Building Spiritual Resilience: Ontario Conference Workers Retreat

For the first time in the history of the Ontario Conference, the Workers’ Retreat was held at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, Ontario, from September 25–27, 2026. The weekend provided a refreshing opportunity for worship, reflection, fellowship, and meaningful family bonding. Set against the beautiful backdrop of autumn’s changing colours and the tranquil waters of Peninsula Lake, pastors, Bible workers, teachers, support staff, directors, administrators, and their families gathered in response to Jesus’ invitation to “come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while” (Mark 6:31).

Under the theme “Spiritual Resilience,” the retreat offered a different emphasis from the annual Workers’ Meeting. Rather than focusing primarily on ministry and organisational matters, the weekend centred on the spiritual, emotional, and relational well-being of workers and their families. It provided intentional time to reconnect with God, renew their strength, enjoy fellowship with one another, and spend quality time with their spouses and families.

Amid the demands of ministry and service, the retreat served as an important reminder that those who continually pour into the lives of others also need time to rest, be renewed, and draw strength from Christ.

Faith in the Midst of the Storm

Dr. Frank Hasel, Associate Director of the Biblical Research Institute at the General Conference, served as the retreat’s main speaker. His presentations included “My Grace Is Sufficient for You,” “Who Is This Man, That Even the Wind and Sea Obey Him?” and “What Do You Want to Be Remembered For?”

Although a theologian who could easily have filled his presentations with complex theological language, Dr. Hasel communicated profound biblical truths with clarity and simplicity. His personal testimonies, humour, and engaging stories brought his messages to life, making them meaningful not only to the workers but also to their children.

Drawing from the story of Jesus calming the storm and the disciples’ response, Dr. Hasel contrasted fear with faith. “Fear is produced when you focus on the circumstances … and you are overwhelmed by the seriousness of the situation,” he explained. He then pointed his listeners toward the source of spiritual resilience: “Fear is created by the storms around us … faith doesn’t look to the storms around us; faith looks to the One who is the Master of the storm, to the One who is stronger than any storm.”

His message was a timely reminder that spiritual resilience does not come from the absence of storms, but from keeping our eyes fixed on Christ in the midst of them.

Guerlyng Martins appreciated the weekend's spiritual emphasis. “The spiritual messages are so good for me and for everyone,” he shared. “In Portuguese, I would say, ‘Belíssimo, muito bom!’” (“Absolutely beautiful, very good!”).

Time to Rest and Reconnect

For many workers and their families, the peaceful surroundings offered exactly what the retreat was intended to provide: an opportunity to slow down, rest, and reconnect.

Grateful for the experience, Wesley Orieux shared that he and his family especially enjoyed the beauty of nature. “It’s very calm and peaceful around us,” he said. His son agreed: “What I like about this retreat is that we get to rest, and the colours are very beautiful—the trees—and it’s a very peaceful atmosphere.”

Arnold Galvo appreciated the gift of unhurried time with colleagues and friends. “We get to spend as much time as we can talking, sharing stories, and just catching up with one another,” he said.

A Retreat Bathed in Prayer

Prayer was woven throughout the weekend, with a prayer walk, prayer wall, and prayer well providing opportunities for workers and their families to pray for one another and share their requests.

Arnold’s wife, Ethel, described the prayer walk as one of her most meaningful experiences. “Originally, I didn’t want to join. I said I would just sleep, but I’m glad I joined because it was a very empowering and encouraging experience. We were able to pray for someone, and someone also prayed for us. Thank you for the great experience.”

Edith Habaradas, Prayer Ministries Director, explained that the prayer initiatives were the result of teamwork. “The prayer walk, prayer wall, and prayer well were a collaborative effort, and I just give God thanks for our prayer team,” she said. “It is the Lord who inspired us, and seeing so many people enjoying and participating in prayer and requesting prayers has actually blessed us as a prayer team.”

The prayer walk even created an unexpected opportunity for outreach. Ines Telis recalled meeting a couple who were not Seventh-day Adventists.

“The experience on the prayer walk was amazing,” she shared. “We even prayed with a couple who were not Adventists, and they had a prayer request, so we were able to take it and pray together. We even gave them a little card, ‘Who Are Seventh-day Adventists?’ And guess what? The lady speaks Spanish and is from Colombia. So, it was a beautiful experience.”

For Anthony Baugh, the prayer walk was also a highlight. “What I loved most was the prayer walk,” he exclaimed. “The prayer walk was so meaningful, and I’ve been so blessed by it. I’m going back rejuvenated, and I believe God will answer our prayers. But everything else has been great—just wonderful.”

A Retreat for the Whole Family

Recognising that workers’ families are an important part of the ministry journey, special attention was also given to children throughout the weekend.

Patricia Ferreira Lopez, Children’s Ministries Director, provided activities and materials designed especially for workers’ children. “We had a special treat for the children on Friday night and Sabbath morning,” she explained. “In the evening, we had glow sticks to glow for Jesus and all kinds of resilience worksheets.”

Sherye Phillips Watson, departmental secretary, shared her joy in seeing the children participate. “I’m so happy that we got to serve the children. You could see the smiles on their faces, and we know our ministry is making an impact.”

Rested, Renewed, and Refocused on Mission

While rest and renewal were central to the weekend, the retreat also pointed workers back to the mission to which God has called them.

Dr. Jakov Bibulovic, Ontario Conference President, reflected on the biblical foundation for bringing workers together. “Jesus called His disciples to come and rest. We also want to come together to rest, find comfort in unity, and reflect on who Jesus is,” he explained. “This is our prayer and desire: that our teachers, our pastors, our Bible workers, and all conference workers come together in one spirit and allow God’s Spirit to rekindle in us a passion for mission.”

He also challenged workers to consider new and more effective approaches to fulfilling that mission.

“We cannot do the same things we’ve been doing for years and expect different results,” he said. “We need to do things differently. We need to be more effective in mission, and that’s why we’re here. We’re looking forward to being united in mission, focused on mission, and more effective in mission.”

Looking ahead to OneVoice27, Dr. Bibulovic added, “That’s why we’re looking forward to next year’s OneVoice27. Let us all focus on Jesus, who will make ‘All Things New.’”

Celebrating the Conference Family

One of the meaningful highlights of the weekend was the recognition of members of the Ontario Conference family at different stages of life and ministry. Newly hired teachers, pastors, Bible workers, and support staff were warmly welcomed and presented with special gifts. Newly married couples and workers who had welcomed babies into their families were also celebrated.

Retired workers received a standing ovation in appreciation for their years of faithful service, while workers who had passed away were remembered with a solemn moment of silence.

It was also announced that retired pastor James Anderson will serve as Ontario’s liaison for the Retired Pastors and Spouses Network, helping to maintain connection and fellowship among those who have dedicated many years to ministry.

At the conclusion of the retreat, Dr. Emile Maxi, Executive Secretary and Chair of the Workers’ Retreat Planning Committee, expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped make the 2026 Workers’ Retreat a meaningful and memorable experience for workers and their families.

Returning Renewed

As workers and their families left Deerhurst Resort and returned to their homes, churches, classrooms, offices, and communities, they carried with them more than memories of a beautiful autumn weekend. They returned refreshed by fellowship, strengthened through prayer, encouraged by God’s Word, and reminded that true spiritual resilience comes from keeping their eyes fixed on Christ.

Renewed in their commitment to Jesus and strengthened to face the challenges of ministry and service, Ontario Conference workers returned to their respective places of ministry with a shared purpose: to faithfully fulfill their calling and help lead church members, students, families, and communities into a closer relationship with Jesus.