One Year Later for Arabic Bible Ministries in Ottawa
Pastor Richard uses time around the table for teaching and encouragement.
Richard Raya, the pastor of Arabic Bible Ministries in Ottawa, knew from a very young age that he loved being a leader in the local church.
Having grown up in an Alliance church in Beirut, he has a long, rich history of serving in the church from a very young age as a Sunday School teacher, youth leader, assistant pastor and relief project manager. As a student, this love only continued to grow and once a pastor, Richard took on several different roles over time, including youth pastor and associate pastor.
While pastoring, Richard witnessed the turmoil in his country and was moved deeply by the plight of people in his country and community. With a heart filled with compassion for his neighbours and fellow countrymen, he opened a school for Syrian refugees in 2012. Together with his church community, he began to provide relief and assistance to these struggling refugees, eventually planting 25 new churches targeting those from Islamic backgrounds.
In 2015, Richard came to Canada with his wife, Nazira and two children (their third arriving soon after). He studied for his Masters of Divinity while pastoring at a church in Ottawa. With a heart still stirred for the Arabic-speaking community, Richard became a licensed worker with the Christian & Missionary Alliance in 2018 and launched Arabic Bible Ministries.
Their very first Sunday gathering, at Emmanuel Alliance Church of Ottawa building was held on July 8, 2018. Since that first meeting, Arabic Bible Ministries has grown into a close-knit family, gathering on Sunday mornings and Tuesday evenings, with their young adults and teens also meeting twice a month.
Arabic Bible Ministries has made intentional steps to reach into their community by partnering with an organization called The Hope Project, which provides support to Syrian refugees. Through the deepening of these relationships, many have been invited to come to church and many have come to know Jesus.
The community of Arabic Bible Ministries gathers in a local Alliance church in Ottawa.
Richard’s vision for Arabic Bible Ministries is to continue to grow as a church reaching into regions across Ottawa, particularly to the 100,000 Arabic-speaking people living and working in the area, and to raise up strong new leaders to shepherd these people.
Excited about the new things God is doing through Arabic Bible Ministries in Ottawa?
Here are some ways you can join them on mission.
Pray.
For transportation to church for the many refugees who don’t have cars.
That God would provide the partnerships and support needed to finance this ministry to the 100,000 Arabic speakers in Ottawa.
Give.
All donations received are processed through Canada Helps and will receive a tax receipt. The funds go directly to the New Venture to be used toward their development and ministry needs.
Learn more.
Visit the profile for Arabic Bible Ministries.