All Nations Southern Baptist Church of Toronto (ANSBCT) was pioneered by church planter ministry couple Pastor Jolly Ampong and Mary Jane Ampong in the year 2011. They went through a year of counselling with Pastor David Smith and Pastor Andrew Lamme, the church planting catalysts for ethnic groups of the Southern Ontario Baptist Association (now CNBC Ontario) under the umbrella of the Canadian National Baptist Convention.
Over the years, ANSBCT has been through a lot. But by God’s sovereign guidance and leading, the church has thrived continuously serving the Lord Almighty, fulfilling its purpose and moving forward to reach more people for Christ.
For the past eight years, ANSBCT has witnessed God moving powerfully and wonderfully in blessing His people. In 2019, guided by the theme “Moving forward towards God’s Plan,” the church victoriously celebrated big events through God’s goodness and faithfulness. One of the highlight events was the Couples’ Night in February, which was organized by the church youth and attended by almost 20 couples—both church members and guests.
The church decided to relocate to a bigger space—3544 Bathurst St, North York, Ontario— to accommodate their growing family, and at the same time have a place for upcoming big events. By God’s provision, ANSBCT was hand-in-hand in unity for the church building renovation started in April and completed in June.
In August ANSBCT had its three-day family camp at Sarnia. This gathering sparked the beginning of unity and camaraderie in every family. From here on, ANSBCT plans to have a family retreat once a year.
In October, the church celebrated its eighth anniversary with a new theme, “Chosen for a Purpose.” Members and visitors filled the sanctuary for the celebration. The church has been growing in number and continues to count new family members arriving from the Philippines.
The Christmas celebration was joyous, with all of the special presentations and activities centred around the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The celebration service featured a series of worship and Christmas songs, presented by different servants of the Lord. The afternoon program consisted of various activities such as family games, role-playing and different presentations.
For from him and through him and for him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen (Romans 11:36, NIV).
“Overall, we believe that God has been faithfully working in ANSBCT,” the church secretary says. “The heart of our journey will always be guided by the passion to serve God in the ministry He has started in us and will always be centred on Jesus Christ. We have moved forward and will continue to move forward toward God’s plan and purpose by fulfilling the mandate of the Great Commission. We give all praise, thanksgiving and glory to God in the highest!”
This report is based on the January 2020 ANSBCT newsletter.
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