Pastoral ministry is a divine calling, one that goes beyond mere profession; it's a way of life.

In 1 Peter 5:2-3, the apostle Peter offers guidance to pastors, saying, "Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve." This passage is the heart of pastoral ministry – a willingness to serve with love and integrity.

Every day, pastors embark on a challenging journey that often includes long hours of study, counselling, and comforting those in need. They stand with their congregants and community members through joys and sorrows, visiting the sick, counselling the troubled, preaching the Word and modelling Jesus as they provide spiritual guidance and support. It's a role that requires patience, compassion, and unwavering faith.

What many don’t realize is pastors are often mediators, contract negotiators, community advocates, church construction managers, project planners, and so much more. Whatever role they are in, they are called by Jesus to reflect His character and be a source of spiritual nourishment and encouragement to members and the community in all aspects of life.

Pastoral Appreciation Month is a time for congregations to express their gratitude for their pastors' tireless efforts. It's an opportunity to recognize the sacrifices made by pastors, as well as their families, who share in the demands of ministry.

As we embrace Pastoral Appreciation Month, let us remember the dedication, love, and unwavering faith that pastors bring to their ministries. Let's let them know that we understand their role is not just a job; it's a divine calling that requires personal sacrifice of themselves and their families. Whether through a heartfelt thank-you note, a small gesture of kindness, or fervent prayers, let us come together as congregations to honour and appreciate the pastors who guide us on our spiritual journeys. In doing so, we emulate the love and support that Jesus, the ultimate Shepherd, provides to His flock and honour the biblical command to honour those who labour diligently in the Lord's service.

If you have photos of how your church has celebrated your pastor during this month, please share them with the OCN so we can feature them in an upcoming issue. You can send them to OCN@adventistontario.org.

The entire camp meeting was an act of faith. With no prior experience planning such an event, church members and pastors joined hands, working together, guided by their trust in and prayers to God. The result was a well-orchestrated program of inspired messages, shared testimonies, interactive workshops, and engaging activities catering to all ages.

The camp meeting featured several prominent figures from the Seventh-day Adventist community. There was Pastor Jakov Bibulović, president of the Ontario Conference, who inspired many with his Sabbath message. Dr. Daniel Saugh and Ray Fankhauser, program managers from ADRA, shared insights into their initiatives. Lifestyle Canada’s Jonathan Zita facilitated youth training on literature evangelism, and two pastors representing media ministries, Fanai Puia, the Digital Media Coordinator of Hope Channel and Remy Ballais, the Director-Speaker of Il Est Écrit, the French version of It is Written. All presenters challenged attendees to think differently about their life, ministry and service to God.

The week unfolded with a rhythm of insightful sessions. Monday featured Dr. Kitti Freier, a child psychologist from Loma Linda University, who addressed the audience about building resilience to stress. She also had a special interactive discussion with teenagers about sex and drug use.

As the event culminated in Friday night and Saturday Sabbath services, Ontario Conference president Dr. Jakov Bibulović delivered a powerful sermon that resonated with the theme "Forgetting the Past and Pressing Forward." He reviewed Jesus' example of how He 'pressed forward' on his way through Samaria and challenged the congregation to be involved in the mission of the church 'As never before'. He reminded attendees that God sends his messengers through often rejected routes, meeting rejected people, overcoming ethnic barriers, and starting life-changing conversations about the Gospel. Later that day, Pastor Bibulović’s words rang true as four souls declared their commitment to Jesus through baptism.

The 2023 Hawkesbury Camp Meeting left attendees rejoicing at the power of Jesus. Their inaugural camp meeting was a success, and those who attended recommitted their desire to walk ever closer to Jesus.

Pastor Daniel Bhookun
Hawkesbury Seventh-day Adventist Church

Elder Gloria McDonald, the Seniors' Ministries leader for the church, was a passionate advocate for the ministry and the walking club. Unfortunately, she passed to her rest before seeing its launch by Pastor Fray, former pastor of Brampton Seventh-day Adventist Church. He launched the club in her memory on August 19, 2023, to which the seniors were grateful that Elder Gloria’s last wish was honoured.

As the large group began their journey under the interim leadership of Bernetta (Monica) Donaldson. They greeted passersby with “Good morning” and tried to bring cheer to others as they walked around the park. After an hour, the seniors gathered to pray and discuss how they found the experience. Many described it as invigorating, rejuvenating, and spiritually and physically refreshing. The seniors plan to walk every month.

Judy Williams
Member of Seniors’ Ministry

Saturday evening, the church hosted a youth social event and an Adventist Christian Fellowship (ACF) meeting. Around 40 students from Laurentian University, Cambrian College, and Boreal College attended, and the topic for the evening was "How to Overcome Addictions." After the discussion, the atmosphere turned festive as everyone enjoyed an evening of pizza and games.  The success of this event was made possible by the dedicated efforts of ACF President Emmanuel and the entire ACF team.

Sudbury Seventh-day Adventist Church's commitment to not only sharing God's message but also living it through acts of kindness, hospitality, and compassion and making a positive impact on the lives of those around them.

The theme was “The Good Life,” based on John 10:10. Approximately 110 students gathered to kick off the academic year surrounded by nature, filled with inspiring worship, fellowship and life-changing messages.

Elder Ammishaddai Grand-Jean, the keynote speaker, shared powerful insights on what it means to live a life that is truly fulfilling. He emphasized the importance of seeking God's guidance during the academic year and living according to His principles in every aspect of student life. He reminded attendees that “while the enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, Jesus has come to give us life more abundant!” The message left first-time attendee Jianan Liu, a Ph.D. candidate at McMaster University and Cornerstone ACF executive team member, to reflect, “How can I live a good life in Jesus and share the gospel with others, especially on campus?”

As the ACF Ontario Fall Retreat for 2023 concluded, Kemunto Maranga, a 4th-year student at the University of Ottawa and co-president of Lighthouse ACF summed up the retreat: “It was truly a jumping point for many of us to go deeper into our spiritual lives - serving as a nexus point where we could choose the good life!”

Calling all university and college students! ACF is active throughout the year with many amazing opportunities to fellowship and to serve God. If you or someone you know wants to join our next activity, then visit our website, www.acfontario.ca, to find out about our next event and stay in the loop.

Akehil Johnson
ACF Ontario Ministry Co-Chair

As the new Pathfinders took part in the solem service which included lighting candles to symbolize their commitment to the Pathfinder Ministry and the work of God, many adults were moved by the ceremony and afterwards expressed a desire to help support the club.

The creation and increase of the Ephesus Conquerors Pathfinder club was a reminder and encouragement to the church that if we trust Him and fully dedicate our lives to doing His work, He will bless us and do mighty work on our behalf.

Elizabeth Johnson Hall, Member
Ephesus Seventh-day Adventist Church