Together in Mission: A Blessed and Memorable 15th FAMCC All Filipino-Canadian Camp Meeting
The Filipino Adventist Ministry Coordinating Council (FAMCC) successfully concluded its 15th All Filipino-Canadian Camp Meeting, held on June 12–14, 2026, bringing together over 2,000 members and guests from sixteen Filipino congregations across Ontario and beyond. Under the inspiring theme, "Together in Mission," this year's camp meeting was a beautiful reminder of God's faithfulness and the strength of His people when united in purpose, worship, and service.
The weekend began on Friday evening, June 12, with a spirit-filled Vespers program hosted at the First Fil-Can Seventh-day Adventist Church. Members filled the sanctuary with anticipation and gratitude as they gathered to welcome the Sabbath. Our guest speaker, Pastor Allan Martin, who traveled from Texas to minister to the Filipino Adventist community in Ontario, delivered the keynote message, "Stand on Your Shoulders."
“The whole weekend was tremendous, uplifting, awesome,” raved Carmelita Coloma-Stewart, FAMCC Secretary. “I can’t thank you enough for a wonderful and delightful weekend. Thank you, thank you to you and your lovely wife. . . Au revoir, till we meet again!”
Through biblical principles and practical insights, Pastor Martin challenged believers to encourage one another, strengthen one another's faith, and become instruments of God's grace within their homes, churches, and communities. His message set the spiritual tone for a memorable weekend of worship and fellowship.
The highlight of the camp meeting was held on Sabbath, June 13, at the spacious and beautiful Canada Event Centre. From the early morning hours, members, attired in their Filipino barongs, arrived with excitement and joy, greeting old friends and meeting new ones. The venue proved to be an excellent location for the gathering, offering a comfortable, welcoming environment for worship and fellowship.
During the Divine Worship Service, Pastor Allan Martin delivered a powerful message entitled "Pass the Baton." Drawing lessons from Scripture and the Olympic relay race, he emphasized the importance of mentoring, discipleship, leadership development, and faithfully passing the mission of the church to the next generation. His message resonated deeply with young and old alike, reminding everyone that God's work continues through faithful men and women who will carry on the mission.
“We truly praised God for your ministry,” offered Sam Adriatico, FAMCC President. “We were blessed.”
Heartfelt congregational singing, inspiring special music, uplifting testimonies, and earnest prayers marked the Sabbath services. The presence of the Holy Spirit was clear throughout the day as members worshiped together in unity. Many attendees remarked that it was one of the most blessed and memorable camp meetings they had ever experienced.
Adding to the event's significance was the extensive media coverage from Adventist Ontario TV (AOTV). Over nearly 9 hours of live television broadcasting, thousands of additional viewers could take part virtually in the worship services and special programs. The livestream ministry helped extend the blessings of the camp meeting far beyond the venue's walls, reaching homes across Canada and around the world.
One of the most meaningful moments of the weekend was the Music Fest, held on Sabbath afternoon and evening. The program featured a wide variety of musical presentations from church choirs, vocal groups, instrumentalists, and individual performers representing the different Filipino congregations. Through sacred music, participants expressed their love for God and celebrated His goodness.
A final Sabbath charge was offered by Dr. Martin, “Cross the Finish Line,” where all were challenged to be of strong support to next generations as they go through the transitions of the young adult years. Camp Meeting youth and young adults were prayed for by name, asking for GOD’s blessing upon their lives.
The Music Fest also featured testimonies from the London Fil-Can Group and the Ottawa Fil-Can Group, highlighting God's leading and faithfulness in the lives of His people. Special moments of appreciation and gratitude were given to the retired and volunteer pastors, as well as to the outgoing FAMA and FAMCC officers, recognizing their years of dedicated leadership, sacrifice, and commitment to advancing God's work among Filipino Adventists in Ontario. Their faithful service has contributed significantly to the growth, unity, and mission focus of the Filipino churches.
The spirit of generosity was also clear throughout the Sabbath services. Members responded cheerfully to the appeal for God's work, resulting in an offering totaling more than $11,000. This generous support reflects the Filipino Adventist community's commitment to continue expanding ministry, evangelism, discipleship, and mission initiatives throughout the Conference and beyond.
But as the afternoon program was wrapping up, Pastor Leo Launio, the Ontario Conference's appointed Filipino Ministry coordinator, signaled the preparation for another Filipino camp meeting by introducing and praying for the new FAMA and FAMCC officers. Elder Sam Adriatico, the outgoing FAMCC president, gave the final remark by recognizing all the FAMA pastors, the chairs and members of various committees, the event coordinators at Canada Event Centre, the camp meeting's guest speaker, Pastor Allan Martin, together with his wife, Deirdre Rivera-Martin, and most of all, to God almighty.
A Divine appointment
Back in 2010, while my family and I were living in the UAE, I found myself searching the internet and YouTube for spiritual nourishment. In that search, I stumbled upon the Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church and first heard the sermons of Pastor A Allan Martin.
To make a long story short: through the screen, his ministry became a source of strength for me. My wife recently asked me, "How did you even find Pastor Allan all those years ago?" My only answer was—and still is—that it was the leading of the Holy Spirit. —Bhong Tubongbanua
As many attendees observed, the weather throughout the weekend could not have been better. God blessed the camp meeting with beautiful sunshine, pleasant temperatures, and ideal conditions for travel, fellowship, and outdoor activities. The favorable weather added to the overall joy and success of the gathering, allowing participants to enjoy every aspect of the weekend fully.
The camp meeting concluded on Sunday, June 14, with the annual Sports Fest held at Kingsway College. Members of all ages enthusiastically took part in various sporting events, recreational activities, and friendly competitions. Beyond the games themselves, Sports Fest fostered camaraderie, teamwork, and lasting friendships among the churches. Laughter, encouragement, and Christian fellowship filled the campus as members celebrated the blessings of community and healthy recreation. The games were momentarily interrupted with a sumptuous meal prepared by the hospitality ministry from various churches.
The success of this camp meeting was made possible through the dedication and hard work of many individuals and groups. We express our heartfelt appreciation to our FAMA pastors, FAMCC officers, committee chairs, volunteers, church representatives, ministry leaders, technical teams, musicians, church choirs, greeters, registration staff, and countless others who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Their willingness to serve exemplified the camp meeting theme, "Together in Mission."
We also extend special thanks to every member who attended, took part, prayed, sang, volunteered, and supported the event. Your presence helped make this gathering a true celebration of faith, unity, and mission.
Most importantly, we give all glory, honor, and praise to God. He blessed us with safe travels, beautiful weather, excellent venues, meaningful fellowship, generous support, inspiring music, and powerful messages that touched hearts and strengthened faith. Indeed, it was a perfect Sabbath—a weekend filled with God's presence and abundant blessings.
“Our gratitude to Dr. Martin for bringing joy and laughter to camp meeting,” expressed Fab Brian from the London-Ontario SDA Church Group. “This camp meeting was a profound experience, where God's power flowed through you, touching the lives of thousands of Filipino-Canadians in Ontario. It was truly unforgettable.”
As we return to our respective churches and communities, may the lessons from "Stand on Your Shoulders," "Pass the Baton," and "Cross the Finish Line" continue to inspire us. Let us move forward together, united in purpose, committed to discipleship, and devoted to sharing the everlasting gospel.
The 15th FAMCC All Filipino-Canadian Camp Meeting may have ended, but its impact will continue in the hearts of God's people. By His grace, we remain "Together in Mission," faithfully serving until Jesus comes.
To God be all the glory! —Pastor Leo Launio