- This event has passed.
Adult Education: Update on Efforts in Lebanon and Syria
September 24, 2023 @ 10:10 am - 11:00 am
Work Produced by Faith, Labor Prompted by Love, Endurance Inspired by Hope
Presented by the Rev. Dr. Elmarie Parker, PC(USA) Regional Liaison to Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq
September 24 | 10:10 a.m. | Classroom 6
Multiple challenges have enveloped Lebanon and Syria since the fall of 2019. And, yet, church and organizational partners of the PC(USA) continue to press on in their call to embody holistic work produced by faith, compassionate labor prompted by love, and patient endurance inspired by hope in the reality of God’s love for the peoples of their countries (1 Thessalonians 1:3). Come and hear updates about conditions on the ground in both Lebanon and Syria. Even more so, come and hear stories of our partners’ transformative work in the midst of these conditions. The Rev. Dr. Elmarie Parker will be with us in person to share these encouraging testimonies and opportunities to collaborate with God’s life-giving work through our partners in the Middle East.
Regional Context: ln recent years, Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq have become known to most Americans as countries dominated by political and religious conflict, war, and violence. However, few know that a small but faithful Christian community is trying to bring hope and healing to the Middle East. This year, PC(USA) celebrates 200 years of involvement in the region and maintains close ties with its partner churches, some of which were founded by PC(USA) missionaries. Turmoil and violence have driven many Christians from the region in recent years, but a number remain and strive to be faithful witnesses in a place where the Christian tradition dates back to the apostolic era. In the midst of the current violence engulfing much of Syria and Iraq, the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon and the National Evangelical Churches in Iraq, along with other PC(USA) partners in the region, are working to aid thousands of displaced families of all religious creeds. Their work ranges from providing basic life necessities such as food, water, clothing, fuel, rent, and basic medications; to helping families rebuild their homes and start their lives again; to providing education to students whose schools have been lost or destroyed; to striving to develop a civil society built around the principles of international law, human rights, and democracy. Westminster has been involved in all these ministries for 12 years.
See the Adults page for more adult education and small group opportunities.