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There are moments in the life of a church that are both joyful and bittersweet. A farewell celebration for Pastor Edwin Darius was held at the Windsor Seventh-day Adventist Church on Sabbath evening, June 27, 2026.

Pastor Darius served in Windsor for almost two years, arriving in August 2024. While we were saddened to see him leave the Windsor Seventh-day Adventist Church family, we also rejoiced in God's leading as He continues to guide Pastor Edwin into the next chapter of his ministry.

Tributes from department leaders, heartfelt messages from the youth, Windsor Adventist Elementary School (WAES), and individuals whom Pastor Edwin had prepared for baptism reflected the impact of his ministry. Members also shared personal testimonies and words of appreciation, while a special video montage and slideshow highlighted many meaningful moments from his two years of ministry.

During the Blessing and Send-Off, Pastor Alex Golovenko reflected on Pastor Edwin's ministry and its lasting impact. In addition to conducting baby dedications, leading Bible studies, preparing individuals for baptism, and teaching Bible classes at Windsor Adventist Elementary School, Pastor Edwin faithfully proclaimed God's Word from the pulpit. He preached more sermons than any previous assistant pastor, delivering 26 sermons to the congregation. These milestones reflect not only his dedication and pastoral care but also his passion for sharing the gospel and nurturing the spiritual growth of both the church family and the wider community.

On his final Sabbath in Windsor, Pastor Edwin conducted two more baptisms of WAES students, Blandi and Cynthia, members of the newly formed Ubuntu Company.

In his farewell remarks, Pastor Edwin described leaving Windsor as a bittersweet experience. While saying goodbye to a church family he has grown to love is not easy, he expressed excitement about the opportunities God has placed before him. This fall, he will begin pursuing a Master of Divinity degree at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. His desire is to deepen his theological education, return to Ontario, continue serving as a pastor, and, in God's timing, be ordained to the gospel ministry.

As a church family, we thank Pastor Edwin Darius for his faithful leadership, humble spirit, unwavering dedication, and Christ-centred ministry. We will miss his friendship, encouragement, and passion for sharing the gospel, but we send him forward with our love, our prayers, and our confidence that God will continue to lead his life.

May the Lord grant him wisdom in his studies, strength for every challenge, and abundant joy as He prepares him for even greater service. We look forward to witnessing how God will continue to bless Pastor Edwin and use him to build His kingdom.

Godspeed, Pastor Edwin Darius. You will always hold a special place in the hearts of your Windsor Seventh-day Adventist Church family.

Ruby Chand
Communications Correspondent,
Windsor Seventh-day Adventist Church

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INTERVIEW WITH PASTOR EDWIN DARIUS

Q: In a nutshell, could you tell us a little about yourself and your journey to Canada?

Pastor Edwin:
I was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and French is my first language. My family immigrated to Ottawa, Ontario, when I was 10, and I grew up there and learned English. Canada has been my home ever since, and I'm grateful for God's guidance throughout my journey.

Q: How did you know God was calling you into pastoral ministry?

Pastor Edwin:
I sensed God's call at a young age. During a church service, I asked my mother how the pastor spoke with such conviction. She replied, "He is in communication with God, and the Holy Spirit guides him." Those words stayed with me and planted a desire to serve God that never faded.

Although I briefly considered a career in law enforcement, by Grade 12, I knew God was leading me into ministry. I studied Theology at Burman University, graduated in 2018, served my first district in Toronto, and was later called to Windsor.

Q: Looking back on your two years at Windsor Church, what has been the most rewarding part of your ministry?

Pastor Edwin:
Without question, it has been the relationships. Walking alongside people through different seasons of life, praying with them, encouraging them, and watching young people grow in their faith has been deeply rewarding. The friendships I built with children, youth, adults, and seniors are memories I will always treasure.

Q: Is there a particular experience at Windsor that deeply impacted your ministry?

Pastor Edwin:
Pastor Alex's mentorship had a tremendous impact on me. He invested in me personally and professionally, helping me grow in confidence and ministry.

Recording the Sabbath School lessons together taught me to study Scripture more deeply, which renewed my devotional life. Participating in the Communion Seder also brought the biblical story to life in a powerful way.

I also cherish opportunities to lead Bible studies, baptisms, baby dedications, prayer meetings, and youth activities. Creating a safe place where young people could ask honest questions about faith was especially meaningful.

Q: Windsor Church is a multicultural congregation. How has that enriched your ministry?

Pastor Edwin:
Serving in such a diverse church broadened my understanding of different cultures and strengthened my appreciation that, despite our differences, we are one family in Christ. That unity has enriched both my ministry and my personal life.

Q: What memories will stay with you the longest?

Pastor Edwin:
Time spent with the children and youth will always be special—playing sports, studying the Bible, and seeing their enthusiasm for sharing Jesus with others.

I'll also remember the fellowship with church families, the support of the church board and elders, and the mentorship of Pastor Alex. Those relationships have shaped me in lasting ways.

Q: Were there any unexpected challenges?

Pastor Edwin:
One of the greatest challenges was helping young people through difficult situations. Often, I didn't have all the answers, so I learned to depend on God through prayer. Those experiences strengthened my faith and reminded me that God is the true Shepherd.

Q: Did Windsor Church feel like family?

Pastor Edwin:
Absolutely. From my very first visit, I felt welcomed and loved. As someone serving away from family, the church became my extended family. The kindness, encouragement, fellowship, and even the wonderful variety of cultural foods made Windsor feel like home.

Q: Did you learn from the seniors in the congregation?

Pastor Edwin:
Very much so. While some sought my advice, I learned just as much from their wisdom, experience, and faithful walk with God. Their friendship and encouragement were a tremendous blessing.

Q: Did you feel supported during your ministry?

Pastor Edwin:
Yes. Through prayers, encouragement, and countless acts of kindness, the Windsor church family reminded me that I was never serving alone. I am deeply grateful for their love and support.

Q: Before you leave, what message would you like to share with the Windsor Church family?

Pastor Edwin:
Never forget who you are—you are ambassadors for Christ.

Continue celebrating the beautiful diversity God has given your church while keeping Jesus at the centre of everything you do. Build strong relationships, worship together faithfully, and don't allow differences to divide you. When we love one another and serve together, we become a powerful witness for Christ.

Q: What lies ahead for you?

Pastor Edwin:
I will be pursuing a Master of Divinity degree at Andrews University to deepen my theological training and prepare for future ministry. My hope is to return to Ontario to continue serving wherever God leads and, in His timing, to be ordained into pastoral ministry.

Above all, I trust God with the future. He has faithfully led me this far, and I know He will continue to guide each step ahead.