The founder and longtime pastor of the Arabic Baptist Church in Washington, DC, Pastor Esper Ajaj passed to be with the Lord on March 3rd, 2025 at the age of 91 at home. Born in 1934 in Syria, his family said his health had been deteriorating in the last year and he expressed his genuine desire to be with His Lord.

The Arabic Baptist Church in DC published the following announcement about the passing of its founder Reverand Esper Ajaj

“The faithful husband, caring father, and virtuous teacher, pastor Esper Ajaj, has passed away in the hope of resurrection. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Sister Jean, and their children, Laila, Lisa, and Philip, and all their families, and to all the brothers in Christ who knew him in the homeland and abroad.”

Reverand Fares Abraham published the following eulogy on his Facebook page:

I grieve the loss of a spiritual giant, Pastor Esper Ajaj. A man of big faith, he planted and led the first Arabic-speaking evangelical church in North America a few years after coming to the U.S. from Syria, Arabic Baptist Church – Washington D.C. His life’s work was dedicated to shepherding people, raising leaders, and faithfully preaching the Word of God.

I’ll never forget when Pastor Esper took a risk on me when I was just 24, allowing me to step into the pulpit and preach, an act of trust that shaped the course of my ministry. But he didn’t stop there. He mentored me, walking alongside me in every step of my journey. His wisdom, guidance, and relentless commitment to the gospel left a permanent mark on my life.

He was more than a pastor; he was a father to many. His love for God and His Word was contagious, and his sacrificial service inspired all who knew him. His legacy is alive in the many churches planted, ministries launched, and lives transformed through his faithfulness to God.

Though we mourn, we do not grieve without hope. Pastor Esper finished his race well, and I know he is now in the presence of the One he loved and served so faithfully. His impact on my life—and on countless others—will never fade.

Thank you, Pastor Esper, for believing in me, for shaping me, and for showing us all what it means to serve Christ with everything we have. Until we meet again.