Mike Wilson

I am the Director of Graphic Word (a nerd focused ministry) under Quinte Youth Unlimited and have been leading this unique ministry for the past 7 years; before that I was the Director for Quinte West for 5 years where me and my wife first came into the Quinte Region.  My heart for ministry is to grow and disciple people in practical faith that encourages them to then be able to share that faith with others through their life. I love anything nerd culture related, deep Bible Study dives, and creating digital illustrations/graphics. 

I have been married for 13 years and have two children (ages 7 & 9). I have been following Jesus since I was 5 years old (so 31 years now) and have been in ministry with Quinte Youth Unlimited for 12 years.

My life verse is Proverbs 3:5-6 as a constant reminder that I need to be relying on God and that He is faithful.

Topic

TBA

Working through the latter half of 1 Timothy 4:12 in the reminder that being an example takes action in very practical steps. We’ll dive into what this example looks like not just for Timothy in his context, but looking from reflecting on the Shema in the Old Testament and how we take it into our everyday life. 

Jim Oribine

I have been a follower of Jesus for almost 40 years.  Throughout that time, I have sought to continually grow in my faith and contribute to my community.  The Lord has been with me through many valleys, and has taken me to many hilltops.  He has blessed me a wife, five children, ten grandchildren and countless others who I have had the privilege of teaching over the years.  Whether as a small group leader, Walk Thru the Bible Instructor,  or teacher, my passion is to make the Word of God understandable, practical and applicable for each and every person. 

Topic

The Standard Bearer

We are ALL called to “Bear the Standard.”   The Great Commission sets the standard for impact on the world.  But being a Standard Bearer begins in the home.   Implement the standard in your life and to have an impact on those you love.  God’s purpose, plan and design for YOU to “Bear His Standard!”

Tom DeHaan

I was born and raised in the Belleville area and grew up attending Calvary Temple Church, where—during my youth and college years—I met my wife, Jolie. After graduating in 1990, I began my career at Plainfield Children’s Homes (now Community Living Belleville and Area). In December 2024, after 35 years of service, I retired from CLBA.

As our three children grew and began their own journeys, Jolie and I transitioned into a new season of life, making our permanent home on West Lake in beautiful Prince Edward County. In January 2025, I stepped into the role of Executive Director at Wesley Acres Retreat Centre and Campground.

My walk with Christ began with a powerful encounter at a youth convention when I was sixteen, and I’ve followed Him ever since. Over the past 30 years, I have been on a continual journey of discovering God’s deep love for me and my family. Time and again, He has invited me to take Him at His Word (Numbers 23:19; Joshua 1:8). Through the many challenges and seasons of raising a family, I have learned to rest in His peace and to seek His wisdom in Scripture for every circumstance.

As I spend time with Him—fellowshipping around His Word and allowing Him to reveal His great love for me—I’ve been empowered to understand my true identity in Him, as a man created in His image.

We have been attending Desert Stream Church in Belleville for over 30 years and serve as elders there. I have been married to my beautiful wife for 34 years.  All 3 of our children live in the area and we are blessed to have 3 grand children. 

Topic

Knowing His Love for You

True confidence in this life flows from knowing who you are and understanding the purpose for which you were created. In Genesis 1:26, we’re reminded that we were made in His image—crafted with intention and value. When we anchor our identity in Him and gain a revelation of His unwavering love, we become empowered to live boldly and fully.

Jesus promises in John 10:10 that He came to give us life, and life abundantly. We step into that promise when our confidence in His love outweighs the challenges, concerns, and circumstances we encounter. As this truth settles in our hearts, gratitude begins to flourish. Praise rises more naturally, and His presence feels nearer—for He inhabits the praises of His people.

You were created with divine purpose. God has placed His presence within you by the Holy Spirit, and the greatness He planted in you is already there—waiting to be lived out.

Rick Campbell

I grew up in a home with one parent, a Christian and the other not, but have been going to church since age 5, where I came to Christ as an early teen. There have been some down times, as life can throw its curves, but keeping grounded in the Word and active in a relationship with Jesus has kept me on the path through this life.

 My wife, Robin, and I have been married for 41 years and have three children whom we home-schooled. This ‘lifestyle’ choice was difficult at times, but it has resulted in very close family relationships and enabled us to instil a Christian worldview in each of their lives. We started an unexpected journey 11+ years back when I was transferred to Calgary, but the family soon settled in, and this has become our home. Having a strong church like Rocky Mountain Calvary Chapel has enabled us to stay grounded and focused on what Christ is working in us as we have grown to love this part of Canada. 

Retired now from corporate life, we’re enjoying a downsized life as all three kids are forging their own paths, but as always, life is full of those everyday ups and downs that this fallen world brings. Having the grace of God active in our lives helps us in navigating the course of this daily life and in staying connected with Christ and other believers, which in turn keeps us active in ministry. God has His plan – we need to step into it

Topic

Honing Your Faith

Honing Your Faith – the Biblical ‘secret’ to knowing the standard and living out our faith!

This workshop will carefully examine these and similar differences in the biblical text. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to approach such passages, enabling them to read God’s Word with greater confidence in its truth and reliability.

Jim Oribine

I have been a follower of Jesus for almost 40 years.  Throughout that time, I have sought to continually grow in my faith and contribute to my community.  The Lord has been with me through many valleys, and has taken me to many hilltops.  He has blessed me a wife, five children, ten grandchildren and countless others who I have had the privilege of teaching over the years.  Whether as a small group leader, Walk Thru the Bible Instructor,  or teacher, my passion is to make the Word of God understandable, practical and applicable for each and every person. 

Topic

RVL Discipleship

Introduction to Ray Vanderlaan’s (That the World May Know) latest, and greatest, offering.  In this workshop, we will explore how The Shema helps set the standard for God’s design for family, community, and our place in creation. 

Mike Wilson

I am the Director of Graphic Word (a nerd focused ministry) under Quinte Youth Unlimited and have been leading this unique ministry for the past 7 years; before that I was the Director for Quinte West for 5 years where me and my wife first came into the Quinte Region.  My heart for ministry is to grow and disciple people in practical faith that encourages them to then be able to share that faith with others through their life. I love anything nerd culture related, deep Bible Study dives, and creating digital illustrations/graphics. 

I have been married for 13 years and have two children (ages 7 & 9). I have been following Jesus since I was 5 years old (so 31 years now) and have been in ministry with Quinte Youth Unlimited for 12 years.

My life verse is Proverbs 3:5-6 as a constant reminder that I need to be relying on God and that He is faithful.

Topic

Understanding Your Gamer

Video gaming is everywhere and can be a great way to destress after a long day. However, in the midst of this gaming culture there can be habits of addiction and even patterns of isolation if not kept in check. Here we will go over the signs of potential video game addiction, how to help get out of it, and fostering healthy gaming practices built for community and growth.

Garret Watts

My name is Garret Watts, and I have been blessed to know Jesus for over 40 years. I first accepted Jesus in my youth, walking home from school, and I have been walking with Him ever since. I am thrilled to have been married to my wife Janine for 24 years. We have two great, adult kids who are now building their lives and pursuing careers. I work as a Canadian Forces Officer in support of the Cadet program and have 26 years of service. My passion is to study God’s word. I love to learn, and I love to share what I learn as well. God has worked in my life to teach me so many wonderful truths, and that His way is better than my way. Sometimes, in this, I am a slow student, but I have a patient God who keeps working on me. 

Topic

Redefining Love: A Biblical Blueprint for Men

We will take a journey to see how the world will define/distort what love is. What did Paul and other writers mean when they were talking about what we call love? How does the Bible define what love truly is? How can we start to live that out in our lives? Please come prepared to engage in discussion and to share thoughts and ideas. 

Stan Ferguson

From humble beginnings in an old farmhouse, lifelong Christian, farmer, police officer, business person, pilot, and minister of God’s Word. Stan is a man who stands tall with integrity, devoted to his wife and family, and steadfast in his faith. 

Topic

Living a Life Well for Jesus

Dave Dawson

At the age of 17, I awakened to the reality that God desires an active, living relationship with each of His children. That realization led me to begin pursuing Him through reading the Scriptures. Over the following months, God quietly met me there, bringing love, understanding, and a deep awareness of His presence.

I have now been married for 32 years and am the grateful father of two grown sons. Since the age of 19, I have had the privilege of teaching the Scriptures to people of all ages, children, youth, college students, young adults, singles, couples, and seniors. While I enjoy teaching every generation, my heart has always had a special affection for teaching children.

My family and I currently live and work in the state of Georgia, but we were richly blessed to call Trenton, Ontario, home from 2010 to 2013.

Habakkuk 3:17–19

Topic

“We Don’t Need a Piece of Paper to Know We Love Each Other.”

That’s what we’ve been told. But is it true?

For a generation, men have been told that commitment is optional and that marriage is nothing more than a legal document. Yet forty years of research and the lived experience of tens of thousands of couples point to a harder truth: when commitment is weakened, relationships suffer.

This workshop challenges a cultural lie head-on and puts it under the light of Scripture, evidence, and lived reality. God never designed love to be casual. He designed it to be covenantal, deliberate, and durable, the kind of commitment that stands firm when feelings fade and pressure mounts.

The Ring Makes All the Difference examines why a man’s willingness to make a public, lifelong covenant before God changes how he leads, protects, endures, and stays. Marriage was never about paperwork; it was about ownership, responsibility, and faithfulness.

If you’re serious about love, serious about faith, and serious about finishing well, this workshop is for you.

Neil Bouma

I have been a disciple of Jesus all my life, striving to grow in faith, love, and service each day. My walk with Him has shaped every aspect of who I am and how I live. I have been blessed with a happy marriage of 28 years, sharing life with my wonderful spouse. Together, we are raising three incredible children and are overjoyed to have two precious grandchildren who bring new joy and perspective to our family life. My faith and family are the heart of my journey, guiding me in all that I do. 

Topic

“Lion & Lamb: Learning Strength Through Weakness” 

Proverbs 14 vs 31, Galatians 6 vs 2, Proverbs 11 vs 10

Jesus modelled unmatched power through unmatched humility. This workshop explores that paradox in the lives of men today: how to spot unhealthy aggression, how to respond to weakness with wisdom, why not to avoid weakness, and how God uses suffering to shape protectors. Come ready for real conversation, practical insight, and a deeper understanding of what it means to be strong, like Christ, and to build joyful communities that reflect God’s mercy for us.

John MacDonald

Onsite Coordinator

I have been a follower of Jesus for thirty-nine years, and it has been an incredible journey. Sherry and I have been married for thirty-eight years, and together we have raised four children who have blessed us with seven grandchildren, with more on the way.

For the past thirty years, Sherry and I have served by hosting Life Groups in our home, leading numerous Alpha Marriage courses, and witnessing God’s work through physical, spiritual, and marriage healings.

A scripture that has strengthened me over the years is Joshua 1:9:
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Paul Zimmerman

Worship Leader

I am single with two grown sons. I grew up in a Christian home and remember that Jesus became real to me around age 5. 

My favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:7. 

Paul will lead us in worship and will also be sharing some of his original compositions.

Aaron Repar

Audio/Visual

I was born into a Christian family and I  came to know the Lord at a young age. I am married to my wife Arlene and we have 3 kids. Two kids are working and the youngest is attending High School at QC.

Mike Gaudaur

Media and Promotion

Mike spent 25 years teaching in Christian schools, 15 of them at a school for missionary kids in Kenya. After returning to Canada in 2013  Mike has been running his own photography studio and then expanding his business to include a variety of photo services. Mike has a Bachelor of Religious Education degree from London Baptist Bible College and a Master of Theological Studies degree from Heritage Seminary. Mike and his wife, Deanna, have two grown children both serving in full time Christian ministries.