By Beth Dobyns
On the first day of Christmas, our kind hosts gave to us,
A pin and a stole from Global Ministries.
On the second day of Christmas our kind hosts gave to us,
Two cups of Turkish coffee.
On the third day of Christmas our kind hosts gave to us,
Dinner with NEST (Near East School of Theology) and Sharon.
On the fourth day of Christmas our kind hosts gave to us,
Tours of Iraqi refugee work in Damascus.
On the fifth day of Christmas our kind hosts gave to us,
Patriarchs and bishops on high in Damascus.
On the sixth day of Christmas our kind hosts gave to us,
Travel from Jordan into Israel.
On the seventh day of Christmas our kind hosts gave to us,
A trip into Palestine with Maya at the wall.
On the eighth day of Christmas our kind hosts gave to us,
touring Holy sites in Jerusalem.
On the ninth day of Christmas our kind hosts gave to us,
Bethlehem and Shepherds' Fields YMCA.
On the tenth day of Christmas our kind hosts gave to us,
Ramallah and the ladies of the YWCA.
On the eleventh day of Christmas our kind hosts gave to us,
Sabeel and sweet singing children at Rawdat School.
On the twelfth day of Christmas our kind hosts gave to us,
Safe passage home from Israel and the East.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Journal of Day 9 by Sandy Messick
At the start of this journey, we were asked to name our hopes for the trip. I said I wanted to hear stories that I could share with my region and the wider church. That hope has more than been fulfilled. On our last day in Israel we heard yet more stories of hope, despair, and ministry being done by faithful, committed people with our support and on our behalf.
First thing, we visited Rawdat El-Zuhur, a primary school operating in East Jerusalem. This is a Child Sponsorship program of Global Ministries. There we met Salwa Zananiri, the principal who showed us around the school. In each classroom we saw the beautiful faces of children eager to share with us a song, or practice their Arabic reading skills, or demonstrate their Palestinian dance or music skills. The children are taught Arabic, French and English. As has been true throughout the trip, hospitality was abundant as we were served tea or coffee and cookies, and welcomed enthusiastically by students and staff. Mounting the stairs, we came upon a value tree with paper ornaments naming some of the values they are trying to teach: peace, responsibility, compassion, respect, public welfare, and optimism.
Sabeel was our next stop. Sabeel is the Palestinian Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center. There we met the founder and director, Naim Ateek. He shared with us their three areas of focus: Building up the Body of Christ through ecumenical conversations among women, youth, and clergy; Christian-Muslim Relations; and Peace and Justice through introducing people to Palestinian Liberation Theology. He said, “It is not enough for just peace or justice, we need to move on to reconciliation.”
Our last stop before heading to the airport was to visit Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem. It was rightfully a moving and troubling visit and a reminder of a shameful part of humanity's history. It was also a reminder of what happens when racism is not only accepted but legitimized and legalized and a call to prevent such an event from happening again.
As we headed to the airport, the stories from the past 10 days washed over us. We shared some that were most significant for each of us, and we promised to tell what we have heard and seen. One of the questions we often asked as we met with our mission partners was “Where do you find hope?” The answers varied, but one of the places I found hope was at the Rawdat El-Zuhur school. When the class of older students were asked what they wanted to sing for us, they responded without hesitation. Then they stood and sang together in English, “We shall overcome, we shall overcome, we shall overcome some day, O deep in my heart, I do believe, we shall overcome some day.” By God's grace, may we overcome the walls that divide, may we live in peace, and may we walk hand in hand. In closing, I share with you Salwa's request of each of us, “Pray for us, for hope, for peace, to keep loving each other.”
At the start of this journey, we were asked to name our hopes for the trip. I said I wanted to hear stories that I could share with my region and the wider church. That hope has more than been fulfilled. On our last day in Israel we heard yet more stories of hope, despair, and ministry being done by faithful, committed people with our support and on our behalf.
First thing, we visited Rawdat El-Zuhur, a primary school operating in East Jerusalem. This is a Child Sponsorship program of Global Ministries. There we met Salwa Zananiri, the principal who showed us around the school. In each classroom we saw the beautiful faces of children eager to share with us a song, or practice their Arabic reading skills, or demonstrate their Palestinian dance or music skills. The children are taught Arabic, French and English. As has been true throughout the trip, hospitality was abundant as we were served tea or coffee and cookies, and welcomed enthusiastically by students and staff. Mounting the stairs, we came upon a value tree with paper ornaments naming some of the values they are trying to teach: peace, responsibility, compassion, respect, public welfare, and optimism.
Sabeel was our next stop. Sabeel is the Palestinian Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center. There we met the founder and director, Naim Ateek. He shared with us their three areas of focus: Building up the Body of Christ through ecumenical conversations among women, youth, and clergy; Christian-Muslim Relations; and Peace and Justice through introducing people to Palestinian Liberation Theology. He said, “It is not enough for just peace or justice, we need to move on to reconciliation.”
Our last stop before heading to the airport was to visit Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem. It was rightfully a moving and troubling visit and a reminder of a shameful part of humanity's history. It was also a reminder of what happens when racism is not only accepted but legitimized and legalized and a call to prevent such an event from happening again.
As we headed to the airport, the stories from the past 10 days washed over us. We shared some that were most significant for each of us, and we promised to tell what we have heard and seen. One of the questions we often asked as we met with our mission partners was “Where do you find hope?” The answers varied, but one of the places I found hope was at the Rawdat El-Zuhur school. When the class of older students were asked what they wanted to sing for us, they responded without hesitation. Then they stood and sang together in English, “We shall overcome, we shall overcome, we shall overcome some day, O deep in my heart, I do believe, we shall overcome some day.” By God's grace, may we overcome the walls that divide, may we live in peace, and may we walk hand in hand. In closing, I share with you Salwa's request of each of us, “Pray for us, for hope, for peace, to keep loving each other.”
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Photos from day 7
Meeting with the Christmas Lutheran Church leadership in Bethlehem
Meeting with the YMCA leadership
Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem
The location of the manger...
Place where Jesus was born...
In the Shepherds' cave at the YMCA! "We are midwives of each others' hopes"
Journal of Day 8 by Bill Allen
Our day began at the guest house, where we have been staying since our arrival in Jerusalem, with the typical Middle Eastern breakfast that we have been sharing since our stay in Beirut. This includes such things as sliced tomatoes and cucumbers, cold cuts and cheeses, fava beans and pita bread, and always hard boiled eggs (they have added scrambled eggs here), coffee and fruit and lately sweet rolls.
Following breakfast we went over to the cathedral church and gathered around the baptistery, a marble edifice located at the entrance of the church and designed for immersion with a barrier between the officiating minister and the person being baptized, so the officiant need not get wet. Gathered there our chaplain of the day, Ken Moore led us in morning prayers.
Then we departed for our visit to Jalazone refugee camp in Ramallah. On the way we visited the impressive tomb of Yasser Arafat. At Jalazone we were greeted by our mission partners at the YWCA and they introduced us to their impressive work with children and women. They have a lively group of kindergarteners who entertained and amused us and won our hearts. They also have programs for women including a craft program. They were preparing beautiful items for sale at an upcoming Christmas fair.
We then went to visit a refugee woman whose 16 year old son was killed earlier this year in the hostilities of this region. Needless to say that was a touching and memorable moment.
We then went to visit mission partners at the Friends International Center in Ramallah (FICR) where we were treated to a delicious lunch and engaged in a stimulating and informative conversation with the leaders there who are truly remarkable individuals engaged in significant work centering on cultural and educational activities. (Quakers will always be engaged in education.)
The Friends Meeting House leader most recently participated in the writing of the “Charter for Compassion.” She provided us with numerous memorable thoughts and quotations including proposing that all of us need one another because we are “the midwives of each others’ hopes.”
Driving out of Ramallah we saw the headquarters of the Palestinian Legislative Council and the home of the prime minister of the Palestinian National Authority.
We drove on back to Jerusalem where we met with the impressive, vital and well-informed representatives of B’Tselem, The Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories. This is an organization with which Global Ministries partners in some of its programs and we had a lively and far-ranging conversation.
Following this meeting we returned to the guest house for our regular debriefing followed by dinner and our last evening before our return home. It’s been another rich and full day and we are most grateful to Global Ministries and our program leaders for making this pilgrimage possible.
Our day began at the guest house, where we have been staying since our arrival in Jerusalem, with the typical Middle Eastern breakfast that we have been sharing since our stay in Beirut. This includes such things as sliced tomatoes and cucumbers, cold cuts and cheeses, fava beans and pita bread, and always hard boiled eggs (they have added scrambled eggs here), coffee and fruit and lately sweet rolls.
Following breakfast we went over to the cathedral church and gathered around the baptistery, a marble edifice located at the entrance of the church and designed for immersion with a barrier between the officiating minister and the person being baptized, so the officiant need not get wet. Gathered there our chaplain of the day, Ken Moore led us in morning prayers.
Then we departed for our visit to Jalazone refugee camp in Ramallah. On the way we visited the impressive tomb of Yasser Arafat. At Jalazone we were greeted by our mission partners at the YWCA and they introduced us to their impressive work with children and women. They have a lively group of kindergarteners who entertained and amused us and won our hearts. They also have programs for women including a craft program. They were preparing beautiful items for sale at an upcoming Christmas fair.
We then went to visit a refugee woman whose 16 year old son was killed earlier this year in the hostilities of this region. Needless to say that was a touching and memorable moment.
We then went to visit mission partners at the Friends International Center in Ramallah (FICR) where we were treated to a delicious lunch and engaged in a stimulating and informative conversation with the leaders there who are truly remarkable individuals engaged in significant work centering on cultural and educational activities. (Quakers will always be engaged in education.)
The Friends Meeting House leader most recently participated in the writing of the “Charter for Compassion.” She provided us with numerous memorable thoughts and quotations including proposing that all of us need one another because we are “the midwives of each others’ hopes.”
Driving out of Ramallah we saw the headquarters of the Palestinian Legislative Council and the home of the prime minister of the Palestinian National Authority.
We drove on back to Jerusalem where we met with the impressive, vital and well-informed representatives of B’Tselem, The Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories. This is an organization with which Global Ministries partners in some of its programs and we had a lively and far-ranging conversation.
Following this meeting we returned to the guest house for our regular debriefing followed by dinner and our last evening before our return home. It’s been another rich and full day and we are most grateful to Global Ministries and our program leaders for making this pilgrimage possible.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can!
Journal Day 7 by Beth Dobyns
We usually think of Christmas as a time to give and receive gifts.This December day our group traveled to Bethlehem and Beit Sahour, and we received many gifts. We heard about excellent programs that help with psychological and physical rehabilitation after the many wars and unrest in this region of the world. They have been doing work that ranks as some of the best in the world when it comes to dealing with children and helping them through post traumatic stress disorder. Art therapy and play therapy are some of the effective tools that are used. Physical rehabilitation programs are also in place to help persons, primarily under 18, to receive needed physical therapy in order to recover from their injuries. It has been difficult to get to treatment for many since the construction of the wall. This program helps to bring care to those who need it. We also visited Shepherds’ Grotto and heard about some of the special Christmas programs that will begin shortly. Next we traveled to Bethlehem, and we were reminded this morning of the scripture theme for the Christmas offering: “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can!” And that is what we did. Entering the Church of the Nativity was a moving experience. It is the oldest church building that has always been a church in the world. Coming into the church you see a long string of chandeliers and lights hanging through the nave and the chancel area. While it is not a bright, modern place, it is a place of reverence. Down a narrow stairway, you come to the altars that house the place where Jesus was born and the manger area. You can kneel down and put your hand on the stone that is exposed on the supposed place of the birth of Jesus. The manger is a few steps away and is lined with eternal lights and a painting of Mary and the baby. People came to pray silently, to look and to touch, and to take a moment to consider the place. A worship service was going on in the church adjacent to the site, and lovely organ music floated down. It was a gracious gift to receive on this day in December. We visited other partners also in Bethlehem who are doing ministry and carrying out their work as teachers and pastors with a view of the world that includes all people and so many imaginative, creative ideas. Their witness is a joyful and effective one even in a place that often sees violence and pain. As we talked about forming new partnerships and looking at new possibilities we were reminded,“After all, Bethlehem is certainly the place of incarnation!” Well said and well done, partners in global ministry!
We usually think of Christmas as a time to give and receive gifts.This December day our group traveled to Bethlehem and Beit Sahour, and we received many gifts. We heard about excellent programs that help with psychological and physical rehabilitation after the many wars and unrest in this region of the world. They have been doing work that ranks as some of the best in the world when it comes to dealing with children and helping them through post traumatic stress disorder. Art therapy and play therapy are some of the effective tools that are used. Physical rehabilitation programs are also in place to help persons, primarily under 18, to receive needed physical therapy in order to recover from their injuries. It has been difficult to get to treatment for many since the construction of the wall. This program helps to bring care to those who need it. We also visited Shepherds’ Grotto and heard about some of the special Christmas programs that will begin shortly. Next we traveled to Bethlehem, and we were reminded this morning of the scripture theme for the Christmas offering: “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can!” And that is what we did. Entering the Church of the Nativity was a moving experience. It is the oldest church building that has always been a church in the world. Coming into the church you see a long string of chandeliers and lights hanging through the nave and the chancel area. While it is not a bright, modern place, it is a place of reverence. Down a narrow stairway, you come to the altars that house the place where Jesus was born and the manger area. You can kneel down and put your hand on the stone that is exposed on the supposed place of the birth of Jesus. The manger is a few steps away and is lined with eternal lights and a painting of Mary and the baby. People came to pray silently, to look and to touch, and to take a moment to consider the place. A worship service was going on in the church adjacent to the site, and lovely organ music floated down. It was a gracious gift to receive on this day in December. We visited other partners also in Bethlehem who are doing ministry and carrying out their work as teachers and pastors with a view of the world that includes all people and so many imaginative, creative ideas. Their witness is a joyful and effective one even in a place that often sees violence and pain. As we talked about forming new partnerships and looking at new possibilities we were reminded,“After all, Bethlehem is certainly the place of incarnation!” Well said and well done, partners in global ministry!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Photos from day 6
Meeting with a Palestinian leader
Learning about the Wall
Learning about the Settlements in the background
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Bar Mitzvah (sp?) at the Wailing Wall
The Dome of the RockHoly Places in Jerusalem
Day 6 journal by Beth Dobyns
Today we have seen a number of the Holy places in Jerusalem. Our group had an excellent tour guide accompany us as we visited theTemple Mount, the Dome of the Rock, and the Western Wall (WailingWall). Along the way we discussed the sense of shared origins in these sites, realizing that these same places of reverence are the cause of discord among Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It is admittedly a different feeling to be told that we had to take off any cross jewelry and we could not take Bibles onto the Temple Mount. Since this particular part of the site is common to all three groups no one is able to bring any “symbol of ritual” on the visit. It is also a little different for us Disciples to discover that there are some places which we are not allowed to enter. Respect for other traditions guided us in understanding this direction. Our group also visited the Mount of Olives and the Gethsemane Church as well as the Dominus Flevit Church, the place where Jesus wept over Jerusalem. An outcropping of rock is preserved in the Gethsemane site as the place where Jesus knelt to pray. The church contains some lovely mosaics and it is a quiet place to stop for prayer. Outside….the grove of olive trees stand guard. Some have been planted on special occasions over the years, and some of the trees are ancient. The gnarled trunks and dusty green leaves present a living witness to struggle and celebration over the years since Jesus moved among the streets and gardens of Jerusalem. The group also had a chance to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, also known as the Church of the Resurrection. This church is considered one of the most holy sites in the world, for it is believed to be built over the tomb of Jesus. We were certainly remembering the words of the song, “I walked today where Jesus walked.” This afternoon we toured areas in the West Bank and learned a lot more about Palestine. We heard about the separation barrier and its impact on the communities on either side. It was a day of listening once again, and trying to understand more about settlements and their development over the years. It is a complex situation and a place in the world that is often the focus of debate and disagreement. We found this to be an amazing opportunity to see communities that are so near the Holy Sites and so far from peace. Every day we have had the opportunity to learn/see more than we can process. But we have been honored to have the time each day to debrief our experiences and impressions from the day. It is helpful to be able to ask for clarification while we are here. We have also had some moments of levity, and that is part of the trip as well. Perhaps you will see a picture of some of the cats of the Middle East! We have seen them everywhere. We have also had the chance to sample Turkish coffee almost every day along with all kinds of wonderful food. Our group is grateful for the hospitality we have received from so many Christians every day of our journey.
Today we have seen a number of the Holy places in Jerusalem. Our group had an excellent tour guide accompany us as we visited theTemple Mount, the Dome of the Rock, and the Western Wall (WailingWall). Along the way we discussed the sense of shared origins in these sites, realizing that these same places of reverence are the cause of discord among Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It is admittedly a different feeling to be told that we had to take off any cross jewelry and we could not take Bibles onto the Temple Mount. Since this particular part of the site is common to all three groups no one is able to bring any “symbol of ritual” on the visit. It is also a little different for us Disciples to discover that there are some places which we are not allowed to enter. Respect for other traditions guided us in understanding this direction. Our group also visited the Mount of Olives and the Gethsemane Church as well as the Dominus Flevit Church, the place where Jesus wept over Jerusalem. An outcropping of rock is preserved in the Gethsemane site as the place where Jesus knelt to pray. The church contains some lovely mosaics and it is a quiet place to stop for prayer. Outside….the grove of olive trees stand guard. Some have been planted on special occasions over the years, and some of the trees are ancient. The gnarled trunks and dusty green leaves present a living witness to struggle and celebration over the years since Jesus moved among the streets and gardens of Jerusalem. The group also had a chance to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, also known as the Church of the Resurrection. This church is considered one of the most holy sites in the world, for it is believed to be built over the tomb of Jesus. We were certainly remembering the words of the song, “I walked today where Jesus walked.” This afternoon we toured areas in the West Bank and learned a lot more about Palestine. We heard about the separation barrier and its impact on the communities on either side. It was a day of listening once again, and trying to understand more about settlements and their development over the years. It is a complex situation and a place in the world that is often the focus of debate and disagreement. We found this to be an amazing opportunity to see communities that are so near the Holy Sites and so far from peace. Every day we have had the opportunity to learn/see more than we can process. But we have been honored to have the time each day to debrief our experiences and impressions from the day. It is helpful to be able to ask for clarification while we are here. We have also had some moments of levity, and that is part of the trip as well. Perhaps you will see a picture of some of the cats of the Middle East! We have seen them everywhere. We have also had the chance to sample Turkish coffee almost every day along with all kinds of wonderful food. Our group is grateful for the hospitality we have received from so many Christians every day of our journey.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Photos from day 4
Meeting with the Greek Orthodox leadership
Meeting with the Armenian Orthodox leadership
Meeting with the Catholic leadership
Meeting with the Syrian Orthodox leader. Monks were singing the language of Jesus in the background!
The place of worship in Ananias' house where Paul stayed after his conversion. We walked up and down the street called Straight and relived Acts 9!
Income generating program for Iraqi refugees run by our partners, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Syria
Meeting with Iraqi Christian young adults who came to Syria with the help of our partner for a six day leadership development training event. This young women told us her story. She lost two of her family members in the conflict in Iraq.Photos from day 3
Meeting with the leaders of the Union of Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East
Meeting with Haigazian University leadership in Lebanon
Words of Haigazian University moto in action!Travel Day
Day 5 journal by Bob Shebeck
Today has been a travel day for us. We made it safely to Jerusalem and our checked in at the guesthouse where we are staying. Tonight's agenda is dinner and a time of conversation with our Global Ministries personnel serving here. Thanks for your prayers for our journey. It has been an incredible experience thus far. I will try to post some pictures later on tonight after the meal or tomorrow morning early.
Today has been a travel day for us. We made it safely to Jerusalem and our checked in at the guesthouse where we are staying. Tonight's agenda is dinner and a time of conversation with our Global Ministries personnel serving here. Thanks for your prayers for our journey. It has been an incredible experience thus far. I will try to post some pictures later on tonight after the meal or tomorrow morning early.
Meeting with Church Leaders and Iraqi Young Adults
Day 4 journal by Ken Hall
What a great day of learning this has been! It began with our meeting with His Beatitude Patriarch Ignatius IV of the Greek Orthodox Church in the Old City. His Beatitude wanted to know how we could make so many churches in the States and what we did with the people among whom we are growing? He reminded us that it was a miraculous thing. He believes that we are in relationship with any church at all and that changes should be made if people choose it. “Churches”, he says, “should love another and respect one another, we are many but not divided.” He hopes Christians will be together than against each other. He continues by saying that it matters how we are seen and judged by our partners – we are not infallible.
His beatitude asked the question – Are we being successful or not, i.e., are we being successful in our efforts of witness and presence ? He answers that by suggesting that the church belongs to Christ and nobody else. He believes strongly that Christianity needs to come back to the Middle East. Christ was not born in New York nor did Paul go to Washington, he suggested. We speak about Christ, He gave himself to the maximum. His Beatitude believes that Christians are the best type of presence with Muslims in the Middle East. He is proud of the fact that his Patriarchate is here with the Christian Community in the Middle East. He hopes that Christians in the Middle East are perceived as a courageous community, He says that by “Our activities we are known – come and see.”
His Beatitude Patriarch Ignatius IV is a very simple but gracious person, with a deep passion for the united witness of the Christians in the Middle East, and the unity of Christians around the world.
Our next visit for the morning was with Bishop Arman, Bishop of Damascus and Syria for the Armenian Orthodox Church. He shared with us that the Armenians organize their schools, cultural clubs and educational life around the church, Armenians youth go to Armenian schools. Many Armenians came to Syria after the genocide. For him, the practice of spirituality in Syria and Damascus is very good and the Armenian community in Damascus is very stable. He, however, was concerned about the plight of Armenians in Iraq. He spoke of the emigration to Armenia, America and the Gulf countries to find work. For the Iraqi Armenians living in Damascus, all the services are paid by the church. His goal is to get Armenians together and to invite them to the Armenian way of life as practiced in his diocese. He felt that they were not happy because they had no friends and their future is unknown. He spoke of how Armenian families were kidnapped for ransom.
We experienced this bishop to be very quiet spoken, articulate, and demonstrated a passion for his people as well as for the unity and witness of the church in the Middle East.
The third visit of the day was to the Greek Melkite Catholic Patriarchate. H.B. Gregorios III is the Patriarch of Antioch and all the East of Alexandria and Jerusalem. This was a delightful visit and conversation him. He spoke of Jerusalem as the mother church and how Christianity came to Damascus. He reminded us that the church was a synagogue and that the first Christian Community was formed two to three weeks after Pentecost. For him, divisions in the church in the Middle East were not divisions at all but cultural expressions of the church. The feeling is that we are one church and that there is unity in spite of our diversity. He reminded us that the bishops are in relationship with him and not to Rome. He is elected by the bishops and enjoys a good relationship with but independent of Rome.
The Patriarch felt that ecumenism was in good health. He also felt that Islam was too aggressive and must be reminded that they cannot impose their ideas on others. We are equal in love, he says. We are all sons and daughters of God, we have to be complimentary and join together in love and welcome one another. He spoke of the importance of dialogue – of love of God and love of neighbor as important word in a call to dialogue with the Muslim community. He suggested that “Little flock” was a better descriptive term for the Christians in the Middle East than minority. He saw the settlement in Israel as an impediment to peace, and his word to us is that if we want to be a partner then do peace. If we have a real concern for Christian presence, then do peace.
Like the other Patriarchs with whom we met, Gregorios was articulate, passionate for a united Christian witness and presence, and was very accommodating.
The final visit with the Patriarchate was with the Syrian Orthodox Patriarch, who felt that we are not alone in the world when we visit. We are brothers and sisters in Christ. Belief in our Lord Jesus Christ makes us one.. He said that the propaganda in the West is that there are no Christians in the Middle East. Syriac Christians, he says, speak and write the language of our Lord – Aramaic. He was happy that Syria allows them to practice the Christian religion and teach their own language. There was respect for other churches. It was important to him that Christians in the Middle East live with Muslims in peace and cooperate in many ways. The greatest challenge that he saw was unfaithful people. All Christians, he says, should be faithful in supporting the faith of our Lord. For him, witness for our Lord among the Muslim community should distinguish between those people who do not allow us to practice our religion and teach the ancient language from those who do. He spoke of being in full communion with the Armenian, Coptic and Greek churches. He felt that it was important for the Syriac Orthodox Church to be a part of the World Council as well as the Middle East Council of Churches. Christ invites us to do, he says.
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) relates to these Patriarchate through the support of Global Ministries to the Middle East Council of Churches.
The day of meetings ended with a meeting of a group of Iraqi young adults who had gathered for a weeklong conference. Their stories of life before and after the invasion were very moving. They told us that they needed solutions to the problems they now face in Iraq and asked us to help them in finding solutions and a future because they did not see one. They asked us to convey to our government a simple message – “Please find a way to help us!”
All these encounters today have given us a face and a relationship to take home. Our hearts are broken by these stories we have heard and seen in the faces of the people with whom we have dialogued. The least we can do is to try the best we can to tell their stories. They are counting on us to be faithful partners and witnesses.
What a great day of learning this has been! It began with our meeting with His Beatitude Patriarch Ignatius IV of the Greek Orthodox Church in the Old City. His Beatitude wanted to know how we could make so many churches in the States and what we did with the people among whom we are growing? He reminded us that it was a miraculous thing. He believes that we are in relationship with any church at all and that changes should be made if people choose it. “Churches”, he says, “should love another and respect one another, we are many but not divided.” He hopes Christians will be together than against each other. He continues by saying that it matters how we are seen and judged by our partners – we are not infallible.
His beatitude asked the question – Are we being successful or not, i.e., are we being successful in our efforts of witness and presence ? He answers that by suggesting that the church belongs to Christ and nobody else. He believes strongly that Christianity needs to come back to the Middle East. Christ was not born in New York nor did Paul go to Washington, he suggested. We speak about Christ, He gave himself to the maximum. His Beatitude believes that Christians are the best type of presence with Muslims in the Middle East. He is proud of the fact that his Patriarchate is here with the Christian Community in the Middle East. He hopes that Christians in the Middle East are perceived as a courageous community, He says that by “Our activities we are known – come and see.”
His Beatitude Patriarch Ignatius IV is a very simple but gracious person, with a deep passion for the united witness of the Christians in the Middle East, and the unity of Christians around the world.
Our next visit for the morning was with Bishop Arman, Bishop of Damascus and Syria for the Armenian Orthodox Church. He shared with us that the Armenians organize their schools, cultural clubs and educational life around the church, Armenians youth go to Armenian schools. Many Armenians came to Syria after the genocide. For him, the practice of spirituality in Syria and Damascus is very good and the Armenian community in Damascus is very stable. He, however, was concerned about the plight of Armenians in Iraq. He spoke of the emigration to Armenia, America and the Gulf countries to find work. For the Iraqi Armenians living in Damascus, all the services are paid by the church. His goal is to get Armenians together and to invite them to the Armenian way of life as practiced in his diocese. He felt that they were not happy because they had no friends and their future is unknown. He spoke of how Armenian families were kidnapped for ransom.
We experienced this bishop to be very quiet spoken, articulate, and demonstrated a passion for his people as well as for the unity and witness of the church in the Middle East.
The third visit of the day was to the Greek Melkite Catholic Patriarchate. H.B. Gregorios III is the Patriarch of Antioch and all the East of Alexandria and Jerusalem. This was a delightful visit and conversation him. He spoke of Jerusalem as the mother church and how Christianity came to Damascus. He reminded us that the church was a synagogue and that the first Christian Community was formed two to three weeks after Pentecost. For him, divisions in the church in the Middle East were not divisions at all but cultural expressions of the church. The feeling is that we are one church and that there is unity in spite of our diversity. He reminded us that the bishops are in relationship with him and not to Rome. He is elected by the bishops and enjoys a good relationship with but independent of Rome.
The Patriarch felt that ecumenism was in good health. He also felt that Islam was too aggressive and must be reminded that they cannot impose their ideas on others. We are equal in love, he says. We are all sons and daughters of God, we have to be complimentary and join together in love and welcome one another. He spoke of the importance of dialogue – of love of God and love of neighbor as important word in a call to dialogue with the Muslim community. He suggested that “Little flock” was a better descriptive term for the Christians in the Middle East than minority. He saw the settlement in Israel as an impediment to peace, and his word to us is that if we want to be a partner then do peace. If we have a real concern for Christian presence, then do peace.
Like the other Patriarchs with whom we met, Gregorios was articulate, passionate for a united Christian witness and presence, and was very accommodating.
The final visit with the Patriarchate was with the Syrian Orthodox Patriarch, who felt that we are not alone in the world when we visit. We are brothers and sisters in Christ. Belief in our Lord Jesus Christ makes us one.. He said that the propaganda in the West is that there are no Christians in the Middle East. Syriac Christians, he says, speak and write the language of our Lord – Aramaic. He was happy that Syria allows them to practice the Christian religion and teach their own language. There was respect for other churches. It was important to him that Christians in the Middle East live with Muslims in peace and cooperate in many ways. The greatest challenge that he saw was unfaithful people. All Christians, he says, should be faithful in supporting the faith of our Lord. For him, witness for our Lord among the Muslim community should distinguish between those people who do not allow us to practice our religion and teach the ancient language from those who do. He spoke of being in full communion with the Armenian, Coptic and Greek churches. He felt that it was important for the Syriac Orthodox Church to be a part of the World Council as well as the Middle East Council of Churches. Christ invites us to do, he says.
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) relates to these Patriarchate through the support of Global Ministries to the Middle East Council of Churches.
The day of meetings ended with a meeting of a group of Iraqi young adults who had gathered for a weeklong conference. Their stories of life before and after the invasion were very moving. They told us that they needed solutions to the problems they now face in Iraq and asked us to help them in finding solutions and a future because they did not see one. They asked us to convey to our government a simple message – “Please find a way to help us!”
All these encounters today have given us a face and a relationship to take home. Our hearts are broken by these stories we have heard and seen in the faces of the people with whom we have dialogued. The least we can do is to try the best we can to tell their stories. They are counting on us to be faithful partners and witnesses.
A Day for Listening
Day 3 journal by Katheryn Graham
Knowing today was my “turn” to be the journal writer for our group, I began this day with a great fervor to take meticulous notes. And so it was – for awhile. As someone in our group said this evening during our “debriefing” session, “Today was a day for listening.” And at some point that’s what I did – I stopped writing and started listening.
When our day began I wrote that we spent the morning meeting with a group from the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East – a church formed 150 years ago thanks to Protestant mission efforts. I tried to be very careful to take note of the names of those with whom we visited, but realized that the names won’t mean any more to you than they did to me before I put a face with them. So suffice it to say, we met with a group of dedicated church leaders who welcomed us warmly and shared with us the challenges and opportunities of being a community of faith. To put it succinctly, we learned that their mission is to preserve their language and culture and a heritage that is less than alluring to the youth of their community. I wrote all kinds of statistics and dates to report, but when I stopped writing and started listening I learned that their challenges and opportunities are not so very different from those of our denomination. They, like we, are a small denomination. They, like we, struggle with dwindling participation and aging congregations. They, like we, are worried about what the future will bring. They, like we, struggle with finances and resources. Yet they convey hope beyond what the eye can see and what the ear can hear. They believe that God will provide as they continue to take each step in faith. I left the meeting inspired and hopeful. As we departed, I said to our host, “We have much more in common than we know.” And he smiled a smile that told me he knew.
We next met with the president, some of the faculty and staff at the Haigazian University in Beruit, also an Armenian Evangelical Church institution. Again we were greeted with warmth and hospitality. We learned that their educational program is designed following the liberal arts model of education in the United States. Again I wrote a lot of statistics about student population, tuition, student aid, etc. But when I stopped writing and started listening, I heard a group of dedicated educators express desire to provide a quality educational experience for students who might not otherwise have that opportunity. I heard passionate proposals for future programs and a sense of pride for what had already been accomplished. And I heard a mission to educate the whole person for life and not just for employment. They were proud of their institution and rightly so. Again I left feeling inspired and hopeful knowing that the future is in good hands at Haigazian University.
The afternoon was spent traveling from Beruit, Lebonon to Damascus, Syria. Only a few hours drive but no easy enterprise! One of the passengers in our van remarked, “It makes you appreciate how easy it is to travel from one state to another in the USA,” As we wound our way over the mountains and through the checkpoints I reflected on what I learned in the two days we were in Beruit. There is not room in this missive to begin to elaborate, but suffice it to say that my connotations of Beruit prior to this visit could be summed up in the phrase “war torn”. Now, though there is still much evidence of the devastation the wars have wrought there, my connotations of Beruit are of a warm and welcoming city with many dedicated individuals full of hope and inspiration.
We arrived in Damascus after dark so I have few impressions of the road there – though I’m relatively certain we didn’t see Saul/Paul (}:0)). Since we were late for our evening meeting with the Patriarchate for Iraqi refugee programs, we put our luggage in our rooms at the Mar Elias Guest House and went into the meeting straight away. The presentation informed us of the many programs that are being provided for Iraqi refugees in Syria. But as much as has been developed and is being offered the need is far greater. The suffering of the refugees is unimaginable and frankly, I felt overwhelmed and exhausted by the immensity of the need. But the representative of the Patriarchate is a man of conviction and fortitude and he speaks with immense compassion. I wondered to myself how he could continue to climb a mountain that seems to have no summit – but climb he does – one step at a time, and I think he would say, by the grace of God. It was almost embarrassing to receive his words of thanks (as it has been with all of our partners here in the Middle East) for the contributions of Global Ministries, but thankful he/they is/are. They speak with gratitude for those who cannot speak for themselves.
And so I close this journal entry – challenged, humbled, inspired and very tired. But on this trip there is no rest for the weary – not for us or as far as I can tell not for those with whom we are meeting. Shalom/saleem/peace.
Knowing today was my “turn” to be the journal writer for our group, I began this day with a great fervor to take meticulous notes. And so it was – for awhile. As someone in our group said this evening during our “debriefing” session, “Today was a day for listening.” And at some point that’s what I did – I stopped writing and started listening.
When our day began I wrote that we spent the morning meeting with a group from the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East – a church formed 150 years ago thanks to Protestant mission efforts. I tried to be very careful to take note of the names of those with whom we visited, but realized that the names won’t mean any more to you than they did to me before I put a face with them. So suffice it to say, we met with a group of dedicated church leaders who welcomed us warmly and shared with us the challenges and opportunities of being a community of faith. To put it succinctly, we learned that their mission is to preserve their language and culture and a heritage that is less than alluring to the youth of their community. I wrote all kinds of statistics and dates to report, but when I stopped writing and started listening I learned that their challenges and opportunities are not so very different from those of our denomination. They, like we, are a small denomination. They, like we, struggle with dwindling participation and aging congregations. They, like we, are worried about what the future will bring. They, like we, struggle with finances and resources. Yet they convey hope beyond what the eye can see and what the ear can hear. They believe that God will provide as they continue to take each step in faith. I left the meeting inspired and hopeful. As we departed, I said to our host, “We have much more in common than we know.” And he smiled a smile that told me he knew.
We next met with the president, some of the faculty and staff at the Haigazian University in Beruit, also an Armenian Evangelical Church institution. Again we were greeted with warmth and hospitality. We learned that their educational program is designed following the liberal arts model of education in the United States. Again I wrote a lot of statistics about student population, tuition, student aid, etc. But when I stopped writing and started listening, I heard a group of dedicated educators express desire to provide a quality educational experience for students who might not otherwise have that opportunity. I heard passionate proposals for future programs and a sense of pride for what had already been accomplished. And I heard a mission to educate the whole person for life and not just for employment. They were proud of their institution and rightly so. Again I left feeling inspired and hopeful knowing that the future is in good hands at Haigazian University.
The afternoon was spent traveling from Beruit, Lebonon to Damascus, Syria. Only a few hours drive but no easy enterprise! One of the passengers in our van remarked, “It makes you appreciate how easy it is to travel from one state to another in the USA,” As we wound our way over the mountains and through the checkpoints I reflected on what I learned in the two days we were in Beruit. There is not room in this missive to begin to elaborate, but suffice it to say that my connotations of Beruit prior to this visit could be summed up in the phrase “war torn”. Now, though there is still much evidence of the devastation the wars have wrought there, my connotations of Beruit are of a warm and welcoming city with many dedicated individuals full of hope and inspiration.
We arrived in Damascus after dark so I have few impressions of the road there – though I’m relatively certain we didn’t see Saul/Paul (}:0)). Since we were late for our evening meeting with the Patriarchate for Iraqi refugee programs, we put our luggage in our rooms at the Mar Elias Guest House and went into the meeting straight away. The presentation informed us of the many programs that are being provided for Iraqi refugees in Syria. But as much as has been developed and is being offered the need is far greater. The suffering of the refugees is unimaginable and frankly, I felt overwhelmed and exhausted by the immensity of the need. But the representative of the Patriarchate is a man of conviction and fortitude and he speaks with immense compassion. I wondered to myself how he could continue to climb a mountain that seems to have no summit – but climb he does – one step at a time, and I think he would say, by the grace of God. It was almost embarrassing to receive his words of thanks (as it has been with all of our partners here in the Middle East) for the contributions of Global Ministries, but thankful he/they is/are. They speak with gratitude for those who cannot speak for themselves.
And so I close this journal entry – challenged, humbled, inspired and very tired. But on this trip there is no rest for the weary – not for us or as far as I can tell not for those with whom we are meeting. Shalom/saleem/peace.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
From Despair to Hope
Day 2 Journal by Sandy Messick
Our second day in Beirut was a study in contrasts...from despair to hope, from the fruits of war to the longing for peace.
First thing after breakfast we were met by Mrs. Sylvia Haddad from the Department of Service for Palestinian Refugees (DSPR). She showed us around two of the 11 Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, Sabra and Shatilla. The latter was the sight of the massacre in 1982 that left 1500 Palestinians dead. Two memorials stand in remembrance. The first marks the resting place of the 800 victims that could be identified. The second, an open grassy field, marks the mass grave where the rest are buried. Neither Sabra or Shatilla should rightly be defined as camps. The word “camp” implies impermanence, yet these settlements have existed for more than 60 years now and the hope for a life beyond the boundaries grows more dim with each passing generation. In Shatilla, plumbing and electrical wires hang jumbled together above the narrow passageways. Work is now being done to build the infrastructure for this community but it comes with mixed feelings: It will improve life for the residents, but also indicates a permanent status and that leads to despair.
In the afternoon we visited a Chaldean church providing food for Iraqi refugees. Scores of people lined up to receive boxes of food and supplies. We heard first hand the heart breaking stories of three Christian families, all with young children, who were forced to flee Iraq. Like the Palestinian refugees, they left behind homes and possessions but unlike the Palestinian refugees, they do not hope to return. As one said, “It is too dangerous,” and they do not see hope for a stable society there. There are some 8,000 Chaldean Iraqi refugees in Lebanon and 15-20 more arrive each week. It was easy to see despair.
But in the midst of despair, God provides hope, and that hope was also easy to see. Hope was in the faces of the children in the kindergarten run by the DSPR as they sang “The Wheels on the Bus” in Arabic. It was in the faces of the young women as they learned to style hair and in the young men training in computer and electronics, and in the older women as they learned to read and write. Hope was found in the three young adults, two Christian and one Muslim, giving their time and talent in the pursuit of peace through the Forum for Development, Culture and Dialogue (FDCD) as they provide Youth Exchange opportunities for Lebanese and Iraqi youth and conflict resolution training for young adults and programs to teach young journalists how to be self-critical about their own bias in how events are reported. It was found in the Peace Camps also offered by the FDCD that bring youth from around the world to build relationships and teach about human rights, and in the Women's Project that brings together women from other countries to discuss their role in Christian-Muslim dialogue. Hope is found in the Medical Center being built to serve Iraqi refugees and others in need, and in the commitment of the Arab Group for Christian-Muslim Dialogue to continue to engage each other in the challenging work of communicating through conflict. Hope was found in knowing that some of these are supported by Week of Compassion and Church World Service and all are our mission partners through Global Ministries. And hope is found in the recognition that we are interconnected. As one member of the AGCMD panel said, “Your salvation is in us, and our salvation is in you.”
It was a long day, and a difficult one in many ways, but in the end....there is hope. In this Advent season may we cling to that most precious gift...the power to hope.
Our second day in Beirut was a study in contrasts...from despair to hope, from the fruits of war to the longing for peace.
First thing after breakfast we were met by Mrs. Sylvia Haddad from the Department of Service for Palestinian Refugees (DSPR). She showed us around two of the 11 Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, Sabra and Shatilla. The latter was the sight of the massacre in 1982 that left 1500 Palestinians dead. Two memorials stand in remembrance. The first marks the resting place of the 800 victims that could be identified. The second, an open grassy field, marks the mass grave where the rest are buried. Neither Sabra or Shatilla should rightly be defined as camps. The word “camp” implies impermanence, yet these settlements have existed for more than 60 years now and the hope for a life beyond the boundaries grows more dim with each passing generation. In Shatilla, plumbing and electrical wires hang jumbled together above the narrow passageways. Work is now being done to build the infrastructure for this community but it comes with mixed feelings: It will improve life for the residents, but also indicates a permanent status and that leads to despair.
In the afternoon we visited a Chaldean church providing food for Iraqi refugees. Scores of people lined up to receive boxes of food and supplies. We heard first hand the heart breaking stories of three Christian families, all with young children, who were forced to flee Iraq. Like the Palestinian refugees, they left behind homes and possessions but unlike the Palestinian refugees, they do not hope to return. As one said, “It is too dangerous,” and they do not see hope for a stable society there. There are some 8,000 Chaldean Iraqi refugees in Lebanon and 15-20 more arrive each week. It was easy to see despair.
But in the midst of despair, God provides hope, and that hope was also easy to see. Hope was in the faces of the children in the kindergarten run by the DSPR as they sang “The Wheels on the Bus” in Arabic. It was in the faces of the young women as they learned to style hair and in the young men training in computer and electronics, and in the older women as they learned to read and write. Hope was found in the three young adults, two Christian and one Muslim, giving their time and talent in the pursuit of peace through the Forum for Development, Culture and Dialogue (FDCD) as they provide Youth Exchange opportunities for Lebanese and Iraqi youth and conflict resolution training for young adults and programs to teach young journalists how to be self-critical about their own bias in how events are reported. It was found in the Peace Camps also offered by the FDCD that bring youth from around the world to build relationships and teach about human rights, and in the Women's Project that brings together women from other countries to discuss their role in Christian-Muslim dialogue. Hope is found in the Medical Center being built to serve Iraqi refugees and others in need, and in the commitment of the Arab Group for Christian-Muslim Dialogue to continue to engage each other in the challenging work of communicating through conflict. Hope was found in knowing that some of these are supported by Week of Compassion and Church World Service and all are our mission partners through Global Ministries. And hope is found in the recognition that we are interconnected. As one member of the AGCMD panel said, “Your salvation is in us, and our salvation is in you.”
It was a long day, and a difficult one in many ways, but in the end....there is hope. In this Advent season may we cling to that most precious gift...the power to hope.
A Movement for Wholeness in the Fragmented Middle East
Journal Day 1 by Ken Moore
Our group of eight pilgrims arrived in Beirut, Lebanon on Wednesday, December 2, 2009 just before sunset. As we made our way through the airport we saw dozens of Muslim friends and family members gathered to greet and welcome home those who were returning from pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia. One of our group heard someone comment that our group did not look like pilgrims. Nonetheless ours is a group on a pilgrimage to learn all that we can about the ministries of our mission personnel and mission partners in the Middle East.
We had the opportunity to experience rush hour in the city of just over 1 million as we traveled from the airport to our hotel. When we reached the center of the city, Peter Makari pointed out the clock tower of the Congregational Church. The church was built during the 1800s. All but the tower was destroyed during the Lebanese Civil War. The congregation had a capital campaign to rebuild their church building in the style of the original structure. The pastor describes his congregation as being “Congre-tarian”. By this he means that it is a blend of the Congregational and Presbyterian traditions. Nearby is the American University that was begun by members of a Congregational missionary family. The current President is Presbyterian. We traveled along Bliss Street to get to our hotel. The street was named after an early Congregational missionary.
The Near East School of Theology is a brief ten-minute walk from our hotel. We were greeted by the President of the Seminary, Dr. Mary Mikhael, who introduced us to the faculty and other visiting scholars. Dr. Mikhael is familiar to many Disciples because she was a speaker at the “Mix in ‘06” and was a member of the Global Ministries for a number of years. She explained that the United Church of Christ was one of the parents of the Near East School of Theology. Seventy-seven years ago the Congregational seminary merged with a Presbyterian seminary that had been located in Athens. More recently the Episcopal and Lutheran denominations were invited to become a part of the school. She said that 95% of the pastors in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Palestine of the partner churches are graduates of this seminary. She explained the originally the faculty were all from the Congregational and Presbyterian denominations. That changed following the Lebanese Civil War in the 1970s. Since that time, the faculty have come from a variety of partners. Peter Makari, the Global Ministries executive for the Middle East and Europe Office, serves on the Board of Managers of the seminary.
Dr. Mikhael said that at one time the seminary had 110 students enrolled, which is its maximum capacity. There were only a small number of students during the Civil War. Since the 1990s the schools has had around 36-42 students each year. The current enrollment is around 30 students. This is due in part to the fact that the Lebanese government has made it difficult for pastors to come to the seminary from Africa. The current student body comes from a variety of countries in the Middle East and Germany. Until recently the school had a branch in Iran. Since the Iran Revolution, there have been few students from Iran. Dr. Mikhael said that “whether we like it or not the political situation affects the churches. That is why it is so urgent that there be peace in the Middle East.” Another factor affecting student enrollment is that most congregations are small and there is little sense of urgency to raise up and prepare new pastoral leaders.
The President said that in the recent past up to 40% of the students were women. Women are still not allowed to be ordained by the Middle Eastern churches. When some of the Presbyterian women graduates pushed for the right to be ordained there was a backlash which resulted in fewer women students attending the seminary. The current student body is about 25% female. Most of these students are enrolled in the B.A. in Christian Education program which is taught in partnership with the American University. Dr. Mikhael is hopeful because more and more women are being granted licenses to preach. They cannot serve the sacraments, but otherwise they are providing pastoral leadership. One woman is currently the pastor of a large congregation in Tripoli.
Dr. Mikhael has devoted much of her life to this seminary. She attended seminary at the Near East School of Theology and completed her doctorate in the United States in 1987. She recently completed a study on
Joshua that is being used by our churches. As she worked on this project assigned to her she found many parallels in the story of Joshua to the experiences of Christians in the Middle East.
The seminary also offers a one year program for foreign students interested in interfaith relations and the various traditions of the churches of the Middle East. Most of these students currently come from Germany, but this would also be opportunity for American seminaries. They typically have four to six students enrolled in this program each year.
We had an opportunity to tour the seminary’s impressive building. There are four basements and eleven floors. The classrooms, chapels, library, dining halls, gym, and student and faculty apartments are all located on the various floors of the building. In addition, the building houses various denominational offices.
Following dialogue with the faculty in the Faculty Lounge, we enjoyed a delicious meal in one of the dining halls. We were joined at dinner with Dr. Sharon Watkins, our General Minister and President, and her husband, Dr. Rick Lowery. Sharon and Rick will be spending a couple of weeks in study at the seminary as a part of her three month sabbatical. We ended the day with conversation in Dr. Mikhael’s apartment.
Our group of eight pilgrims arrived in Beirut, Lebanon on Wednesday, December 2, 2009 just before sunset. As we made our way through the airport we saw dozens of Muslim friends and family members gathered to greet and welcome home those who were returning from pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia. One of our group heard someone comment that our group did not look like pilgrims. Nonetheless ours is a group on a pilgrimage to learn all that we can about the ministries of our mission personnel and mission partners in the Middle East.
We had the opportunity to experience rush hour in the city of just over 1 million as we traveled from the airport to our hotel. When we reached the center of the city, Peter Makari pointed out the clock tower of the Congregational Church. The church was built during the 1800s. All but the tower was destroyed during the Lebanese Civil War. The congregation had a capital campaign to rebuild their church building in the style of the original structure. The pastor describes his congregation as being “Congre-tarian”. By this he means that it is a blend of the Congregational and Presbyterian traditions. Nearby is the American University that was begun by members of a Congregational missionary family. The current President is Presbyterian. We traveled along Bliss Street to get to our hotel. The street was named after an early Congregational missionary.
The Near East School of Theology is a brief ten-minute walk from our hotel. We were greeted by the President of the Seminary, Dr. Mary Mikhael, who introduced us to the faculty and other visiting scholars. Dr. Mikhael is familiar to many Disciples because she was a speaker at the “Mix in ‘06” and was a member of the Global Ministries for a number of years. She explained that the United Church of Christ was one of the parents of the Near East School of Theology. Seventy-seven years ago the Congregational seminary merged with a Presbyterian seminary that had been located in Athens. More recently the Episcopal and Lutheran denominations were invited to become a part of the school. She said that 95% of the pastors in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Palestine of the partner churches are graduates of this seminary. She explained the originally the faculty were all from the Congregational and Presbyterian denominations. That changed following the Lebanese Civil War in the 1970s. Since that time, the faculty have come from a variety of partners. Peter Makari, the Global Ministries executive for the Middle East and Europe Office, serves on the Board of Managers of the seminary.
Dr. Mikhael said that at one time the seminary had 110 students enrolled, which is its maximum capacity. There were only a small number of students during the Civil War. Since the 1990s the schools has had around 36-42 students each year. The current enrollment is around 30 students. This is due in part to the fact that the Lebanese government has made it difficult for pastors to come to the seminary from Africa. The current student body comes from a variety of countries in the Middle East and Germany. Until recently the school had a branch in Iran. Since the Iran Revolution, there have been few students from Iran. Dr. Mikhael said that “whether we like it or not the political situation affects the churches. That is why it is so urgent that there be peace in the Middle East.” Another factor affecting student enrollment is that most congregations are small and there is little sense of urgency to raise up and prepare new pastoral leaders.
The President said that in the recent past up to 40% of the students were women. Women are still not allowed to be ordained by the Middle Eastern churches. When some of the Presbyterian women graduates pushed for the right to be ordained there was a backlash which resulted in fewer women students attending the seminary. The current student body is about 25% female. Most of these students are enrolled in the B.A. in Christian Education program which is taught in partnership with the American University. Dr. Mikhael is hopeful because more and more women are being granted licenses to preach. They cannot serve the sacraments, but otherwise they are providing pastoral leadership. One woman is currently the pastor of a large congregation in Tripoli.
Dr. Mikhael has devoted much of her life to this seminary. She attended seminary at the Near East School of Theology and completed her doctorate in the United States in 1987. She recently completed a study on
Joshua that is being used by our churches. As she worked on this project assigned to her she found many parallels in the story of Joshua to the experiences of Christians in the Middle East.
The seminary also offers a one year program for foreign students interested in interfaith relations and the various traditions of the churches of the Middle East. Most of these students currently come from Germany, but this would also be opportunity for American seminaries. They typically have four to six students enrolled in this program each year.
We had an opportunity to tour the seminary’s impressive building. There are four basements and eleven floors. The classrooms, chapels, library, dining halls, gym, and student and faculty apartments are all located on the various floors of the building. In addition, the building houses various denominational offices.
Following dialogue with the faculty in the Faculty Lounge, we enjoyed a delicious meal in one of the dining halls. We were joined at dinner with Dr. Sharon Watkins, our General Minister and President, and her husband, Dr. Rick Lowery. Sharon and Rick will be spending a couple of weeks in study at the seminary as a part of her three month sabbatical. We ended the day with conversation in Dr. Mikhael’s apartment.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
We made it to Beirut!
Mary Mikhael from the N.E.S.T.
Group after commissioning service in NewarkAfter a flight from Newark to Paris and then from Paris to Beirut, we made it to Beirut. Only one set back along the way. Ken Hall lost his cell phone and his luggage didn't make it. Ken being the good sport that he is has taken it all in stride. He bought some clothes at a store across the street from the hotel where we are staying.
We enjoyed the ride from the aiport to the hotel. We drove through the city of Beirut and were impressed by it's size and cosmopolitan look. After arriving at the hotel and a quick shower, we headed off to meet with the leadership at the Near East School of Theology. Mary Mikhael greeted us and sat down with us in the faculty lounge and shared with us the history of the school and the current situation.... a bit difficult at the moment with a decrease in enrollment. Students attend the school from all over the Middle East. Several of the professors joined our group and we had a very engaging dinner together sharing freely about our respective situations. A great start to our journey! It is off to bed!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Orientation and MMI training in Newark, NJ
We all arrived safely to Newark yesterday and have started our time of orientation and MMI training. We have had one set back in our group. Ben Bohren became ill yesterday morning and had to go to the emergency room at a nearby hospital. He is in good hands, but won't be able to go on the pilgrimage with the group. Our prayers and thoughts are with Ben for a speedy recovery. Thanks for keeping Ben in your prayers.
During our time of orientation, we have had great discussions about the foundational mission commitments of Disciples and UCC through Global Ministries. We have talked about what it means to Be a Global Mission Church and how that is working out in local congregations, regions, and the national expression of our church. Peter Makari has helped us get a better picture of the countries, cultures and partners we will visit. We've also spent some time planning for our return and our responsibility for sharing the story. We are moving towards a time of closing worship, communion and commissioning. Thanks for following us on our journey!
During our time of orientation, we have had great discussions about the foundational mission commitments of Disciples and UCC through Global Ministries. We have talked about what it means to Be a Global Mission Church and how that is working out in local congregations, regions, and the national expression of our church. Peter Makari has helped us get a better picture of the countries, cultures and partners we will visit. We've also spent some time planning for our return and our responsibility for sharing the story. We are moving towards a time of closing worship, communion and commissioning. Thanks for following us on our journey!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
On November 3oth, seven Regional Staff of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and two Global Ministries staff will meet in Newark, NJ for a time of Orientation and Ministries and Mission Interpreters (MMI) training in preparation for their pilgrimage to Lebanon, Syria, and Israel & Palestine. On December 1st the group will travel to Lebanon on the first leg of their journey. They will return to the U.S. on December 11. Please return to this blog often as the trip participants attempt to share the story of their pilgrimage. Thanks also for your prayers.
Be a Global Mission Region Pilgrimage to the Middle East participants:
Be a Global Mission Region Pilgrimage to the Middle East participants:
- Bill Allen - Pennsylvania Region
- Ben Bohren - Northern California-Nevada Region
- Beth Dobyns - Illinois-Wisconsin Region
- Katheryn Graham - Great Kansas City Region
- Ken Hall - Southwest Region
- Sandy Messick - Northwest Region
- Ken Moore - Nebraska Region
- Peter Makari - Global Ministries Middle East and Europe area executive
- Bob Shebeck - Global Ministries Mission Interpretation and Constituency Relationships executive
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