This year’s Canada camp meeting took place July 19 to 26 at the new headquarters location in Headingley, Manitoba. Dedicated in September 2024, this church is more centrally located to our Canadian congregations, making it easier for our people to gather there. During the week, many special events took place, including the retirement of Chris Hewlett, the Canada District Superintendent, and the installation of his successor, Mark Mfandarahwa.

The opening Sunday service began with an orchestral presentation of “Wonderful Grace of Jesus,” and in recognition of the host country, Loretta Randell sang the Canadian national anthem, “O Canada.” Following congregational singing, Superintendent General Sola Adesope led in prayer, and for the Scripture reading, the Headingley pastor, Samson Jimaza, read 1 Kings 13:36-39.

Before the message, Tony Ademuywa of Lagos, Nigeria, sang “How Big Is God.” Then Brother Chris exhorted everyone from 1 Kings 18:17-26 and 38-39 that prayer is the foundation of every area of Christian service. He also underscored the importance of maintaining a consistent and authentic prayer life. As the service concluded, the message was taken to heart, and many sought God at the altars.  

In the evening, a brass ensemble presented a lively “Give the World a Smile,” and the choir sang a powerful “Let the Fire Fall.” For the message, Tobi Shobukola, the pastor at Toronto, Ontario, reminded that camp meeting is a time of opportunity to seek God. He encouraged all from 2 Kings 7:8 to tarry in prayer with determination until victory is obtained. The closing song was “Jesus Is Calling” and many responded by praying.

Throughout the week, Bible teachings laid the foundation for successful Christian living with topics such as “Consecration and Prayer,” "Spiritual Integrity," “The Signs of the Times,” and “Pride vs. Humility.” In the evenings, evangelistic messages inspired spiritual reflection and prayer. A message from Daniel 1:5, 8, and 15 encouraged the congregation to remain undefiled by the world. Another, taken from Luke 16:19-24 and titled “A Tale of Two Beggars,” reminded that earthly possessions can’t secure eternal life. One message drew from the life of Jacob to stress the importance of sincere repentance. Another noted the experiences of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus to show that Jesus cares and wants to take every burden.

Wednesday was reserved as a day to commemorate what God had already done, while looking forward to new beginnings. In the early afternoon, a retirement luncheon was held for Brother Chris and his wife, Patsy. A brief biographical narrative shared that they were saved in 1978 and served God faithfully in South Brook, Newfoundland, where Brother Chris began preaching in 1987. Beginning in 1990, they pastored four churches and in 2013, Brother Chris became the Canada District Superintendent. Although he is now retiring from that position, he will continue to serve as the pastor at Fort McMurray.

The celebration continued with two of the couple’s three daughters reading tribute poems. Also, representatives from all fifteen Canadian churches and beyond stood to share heartfelt messages of gratitude for the Hewletts’ leadership, encouragement, and lasting impact. Following this, the couple was presented with a gift from the collective churches, and in conclusion, the youth choir sang “The Lord Bless You.”

In the afternoon, a presentation highlighting the rich history and growth of the Apostolic Faith Church in Canada was given by former Canada District Superintendent Rene Cassell. He told how the work began in 1940 when an unaddressed Apostolic Faith paper arrived at the post office in Quirpon, Newfoundland. The paper was given to Gideon Hancock, who shared it two years later with his brother, Stanley, in Roddickton, Newfoundland. In 1943, that became the site of our first Canadian church.

From there, Brother Rene chronicled the establishment of our congregations across Canada to our latest work in Moncton, New Brunswick, which began as cottage meetings in 2024. He closed with an exhortation from 2 Peter 1:12-15, encouraging the congregation to remember and preserve the heritage of faith that has been entrusted to them. 

In the evening, the formal installation of Brother Mark as the Canada District Superintendent and Board Chair took place. In addition, Foluso Oladunni, who pioneered the work in Edmonton, Alberta, was ordained as the pastor of that church. Also, two board members, George Burton and Vanzel Quinlan, retired and were recognized for their service of thirty-five and thirty-two years respectively. Then, three new members were appointed: Michael Ivany, Samson Jimaza, and Wole Ajayi. The evening concluded with a message from Brother Sola titled “High Time,” based on Romans 13:11. He reminded the congregation that God's timing is not determined by age but by spiritual readiness, and he urged believers to seize every opportunity to draw closer to God.

Other special events during the week included a youth service with joyful music, testimonies of God’s protection, provision, and healing, and a message on “The Old Paths.” The ordinance services of the Lord’s Supper and Foot Washing were also observed, a water baptismal service was held for nineteen candidates, and a concert themed “Mighty to Save” delighted many.

On the final day of the camp meeting, Brother Mark delivered the morning message from John 8:31 and 33-36, expounding on “The Truth that Makes People Free.” He pointed to Christ as the Truth and admonished the listeners to be saved through the Blood of Jesus.

In the evening, many testified to God’s goodness and blessings. One woman said she was healed of a skin condition while a man testified to being healed of headaches. Another woman thanked God for a job, and a man thanked Him for providing a home. A woman also told of how God had encouraged her after the loss of her son. For the message, Brother Samson stressed from Jeremiah 8:20 that “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” He said tomorrow is not guaranteed, but today is an opportunity to seek the Lord.

The camp meeting closed with the choir singing “God Be with You Til’ We Meet Again,” as many sought God around the altars.