engaging kids' program for just $60 per week. Children can participate in various themed weeks, including STEM Week, Music Week, Nature Week, and Sports Week, by enrolling for a single week or the full month. Last year, parents were thrilled with the impact and success of the program. One parent shared, "My daughter is always excited about camp. She mentions it every time we drive by the [church] building."

Pastor Kern highlighted that the program not only benefits the kids in the community but also provides employment opportunities for six student teachers, a supervisor, and a camp director. In their first year of operation, they received thirty thousand dollars in grant money from the federal government. However, this year, the program faced a funding shortfall. "We proceeded in faith anyway," said Pastor Kern. "We kept planning, knowing that God called the church to help the community and that He would work things out." Fortunately, with the support of local churches and the community, they were able to fully fund the program. The remarkable success of Camp Oasis led to a grant of forty thousand dollars from the North American Division (NAD), ensuring the program's continuation next year.

Reflecting on the challenges faced this year, Pastor Kern stated, "When we make the effort to reach the least of these," referring to Jesus' statement in Matthew 25:40, "He will always provide the resources."

Looking ahead, the goal is to expand Camp Oasis into a regional VBS program, reaching even more children and employing more staff.

Camp Oasis is not only transforming the lives of children in the Ottawa region but also showcasing the love and care of the Adventist church to communities in need. To learn more about this innovative and inspiring program, visit their website by clicking here: Camp Oasis

Pastor Shawn Ellis
Director of Communications and Media

Say Goodbye to Paper Bulletins: Introducing QR Codes for Church Updates

Pastor Donville Cooper shared with OCN how Agape Temple Church took an innovative approach to replace traditional paper bulletins with QR codes. During the challenging times of COVID, they realized people were reluctant to handle paper bulletins, prompting them to explore alternative solutions to keep members informed about church events and programs.

A QR code, or Quick Response code, is a graphical image that, when scanned by a mobile device camera, can lead to various actions, such as opening a website or displaying text.

When asked about the reception of this new method, Pastor Cooper expressed that the congregation embraced it wholeheartedly. "We still print a few bulletins for members who are unable to use a cellphone or tablet to scan the code, but overall, the transition has been great. Not only does it make us good stewards of the environment by reducing paper costs, but it also ensures that everyone can access the information conveniently."

You can easily get started if you're interested in adopting QR codes for your church. Simply scan the QR code at the top of this article. This will guide you to a free site where you can experiment with creating your own QR codes.

Pastor Shawn Ellis
Director of Communications and Media

"The Gospel of Luke" Video Game: An Engaging Journey through Jesus' Story

Pastor Steven Couto of Bronte Adventist Church was on a quest to find a fresh and exciting way for kids to connect with Bible characters and learn about Jesus. That's when he came up with the idea of creating a video game called "The Gospel of Luke."

In "The Gospel of Luke," players assume the role of Luke as he embarks on a captivating journey across Israel, interviewing those who were part of Jesus' story on Earth. However, since time has passed, it's not as simple as just asking someone who was there. Players must search for people, uncover hidden documents, and unlock secrets as they progress in their quest.

Throughout the game, players are encouraged to have their in-game character live out their faith by performing miracles, aiding the poor, feeding the hungry, and helping those in need. However, not everyone is supportive of your mission. Players must navigate carefully through encounters with resentful Jews, dangerous individuals, and even Roman soldiers.

I took the opportunity to play the game myself, and I found it to be great fun. However, to put it to the ultimate test, I asked my 10-year-old daughter to try it out. To my surprise, she informed me that she had already been playing the game for quite some time. It was evident that "The Gospel of Luke" had captured her interest and imagination.

Pastor Couto emphasized that the game is available for free when played online through the website. However, if players choose to download it onto their computers, there is a small $2 charge. All the proceeds from the downloads go towards funding a mission trip to Paraguay for the youth of Bronte Seventh-Day Adventist Church, making it a win-win situation for both players and the youth at Bronte.

If you would like to try the game, click this link: The Gospel of Luke

Pastor Shawn Ellis
Director of Communications and Media

Empowering the Future: Apple Creek Seventh-day Adventist Church Puts Youth in the Spotlight

Apple Creek Seventh-day Adventist Church is buzzing with excitement as they kick off youth month in July, a special celebration that highlights the potential and leadership abilities of the younger generation. This year, the church has taken a bold step by turning over the reins of leadership to the youth. Throughout the month, the youth will not only preach but also assume key roles in running the church.

According to AY leader, Ted Rhoden, this initiative is designed to provide the youth with a deeper understanding of how the church operates, increase their participation in its administration, and develop future church leaders. Each youth member has been assigned a position based on the roles listed in the Church Manual, including elders, treasurer, deaconate, and more. While the youth will be responsible for the day-to-day administration and worship planning, they will receive guidance and mentorship from the adults currently in charge of these ministries.

The month began with a special divine service that marked the symbolic handoff of responsibilities to the new Head Elder, Joel Vicente. Pastor Rogers then delivered a powerful charge, reminding everyone that the youth are not just the church of tomorrow but an integral part of the church today. The service was a resounding success, with the youth leading the entire worship experience, including an inspiring message from Ashley Allen titled "The Time is Now," which also serves as the theme for the month.

The example set by Apple Creek Seventh-day Adventist Church is an inspiration and guide to all congregations. It highlights the importance of discipling and allowing youth to take on meaningful leadership roles. By providing opportunities to learn and grow, we can create young Adventists who are strong in faith, ready to lead the church and encourage a new generation to follow Jesus. The time to empower our youth is now!

Pastor Shawn Ellis
Director of Communications and Media

A Vibrant Beginning: Celebrating the Birth of Brampton's Ghanaian English Seventh-day Adventist Group

The 24th of June marked an unforgettable day at St. Paul's Presbyterian Church located at 723 Balmoral Drive in Brampton, as the Brampton Ghanaian English Seventh-day Adventist Group embarked on an exciting new journey. Emerging as a vibrant church plant from the Toronto Ghanaian Seventh-day Adventist Church, their inaugural service radiated with joy and warmth. The atmosphere was electric, with 92 individuals gathered together, most of them enthusiastic youth and young adults. The air buzzed with anticipation and a sense of unity as this new community embarked on their shared mission.

Pastor Damson Oppong served as the special guest speaker, delivering an inspiring message. This was followed by an afternoon program led by Pastor Kenneth Appiah Kubi.

The Brampton Ghanaian English Seventh-day Adventist Group aims to connect with the local community and empower youth and young adults to embrace the teachings of Jesus and cultivate a love for community and discipleship.

Pastor Kwame Brobbey leads the church as the Senior Pastor, with Pastor Kenneth Appiah Kubi serving as the Assistant Pastor and Coach Pastor for the church plant. They are both excited to see what God has planned for this new ministry. They are supported by a dedicated team, including Elder John Wilson, Stephen Ntiamoah, Juliana Appiah, Josephine Norbert, Ama Simons, and Doreen Osei. Together, they will be working diligently to serve the congregation and fulfill the mission of the church.

As they embark on this new chapter, they will focus on spreading hope and wholeness to the Brampton community. They will strive to create a welcoming and nurturing environment where individuals can explore their faith and find support in their spiritual journey. Pastor Brobbey expressed his excitement, stating, "With the assistance of Pastor Kubi and the guidance of our dedicated leadership team, we are eager to witness the growth of our group and make a positive impact in the lives of those around us."

Pastor Kenneth Appiah Kubi

Ageless Evangelism: Celebrating
Eva Fowler's Return to Ministry

The Leamington Seventh-day Adventist Church congregation rejoices as they welcome back Eva Fowler, aged 95, in full strength after her recovery from a fall. The members of the church praise God for her return and are delighted to see her actively participating in evangelism and worship once again.

According to Pastor Patterson of the Leamington church, “Having Eva back is truly a blessing. She is actively engaged in personally sharing the message of God's love with her neighbours through distributing tracks and hosting Bible studies in her home.”

Eva, who migrated to Canada with her family at the age of nine, began her journey of faith because of her father. He was in the first world war and had survived a small bullet wound that was miraculously deflected by a small Bible in his pocket. While recovering in hospital, he discovered the truth of the Sabbath. This led him to share the Seventh-day Adventist message with the whole family, who were then baptized into the faith.

Despite her age, Eva remains bright, energetic, and lives independently. She carries the spirit of an evangelist within her heart and loves spreading the Gospel wherever she goes. One church elder shared that Eva is thrilled to share her love for Jesus and His imminent return with everyone she encounters. If you've ever visited the Leamington Seventh-day Adventist Church, you would recognize her by the radiant smile on her face as she eagerly greets and welcomes you.

As Leamington celebrates Eva's recovery and her return to ministry, let her story inspire us. Regardless of our age or circumstances, we are all called by the Holy Spirit to share our faith and spread the Gospel. Eva's dedication and unwavering commitment to sharing the message of Jesus should ignite a fire within us all.

Pastor Preston Patterson

Happy 100th to Sister Marion Charlton!

On July 1, 2023, the Barrie Seventh-day Adventist Church celebrated the 100th birthday of its longest-serving church elder in Ontario, Sister Marion Charlton. Many pastors she has worked with attended the event, including George Ivkov, Julius Kalmar, Ladford Morris, Daniel Saugh and Jakov Bibulovic.

Following the celebration, Pastor Jakov recalled, "My wife and I were blessed by Sister Charlton's support while pastoring the Barrie congregation, and we were pleased to express our gratitude and appreciation for her faithful service, support and kindness. We conveyed to her birthday greetings on behalf of Pastor Mansfield Edwards, the Ontario Conference Seniors Ministry director."

Kristen Whyte-Bailey
Departmental Secretary for Communications and Media

Special Updates

Don't miss the exciting Ontario Conference Bible Bowl Championship happening this Sabbath (July 7-8) at Scarborough Seventh-day Adventist Church. Admission is free. If you are unable to attend in person, join us by live stream on the Scarborough Seventh-day Adventist Church YouTube Channel.

The family of Pastor Joseph Bulgin would like to inform the Church family that there has been a change in the funeral program this coming Monday, July 10. The viewing will begin at 9:00 am, and the celebration of life will begin at 10:00 am. Thank you for your prayers at this time.

Attention Communication leaders! Ontario Conference Communication and Media team wants to collaborate with you! Let's work together to represent your local church and ensure you receive the latest updates from the Conference. If you've been nominated as the communication leader for your church, please send your name and number to ocn @adventistontario.org.