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Connection
INTERNATIONAL
Re-engaging in the Middle East
 12
PRESBYTERIAN
SUMMER 2018
presbyterian.ca
   By Glynis Williams, Associate Secretary, International Ministries
The Presbyterian Church in Canada has been involved in the Middle East region since the 1800s. Since the mid 1980s, this connection has included mission personnel appoint- ments and supporting specialized ministries through grants, scholar- ships and partner visits.
The seven years of war in Syria has been devastating for the 5.6 million refugees, which has affected neighbouring Lebanon also. Eight years after the Kairos Palestine Doc- ument (2009) was released, we re- ceived the June 2017 statement from the National Coalition of Christian Or- ganizations in Palestine. It called on the World Council of Churches and the global ecumenical movement to act. The statement said that Pales- tinians had reached the “impossible moment,” and urged us to “costly solidarity.” The PCC has a history and a connection to this region, and this seems like the moment when we should intentionally engage more deeply.
Our partners
The National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon (NESSL) is a bi- national church and a PCC partner. In Canada, we have benefitted from the presence of Syrian Ministers and Christian leaders who are now in Canada, graduates of another partner, the Near East School of
Theology (NEST). NESSL is also an implementing partner in Syria relief efforts, using their church networks to deliver aid. This work is supported by PWS&D.
The Joint Christian Committee (JCC), based in Beirut, has been serving Palestinian refugees since 1951 and now welcomes Syrian refugees. Children and adults are supported in educational, sports and income-generating activities in the Dbayeh and Sabra/Shatila camps. The PCC has supported these pro- grams that promote autonomy and dignity, and sustain their unique cul- ture.
The Near East School of Theol- ogy (NEST) is a Protestant Seminary serving the evangelical churches whose primary purpose is to train pastors and church workers for ministry in the churches and other evangelical organizations in the Mid- dle East. It is also concerned with continuing education for pastors and church workers in active service and with theological education of the la- ity. The PCC has supported the theo- logical and Library Science studies of Liza Titizian, who will graduate in 2018 and will be the first Indigenous librarian at NEST in decades. The President, Dr. George Sabra, received the 2018 E. H. Johnson Award for the Cutting Edge of Mission for his pro- motion of Muslim-Christian dialogue (see page 9). He spoke on the rise of religious and political extremism as a challenge for the church.
Top image: EAPPI community meeting; Above left: A monument at the Mount of Be- atitudes; Right: Palestinian children participating in programs with the JCC.
  The Joint Advocacy Initiative (JAI) is a joint program of the East Jerusalem YMCA and YWCA of Palestine. The JAI advocates for peace and justice in the occupied Palestinian territories. They do this by raising awareness of the issues, as well as organizing campaigns and initiatives to involve people locally and internationally. The JAI networks with local advocacy organizations, runs the Olive Tree Campaign and promotes the Kairos Palestine document, to enhance inter- national advocacy work with partners. In 2017, the PCC raised $3,445 to
plant olive trees in Palestine, the ba- sic source of livelihood and nutrition across the Mediterranean basin, and an ancient symbol of peace.
The Ecumenical Accompaniment Program in Palestine/Israel (EAPPI)
The World Council of Churches’ Ecu- menical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (WCC-EAPPI) was created in 2002 by the World Council of Churches based on a let- ter and an appeal from local church leaders to create an international presence in the country. The volun- teers, as proposed by WCC member churches, are known as Ecumenical Accompaniers (EAs) who serve for three months before returning to their church communities. EAs from all age groups aim to offer a protective presence to vulnerable communi- ties, monitoring and reporting human rights abuses. They join Palestinians and Israelis who work in nonviolent ways for peace, and they interact
with myriad international, Israeli and Palestinian partners. Since 2007, the PCC has supported eight Ecumenical Accompaniers.
International Ministries seeks to accompany partners as they pursue God’s mission in the world, and learn about their challenges and faithful re- sponses.
Recognizing the need for deeper engagement with partners, a
Middle East Liaison position
will be explored by International Ministries. The person would be based in Canada, and would cover the countries of Lebanon, Jordan and Israel/Palestine, making trips
to the region each year. For more information about this position, pleasecontactim@presbyterian.ca.
  SEARCHING FOR A FULL-TIME MINISTER
 NEW ST. JAMES
 PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH LONDON, ONTARIO
www.newstjames.com
Contact: Interim Moderator,
Rev. Dr. Andrew Fullerton 519-438-3492 afullerton.elmwoodchurch.ca@gmail.com
 


































































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