By Carolyne Pierre, adapted by the Youth Ministry Leadership — Quebec Conference
From October 10 to 13, at Camp Papillon in Saint-Alphonse‑Rodriguez, young leaders from several regions of Quebec gathered for a unique experience: “A Personal Encounter with The Leader.”
Under the leadership of Pastor Lucson Bernard, Director of Youth Ministry for the Quebec Conference, the event brought together several national and provincial speakers, including Pastor Cyril Millett III, Executive Secretary of the Seventh‑day Adventist Church in Canada; Pastor John Scott, Youth Director of the Ontario Conference and Coordinator of Adventist Youth in Canada; and Akehil Johnson, Coordinator of Campus Ministries for the North American Division.
Also participating were Joseph Tchelibou, Assistant Health Director of the Quebec Conference; Pastor Michel D.; and Sister Roen Higgens, social worker and Youth and Young Adult Director of LaSalle New Life Church.
All shared a common goal: to redefine spiritual leadership in the lives of today’s young Christians and to raise awareness about youth mental health.
Discussions addressed essential themes such as authentic leadership, spiritual legacy, digital discipleship, and mental health. Participants were invited to view social media as mission tools, to cultivate personal balance across three dimensions — work, health, and creativity — and to reflect on the eternal scope of their influence. One memorable session focused on digital discipleship. Participants learned how social networks can become mission platforms: posting a faith thought every Friday, sharing a short testimony, or commenting with kindness. Every action, even virtual, can sow peace and hope.
Testimonies
My personal testimony — “This encounter brought me back to the essentials” “I arrived at the retreat somewhat exhausted, burdened with responsibilities and unsure of my place in ministry. But listening to the messages on spiritual leadership, I realized God was not asking me to be perfect, but to be available. I cried quietly during the reflection on legacy: ‘What am I really building with my life?’ Since that weekend, I pray differently. I have begun to dream with God again, to let Him guide my steps instead of trying to control everything.”
Carolyne Pierre
I came to the retreat and left with a light heart and deeply refreshed. The workshops gave me a lot, but it was especially the lovely fellowship and the conversations we shared that helped me grow. I leave better equipped, motivated, and full of momentum to continue supporting young people.
Testimony of Stéphanie Astride — Youth from Salem
Our experience at the youth retreat was profoundly enriching. We discovered the importance of the leader’s role in the Christian community and shared moments of sincere faith. The activities, conversations, and fraternal atmosphere helped us grow spiritually and personally. We leave renewed, inspired, and grateful for the bonds forged with other young people passionate about God.
Marie‑Christine Torchon, Youth Leader, and The Girls of Centre Il Est Écrit — Centre Il Est Écrit Church
We had the privilege of experiencing an exceptional weekend orchestrated by Pastor Lucson Bernard, Youth Director of the Adventist Conference of Quebec. This gathering brought together youth directors from across Quebec under the theme “A Personal Encounter with The Leader.”
I wanted to take a moment to congratulate the entire team for this event. Despite a few small challenges, the program was truly engaging and the content very enriching. The food was delicious, and the warm atmosphere made everything even more enjoyable. A special shout‑out to Chef Kerlisse and her team, who were nonstop in the kitchen.
The speakers inspired us with relevant and interesting insights. I particularly appreciated the linguistic diversity, with enriching exchanges in both French and English. This weekend was a wonderful opportunity for our anglophone and francophone churches to come together, and I believe it is essential to sustain this momentum.
Overall, it was a beautiful initiative that I would love to see repeated in the future.
Testimony of Kassandra — Youth from LaSalle NewLife
For me, the retreat was a very enriching experience. The various points covered in the presentations (for example: the importance for leaders to be well‑grounded, and the awareness of the mental health status of many young people, which gives an idea of the realities leaders may face) as well as certain program elements such as group prayers helped deepen our understanding of the mission participants are called to fulfill. It also fostered openness between people from different churches by calling them to unity as brother‑ and sister‑leaders. All leaders and young workers in the youth ministry movement need this kind of experience to bring them back to the heart of their mission, which is to share their faith effectively, rallying as many people as possible starting with adolescents.
Testimony of Cassandre — Youth Leader of Salem Church
I attended a spiritual retreat to train leaders for God. The organization and the presentations were of high quality and inspiring. I learned that without love we cannot be a good leader, nor can we share Christ without having Him within us. Being a leader is above all about serving and allowing oneself to be led by God. I left not only instructed but deeply transformed. I would repeat this experience without hesitation.
Testimony of Mardjeny Ketsia Narcisse — Adventist Group of Quebec City
The youth retreat at Saint‑Alphonse was a memorable and inspiring experience for our group. We deepened our understanding of servant leadership, founded on humility, listening, and responsibility. The moments of prayer, workshops, and fraternal exchanges nourished our faith and strengthened our commitment to God. We leave motivated to exercise authentic leadership centered on Christ, the perfect model.
Gabriel Germana — Youth Leader, and The Guys of Centre Il Est Écrit — Centre Il Est Écrit Church
Conclusion
Our stay at Camp Papillon also included morning sports, a social evening, a movie night featuring “Show Me the Father,” and a special shout‑out to those celebrating birthdays in October.
“A leadership that transforms” At the end of the weekend, one message resonated in everyone’s heart: true spiritual leadership is not a position but a posture — one who listens before speaking, serves before being served, and influences through the depth of authenticity. This personal encounter with The Leader was not just an event but a divine appointment — a moment when young people rediscovered that God still calls leaders after His own heart, ready to build for eternity.
A big thank you to the entire leadership team and all the young volunteers who served and helped whenever needed.
Relive the event in pictures.
