English Café

Short-term Mission Vision

The goal of the English Café is to discuss the Gospel and the Reformed faith in a natural setting through meeting the common need of many francophones in Quebec—English speaking practice. You may begin by talking about simple topics or by introducing yourself; keeping in mind that for the other person, English is a second language. You'll want to practice speaking slowly and clearly, and avoid using conjunctions (can't, don't, gonna, gotta, etc.)!

During the conversation you may have opportunities to talk about the Christian faith, the Protestant religion, and to give your personal testimony. For instance, a Québecer may ask why you came to Québec to help him practice his English. The door is open to say that you came with a group from a Christian Protestant church in order to help the église Réformée St-Marc in Québec City. The Québecer will most likely be interested to learn more, particularly since few know much about the Protestant church, and the Reformed or Presbyterian church is almost completely unheard of. You can also offer the business card of Pastor Bernard Westerveld so that the visitor leaves with the basic information about the église Réformée St-Marc. Members of St-Marc will help take care of follow-up if the person shows further interest.

Requirements for the English Café

• A love for the Lord and for those who are still strangers to the Kingdom of God.
• Member of an Orthodox Presbyterian congregation or of a sister denomination. (Please submit a letter of reference from your pastor or an elder of your session.)
• 18 years and older. (Since the target group is mature adults, we require young adult and adult participants who are mature, sensitive to cultural differences and able to give a clear gospel witness. Lord willing, we will develop another project for teen and young people participants.)
• At ease giving a Christian testimony and/or some experience in one-on-one evangelism.
• Ideally, a group of 3–8 individuals.

Time Frame

Consider coming during an American holiday: Thanksgiving Day weekend, a part of Christmas/New Year's break, during a January session off from college, or spring break.

Cost

• Travel to and from Québec City. Québec City is located nearly 3 hours northeast of Montréal, Canada, 12 hours northeast of Detroit, Michigan, or 12 hours north of New York City.
• Lodging in Québec City. Unfortunately we do not have the facilities necessary nor a sufficient number of church families to host a mission group. Nearby housing options include student residence (dormitories), various hotels and campgrounds. Please follow link for more information.
• Transportation while staying in Québec City. If you have a car or van, it would be most convenient. However, city buses do connect Laval University and locations for many cafés (cost: $2.55 per bus ticket purchased in advance or $2.75 as you board).
• Food costs. Laval University has common kitchens so that you can cook your own meals; there are also many restaurants in the area (estimated cost of a meal: $10–15).
• Advertising the English Café in newspapers, flyers, etc. We ask that each group contribute $200 per group to help cover advertising costs. Please note that all costs are estimates and given in Canadian funds. For more information or to organize a group, please contact:

Mr. Bernard Westerveld, Pastor
Église réformée St-Marc
844, rue de Contrecoeur
Ste-Foy (Québec) G1X 2X8
418-659-7943
westerveld.2@opc.org

NOTE: A printable copy of the "Application for Québec Short-Term Mission Program" is available by clicking here.