A conversation. An observation.

Dear Friends:

Our rapid learning continues, and I'd love to share with you everything we've discovered about the Christian faith and its expression in a Muslim culture. Suffice it here to say that the Catholic, Coptic Orthodox, and Evangelical (Arab word for Protestant) church is thriving and well here in Egypt. It's inspiring to see people live faithfully in a culture so permeated by Islam.

Today, I'd like to share just one conversation for which I'm grateful and one observation about the work of the Presbyterian Church in the world. First the conversation.

As we drove up to the Evangelical Theological Seminary, Dusty said, "I hope you get to meet some of the students here; they are quite impressive and very kind." We stepped out of the car and moved toward the gate of their two acre compound (for 150 students and 15 faculty, including housing!), when two students greeted us, Waseem and Charles.

"Welcome," said Waseem in a slight Arab accent. "We heard you were coming. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Charles, a more African looking student, extended his greeting with a smile as well.

Waseem is an Iraqi student training to be a minister in his home town, a city of 4 million in the northern section of Iraq -- mostly removed from the war -- called Nineveh. Perhaps you've heard of it!

After exchanging pleasantries I asked him if I remembered correctly that ruins of ancient Jewish settlements were presently being excavated in Ninevah and that there was significant concern that the war was threatening these ancient ruins. He looked a bit surprised and said, "Yes, that's right. Jewish ruins are present because in ancient times there were two exiles to Ninevah. When the Jews were allowed to return to Israel, each time some stayed in Iraq because they had put down roots there. In fact, I have Jewish roots but am now Christian."

This opened many doors for conversation in which I discovered that between 40-60 thousand Christians live in Ninevah and that the Christian church has over 1/2 million adherents in Iraq. I asked him about his church, its life, and his hopes for the future. I was deeply inspired to hear of his trust that God will use him in a powerful way during this time of transition in Iraq, and I was grateful that standing before me was a good reminder that what we see and hear from CNN, Al Jazeera, and our military news sources do not offer a complete picture. There are faithful, committed, and humble Christian people seeking to do God's will in Iraq and other Arab nations, people with whom we would enjoy sharing a meal, welcoming into our home, and having as a part of our church family. I invite you to join me in praying for them.

And that leads me to the second observation. Charles, the other person who greeted us in front of the seminary, is from the Sudan, a country with more needs and challenges than most. One overwhelming impression I've gained from our time here (and Kenya, and I know will be true in Palestine) is the significant work being done throughout the world by our denomination, and specifically our worldwide ministries division. Dusty is one of our missionaries and is doing a great job teaching at a vibrant Arab seminary short on funds and greatly in need of faculty. Charles, the student at the gate, is from the Sudan, where our denomination has just sent two Bible teachers to open the first Protestant Bible School in Khartoum to train Christian leaders. It made me deeply pleased to be a part of our denomination and to realize that our funds are supporting these culturually sensitive, highly educated, and deeply dedicated Christian leaders as they serve some of great needs of the Arab Christian community.

So on behalf of everyone here, let me say thank you for your generosity and support of Westminster and through Westminster the work of the PCUSA throughout the world. It's a great investment, one that is reaping rewards of enormous proportions.

We're off to climb Mt. Sinai this afternoon and are deeply appreciative or your continued prayers. Respond on the blog if you have time. We'd love to hear from you!

Peace,

Bob