Almanarah Church
The kids are pure energy
Almanarah Church, London, Ontario
Telling the Story
On May 24, 2009 Almanarah Presbyterian Church in London was constituted by the Presbytery of London. In Arabic “Almanarah” translates as lighthouse. We are a shining beacon of Christ’s light in the city of London.
In November of 2009 we celebrated our one-year anniversary at St. Georges. We are grateful for the welcome we received from the people there. Our time with them ended in 2009, as we are seeking a new home in which to worship and do our mid-week programs. We praise God for the growth that has happened during this year. Our numbers have doubled to reach more than 90 people.
The sizable youth presence at Almanarah is a clear result of hard work and faith. Even though the youth have limited space (they temporarily are meeting in the Khalil’s house), there have been many accomplishments. We pray that there will be many more to come. From vibrant worship, to moving prayers, to fruitful relationships, to leading Sunday school, the youth of Almanarah are clearly busy. Our worship features contemporary songs with a full band. Practices are very important, and since we have no church of our own, we pick our practices on the day of the meetings. As well, the youth began a weekly puppet ministry for the Sunday school. We bought professional puppets and have been recording the plays and posting them on our website (www.almanarah.ca) for the kids to enjoy and view anytime they want! It is exciting to see our youth work with the Sunday school, creating a Christ-like environment in which to grow.
If there is an example of pure energy, the Almanarah kids are it! Our goal for these kids is to come to know Christ and to be good Christians in their future. However, that should all start now. With interactive lessons, exciting games, new songs to learn, and spiritual friendships, the kids have begun to enjoy this place.
The youth band plays songs every week, while the kids present the songs they have learned. Different youth teach valuable lessons with memory verses, in an exciting way
to reach the kids’ minds. A few youth volunteer to play games with the kids, and release all their energy before the next week! No doubt, we are busy, not only in activities but also in prayer. In our prayer requests, we really dream of a place where the youth can meet every day and enjoy worship and spiritual friendship. The youth also dream of a major increase in their meetings, not possible when they are meeting in someone’s home. Join with us in prayers, so that we may find a church, and grow abundantly.
Please keep us in prayers that God may give us, this year, a home church according to God’s time and will, and to succeed in sharing the message of salvation and hope to the thousands who live in London.
— William Khalil, Pastor