I was born in Sudbury Ontario to two loving parents named Kevin and Brenda. While in elementary school, the Gideon Bible Society came to my school and gave Bibles. When I read the New Testament, I found out who the Creator was. Since I had no real solid guidance in spiritual things, I generally accepted Christ as my Saviour, but I pretty much lived like an average secular Canadian.
For four years, I put away Christianity and rebelled. I pursued pleasure, relationships and money. I wanted to pursue medicine to become a doctor and make lots of money. I pursued relationships with women because I was lonely and wanted attention. While in high school, I got involved in an unhealthy relationship with a girl. When I started university, we moved in together, but the situation went downhill. I knew I needed to break up with her, but she made threatening statements. My health suffered as I tried to study and do part-time shift work. I gained weight, lived off energy drinks, and slept poorly.
After a major blow-up with my girlfriend, I broke off the relationship and turned to God for help. As I began reading my Bible and other spiritual books, I was convicted that if one worships God, then one must obey Him. I was struggling to keep the commandments of God and I decided to re-examine all ten of them. I was also convinced that I needed to attend church but didn’t know which one. I looked up the fourth commandment on the internet. One of the main websites that came up was Amazing Facts. I feasted on sermons and studies, and I found the Seventh-day Adventist Church. I was baptized at College Park Church in Oshawa Ontario in May 2016.
My first call to the ministry happened when I finished my second degree in public health. At this time I had six years of study in health sciences and public health and I was finding no work. A friend suggested to me that I should put my knowledge and experience to the test and do ministry in India. I was scared because I had never travelled so far away from home by myself. I put my faith in God and went about sharing the idea to go on a mission trip. I thought that if God wants me to go, He will make a way. Local church members supported me and financed all the costs for my trip and gave me extra money for medical supplies and Adventist literature. Under pastor Uttam Rupini’s guidance, I travelled around India, preaching, healing and distributing literature.
When I came back from my first mission tour, I sought employment with government agencies and regional municipalities. I just could not successfully land any job in the field I studied so hard for. I was at a loss and discouraged. One Sabbath morning after church service, I sat silently at the back of the church. An elder approached me and asked me “so Ben, what do you want to do with your life?” I replied, “I’m trying to work in the health field, but I’m getting no job. I volunteer my time helping in different ministries of the church, preaching in different churches and I have a passion for helping people. I want to work for the church.” He asked me, “what do you need in order to work for the church?” I explained to him that I didn’t have any money left to study. Seeing my sincerity and commitment, he decided to support me in pursuing Adventist education.
The monthly support that I received was not enough to study in North America. Glory be to God that Spicer Adventist University accepted my application for the Master of Arts in Religious Studies program. I lived in India for three years and devoted my time to studying and evangelism. I assisted Indian churches in their programs and went into unentered territories where no Adventist evangelist had previously been. Villagers in different states received assistance with their health, Adventist literature and Bible studies.
The blessings that the team and I received in helping others, witnessing the baptisms of people who gave their lives to Jesus because of our efforts, and the approbation of God I know that meant the world to us. I left India with a master’s degree in my hands, my Indian bride by my side and a lovely daughter in our embrace.
Upon arrival in Canada, I pursued employment with the church. I applied everywhere in the U.S and Canada. After one year of waiting, I’m thankful that the Ontario Conference gave me a shot to officially minister as a pastor for Windsor Seventh-day Adventist Church. In Windsor, I had opportunities to visit church members, teach children, give Bible studies, preach sermons, lead weeks of prayer, conduct evangelistic series, conduct baptisms, and lead the Lord’s Supper.
Under pastor Alexandre Golovenko’s leadership, I’ve learned a ton of stuff! There’s no way I could have progressed so fast if it wasn’t for his wise mentorship, and clever leadership. Out of all the mentees that he has had, I hope I’m his favourite. Thank you, pastor Alex, for your patient help and kind consideration. Thank you, leadership of Ontario Conference, for helping me to be a better witness for Jesus Christ.
Pastor Benjamin Feagan
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