Conversation is a rich part of Arab culture. Now there is a monthly gathering for women called “Conversation Club” at Hayat Jadida, also known as New Life Church, in Toledo, Ohio. Between 20 and 30 women attend to study and practice English, as well as deepen their connections with one another and the church.
The women’s director at Hayat Jadida, Tiffany P., has seen how these points of connection lead to greater moments of sharing the gospel with Arabs in Toledo. “We try to make sure to meet physical needs and to answer spiritual questions as well.”
For example, a family that arrived from Jordan received bedding and clothes from Hayat Jadida’s “Benevolence Ministry” upon their arrival to the US. They then attended the church’s New Year’s Eve party where they heard about the Conversation Club. A few weeks later, at the new club, they invited Tiffany and her assistant Lydia to their home for dinner. During one of these dinner gatherings, the women felt comfortable enough to ask Tiffany and Lydia questions about Jesus and the Bible.
Regular home visits like this continue to provide Hayat Jadida with opportunities to share the gospel with Arab families in the greater Toledo area.
Four volunteers from four different FEC churches served with Tiffany in last month’s Conversation Club. That kind of cooperative service is a blessing to Hayat Jadida and their small group of staff members and volunteers is always happy to work with others. “We’re just looking for people to come and befriend people or work behind the scenes,” says Tiffany. “We’d love to coordinate with them.” Churches that are interested in potentially serving alongside Hayat Jadida at one of their quarterly events can connect with Mark Claussing at mclausing8200@gmail.com.
