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“Stargazing”: A Week of Prayer Inspires Renewal and Mission Focus

November 13, 2025 | Edwin Martin | Ontario Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

“The Week of Prayer was a truly uplifting experience that inspired everyone to share Christ’s soon coming with courage, humble confidence, and renewed faith,” said Edith Missah-Habaradas, Health and Prayer Ministries Director, reflecting on the recently concluded Week of Prayer held from November 3–6, 2025, at the conference office under the theme “Stargazing.”

“Through heartfelt prayers, inspiring messages, and practical lessons presented by different speakers each day, we were drawn closer to God. The closing communion service beautifully united us in mission and strengthened our commitment to His calling,” she added joyfully.

The week began with Dr. Maria McClean, former Ontario Conference Health Director and now Coordinator for Ministry to the blind and visually impaired, who opened Monday’s session with a stirring reminder of the church’s core purpose—to serve and carry the gospel to the world.

On Tuesday morning, Pastor Leo Launio of the Bramalea Fil-Can Adventist Church shared a powerful reflection on Isaiah 40:31, highlighting that those who hope—or qavah in Hebrew—and wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. The term qavah literally means “to twist strands of rope together.” Pastor Launio beautifully illustrated that as we intertwine our lives with Christ—like strands woven into a strong rope, we receive renewed spiritual strength each day, empowering us to work with Him and prepare for His soon return.

Pastor Daviceto Swaby of the Toronto Perth Adventist Church brought Wednesday’s message, titled “Occupy Till I Come.” He reminded conference staff that although no one knows the exact time of Jesus’ return, it is both our privilege and responsibility to remain faithful and productive—to occupy—until He comes, diligently fulfilling our God-given duties in life and ministry.

During Thursday morning worship, Pastor Jose Sanchez of the New Life Adventist Church emphasized the importance of abiding in Christ. To abide, he explained, is more than offering God a quick visit—it means spending intentional time in His presence, connecting deeply, dwelling, and making our home in Him.

The Week of Prayer culminated in a communion service led by Pastor Frankie Lazarus, Ministerial Secretary. After the foot-washing ordinance, participants gathered reverently in the conference lobby, where the chairs and communion table were set for this solemn occasion. Before partaking of the emblems, Pastor Lazarus reflected on the significance of the moment, saying:

“This experience declares, ‘I am ready for the coming of the Lord.’ And not only am I ready, but I will tell others that they need to get ready. When I eat the bread and drink the cup, it is a demonstration that I am living in that readiness, with my eyes fixed on the ‘Star’—Jesus Christ. One day He will come and save me, not because I am faithful, but because He is the faithful God.”

Pastors Raul Gonzales, Allan Chichester, and Anthony Reid led in the Scripture reading, prayer and distribution of the emblems. It was a heartwarming moment of reflection on God’s goodness as each participant partook of the bread and wine.

“For me, the communion service at the conference office is the most meaningful moment of the year,” shared Pastor Jakov Bibulović, president of the Ontario Conference. “As an office family, we concluded the Week of Prayer by reflecting on the greatest gift we have received—grace through Jesus Christ.”

He went on to note that during the service, he is reminded that “Jesus Himself is still washing our feet through the humble hands of a fellow believer.”

“This sacred moment,” Pastor Jakov added, “calls us to refocus our ministry on what matters most in our Christian journey—to keep Jesus at the centre of our lives, for whoever ‘has the Son has life’” (1 John 5:12).

The service concluded beautifully with the hymn “When We All Get to Heaven,” a song filled with joyful hope and anticipation of Christ’s glorious return.

Pastor Edwin Martin
Director, Communications and Media Ministry