Our Canadian Field, Youth and Evangelism Departments were working on a plan for a missionary outreach in several cities in Ontario beginning with Toronto and Hamilton. The plan was to find a public place where we would have the opportunity to meet people interested in the truth. We would tell people about the wonderful book, “The Great Controversy,” we have for them, free of charge, in which they can learn about the fascinating journey which began about two thousand years ago. Beginning with the destruction of Jerusalem, this book tells about the persecution of God’s faithful children in the first centuries, the great apostasy which followed in God’s church, the Reformation, the awakening in North America, the fulfilment of prophecy in our time and the Second Coming of Christ.
It was decided that the location for April 10 would be at Nathan Phillip Square, right in front of the Toronto City Hall. 40 to 50 people took part. Some of us parked our vehicles at Bloor Street church and took the subway to City Hall. The subway got quite full and an elderly gentleman entered the train when all the seats were occupied. James Bessec immediately gave the gentleman his seat. This man was so impressed that a young man would do this. I had a short conversation with this man and he was very happy to take one of our cards titled, “What Is Next?” which also had the information about our church. What struck me was how important it is that we are friendly and helpful which can open the way to a pleasant conversation.
At Nathan Phillip Square there was at the time a protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine, so there were many people in the square and around the area when we were there. Since we were many in our group giving out The Great Controversy in this area, Franziska and I went down one street in order to get away from the crowd, thinking that we could find people which had not been offered the Book.
We were several blocks away from the City Hall, when we met a young man and offered him The Great Controversy. His response was that he would not be able to read the book in English. I thought, it was probably an excuse not to accept the book. I asked him where he came from; he said he was from Mexico. I said, “We may have the book in the Spanish language, but it would be at the table that was set up at the square.” Now, he was very interested and walked with us for about five minutes back to the group at Nathan Phillip Square. Here he had first a conversation with Eldercito and then with Sister Raquel Sosa. He was so happy to receive The Great Controversy in Spanish and gave his telephone number to Sister Raquel who would try to contact him at a later date.
Brother Handiya met a lady whose name was Ella. She was so excited about the book, that she asked whether she could have two more books for her friends.
Lukas and Sr. Ylenia had their violins along, Eldercito and Brother Elder Hernandez brought their guitars. Their music, the group singing and the specials contributed to get people’s attention.
Sometimes we get discouraged when people do not appreciate what we are doing, but we must continue to look for the few that are seeking for the truth.
After the outreach, most of us went back to the Bloor Street Church where we had a delicious meal together and shared the afternoon’s experiences. The Lord blessed us with beautiful weather. Although it was a little cool, the sun shone all afternoon so it was a pleasure to be outside in the fresh air. About 300 books were given out that day.
The same program was arranged for Hamilton on May 8th. The Lord blessed us with a beautiful day, not a cloud in the sky. We were pleasantly surprised that over 40 people came. We went to Pier 4 in Hamilton and set up a table and a banner. There was also a playground, and a ten minutes’ walk from there was the Bay Front Park. Since it was a very nice day, there were quite a number of people in the park and whenever we
had the opportunity, we offered them the Great Controversy. During that afternoon we gave out between 160 and 170 copies of The Great Controversy. Brother Elder had brought his guitar along and at the end of the program we sang hymns and had some special songs as well. All churches in Ontario and all age groups were represented at both of these missionary campaigns.
We then went to the Hamilton Church for a light supper. Everyone was happy and thankful for the wonderful weather the Lord gave us. While enjoying the meal we could visit and enjoy each other’s company.
A neighbour lady, next door to the church asked Franziska what the occasion was that so many had come to the church on Sunday, since she only sees us worship there on Sabbath. Franziska explained that we had been in the park and had offered this wonderful book to the people we met and she gave Beth a copy of The Great Controversy.
Now we pray that people will read the book and that their eyes may be opened to see the truth. The books that we gave out in Hamilton have the address of our church, the time of worship—Sabbath School and Divine Service, the two websites: www.4truth.ca www.4health.ca
This is only the beginning of the summer; let us continue to spread the good news about our Saviour and His soon return in the clouds of heaven as we see the signs being fulfilled.
Evald Pedersen