New bilingual Christian services bring faith and community to Charlottetown’s Latin and immigrant population

Yedid Cano translated from Spanish to English as her husband David Morales performed the Christian service at UPEI McDougall Auditorium, last Sunday 08 September 2024.

Charlottetown, P.E. – 09 September 2024 — A growing bilingual Christian service, organized by Yedid Cano and her husband David Morales, is bringing together Charlottetown’s Latin and immigrant community for worship and fellowship.

What started as casual gatherings in their home has now evolved into weekly bilingual services in Spanish and English held at UPEI’s McDougall Auditorium, with the support of Moncton's City Impact Church.

For over a year, Cano and Morales hosted informal gatherings at their home, inviting immigrants and locals to join them for barbecues and discussions about faith. 

"We were gathering friends and sharing about God. Over time, we felt it was time to take a bigger step, and that's when we decided to host formal services," said Morales. 

It was during one of these gatherings that they met Gustavo Gonzalez, who, along with his wife, wanted to contribute. 

"We were invited to a barbecue, and that’s when the idea of pairing up came up. We prayed, and we felt we had to be part of this project," shared Gonzalez. "At first, we considered holding the services only in English, but we realized that to be truly inclusive, we needed to provide a bilingual experience. Language should not be a barrier to faith."

“We want to ensure our children can connect with their Canadian roots while keeping their faith strong. By offering the services in both English and Spanish, we’re helping not just the adults but the next generation as well,” emphasized Cano.

Attendees have expressed their appreciation for the services. Junyan Chen, a regular participant, said: “For me, going to this church is like my weekend routine. People are very nice, and I’m happy to meet new friends, share experiences, and feel connected.”

Shelley Penner, another attendee, highlighted the community aspect of the services. “With so much diversity in Charlottetown, it’s great that there’s a place where people can come together to worship God, especially on the university campus. It breaks down boundaries and allows us to come together under Jesus.”

By partnering with City Impact Church, Cano and Morales have been able to expand their vision. Now, the services serve not only as a spiritual gathering but also as a support network for immigrants navigating life in a new country. 

“We know how hard it can be to adjust to a new life here,” Cano said. “That’s why this service is important, not just spiritually, but also as a place to build community and support each other.”

The bilingual services are held weekly at the Impact Church at UPEI’s McDougall Auditorium. All are welcome, regardless of background or language, as the organizers continue to foster a sense of belonging for everyone.

About City Impact Church

City Impact Church is a multicultural Christian community-based in Moncton, N.B., committed to outreach and inclusion. The church supports bilingual services that aim to serve both immigrants and locals in creating a welcoming faith community.

David Morales and Yedid Cano, organizers of the bilingual Christian service at UPEI McDougall Auditorium with their children after completing the ceremony.

Nancy Alcudia and Gustavo Gonzalez, co-organizers of bilingual service at UPEI McDougall Auditorium, joined with the intention of spreading God's message.