From August 6 to10, 2025, the Prison Ministry Cross-Reach Conference convened in Toronto, Canada. This historic event was co-sponsored by the North American Division (NAD) and the Ontario Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The leadership team included Andre Bill Watson Payne, NAD director of Sabbath School and Personal Ministries; Cleveland Houser, NAD Prison Ministry coordinator; Andrew King, director of Compassionate Ministries for the Ontario Conference; Anika Anderson, NAD assistant director for Event Management Services; Franklin Dorsey, NAD associate professional; and the NAD Prison Ministry planning committee.
The atmosphere was rich with excitement. Guests were greeted with Canadian hospitality by the host conference and hotel staff, setting a welcoming tone. Emil Maxi, executive secretary of the Ontario Conference, delivered a compelling address on holistic well-being. Throughout the event, attendees benefited from presentations by a diverse group of professionals. Speakers included preachers, chaplains, representatives from the Canadian justice system, Amazing Facts, juvenile ministry, transitional housing, youth support, and other prison ministry-related organizations.
Workshop topics encompassed volunteer recruitment, ministering to marginalized populations and sex offenders, transitional housing, and youth ministry.
Other highlights included:
- A powerful Sabbath message from Payne, in addition to his presentation on mission in Prison Ministry.
- Devotionals by Mansfield Edwards, Ontario Conference director of Seniors Ministry, and J. Alfred Johnson, former NAD director of Adult Ministries.
- A presentation from the Don’t Follow Me Youth Support Organization of Nashville, Tennessee, a group of ex-offenders founded by Houser.
- Damien Johnson’s session on “How to Recruit Younger Volunteers for Prison Ministry,” offering practical strategies to engage the next generation.
- Panel discussion focused on reintegration for formerly incarcerated individuals. Justice Donald McCloud of the Ontario Court of Justice moderated a panel including individuals with lived experience of incarceration and representatives from organizations serving men and women in custody and returning citizens.
Rounding out the program were special presentations by Shirley Buchanan, vice president of program and missions for Prison Fellowship; Rosie Kennedy, women’s ministry advocate; Christopher Clark, Prison Ministry director from Lake Region Conference; and Noel Richards, McMurtry Youth Center chaplain, on reaching different incarcerated populations.
The conference culminated in a formal banquet honoring more than 80 individuals for their contributions to prison ministry, ending an event that had fostered collaboration, encouraged the sharing of best practices, and inspired attendees to advance ministry to the incarcerated.
Dr. Cleveland Houser is the North American Division’s Prison Ministry coordinator and executive director of Don’t Follow Me, an anti-drug and alcohol youth support initiative aimed at keeping young people away from the harmful effects of substance abuse, particularly within the prison environment.
This article was edited by the NAD Office of Communication.
