Camp Pugwash 2197 Gulf Shore Rd, Pugwash, NS B0K 1L0
Bible School Coordinator & Speaker for Hope Channel Canada
Paul Antunes is a dynamic and engaging speaker with a deep passion for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Born into a Portuguese immigrant family in Vancouver, BC, his own family was brought into the Seventh-Day Adventist church by the It Is Written telecast in the 70’s, sparking a lifelong commitment to evangelism.
With a degree in Theology and a Masters in Divinity, Paul has served as a pastor, chaplain, and singer across Canada and Brazil, making biblical truths clear and relevant. Now the Bible School Speaker and Coordinator for Hope Channel Canada, he prayerfully continues to point audiences with Christ-centered, hope filled messages on God’s love and plan for our lives. Paul and his wife, Raquel, have two children—Matheus, who loves filmmaking, and Miquela, who enjoys singing and writing songs for God.
Pastor of the Madras Seventh-day Adventist Church in Oregon
Pastor Seth Cantu serves as the pastor of the Madras Seventh-day Adventist Church in Oregon, where he is also engaged in church planting and training efforts focused on Indigenous ministries. A graduate of Walla Walla University with a degree in Theology and a minor in Biblical Languages, Pastor Cantu brings over a decade of ministry experience to his work, including ten years as a Bible worker and four years in pastoral ministry within the Oregon Conference.
His calling to serve Indigenous communities was shaped by a personal loss—the inability to communicate with his grandparents as an adult before they were taken by Alzheimer’s and dementia. The wisdom, stories, and traditions that were lost sparked in him a lifelong commitment to cultural preservation, intergenerational learning, and spiritual healing. He has served as a Bible worker in diverse contexts, including the Northern California Conference and among the Diné (Navajo) people in Page, Arizona.
As a man of White Mountain Apache heritage on his father's side, Pastor Cantu is passionate about empowering Indigenous youth to reconnect with their spiritual and cultural roots, and to cherish the voices of their elders. His ministry is guided by the belief that “a society grows great when old men plant trees under whose shade they know they shall never sit.”
Physician. Assistant Pastor. Researcher in Faith, Health, and Wholeness.
Dr. Stanley James serves as the Assistant Pastor of the Hamilton Seventh-day Adventist Church in Bermuda and leads a medical practice specializing in lifestyle-based, whole-person care. With more than two decades of experience in both ministry and medicine, Dr. James is committed to restoring hope and health through the power of practical faith and compassionate science.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Religion from Oakwood College, a Master of Divinity from Andrews University, and a Doctor of Medicine from Loma Linda University. He is currently completing his PhD at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, where his research explores racial health disparities, spiritual identity, and the healing of ontological trauma—especially among marginalized communities.
Dr. James has shared Christ-centered messages across the Caribbean, North and South America, and Africa. Whether in a pulpit, clinic, classroom, or community, he seeks to make faith real, relevant, and redemptive.
His life’s work is fueled by a deep conviction that the transforming power of God’s grace prepares hearts for healing now—and for the soon return of Christ. In a world searching for wholeness, Dr. James stands as a voice reminding us that true restoration is found in Christ alone.
Ministerial Director of the Ontario Conference
Frankie Lazarus was born in Huddersfield, England and migrated to Canada with his parents as a youth. He is married to Sharon Lazarus (née Tyne) and they have two grown children (Lamarr and Lachelle). He has a B.A. and a Masters in Divinity from Andrews University. He has served as the chaplain for Crawford Adventist Academy and as the assistant/associate pastor in several churches – Mississauga, Malton, Meadowvale, Toronto East, Berea, Toronto Perth.
He has served as the lead pastor of the Downsview, Malton, Mt. Olive, Toronto West Seventh-day Adventist churches. He assisted with the church plant for Ajax/Pickering now the Agape Temple with Dr. Maitland and established the church plant in Bolton. He has served as a youth director responsible for Pathfinders, Adventurers, Master Guides, Youth, and the Young Adults of the Ontario Conference for twelve years.
He is currently the Ministerial Director of the Ontario Conference and is excited about the possibilities of ministry and leading God’s people to an experience of complete discipleship. His motto for ministry is to be “a servant of God and friend to people”. The text in the Bible that he lives by can be found in Galatians 2:20 which says, “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Clinical Counsellor/Author/Former Pastor
Donald Straub is currently a registered and certified clinical counsellor with 14 years of experience. He helps clients with emotional problems, PTSD, addictions, and relationships. Don’s counselling draws on a lifetime of experiences. He has been a teacher, school principal, and a pastor. Don has traveled and worked in almost 50 countries. He has 4 married children and 13 grandchildren. He has lost 2 wives through death. Don has been a seven-time presenter on “It Is Written,” which promoted his book, “Bridges to Freedom: Creating Change Through Science and Christian Spirituality.”
Pastor of Bathurst SDA Company
Jacqueline Émile has more than 25 years of experience in leading, guiding, and ministering to church congregations in various capacities. Prior to her arrival in the Maritimes, she had been actively creating and leading a Center of Influence in Ottawa called the Centre d’Actions et de Services Communautaires CASC. At this center, she has participated in making health seminars, parenting seminars, personal financial seminars, French training and other services available to individuals in her community.
Aside from her experience in preaching during evangelism weeks, women’s retreats, weeks of prayer and on Sabbaths, she has also been a bible worker and was conducting an online ministry in the United States and Canada. She shares her faith and resources online to help people to grow spiritually, challenging them to participate in daily activities such as reading through the Bible and studying bible topics. Pastor Émile will be a graduate of the Andrews University Doctor of Ministry program.
Her DMin project aims to bridge community services with faith, embodying Christ’s method approach. She says, “My work’s key focus is empowering those seeking a deeper relationship with God, guiding them on their spiritual journeys with compassion and understanding.”
Youth Director/Pastor of Dartmouth SDA Church
Teddy Bagassien is a passionate pastor with nearly two decades of ministry experience. Born in Paris, France, to Caribbean parents, he brings a unique cultural perspective to his work. His ministry journey began as an undergraduate at Canadian University College, where he served as the Prison Ministries Coordinator. During this time, he led student groups to penitentiaries, organizing worship sessions with prisoners, which deepened his commitment to outreach.
Following his time at Canadian University College, Pastor Bagassien served in various leadership roles, including Youth Director for the Quebec Conference and Youth Ministries Coordinator for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada. He has also served as the Children and Family Pastor at Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church, the campus church of Washington Adventist University. Pastor Bagassien is dedicated to guiding the next generation in their relationship with Christ. He is particularly passionate about empowering youth leaders and pastors to serve effectively, and he finds joy in seeing young people embrace their faith and use their gifts to impact others.
Ministry is also a family affair for Pastor Bagassien. His wife, Isabelle, an educator, also serves the church by volunteering as a trainer for the North American Division (NAD) Children’s Ministry. Together, they have been married for 22 years and have two daughters, aged 22 and 18, who inspire their devotion to both family and ministry. With a heart for service and a wealth of experience, Pastor Bagassien continues to lead others in discovering their God-given purpose and preparing for eternity with Christ.
Pastor of LaSalle New Life & Mount Moriah SDA Church
Wedson, a child of Canada, has lived in Quebec, Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario. He has been married for 20 years to his first and only love, Biztha Rancy, and together they are the proud parents of two sons: Diamond and Jayden.
After working in the banking sector, he responded to God’s call and earned his degree from Burman University. He served as the district pastor in Terrace, British Columbia, and later became the senior pastor of the Westminster Seventh-day Adventist Church. Today, he serves as the senior pastor of LaSalle New Life and Mount Moriah churches within the Quebec Conference.
His ministry is inspired by Christ’s model of leadership: identifying with those he serves, living out the biblical message, and relying on the Scriptures. Known for his warmth and genuine hospitality, he loves building bridges between generations and sharing Jesus with passion and authenticity.
For More Information Please Contact:
childrens.ministry@maritimesda.com