Ontario Christian Assembly

04/03/2026

Good Friday: The Greatest Love Story Ever Told

This Good Friday, as we gather in quiet reflection, our hearts turn once again to the foot of the cross. There, on a hill called Golgotha, the Son of God willingly laid down His life for you and for me. The Bible tells us that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). In that single, dark moment of history, the perfect, sinless Lamb of God took upon Himself every wrong we have ever committed—and ever will commit. The weight of our guilt, our shame, and our separation from God was nailed to that rough wooden beam.

On Good Friday we remember the cost of our redemption. The sky grew dark. The earth shook. The temple veil was torn in two. What seemed like the ultimate defeat was, in truth, the greatest victory the universe has ever known. Through His suffering and death, Jesus opened the way for us to be forgiven, restored, and brought near to the Father. The cross stands as the undeniable proof of God’s relentless love: not because we were worthy, but because He is.

Yet even as we pause in solemn gratitude on this holy day, we do not remain in sorrow. We look ahead with confident hope to Resurrection Sunday. The same Jesus who breathed His last on Friday rose triumphantly on the third day, conquering sin and death forever. Because He lives, we too have the promise of new life—both now and for eternity. The empty tomb declares that no darkness is too deep for His light, and no grave is strong enough to hold the power of His love.

As we walk through this weekend, may the reality of the cross humble us and the certainty of the resurrection fill us with unshakeable joy. Let us live each day in the light of what Jesus accomplished: forgiven, free, and full of hope.

All of us who serve at OCA wish you a deeply meaningful Good Friday, and a glorious resurrection celebration on Sunday.

01/17/2026

Winter has arrived in full force, but at Camp OCA, that means it’s time for one of our favorite seasons: winter weekends full of worship, fun, and life-changing encounters with Jesus!

This Friday (January 23), our SR High Winter Camp begins – and we’d love for your grade 9–12 students to be part of it!

SR High Winter Camp
January 23–25, 2026 (Fri 7pm check-in – Sun 3pm check-out)
Theme: Hope of Nations
Led by: Dean Samara Midgett

What to Expect:

- Powerful worship and teaching
- Epic games, outdoor fun in the snow, and guaranteed campfires
- Fellowship that builds lifelong friendships
- Heated, modern cabins – all meals included (Sat + Sun breakfast/lunch)

Just $90 per camper – everything covered!

This is an amazing weekend where teens unplug (no devices allowed), dive into God’s Word, and experience His glory in 50 acres of beautiful Ontario nature. As we remind every camper: Christ is Lord, and salvation is through Him alone.

Spots are filling fast – register today so your student doesn’t miss out!

Register SR High Winter Camp Now: https://www.ocainc.ca/winter-camp/

And the winter fun doesn’t stop there…

Next weekend (Jan 30–Feb 1): Jr High Winter Camp (Grades 6–8) – same spirit of worship, games, campfires, and discipleship for $90! Perfect for middle schoolers ready to grow in faith. Register Here: https://www.ocainc.ca/winter-camp-jr-high/

The weekend after (Feb 6–8): Winter ReBoot Young Adult Retreat (18–40ish) – a special reboot with sledding, bonfires, deep teaching on “Follow the Leader,” and no dish duty! Led by Pastor Andy Parisien + special speaker Peter Ejtel. Only 60 spots! Register Here: https://www.ocainc.ca/winter-reboot-young-adult-retreat/

Whether it’s high schoolers hearing the gospel afresh, junior high kids building character, or young adults rediscovering joy in following Jesus – these weekends are where God does big things.

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)

Thank you for trusting OCA with your young people. Your prayers and support make these transformative weekends possible. All programs are professionally supervised, Christ-centered, and focused on biblical truth.

12/24/2025

On this peaceful Christmas Eve, as the world quiets and lights twinkle in the darkness, we pause to remember the profound miracle that changed everything: the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11). This is why we celebrate—not just a holiday, but the arrival of hope incarnate, the Light of the world stepping into our brokenness to bring redemption and grace.

In a season often filled with busyness and fleeting joys, Christmas Eve invites us to reflect on God's sovereign plan of salvation. As Tim Keller so poignantly reminds us, "The world can't save itself. That's the message of Christmas." Indeed, in Jesus, we find the only true rescue from sin and despair, a gift freely given through faith alone.

We at Ontario Christian Assembly are deeply grateful for you—our faithful supporters, volunteers, and friends. Your prayers, generosity, and partnership throughout the year have enabled us to host retreats and camps where children, youth, and families from supporting congregations encounter this same life-changing gospel. Together, we're nurturing the next generation in the truth of Scripture, just as the angels proclaimed good news of great joy for all people.

As we await the dawn of Christmas morning, may your hearts be filled with the peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). We wish you and your loved ones a blessed Christmas Eve, rich with worship, fellowship, and the quiet wonder of Emmanuel—God with us.

In Christ's enduring love,

Peter Ejtel
President
Ontario Christian Assembly Inc.

12/02/2025

Today millions of people around the world are choosing generosity over more stuff. We praise God you’re part of that movement!

Because of friends like you, Ontario Christian Assembly remains one of the most affordable (and often free) camp options for Church of Christ families across Ontario and beyond.

Today every dollar you give goes directly to:

$75 – covers meals for one camper
$300 – covers campers for an entire life-changing week
$3000 – sponsors an entire cabin of 10 kids

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them…” (Mark 10:14)

Your gift today removes every barrier so children and youth from our churches can hear the pure gospel of grace, be baptized into Christ, and grow in faith alongside friends who love Jesus.

Thank you for cheerfully partnering with us “for the equipping of the saints… until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God” (Ephesians 4:12-13).

Donate Today! https://www.ocainc.ca/donate/

Because of Jesus – and because of YOU – camp will happen again in 2026.

Joyfully His,

Peter Ejtel
and the whole OCA team
Camp OCA

11/29/2025

Giving Tuesday is only 3 days away – will you help send more kids to camp in 2026?

This weekend the world is buzzing with Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. Inboxes are overflowing with “once-in-a-lifetime” deals.

But in just three days, something far better arrives: Giving Tuesday – a global day set aside to love our neighbors in the name of Jesus.

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

At Ontario Christian Assembly, every dollar you give on Giving Tuesday goes straight toward:

Week-long summer camps where hundreds of children and youth hear the gospel clearly taught

Fall and winter retreats that strengthen Church of Christ families and youth groups

Keeping camp affordable (and often fully subsidized) for supporting congregations

Your gift this Tuesday helps the next generation fall in love with Jesus around the campfire, in the chapel, and on the ballfield – just like so many of us did years ago.

Mark your calendar for Tuesday, December 2 and look for our special Giving Tuesday email that morning.

Thank you for prayerfully considering OCA as you prepare your year-end giving. Together we’re raising up the next generation “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).

P.S. If the Lord leads you to give early, you can always donate securely right now – every gift helps!

Click here to Donate:

We require the prayers and generous support of our churches and alumni to ensure that young people continue to have the unique experience of growing in Christ and establishing friendships that last a lifetime. Please donate right now by filling out the secure form below and selecting which fund you

11/09/2025

Hearts are full after Unraveled at OCA! ✨ Thank you to all the incredible women who came, connected, and reminded us that beauty is found in the unraveling and the rebuilding.

07/31/2025

That’s a wrap on summer camp! 🌞🎉 New memories made, friendships formed, and adventures we’ll never forget. Until next time! 🏕️💚

07/25/2025

Rekindle Your Faith and Relive Camp Memories at ReBoot This August!

Do you remember those magical summer weeks at Camp OCA when you were a kid? The thrill of night games under the stars, the deep bonds formed around campfires, and those pivotal moments of spiritual growth where you first encountered Christ's love in a profound way? As we've transitioned into young adulthood—navigating careers, relationships, and life's complexities—it's easy to feel that connection to our Christian community fade. But what if you could recapture that joy, renew your spirit, and rebuild those foundational relationships all in one transformative weekend?

We're excited to invite you to the third annual ReBoot Young Adult Retreat at Camp OCA in August! Tailored for young adults in their 20s and 30s (ages 18-40ish), this weekend is designed to help you "Be Transformed" by living according to the Spirit, drawing from Romans 12:2: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

Imagine stepping back onto those familiar 50 acres of beautiful Ontario wilderness, but this time with no cleanup duties or chores—just pure relaxation, fun, and fellowship. Here's what makes ReBoot so special:

- Nostalgic Fun Without the Work: Dive into games and epic night games just like when we were kids, but with the freedom to unwind and enjoy every moment. All meals are provided from Friday supper to Sunday lunch, so you can focus on what matters most.

- Powerful Teaching and Spiritual Renewal: Led by the insightful Pastor Andy Parisien, with assistance from Peter Ejtel, you'll experience excellent Bible-based sessions on living by the Spirit, overcoming the flesh, and walking in God's truth. Don't miss the special Saturday evening session with guest speaker Shawn Shemavonian on "Battle for the Mind"—a compelling exploration of the spiritual warfare we face daily. Drawing from key scriptures like Romans 12:2, 1 Peter 5:8, and Ephesians 4:22-24, Shawn will outline the three enemies (Satan, the World, and the Flesh) that seek to captivate our thoughts through fiery darts of Doubt, Division, and misplaced Devotion. He'll equip you with three keys to victory: Resist the devil through faith and watchfulness, Renew your mind with God's Word, and Replace toxic habits with godly ones, transforming your thinking and aligning it with Christ's will for lasting spiritual growth.

- Community and Connection: Reconnect with friends from previous ReBoot years and form new lifelong bonds with fellow believers. It's a safe space to share stories, pray together, and grow in discipleship, helping you rebuild that sense of belonging in Christ's body.

- Tons of Fun with Lasting Impact: Expect a perfect blend of adventure, laughter, and spiritual depth—celebrating Christ as our Lord and Savior while facing young adult challenges head-on. Whether you've drifted from community or just need a recharge, ReBoot is your opportunity for hope, transformation, and renewed purpose.

With only 60 spots available, this intimate retreat fills up fast! The cost is just $90, covering everything you need for an unforgettable weekend. Check-in starts at 6:00 PM on Friday, and we'll wrap up by 2:00 PM on Sunday.

Ready to reboot your faith journey? Register today at https://www.ocainc.ca/reboot-young-adult-retreat/ and secure your spot. If you'd like to support future camps, consider adding a one-time donation during registration.

We can't wait to welcome you back to Camp OCA and witness how God transforms lives this August. Let's relive the memories, reignite our passion for Christ, and live fully by the Spirit—together!

07/14/2025

🎉 Jr. Camp has officially begun — and we’re kicking things off on a high note! 🎶☀️
Our campers are strumming their way into the week with ukulele lessons, and the joy is contagious. Can’t wait to see the music and memories they’ll create! 💛🎵

07/09/2025

Jr High Camp is in full swing at OCA! The kids are having a great time learning about God's word and making new friends☺️

07/03/2025

Look at all these lovey faces ready for worship😄