Download faithful women on the road: lebanon and syria

FAITHFUL WOMEN ON THE ROAD:
LEBANON AND SYRIA
AUG 17 – SEPT 2 (or AUG 30**), 2010
The Outreach Foundation cordially invites you
to consider joining a group of women from
Presbyterian churches around the US on a unique
mission journey to the Middle East this summer
to meet, learn about and build personal
relationships with Presbyterian women from Syria and
Lebanon. Led by Marilyn Borst, The Outreach
Foundation’s Atlanta-based Associate Director for
Partnership Development, and hosted by Dr. Mary
Mikhael, the President of Near East School of Theology
in Beirut, these two sisters-in-Christ and long-time ministry
partners model the joyful possibilities of what happens when friendships are sustained by
shared faith and enriched over time.
Departing from the States on August 17, we will arrive in Beirut on the 18th for 5 days in
the city known as “the Paris of the Middle East.”
In and around Beirut, we will explore the historic
sights, encounter the congregations and
ministries of the Presbyterian Church, and
through fellowship and dialogue, begin to catch a
glimpse into the lives of faith and family, of
mission and ministry, lived out in this part of
the world by our sisters with whom we will
meet. Our journey will continue on into Syria,
with another five days spent in legendary places
like Damascus and Aleppo---both cities with a
vital Presbyterian presence---as well as in smaller towns where we will meet even more
Presbyterian sisters who will introduce us to their churches which give witness to
Christ within the Muslim context.
Along the way, we’ll explore ancient wonders
and historic sites, and be reminded of the
Biblical significance of these lands (i.e., the
cedars that Solomon used to build the Temple
were shipped from Tyre, just south of Beirut)
not to mention the earliest foundations of our
Christian faith (Bishops from Syria were
present at the Council of Nicea in 325!) We
trust that our fellowship during these days --as Presbyterians from Syria, Lebanon and the
United States---- will enrich and strengthen “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”
to which we are called in Christ Jesus.
Returning to Lebanon on the 29th, we will spend the last 3
days of our trip at a gathering of hundreds of
Presbyterian women from the region who will meet up in
the mountain retreat center of Dhour Schwer. We will
be the guests of the Synod through Mrs. Najla Kassab,
Director of Christian Education for the Synod, for part of
the week of learning, fellowship and
exuberant worship. As we conclude our
journey here, we will take time to reflect upon our experiences as we
look ahead to discerning ways in which we can continue to pray for and
encourage one another and discern opportunities for partnership in
ministry which furthers Christ’s Kingdom, before catching our flights
home on September 2nd.
**NOTE REGARDING A FLEXIBLE ENDING TO THIS TRIP:
If necessary, it is possible to return to Beirut on August 29 and fly back to the States
on the 30th.
The trip will be facilitated by the Rev. Dr. Nuhad
Tomeh, PC(USA) Mission Co-worker and Liaison for
Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and the Gulf. The land cost of the
trip, which includes lodging (double occupancy), most
meals, ground transportation, guides and site entrance fees,
plus pickup upon arrival at Beirut Airport is $1550.
Additional costs include the Syrian visa ($100) [Lebanese
visas are free and given at the Beirut airport upon arrival.],
R/T air from your home city (example: Atlanta/Beirut is
approx $1450), tips and some meals.
Registration forms will be handled through The Outreach
Foundation and can be obtained by contacting Diane
Booth: [email protected] or 800-791-5023.
A non-refundable fee of $150---which will be applied to the land cost of the trip---should
be sent in with the registration form. The balance of the land cost should be paid no later
than June 1. Land costs paid to The Outreach Foundation will be receipted. Mission trip
costs are tax deductible only to the extent permitted by the Internal Revenue Service. You
are urged to contact your own tax advisor. Participants will secure their own Syrian visa
and flights to/from Beirut. Please contact Marilyn Borst if you have questions:
[email protected] or 404-431-9402.
3 March 2010
A little more about the Presbyterian Church in this region…
With 38 congregations and 20 additional preaching points, The National Evangelical
Synod of Syria and Lebanon (Presbyterian) reaches into the length and breadth of two
of the most strategic countries in the Middle East. Its 22 pastors, 4 licensed lay preachers
and 2 certified Christian educators are responsible for nurturing the spiritual life of some
20,000 members. The
Synod also sponsors five
secondary
and
two
elementary schools in
Lebanon, with enrollment
around 6500 students and
three secondary schools in
Syria with around 5000
pupils. The Synod also
shares in the sponsorship
of the Near East School
of Theology, a seminary
which trains leaders for
churches of the area and
the surrounding region. A
ministry of care for the
elderly is lived out in the
peaceful Mount Lebanon setting of Hamlin Hospital (once famous for its treatment of
tuberculosis sufferers). And at Dhour Schwer, the Synod’s conference and retreat
center, summer camps and yearly conferences for youth, families, university students
and women refresh and equip the faithful for life and ministry. As a member of the
Fellowship of Middle East Evangelical Churches, the Synod joins regionally in
programs with churches in places like Egypt, Iraq and Iran.