Yet ministry at even the most basic level is challenging in a district composed of over 40 ethnic groups. Churches in the area have tended to splinter faith groups along ethnic lines. The Ryans' new congregation aims to bring them together. At its first meeting in March, the Regent Park church preached in seven languages. With the aid of translation devices, the English sermon could be understood by a Tamil family in the front row, a Russian woman seated behind them and a Cantonese couple on her left, while stragglers in the back could follow along in their Spanish and French-language Bibles.
People are fluid, especially in the inner city.
We'll minister to whomever we get. Which, essentially, is the approach used by Les, who stands at his post, ministering to whomever he gets. Because God knows how many people on his corner need to be saved. We're part of Canada's open door. Toronto-area membership has dropped by more than 5,000 since 1991.