Calgary, Alberta — More than 30 missionaries and local church members joined forces September 14–20 to bring light and hope across Calgary, distributing more than 22,000 “packets of hope” and sparking nearly 50 new Bible study interests.
The effort, hosted at Calgary Central Seventh-day Adventist Church in partnership with Streams of Light International, was marked by prayer, unity, and testimonies of God’s providence. For volunteers, the mission was both an opportunity to reach one of North America’s most secular cities and a time of personal revival.
A Local Church Re-Focused on Mission
For Pastor Ghenadie Girleanu, senior pastor of Calgary Central SDA Church, the impact on his congregation was unmistakable.
“This mission trip helped refocus our attention as a church to the main purpose of our existence, which is mission,” he said. “It revived and rejuvenated many of our members and gave them a renewed enthusiasm for going out in the community and spreading the Gospel news.”
Though Calgary is known for being a city where religion is often not a priority, Pastor Ghenadie saw God working. “Even though Calgary is one of the most secular cities in North America, we saw how God can work even in such areas. There are people here who are seeking the truth,” he said.
For him, the takeaways are a profound reminder: “Most of the time we invite people to come to us. But Jesus told us to go out. These efforts give members courage and help them step out of their comfort zone to become Christ’s ambassadors.”
Safety, Timing, and Open Doors
Stephen Gutierrez, Streams of Light’s Evangelism Director, emphasized the unseen blessings: “We take for granted things like no accidents, no mishaps, God giving us the words to speak, arranging divine appointments, showing His perfect timing. That’s just who God is—He’s faithful.”
Gutierrez shared how even brief encounters turned into opportunities. One mother, while picking up her daughter from school, lit up when she realized her daughter’s best friends were Adventists. “She was open to prayer and asked about Bible studies for her family,” Gutierrez said. Another woman, originally from the Philippines, had been attending church online but hadn’t found a local congregation. Receiving literature and hearing about Calgary’s churches gave her hope and a place to connect.
Volunteers Strengthened for Service
For many international missionaries, their participation was made possible through personal sacrifice of finances, time, and even comfort.
“This mission was harder than any other mission,” said U.S. volunteer Leticia Jimenez. “I slept on the [church] floor, had pain, and had to be ready for prayer at 5:30 a.m. each day. But I felt God’s strength and presence during this mission.” She claimed promises like Zechariah 10:12: “So I will strengthen them in the Lord, and they shall walk up and down in His name, says the Lord.”
Her partner, a first-time local volunteer, inspired her by following up with their Bible study contacts. “I have peace knowing the laborers will continue there,” Jimenez said.
Craig Wetzel, another U.S. volunteer, battled sciatica pain while knocking on nearly 1,000 doors. Still, he said it was worth it. “It will be worth it to talk to someone in eternity because they read the book they received in Calgary,” Wetzel said. He gleaned 15 Bible study requests among the 50 gathered, and reports being able to pray with more than 100 people at their doors.
Wetzel recalled one young mother with preschoolers who accepted prayer and asked for in-person Bible studies, along with children’s materials. “She wants to check out a church and see if it ‘clicks,’” he said. “To me, the word clicks is synonymous with the Holy Spirit. I believe this whole family will be with us in the Kingdom.”
A Local Perspective, and a Week That Changed Calgary—and Its Churches
Marie, a Calgary resident who joined the mission daily, said the experience transformed her faith. “Before Streams of Light, I prayed to God to heal me of my unbelief,” she said. “He answered me by letting me meet missionaries whose faith is so grounded they serve with humility and boundless energy.”
By the end of the week, five Calgary-area congregations had been involved, with pathfinders in uniform knocking on doors alongside missionaries and parents. Testimony services on Sabbath reflected the deep impact on both volunteers and residents.
For Pastor Ghenadie, the fruit is only beginning. “This work is important because it fulfills Christ’s Great Commission,” he said. “But it also changes us. It gives members courage, focus, and a sense of calling. And that is just as valuable as the seeds planted in the community.”
To learn about upcoming missions with Streams of Light International, click here.