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Langley, B.C.
MBs host first Arab women’s retreat in Canada


“As far as we know, this is the first time that an Arabic women’s retreat has been held in Canada,” said Lewiza Youssef, an Egyptian immigrant to Canada who, together with her husband Samir, works jointly with Family Life Network and MBMS International. Youssef organized the retreat held June 6–8 in North Langley Community (MB) Church. The church offered their facilities free of charge for the event.

Lewiza Youssef (left) converses in Arabic with an acquaintance from Iraq.

About 135 women from several provinces had been invited. However, only about 33 women attended. They represented various countries and a range of churches from the Coptic and Orthodox to evangelicals. “It’s considered a shame for Arabic men to make themselves a babysitter for their children,” said Youssef. “So we were content with the number that came.”

The four guest speakers were English-speaking, but music was in Arabic. “During the retreat,” reports Youssef, “several women gave their lives to Jesus and others joined an ongoing Bible discussion group.

A woman of Muslim background stated, “This conference has changed my life!” Other women added, “We’re so happy! It’s our first experience of a women’s retreat. Can we have them twice a year?”

Family Life Network is the Mennonite Brethren media ministry based in Winnipeg. MBMS International is the global mission agency of the Canadian and US MB Conferences.

 – adapted from a news release from Family Life Network

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Last modified October 3, 2002.

© 2002 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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