ARTICLE

As I sit in the middle seat of my WestJet flight back home, I would be remiss not to admit that this weekend was everything I needed and more.

On May 6, 2026, youth leaders from Ontario journeyed to Newfoundland, where they would spend the next five days attending the Canadian Adventist Youth Summit (CAYS), titled “Rise. Empowering Youth Leaders for Mission.” CAYS is the biennial training event that invites leaders from across Canada to gather and work toward a united vision for young people in Canada.

Heading to Newfoundland were 16 highly energetic and talented individuals serving as Youth Ministries Action Committee members in the Ontario Conference Youth Ministries Department (regional presidents, ministry co-chairs, and one youth pastor), all with an eagerness to serve the next generation of the church.

Through sun and rain, Camp Woody Acres set the stage for what would become a transformative week. As campers trickled in, our soft launch session on Wednesday evening was led by Pastor John Scott, Youth Director of the Ontario Conference, who emphasised that though the world may want to see us fail, and though we may feel like all hope is gone, our God will never let us feel lost. Each of us has been called for a greater purpose so that we may rise, even when the ashes around us are burning.

On Thursday, attendees were shepherded into cars and off to explore the province we were visiting. Group 1 took an adventure to downtown St. Johns, where they explored the Jellybean Row Houses, coloured by their owners’ personalities, and visited Cape Spear – the easternmost point of Canada. Group 2 embarked on a hike, connecting with God through the mountainous views and ending the tour at the oldest Adventist radio station in Canada, where they even went live on air to share about their ministries. Group 3 traversed the ocean waves to spot some of God's magnificent creatures—whales, puffins and icebergs.

The evening was filled with awe for creation's beauty and began the first of three sermons from Pastor Massiel Davila-Ferrer, Chaplain at Burman University, who spoke about Moses’ journey in the wilderness. In one session, we delved into Exodus 18, the narrative in which Jethro visits Moses. The conversations led us to understand that in leadership like Moses’, it is important to know where and how to delegate. Young leaders in today’s church feel the pressure of carrying the burdens of all those around them, but in Exodus 18:21, as Jethro tells Moses, we are invited to share that responsibility and to fix our eyes on God. Inevitably, the room was filled with quiet reflection that evening.

Friday placed the group in active workshops. Pastor Cyrill Millet, Executive Secretary of the Seventh-day Adventist Church of Canada (SDACC), led discussions on breaking down barriers and navigating red tape within church structures. Questions about how to work with church boards and how to speak up for those who are unheard were thoughtfully answered and discussed. Leaders were empowered to speak boldly, lead faithfully, and follow God's guidance.

The Friday evening began with a powerful sermon from Pastor Teddy Bagassien, Youth Director of the Maritime Conference, who used Joseph’s life to speak about the waiting seasons in a young person’s life. We may pray for answers and feel stuck in the waiting, while all along unknowingly being the answer to someone else’s prayer. This reminder encouraged us to live each moment with the privilege of knowing that we serve a providential God.

As the sun rose on the final day, we were greeted with warm weather and comfort. From the moment we walked into the camp’s gym-turned-chapel until the close of the Sabbath, the Holy Spirit was felt in every corner, every word spoken, and every heart in attendance. The morning featured a powerful word from Pastor Massiel, followed by three workshops that challenged leaders to think creatively about approaching ministry from a healthy mindset. After a traditional haystack lunch, the afternoon was spent with Canadian youth directors and Burman University campus chaplains sharing the Mission, Vision, and Values of the Canadian Union, centred around the tagline:

“Live, Grow, and Change the World.”

The day concluded with a final message from Pastor Rob Dorelus, Youth Director of the Alberta Conference, who presented Joseph’s story through the lens of 2026. The journey of our ministry could mean that some of us are in the pit, tossed aside, or in prison, where every move is watched. Some may be dreaming and waiting for those dreams to become reality, while others may already be in the palace, leading the charge. Wherever we may be, God is with us through it all.

Heading to Newfoundland, I can say with certainty that we did not expect to walk into a room filled with young leaders who have dedicated 110% of their lives to Christ. We did not expect to hear the yearning in the hearts of those around us for the lost. We did not expect to fill our minds with a vision for the future that can change the world. But God made it happen. Through the tireless efforts of the Canadian Youth Advisory team, He moved mountains, opened the skies, and changed the lives of youth visionaries in just five short days.

As I close my eyes and think about what Ontario has in store for our young people, I am moved. I marvel at God’s abundant grace, and I am empowered by what one week in the wilderness can do for the Kingdom of God.

Natasha Nithiarajan 
Communications Co-Chair,
Youth Ministries, Ontario Conference
of the Seventh-day Adventist Church