Healthy Families, Healthy Disciples: Eastern Ontario Launches Its First Camp Meeting
Posted: July 13th, 2026
History was made as the first-ever Eastern Ontario Camp Meeting brought together members from churches across the region on July 3–4, 2026, in Cornwall for a weekend of worship, fellowship, and spiritual renewal. Centred on the theme “Healthy Families. Healthy Disciples,” the event united hundreds of attendees of all ages through inspiring messages, uplifting music, practical seminars, and engaging programs for adults, youth, teens, juniors, and children.
The camp meeting officially opened Friday evening with a warm welcome from Daniel and Beth Langfried, followed by a vibrant time of praise and worship led by the Ottawa Church Praise Team. Attendees were blessed by special musical presentations from Sandy Zamora & Co., Osvaldo Paiva & Co., and Renewed. The evening culminated with a powerful message, “Lifeguard on Duty,” delivered by Pastor Bill Roberts, reminding the congregation that Christ is always present to rescue, restore, and guide His people.
At the same time, youth gathered for a dynamic evening program featuring worship, giveaways, interactive activities, and fellowship. Following a season of prayer led by Martine Charles, the youth were challenged by Pastor Frankie Lazarus with his message, “Who Do They Say I Am?”, encouraging them to anchor their identity in Christ rather than in the opinions of others.
Sabbath morning began with a thought-provoking Sabbath School panel discussion moderated by Michelle Lafleur and featuring Pastor Bill Roberts, Elder Yolaine Kirlew, and Dr. Collins Ayoo. Together, they explored practical ways families can strengthen relationships and become faithful disciples in today’s world.
During the Divine Worship Service, Elder Dalu Sifani, Ontario Conference Associate Treasurer, extended warm greetings on behalf of the Conference administration, welcoming attendees and affirming the significance of the inaugural gathering. His remarks were followed by a video presentation introducing the “OneVoice27: Mission for All” initiative. The Nepean Praise Team, the Ottawa Adventist Church Choir, and Heavenly Voices then led the congregation in a meaningful time of worship before Pastor Bill Roberts delivered a deeply moving sermon entitled “Brokenness on the Cross,” focusing on Christ’s sacrifice and the healing made possible through His grace.
Reflecting on God's love for humanity, Pastor Roberts reminded the congregation, “We are irreplaceable. That is why the Seventh-day Adventist Church exists—to tell the world that they’re irreplaceable... because they are living with broken hearts... and the One who can heal them wants us to be part of the story and bear the message: ‘You’re irreplaceable.’” He concluded with an appeal to embrace God's restoring power, saying, “There’s a lot of joy ahead if you go on a healing journey, because as you let God heal, as He turns your weaknesses into strengths, He will be able to use you in ways that bring you so much joy... There’s a lot of joy ahead as we let Him heal.”
Children, teens, and juniors also enjoyed meaningful age-appropriate programming. The children’s ministry focused on the theme “I Am a Promise,” combining worship, crafts, Bible lessons, and commitment appeals. Meanwhile, teens and juniors participated in bilingual worship, interactive discussions, testimonies, prayer, and a message by Prudence Ndlovu, who challenged them to fully dedicate their lives to Christ.
The afternoon featured a joyful concert celebrating the rich musical diversity of Eastern Ontario churches. Choirs and groups from Cornwall, Brockville, Ottawa East, Ottawa French/Shekinah, Ottawa Spanish, Orleans French, London, and many others lifted hearts with songs of praise. The “State of the Conference” video presentation and ministry highlights from ADRA Canada, Kingsway College, and Hope Channel Canada reminded attendees of the Ontario Conference’s mission and impact both locally and around the world.
The weekend concluded with Pastor Bill Roberts’ final message, “Sharing the Call in Ministry,” based on Matthew 5:9, followed by a moving consecration prayer led by Dr. Allan Chichester. As voices united in singing “Love at Home,” attendees departed encouraged to return to their churches as ambassadors for Christ, committed to nurturing spiritually healthy families and making faithful disciples.
More than a successful gathering, the inaugural Eastern Ontario Camp Meeting marked the beginning of a new tradition of unity, worship, and mission across the region. With hearts renewed and faith strengthened, participants left Cornwall inspired by what God had done and filled with anticipation for what He will continue to accomplish in the years ahead.
Martine Charles
Easter Ontario Camp Meeting Communications Team
Click HERE to see more photos on Flickr courtesy of Manuel Hernandez.