From From The President

Transcription

1 نش رة موس مية تصدر عن كلية اللاهوت للش رق الا دنى December 2012 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) From From The President O Christ, begotten of the Father before all time, born in a stable at Bethlehem: May your Church be a sign of hope and joy! Many of us in Lebanon and Syria are very worried and anxious about the escalating violence in Syria. The humanitarian situation is devastating: tens of thousands killed and wounded, hundreds of thousands of displaced Syrians within their own country, hundreds of thousands of refugees in neighboring Turkey, Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon, and shortage of food, fuel, electricity and medical care in many cities and towns. It is indeed very difficult to celebrate Christmas in such a situation. How can we enjoy the Christmas season? How can we experience happiness and warmth and coziness in this special time of the year that is full of colors, gifts, beautiful music and family reunions, ask many people around us? To be sure, this is not the best setting for a traditional Christmas celebration. Yet, paradoxically, this situation in the Near East today is very similar to that of the very first Christmas, before Christmas celebrations became traditional. Jesus, the reason for Christmas, was born in a country that was occupied by a foreign power; the economic situation was hard; religious freedom was heavily restricted; the political regime was repressive; those who spoke truth to power were beheaded; religious zealots were everywhere; the birth of Jesus itself was observed by a massacre of babes and infants; and he and his family were displaced to another country! We are not just geographically in the region where Christ was born; we are also living under the same uncertain, turbulent, insecure, unpredictable and precarious situation! But Christmas for us, and indeed for all Christians, is the source of hope, not superficial happiness. It is the birth of hope for a world that is engulfed in violence, oppression, and intolerance that we celebrate in this season. It is the birth of hope that spurs Christians and churches here and elsewhere to come to the aid of all those who are suffering under the difficult conditions in Syria. It is in this atmosphere and in this context that the Near East School of Theology continues its mission of theological education. All of us at NEST are deeply troubled and truly anxious about the events in neighboring Syria. Many of our alumni and their families serve in churches there, and some of our current students, faculty members and staff are Syrians. We are affected by what is happening there, and we stand ready to do our share in meeting the needs of our Syrian brethren and sisters. Dear Friends, we ask for your prayers for Syria, for its people, that violence may cease and problems be resolved peacefully. Thanks be to God that we were able to commence a new academic year normally, despite all that is happening around us! We ask for your prayers and support so that we can remain and witness to the Good News of God s love in a region that is currently the source of much bad news! I wish all our friends, partners, and alumni a truly joyful and hope-filled Christmas!

2 2 NEST Beginning the Academic year Students Thirty-One students from 11 nations, speaking 7 languages, and belonging to the 3 major Christian traditions - Protestant, Orthodox and Catholic - are registered in the various degree and special programs in the first semester. NEST is a multinational, multicultural and ecumenical institution of theological learning. In addition to the regular degree programs, which have students from Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, And Nigeria, the Studies in the Middle East Program (SiMO) an ecumenical and inter-religious special program, has students from Germany, Demark, Armenia, Austria and South Africa. word of welcome was offered by Rev. A M. Karaguezian, president of the Union of Armenian Evangelical Churches and secretary of the Board of NEST, and the invoca on was given by Rev Zoorob, Pastor of the Episcopal Evangelical Church, Beirut. Dr. Paul Haidostian, president of Haigazian University and Member of the Board of NEST, presented the new president and closed by saying: I can confidently say, that if Protestantism in the Middle East would have liked to see in a theologian rigor and seriousness, in a teacher clarity and method, in a leader faithfulness and faith, in a preacher concern for the truth, in an administrator, ethical standards and transparency, in a public personality diplomacy and openness, in a Christian believer the rationally minded and soft spirited person, then the name would be our new president, George Sabra. Opening Convocation and President s Installation On Sunday, October 7th, The Near East School of Theology celebrated the opening convocation and installment of the ninth president, Dr. George Sabra. It was attended by students, faculty and staff, board members, representatives of AUB, LAU and Haigazian University, the Arab Baptist Seminary and friends of NEST.

3 NEST 3 The new president was installed by Rev. Dr. Salim Sahiouny, President of the Supreme Council of the Evangelical Community of Syria and Lebanon and Chairman of the Board of Managers, who presented Dr. G. Sabra with the symbol of office. The charge to the new president was given by Rev. M. Karaguezian who encouraged Dr. Sabra saying that although he had been entrusted with its leadership, it was the responsibility of the community to attend to the needs of the NEST together. He stressed that the NEST community is behind him and with him as we work together to sustain the school and nurture it in its unique role as a Protestant Theological Seminary and a beacon in the local community and in the wider Middle Eastern region. In response, Dr. Sabra gave an address on the three tasks of a Theological Seminary. He reminded and encouraged us that the role and responsibility of such an institution is to serve both the church and the wider community, to cope with change, responding to the challenges that the Church faces by thinking theologically and searching to find Biblical truths that can be applied to our changing world and working together to transform Church and society. Music was played by resident Ms. Lori Aintablian on piano, and student Lisa Mohns conducted the NEST choir in singing Jesu, Meine Freude by J.S. Bach. A reception followed the ceremony.

4 4 NEST NEST Retreat On the weekend of the 26th to 28th October, the N.E.S.T. students, staff and some residents went together on the annual retreat to Ain el Qassis in Dhour Chweir. The theme of the retreat was Protestant Spiritualities: An exploration of the variety of expressions of Christian spirituality. On Friday, after arrival in the afternoon, the participants went for a walk to a neighboring monastery. In the evening, an initial talk was given by Rev. Jacob Hansum, introducing the theme and identifying different spiritualities which relate to different personalities. In response to this the participants spent an evening of fun and competitive games in our personality groups. On Saturday morning a panel of seven students and staff shared their own spiritual journeys with the group which was very enlightening and encouraging. After coffee, small groups met to share their own stories about their own spiritual journeys. This was so well received that it was requested small groups be established at the N.E.S.T. for such sharing, prayer and support to continue throughout the coming year. After dinner, participants watched and discussed the film Kahula and spent the evening playing fun games together. On Sunday morning, the retreat was concluded with a final session of worship and communion celebrated by Rev. Arne Kappelgaard. It was a refreshing weekend enjoyed by all, and a wonderful opportunity to get to know the other members of the N.E.S.T. community this year.

5 NEST 5 Pastors Sabbatical Program The Near East School of Theology runs a special program for pastors who take a three month sabbatical and come to the Middle East to be part of the Studies in the Middle East Program that NEST offers for foreigners. Besides these studies they also visited churches, schools, NGO s, met with church leaders as well as Muslim scholars and sheikhs who are involved in Christian- Muslim dialogue. The pastors, in 12 weeks of their stay in NEST, went on 32 visits. Public Lectures Pastors who participated in this program: From left to right Rev. Katrin Edith Klopfel (Germany) Mrs. Ingeborg Kappelgaard (Denmark) Rev. Dr. Carola Krieg (Germany) Rev. Arne Kappelgaard (Denmark) Rev. Renate Ellmenreich (Germany) Rev. Wolfgang Grieb (Germany) The Near East School of Theology holds monthly public lectures which bring together academicians and church leaders and all interested persons to listen and discuss the topics presented. October 18, 2012 Is there Meaning in Suffering? Kjell Kellenberg, Ph.D Professor of Theology, University of Uppsala, Sweden. November 15, 2012 December 13, 2012 Is Dialogue Going Anywhere? Reflections on a Century of Christian Muslim Dialogue Rev. Colin Chapman Visiting professor, Islamic Studies, Near East School of Theology. Divine Hospitality: The Theology of the Other in Christianity and Islam. Panel Discussion of the book of Fr. Fadi Daou and Dr. Nayla Tabbara. Discussants: Dr. Sylvie Avakian Ma amarbashi and Dr. Amin Farshoukh.

6 6 NEST Training Events at the Christian Education Resource Center A) Joy of Sunday School V & More Sunday School Teachers Training Seminar was held on September 29, 2012, in the Near East School of Theology. We had 61 participants coming from 17 different churches, 1 school and 1 NGO. Our training seminar was divided into two sessions: 1. A Student & More: Understanding Our Students & Leading Them To A Life Of Spiritual Growth. 2. Lesson & More: Learning Styles of Students Presented by Mr. Youeel Tarabay Training in Session Sharing a fellowship lunch in NEST Dining Hall

7 NEST 7 Agnete with some of the participants B. BIBLIODRAMA II & III A Spiritual Journey from Within to Without. November 24, 2012 Bibliodrama II & III were led by Rev. Agnete G. Holm from Dan Mission. As these two events are for very small groups, we had 15 participants from 11 churches. Bibliodrama is not drama or theater; it is spiritual counseling in a group with the help of a biblical text. There is a Bibliodrama leader who guides and leads the group through the text and through the issues that emerge. Bibliodrama was invented in a Capuchin monastery in Germany and is inspired by Ignatian spirituality. C. SURVIVING WAR The speaker was Dr. Dawn Penner, a Canadian psychotherapist working with the Mennotite Central Committee (MCC) in Lebanon. There were 24 participants coming from 8 churches, 6 schools, 2 missionary associations and one reporter from a German newspaper. Two main sessions were held on one day (Dec.1, 2012) Session 1 Surviving war involves a complex combination of coping skills and serendipity or chance. This session explored some of the coping skills that aid in survival and how these same skills may disrupt well-being in the aftermath of war and the impact of war on psychological, relational, and spiritual well-being. Dr. Dawn Penner Session 2 Safety and Compassion in the Recovery Process. Compassion and safety are critical components of the recovery process. Participants were introduced to counseling skills and concept that can assist in self-care and counseling others.

8 8 NEST NEST Goes to the Churches In its new outreach to the churches, NEST responded to the invitation of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Jabal Amman- Jordan, and sent Dr. Johnny Awwad, Associate Professor of New Testament, to deliver two lectures at the church between the 30th of November and the 2nd of December, In the context of the Church's monthly public lectures, Dr Awwad lectured (in Arabic) on: "The Phenomenon of Exorcism in Jesus' Ministry," and "The Gospel of Barnabas: Authentic, Apocryphal or Forgery?" The average attendance of each lecture was about 75 people. Dr. Awwad also preached on December 2nd, 2012, the First Sunday of Advent, at the Church of the Redeemer on How do we prepare ourselves during Advent? Dr. J. Awwad in Amman Faculty Training Seminar In preparation for this current academic year, and in fulfillment of NEST s commitment to continually improve the Faculty s teaching skills, NEST Faculty organized a one-day seminar on Faculty Training for Better Teaching and Learning led by Dr. Perry Shaw, a former professor at NEST and an expert in Education and Leadership Training. All the full-time faculty as well as other part-time members attended this one-day training. It dealt with Course Syllabi Development, Designing Effective Discussion Questions, and new methods of conducting classroom sessions. Our faculty members were very grateful for this opportunity and gave very positive feedback.

9 NEST 9 Continuing Education Seminar Professor Daniel Migliore The Continuing Education Seminar took place from July 9-12, Professor Daniel Migliore, Hodge Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary, led the Seminar on the topic, Eschatology, Ethics and Pastoral Ministry: Insights from Paul s Letters to the Philippians and Philemon. The Seminar consisted of lectures and discussion after the lectures, then small group discussions. The participants, altogether numbering 27 alumni of NEST and other pastors and interested church leaders appreciated Prof. Migliore s contribution very much. Especially impressive was the combination of systematic theological ideas with practical pastoral concerns. Prof. Migliore s lectures were profound and engaging; his material was carefully prepared; it was thought-provoking and generated good and helpful discussions. The Seminar was also an occasion for alumni to reconnect with each other and to spend time in our library. Commencement On Saturday June 23rd, the NEST community celebrated the graduation of three students, all in the Masters in Divinity Program; Hagop Akbasharian, Saleem Dawani and Hovhannes Hovsepyan who will serve respectively in the Lebanon, Palestine and Armenia. An encouraging and inspiring word was given by Dr. Arda Ekmekji, and the ceremony was attended by students, staff, families and Board members. NEST congratulates the graduates for their hard work and achievement and wishes them all God s blessings for the coming chapters of their lives. Prof. Arda Ekmekji

10 10 NEST Faculty & Graduates NEST Graduates and their families were invited to a special dinner. During the dinner Dr. George Sabra also gave them gifts on behalf of NEST. The Graduates, Hovhannes Hovsepian, Saleem Dawani & Hagop Akbasharian with their families

11 NEST 11 The meal and the gifts to our dear graduates Board Meeting The Board of Managers of the Near East School of Theology held its Fall meeting on December 7, Representatives from the four constituent churches (National Evangelical Synod, Armenian Evangelical Union, Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and Ev. Lutheran Church of Jordan and the Holy Land) were present. Also attending were Associate Members: Mr. Amgad Biblawi, Presbyterian Church USA, and Dr. Peter Makari, United Church of Christ and Christian Church. The Board listened to the President s report and discussed and approved the Audited Financial Statement. New officers were elected for the coming academic year: Chairperson: Rev. Mgrditch Karagoezian; Vice-Chairperson: Rev. Fadi Dagher; Secretary: Mr. Moris Jahshan; Treasurer: Mr. Moussa Zorob.

12 12 NEST Life at NEST On the evening of Tuesday June 19, NEST students prepared a dinner to appreciate the kitchen staff for their efforts during the year. Thus the kitchen staff were invited to a BBQ dinner and all students cooked and served the staff who felt appreciated beyond words. Mo ueen, Mohammad, Jneid Our kitchen staff

13 NEST 13 Building News! Two major new improvements to life and work at NEST were introduced this Fall: the installation of a Solar Heating system and the purchase of a new Generator for electricity. Solar Heating NEST is going green! In order to save energy, safeguard the environment and save on cost of fuel, the Administration proposed to the Board of Managers the installation of solar heating for the building. The Board approved this in its Spring Meeting (2012) and the work began in summer. It is now complete, and NEST building has already began to tap the sun s energy for heating. NEST wishes to thank the Trull Foundation, Mennonite Central Committee Beirut office, United Churches of Christ (USA), Grosse Pointe Memorial Church, MI, USA, for donating almost half the cost ($ 19,925). Funds are still needed to enable us to cover the rest. Lebanon is a country with a chronic electricity shortage. Ever since the first years of the war in this country, 1976, there has been electricity rationing for several hours a day all over Lebanon. Twentytwo years after the end of the war, the situation has not changed much. Homes, institutions, factories, etc. have to have their own private alternate source of power. NEST had its own generator, installed in 1992, but it began to break down in recent months. The decision to replace it had to be taken urgently, although it had not been foreseen in the budget. Through an appeal to local churches and partners and friends abroad, NEST was able to purchase and install a new and more powerful generator that covers its needs for the whole building. Thanks are especially due to the Presbyterian Church of Canada, Presbyterian Church USA, and the Family of the late Kamal Haddad (M. Div. 93). Pledges from the NEST Board Churches have also been received. New Generator

14 14 NEST Daily Chapel Service at Noon Coffee after lunch and fellowship time Sports Time Studying in the Library

15 NEST 15 Celebrations of Advent and Christmas On Friday December 14, 2012, the NEST community celebrated Advent (and Christmas). We had our worship service in the big chapel. The sermon was given by Rev. Susanna Faust-Kallenberg, Secretary for Interfaith Relations in the Evangelical Churches of Hessen and Nassau, Germany. The NEST Choir was directed by one of our students, Lisa Mohns. Holy communion was celebrated by Rev. Suhail Saoud, pastor of the Evangelical Church of Beirut. The NEST Choir Rev. Susanna Faust-Kallenberg After the worship service, all were invited to share a fellowship dinner in the NEST dining hall where a love offering was also collected for supporting a nursery / day-care for the children of migrant working women. This is part of the Philemon Project, which is run by the Englishspeaking Congregation of the National Evangelical Church of Beirut. Christmas fellowship dinner

16 16 NEST NEST Architect Awarded Prestigious Prize Mr. Kevork Karajerjian, the architect who mainly designed the NEST building and now residing in the U.S.A., has been awarded the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor for his lifelong architectural achievements and community services. The Medal of Honor award recognizes remarkable Americans who exemplify outstanding qualities in both their personal and professional lives, while continuing to preserve the richness of their particular heritage. Congratulations!

17 NEST 17 Norma Gedeon ( 89) Colleagues of Norma at NEST posted their condolences on the NEST Alumni Facebook page: Najla Abou Sawwan Kassab ( 87): Very, very sad news. Norma was my roommate and classmate at NEST, and my neighbor. May God give her family Christ's peace and consolation. She is with the Lord, but we will miss her greatly... Houry Moubahajian Moussa Oghli ( 88): I haven't seen Norma since 1988; I haven't had any news about her life & family, and suddenly I hear that she passed away... I remember her great faith, hope and love to Christ, so she's at Home now. Christ's consolation to her family. Bassam, Norma s husband, wrote: Norma Gedeon Chedid is with the Lord. In His infinite wisdom, our Heavenly Father has called home Norma Chedid. She, entered fully into the presence of her Lord and Savior Saturday, October 20, 2012, following a courageous battle with Lymphoma, that never diminished her wonderful faith. What gives us comfort at this difficult time is the knowledge that Norma has passed from this earthly tent forever at home with the Savior she faithfully and passionately served and loved all her life. "Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands." (2 Corinthians 5: 1). Gaby Adisho ( 87): Oh!! Norma was an amazing friend and colleague at NEST. I can still enjoy remembering her beautiful voice singing and playing the piano. What a beautiful soul she had. I am saddened by her loss, but comforted to know that the Norma I knew had a strong faith and relationship with the Lord.. I enjoy her presence every time I listen to my recording from those days, and listening to the musical group The Better Life الافضل الحياة. In her wonderful personality she touched everyone around her then.. I have not been able to obtain any news of her since the NEST days. My sincere condolences to her family in Colorado and in Zahleh, if still there.. And to all Norma's friends: May love and peace be with you! Hala Edward Bitar ( 99): Norma, I will never forget how you touched my life before going to NEST. May your soul rest in the hands of the Lord forever! Shake` Geotcherian ( 90, 00, 11): It was with great sadness that I heard about Norma's passing away. We studied together at the Near East School of Theology and became roommates also. She was a wonderful person who had such passion for the Lord. I pray for the family that she left behind, that God may strengthen them as they face each new day without her at home. May the peace of God that passes all understanding fill your hearts and minds.

18 18 NEST HANNA, REV. EDWIN BELL, 85, formerly of Kentucky and the Republic of Lebanon, died July 26, 2012 at a nursing home in McCalla, AL. For nearly 35 years, Rev. Hanna faithfully served the Presbyterian Church (USA) as a missionary in the Republic of Lebanon, working with the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon, including 10 years during the civil war in Lebanon. He also served on the Board of Managers of the Near East School of Theology for many years. Rev. Hanna was deeply loved and respected by his family, by colleagues, and by many friends across the globe, especially those congregants he served in churches in the United States and the Republic of Lebanon. He was an advocate for peace and social justice. His rich legacy of service will continue in the lives of all he touched. NEST offers its sincerest condolences to the Hanna family. The following words, from a eulogy that Edwin Hanna gave for his mother-in-law nearly 40 years ago, express our and his Christian hope and faith: I shall sleep in my room until the Lord knocks on the door and then I will wake in a moment and spend the rest of eternity making merry with my Lord. Kamal Haddad, NEST graduate ( 93) and evening Circulation Librarian for over 22 years, passed away on September 26, A funeral service was held on Sept. 28 in the National Evangelical Church of Beirut. NEST faculty, staff and many students were in attendance. The Rev. Habib Badr eulogized him saying that Kamal was a calm, quiet and gentle person, highly cultured and well-read He loved the Near East School of Theology and served it faithfully for many years, and while still living he donated a building he owned in Ras Beirut to the NEST and to his church. NEST will be forever in his debt for this generous donation, and it intends to honor his memory in an appropriate manner in the near future. Blessed are those who die in the Lord, says the Spirit. They will rest from their labors, and their deeds will follow them. (Rev. 14:13)

19 NEST 19 NEST received many messages of condolences. Here are some: Huda Kandalaft ( 99): Mr. Haddad brings back a lot of sweet memories of the NEST library and dinner times. He was a special man. I will always remember him with thanksgiving to God. May he rest in peace. Rita Kharrat: (Former NEST Librarian): I am so sorry to hear about the death of Mr. Haddad. I know Mr. haddad was a great and well-loved man. He was always kind and helpful. I remember good moments spent with him in the library. Saleem Dawani ( 12): I would like to convey my deepest condolences on the death of Mr. Haddad. He was a wonderful person and was very devoted towards his work. He had excellent management skills, and I have learned so many things from him. He always had good words for me whenever we met. I will miss him so much. ببالغ الهزن والا س ف تلقينا نبا وفاة الا خ كمال حداد. ا ود با س مي وبا س م عاءلي وبا س م الكنيس ة الا نجليلة اللوثرية في الا ردن والا راض ي المقدس ة بطواءفها وموءس س اتها الكنس ية والاجتماعية والشقافية والتربوية ا ن ا تقدم ا ليكم با حر التعازي القلبية. نطلب له الرحمة ولكم من بعده طول البقاء الرب ا عطى والرب ا خذ ليكن ا س م الرب مباركا. المطران د. منيب ا. يونان رءيس الكنية الا نجيلية اللوثرية

20 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) 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. You will also receive a letter of thanks from the President of N.E.S.T.. Direct checks in the name of N.E.S.T.: Near East School of Theology P.O. Box Chouran Beirut Lebanon Bank wire transfers: Byblos Bank, Bliss Branch - Beirut, Lebanon Account Name: Near East School of Theology Byblos Bank Swift Code: BYBALBBX Account #: for Dollars Transfers Account #: for Euro Transfers IBAN: LB for Dollars Transfers LB for Euro Transfer Your contribution is deeply appreciated If you would like to receive this newsletter electronically, please send us your address. Near East School of Theology P.O. Box Chouran Beirut Lebanon