In 2020, a group of young Christians in London, Ontario, came together to dream of a multi-church gathering that would inspire and support the younger generation. Amid the isolation and discouragement of the pandemic, they longed to create a space where youth and young adults could feel safe, strengthened, and stirred to persevere in faith. The first initiative, led by John, was called Cocoon — symbolizing transformation and renewal. However, due to the pandemic lockdown, Cocoon never received the attention it deserved.
Following COVID-19, John launched a new ministry called Faith L.A.B.S., designed to unite churches and Christian ministries in creatively addressing city-wide challenges through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Many pastors and ministry leaders voiced a shared burden: the next generation was still feeling isolated, disillusioned, and disconnected from the church.
In response, John gathered a group of young pastors and Christian leaders to form a pilot project team. Their mission was to host city-wide events that would bring together young people from diverse church backgrounds, not only to encourage them but to awaken them to God’s call for renewal in their lives and communities. From this vision, Wake Up My Soul (WUMS) was born — a name that speaks to spiritual awakening and also nods to its origin in Cocoon through its acronym, which playfully echoes “WORMS.”
In December 2023, WUMS hosted its first major conference at Royal View Church, where youth and young adults from across the city gathered for passionate worship, engaging seminars, and transformative fellowship. The overwhelming response confirmed the hunger for such a space.
The movement continued to grow, and the second WUMS conference took place on November 2, 2024, featuring powerful contributions from Asbury University students and chaplains. God moved mightily through worship, teaching, and prayer, leaving many encouraged and recommitted to living out their faith boldly.
We are now excited to invite you to the third WUMS conference on Saturday, November 22, 2025, once again at Royal View Church. This one-day event will include worship, teaching, fellowship, and the return of our exciting evening showcase — Church’s Got Talent — a platform for young Christians to glorify God with their gifts.
Come be a part of what God is doing in our city. Wake up, O my soul!
Director
Founder and Director of Faith LABS
Worship Team
Public Relation Team
Associate Pastor of Church in the Oaks
Public Relation Team
EM Leader of London First Korean Presbyterian Church
Marketing Team
President of Lighthouse Ministry
RCCG Grace Assembly London
Worship Team
Interim Music Director of Oakridge Presbyterian Church
Marketing Team
Young Adult of Oakridge Presbyterian Church
Worship Team
Young Adult Leader of Iglesia Camino de Alabanza
Prayer Team
Worship Team
Young Adult Leader of Oakridge Presbyterian Church
Public Relation Team
Lead Pastor at Table Intercultural Church
Admin Team
Young Adult Leader of Oakridge Presbyterian Church
Worship Team
EM Leader of London First Korean Presbyterian Church
Marketing Team
Worship Team
Young Adult Leader of London Gospel Church
