Students Inspired to Lead with Unwavering Faith

A group image of the 180 student attendees, dressed in the official retreat shirt, at the 2025 ACF Ontario Winter Empowerment Weekend.

The snow came and the winds blew, but about 180 participants of the 2025 Winter Empowerment Weekend were inspired to put their steadfast faith in Jesus, guided by the theme ‘Unwavering’. From February 14-17, youth from various provinces, churches, and Adventist Christian Fellowship (ACF) chapters from public campuses, enjoyed the warmth of Upper Canada Camp’s hospitality in Palgrave, Ontario.

Pastor Lindsay Syeh preaching to student attendees.

Each day of this long weekend started off with morning worship led by Pastor Lyndsay Syeh Throughout the weekend, various activities gave the youth chances to connect and engage with one another. Cake decorating, a board games café, sip and paint, and gym games brought everyone together, filling the space with laughter and joy. Sabbath was packed with activities focused on spiritual growth. The learning lounge workshops offered valuable, practical insights for young Christians navigating life’s challenges. Sessions covered topics such as: Coping with Religious Trauma as a Christian, Identifying Abuse and Breaking Free, and Discovering Your Identity and Calling in Christ.

Joseph Martin leading a demonstration of lighting the menorah in the Sanctuary.

A standout moment of the Sabbath was the tour of an Old Testament sanctuary. It was demonstrated to the participants how sacrifices were carried out in ancient times, starting with a citizen confessing their sins to the high priest and offering a sacrifice. The priest then took the blood of the sacrifice to the curtain of the Holy Place, where the candlesticks were lit, showbread was provided, and incense filled the air. It was the perfect opportunity to reflect on Jesus, the sacrificial lamb who died for our sins and became the one true Way to the Father.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this empowering weekend! For those who joined us, we hope you left feeling strengthened with an unwavering faith in God. For those who couldn't attend this year, we look forward to seeing you at future retreats. God Bless!