Western Ontario’s Communion in Action

Pastor Hong takes a selfie with Western Ontario youth just as they go into Leamington, Ontario for outreach.

Youth delivering gifts to neighbours in Leamington.

The excitement and anticipation of 2026 Week of Prayer and Global Youth Day was evident long before the first “Good evening everyone and welcome to our youth week of Prayer “was said. The evidence that God was getting ready to do amazing things in Western Ontario was clear as each youth leader showed up to each planning meeting bursting with ideas of how to make this week more than just another event. They all worked hard and took personal responsibility to promote and encourage their youth base to show up and show out, and that they did. Night after night the youths came out well prepared and ready to go.

The Week of Prayer began with the executive team members of the regional youth association setting the pace for a truly historic week of Spiritual refreshment and upliftment. Each day’s attendance gave us a pleasant surprise and the momentum continued to build each night, with our last night having the largest number of participants. To God be the Glory.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Word of God was spoken each night with power and confidence, and the presence of the Lord could be felt as the audience was led in deep discussion on the importance of making prayer and communion with God a central part of their daily lives. What a blessing it was to witness youths actively engaged in worship, earnestly praying one for another and sharing their journey of faith and trust in God. This memory is one that I will cherish long after my time as leader is over. This reminds me of why we as leaders serve, it’s our motivation. Seeing young people honor God with their lives, being a personal witness to the love of God. If you are only reading about this and didn’t experience it for yourself, I must say you missed a blessing and the opportunity to really see communion in action, it is my prayer that both you and I will be around next time to be the recipients of another outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Western Ontario young people after singing and sharing at a local retirement home in Leamington.

Of course, Global Youth Day decided that it had to deliver its own share of blessings. The beautiful town of Leamington, Ontario located in Essex County in Southwestern Ontario on the North Shore of Lake Erie —known as the Tomato Capital of Canada—became the backdrop for more than 120 enthusiastic youths ready to share the gospel and shine the light of the Sabbath. When I say our youths showed up, they showed up, not just physically, but spiritually, enthusiastically ready to make an impact on this beautiful city.

A youth leader wearing one of the eye-catching t-shirts, which says “The were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the Word of God boldly.”

As attendees arrived, they were welcomed with the hospitality of the Leamington SDA Church, led by Ramone and his team, who ensured everyone felt welcomed and cared for. They worked tirelessly to ensure we had a beautiful facility for worship and that those coming from far, could refresh themselves with a light breakfast.

After the worship experience, participants were outfitted with their eye-catching t-shirts, given instructions and before you know it, it was time to hit the streets. Care packages, with thoughtfully selected items were packed and each person took them 2 by 2 and entered the streets, parks, residences and nursing home facilities, sharing them with everyone they met along with a word of prayer, words of encouragement or just as smile.

These acts of kindness and compassion continued throughout the day, breaking only for lunch and fellowship

It is said of Leamington, “if it can’t be grown here, it can’t be grown anywhere in Canada”, this sentiment warms my heart as I believe many spiritual seeds were planted that day—seeds of love, hope, and the truth of the Sabbath. We may never fully know the impact on this side of life, but I am confident that heaven has recorded every act of compassion rendered.

I want to be a personal witness, how about you?