Lebanese Bakery ... Sunday, November 2, 2008

I went to church with Dr. Johnny Awwad on Sunday. On the way he took me to a bakery to get Knafeh, a traditional Lebanese breakfast sweet. It is a bread with sesame seeds on top, then is stuffed with a cheese that is baked with nuts and sugar syrup on top. Very delicious and rich! I've just thrown the Weight Watchers point system into the Mediterranean Sea...

Weekends at the N.E.S.T. - November 1, 2008

Weekends at the N.E.S.T. are very quiet. Many students go home to be with their families and churches. The ones who live farther from home stay. We decided to have a movie night in the student lounge so I attempted to make a cake. I am a bit challenged with the oven in my apartment so Terra and new friend, Mohammed, helped me. To start the oven, the pilot must be lit with a match. Oven lit, now it was time to set the temperature. The highest setting was 350 and of course, that was what my cake mix required... so we fired up the oven to preheat. I put the cake on and Terra noted it seemed to be baking quickly. Silly me... we are not in Farenheight territory... 350 really meant 500 degrees or more! YIkes! Luckily the oven was turned down and the pumpkin cake salvaged for movie night!

We watched "Mama Mia" in the student lounge. I caught one photo of Bahjet Khader, Jirair "Jiro" Ghazarian, John M'mbirithi, Terra Winston, and Talar Marashlian before the movie began. Bishop Peter Munde, the Dorman Family, Yacoub Sabbagh, Salim Dawani, and Jacqueline Hoover were also in and out of the movie viewing. The plot and humor was difficult for some. After the movie, Yacoub played different humorous short video clips of Mr. Bean and Coke commercials about Priests and, well, you had to be here. All I can say is, people here like to laugh, which is fun!

The weekend weather was glorious. During the late afternoon Terra Winston and I retreated to Cafe Younes for little break and time for internet for me and grading Hebrew papers for her! We also stopped in the Cigale... a delightful candy and pastry shop. Yummmmmmmm!

None of the staff are around on the weekends so the students man the front door desk in shifts. It is just a very different rhythm and a bit lonely. All the more fun to gather together, even if some are studying and others are writing or reading or playing music. It has been fun to trade music. I'm learning a lot about contemporary Christian music from Jiro.

Tonight the students hosted a welcome party in the student lounge. There were snacks and games and music and dancing. The games were so fun... I haven’t laughed so hard in a long time. First was a game where one person left the room... the students selected David Dorman. Then the room was divided into three groups. We selected a piece of scripture that is three words, “God is Love”. Each group was assigned one of the words and when David was brought back in, our groups shouted out our word simultaneously and he had to guess the scripture. It sounds easier than it is. The dancing was wonderful. I think I am partial to the Lebanese dancing as there was a lot of stomping and it was a simple pattern I could follow! The Lebanese dance is called the Debkih. There were two versions and evidently there are many different variations. Then an Assyrian dance was introduced... much more intricate. So fascinating to watch. We played some other game that involved partners and music stopping and dropping to the ground. I believe I need a knee replacement after tonight. My partner, Hagop, and I were the last ones standing... or dropping, however you say.

The young women students were trying to show how to do the dancing hip movement. They were beautiful! I didn’t get close to mastering that move so the hip replacement is not yet a consideration... I have a couple more weeks so let’s see how brave the 45-year-old is...

While the young women were showing me the dance moves I asked one if this is a type of dance her Mother would do. She shared “no” and I believe she told me this was the first time she has danced. She has just come to Beirut from her village in South Lebanon and I found she was born in 1991 so she is just 17. She looked like a natural on the dance floor and I am more curious to know her better. Perhaps it is like my daughter where she and her friends try out dancing when they have sleepovers or play dates. Good grief... I woke up this morning and realized this young woman is only seven years older than my children!

Of course my knee is still feeling the effect of the welcome party dancing and games but the memories are sweet. I often tell people if I was to attend seminary, it would not be in the U.S., but at the N.E.S.T. The level of education, along with the many added enhancements of an education in this diverse community is invaluable. I was talking with one of the M.Div. students I met last year and mentioned how much growth I had seen in him since my last visit. I believe the community at the N.E.S.T. stretches students in their faith and studies to truly shine as children of God as they seek to follow their call.

U.S. Election Buzz... forum October 30 at A.U.B.

At 5:00 p.m. I attended a forum at the American University of Beirut, which is just down the street from the N.E.S.T. The title: “Real Change? A forum on U.S. elections” So the title may tip the tone of the event. It was presented by the Center for American Studies and Research and the panel included Karim Makdisi, Patrick McGreevy and Marcus Marktanner (shown in order in the photo). Each of the three presented a short presentation. Marktanner spoke about politics and economics during this moment of economic upheaval. McGreevy addressed the prospects that the this election will initiate fundamental social and political change in the U.S. Makdisi examined the question of change in U.S. foreign policy, particularly in regard to the Middle East. In a nutshell, there was a resounding agreement that it didn’t matter which candidate wins the election to create change in the foreign policy. That sentiment has been echoed in just about any circle I’ve been in and discussed the election since I arrived in Beirut.
Social change was given a slim chance of happening but only if there is a movement of people from the ground up. One women in the audience who has just returned from teaching in St. Louis mentioned the excitement around Obama’s candidacy, especially among college aged voters. She felt these voters would hold Obama accountable for his promises, should Obama win. Makdisi noted he had attended an Obama rally while visiting the U.S. to experience the hype and I was amused when he stated his friends warned him not to drink the Kool-aid. Another audience member expressed he felt since the U.S. is so powerful in the World that the U.S. voters should take international concerns into account when voting. I couldn’t hear him clearly but it almost felt like he might be suggesting the international community should have a vote in our election. Now that would be interesting. A professor that appeared to have U.S. ties noted that within the U.S., people are so stressed by the current economic situation that realistically they are very introverted and internalistic in their view. It is clear Obama is the candidate of choice in any of the groups I have encountered discussion of our election. Tonight, during the forum it was asked if there were any McCain supporters in the audience. I would say there were approximately 125 people in attendance and perhaps 15-20 U.S. citizens. (It’s hard to say about that part.) In this atmosphere, had there been a McCain supporter, I’m not sure they would acknowledge it. However, one young man student raised his hand and said he was a registered Republican but had already cast his absentee ballot and had voted for Obama.

After the forum I came back for dinner at the N.E.S.T. dining hall. Lunch tends to be the big meal and dinner is a collection of leftovers. Today we had rice with a delicious yogurt sauce that had some lemon flavor and some falafels floating within. Must get recipe from Marwan, the cook.

It is Terra Winston’s birthday tomorrow so Jacqueline Hoover baked a delicious cake and Ruth Dorman collected birthday wishes on a card... all was presented to Terra after dinner, with celebration and singing.

(NOTE: This was for you, Monte McClain!)

Abu Elias

This lovely man deserves a separate posting on this blog. Anyone who comes to the N.E.S.T. is first greeted by Abu Elias, the gateman. As the title, Abu, means in Arabic, Father; Abu Elias is like a father watching over all of us who enter. While I’ve been here I heard from Dave Barry, who was here serving in 2006 when I first visited the N.E.S.T. Dave was/is a member of Peachtree Presbyterian Church in Atlanta and now is in Pasadena at Fuller. Yet another leader in our midst who has been a part of the N.E.S.T. community. Dave suggested we have a fan club on facebook for Abu Elias. The other day I had Maruzella translate for me to make sure Abu Elias got every word of Dave’s idea. I really didn’t think that smile could be much broader but he was just beaming. I brought extra See’s candies for Abu Elias this time. He shares my taste for good lollypops! I love Abu Elias!

N.E.S.T. Christian Education Resource Center

I met with Shake Geotcherian, Director of the Christian Education Resource Center (C.E.R.C.) at the N.E.S.T. Shake is a graduate of the N.E.S.T. with her M.Div. degree and is currently working on her Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.), along with her responsibilities in the C.E.R.C.

The C.E.R.C., which will officially open December 8 when the N.E.S.T. Board of Managers meets, is an answer to prayers. I remember the first time I visited the N.E.S.T. in April, 2006 and seeing the space that was intended for this center. Two of the rooms had been used for a broadcasting center by the Middle East Council of Churches during the civil war. I’ve posted a photo of Dr. Mikhael and I during my first visit in April, 2006 and we were standing in what is now the C.E.R.C. Women’s Room. Last November, 2007 when I visited the shell was complete. The four rooms had been rewired with electrical needs and were freshly tiled and painted. What a delight this visit to see the warm banners welcoming me to walk into the center. The C.E.R.C. is comprised of four rooms total: the Director’s office, the Seminar Room, a Christian Education Resource Room and a Women’s Room.

As Shake explained, many of the local churches lack Christian Education materials or have outdated materials which have been used for many years. The C.E.R.C. will contain current curriculum, resource books and teaching aids that may be used by the local churches.

These churches also rely on volunteers within the church to lead the Sunday Schools and many have not had an opportunity for training. Through the C.E.R.C., these local leaders will have opportunity for training, along with the resources.

Last Friday was the first Consultative Gathering with several local Christian Educators. It was a historical gathering in the journey toward the C.E.R.C. Dr. Mikhael said it was like she was delivering a baby and Director, Shake was the Midwife. The group met in the large Seminar Room and identified needs in the following ministries for which they will plan seminars and workshops through the C.E.R.C. The ministries include:
Children
Youth
Young Adults and Adults
Women
Singles
Each participant signed up for one of the ministry fields and will be part of a team to prepare and present the C.E.R.C. workshops and seminars.

Shake says new resource materials are always a need and she asks churches in the U.S. to consider sending curriculum material that has been used and no longer needed. 
Resource books and books for the Women’s Room are also appreciated. The Women’s Room will contain special resources for women. We are currently looking for books that are for women, by women, about women.

Shake is looking forward to all the opportunities the N.E.S.T. will be about to reach churches through the C.E.R.C. by listening to their needs and helping to fill those needs. Shake Geotcherian is happy to give more information about needs and you may email her directly at: Shake.Geotcherian@theonest.edu.lb OR shake_g@hotmail.com

rest of Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Amazing what can happen in a day. Getting the blog up and out took a bit a stress off as I really want to be in touch with people while I’m here. I left off at Chapel time which is 12:10 p.m. Every weekday there is Chapel and the N.E.S.T. community takes turns planning and leading. Today John M'mbirithi, M.Div. student from Kenya lead us in the book of Romans. He preached about his personal struggle worrying about his family and shared how he and Bishop Peter had taken their concerns to the Lord in prayer and felt the amazing grace and love that lifted them up.

The closing hymn was “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High” by Rick Founds. The weekend before I arrived in Lebanon I was in Northern California worshipping under glorious trees at our church retreat, as my children, along with the rest of our home church family children sang this same song. Today we didn’t have the hand motions or the “Woop Woop” sound effects so I shared those with the students after chapel. Perhaps we will sing the children’s version during one of my days leading chapel.

During lunch I sat with John and Bishop Peter, another M.Div student from Sudan. Dr. Johnny Awwad joined us and our conversation that centered around the families of both of these students. John’s wife is in need of surgery and Peter’s daughter is in the hospital. There are not funds for the needed medical care at home and it is difficult for these men to be away from their families at this time. The N.E.S.T. continues to be in need of general scholarship funds for all students, which may include a small stipend for living expenses here, but do not include funds for family at home. Dr. Awwad had John use his mobile telephone to be able to call Kenya to check on his wife. (photo above) We hold these brothers John and Peter, and their families in our prayers.

During the student coffee I had a chance to meet and talk with Rana Khoury. She is auditing Introduction to the New Testament. Each trip I meet someone who is auditing a course at the N.E.S.T. and love how they add to the tapestry of students here. Rana is an architect and designer. And she’s on facebook... of course, that’s an automatic point of bonding!

The students take turns making the Arabic coffee and cleaning up afterwards. Bahjat Khadar, M. Div. student, coordinates the schedule and today took his turn. (photo)

Once coffee time was over I worked a bit but could hardly contain my excitement. I saw Slyvie Avakian, one of our S.T.M. students from the Armenian Evangelical Union in the morning. Last year Slyvie was here with her two little girls, Christine and Grace. They lived in the N.E.S.T. during the week and returned to Syria on the weekends to be with Slyvie’s husband, another N.E.S.T. Alumni who was Pastor at a Syrian church. This year they are all together and he is serving at the National Evangelical Church in downtown Beirut. Sylvie has an afternoon class so she said the girls would be coming with her after school. (photo) I had my See’s Candies Lollypops ready for them and they remember these sweet treats probably more than me. The girls and Abu Elias, the gatekeeper, are my best customers for See’s lollypops! Slyvie and her husband’s dedication to their education toward their roles as leaders in the church moves me. I can only imagine how difficult it was to be separated last year. I am so happy they are together this year!

I sat in David Dorman’s “Christology” class in the late afternoon. (photo) Today’s class continued discussion about Jesus and Judaism. Elizabeth Achtemeier’s paper on “Righteousness in the Old Testament” provided groundwork for the discussion. (Buttrick, et al., eds., Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible, vol. 4 pp. 80-85. Abingdon, 1962.), along with a discussion of Mosaic Law versus The Covenant mediated by Jesus. We were flying all over the Psalms and some reference to Isaiah and then over to Paul in Romans. What is righteousness? David sited in Psalm 11:7 “For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face.” In other words, Dave said, “because he is righteous, we will be okay... we will be fine.” He shared that is echoed in our Presbyterian Church (USA) through our Reformed tradition with the Heidelberg Catechism.

Question 1. What is thy only comfort in life and death?
Answer: That I with body and soul, both in life and death, am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ; who, with his precious blood, has fully satisfied for all my sins, and delivered me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me that without the will of my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head; yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, and therefore, by his Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, and makes me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto him.

As David challenged, the question is not, “What is your last ditch effort?” The very basis is God’s righteousness. Within the class the students come from diverse theological background and understanding, however, God’s righteousness provides a common foundation.

As I talk about the rhythm of the day at N.E.S.T., I lead you to my Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Mission Connections Webpage for my latest update from Beirut:
www.pcusa.org/missionconnections/profiles/dolezal-ngc.htm
Rather than repeat here, I have written a brief description of the day’s schedule at N.E.S.T., along with other reflections for the Mission Connections page.