Special Meetings in Ottawa, Canada, were held August 28-31 with the theme “It Is Time to Seek the Lord,” drawn from Hosea 10:12. The weekend was preceded by several weeks of focused prayer for the success of these special services, and the Lord wonderfully answered.

On the opening day, Ottawa experienced light rain showers, which many saw as a sign of the abundant blessings God was ready to pour out. Brethren gathered from across Canada and the United States, while hundreds joined online via YouTube and Zoom. The evangelistic service commenced at 7:00 p.m. at a rented facility. The service began with an organ prelude by Timothy Oladiran, followed by a flute solo by Uwem Johnson. The choir then presented Revelation 19:1, after which Dare Oloruntoba delivered a bilingual rendition of “Revival Is Here” in English and French. Wale Adigun, a minister from Toronto, testified about how God miraculously spared his family from what could have been a fatal electrocution while using a pressure washer with exposed wiring. The guest minister for the weekend was Johnny Wyatt, Jr., the pastor of the 265 Lafayette Church in Brooklyn, New York. He delivered the message, “The Season for Seeking,” emphasizing that life is lived in seasons, and the season to seek God is the most urgent. Using the analogy of farming, he explained that sowing and reaping is a divine principle. Just as farmers must sow to reap a harvest, believers must sow in righteousness and in the Spirit to reap eternal blessings. He exhorted the congregation to break up the fallow ground of their hearts, allowing God’s Word to penetrate deeply and bring lasting change. Revival and blessings, he reminded, require intentional effort and must be claimed with determination and faith. 

The second day began with a seminar and symposium. The morning session focused on "Marriage and Family Dynamics: An Essential Aspect of a Good Christian Home." It was led by Chris Hewlett, Canada District Superintendent, and his wife, Patsy. They drew from nearly forty-seven years of marriage experience to offer practical counsel for godly homes. Their teaching emphasized unity, permanence, and the 100/100 commitment of both husband and wife. Brother Chris highlighted the husband’s role as a spiritual leader and sacrificial partner, while Sister Patsy stressed that prayer is the ultimate love language, binding couples when words fall short. They also reminded families that the quality of a marriage shapes the entire household and that every Christian home should be a place where Christ is welcomed.

After a coffee break, the session continued with a Q&A panel. The Hewletts were joined by Marjorie Reid and Sola Akindele, both of Langley, British Columbia, and Wole Ajayi of Kitchener, Ontario. Questions focused on finding joy through life’s seasons, balancing spiritual growth with parenting, and even the role of singleness in God’s plan. The panel encouraged everyone to embrace each season with gratitude, to view parenting as a ministry, and to discern God’s will above personal ambition. Brother Chris closed by inviting participants to continue to seek godly counsel and assured them that the church leadership stood ready to guide.

The afternoon session centered on “Health Education, Wellbeing, and Nutrition: Honoring God with Our Bodies,” presented by Henry Uwandu and Abisola Mgbeze who both have expertise in health. Brother Henry reminded the congregation that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, cautioning against neglect through poor diet, lack of rest, and other unhealthy habits. Sister Abisola provided practical strategies for healthy living, emphasizing discipline, preventive care, and stress management through prayer, journaling, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

The evening evangelistic service began with a violin solo followed by the choir singing “Wonderful, Merciful Savior.” Testimonies included Salome Ngono Onana, a French-speaking member of the Ottawa church, who rejoiced in finding both spiritual nourishment and a loving Christian family at a time when she sought Christian fellowship in a language she could understand. Tobi Shobukola testified to God’s deliverance from what could have been a near-fatal accident involving a sixteen-wheeler truck on his way to Ottawa for the special meetings. Sister Marjorie delivered the sermon “It Is Time to Seek the Lord,” taken from Hosea 10:12 and Psalm 102:13. She reminded the congregation that just as God once called Israel to wholehearted obedience, so He calls His people today to walk with Him and remain faithful. To be part of the Bride of Christ, she stressed, requires seeking the Lord until the answer is received from Him.

Saturday morning was set aside for fellowship and sightseeing. A group of twenty-four participated in a virtual experience of parliament, which served as a reminder of the importance of readiness—both in spiritual and earthly matters. Meanwhile, other brethren gathered at the Vincent Massey Park for a time of singing, games, food, and testimonies. It was a joyful occasion of unity and fellowship. 

That evening, the youth service began with a prelude of music. Congregational singing was followed by inspiring testimonies and the choir singing “Walking on the King’s Highway.” Joshua Idowu, the Chicago, Illinois, pastor, brought the message on “No Time.” He warned young people against the trick of the devil that makes them believe that there will always be more time to seek God, stressing that time is precious and fleeting. Serving God, he assured, is not burdensome but rewarding, and those who fix their eyes on Christ will live in victory.

The final day opened with Sunday school that began with a violin quintet and a choir singing “Our God Reigns.” Children delivered a short presentation featuring revival songs, Scripture recitation, and narrations tied to the theme of seeking God. The morning devotional service followed with special instrumental and vocal music. The Scripture reading was taken from Galatians 6:6–10, followed by the last special, “The Goodness of God.” Brother Johnny preached on the theme “Seeking the Lord Is a Lifestyle.” He reminded the congregation that everyone is constantly sowing—either to the flesh, which yields corruption, or to the spirit, which reaps eternal life. Using the imagery of harvest, he emphasized the need to cultivate and guard the seeds of righteousness and to live daily in pursuit of God. His point was clear: seeking the Lord must become a way of life. 

The warmth, generosity, and unity of the Ottawa church was a testament to God’s grace, making visitors feel not only welcomed, but also embraced as part of the family of God. As the meetings concluded, hearts overflowed with gratitude for God's undeniable presence. Overall, the Ottawa Special Meetings were evidence of what can happen when God’s people break up their fallow ground, sow in righteousness, and seek His help. Truly, the Lord rained righteousness upon His people, and the fruit will endure for eternity.