The Montreal Arabic Presbyterian Church is not located in Montreal; since 2010, it has rented facilities in an Evangelical Baptist church on the adjacent island of Laval. But it was not always so, reports Rev. Samy Said. It began by sharing Côte des Neiges Church in 1993 with an immigrant pastor leading a flock of 10 or 15 families for three years. A retired minister stepped in but when he, too, moved away in 2004 Said happened to be visiting from his native Egypt and was invited to accept a call.
“I was on the staff of a large Egyptian Presbyterian church,” he recalls, “and wrestled with the decision for a long time. But when God asks you to go, you should go.”
Although the retired minister had been like a father to the congregation, the age gap saw youth drift away. Said was faced with a renewal challenge that saw slow growth until the Arab Spring swept across Egypt in 2009.
“It was so tough, not only the discrimination, but the economy, everything. Many Christians sought to emigrate to Canada, and Quebec was especially welcoming. The new arrivals asked for our help and we were well equipped to respond.”
The presbytery had offered the congregation a manse but Said insisted that it be turned into a welcoming centre for the newcomers. But there was more: people were also fleeing from Syria.
“The last couple of years, it seems we’ve been at the airport every week. We’ve developed a full service, helping to find apartments and furniture, helping our new friends adjust to a new life in a new land. Not only Presbyterians, but even Orthodox, too, feel a belonging with us.”
He proudly notes that where they had six children 10 years ago they now have 29, plus 17 high – school youth and more than a dozen university and early – career members, plus 80 official members and a regular Sunday attendance of 100 or more.
“We’ve written to Egyptian churches to say that we’re here to help when people arrive from the nightmare in Egypt.”
Those letters underline the fact that potential émigrés cannot look to the congregation for legal immigration assistance, but since the Syria crisis exploded they have begun working with Paul Clarke at Action Réfugiés Montréal, taking advantage of the organization’s expertise as the church mission continues.
The Arabic church faces a new challenge with the opportunity to take over the building of a Ghanaian congregation in Montreal. That building is in a deteriorating condition that will require a huge investment.
“Our congregational meeting three months ago approved the project with very little hesitation,” Said says. “I visited my former church in Egypt in January. There is wealth there, and I am sure they will step in to be part of our future.”
Sort of like Presbyterian World Service & Development in reverse, a visitor suggested. Said laughed.
“If God took His time revealing why He had called me to this place, I know for certain now what He had in mind.”
About Keith Randall
Keith Randall is a writer - broadcaster living in Montreal. He is an elder at the Church of St. Andrew and St. Paul.