Arabic Ministries

Among the Arab-speaking world, there are traditions that date back to the first century after Christ. There are communities of evangelical Christians who have continued to stand firm in their faith through the centuries. There are also Coptic believers who follow the Eastern Orthodox traditions. Many in this tradition have a hard time breaking away from their traditions but some have come to embrace a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and attend one of our Arabic-speaking churches.

Our churches and ministry centers minister in love to all Arabic-speaking peoples, no matter what their religious beliefs. In so doing, "we love them until they ask, 'Why?'" And then we have an open door to tell them about the Jesus who loves them.

We have two Arabic-speaking churches, one in Brooklyn and the other in Jersey City, NJ.

Brooklyn Arab American Friendship Center

The Brooklyn Arab American Friendship Center is a place where Arab American families can come to learn ESL (English as a Second Language), develop meaningful friendships, and bridge cross-cultural barriers. The mission began in September of 2004 to meet the felt needs of the Arab American immigrant community. They teach ESL classes from Mondays through Thursdays during the day and evening. The center also offers assistance in the areas of translation and citizenship papers.

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Teach ESL to Arab American women. Dates/Times: Monday to Thursday, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM. Female volunteers who are mature in their faith are welcome to apply.
• Teach ESL to Arab American men and women. Dates/Times: Monday to Thursday, 7:00 PM-8:30 PM. Male volunteers who are mature in their faith are welcome to apply.
• Day care: Teach lessons and play games with children from infant to toddler stage. Dates/Times: Monday to Thursday, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM.
• Group trips: Accompany clients to NYC cultural activities — museums, aquarium, parks. Dates/Times: Fridays and Saturdays, flexible. Volunteer groups are welcome to apply.
• Office support: Assist with administrative tasks including mailings and fundraising. Dates/Times : Monday to Thursday, flexible.

7722 Fifth Avenue, Second Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11209
Ministry Contact: Fadia Farag
(718) 492-6641

Christ Evangelical Arabic Church

131 Congress Street, Jersey City, NJ 07307
(201) 876-2900

FACILITY: We were able to purchase a two-story building in Jersey City. It was formerly a funeral home. We have renovated it to serve as our sanctuary, bookstore, recording studio, and office upstairs. The Sunday school and youth rooms are downstairs. There are two lots on the street that we use for parking.

HISTORY: We began as a small home group that met for prayer and fellowship. We grew and felt God leading us to form a ministry. In 2000 we purchased our current building. We have done many community social service projects and musical concerts. We have also helped other Christian groups in the NY Metro area.

We have developed a one-year discipleship program with workbooks in Arabic to bring our members to spiritual maturity.

VISION/MISSION/VALUES: To help healthy Christian evangelical churches to grow and develop healthy leaders through teaching and discipleship programs.

Brooklyn Arabic Bible Church

6501 6th Ave Brooklyn, NY 11220
(718) 921-9298 • safwat_attia@juno.com
Safwat Attia, Pastor

FACILITY: We meet in the building owned by First EFC in Brooklyn. They have graciously given us space for worship and activities for many years.

HISTORY: We were welcomed into the EFCA family in 1995. We had a succession of pastors and leadership changes, but have seen more stability in the past several years.

VISION/MISSION/VALUES: Our vision is to see many Arabic-speaking peoples respond to the gospel. We reach out in tangible ways through acts of service, and we continue to be a light that shines for the gospel in Brooklyn.

Several from our church are involved in the Arab American Friendship Center where we offer ESL classes and other relationship-building activities. We welcome volunteers from our family of churches to join us.