Middle East
Countries
All countries in this area are listed below. Countries with Web pages giving Presbyterian-specific information are highlighted. For other countries, there is currently no PC(USA) involvement in this country or the Web pages have not yet been prepared. The PC(USA) also participates in or relates to work in other countries through ecumenical relationships.
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Algeria |
Qatar |
Saudi Arabia United Arab Emirates Yemen
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Overview
The Middle East is a region that has been of prayerful concern for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) for more than a century and a half. Over the years, educators, theological teachers, medical teams, rural health workers, agricultural experts, engineers and other specialists have been sent as missionaries by the Presbyterian Church to Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Morocco, Palestine, Israel, Iran, Iraq, other Gulf States and Afghanistan. In the 1800s Presbyterians are credited with the establishment of distinguished educational and health institutions in the region. Among those are the American University of Beirut, Beirut College for Women (later called Beirut University College and now Lebanese American University), the American University at Cairo and an impressive number of high-quality private primary and secondary schools and colleges. The American Mission Hospitals at Tanta and Assiut (Egypt) and Hamlin Hospital in the hills of Lebanon and places where many have experienced the love of God and the healing presence of Christ. Women’s formal education was an early initiative of Presbyterians in the region, recognizing that the strength of any society depends primarily on equal opportunities in education. The long vision of Presbyterians for theological education and rural-urban evangelism was primarily responsible for the development and growth of many vibrant new churches and two strong seminaries, one in Cairo (The Evangelical Theological Seminary) and the other in Beirut (The Near East School of Theology).
Today our church’s mission commitment is carried out through partnership with churches, church institutions, ecumenical bodies, Christian development agencies and health care programs, seeking to make known the love and compassion of Jesus Christ, and with nongovernmental organizations committed to promoting justice, peace, interfaith understanding and cooperation, stewardship of the environment, human and civil rights, religious liberty and the improvement of the quality of life.
Staff
Amgad Beblawi, area coordinator for the Middle East, Europe, and Central Asia
Michael Parker, coordinator for the International Evangelism
Rylan Truman, Administrative Assistant
Amgad Beblawi began service in October 2010 as coordinator of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s mission work in the Middle East, Europe, and Central Asia.
Beblawi served for the previous five years as the General Assembly Mission Council’s associate for Middle Eastern congregational support in the United States. Prior to serving on the PC(USA) national staff, he worked at Fuller Seminary as academic advisor and director of the Career Services. He also served with nonprofit organizations in the Washington, D.C., area for a short time prior to his appointment as General Assembly staff.
“I believe Amgad will be an active and dynamic resource for our mission personnel serving in the Middle East, Europe, and Central Asia, other Presbyterians from the United States involved in these regions, and our partners there,” said Doug Welch, Presbyterian World Mission’s associate director for mission partners and programs. “He brings a wealth of experience and commitment to his new role.”
Beblawi succeeds Victor Makari, who has been serving as Middle East coordinator, and Jon Chapman, who served as Europe coordinator. Both retired this year and their positions were combined.
Beblawi holds master's degrees in theology and biblical studies from Fuller Theological Seminary, in Pasadena, Calif. A native of Egypt, he grew up and was active in the Presbyterian Church of Egypt, Synod of the Nile. He immigrated to the United States in 1985 and has 15 years experience in church and parachurch ministries, higher education administration, and academic and career counseling.
Beblawi lives in Louisville with his wife, Susan Templet Beblawi, and son, Justin.
Regional liaisons (mission co-workers):
Douglas Dicks, regional liaison for Israel, Palestine, Jordan and Egypt
Nuhad Daoud Tomeh, regional liaison for Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Syria
Resources
Horizons, September/October 2010 issue, "Christians in the Middle East"
Read about Christians in the Middle East (from the BBC)
Kairos Palestine document: A Moment of Truth