“You Are Not to Be Like That”

This quest for power and control isn’t restricted to wars. It is seen in business, politics and in the home and even in the church. Society often applauds and rewards those who strive for power.  It almost seems natural to desire to be the person in charge, the one to whom others defer.  The question is, why do some of us want to be should be in charge?  So much so that they will undermine their opponents, sometimes resorting to lies and outright unethical strategies in order to destroy reputations and ruin lives, just to be the one in charge.

I’m sure there are numerous reasons for seeking power but I wonder if we think that we can do a better job than the person who is presently leading.  Do we think so highly of ourselves that we think we should be the ones in charge?  It is easy to criticise and find fault with leaders, thinking we can do a better job, usually because we often don’t know what the job is.  However, that does not halt our delusion of grandeur.

During the last supper in the upper room (Luke 22: 24-30), just after Jesus had shared the profound significance of the bread and wine, an argument broke out among them as to who among them was the greatest. Jesus told them that such attitudes and behaviour belong to the Gentiles. They were not to be like that. Rather, the greatest among them should be like servants.  The words of Jesus in this passage are so familiar that we tend to overlook them.

I understand these words as Jesus speaking directly to me, telling me how I am to relate to others. I must consider the way the world operates as alien to the child of God. Instead of thinking of myself as having the ability to lead better than someone else, I must recognise that I exist only by the grace of God. All the knowledge, experience and skills I may have gained over the years are the results of God’s benevolence.  I am because He is.

The call of Jesus is for me and for you to be servants.  Let us set our desire on serving.

Halsey Peat

Ontario Conference Leaders to Host Prayer Breakfast for Community Servants and Leaders

“We want to acknowledge and honour those who serve in our community to make it a safer and better place for the people of Oshawa to live,” explained Edwards. “At the same time, we want to direct them to God by whose grace and strength we are all able to live, serve and lead.”

Edwards also explained that the church must be intentional in its mission to the community. “We cannot simply be here for ourselves or just to support Adventist congregations across Ontario,” he said. “No, we must go beyond ourselves and engage with the community.  By inviting community servants and leaders we are letting them know that we want to partner with them in their work in and for the community.”

The president’s office sent invitations to political representatives from the three levels of government—municipal, provincial and federal. Also included are humanitarian organisations such as ADRA Canada and others, emergency services and healthcare professionals. The office made an effort to identify individuals who “went beyond the call of duty” to help and make a difference in the community.

Many of the invitees have stated their acceptance of the invitation and are looking forward to attending.

It is the second time that conference leaders are hosting a prayer breakfast at the provincial headquarters of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ontario.

Over 8,000 Expected to Attend Ontario Conference’s Camp Meeting

Over 8,000 people from all across Ontario are expected to attend to worship and praise God with one voice at the International Centre, 6900 Airport Road, Mississauga.

Pastor Ian Sweeney, field secretary in the Trans-European Division will deliver the message for the worship service in Hall 5. Pastor Sweeney was formerly president of the British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and was the keynote speaker for Maranatha, the conference’s primary training event in 2007. Sweeney will also speak for worship on Friday evening during worship for delegates at the constituency meeting.

Youth and Young Adults in Hall 3 will host Pastor Massiel Davil-Ferrer, the chaplain at Burman University. Pastor Ricky Schwarz, youth director for the Maritime Conference will feature in Hall 4 with the teens.

An ordination service will be held at 6:15 p.m. in Hall 5 for ten ordinands. Pastor Cyril Millett II, executive secretary of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada (SDACC), will deliver the ordination message. Pastor Millett is well known in Ontario, having served as a pastor and youth director in this conference before being called to pastor in Bermuda. He was elected to his new position in Canada at the SDACC’s constituency meeting in November 2022.

Also present at Camp Meeting will be Pastor Bonita J Shields, associate secretary at the North American Division (NAD). Pastor Shields will be attending the Ontario Conference’s 35th constituency meeting. She will give the devotional message on Sunday morning, June 4, to the delegates.

Camp Meeting will also feature some of the usual favourites for attendees, including the ABC Book Centre sales and ministry giveaways.

For those wanting to experience an early start to camp meeting, they can take advantage of the 8 a.m. prayer service in Hall 5.

Communications Department

Eighty-Two Canadian Pathfinders Attend Inter-America Division ‘Pathfinders in Mission’ Camporee 2023 in Jamaica

Full of excitement, they arrived at the multi-purpose stadium in Trelawny on April 3 and immediately began making new friends with Pathfinders and staff from over 52 countries and 14 unions in the IAD.

It was to be an unforgettable experience for the Canadian contingent from Alberta, Ontario and Quebec to be part of 12,000 campers in a different division than their own. Among the Ontario Contingent were conference president, Pastor Mansfield Edwards and Pastor Reynold Hazelwood, who presented a workshop and a Bible marking honour, respectively.

The excitement and anticipation started from the moment it was announced in July 2022 that Canadians would attend the camporee. The prospect of spending four days in Jamaica was irresistible and many, without too much logistical planning, were already mentally basking in the sunshine.

The camporee’s theme, ‘Pathfinders in Mission, brought to life the Great Commission of Matthew 28:18-20 and made it even more real, relevant and relatable to Pathfinders and accompanying adults.

The Bible character Gideon was chosen for the camporee because his life accurately depicts the attitude and disposition Pathfinder leaders hope all Pathfinders will embrace —courage, commitment, and fortitude as they face the challenges of today’s world.

The challenge to be courageous, committed and remain strong while living out the gospel in today’s world can seem overwhelming for an individual. However, as part of a group of 12,000 campers began to grasp a sense of successfully participating in something far bigger than themselves.  Hearing others speak other languages helped campers understand that the gospel can reach others outside their own language group and country. They all had one message to share with the world, and they were thrilled to know that others shared their passion.

Perceptive adults looking at how the Pathfinders interacted with each other could confidently look to the future and give God thanks. They saw the vast number of witnesses ready to reach 52 countries with the gospel.  They saw Pathfinders from those countries, able to speak the language where they reside and familiar with the culture. Like Gideon, they were eager, committed and willing to live out the gospel.

Among the many experiences campers will remember and share with others is the day when Olympic champion Usain Bolt arrived and joined in a number of the activities.  He spoke of his Seventh-day Adventist background and encouraged Pathfinders to remain true.  To everyone’s delight, he even took part in an impromptu race against some of the younger Pathfinders.

Perhaps the most memorable event during the camporee was the baptism of more than 120 individuals who gave their hearts to the Lord and sealed their decision with baptism.

Leaving the camporee, the hot weather and newly-made friends wasn’t easy for the Canadian contingent but their life and mission remained in Ontario and Canada. However, they returned with great memories, including eating as many mangoes and drinking as much coconut water as they could handle.  Others will remember a quick dip in the Caribbean Sea but most will hold onto either committing themselves to the mission for the first time or reigniting their passion.  This was succinctly expressed by Heather Orr-Mullings, Northwest Brampton Aggelos Pathfinder Club director, “...What impacted me the most,” she said, “was seeing over 100 persons, including support staff like drivers, and others who were assisting, give their lives to Jesus.  This camporee was electrifying, the weather was perfect and I found a deeper walk with Jesus.”

The Pathfinder Ministry is for children and teens, aged 9 -16.  Adults may become MasterGuides and train to become leaders in Pathfinder Ministry to help young people experience the power of God in their lives and develop a passion for God’s mission.

Gloria Allen
Assistant Executive Coordinator,
Ontario Conference Pathfinder Council

The Passing of Former Ontario Conference Treasurer, Dr Ebenezer “Eben” Agboka

Ebenezer joined the Ontario Conference treasury team in 1990, serving as assistant treasurer and then associate treasurer. He also worked in internal auditing, both at the Ontario Conference and with the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Auditing Services for Canada for a short period of time. In 1997, he was elected to serve as treasurer of the Ontario Conference. After eleven years of faithful service, he left in 2001 to complete his doctoral studies.

Those who knew Ebenezer fondly remember his service in the Ontario Conference. While they spoke highly of his dedication to God’s work and his compassion and care towards others, they highlighted his constant smile—even after a hectic day.

“Ebenezer was a joy to work with,” says Alvin Ram. “You could always share a laugh with him, and he’d happily tell you about his time when he met Muhammad Ali, his boxing hero.”

Former Youth and Young Adults director, Pastor Frankie Lazarus, added, “Ebenezer made working in the office an enjoyable experience. His wit and dedication to serving were infectious. A true man of God!”

“The Ontario Conference is a better place because of Ebenezer,” says Pastor Mansfield Edwards, Ontario Conference president. “We stand on his shoulders and on those of many like him who made this conference what it is today. We are truly grateful to God for him and his faithful service here and elsewhere. His commitment to this conference was exemplary.

His daughter, Christelle, took up his legacy and faithfully served in Ontario for the past five years before moving to the North American Division. We continue praying that our Saviour will comfort and strengthen her and her family in their bereavement.”

A funeral service celebrating the life of Dr. Ebenezer Agboka will be held on Sunday, May 14, 2023, at Community Worship Center, 145-94 176th Street, Queens, New York 11434, at 2:00 p.m. He will be laid to rest to await The Resurrection at Pinelawn Cemetery the following day on May 15.