November 3, 2009

Friends,

I arrived in Lebanon and the Near East School of Theology (NEST) on October 28. The weeks prior to my return are always full, but this year my mother’s health took a drastic downturn in October, and I needed to go to Iowa to be with her for her final days. I appreciate the prayers and support from so many friends I have met through this call. It was a blessing that I was in the United States and able to be with my mother and feel the grace of her transcendence—a final lesson from her of the faith we share.

I am posting vignettes on my NEST blog during my time with the NEST and our NEST alumni and partners in the region. What a joy and gift to connect friends in the United States and friends in the region. I thank God for this opportunity.

NEST continuing education Forum on Calvin.

In September, I attended a formation meeting for the new Syria-Lebanon Mission Network (SLMN) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The SLMN is the 38th such network of the PC(USA) and welcomes participation from presbyteries and organizations who are in partnership (or seeking it) with the churches and related institutions of the Synod of Syria and Lebanon. 

Back row:  Dr. Raymond Kiely; Mr. Ron DuBois; Rev. Fuad H. Khouri; Rev. Fadi Dagher; Ms. Carol Dolezal-Ng; Rev. Dr. Salim Sahiouny; Rev.  Georges Bitar; Judge Fawzi Dagher; Rev. Dr. Nuhad Tomeh; Ms. Marilyn Borst. Middle row:  Mrs. Martha Kiely; Mrs. Nelly Dagher; Dr. Pauline  Coffman; Rev. George Mourad; Mrs. Sonja DuBois. Front row:  Dr. Mary Mikhael; Ms. Peggy Thompson; Rev. Walter Owensby.

During the SLMN gathering, the Reverend Dr. Nuhad Tomeh led a devotion from Luke 10:25-37.  He said that in Arabic the translation of the key phrase “Who is your neighbor?” would be more like “Who will become a neighbor?” It takes a conscious effort to be neighbors, he said, an appropriate charge as we discussed how to strengthen partnerships between the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the Synod of Syria and Lebanon. For more information about the SLMN or to join, contact the Reverend Len Bjorkman or Marilyn Borst.

Soon after the Near East School of Theology (NEST) commencement service in June (described in my June letter), a second training workshop was held for Iraqi Presbyterian lay leaders. The workshop resulted from the gathering in Syria last October and a request by the Iraqis for help training leaders. The training workshops are designed to help the lay leaders understand the role of elders in the church. Professors and church leaders provide classes on the principles of Reformed worship, principles of Presbyterian polity, Bible study, and more.

Immediately following the Iraqi training was the annual NEST continuing education forum. The topic this year, in honor of the 500th anniversary of his birth, was “the Relevancy of Calvin to Church Today.” Along with current students and alumni, 11 Iraqis from the training workshop stayed for the forum, which was led by Dr. Elsie McKee, a professor from Princeton Theological Seminary. This annual forum helps strengthen church leaders in the region for their continued service.  

In July, Dr. Mary Mikhael traveled to the United States for the Presbyterian Women’s gathering. She wrote the Bible study for Horizons for the coming year, which is called “Joshua:  A Journey of Faith.” After the Gathering in Louisville, Dr. Mikhael traveled throughout the United States to workshops about the Bible study.  I traveled with her in August in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.  In between her Bible study workshops we visited many friends of the NEST.

The opening convocation service on October 5 marked the beginning of the NEST academic year. This year we have students from Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Armenia, Germany, Austria, Great Britain, and the United States.

On October 15 and 16,  Dr. Iain Torrance, president of Princeton Theological Seminary, came to NEST to deliver two public lectures: “The Christological Doctrine of the Church in John Calvin” and “The Pastoral Doctrine of the Church in St. John Chrysostom.”

As you can see, the life and ministry at the NEST is full. We appreciate continued support and partnership for this rich ministry. How can you partner with us?

• Prayer is a vital way to walk with the NEST.
• Follow my blog to learn more about NEST students.
•  Have “virtual coffee”with the NEST  (See “Have Coffee with the NEST” brochure and sign in sheet. Perhaps you can gather a group to have coffee with the NEST—it could be in your church or a house party of friends interested in Arab Christians and Christian witness in the Middle East.
• If you know of foundations or individuals that have a heart for training Christian leaders in the Middle East, introduce me to them and NEST.
• Make NEST part of your year-end giving. To donate online, us the “give” button below.

As I continue to meet “neighbors,” I ask for your continued prayers for the Near East School of Theology, for the students, faculty, and staff. God is doing wonderful things in the Middle East. 

Shoukran and salaam!

Carol

The 2009 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 346

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