Passing the Mantle: Leadership Changes Across Youth Ministry
JP (Left) and Pastor Scott (Right) engaged in conversation.
In every season of ministry, there are sacred moments when we pause, reflect, and give thanks for faithful service, while simultaneously looking ahead with hope toward what God is preparing next. Such is the season we now find ourselves in across the Ontario Conference Youth Ministries family.
Ontario Conference Youth Ministries Department exists to empower youth and young adults as they fulfill their calling to be Kingdom ambassadors. This calling is lived out through the dedication, prayer, sacrifice, and leadership of individuals who say “yes” to serving our young people.
Across our Regional Youth Associations and Unique Ministries, we are witnessing a meaningful transition of leadership. These transitions are not merely administrative changes; they represent a sacred relay—the passing of vision, responsibility, and spiritual burden from one faithful servant to another. As Scripture reminds us:
“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” — Mark 10:43
Christian leadership has never been about position; it is about service. It is about enduring faithfully. It is about carrying the work of the Kingdom with humility and courage. To those who are concluding their terms of leadership, we offer not only our gratitude but our prayers.
In Northern Ontario, we thank Emmanuel Mukwakwami for his faithful leadership as president. Emmanuel has provided stability, vision, and encouragement to youth leaders across the region. As he concludes his term, we pray that the Lord continues to enlarge his territory and bless his continued service.
In East Central, Alvea Hurlington-Romans concludes her presidency while joyfully welcoming a new baby boy into her family. What a beautiful season of transition, from leading a region to nurturing new life. We celebrate her ministry impact and pray that God grants her family strength, peace, and abundant blessings.
Natasha Nithiarajan leading discussion.
In Metro-West Central, we thank Kenesha Pike for her steady and committed leadership. Her dedication to collaboration and regional unity has strengthened youth ministry across her territory.
In Metro-North Central, Natasha Nithiarajan will conclude her presidency at the end of March. Natasha has served with clarity and heart, helping to cultivate synergy among youth teams and leaders.
In Southern Ontario (SOARYN), we express our deep appreciation to Jonylle Smith for concluding her term with grace and perseverance.
In Eastern Ontario, while the region currently undergoes elections, we pause to thank Alexandre Andre for years of faithful leadership. The seeds sown under her care will continue to bear fruit.
In the Near North region, as elections proceed, we also thank Alessandro Coronado for his committed service and leadership.
Within ACF Ontario, Chris Cardoza will conclude his term in May as Ministry Co-Chair and President of the Student Association. Chris has led with courage and conviction, inspiring students to see themselves as missionaries on their public campuses. Alongside him, Gege Tenerife (General Vice-President) and Larnelle Gutu (Vice-President for Resources) will also conclude their terms in May 2026. Their service has strengthened campus ministry across Ontario.
To each of these leaders, we say: thank you. Thank you for enduring the burden. Thank you for sacrificing time. Thank you for shepherding young people. We pray that God replenishes your strength as you continue to serve in new capacities.
Three young adults taking a moment from a youth rally to smile and conversate.
At the same time, we warmly welcome those who have chosen to carry the mantle forward.
In Northern Ontario, Jason Felix from Thunder Bay Adventist Church steps into the presidency. May the Lord grant him wisdom and favour as he leads.
In East Central, James Bannister from College Park Adventist Church assumes the role of president. We pray that his leadership fosters unity, creativity, and spiritual depth.
Ruth Javier leading during a youth rally.
In Metro-West Central, Josephine Akomaa from the Toronto Ghanaian Adventist Church takes up the responsibility of regional leadership. May she be strengthened as she supports youth teams and collaborates on major initiatives.
In Metro-North Central, Neeza Mohamed from Richmond Hill Adventist Church will succeed Natasha in March. May her leadership be marked by clarity of vision and joy in service.
In Southern Ontario (SOARYN), Mufaro Mberenga from Hamilton Mountain Adventist Church now leads. We pray that God equips him to cultivate synergy and connectivity across the region.
Within ACF Ontario, we celebrate Kemunto Maranga from Ottawa East Adventist Church, who will succeed Chris Cardoza as president. Joining the team are Tyson McGann from ACTS ACF and College Park Adventist Church as vice-president for student life, and Gideon Mehna from AVAD ACF and Mississauga Adventist Church as vice-president for resources.
Leadership is never light. It is a sacred burden that these individuals have willingly chosen to endure. We congratulate them not only for the role but also for taking on responsibility. As we often remind one another: Leadership in Christ’s Kingdom is stewardship, not status.
What unites all these leaders—across regions and ministries—is their shared participation in the Youth Ministries Action Committee (YMAC).
Members of the Youth Missions team at Ontario Conference Camp Meeting 2025.
YMAC serves as the collaborative heart of youth ministry development in the Ontario Conference. It is here that leaders coordinate calendars and dates. It is here that brainstorming becomes planning. It is here that updates are shared, reports presented, vision cast, and training provided.
YMAC exists to:
Coordinate youth ministry activities across all facets
Provide support systems for leaders and practitioners
Offer guidance and resources
Advise the Youth Director specific to each ministry area
Plan special events such as Youth and Young Adult Camp Meeting
Arrange dates and foster strategic collaboration
Through YMAC, Regional Youth Associations create synergy among youth teams, provide camaraderie among leaders, collaborate on major events, and connect local ministries to the broader provincial vision. No leader works alone. Each region strengthens the other. Each ministry facet contributes to the whole. This interconnected leadership structure ensures that youth ministry in Ontario develops not in isolation, but in unity and intentionality.
Divine Padayachy prays during Calibrate Youth Ministries Convention 2025.
Transitions remind us that youth ministry is larger than any one individual. It is the collective work of faithful servants responding to God’s call.
To our outgoing leaders: may God bless you richly for the seasons you have given.
To our incoming leaders: may the Holy Spirit grant you discernment, endurance, and joy as you carry the vision forward.
And to our youth and young adults across Ontario: may you continue to rise as Kingdom ambassadors, empowered to serve, united in mission, and guided by leaders who love Christ deeply.
I pray that God blesses us as we continue to build a youth ministry movement that glorifies Christ and prepares young people for His soon return.