Greetings, church family!
I’m writing to you this week from a hotel room in Middlefield, Ohio, just off the I-75 and about twenty minutes from Cincinnati. Michelle and I are traveling with our children, Ethan and Mackenzie, on a thirty-two-hour road trip. Our first stop will be Collegedale, Tennessee, where we’ll drop Ethan off for his final year at Southern Adventist University. From there, we’ll continue to Berrien Springs, Michigan, to settle Mackenzie into her second year at Andrews University—before finally returning to “home sweet home” in Courtice, Ontario. Please keep us in your prayers during this journey.
I’m also eager to share with you the blessing of last Sabbath. If you noticed some missing men from Willowdale, that’s because nine of us were away at Camp Frenda for the Men’s Ministry Certification Retreat, held August 15–17. (My apologies, Pastor Benjamin Kim, for missing your pastoral introduction!)
The theme for the weekend was “Men of Understanding,” with the challenge “Be Strong” boldly printed on the hats given to every participant. While we may have been away from our usual Sabbath duties, this was far from a casual getaway. The retreat was an intensive time of worship, training, and fellowship—ten certification sessions packed into two and a half days. The schedule was demanding, the learning was rich, and the fellowship was inspiring.
Our training was led by three excellent presenters: Pastor Allan Chichester (Ontario Conference Men’s Ministries Director), Dr. Cesar De Leon (North American Division Men’s and Family Ministries Director), and Pastor Bill Roberts (Washington Conference Ministerial Director). Each one-hour module is built on the last, covering topics such as:
• The Biblical Foundations of Men’s Ministry
• Effective ministry in the local church
• What men are like and what they need
• A man’s walk with God
• A man’s role as husband
• A man’s role in his family
• Balance and discipleship in the workplace
• Support and accountability in groups
• Discipleship and evangelism in action
• Planning successful men’s events
And yes, no men’s event is complete without food! From Friday night through Sunday morning, Camp Frenda’s kitchen staff kept us more than satisfied. There was hardly a need for the extra snacks some had packed!
Beyond the training, what made the weekend truly memorable was the time we shared as brothers. Despite the tight schedule, we still managed early-morning swims, canoeing, kayaking, and nature walks. While others from different churches opted for naps after hearty lunches, our group enjoyed time outdoors, which refreshed us for the next round of sessions. The combination of worship, learning, fellowship, and nature made our Sabbath experience truly special.
For weeks, I urged men from Willowdale to join this retreat, and I can confidently say it was worth every bit of the $50 fee—for the training, five meals, two nights of lodging, and the priceless fellowship. It was, as I like to call it, “the deal of the century.”
Looking ahead, I have a dream: that in August 2026, twenty men from Willowdale will attend the next Ontario Conference Men’s Retreat together. Let’s plan now, mark our calendars, and commit to it. I promise—you won’t regret this adventure with your brothers in Christ.
Maranatha!
Pastor Glenn DeSilva