| Musalaha - 'forgiveness and reconciliation' |
This is an example of how one OC partner school is influencing their
community for Christ.  "We have no other choice but to be one because 'He is our peace, and He is our reconciliation'...Together we can bring real hope of the real peace for our nations." These are the
words of John*, a Palestinian Christian and pastor who
has allowed the ministry of Musalaha to work in his heart
for good and for change. As conflict in the Holy Land persists, Musalaha seeks to be an encouragement and facilitator of reconciliation. This ministry, founded in 1990 by Bethlehem Bible College (BBC) Academic Dean Dr. Salim J. Munayer, works to produce forgiveness and relationship between Palestinian Arab Christians and Israeli Messianic Jews. How does it happen? On the basic foundation of their faith in Jesus Christ - following Biblical commandments and the life and teaching of Jesus to love their neighbors and even their enemies.
Colossians 3:13 - Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Matthew 5:9 - Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God. *Name has been changed for security purposes. 1 David W. Shenk, "The Gospel of Reconciliation Within the Wrath of Nations," International Bulletin of Missionary Research, 32.1 (2008): p. 5. |
Musalaha's ministry brings people together through youth and women's activities, summer camps, conferences, theological seminars and desert encounters, where participants must communicate, build relationships and rely on each other through the journey's challenges. A willingness to share stories and personal pain from the conflict leads to a deeper understanding of each other and a friendship that could have never existed before. Transformed, they "return to their communities committed to salting their context with the reconciling love of Jesus Christ."1
"My relation with Jewish friends started with Musalaha, but it did not stop there," John continued. "What these programs did was motivate me to be more active in making the effort to build relations together. It is true that in every step I took, I discovered that we are different, but also I believed that we can still enjoy our unity in our diversity." |
Middle East future development OC is in the process of developing partnerships with Christian local training networks in two countries where there has been no previous access to theological education. |
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Thank you from OC scholarship students "God gave me confidence to proceed and not give up because of your support. God has been teaching me that He will provide if I will follow His calling. My heart is full of confidence now about my future pastoral ministry." - Nile Theological College Student in Sudan (NTCS) "Much of what I am learning is helping me to better serve my community. Your generosity is another very practical demonstration of God's faithfulness to me - thank you so much!" - Middle East Student |
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How can you be involved?
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| OC's first Institute of 2008 - Cairo, Egypt |
OC's first 2008 Institute for Excellence in Christian Leadership Development was held in the Middle East January 14-18. The event was hosted by OC partner Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo (ETSC), headed by Rev. Dr. Atef Gendy. This marks the eighth year the Institute has been held in the Middle East.
Those who attended were leaders of strategic training programs in the region, coming from Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Egypt, Pakistan, Sudan and Turkey - all countries where minority Christian communities face particularly difficult challenges. During the five-day Institute themed "Leadership Matters," regional seminary presidents focused on topics designed to equip them to more effectively lead their schools. Subjects of discussion included the importance of integrity, leadership styles, handling conflict positively, delegating authority and responsibility, building and leading a team, excelling under pressure, coaching/mentoring and passing the baton of leadership. In addition, Compassion International provided guidance and resources to enable the seminaries to enhance their training in the area of holistic child development. OC's Middle East strategy and programs are directed by Regional Director Abraham Najjar*.
*Name has been changed for security purposes. [See Cairo Institute Speaker List in sidebar] |
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Cairo Institute speaker list
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