October 29, 2008

Dear Friends,

Professor David Dorman teaching Christology course at the Near East School of Theology.

I have been in Beirut, Lebanon, at the Near East School of Theology since Friday, October 24. When I am at N.E.S.T. I look forward to getting to know the new community while I hold fond memories of the communities that were here when I last visited. And of course I’m happy to see old friends. N.E.S.T. is ever-changing. With All Saints Day upon us, it makes me think of the past, current, and future people that have been or will be touched by the N.E.S.T. community. There is always camaraderie and laughter, along with the complexities of a diverse community. This semester, 19 students are enrolled. Yes, enrollment is down. Still, within this semester’s student body, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan/Palestine, Kenya, Sudan, Netherlands, and Great Britain are represented.

I am working on writing projects and gathering information for grants—and also gathering stories for presentations around the United States. All my work is an effort to give opportunities to new partners to learn about this outstanding Christian seminary, the oldest interdenominational seminary in the Middle East. It is also an attempt to keep old friends and partners in touch with N.E.S.T. If you you’d like to hear more about N.E.S.T., please let me know.

Let me share the rhythm of our day at N.E.S.T.

7:00 a.m. – Breakfast in the dining room.  
8:00 to 10:00 a.m. – Classes
8:00 to 10:30 p.m. – Library open
10:00 a.m. – Faculty and staff coffee time in the faculty lounge
10:30 a.m. – Noon classes
12:10 p.m. – Chapel
12:30 p.m. – Lunch in the dining room
1:30 p.m. – Student coffee time in the student lounge
2:00 p.m. – Classes
7:00 p.m. – Dinner in the cafeteria

Bahjet Khader, M.Div. student at N.E.S.T. from Palestine, takes his turn making Arabic coffee before afternoon classes.

Many days are enhanced by extra opportunities, such as forums or lectures. There are other seminaries in Lebanon but not one like N.E.S.T., which is rooted in the Reformed tradition.  N.E.S.T. is also unique in that it brings together students from different cultures and different denominations. Classes are taught in English. Other schools provide training in particular traditions but do not aim for the same academic quality found at N.E.S.T.

Certainly, people can serve and lead without high-level theological training, and many of these leaders add a great passion that inspires. Within the Presbyterian tradition we lift up lay leaders along with our pastors. I myself enjoy participating in worship leadership. This summer, Old First Presbyterian Church in San Francisco offered me my first opportunity to preach. I will admit preparation for the sermon was a bit like a roller coaster, and through the highs and low I kind of enjoyed it. I was determined to work from the lectionary, which wasn’t too bad since the text was a parable well suited to the N.E.S.T.—Matthew 13, the parable of the sower. Let me be clear, I have not had the benefit of seminary training. Throughout my preparation I relied on my seminary-educated friends: Christian leaders such as pastors and the Christian education director of our church. Their guidance in biblical interpretation and their continued study helped shape the message God intended for me to share and also helped shape my faith. Thanks to their direction and resources I was able to give more depth to the message.

N.E.S.T. turns out Christian leaders with an outstanding theological foundation. Most return to their communities to help the flock grow in the faith. Others continue to study and become seminary teachers. They all give us deeper understanding of the word God has for us and for the path we are meant to lead.

This worship service at N.E.S.T. chapel is organized by a group from Madagascar, primarily women who are house workers. They asked for space to pray and worship, and the group has been meeting for the past year, with growing numbers.

I ask for your continued prayers for N.E.S.T. If you have been worried about investments in the current economic situation, let me encourage you to make an investment in N.E.S.T. These Christian leaders returning home to spread the good news of the gospel are a gift. They provide a huge return for the glory of God.

There are several ways to give to N.E.S.T.: online by clicking on the "give" button below; by phone: (800) 872-3283; by mail: Checks marked “E862612” to Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Individual Remittance Processing, PO Box 643700, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3678.

Along with my home page on the PC(USA) Web site, I now have a Blog, which I add to often during my stay at N.E.S.T.

If you are on facebook, I have a group called “friends of N.E.S.T.” Please join!

May the peace of Christ be with you,

Salaam,