This November, at The Gathering incorporating the 2026 Ordinary Assembly, we will welcome Arabic Christian Church of Grace into our NSW & ACT Baptists family of churches.
Arabic Christian Church of Grace was planted in the Fairfield area fourteen years ago. The church has never owned its own property, instead renting worship spaces from other churches in the area. It is now meeting in its fourth location, holding Sunday afternoon services at a Chinese Presbyterian church.
Levon joined the church in December 2025 and was appointed Church Secretary shortly afterwards. As the church became increasingly aware of the need for clear policies and procedures, particularly around child safety, Levon reached out to the Association to explore becoming affiliated with the Baptist Association of NSW & ACT.
“We’ve put in tremendous effort,” recounts Levon, “particularly doing Creating Safe Spaces and completing the Safe Church Health Check. And we formed a governing body with five elders, which will grow as the church grows.”
The church has also been developing its youth programs, running regular Bible studies, encouraging young people to participate in church activities and creating opportunities for youth leadership. Its choir is growing, too.
Each week, between six and ten children aged five to eleven attend church. Mona leads a great Sunday School program and also serves as the church’s Safe Church Officer.
Levon has seen God at work in providing for the church’s needs, particularly when it came to finding a new place to meet.
“It was amazing how the Lord has made a way for this,” reflects Levon. “When the Lord opens a door, nobody can shut it!”
The church’s previous meeting place was put up for sale, leaving Grace Arabic needing to find a new venue. Levon contacted local churches, but initially the minister at the Chinese Presbyterian church said they wouldn’t be able to make it work. A month later, however, someone from Grace Arabic attended a Presbyterian service and stayed afterwards to speak with one of the ministers. He introduced himself and explained the church’s need. The minister said he’d talk with their ministry team, who later returned with an invitation for Grace Arabic to meet there, saying they would be “most welcome”.
Between 25 and 45 people now worship at Grace Arabic each week, representing a range of Arabic-speaking backgrounds. While the main service is in Arabic, the church is working and praying towards starting an English service to better meet the needs of its youth and young adults.
Following on from their affiliation, Grace Arabic is looking forward to building connections with other Baptist churches across NSW and ACT. The church hopes to invite other Baptist pastors to visit its services and activities.
“We have plans to interact with two other local Arabic churches,” explains Levon, “starting with inviting their pastors to one of our services. When our church has an English service it will be easier to facilitate connection.”
Having experienced its share of difficult times, Grace Arabic hopes that the assurance provided by clear policies and procedures as an affiliated Baptist church will help rebuild trust and welcome back some of the families who have left. The church is also developing a website to raise awareness of its ministry and publicly share what it believes.
Looking further ahead, the church may consider purchasing its own building when the need arises. “We believe that God is with us and we will grow,” declares Levon.
Please join with us thanking God for Arabic Christian Church of Grace and pray that God will continue to do great things in the midst.
