TNT SINGLES CONFERENCE 2011

By Wendy Lockhart and David Snyder
Collingwood, Ontario

The Toronto Church of Christ’s singles ministry embarked on an inspiring weekend conference in scenic Blue Mountain for the Labour Day long weekend. Entitled “So the World May Know”, the lessons focused on overcoming the hindrances that prevent us from advancing God’s Kingdom.

The conference was held in the same location as last year’s singles retreat so we were all very familiar with the astonishing, yet simple, beauty of Blue Mountain. Singles travelled to Collingwood from as far away as New Hampshire, Ohio, Halifax and Calgary.

Fritz Larco, of the New Hampshire church, was inspired by the diverse cultures in the singles ministry, saying, "I loved how many different cultures were present at the conference! It was wonderful."



The weekend started with a lesson by Mike Abrokwah on true worship, on being in the presence of God and being in tune with what He wants. Saturday morning started off with a bang as Rav Toor spoke with great vulnerability on overcoming failure and rediscovering the grace of God. The breakout classes spoke about dying to ourselves, having a thirst for personal growth, and overcoming fear. Stanley Dumornay continued powerfully with his lesson "So the Works of God Might Be Displayed", teaching us that adversity and disaster aren't really setbacks, but opportunities for God’s power to be revealed in us.

“I was inspired by what God can do through the most unsuccessful people in the eyes of the world,” states Jamila Gubbels from the church in Ottawa.

In addition to the powerful lessons, the weekend included the baptism of Chelsie Munroe in Lake Huron; a new dating couple, Andrew Peterkin and Naz Hagos; a newly engaged couple Philip Nelson and Roxanne Chambers; and a 70s-themed, Saturday night dance that featured a “Best 70s Outfit” contest, poetry readings, karaoke and games, and lots of energetic dancing.



The weekend was brought to a powerful close with Stanley Dumornay’s Sunday morning message “So the World May Know”. The message highlighted how Jesus loved and served the twelve disciples and instilled in them His passion for the salvation of the world. When we exemplify His love and demonstrate His heart to serve, the world will know that we are His disciples.

Hearts were aflame with excitement as we realized the promises God held for each one of us. The fellowship was abuzz with renewed energy and exhilaration. As the conference ended, each disciple was challenged and inspired to make practical decisions to change and overcome. Many friendships were sparked or renewed and amazing fellowship was had by all. Dean Hovey-Smith of the Halifax church summarized how we all felt, saying, “the conference was very impacting on my soul and I learned so much!”

The Halifax Church celebrates a special Baptism!

On June 24^th, 2011, the Halifax Dartmouth Church of Christ (HDCC) celebrated the incredible Baptism (and “re-birth”) of Jackie McLaughlin.

The story of this miracle can best told through the words of her Step-Daughter:

“My stepmom, Jackie, moved in with our family when I was 5 years old.  I only saw my mother for a few weeks a year so Jackie really was my mother-figure growing up.  She always believed in God but my father was against church so none of us really went.  During my teen years, things were rocky at home and I couldn't wait to run off to the big city and escape.  Little did I know, that the Lord was following me!  I became a Christian during my first semester at York University and immediately started telling my family about my changes.  Jackie was always supportive, and I was so grateful when a church was finally planted in Halifax.  A little over 10 years ago, Jackie came to church with me once and signed herself up for Women's Day. I was ecstatic. After much studying of the Bible with the women in the Halifax church, Jackie decided that part of her repentance was to legally marry my dad, since they had been living together for 29 years.  Disciples served all through the wedding, hosted a shower for her, and Greg Taylor even performed the ceremony.  Yet after further study, Jackie walked away from studies and was not ready for the commitment.  Ten years later, her health had really taken a toll on her and she had nearly died several times.  My husband, children, Bible Talk, and I were praying fervently for God to move in Jackie's heart.  Then Jackie and I spoke, and she (on her own) asked me if I would help her get right with God!  Tears of joy were everywhere, and I flew up to Halifax to spend some time with her and to study, pray, and talk.  The wonderful women of the Halifax church, especially Nancy Taylor and Lynn Gallagher continued studying with her. Less than a month later, my family and I drove up for a visit and had a wonderful time of rejoicing as we were able to be there to see Jackie baptized.  I am extremely grateful for the love of Christ that is so evident in the church in Halifax; do everything from hospital visits to making a video of the special occasion for us!  I am also grateful that back when I was 5 years old, God had a plan when he put Jackie into my life.  Her faith and strength continually inspire me, as she faces her life with courage and joy, despite constant illness and negative feedback, and discouragement from my father.  I praise God daily for how he has moved, and I have grown in my trust in him and his timing.  (Jeremiah 29:11-13)”, said Jennifer Hutchins.

“Jackie was a pure joy to study the Bible with. She has an amazing spirit despite her health, and almost died when she started studying in May.” said Nancy Taylor.

 She always had a heart to know God, and was always very eager. It was like studying with friend you had known for many years. Jackie was/is always very warm and, funny, and always had great questions. She was a joy to study with, and had deep questions to answer in her own soul. She very much loves God deeply.” said Lynn Gallagher.

“When I got Baptised, it was like an incredible weight lifted at that moment! And, I swear, I saw a light from Heaven! (laughing). It was such a fabulous feeling, one of a deep cleansing! I was "re-born"! It was so great to have Jennifer and her family there!” said Jackie.

It should be noted that before her illness, Jackie was a highly respected Team Leader of the Halifax Fire Department. She was instrumental in overseeing the needs of the staffing of various departments, during the mergers of the Fire Departments of several cities, (64 fire stations in total), into what is now known as the Halifax Regional Municipality.

Please welcome our sister into the family of God! The Halifax Dartmouth Church of Christ also asks that you pray for Jackie’s health needs, and the needs of her family. 

Joyful Campus Ministry!

The second week of August was an exciting one in the Toronto Campus ministry as Nick Vani had enthusiastically made his final decision to be a disciple. Nick is a close, long-time friend of Katherine, a sister who was baptized almost a month earlier in the same ministry. Having visited a campus devotional in July, Nick started his own journey to the Kingdom paved with significant opposition and personal challenges. Through this time, his heart blossomed into one of gratitude, servitude and hunger for God’s word.

In the meantime, Stewart Escalona was also trekking along the path to find life. Stewart was met on the street by Mike, the Singles ministry leader in the Central Region, who invited him to look into the truth of the Bible. The following Sunday, Stewart arrived with his brother and met three disciples with whom he was already acquainted from his high school. Since the pleasant coincidence, Stewart had been earnestly digging in the Bible for the truth about Christianity and has refined his convictions about Jesus, God’s word and discipleship.

The excitement for the weekend baptism spiked as the announcement of the double baptism, resonated in the OISE classroom used for the Campus devotionals. Both men were baptized on Saturday, August 13th, 2011 at the Ivey family’s residence. Stewart will be continuing his studies in Law at York in the fall while Nick will be resuming his degree in Business at Ryerson next year.
Congratulations Stewart and Nick!

Kalala's Moving to Calgary!

Under the leadership of Mike and Helen Luzine, the Rocky Mountain Church of Christ has continued to have a tremendous influence in the great city of Calgary! One of the most pressing needs over the past year has been to find someone who can help build a Campus Ministry in the church. In keeping with our commitment to the 2020 Vision, the leadership of the Toronto Church has spent considerable time thinking and praying about who could be sent out to meet these needs. Christian and Jasmine Kalala have served as campus interns and youth leaders in The Toronto Church, and after a great deal of advice, have accepted the invitation to move to Calgary to help begin a Campus Ministry there! We are thankful the Kalalas have embraced the need to continue to evangelize Canada, and while they will be greatly missed in Toronto, we have full confidence that they will have a incredible impact in the Rocky Mountain Church! Seeing brothers and sisters making these decisions in faith reminds us of the decision that each disciple has made to embrace Jesus’ mission of seeking and saving the lost.  Please join with us in praying that God will inspire the hearts of the brothers and sisters across Canada as we continue to make plans to evangelize this great nation!

In Him,

The Elders and Evangelists

Toronto Church of Christ

Lives Changed Forever!

On Thursday, July 14, 2011, Katherine Edwards was added into God's Kingdom and joined the Toronto Campus Ministry.
Katherine was invited by Philippa, a student at York University about three months earlier. In fact, it was Katherine who sought out help from the sister in hopes of figuring out her spirituality.
During her Bible studies, she has made radical changes and Katherine is now well known for her joyful attitude, her serving heart and her frequent habit of pulling over her car so she can pray! She will continue to study at York this fall in the nursing program.
Congratulations Katherine!




It was a very emotional victory for the Kariuki family on Sunday, July 17, 2011 as they witnessed Jamie get baptized. For two and a half years, Eunice, Jamie's mother, and her "prayer warrior" group have petitioned God for Jamie's conversion to Christ. God, who is always faithful, answered their prayers!
Eunice and her "prayer warriors", along with Jeff and Ekua Kariuki (Jamie's uncle and aunt, also disciples) were among the number who watched Jamie get baptized that afternoon. Several attendees noted Jamie's blossomed generosity, his increased concerned for others and his newfound passion for sharing his faith during his long journey to make the convictions taught his own.
Jamie will be going into his first year of college in the next coming months.
Congratulations Jamie!

Isaac, a student at UTM, was baptized!

Very excitingly, this past Monday, July 11, Isaac, a student from the University of Toronto – Mississauga Campus, was added to the Kingdom!
It is an amazing victory as Josh Udall and Taryn Nandan, interns for the West Region of the Toronto Church of Christ, have been diligently evangelizing and studying the Bible with students on UTM.

Isaac is the first campus student to be baptized since the interns have been hired in the West Region for the summer. It is very encouraging as Josh courageously opened his mouth for God, planted the seed and allowed God to work through him. He has stood by Isaac’s side from the beginning, teaching him the commands of God, and the result is triumphant!
We are excited to see what God has planned for Isaac and the flourishing campus at UTM.

To God be the glory!

Toronto Church of Christ Campus Ministry

Toronto Campus Trip to Athens, Georgia for the East Coast ICMC

On July 7-10, a bus filled with 25 students ranging from high school seniors to university students along with our campus leaders, Marty and Rita Udall, embarked on an 18-hour ride to Athens, Georgia to be a part of the East Coast International Campus Ministry Conference (ICMC).

The weekend was truly inspiring, fun and encouraging as 1,400 students came together to worship God, listen to His Word be powerfully preached, participate in a 5K run/walk to raise money for Africa and enjoy a time of awesome fellowship. This year the theme was “Deeper” - calling each one of us to get deeper in our love for God, for the lost and with one another, deeper in the Word, deeper in our character and deeper in our convictions. It was an event that truly allowed the campus ministry to draw even closer as a family, build new friendships and new memories, but also a time that truly challenged each one of us to reflect on where we stood before God. God has called us higher to be radical in all aspects of our Christianity, especially in our devotion to God, to each other, in evangelism and in prayer.

This year we believe that God will do immeasurably more than we can ever imagine! He is the one that will help us to build deep roots, to climb higher and as a result have a life-long passion that will bring glory to God.

ICMC Theme Scripture: Ephesians 1:9-10
“And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.”