Western Ontario Regional Camp Meeting Inspires Members to Keep Growing Disciples
Posted: June 16th, 2026
Ontario Conference’s first Western Ontario Regional Camp Meeting under the new “Growing Disciples” vision brought together approximately 600 worshippers from May 13–16, 2026, at St. Paul’s Congregational Church in Chatham and online. Members from across the region united in worship, prayer, fellowship, and a renewed commitment to making disciples for Christ.
Over four days, the camp meeting followed the overarching theme, “Growing Disciples,” with each evening and Sabbath service exploring what it means to follow Jesus intentionally. Wednesday and Thursday evening sessions, held online, focused on personal spiritual renewal, encouraging members to engage more deeply in Bible study, heartfelt prayer, and everyday witness in their homes, workplaces, and neighbourhoods.
On Friday evening, families and youth gathered in person to celebrate how God is already at work across Western Ontario. Attendees heard testimonies of answered prayer, innovative digital outreach initiatives, and collaborative ministry efforts among local congregations. Music teams from several churches led vibrant praise and worship, setting a hopeful tone for the Sabbath celebration while highlighting the diversity of congregations across the region.
Sabbath was the spiritual high point, as members filled the sanctuary and overflow areas while others joined via livestream for a full day of worship, Bible study, and fellowship. Youth and young adults were especially engaged through the “Disciples on Fire” series, which explored how God calls this generation to resilient discipleship amid cultural pressure and uncertainty.
In the Sabbath morning message, “Disciples on Fire – Part 5: Resilience – Against All Odds,” Dr. Ainsworth E. Joseph reminded worshippers that gospel resilience is not about never falling but about trusting the One who lifts us up again. At one point he emphasised that true resilience means choosing faith when circumstances shout defeat, summarising the appeal in a memorable line: “Resilient disciples don’t deny the storm, but they refuse to let the storm define their story.”
Throughout the weekend, seminars and worship segments encouraged members to see themselves as everyday disciple-makers, whether serving in local church ministries, engaging in community outreach, or sharing hope through digital media. Attendees left expressing gratitude for the spiritual refreshment and for the opportunity to connect with fellow believers from across Western Ontario. Many commented that the regional format made camp meeting feel both accessible and deeply personal.
As the Ontario Conference continues this new season of regional camp meetings, participants returned to their home churches inspired to continue “Growing Disciples” until Jesus comes.
Dario Gabriel Ferreira
Pastor, London Seventh-day Adventist Church
Communication Director, Western Ontario Ministerial
Photo credit: Pastor Richard Jackson