Most meaningful moments at CECC

For Rev. Andrew, CECC has been part of his journey for 23 years—more than half of the church’s 40-year story.

Over those years, he has witnessed God’s faithfulness through countless people, ministries, seasons, and opportunities to serve. When asked about a ministry moment that has impacted him most, he couldn’t name just one.

Instead, he remembers the many mission initiatives that CECC has been part of over the years.

From Philadelphia with International Teams, OM Chile, Curve Lake Christian Assembly, Urban Promise Toronto, and Toronto Challenge, to Alpha and other ministry opportunities, each experience has been a reminder that God has called CECC not only to gather as a church, but to go, serve, and participate in His kingdom work.

❤️ A Church Family That Cares

Yet some of the most meaningful expressions of CECC's faithfulness haven't necessarily happened on a mission trip or inside a ministry program.

For Rev. Andrew, one of the clearest examples came during the COVID-19 pandemic.

When the church could no longer gather as it once did, the CECC family continued to show up for one another.

People made socially distanced visits.
They checked in on one another.
They noticed needs and responded.
They cared for one another physically, emotionally, and practically.

In a time when people were physically separated, the church family remained connected through love and care.

It was a powerful reminder that church isn't simply a place we go—it is a family we belong to.

And when asked to describe CECC in one word, Rev. Andrew chose:

“A family.”

🌱 Looking Back. Looking Forward.

After 23 years at CECC, Rev. Andrew’s vision for the future isn't complicated.

His prayer is that CECC will continue to grow in:

Love for God.
Love for one another.
Love for His kingdom and gospel work.

As we celebrate 40 years, this gives us something important to carry forward.

The next 40 years aren't simply about preserving what has been built. They are about continuing to grow in faith, love, and gospel purpose—and trusting God with the generations and stories still to come.

What do you enjoy most about being in the choir?

"We enjoy the songs we sing together. The lyrics really touch our hearts, and we always leave feeling encouraged, comforted, and spiritually refreshed."

What would you say to someone who is thinking about joining?

"It will be a great experience for you to join the choir. You'll be uplifted and may even discover gifts you never knew you had."

What has the choir meant to you over the years?

"It's been a way of worshipping God through prayer, music, and togetherness."

David and I have been in CECC for almost ten years. Looking back, we are thankful to God for leading us to this church. What attracted us in the first place was the church’s music ministry. Brother Nick invited us to the Cantata one Easter and then asked my children to join with their violins. We were glad to accept. As time went on, we became more involved and more familiar with the church. CECC is truly a church of love and compassion. It not only teaches God’s Word, but demonstrates it. Pastor Andrew himself is so kind and full of love. One afternoon, just as David and I got home from a church gathering, I found that I had left my purse in the church pew. We were about to drive back to church. Before we got into our car, we saw a strange car roll into our driveway. We saw Pastor Andrew step out from the car holding my purse. We were so overwhelmed and praised God for His loving and kind servant. We also found that CECC is a church paying great attention to the spiritual development of our next generation. I have the privilege of being a spiritual coach for young children in VBS for the past 4 years. I was fascinated by the maturity level of the children I talked to. From a young age, they are building a relationship with Jesus. No wonder, this church has more young people than other churches. At this time of celebrating CECC’s 40 years anniversary, David and I are praying to God that He will continue to lead CECC from victory to victory, knowing that Jesus, the Head of the Church, is our Great Shepherd. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” (Palms 32:8)

We're hearing from Ariana and Layla, who've been joining our Children's Choir to share about what they love most about singing and worshipping together. 

"Singing is another way to express your love for God, and it's a fun experience. I would tell other kids to join the choir! I like singing for God because it is how I worship Him and one of the ways I express my faith." — Ariana

"I feel happy to be with everyone while worshipping God. I enjoy seeing people in the congregation enjoying the songs and actions. My favourite memories are singing together during special occasions like Christmas, Mother's Day, and Father's Day. I love doing the actions with all the other kids and celebrating together." — Layla

How has God changed your life through this church?

"This journey has helped me articulate my beliefs and serve others through a passion I love. It has given me a place to develop and sharpen the talents God has given me. As a wonderful bonus, my singing voice has improved significantly, giving me the confidence to sing without fear of being out of tune."

What's one unforgettable CECC memory?

"My first time attending CECC. The moment Pastor Andrew stepped up to speak, it was clear he was sharing a message straight from his heart. As he spoke affectionately about his grandmother, his preaching felt like a casual, Spirit-led conversation rather than a rigid, page-by-page lecture. It was a beautiful reminder that the Gospel is a living truth meant to be experienced, not just read."

Recently, Nathaniel joined our CECC family. As we celebrate 40 years of God’s faithfulness, we’re grateful for the stories of people who have found a place to grow, serve, and belong at CECC.

What first brought you to CECC?

“My friend Patrick first brought me to CECC, but what helped me stick around was that everyone here was always very welcoming and felt like a real family working together to help each other grow in their faith.”

What started with an invitation from a friend became a place of community and spiritual growth — a reflection of what CECC has sought to be for generations of members.

Who has influenced your faith at CECC?

“I’m grateful to the Lord for putting Uncle Mark in my life to help nurture me and allow me to grow at CECC and into who I am in my faith today.

I’m also grateful for Uncle Jerome, who always has something fruitful to share regardless of what I’m going through in my walk with God.

I also greatly look up to Pastor Andrew for all the sermons and lessons he’s given, as well as his character in showing genuine humility and compassion for others.”

These relationships remind us that 40 years of CECC is ultimately 40 years of people investing in people — encouraging one another, sharing wisdom, and helping each other grow in faith.

As we celebrate 40 years, we celebrate not only where we’ve come from, but also the people God continues to bring into our family.

For Matthew, serving at CECC means being a “jack of all trades,” helping with facilities maintenance, logistics, hospitality, and whatever else needs to be done. His journey of serving God began back in high school at Youth Gospel Center in the Philippines, and that same heart of service has continued through the years.

What is one memorable moment from serving?

“One time, I was helping out at an event and didn't realize how much I had been doing that day without taking a break. Someone handed me a bottle of water and encouraged me to rest. That's when I realized I really needed to stop and take a break!

It felt like a God moment—a reminder that He was protecting me and looking after my health. Sometimes, even in the middle of serving, God reminds us that we need to pause and trust Him.”

How has serving impacted your faith?

“Serving has built my faith and trust in God. I've learned that He is our provider and will provide when we least expect it.

Looking back, I can also see how God has been molding me through the different skills and interests I've developed over the years and giving me opportunities to use them at church. What may have seemed like different interests or experiences along the way, God has used to prepare me to serve.”

What does CECC's 40th anniversary mean to you?

“It reminds me of how faithful God has been to us. Through the ups and downs of the church's growth, God has continued to sustain us and make the church thrive.”

What are you praying for in the next 40 years?

“I'm praying that God will raise up the next generation of leaders and helpers to continue making the church thrive, make an impact, and be His witnesses in our community.”

Matthew’s story is a beautiful reminder that serving doesn't always mean having a title or a specific ministry. Sometimes, it's simply being willing to step in, lend a hand, and use what God has given you. And as we celebrate 40 years, we give thanks for every person who has served, encouraged, built, welcomed, prayed, and helped make CECC what it is today.

As we look back with gratitude, we also look forward with hope—trusting God to continue working through the next generation.

親愛的 CECC 家人，

「這是耶和華所定的日子，我們在其中要高興歡喜。」— 詩篇 118:24

四十年，是一段充滿神恩典、信實與保守的旅程。

這一期的 「40年．故事」，我們邀請創會弟兄 蔡鵬山弟兄，與我們分享他對 CECC 四十年的感恩與期盼。

四十年來，我們看見神的看顧、帶領與供應，帶領教會走過高山低谷，從無到有，也讓我們今天看見教會的興旺與世代傳承。

感謝過去與現在每一位牧者、長老、執事、同工及弟兄姊妹的擺上。因著大家的委身、包容與彼此相愛，教會成為一個充滿溫度的屬靈大家庭。

今天站在四十週年的標竿上，我們不只是數算過去的恩典，更要承接未來的使命。願 CECC 繼續成為社區的祝福、失喪靈魂的燈塔，扎根神的話語，傳揚福音，並讓下一代接下信仰的棒子。

願一切頌讚、榮耀與尊榮歸給我們的主耶穌基督。讓我們同心仰望那創始成終的主，迎向更榮耀的明天。

Dear CECC Family,

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24

Forty years is a testimony of God’s grace, faithfulness, and provision.

For this edition of “40 Years. Stories.”, we hear from Brother Pinsan, one of CECC’s founding members, as he reflects on God’s faithfulness and looks toward the future.

Over these forty years, we have witnessed God’s care, guidance, and provision. He has carried the church through every mountain and valley—from humble beginnings to where we are today—and we are grateful to see faith being passed from one generation to the next.

We give thanks for every pastor, elder, deacon, ministry worker, and church family member who has faithfully served, prayed, and given of themselves. Through everyone’s commitment and love, CECC has become a spiritual family filled with warmth.

As we celebrate 40 years, may we not only remember God’s faithfulness, but also embrace the mission ahead. May CECC continue to be a blessing to our community, a light to those who are searching, and a place where the next generation can grow in faith and carry the Gospel forward.

May all glory and honour be given to our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us look to Him, the author and finisher of our faith, and move forward toward a more glorious tomorrow.

For Jerome’s family, the CECC story began 34 years ago, when his eldest brother, Mark, invited the family to worship and fellowship at CECC after immigrating to Canada. Since then, what began with one generation has grown into a legacy of faith spanning three generations.

For Maggie, that journey began in 2007. While looking for a local church to attend on Sundays, she was dating Jerome when he invited her to CECC. What started as an invitation became the beginning of her own journey with the church—and eventually, a family legacy.

“CECC became a spiritual home where multiple generations could worship together, build friendships, and find mentorship. The Sunday school, youth group, adult fellowships, and retreats helped each generation grow in faith.”

One of Jerome’s greatest joys has been doing ministry alongside his wife, Maggie, and leading worship with his sons, Travis and Gabriel—both of whom grew up at CECC, were dedicated as babies, baptized as young men, and now serve in the church.

For Maggie, some of the most meaningful memories are rooted in those Sunday mornings.

“My kids have been part of the worship team since they were babies, sitting in their car seats during the Sunday morning worship run-through. Every Sunday morning for the past 18 years, my family has arrived early at church to prepare for worship.”

What began with simply showing up each Sunday became a rhythm of family, service, and faith.

“I thank God for His grace to our family, especially for blessing my boys with musical talent so they can serve the Lord.”

For Gabriel, serving alongside his dad and brother has also been a special part of growing up at CECC:

“It was really cool to see that we were all glorifying God together. I think CECC helped my family in lots of ways, making us grow deeper in Christ through serving, fellowships, and the community of the people around us.”

Looking toward the next 40 years, Jerome prays that CECC will continue to grow in love, faith, and knowledge of Jesus. Maggie hopes the church will remain rooted in Scripture, unwavering in truth, and bold in living out the Gospel—while continuing to be a place where generations can grow together.

Sarah’s CECC story began when she came to Canada from the Philippines, looking for a church where she could continue growing in faith and find a community.

CECC became a place where she felt welcomed, supported, and able to build a life surrounded by others who shared her faith. Today, Sarah is raising a young family at CECC, and she finds joy in seeing her children grow up in the church.

“Even simple moments—like worshipping together or watching them participate in a church program—remind me that we’re building a foundation of faith for them.”

For Sarah, CECC is a community that reminds parents they are not raising their children in faith alone.

Her prayer for the next 40 years is that CECC will continue to be a spiritual home for young families and newcomers to Canada—and that the next generation will know “CECC is their church too—not only their parents’ church.”

CECC has been my home church since I arrived in Toronto, Canada, in 1992. Over the years, it has become much more than a church—it has been a place where I've found lifelong friendships, built a strong community, and experienced God's faithfulness. Through the teaching, fellowship, and opportunities to serve, CECC has played a significant role in helping me grow in my walk with Jesus and continue becoming the disciple He has called me to be.

I'm so blessed and thankful that we're part of this church and shoutout to my cousin Arthur for bringing me and Polly (and by extension our future kids) to CECC. It has been many years, our kids were born and grew up at church from Sunday School to VBS to youth and young adult fellowship. Lifelong friendships were developed and community established. We've played, prayed, served, worshipped, ate, celebrated, supported, studied and encouraged together and each other during our time at CECC. Happy 40th Anniversary to us at CECC.

Happy 40th anniversary to our church family! This church did not just give me a place to belong; it gave me a place to serve and grow. Answering the call to serve the Lord in children's ministry has blessed me more than I could have imagined, teaching me patience, joy, and deep faith. I am so thankful for a church that empowers us to minister to the next generation as we look forward to the future.

Happy 40th Anniversary, CECC! What an amazing milestone and a beautiful testament to God’s amazing power and faithfulness working through our church.

Since coming here almost 20 years ago, I have been so blessed to experience God’s love and faithfulness through worship, service, and fellowship. I am thankful for our CECC community and all the ways God has used this church to shape and bless our family.

I’m especially grateful for the opportunity to raise our kids in a community where they can grow in faith, come to know Jesus, and experience His love for themselves.

Here’s to many more years of faithfully following and serving Him together!

四十年神信實的紀念回顧

當我們歡聚一堂，慶祝教會成立四十週年之際，我們的心滿溢著感恩與讚美。四十年，不僅是一段歲月的累積，更是一段見證神恩典與信實的歷程。一路走來，我們深深經歷祂堅定不移的慈愛、永不離棄的同在，以及祂恩手奇妙的帶領。從最初微小的開始，到今天歡欣慶祝四十週年的里程碑，神一路扶持、塑造、保守並賜福我們，遠超過我們所求所想。昔日一個小小的團契，如今已成為見證主信實的屬靈大家庭；回顧這段旅程，我們心中除了感恩，還是感恩。

四十年的歲月已經走過，但我們的使命始終沒有改變——榮耀神、傳揚福音、造就門徒，並忠心服事我們的社區，直到主耶穌基督再來。

教會創立初期，我們懷著單純的信心聚集敬拜神。曾有兩個不同的時期，教會租用學校作為主日崇拜的聚會場所。雖然當時沒有屬於自己的教堂，但神始終信實地帶領我們走過每一個階段。到了2008年，神按著祂最美好的時間，恩典地賜給我們自己的教堂。這不僅是一棟建築物，更是神信實、供應與眷顧最真實的見證。如今，教會已經邁入第三代，我們看見神立約的慈愛一代傳一代，也見證祂永不改變的恩典。

多年來，神不斷興起忠心愛主的領袖來牧養祂的教會。從最初的同工會開始，到後來設立執事與長老，神一步一步建立教會的屬靈領導團隊。我們感謝歷任牧者、長老、執事、各事工領袖、義工，以及每一位忠心擺上的弟兄姊妹。因著他們的禱告、委身、犧牲與服事，使教會得以穩健成長，也成為神恩典流通的器皿。

四十年來，我們始終持守神所託付的使命，努力培育下一代，並積極關懷社區。每年舉辦的青少年夏令營（Youth Summer Camp）與兒童暑期聖經學校（Vacation Bible School），讓許多年輕人和孩子有機會認識福音，在神的話語中扎根成長。透過中英文 Alpha 啟發課程，許多人開始探索基督信仰，並親身經歷主耶穌的慈愛。我們也藉著社區燒烤（Community BBQ）、保齡球聯誼（Bowling Tournament）及戶外郊遊（Outdoor Picnic）等活動，建立彼此的情誼，與社區建立美好的連結，成為福音的橋樑。此外，我們也感謝神讓我們有機會支持 Connect City Ministry，與他們同心服事有需要的人，以實際的行動分享基督的愛與盼望。

回首這四十年的歲月，有一個真理始終歷久彌新，那就是：神已經證明祂是信實的神。 無論是在困難中、挑戰中，還是在蒙恩與成長的日子裡，祂從未離棄祂的教會。祂的恩典一路扶持我們，祂的智慧一路引導我們，祂的慈愛始終長存。

今天，當我們懷著感恩的心慶祝這個重要的里程碑時，我們深知，這四十年的故事並不是人的成就，而完全是神恩典與信實的見證。我們也願意繼續全然信靠祂，因為那位帶領我們走過四十年的主，必繼續引領我們前面的道路。願祂繼續使用這間教會，忠心傳揚福音、造就門徒、服事社區，使更多人認識基督，並將一切榮耀都歸給祂。

「耶和華為我們行了大事，我們就歡喜。」（詩篇126:3）

願一切榮耀、尊貴、頌讚都單單歸於我們信實的神，從今時直到永永遠遠。阿們！

A Commemorative Reflection on 40 Years of God’s Faithfulness

As we gather to celebrate our church’s 40th Anniversary, our hearts are stirred with deep gratitude and awe. Forty years is more than a measure of time—it is a testimony of God’s steadfast love, His unfailing presence, and His gracious hand upon His people. From humble beginnings to this joyful milestone, He has carried us, shaped us, and blessed us beyond what we could have imagined. What began as a small fellowship has grown into a living witness of the Lord’s faithfulness, and we rejoice to remember every step of this sacred journey.

Forty years have passed, but our mission remains unchanged—to glorify God, proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and faithfully serve our community until Christ returns.

In the early days, our congregation worshiped with simplicity and faith. There were two different periods when we gathered in rented school facilities, trusting God to provide for His people. Though we did not yet have a permanent home, the Lord faithfully led us through every season. Then, in 2008, God graciously provided us with our own church building. This was far more than a new place of worship—it was a tangible testimony of His faithfulness, His provision, and His perfect timing. Today, we rejoice to see that our church family has now entered its third generation, a beautiful testimony of God’s covenant faithfulness from one generation to the next.

The Lord has also graciously raised up leaders to serve His church. What began with a Church Board has, over the years, grown into a church served by ordained deacons and elders who faithfully shepherd God’s people. We give thanks for every pastor, elder, deacon, ministry leader, volunteer, and member whose prayers, sacrifices, and faithful service have strengthened this spiritual family.

Throughout these forty years, our church has remained committed to nurturing the next generation and reaching out to our community. Year after year, Youth Summer Camp and Vacation Bible School have planted the seeds of God’s Word in the hearts of young people and children. Through both English and Chinese Alpha Courses, many have explored the Christian faith and encountered the love of Christ. Community BBQs, Bowling Tournaments, and Outdoor Picnics have strengthened fellowship among believers while building meaningful relationships with our neighbors. We are also thankful for the privilege of supporting Connect City Ministry, partnering in the work of bringing hope, compassion, and the message of Christ to those in need.

Looking back over four decades, one truth shines brighter than all else: God has proven Himself faithful. Through seasons of uncertainty and blessing, through challenges and new beginnings, He has never failed His church. His grace has sustained us, His wisdom has guided us, and His love has never ceased.

As we celebrate this significant milestone, we do so with humility and thanksgiving. The story of these forty years is not primarily one of human achievement, but a testimony to the faithfulness of our Lord. With complete trust in Him, we look forward to the years ahead, praying that He will continue to use this church to proclaim the Gospel, disciple believers, serve our community, and bring glory to His holy name.

May future generations also declare with joy:

“The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” — Psalm 126:3

To God alone be all glory, honor, and praise—yesterday, today, and forever.

 “Home” 

After 7 years at CECC, Pastor Joseph describes the church in one simple word:

“Home.”

He has seen God’s faithfulness through pastors who faithfully proclaim the truth and a congregation that selflessly serves, often without seeking recognition.

One ministry moment has stayed especially close to his heart. During a visit with a late-stage cancer patient near the end of his life, Pastor Joseph witnessed someone enduring immense physical pain while still holding firmly to his faith and giving thanks to God.

“His faith was a deeply inspiring encouragement to me.”

Pastor Joseph is also encouraged by CECC’s next generation—the young people who are eager to stay planted in the church and serve God.

His hope for the next 40 years is that CECC will continue to hold firmly to the truth of Scripture while honestly navigating the challenges of real life, growing together toward full maturity in the love of Christ.

And what does he hope never changes?

“A spirit of humble and faithful service behind the scenes, seeking neither recognition nor reward.”

“Commitment” 

Pastor Heusen has been part of CECC for 1.5 years, but even in that short time, he has already experienced something he describes as a defining characteristic of the church:

“Commitment.”

He has seen God’s faithfulness through the collaboration of people across the church as everyone comes together for ministry.

What has stood out most to him? The intergenerational nature of CECC—young and old coming together to help one another.

He has especially enjoyed seeing the youth come together to think more deeply about their faith journeys.

One small but meaningful memory also brings a smile: during a stressful season of buying and selling a home, Uncle Winston told him that he was praying for him and Rianne. It was a simple reminder of the care and support found within the CECC family.

Looking ahead, Pastor Heusen’s prayer is for God’s presence to be upon the young people, that they would draw ever closer to Him through the church.

And above all:

“That Jesus would be held center in all that we strive for.”

As CECC prepares to celebrate 40 years of God’s faithfulness, our anniversary choirs are preparing special music to lead us in worship.

Our choir leader, Maria, shares about the heart behind the music and her experience preparing for this special celebration.

After prayerfully seeking the Lord’s guidance, “You Alone Are God” has been selected for the Anniversary Choir, while “We Praise Your Name” will be sung by the Children’s Choir. Both songs beautifully reflect the heart of this milestone celebration—adoration, worship, and praise to our Lord and Saviour, who alone deserves all the glory.

“I feel honoured to have been invited by the Anniversary Committee to prepare special choir music for CECC’s 40th Anniversary worship service. It is always amazing to see how the Lord answers our prayers.”

We thank the Lord for all the singers He is calling to this special ministry. As we come together to celebrate 40 years of God’s faithfulness, our prayer is that these songs will bless and inspire the congregation and help us lift our hearts in worship.

大家好，今天教会成立40周年，非常感恩能够有机会分享......

特别想起2019年到2021年那三年的疫情。那段时间虽然教堂关闭了，我们不能像以前一样来到教会一起敬拜，但是我们的敬拜并没有停止。

特别感谢Nick弟兄带领他的编辑团队。每个星期，他们都会为我们制作网上精美的敬拜视频。虽然我们是在家里通过电脑、手机观看，但是每一次打开视频，都感觉好像还是坐在教堂里面一样。

有主席、有公告、有诗歌，和牧师讲道的视频录播，还有非常棒的唱诗班。尤其让感动的是，唱诗班不能像以前一样一起站在教堂里唱诗，但是经过Nick编辑团队的后期编辑，我们每个人的声音、每一个和声，都被非常认真、非常细心地制作出来。我们在屏幕前看到的可能只是一个视频，但是在这背后，其实有很多人的时间、心血和爱心。

而且我们教会的网上敬拜也得到了其他教会很多的认可。大家都觉得我们的敬拜非常特别，是一个很有特色、很团结、很独一无二的团队。

现在回头想起来，那是一段非常美好、非常特别的回忆。虽然疫情已经过去了，但我们一直都很怀念那段一起在网上敬拜、一起唱诗、一起经历神恩典的日子。

所以今天在教会40周年这个特别的日子里，我特别想说一声：谢谢Nick弟兄，也谢谢所有幕后默默付出的编辑团队！

感谢你们在那段最困难的时期，让我们虽然不能来到教堂，却仍然可以一起敬拜、一起唱诗、一起感受神的同在。

愿神继续祝福我们的教会，也祝福我们的唱诗班。希望我们的唱诗班越来越好，继续用我们的歌声赞美神、荣耀神，也把这份祝福带给更多的人。

感谢神，也感谢教会里的每一位弟兄姐妹！