“I first met David in the 1970’s at the Canadian Bible College in Regina, Saskatchewan. He was a student and I was one of his teachers. We reconnected in Unionville, Ontario in the early 1980’s. Having married Brenda, they had already travelled the world before settling into Unionville Alliance Church in Ontario where David became the senior pastor. Our family got involved with this growing church, and David was our pastor, teacher and shepherd for the next 13 years. It gave me great peace of mind, as I travelled extensively, that Mary-Lou and our younger children John and Beth Ann were part of a dynamic, growing, and loving church in Unionville. I also worked closely with David as an elder. He was a gifted pastor, teacher, preacher and motivator of leaders. He led us through the transition from the old church into a new plant in 1988. He possessed the God given ability to bump into a brick wall with a project, and bounce off it in another direction and keep going. He was a passionate, clear, motivational preacher of the Word of God. I count it a very special privilege to have been a member of UAC under his anointed ministry. There was never a dull moment when you were around David with his fertile mind, enormous heart, and his indomitable spirit. He was indeed another Nathanael of whom Jesus said: “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is (no guile) nothing false. John 1:47″”
Arnold Cook
Former President of The Christian and Missionary Alliance for Canada

“I first met Dave, as an inquisitive student, when I served as missionary-in-residence at the Canadian Bible College/Canadian Theological Seminary in Regina, Saskatchewan in 1975-76.  I knew that Dave and Brenda were special when shortly after their marriage they spent time with us in Thailand on their year long, round-the-world journey visiting and assisting missionaries. Then from afar I heard how Dave developed into a true “people’s pastor”.  He knew where people lived and met them there.  Preaching with passion, he always touched hearts as well as minds.  People did not leave church after Dave had preached asking “So what?” I was honored to have a part in connecting Dave and Brenda to their dream international church ministry in Egypt. Like others, I was stunned when Dave was taken from us. Now his influence continues. Many will be deeply challenged as Dave’s legacy of over 400 sermons is made available on the worldwide web.”
Reg Reimer
Missionary to Vietnam

“Through my work, I have met many wonderful humanitarians.  Dave Petrescue was one of them.  His humanity was empowering to all he touched. 

I will always remember Dave’s sermon days after 9/11.  To a wide audience, he told us Americans we were not alone and others were standing with us.  To those who are downtrodden, witnessing their pain is the first step towards healing.”
Anne Lynam Goddard
President and CEO of ChildFund International

“It was around twenty years ago that I met Dave for the first time. Dave came to Egypt to start his new ministry of serving God at the Maadi Community Church. I noticed, from the first day, his great interest in the Coptic Church. Therefore, I offered him a deeper visit to our Coptic monasteries in Wadi el Natroon and Alexandria , which he instantly agreed on. During this trip we had the chance to talk about monasticism and the enthusiasm of giving and dedicating our lives to God.
 
I used to invite Dave every year to our Coptic Day (a special day for non-Arabic speakers, where they can come and be more familiar with the Coptic Church). Dave was always willing to help during these events. His attendance, support, and spirit were highly appreciated by all the church priests and servants. I have always believed that we never lose our beloved ones; on the contrary, we win new friends in heaven.”
Father Marcos Yassa
Servant in the Coptic Church

“September 5, 2006 is the year the Lord called home my dear brother and friend, David Petrescue. The Lord specially chose Dave to play a crucial role in setting in motion a unique small groups development movement that commenced at Maadi Community Church, Cairo, Egypt in 2000. It continues to spread throughout the world, reaching un churched people with the Good News of Jesus Christ.

It’s my privilege to pay a special tribute to Dave Petrescue … the Patron of Cells-church Consultants International. CCI was born in February 2008 through Dave’s compassion, commitment, and urgency to the work of rescuing the spiritually lost. Although Dave did not understand the nuts-and-bolts of small groups development, he certainly understood, valued, and celebrated the net catch. Dave ran a mighty first leg of a unique relay that has inspired many relay-runners who continue in the race today. They are facilitating the work of expanding God’s Kingdom in many countries around the world.

Dave’s face nearly always beamed with a smile spread wide. He loved the Lord, and he loved people. I will never forget our regular triumphant outburst … “It gets better than this!” Dave not only smiled because he witnessed the Kingdom expand so wondrously through the efforts of MCC, but because the Lord chose ordinary people like us to work through. “
Bill Joukhadar
Founding Director
Cells-church Consultants International

“Dave Petrescue had an incredible gift from God. Out of his own intense and passionate walk with the Lord, he was able to glean deep spiritual truths that he communicated clearly and powerfully through his preaching. Of all the spiritual leaders I have met around the world, Dave stands out as undoubtedly the most humble.  It was my great privilege to have called him my friend. “
Ron Pierce
Executive Director/Founder, Empower Ministries

“Unfortunately, I had known David for only a very short time here on this earth.  He became my friend quickly, and I appreciated him very much.  David loved people and cared for them like a shepherd cares for his flock.  “
Eric Jabbs
President of Jab Construction and the Felsen Foundation

“David Petrescue was by far the best English-speaking preacher Egypt has had in recent history. 
 
His careful and creative preaching attracted many English speaking expatriates in Egypt and many English speaking Egyptians to the Maadi Community Church which during his time, had overflowing crowds. 
 
I am so grateful that his legacy both in written and oral form can still be available to us through this website.”
Ramez Atallah
General Director for The Bible Society of Egypt

“Dave Petrescue was widely known to be an unusually gifted preacher and teacher, bringing the Scriptures to life in a profound way. I have met numerous people who renewed their faith in God as a result of his exceptional ministry.”
Rev. Canon Paul-Gordon Chandler
Author, Episcopal priest and interfaith advocate

“I met Dave the first day he and Brenda arrived in Cairo January 1992 and celebrated with tears his departure to be with the Lord in September 2006. Dave was my pastor and friend, we laughed together, prayed together, cried together and dreamed big dreams. I have known him as a wonderful preacher, teacher, visionary and above all as a godly man.

Many times his sermons have challenged, encouraged, or taught me important truth about God’s Word. I am excited to see his messages made available for so many in this format. May the Lord use Dave’s sermons to bless many for God’s glory and the continuation of building His Kingdom.”
Maged Rizk
General manager, Master Media Publishing Company (Egypt)

“David Glen Petrescue was my teacher, my model of a man, my best friend and my father.  Dad taught clearly and spoke wisely but most lessons I learned, were through his example.  He was transparent about his insecurities, honest about his mistakes, fair in his discipline and adamant about his love for me.  He was also a blast to hang out with.  His humor was head shaking and his smile was contagious.  He placed a high value on people and healthy relationships and would encourage and build you up with such sincerity.  When I was a younger man I remember being embarrassed about how easily Dad’s eyes would well up with tears.  He was tough as nails at the gym but had such a sensitive heart.  I’ve come to appreciate it now, as I’ve seen how the world can harden a man’s heart.  He prepared me well for life and I do not feel cheated that he was taken from our family at 53 years young.  I continue to learn from his life’s example and value the opportunities I had for 26 years to call him Daddy.”
Timothy Norman Petrescue
Dave’s son