In a special gathering at the former "It is Written" Studios in Oshawa, history was made as guests from across the country and worldwide witnessed Hope Channel Canada's official launch.

The gala event commenced with the ceremonial ribbon cutting for the new studio, a modern design that provides a dynamic backdrop for a diverse array of programming. With its state-of-the-art facilities, Hope Channel Canada demonstrated it was ready to set the stage for a new era of Adventist Christian broadcasting in Canada.

Among the distinguished guests in attendance were directors from Hope Channel Canada International, the hosts of It Is Written Canada and Quebec, the President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada (SDACC), Paul Lewlyn, SDACC Executive Secretary Cyril Millet, the President of the Ontario Conference, Jakov Bibulović, and others who all offered their support, prayers and well wishes.

The proceedings were a combination of thanksgiving, testimonials and worship led by Pastor Evaldo Vicente, a key figure in the development of Hope Channel Canada and the director of Communications for the SDACC. Guests were treated to upcoming programming previews, tantalizingly dubbed "teasers." Impressive video segments were shared under the overarching theme "There is More to Life." One set of videos impressed upon the viewer to consider the profound mysteries of creation and the inherent divine intelligence that must be behind it. The segments were narrated by the deep, velvety voice of Ontario Conference's Pastor John Scott, director of Youth Ministries.

Pastor Vicente shared that Hope Channel Canada, which will be broadcasting soon, will have content to engage every age group. It will feature distinctly Canadian content while tapping into a range of programming from other Hope Channels worldwide.

Throughout the evening, heartfelt testimonies were shared celebrating God's faithfulness in guiding the development of Hope Channel Canada. Special recognition was given to Stan Jenson, former SDACC communication director, who played a pivotal role in navigating government requirements and overcoming obstacles to ensure Hope Channel could proceed.

At different points in the evening, hymns of praise and thanksgiving filled the air, led by Tiffany Campbell-Daily's angelic voice. There was an atmosphere of excitement as the evening culminated in an inspiring message from Pastor Douglas Pereira, reminding all present of the importance of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the ultimate source of peace and hope.

Hope Channel Canada will begin full broadcasting very soon. In the meantime, you can watch limited content on HopeTV.ca, the Roku app, on YouTube @hopechannelcanada and the Hope channel mobile app.

Get ready, Ontario Conference! Ministries Convention is back and better than ever, and we're gearing up for an unforgettable gathering that promises to elevate your ministry to new heights. With a lineup of dynamic speakers and presenters, this year's convention is not to be missed.

After a prolonged hiatus due to COVID-19, members from all corners of the conference are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to reunite with friends and fellow ministry leaders. As one registered participant exclaimed, "I'm thrilled that Ministries Convention is back in person! It's been so long since I've connected with my friends from other churches to share and learn together about our ministry."

Just like in previous years, the convention will offer a diverse range of workshops and sessions catering to various ministry interests and needs. From children's ministry to young adult outreach, from spiritual growth to digital evangelism, there truly is something for everyone. Whether you're seeking inspiration or practical tools to enhance your ministry, Ministries Convention has you covered.

But that's not all! For the first time ever, we're introducing "The Media Help Desk." Are you struggling with your livestream? Can't seem to fix that pesky bug in your system? Looking for expert advice before your next tech upgrade? Look no further! Industry experts will be on hand to provide guidance and assistance, and participants who drop by will be eligible to receive exciting giveaways.

Don't delay – register now before it's too late! All registration must be in advance - there is no onsite registration. Some sessions have already reached capacity, so secure your spot today to ensure you don't miss out on this unparalleled opportunity for growth and fellowship. Join us at Ministries Convention 2024 and embark on a journey of empowerment, inspiration, and transformation.

Register today by this link  and get ready to unlock your ministry potential!

Pastor Shawn Ellis
Director, Communication and Media

On Thursday morning of March 8^th, the city of Ottawa awoke to the horrific news that a Sri Lankan family of 6, including 4 children, had been murdered in their home. Members of the Barrhaven community, including the Nepean SDA Church, were deeply grieved and shaken as the family was well known in their community.

Clergy from across the community met to discuss the various interventions their churches could offer to help the victims' families and friends and facilitate healing in the community. Pastor Bob Winsor invited the pastors to host an interfaith community prayer vigil and extended invitations to the Sri Lankan community to join as well.

The idea of a prayer vigil was readily accepted, and Saturday, March 9^th, at 11 am was chosen. The Nepean SDA Church also reached out to our sister churches throughout the Eastern Region and invited them to take a moment during their worship services to pause and join the community of Barrhaven in prayer.  

On behalf of our church family, we want to extend our deepest condolences to the Wickramasinghe family and to let them know that your community stands with you during this time of tragedy and loss.

Bob Windsor
Pastor, Nepean SDA Church

Ever heard of a Conference Field Secretary? If your first thought is that it's someone who enjoys working outdoors, think again. The truth is far more significant and essential to the operation of the Ontario Conference.

Regional Field Secretaries are pastors that represent the 11 regions in Ontario plus the Greater Toronto Area. They are elected by their fellow regional and territorial pastors for a specified term, as outlined in the Field Secretary Terms of Reference. 

Regular meetings are a cornerstone of the Field Secretary's role. They gather with pastors from their respective regions at least once a month for prayer, strategic planning, information sharing, and training. These meetings provide pastoral encouragement and support from their peers and from appointed Conference Directors who assist and guide each region.

Working in close collaboration with the Ontario Conference Ministerial Department, led by pastors Frankie Lazarus (Director) and Raul Gonzalez (Associate), Field Secretaries play a pivotal role. They ensure that the needs and concerns of local pastors are not just heard but effectively addressed. They serve as a vital link between local congregations and conference leadership, facilitating communication and cooperation for the greater mission of the church.

So, next time you hear the term "Conference Field Secretary," remember that it represents dedicated individuals working tirelessly behind the scenes to support and uplift their fellow pastors and churches across Ontario. Theirs is a role of service, leadership, and spiritual stewardship essential to the ministry within the Ontario Conference.

Raul Gonzalez
Ministerial Associate Director

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you." (Matthew 7:7). This is Vinitha Dias' favourite Bible verse. She asked her heavenly Father for direction, and the door was opened.

Vinitha had a happy upbringing in a Catholic household. She was very close to her father, a devout Catholic man. He carried her everywhere and treated her like a princess, calling her his "little gold pot" to express how precious she was to him. When he passed away in 2008, Vinitha started to think about death, the afterlife, and her mortality. She knew she wanted to go to heaven, so she made an effort to be a model Catholic.

In 2010, Vinitha had a conversation with her aunt that transformed her life. Her aunt, a born-again Christian, asked Vinitha, "Where in the Bible does it say to pray to Mary?" Vinitha was at a loss for words as she could not recall reading such a passage. 

Vinitha poured hours into studying the Word, trying to answer her aunt's question. Her Bible study led her to understand that the pictures, statues, and rosaries adorning her home were idols, and she decided to get rid of them. 

Vinitha accompanied her aunt on a trip to Israel and found it fascinating that when the sun began to set on Friday night, the once bustling city became slow and quiet; the busyness only resumed the next evening. The experience of the Sabbath was so moving that she decided to give her life to God.

Vinitha began researching how she could participate in celebrating the Sabbath. She prayed to the Lord, asking Him to open the doors and provide the direction she needed. Soon, she felt drawn to the Bronte Seventh-day Adventist church. There, she experienced a warm welcome filled with fellowship and love. Vinitha and her wonderful family are now regular attendees at Bronte Adventist Church. On December 23, 2023, Vinitha was accepted into membership by Profession of Faith.

When asked what guidance she would give a new Christian, Vinitha replied, "Recognize that God is your heavenly father and best friend; His word is true; accept things as they are and have faith that He will lead the way."

Vinitha's curiosity, persistence, and faith led her to discover the truth, and she stands as a testament to the promise that if we ask God to lead us to the truth, surely, the door to understanding and wisdom will be opened to us.

Cahlia Nelson
Bronte SDA Church
Communication Ministry