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In December 2025, the Communications and Media Ministry of the Ontario Conference launched the Discipleship Essay Writing Contest, inviting participants to reflect on the theme: “What it means to be a Disciple of Christ in the 21st Century.” The contest featured three age categories—8–12, 13–17, and 18+—to encourage participation across generations and highlight diverse perspectives on modern discipleship.

Seventeen writers from local churches and schools submitted essays, each offering a unique insight into what it means to follow Christ today. Participants explored how faith shapes daily life amid the challenges of the digital age, addressing the influence of social media, technology, and changing societal values. Many shared how they remain grounded in Christ while facing these realities.

The essays highlighted practical ways to live Christ’s teachings in contemporary life. Writers described kindness, integrity, service, and compassion as vital parts of authentic discipleship. They showed that following Jesus extends beyond the church into all aspects of daily life.

The submissions painted a vivid picture of the modern disciple: faithful, intentional, and responsive to the world’s needs, yet firmly rooted in timeless biblical principles.

Special thanks to all participants for sharing their thoughtful reflections. Winning essays will be featured in the Ontario Highlights magazine this year, while the remaining submissions will be published as devotional reflections in the weekly Ontario Conference News (OCN), aiming to inspire and encourage readers across the conference.

Awards

First-place winners:           $150 gift card
Second-place winners:       $100 gift card
Third-place winners:          $50 gift card.

All other participants will receive a certificate of participation in recognition of their contributions.

Age Category: 8-12

First Place – Anna Neriya Abdulla  (Belleville)
Essay Title: “What It Means to Be a Disciple of Christ in the 21st Century”
 
Second Place – Eric Robinson  (Heart Lake)
Essay Title: “Discipleship”
 
Third Place – Avery-Ann Smith  (Crawford Adventist Academy)
Essay Title: “The Mission of 21st Century Discipleship”
 
Participation Award:

• Ewa Robinson (Heart Lake)
• Iman Robinson (Heart Lake)
• Jahvon Harry (Crawford Adventist Academy)

 Age Category: 13-17

First Place – Yasmin Robinson  (Heart Lake)
Essay Title: “My Real Life as a Disciple of Christ in the 21st Century”
 
Second Place – Shiloh Tiriboyi  (Barrie)
Essay Title: “Walking with Christ in the 21st Century”
 
Third Place – Mykala Rose (Hamilton East)
Essay Title: “Jesus in My Life”
 
Participation Award:

• Aria Robinson (Heart Lake)
• Jahnoi Lowe Tafare (Crawford Adventist Academy)
• Success Paul (Georgian Bay District Secondary School)

 
Age Category: 18+

First Place – Angela Bedward  (Barrie)
Essay Title: “What It Means to Be a Disciple of Christ in the 21st Century”
Second Place – Janelle Rosmyn Macaraig (Mt. Zion Filipino)
Essay Title: “To Be a Disciple Means to Be Kind”
 
Third Place – Callan Lewis-Balfour (Toronto West)
Essay Title: “Discipleship in the 21st Century”

Participation Award:

• Annie Warner Donnelly (Barrie)
• Jahnoi Lowe Tafare (Crawford Adventist Academy)
• Steven Vassell (Ajax)

Congratulations to all writers for their inspiring contributions! Keep writing to uplift others in Christ and to bring honour and glory to God.

Sincere appreciation to Patricia Ferreira Lopez, Edith Habaradas, Kristen Maclean, Jason Perkins, Pastor Sereivudh Ly, and Pastor Allan Chichester for serving as essay judges.

Edwin Martin
Director, Communications and Media Ministry
Ontario Conference