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Members from Adventist churches across the Metro North Central (MNC) and Metro South Central (MSC) regions gathered with enthusiasm at Catch the Fire Church in Etobicoke for their first-ever joint regional convention on June 6, 2026, under the theme “Follow.”

Upon arrival, parents registered their children in the lobby before escorting them to the children's ministry room, creatively decorated to resemble Noah’s Ark and designed to engage young worshippers.

Youth attendees gathered on the second floor for an interactive worship experience led by guest speaker Pastor Shomari Blair, Assistant Pastor of Toronto Central Adventist Church. Meanwhile, adults and seniors were blessed by inspiring musical presentations and a thought-provoking panel discussion on the Sabbath School lesson, Repentance and Forgiveness.

In their welcome remarks, Pastors Orlando Patterson and Eustace Williams, Field Secretaries for the MSC and MNC regions respectively, highlighted the active involvement of young people in selecting the convention theme song, “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus.”

Addressing the congregation, Pastor Williams underscored the significance of the occasion, declaring, “You are part of history-making in the Ontario Conference.” He continued, “This is the first time we are having a setting like this—two regions in the GTA coming together to celebrate God’s goodness, to worship, and to praise the Lord.”

The convention marked a significant milestone for both regions, fostering unity, fellowship, and a shared commitment to following Christ.

Ontario Conference President Pastor Jakov Bibulovic also extended a warm welcome to attendees, noting that they represented approximately 13,000 members from 35 congregations—14 from MSC and 21 from MNC. He emphasized the conference’s commitment to disciple-making and its willingness to embrace innovative approaches to advance its mission and help hasten the return of Jesus.

Looking ahead, Pastor Bibulovic highlighted the significance of 2027, which will mark 2,000 years since Jesus’ baptism and the beginning of His earthly ministry. He encouraged members to participate actively in the OneVoice27 initiative as part of this special commemoration.

Lifting their voices in praise and adoration, the Willowdale Adventist Praise Team and the choral ensemble Voices of Zion (VOZ) set the tone for a meaningful worship experience. Their inspiring blend of vocals and instrumental music prepared hearts and minds to receive God’s Word.

Pastor Jose Cortes Jr., Associate Director of the North American Division Ministerial Association, delivered a powerful sermon centred on the second coming of Christ. Addressing the congregation, he asked, “Why are we Adventists?” While several members offered responses, he emphasised the centrality of the Advent hope, declaring, “We are Adventists because we are waiting for His second coming.”

He explained that the hope of Christ’s return is firmly rooted in His first coming: “Before we believe in the second coming of Jesus, we believe in the first coming of Jesus. He came once, and during that first coming, He died for us. In His death, we find the blessed assurance of salvation.”

Concluding with a heartfelt appeal to follow Jesus, Pastor Cortes invited attendees to commit their lives to Christ. In response, 11 individuals were baptised that day.

The afternoon session featured a discipleship seminar led by Pastor Cortes, who emphasised the importance of loving, seeking, and saving people as the heart of Christian ministry. This was followed by a musical concert showcasing the rich diversity of talent across both the MNC and MSC regions.

Although the program was briefly interrupted by a fire alarm, the incident demonstrated the members’ preparedness and cooperation as they evacuated the facility in an orderly manner. After firefighters completed their inspection and gave the all-clear, attendees returned to the auditorium, and the intergenerational service resumed without incident.

The day concluded with a closing charge from Pastor Bibulovic, challenging members to remain faithful to Christ’s calling.

As the convention came to a close, attendees departed inspired and energized to fulfill the mission, united in their commitment to follow Jesus faithfully until His soon return.