EAST SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY, BEIRUT - LEBANON FOR RELATED CHURCHES, SUPPORT AGENCIES AND A SMALL CIRCLE OF FRIENDS

Transcription

1 ájqéñneg Iô`` ûf تصدر عن September 2011 ISSUED OCCASIONALLY by the NEAR EAST SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY, BEIRUT - LEBANON FOR RELATED CHURCHES, SUPPORT AGENCIES AND A SMALL CIRCLE OF FRIENDS P.O.Box: Chouran, Beirut Lebanon president@theonest.edu.lb Website: Tel.:(961-1) / Direct: (961-1) Fax: (961-1)

2 Islamic class with professor Colin Chapman

3 NEST 1 From the Office of the President From the Office of the President To All the Great Friends of the Near East School of Theology How great is your goodness stored up for those who fear you, Blessed be the Lord, whose unfailing love for me was wonderful Dear Friends, Greetings to each and every one of you from me personally and from the whole community at NEST. All of us here believe that our greatest wealth is in you, our friends Our most successful ministry depends on you Your prayers uphold us, and your support helps us continue, and having you as partners in the service of Christ gives us hope for a bright future. Thank you for your prayer, support and partnership! May God Almighty continue to bless and guide you. May God be present to you in all your ways. Indeed the high point of my service the last seventeen long years has been in communicating with you, visiting with you and sharing our concerns with you. Indeed getting to know you and listening to your guidance and advices have all become part of who I am. Thank you for being you! I praise God who has been so faithful to this nest of theological education. For over 150 years a caravan of ministers, in so many countries who were trained at NEST witnessed to God s grace and help. NEST has always been a wonderful institution and is a real place for the many who seek theological education and commit themselves to the service of Christ. Our Friends, I know it has been long since I have sent you news about our ministry and I owe you the full story of how God sailed us safely through this academic year, Living and serving in the Middle East, particularly this year has been of deep concern for all institutions. The term the Arab Spring has been all seasons stormy winter was an experience in almost all of the countries that have been witnessing the political unrest. Indeed liberation is of high cost, and surely needs visions of high maturity. Unfortunately so far chaos superseded programs and strategies. Therefore, many of us fear a dark future. Violence, that have been attached to extreme religious slogans worry us as Christians. The question about effective Christian presence is on every one s mind. Ambiguity raises the level of our anxiety and the uncertainty of the motives of certain groups keep us on tiptoes. Please pray for peace and social justice for all in this part of the world, most specially for Syria. The situation there has been the most puzzling. Fortunately, Lebanon in the last few months seems to be the most stable, as the outrage of our politicians remained with words of accusations and counter accusations. May we all be spared the break of violence. May we here and around the world have peace and political stability and social justice.

4 2 NEST Life at NEST W e praise God Almighty that despite the continuous unrest, we began our academic year with (30) students who came from churches in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine, Armenia, Scotland, Germany, Denmark, and (Princeton) USA. A small group with a great variety of cultures, languages, and church traditions. We praise God for the fact that NEST is able to serve the church not only in the Middle East but also reaches out to the churches in Europe, USA, and other places. NEST wanted always to be a bridge between churches of the East and the West. Creating bonds among churches is but a Christian duty, so we believe. The most important aspects of our colorful community is that of living together, worship and study together, share meals and getting to know of each other s concerns. The daily chapel services and the annual retreat all nurture our spirituality together. Praise be to God for the privilege of service.

5 NEST 3 NEST-SiMO Consultation January 31 February 2, 2011 It was on the occasion of the Eleventh Anniversary of our special one year study in the Middle East Program for German and other European students which we refer to as the SiMO Program, that a consultation took place. The consultation brought to NEST a special group (of nine persons) to study with NEST faculty and others, the theme Theological Education in the Presence of the Other. The main objective was to share experiences of how do we both, in NEST and in Germany, teach theology that helps us live and work with non Christians, namely Muslims. In what ways our theological education helps bring about better understanding of the others? How can Theological education promote peace and reconciliation and justice with all and for all? There were contributions and testimonies from Germany, Indonesia, India, and of course Lebanon but also from Colin Chapman, Professor of Islamics at NEST, a British scholar with deep concern and long experience of working in the Middle East and contributing to proper understanding among Christians and Muslims. The group was lead by the Rev. Andreas Maurer who has for years been the one who promoted the SiMO Program in Germany, interviewed and oriented students before they came to NEST. Rev. Maurer previously served in Lebanon as Pastor of the German Community in both Lebanon and Syria.

6 4 NEST In recognition of all Rev. Maurer s activities for the life of the church and for his contribution in promoting studies in the Middle East, NEST was happy to honor him at the end of the Consolation in a special reception that brought together some of Rev. Maurer s friends. All of us at NEST value deeply our cooperation with the Churches in Germany and their Mission Agencies such as Evangelisches Missionswerk in Südwestdeutschland (EMS), Evangelisches Missionswerk in Deutschland (EMW), Evangelical Church in Hessen and Nassau (EKHN), Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland (EKD), and others. The one year program of studies in the Middle East has created a group of young servants in Germany who have known firsthand the church in the Middle East on whom NEST depend for stronger future cooperation. The SiMO Program also brought together students from other European countries such as Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. Besides, we also received students in the program from McCormick Theological Seminary and Princeton Theological Seminary, and the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. NEST desires to extend its ministry to as many students from around the world and strengthen its relations with seminaries of likeminded. The Program started in the year Over seventy students have been involved for one semester or one year.

7 NEST 5 Continuing Education Seminar (CES) July 12-14, 2011 As has been our tradition we bring back every year as many of our former graduates for a time of study, use of the library, and fellowship. The CES this year was a special event in many different ways. Our Speaker was the Rev. Dr. Kenneth Bailey, a Former NEST Professor of New Testament who gave nine lectures on: 1 st Corinthians Through Mediterranean Eyes. Dr. Bailey as always was inspiring and helps bring about new ways of reading and understanding the New Testament even for Middle Easterners. Because of the Speaker and the theme our audience was not limited to our former graduates. Professors and students from the Baptist Theological Seminary as well as pastors from the community attended alongside many of our graduates. We praise God for Dr. Bailey s gifts of making the New Testament come alive to all here and now. Dr. Bailey s book on 1 st Corinthians Through Mediterranean Eyes, will come out in November 2011 and shall become available to all. At the end of our CES, the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon held a special event in the Dhour Al Shweir Conference Center in Dr. Bailey s honor. Many Former Presbyterian and Armenian NEST graduates who were taught by Dr. Bailey during his time between 1968 and 1984 were present. Dr. Bailey influenced many Christian minds and left finger prints in the studies of the New Testament.

8 6 NEST NEST Ministry with Iraqi Christians Also our CES this year included ten Iraqi persons who prior to the CES were with us for a special leadership training event. As has been the practice for recent years, NEST invites at least on two different occasions, groups from the Iraqi churches to train them in the church service and introduce them to the fields of Theological education. So far we hosted almost (50) persons for such study seminars. We praise God for the life of the church in Iraq and for its witness despite all hard circumstances. It is very true that the gates of hell cannot defeat the church of Christ, to whom all Glory belongs. I would like to express gratitude to all our partners who contribute to take ministry the PCUSA, Presbytary of providence and others. Following is a summary of the activities of the center as prepared by Director Shaké Geotcherian The Christian Education Resource Center & Women s Studies The CERC is continuing to fulfill its mission in serving the churches through providing essential resources for its use in the different ministries of the churches. As well as continuing to plan and have training seminars for leaders in the different sectors of the different ministries in the churches, where leaders are trained to become better equipped for the ministry in which they are serving. Our training events are basically for the local church leaders and also we have special leadership training programs for lay leaders who come from Iraq. Here is a brief report of all the events that we at CERC have done since the beginning of our operation in Oct Christian Educators Meeting. Oct. 24, Lecture for Christian Educators. Nov. 6, Training Seminar for Christian Educators. Nov.7, Leadership Training Seminar for leaders coming from Iraq. Feb. 2-15, Women s Gathering. Feb. 28, Junior Youth Leaders Training Seminar. March 7, Sunday School Teachers Training Seminar. March 21, Sunday School Teachers Training Seminar. Oct. 10, Junior Youth Leaders Training Seminar. Nov. 7, Sunday School Teachers and Bible Teachers Training Seminar. Nov , 2009

9 NEST Sunday School teachers and School Teachers Training Seminar. Jan. 26, HI-Tech Training Seminar for all Church Leaders. March 37, Iraqi Women for Peace. April 12-14, Sunday School Teachers training seminar. Oct. 2, Junior Youth Leaders Training Seminar. Nov. 27, Theological training for Iraqi Lay leaders. July 8-14, 2011 Upcoming events 1. Sunday school Teachers Training Seminar. Sept. 24, Women s Seminar (Iraqi and Lebanese women). Feb Junior Youth Group Leaders Training Seminar. February 2012 I would like to thank all our friends and partners in ministry for their encouragement, prayers and support. May God bless you abundantly. Training Seminars for Iraqi Lay Leaders Dear Friends and partners in ministry I would love to share with you how awarding it has been for us to plan and organize training events for our brothers and sisters who come from Iraq. They are lay leaders who take different responsibilities in their churches which are found in Baghdad, Karkouk, Basra and Mousol. There is only one Presbyterian pastor, thus the need to train as many lay leaders as we can so that the church will not suffer in any way in its leadership and that they would use all that they learn in their different ministerial contexts. All our trained lay leaders go back and share what they learned with other leaders, which helps the whole church in its growth in the very difficult circumstances that they are living in. We already have had five training events for lay leaders coming from Iraq in this order. a. Theological Training Seminar, Feb. 2-15, 2009 b. Continuing Education Seminar, June 29-July 2, 2009 c. Women s Training Seminar, April 12-14, 2010 d. Theological Training Seminar July 8-11, 2011 e. Continuing Education Seminar July 12-14,2011 We hope and pray that God blesses each one who takes part in these trainings, whether by participation or as trainer/lecturer or supporter. May God bless you all.

10 8 NEST Commencement of 2011 On June 25th our 79th Commencement took place. Our Speaker was Dr. Karlfried Froehlich who is a retired Princeton Professor of Ecclesiastical History. Professor Froehlich addressed the theme of The Essence of Christian Spirituality. In December 2010 NEST has received the most wonderful gift which was Dr. Froehlich s Library donated to the Library of NEST. Six thousand plus volumes of Theological books for the benefit of scholars who find in the NEST Library a home for their researches. A gift deeply appreciated. Many thanks to Professor Froehlich for an imperishable gift

11 NEST 9 Our graduates for 2011 were (3) Young Women: 1- Talar Marashlian, Armenian from Aleppo, Syria. She graduated with a B.A. from Haigazian University (HU) and a Certificate from NEST. Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education is a degree between the two Institutions (NEST and HU). Talar Marashlian Talar is now working in Bethel Armenian Church in Aleppo and also will teach Christian Education in the Church related School there. 2- Kladys Abboud, Presbyterian from the Church of Miniara, North Lebanon. Kladys graduated with Master of Arts in Christian Education. Since she has come to NEST with a B.A. in Graphic Design, she was immediately assigned to work for the Presbyterian Church Magazine. She will be in charge of the layout of the magazine beside working on the church yearly family book. She will contribute in writing and also in finding writers and getting the book ready for publication and/or distribution. Kladys has just married at the end of August to Mahfouz Al-Sheikh who is the IT man of the Synod. Mabruk to Kladys and Mahfouz. May God bless you future together. Kladys Abboud 3- Shaké Geotcherian, Armenian born in Beirut. Shaké graduated with Master of Sacred Theology (STM) degree. She holds both BACE and M.Div. from NEST and has been the Director of the Resource Center at NEST. Shaké has been very active in planning and executing leadership training for people who serve with church groups like children, youth and women. In fact Shaké also contribute in teaching in the Christian Education Department of the NEST whenever needed. Being the Director of the NEST Resource Center, Shaké has been the major person in planning for the seminars NEST holds for Iraqi Church groups. She plans the schedule, communicates with the speakers and carry on all related activities. Shaké Geotcherian As you can see all three women graduates, each is of a special talent and each is involved in the Christian ministry of her church. To God we pray to bless each one of them and use them for His glory.

12 10 NEST A s every year the Retreat is a date for the whole community to leave the building and retreat for a long weekend, pray, study, fellowship, and play in a beautiful Presbyterian Conference Center in Dhour el Shweir. The theme for this year was The Art of Living. Thanks to all those who pray for and support this activity.

13 NEST 11 Colin & Anne Chapman Our deepest gratitude to the Rev. Colin Chapman and Anne Chapman who spent at NEST another academic year. Colin teaching in the Department of Islamic Studies responding to our need for a full-time scholar and Anne supporting him and both contributing to the spiritual life of the community. Colin and Anne spent with us four full years before Colin retired in It was not hard to have Colin respond to our call to come back for the two semesters (September 2010 June 2011). Colin s heart is in promoting understanding of Islam, and help creating normal relationships and proper understanding between the two religions. We at NEST are ever grateful to both Colin and Anne for their generous spirit and genuine concern for Theological education. Our prayers accompany them both and their family and for most blessed and active retirement. HADI GHANTOUS Congratulations to the Rev. Dr. Hadi Ghantous who completed his Ph.D. in the Old Testament studies. His defense took place in 2010 in Bern University. Hadi continues as pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Minyara, North Lebanon, and having had a degree in medicine before coming to NEST he is doing a great job as chairman of the committee of Medical and Social Services of the Synod of Syria and Lebanon. All other Faculty are deeply involved in the service of the church and specially in the summer conferences of church groups. Every Faculty member is a contributor during the seminars NEST hold for the Iraqi groups during the year. We praise God for all those who serve the Church of Christ.

14 12 NEST Major Change is Upon us Dear Friends, Personally I would like to express sincere gratitude for your support and guidance of me for seventeen long years during my time as President of the Near East School of Theology. Had it not been for your love and inspiration, your guidance and upholding of me, I may never have experienced the success and the pleasure I experienced in my work despite so many challenges throughout my journey. Thank you for your friendship and for all you have been to me and surely you have the greatest part of what made me what I am. Never can I describe God s care shown to me through you. May you all be showered with love and God s blessings. So as you can guess my retirement from my position is overdue by the end of September And I leave as I began with deep trust in God that NEST will continue to be God s agent in the great ministry of theological education and preparation of Church leaders. I am, however, determined to continue in your friendship and will in time communicate with you. My new contact is: mikhaelmary@gmail.com. Dear Friends, It is indeed my honor to introduce to you Dr. George Sabra who is known to many of you. Dr. Sabra, one of the two finalist candidates, has been asked by the Board to be the Acting President as of October 1, Dr. Sabra has Dr. George Sabra been the Professor of Systematic Theology in the Seminary for over twenty five years, and the last seventeen years of those he also has been the Academic Dean. Dr. Sabra is a first class Protestant theologian and totally committed to provide first class Theological education. Please pray for Dr. Sabra in his extended responsibilities. With this major change I would like to appeal to all our friends to continue their support to this vital ministry so it continues for another hundred and fifty years preparing servants to Jesus Christ. Your financial support is greatly needed. New Staff Many of our Presbyterian Friends in the USA know Mr. Elias Sahiouny who worked in the Business Offices of the Presbyterian Church in Louisville. He is now our NEST Accountant. Elias and his wife Elian have moved to Beirut a year ago. Elian works in the American University Hospital and Elias took our Business Office in January of Elias happened to be the son of the Rev. Dr. Salim Sahiouny, President of the Supreme Council of the Evangelical Community in Syria and Lebanon and now Chairman of the NEST Board of Managers for two years. We are happy to have Elias part of the NEST Community. Elias spent some years of his childhood in the old campus of the NEST during Rev. Sahiouny s studies. Surely we pray for his success and for God s blessings on him.

15 NEST 13 News From Former Graduates wanted to dedicate a special Newsletter for those wonderful students and asked them to send their news. But I since not all have responded I decided to include the news I received in this Newsletter with other graduates as well. I shall quote below news as received so to share it with colleagues, and friends. But before I do that I have to honor the memory of the late Dr. Paul Löffler who was the initiator of the idea of such a program. It was in a restaurant over a German lunch on the way from the academy in Hamburg to his own home when Paul said: Mary, what about creating a program in NEST for theology students from churches in Germany, such a program will create a bond that can live and grow between those who will serve the churches and NEST be a connecting place. I surely welcomed this great idea. Soon after that a special group of German Theologians visited NEST and together created this wonderful program. Paul Löffler has always been concerned about NEST and its ministry. We honor Paul s memory. The Rev. Rafiq and Mrs. Najwa Farah served the Episcopal Church in Beirut until their retirement. Najwa writes the following: Dear Mary, how great to receive from you, the Easter greetings! I am grateful to be in touch with you and the NEST. The Middle East is passing through a time which may promise a better future for the peoples of Arab countries when dictatorial ruthless regimes will fall and democratic governments will emerge respecting the rule of law and all prejudices and hatreds will disappear and freedom and dignity of every person will be respected, and justice to religious and other minorities and to the Palestinians will prevail. Jesus our Lord in his earthly ministry and teaching was on the side of the poor and marginalized and he died because he wanted to change the mentality of people from a proud, selfish, materialistic existence, to a life of carrying the cross of others so that a resurrection will take place and the Kingdom of God will come. Sorry, Mary for this sermon, as what is happening in the Arab world is felt very much by us. I am still writing articles, but for some they seem quite radical; intellectually, I am a rebel!! May the blessings of our Lord continue to support you and NEST staff in your ministry for all kinds of students. Christ Is Risen, Happy Easter, Rafiq and Najwa. Wilbert and Rima van Saane-Nasrallah, congratulations upon welcoming your precious Pieter to make a brother to Christina. May God bless you all. Wilbert took courses at NEST Rima is a NEST graduate with M.Div. degree. Rev. Vatche & Lena Ekmekjian (both NEST graduates) Wrote: Two years of immigration paper works, finally we have made it to LA, although many of the Aleppo Martyrs people were in tears, so we were. We served the church for eight years. Lena has applied for some teaching jobs at local Armenian Evangelical schools and our three children are attending an Armenian Christian School. The congregation of my church; Immanuel Armenian Congregational of Downy has been waiting for our arrival and since then we are enjoying their support and appreciation.

16 14 NEST Rev. Nabil and Sylvie Maamarbashi and the daughters: Nabil is now serving the National Evangelical Church in Hadath, suburb of Beirut. Sylvie just completed her Ph.D. in Systematic Theology. Both have a heart for ministry. Our prayer for this wonderful family and their ministry. Shirin Mostaghassi graduated in 2001 with M.Div. degree. Soon after her graduation she married Fariborz Khandanis of Iranian descent ordained pastor serving in Canada. Shirin wrote: With Fariborz we are working among Iranians. On September 2010 with His guidance we planted a Persian fellowship church, right now we are about 50 people and we are going to have 10 baptisms on Easter Sunday and some weeks later two Christian weddings. Through Sat 7 and another channel Fariborz is teaching great biblical and theological lessons. He is also teaching a Seminar on air with Hendrick. We also serve the Canadian church wherever there is a need in preaching, teaching also in children or youth ministry. Maryam is in grade 3 and Cyrus is in grade 1. Both of them go to a French immersion school and right now they are able to speak, read and write three languages. They are doing very well and they love the Lord. Maryam is playing piano and tries to play the hymns. I have not seen my family almost for 13 years except my mom whom came for Maryam s birthday and stayed with us for only 4 months. We pray that the situation in the Middle East gets better and safe so we can visit our families and they can meet our kids. Holger Holtz ( ) wrote: Friederike and I are happy to inform you about the birth of our daughter Elisabeth Seekeline Holts, she was born on October 6, 2010, at 6:29 am after a long night for all of us. We praise God for his blessing and that mother and child are well.

17 NEST 15 Ulrike Spring (2007/2008) wrote: I still study theology to become a pastor in Tübingen. I will finish it next summer. In September Benjamin and I will get married and will move together to a village or town near by Tübingen in order to finish my studies and start working in the Black Forest. We are very happy and are looking forward to our future, willing to live for God. I hope and pray for you all, especially now in these changing times, that you are all fine... To you and all your families safety and all the best. Lovisa, Aron and Liv Engberg (2005/2006) wrote: Hello Dear friends at NEST. We here send you greetings from the Engberg family in Malmo, Sweden. As you can see at the picture we are now three in our family. We got blessed with a daughter called Liv (which means life in Swedish) and she is now two years old. She is the joy for us every day. In Sweden we have the great opportunity for both parents to be home with our children after birth, with payment from the government, for more than 300days and both mother and father can split these days as they like. After being home with Liv, Lovisa continued her work as a teacher outside Malmo. She teaches children in the age of 6-11 years old in English and Swedish. When Lovisa started to work Aron stayed home with Liv. This is really a blessing for our whole family when Liv got to spend so much time with both parents before starting kindergarten. In September 2010 Aron got a PHD candidate at Lunds university and Aron enjoys his work. We are glad that we both have jobs and that Liv loves going to kindergarten and we have a lovely apartment in a lovely city. But life is not only happiness right now for us. Unfortunately Lovisa has been struggling the last months with cancer in her lung. Hopefully it is all gone now and after many tears and prayers we thank God that He has given us strength so far and that He will be with us until this is totally over. Please pray with us. We also want to say that you often are in our minds and we are happy for the time we spent at NEST with all of you and we are grateful for the contact we have with a lot of you at Facebook or through mail. Please contact us if you like at our address: makarna. engberg@hotmail.com. Best regards

18 16 NEST Jadwiga and Simon Mahling (former Weber) Jadwiga Malinkowa / Mahling ( ) wrote: Dear Mary Mikhael! Thanks for your ! We remembering our time in Lebanon with joy! We studied in Beirut in 2007/08. Especially the courses with Mr. Sabra and Mr. Hoover were very important for us. Till today we are related to Lebanon and to Christians living there! Every day we are following the news of Lebanon! Simon and me married last year in august. We have one child, a little boy called Kito Amitaj. He was born in April Simon studied after the year in Lebanon for two years in Bamberg in a Master-programme of intereligious studies which are specialized in Christianity, Islam and Judaism. I, Jadwiga, finished in january 2011 my studies in theology at the university of Leipzig. I wrote my final tesis about Al- Birunis view on Christianity, because I am till today interested in Christian-Muslim topics. In september I am beginning to work as pastor in the Lutheran Church of Saxony. Simon is working at Simon-Dubnow-Institute in Leipzig, working on a encyclopedia about Judaism in Europe. Greetings from Germany. Volker Metzler (2005/2006) wrote: Dear friends, I studied at NEST from and enjoyed life there very much. After I returned to Germany and finished university in Nowadays I am serving my Bavarian Lutheran church as a vicar in Bamberg and I am exploring the full range of duties and privileges that a pastor has to deal with. Last year, on September the 11th, I married my wife Berenike. We both are still very much interested in culture and religion of the Middle East and the things that are going in the Arab world. It had been a very enriching and inspiring time for me at NEST. Here in Germany, in Bavaria, our Christian faith is still the most important and influencing religion in this region. So it was a very precious experience for me to see how you live your life as Christians being in a minority status and being surrounded by non Christian religions. I am still impressed by the way you express your devotion to the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ and I wish you all the best and God s blessings for your future and your work at NEST and in your parishes! May the merciful God keep you all save and happy and maybe we see each other again in future- inshallah!

19 NEST 17 Sapna Joshi (Germany, Berlin) (2005/2006) wrote: Dear NEST, Steffen Kläger (2004/2005) wrote: After the studies of Theologie at University (Tübingen, Beirut, Halle/ Saale) I ve passed my pastoral training in a parish in Halle/Saale (that s in East Germany, the former DDR). I ve been serving there for the last 2 1/2 years. Since 1st of March I m finally a pastor ( Pfarrer z.a. ), back in my swabian homeland, in the Evangelische Landeskirche in Württemberg. But not in charge of a parish, but as Repetent at the Evangelisches Stift Tübingen. That s a kind of theological seminary of the church, where the students of theology live while studying at state university (visit: guys like Hegel, Hölderlin, Mörike and Schelling used to live there). And my job is to coach the students in their studies (theological seminars/courses and guidance) and to accompany them in their spiritual life (services and pastoral care). Besides that, I have the opportunity for own academic studies... It s been a couple of years that I ve studied in Beirut, but it has definitely been an impressive year till today. I loved living and learning in Lebanon and I thank NEST and SiMO for the opportunity to make these extraordinary experiences. When I came to Beirut I was curious what to expect. The months to come really taught me a lot, how Christianity is alive in many different ways from what I am used to, how life with different Religions and confessions can succeed and where the limits are. And how complex the situation in the Middle East actually is when you are in the midst of it. My experiences in Lebanon made me curious to travel other Middle Eastern countries and even work in one for a while. Above all, I met great people and made new friends who showed me the beauty of Lebanese life. During the last years I travelled back to Lebanon couple of times and I hope I ll be able to visit NEST again. Thank you for being a Christian anchor in the Middle East for students from abroad. And may God bless you, Verena E. Kozmann, SiMO 2009/2010, wrote: Anthropology Student, Social Sciences Department, University Vienna/Austria. In the moment I am working concentrated on my Master thesis, which I hope to finish in summer 2011.

20 18 NEST Uta Zeuge ( ) wrote: Katharina Kammeyer (2002/2003) - wrote: I work as a lecturer for Religious Education at Dortmund University, Germany. Wishing you all the best. Dennis Kumetat (2004/2005) wrote: Dear NEST friends and faculty, My year at NEST ( ) has been very important for me. Particularly living and learning with the same group of students was a great experience for me of which I have very fond memories. This exposure to the Arab Middle East, and NEST s opportunity to study at AUB as well helped me to sharpen my profile as a Middle East scholar that (after a second year in Lebanon as an MA-student in Middle Eastern Studies at AUB ) made me pursue my doctoral studies at the London School of Economics and Political Science as an LSE Kuwait Programme PhD Scholar. Although I have left the realm of theological research to work on climate and renewable energy policies in Arab countries now the year at NEST is amongst the most formative periods of my life. I am glad to hear congratulate the SiMO team for its 10th anniversary at NEST for its continuously warm welcome of the German SiMO students! The year I spend at NEST ( ) has been a very special one to me. I enjoyed the opportunities the program offered to learn more about Islam and the Oriental Churches in their Near Eastern context. The nice experiences as well as the challenges of NEST-life helped me to understand what communication between cultures means and how difficult it is to be yourself and at the same time to give up a part of yourself which doesn t belong there. Many steps I took after Beirut, would have not been taken, if I wouldn t have gone abroad for a year: I learned Arabic and am still trying to keep up with it; I met so many wonderful people from Lebanon, Syria or Egypt in Berlin and some of them became close friends; since January 2010 I m writing my PhD on the cultural exchange between American Missionaries and Lebanese-Protestant intellectuals in the 19th century. A part of the topic was inspired by people I encountered in Lebanon. Even after my year at NEST I always felt welcome in Sourati Street and I m looking forward to using the facilities of NEST s archives for my PhDproject in the coming months. I hope that the program Studies in the Middle East will be able to welcome many more generations of theologians, religious scientists and other students, who are interested in the religious diversities of Lebanon. I wish NEST, its faculty staff as well as its students all the best for the coming years and God s blessings, that the door may always be open for a dialogue between East and West.

21 NEST 19 Miriam Haar ( ) wrote: Dear NEST Family, I would like to take this opportunity to send you my warmest regards! Although I would love to see you all, I am unfortunately not able to come to Beirut this January. It was my great pleasure to meet Dr. Mary Mikhael at the Edinburgh 2010 Centenary celebrations in Edinburgh last June, and I hope that I will meet many of you soon. I am still so thankful for having had the wonderful opportunity to study at NEST and to be part of the NEST family. I always enjoy getting your news, and I look forward to hearing about the gathering this January. Since coming back from Lebanon in 2003, I have finished my studies of Protestant Theology at the University of Tübingen. Because of my interest in ecumenical encounters and much of it certainly goes back to my time at NEST in 2002/2003!! I joined the M.Phil. Program in Ecumenical Studies at the Irish School of Ecumenics, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. After graduation, I stayed at the Irish School of Ecumenics and started working on my PhD thesis. I am currently in the USA, doing some research for my PhD thesis at Yale Divinity School. I wish you a great gathering! You are in my thoughts and prayers! May God bless you all and keep you safe! Greetings from New Haven! Anna-Katharina Diehl, a German student, in her farewell chapel said the following: Dear NEST-Family! Three days ago, Johnny made a chapel for us. He made a chapel for those who leave. And he asked a question to the whole NEST-community: How would we like to be remembered? Now that I am going to leave this community soon, I ask myself: How will I personally remember this time, this community? To be honest: I didn t really want to deal with the topic of my exodus for a long time. I am facing now an uncertain future. I don t know in which city I am going to live the next year. Probably I won t see my family and my friends very often. I don t know, where my home will be. But in the last eight months I had a home. I had a home not just physically, but also psychologically and spiritually. This means a lot for me, because I missed especially a spiritual home at my former University Göttingen. There I might have gained a lot of knowledge in Theology, but here in NEST I rediscovered the real purpose of my studies not only for my task as a pastor but also for my life. important impacts with me which I will never forget. Johnny said, it might be like a stamp, that will never go away any more. Of course, on the one hand there are all the great experiences here in Lebanon, the interesting classes I took, the knowledge about this country and the politics of the Middle East, the perspectives of the Easter Christians and their relationships with their Muslim neighbours. I learned a lot just being in this part of the world and seeing things suddenly through completely different eyes. When I came to Lebanon I didn t really had a culture shock, because I somehow knew, that it would be very different from Germany and thus I expected, that it was different. But now I fear, that I will have a culture shock in Germany, because I will see a lot of things there now through the Middle-Easterner-Perspective. Hopefully this makes me critical of things but I pray to the Lord that he might help me not to get too bitter and scornful about things which do not please me; for example politics, the mentality and attitude of people, the ignorance of people about the Middle East. Even if I will leave in sixteen days, I will take very

22 20 NEST I know that it is a big gift from the Lord that I was allowed to study here. It is a possibility that not so many people get in their lives. Therefore I am thankand grateful that the Lord has send me and gave me the possibility to be here and to see things in a different light... On the other hand there are all my personal struggles with God. NEST community has been a place for me, where I could find a spiritual rest. The chapels, the community, our time here together were something very enriching for me: Suddenly I had a place, where I could live and act out my faith again, instead of just thinking and reflecting about it. I took time for me to be able to allow this again. The experience, to be able to express my relationship to God, was something very important for me. Reflection is good and necessary, but without a basis, a foundation in God, it is useless. NEST-community helped me with this a lot. You all have become a family for me in this time, and it is not easy for me, to leave this save and secure nest again. When I thought about this, I remembered a passage of the Gospel of Matthew: Mt 12: Who are my brothers and my sisters?, I ask myself. Now, that I have been here in NEST, I know, that my brothers and sisters in Christ are here. As Christians who try to follow the will of our father, you have become a family to me. Even if I will leave now, I know that we will be connected as Christians in our father in heaven. The purpose and also the challenge to leave, for me, is to witness about this community of God, and try to live it, especially there, where people feel homeless, like I felt homeless spiritually before coming. Maybe I will be able, to spread a bit of the NEST- Spirit in Germany. This idea makes me happy and gives leaving a reason. I am sure that being here was not only for my own purpose, but that God has a plan with me. He wanted me to come so that I start to see again. To see again, the things in life that are really important. I am sure he wants me to remember this when I am sad and without any aim. To remember the hours of happiness I felt here, when we sat together for meal and coffee, when we had a meeting, a chapel, when we played Volleyball, when we just talked about God and the world. When I was a child, my mother used to read to me a story from a child book. It deals with a family of mice that prepared for the winter, and a mouse called Frederic. All members of the family were very busy collecting fruits and corn, to have food as soon as it would be cold. But there was this one mouse, Frederic, who sat just next to a field, watching the flowers and the insects and the sun. And when the other mice came and asked him, why he was doing nothing but being lazy Frederic responded: I am collecting stories and colours! The other mice were first astonished and then very angry, when they heard that, because they themselves were hard working. But when the winter came and the mice sat around and were sad and depressive because of the winter, Frederic began to tell stories about the spring and the sun and the nature and about the beauty of the whole world. So the other mice felt better, because they could remember their good times and started to be happy again... Dear NEST Family and Friends, When I ll be back in Germany and I will be very sad this day or the other, I will remember all the stories and the colours I collected in NEST, like the mouse Frederic did it for the winter. We human beings need more in life, than just normal bread. We need spiritual bread which nourishes and feeds us in good and bad times. Through this community the Lord gave me real food. He gave me happiness and joy which I will hopefully keep and carry through my live. I am sure that I will never forget this year and what it meant to me. Therefore I want to thank you as a community, and the Lord for this wonderful time. Amen. And now, as I write my last Newsletter for the NEST, I praise God and thank all our friends. May all of you be blessed in Jesus Christ. My new is: mikhaelmary@gmail.com

23 NEST 21 The Rev. Dr. Wanis Semaan A Former NEST Professor of Church and Culture on and off from 1971 until he was elected President in 1985 and served as President until In 1990 Dr. Semaan moved with Ingrid his wife to Germany from where he was sent to teach in the Lutheran Seminary in Tanzania for five years after which he retired and moved to live in Hungary. Regretfully soon after that Ingrid passed away. Dr. Semaan was an ordained minister with the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon and represented the Synod on many Committees and Boards. He was very enthusiastic about promoting the ecumenical movement both locally and internationally. And thus he will be remembered as a servant of the church and of Theological education. Dr. Semaan went to be with the Lord on October 5, 2010 while he was with family in Mesa, AZ, USA, at the age of 76. Upon announcing his death NEST received many condolences from so many friends who valued deeply Dr. Semaan s friendship. One very special memory was written in Arabic by the Rt. Rev. Samir Kafity it says the following: في ذكرى شريك الخدمة الدينية المرحوم القس الدكتور ونيس سمعان. ك نت ونيسا مو ن سا بمحبة المسيح... للبشر وكنت حاملا لرسالة الا يمان والرجاء والمحبة وكنت ا خا وصديقا حميما لي ولجميع معاصريك فطوباك الى الديار الا بدية حي ث ا ع د لك المسي ح مكانا... نعم نع ما ا يها العبد الصالح والا مين كنت ا مينا في القليل فسوف ا قيمك على الكثير ا دخل الى فرح سيدك... ستبقى الذكريات الطيبة حية فينا كلما ذكرنا الحبيب القس ونيس. فطوباك خالدا في ملكوت االله وطوباك ذكرا مو بدا... بمحبة وذكريات المطران سمير قفعيتي. It was received through the Canon Dr. George Aweida.

24 22 NEST Carol Weir Get into the Resource Center for Christian Education and Women s Studies at the NEST and you will be first met by Carol Weir, living in a portrait to welcome all those who come to the center to study, be trained, and make good use of the resources. There is no Christian educator in the Presbyterian and Armenian Evangelical Churches in Syria and Lebanon who does not remember a teacher and a supervisor, and a friend in Carol Weir. Even in Sudan, Kenya, and other African countries Carol left a legacy in those who were trained at NEST. Doing education in the church and promoting women s issues were Carol s deepest concern. Carol and Ben created the Ann Weir Memorial, a Scholarship fund to help all women who study at NEST. Carol now is happily joined her beloved Ann up in heaven. On the other hand the NEST Resource Center has been a landmark to honor Carol and remember all her gifts and support. Carol and Ben were among the founders of the circle of the Friends of NEST in the USA. We praise God for the hours, days, and years Carol spent in God s service through the NEST and for NEST. Carol s memory is a loving one for all in the NEST larger community. Paul Löffler A Former NEST Professor of Mission and Ecumenical Relations supported by the Evangelical Church of Hessen and Nassau in Germany. Paul had a great career in the field of Theological Education both in Germany and in Lebanon. Paul was a great friend with continuous concern for the welfare of the NEST. He was the prime mover in the creation of the Study in the Middle East Program, aiming at a permanent relationship between NEST and the Church in Germany. While Paul is up in the presence of our great Lord, we praise God for his life and service, and shall always remember him with love.

25 NEST 23 Mufeed Ghuzlan Preacher Mufeed graduate of NEST with B.Th. in 1979, served all his life in the Hamlin s Hospital and Old People s Home. He died on January 17, God is honored by a faithful and a humble service and in the life of his servants. Helen Cassile Most of Miss Cassile s life career was spent in the Middle East doing education in schools in Syria and Lebanon - her way of witnessing to the love of God. After Helen s retirement she continued to serve the church in New York City. And the last of her years were in Westminster s Garden in Duarte, CA. Helen has always prayed for and supported the ministry of the NEST. While I am writing this I have received the news that Helen remembered NEST in her will one of three who will benefit from the residue of her estate. Helen retired forever to be with the Lord on January 11, We praise God for the life and witness of Miss Cassile. Her name will always be remembered as of a great friend of NEST. We all die in the hope of the Resurrection. To God be the glory! Kathryn Fay Hunsberger Seitz A Mennonite partner and a great friend of NEST moved to be with the Lord on June 5, Kathryn, with husband Ken, lived and worked in the Middle East as Mennonite staff caring for the poor and disadvantaged most particularly in Palestinian refugee camps. She had a passion for justice. She was a tireless advocate for children s and women s rights. She cared to see that NEST s activities to nurture understanding between Christians and Muslims continue. We praise God for those who give their lives showing love and promoting justice. On behalf of the whole NEST family i would like to express our deep sympathy to one of our staf, Marotzella Abboud who lost her mother after struggling with illness for few years. Marotzella gave much of her time and love to her mother and she continues to care for her elderly father.

26 Syria-Lebanon Network I am asked to inform all our friends that the PC(USA) has several networks aiming at getting to know churches in other countries and share news, prayers, and concerns. About (3-4) years ago the Syria-Lebanon Network was established aiming at getting to spread news of the churches in both Syria and Lebanon. If you are interested in getting regular news about happenings in these countries and find out how do the churches respond and in what ways they continue their witness you can request become on the list through sending your contact information to: Len Bjorkman: LenandJudy@stny.rr.com Marilyn Borst: marilynborst@aol.com

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28 We continue to depend on your prayers and support. Our ministry is indeed your ministry. You can continue to support us in any of the following ways: Through the PC (USA) Dear Friends, Make your checks payable to: Indicate on your check: Mail your contribution to: Presbyterian Church (USA) For deposit to ECO (N.E.S.T., Beirut) Presbyterian Church (USA) P.O. Box Pittsburgh, PA You will receive a receipt from the office in Louisville for your tax-deductible contribution. Also you will receive a letter of thanks from the President of N.E.S.T.. Direct checks in the name of N.E.S.T. on our address: Near East School of Theology P.O. Box Chouran Beirut Lebanon Your contribution is deeply appreciated Near East School of Theology P.O. Box Chouran Beirut Lebanon