ARTICLE

The Forgiveness Feast: A Yearlong Journey to Healing

December 16, 2025 | Patricia Ferreira Lopez | Ontario Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

On Sabbath, December 6, the A.E. Fitness Complex at Kingsway College in Oshawa, Ontario, was transformed into a peaceful, celestial-inspired gathering place. Women and girls of all ages—from teenagers to grandmothers—arrived dressed in radiant white. This beautiful, multicultural sisterhood stood together as a living symbol of the restoration and freedom that come from choosing to forgive.

The moment guests stepped inside, they were welcomed by the heavenly sound of harp music played by Caralynn Chan, a live charcoal illustration of a biblical forgiveness story by Amelie Lopez, and décor that turned the gym into a sanctuary of warmth, welcome, and grace. This special gathering marked the grand finale of our year-long Forgiveness Feast initiative, during which women across Ontario met monthly to explore the beauty, challenges, and life-changing power of forgiveness in Christ.

At the centre of the room stood a lone olive tree adorned with white doves—a powerful symbol of peace offered, reconciliation embraced, and the healing God makes possible when we forgive. Long banquet tables, decorated with glowing birch trees and delicate peace doves, held charcuterie boards cascading with abundance and exquisite Korean dishes lovingly prepared by Pastor InPyo Hong and his family. Around these tables, generations of women feasted not only on delicious food but on the fruit of forgiveness, hope, healing, and restoration.

Throughout the day, various interactive activities helped engage each heart in the journey of forgiveness. Women selected their favourite Scriptures and quotes to write on large letters that spelt I FORGIVE, a bold declaration made visible for all to see. Gratitude jars overflowed as notes of thanks were added and passed around. Each woman wrote a 70x7 tag to hang on a miniature tree—naming someone they would choose, through Jesus Christ’s strength, to forgive again and again. In a moving peace-pinning ceremony, participants placed a small dove with an olive branch on the chest of another sister, symbolically encouraging one another to strive for peace and restoration through forgiveness.

One of the most striking displays was a floral archway marking the transition into the banquet space. Though covered in blossoms, the entrance was blocked by thick paper chains. Earlier that morning, women had written on those paper links the very things that shackle hearts in unforgiveness—hurt, resentment, fear, betrayal. The arch represented God’s wonderful plans waiting on the other side, yet the chains showed how unforgiveness keeps us bound. In a powerful moment, Melissa broke open the chain barrier, clearing the way and leading the women forward—representing the  freedom that comes when we finally let go.

Worship throughout the day was beautifully led by the Kingsway College Salt Sisters, whose harmonies filled each moment with reverence and joy. From start to finish, the Holy Spirit moved gently yet undeniably—comforting, convicting, and calling each heart toward freedom.

Then came the moment that etched this day into our hearts forever.

Our keynote speaker, Melissa DePaiva Gibson, shared her astonishing testimony—her real-life journey featured in the award-winning documentary Return to Palau. With strength and grace, she recounted the day she faced the man who took the lives of her parents and brother and abducted her as a child—and the divine courage God gave her and her family to forgive him. The women of Ontario rose with a standing ovation, honouring a story that proves forgiveness is not weakness, but supernatural strength born from living in communion with our Lord God Almighty.

Powerful local testimonies followed from Ana Spurrell and Nerine Ward, Ontario Women’s Ministries leaders, who bravely shared how God continues to write redemption and hope into their stories. As the program drew to a close, Nerine entered the waters of baptism at College Park Church, united with her sister Clare Trail—a breathtaking witness of new beginnings and restored faith.

As the celebration culminated, every woman joined hands, forming one great circle of sisterhood. Together, we joined our voices in singing Amazing Grace / My Chains Are Gone—and for a moment, it felt as though heaven’s glory brushed the edges of the earth. Tears flowed, not from sorrow, but from the overwhelming love of a God who makes all things new.

What Guests Said

“So blessed to be part of this Forgiveness Feast Celebration. I left feeling free.”

“I did not know it, but this day was a Divine Appointment for my life and I am forever changed and forever grateful to have come to the Forgiveness Feast Celebration.”

“It was a magnificent day—uplifting, inspiring, Spirit-filled, and simply beautiful.”

“The power of the Holy Spirit was truly amongst us today… What an amazing testimony of how God can help us forgive.”

“Like so many of the other ladies, I was moved to tears—not from sadness, but from the amazing love God demonstrated through Sister Melissa and her family. The day could not have been any better!”

“The year of the Forgiveness Feast has been a tremendous blessing in our lives, and I will never forget taking this journey with my sisters.”

A Day to Remember

The Forgiveness Feast was more than an event—it was a living testimony that forgiveness breaks chains, rebuilds hearts, and opens the door to peace. Women came expecting encouragement. They left walking lighter, standing taller, and holding tightly to the One who sets captives free.

May the spirit of this special celebration continue throughout our province as we extend olive branches, choose forgiveness daily, and walk together as sisters and brothers in Christ—whole, healed, and free.

May the spirit of this special celebration continue across our province as we extend olive branches, choose forgiveness daily, and walk together as sisters and brothers in Christ—whole, healed, and free.

Patricia Ferreira Lopez
Director, Ontario Conference Women’s Ministry