As we countdown to Camp Meeting 2024, a special historical exhibit will be unveiled that showcases the Ontario Conference's rich legacy and journey over the past century and a quarter.

The project was led by Pastor Alex Golovenko, lead pastor of the Windsor Seventh-day Adventist Church. The exhibit is the culmination of his diligent effort in researching digitally archived material and physical documents housed at the Conference office. 

The exhibit consists of eight impressive panels, each standing five feet high. They will be set up in Hall 2, a spacious new addition to the Conference's camp meeting facilities. The hall will house the historical display and all of the booths traditionally found in Hall 5. It will also be the location for the dining area and the Adventist Book Center (ABC), which will be open after the close of Sabbath.

Stay tuned to the OCN for updates on additional new elements and surprises awaiting attendees. 

Pastor Shawn Ellis
Director, Communications and Media

After a five-year hiatus during COVID, the Earth Summit returned to Toronto with grandeur and enthusiasm at the Toronto International Centre on April 28. The event, a unique fusion of exhibits and classroom-style learning, was entirely centred on acknowledging God as the intelligent designer of our universe.

The opening ceremonies started with Virene Meikle, Treasurer for the Ontario Conference, introducing the hosts Patricia Ferreira Lopez, director of Women's and Children's Ministries, and Pastor James Rooney, director of Kingsway Pioneer Home. They engaged the crowd with humour and anticipation. Pastor Rooney's joke, "Why did the farmer win the Earth Summit award? He was out-standing in his field!" brought laughter and warmth to the crowd. Setting the stage for the day's events, Patricia promised visitors, "You will find both inspiration and a new understanding of Earth and our God who created it."

The gathering commenced with an opening prayer by Pastor Emile Maxi, Executive Secretary of the Ontario Conference, followed by a warm welcome from Pastor Jakov Bibulović, Ontario Conference president. He quoted the words of renowned scientist Louis Pasteur, who said, "A little science distances you from God, but a lot of science will bring you closer to Him." His comments challenged visitors to explore the exhibits and consider God as the creator of the universe.

Pastor Evaldo Vicente, Communications Director of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada and Steven Anderson, former mayor and community activist, also extended greetings and support, paving the way for the first opening presentation by Dr. Lazich, a retired physicist who worked with the Department of Defense. He shared from his years of work experience that the scientific community agrees that there must be a source of origin to the universe, and many agree that the source must be an all-knowing, all-powerful and all-present intelligence. He shared various cosmological facts demonstrating God's undeniable existence, which left a lasting impression on the visitors. 

Following the presentation, attendees eagerly explored the exhibits. The 5000-square-foot space buzzed with activity as scientists, pastors, and industry professionals engaged visitors in daily discussions and demonstrations. They covered various topics, from the indoor environment to your immune system, worldviews on science and creation, science vs. religion, and exploring how the structure of teeth shows intelligent design. 

Busloads of young people from Ottawa and London area churches joined the event, alongside local community members like Jao and Omar. Hearing about the event through social media posts, Jao said, "I have never seen anything like this before. I really enjoyed seeing how the different displays point to the existence of God!"

One of the highlights of the exhibits was the seven booths that explored each day of creation. Visitors got a chance to listen to Ontario Conference pastors as they shed light on the theological significance of God's planning for life on Earth. Visitors like Janice shared, "I like how the booth showed how each day reveals God's deliberate design."

There were also activities for kids and a poster competition on display prepared by kids from various schools.

Electric cars were again a highlight, as the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and the Polestar Model 1 were displayed. Visitors marvelled at the technology, took selfies in and around the vehicles, asked many questions, and sought advice on how to start the conversation about getting charging stations installed in their workplaces and condos.

"There are three ideas behind the Earth Summit. First is the "buzz" of interest that surrounds Earth Day each year. Barack Obama once said, 'We need to look after the Earth before we consider going to Mars.' With such interest in the Earth, I pondered ways the church could capitalize on that interest and how we could redirect the discussion toward Intelligent Design and, by extension, to the fact of a Creator.

Secondly, my passion was more energized when I read a Barna study, which reflected that 29% of the youth surveyed felt the church was out of step with science and the world we live in, while 25% saw Christianity as anti-science. According to Barna, that's why we lose so many of our youth from our churches. It was important to start a dialogue to anchor the faith of our youth and challenge the wider public to contemplate the undeniable reality of Intelligent Design, pointing to a Creator."

As the day drew to a close, visitors gathered for the closing ceremonies, which included gifts and awards given to the presenters and the winners of the school poster competition. Before the final prayer by Pastor Raul Gonzalez, Associate Ministerial Secretary for the Conference, special thanks were extended to Pastor Edwards and his secretary, Sarah Gouda, for their dedication and efforts in organizing the summit. 

In the future, there are plans to take the Earth Summit "on the road" to other cities to help spread awareness of God as the creator and prepare communities for upcoming evangelistic series in local churches.

Pastor Shawn Ellis
Director, Communications and Media

Grief Recovery Weekend

On April 12-14, the Family and Men's Ministry held a "Journeying Through Grief and Loss" weekend. The weekend's presenters were Dr. Grace Kelly, Grief and Bereavement Therapist,
and Author of "Grieve if You Must" and Pastor Emile Maxi, the Executive Secretary of the Ontario Conference, and a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist. 

Dr. Grace Kelly focused on "Caring For Yourself While Caring For Others" during her presentation to the pastors.

Pastor Allan Chichester
Director, Family and Men's Ministries

Mens Ministries Prayer breakfast: A personal reflection.

I had the pleasure of attending a remarkable event on April 18. I was honoured to speak at a Men's Ministries prayer breakfast hosted by Kendalwood Church. Brother Sheldon Smith and his dedicated team skillfully organized the breakfast, which was a gathering of men seeking spiritual nourishment and fellowship.

During my address, I focused on the theme of "The Privilege of Prayer," drawing inspiration from the timeless wisdom found in the prayer of Jabez as recorded in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10. I shared with the attentive audience, including Pastor Windel Montaque, four fundamental aspects that every man should incorporate into their daily prayers:

• Seeking the Pronouncement of God's abundant blessings: "Oh, that you would bless me indeed."
• Requesting God's Provision and expansion: "Enlarge my territory."
• Embracing the Power of God's presence: "That your hand would be with me."
• Seeking God's Protection: "That you would keep me from evil so that I might not cause any pain."

The prayer breakfast drew a diverse group of over 34 men and young men, all eager to deepen their connection with God and each other. It was truly a blessed and uplifting experience.

Pastor Allan Chichester
Director, Family and Men's Ministries

“Follow the directions in a timely way. Our steps are ordered, not copied.” Those words were spoken at Mississauga Seventh-day Adventist church’s 50th-anniversary celebration service in an energizing sermon by Pastor Debleaire K. Snell, Director of Breath of Life Television Ministries and Senior Pastor of Oakwood University Church.

On April 6, 2024, hundreds of worshippers and dozens of dignitaries gathered at Mississauga Seventh-day Adventist at 2250 Credit Valley Road in Mississauga, Ontario, to celebrate 50 years in ministry. Letters of congratulations were offered by the Prime Minister of Canada, the Premier of Ontario, the President of the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists, along with other municipal politicians and church leaders. Pastors who served at the church over its 50 years in ministry were also in attendance.

“Our journey has been a testament to the enduring power of God’s love and the strength of our church family,” said Pastor Mark Ewen, Senior Pastor of Mississauga Seventh-day Adventist church. “As we gather to commemorate this golden anniversary, let us reflect on the countless lives touched, the prayers answered, and the bonds forged within these sacred walls.”

“Follow the directions in a timely way. Our steps are ordered, not copied.” Those words were spoken at Mississauga Seventh-day Adventist church’s 50th-anniversary celebration service in an energizing sermon by Pastor Debleaire K. Snell, Director of Breath of Life Television Ministries and Senior Pastor of Oakwood University church.

On April 6, 2024, hundreds of worshippers and dozens of dignitaries gathered at Mississauga Seventh-day Adventist at 2250 Credit Valley Road in Mississauga, Ontario, to celebrate 50 years in ministry. Letters of congratulations were offered by the Prime Minister of Canada, the Premier of Ontario, the President of the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists, along with other municipal politicians and church leaders. Pastors who served at the church over its 50 years in ministry were also in attendance.

“Our journey has been a testament to the enduring power of God’s love and the strength of our church family,” said Pastor Mark Ewen, Senior Pastor of Mississauga Seventh-day Adventist church. “As we gather to commemorate this golden anniversary, let us reflect on the countless lives touched, the prayers answered, and the bonds forged within these sacred walls.”

Exactly 50 years earlier, on April 6, 1974, a former printing house located at 999 Lakeshore Road East in Mississauga, Ontario, was purchased and renovated as the future home of the Mississauga Seventh-day Adventist church. Twenty-three members followed the call of God to go west of Toronto, Ontario and form a church. After worshiping there for 14-years, the church at 999 Lakeshore was sold and new land was purchased. On March 30, 1996, the church officially opened at its current location under the matchless guidance of God.  

The church now has a membership of 860 members. In the 50 years of ministry, two churches were formed by members of the Mississauga congregation, Meadowvale Seventh-day Adventist and Ebenezer Seventh-day Adventist. In addition to its many in-reach ministries, Mississauga Seventh-day Adventist also offers outreach to the community through a food pantry called Tender Mercies and Touch of Love, a ministry providing food and clothing items to people experiencing homelessness.

“I pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all of us as we step into the guaranteed future because God desires us to win together in this ministry,” said Past Jephthah Ndlovu, Assistant Pastor of Mississauga Seventh-day Adventist church. “Occupy until He comes!”

By Leesa Renée Hall, Communications Team, Mississauga Seventh-day Adventist Church