Consultation and Encounter: the Presbyterians of Iraq, Syria and Lebanon

You are invited to travel on a mission trip to Lebanon and Syria this fall to meet fellow-Presbyterians from Iraq, Syria and Lebanon. This venture is organized through the Iraq Partnership Network and the Syria-Lebanon Network of the PC(USA) and is sponsored and facilitated by The Outreach Foundation. The church governing bodies in the region, namely the Assembly of Presbyterian Churches in Iraq and the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon have worked closely with the networks to finalize and bless these plans.

During a 3-day consultation, to be held at the Near East School of Theology in Beirut, we will have face-to-face and soul-to-soul experiences with Presbyterian Church leaders from Iraq, Syria and Lebanon. During our time of worship and prayer, dialogue and fellowship, we will learn of one another, learn from one another, and come away with a better sense of how we, as Americans, can best help, encourage, preserve, advocate for and protect the faithful presence of Presbyterian Christians in the region. And, through a renewed understanding of the unity of the Body, we might rediscover, together, how we can all more faithfully follow Jesus--- be it in Baghdad or Beirut, Denver or Damascus---especially within the context of the pluralist societies into which we are called to be salt and light.

Download full color brochure (pdf)

Prior to and after the consultation we will “hit the road” to encounter, in their context, the vital presence and ministries of the Churches of the Synod of Syria-Lebanon in various cities (see schedule below), and, along the way, explore the ancient wonders of the legendary sites of Byblos and Ba’albek. We trust that our fellowship with local Christians during these days will enrich and strengthen “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” to which we are called in Christ Jesus.

This trip will be led by Marilyn Borst, Associate Director for Partnership Development at The Outreach Foundation and the Rev. Dr. Nuhad Tomeh, PC(USA) Mission Co-worker and Liaison for Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and the Gulf. The land cost of the trip, which includes 13 nights lodging (double occupancy), most meals, ground transportation, guides and site entrance fees, and pickup upon arrival at Beirut Airport is $1600 ($1300 if you plan to depart Beirut on the 16th). Additional costs include the Syrian visa ($100) [Lebanese visas are free and given at the Beirut airport upon arrival.], R/T air from your home city (approx. $1000 - $1350), tips and some meals.

Registration forms will be handled through The Outreach Foundation and can be obtained by contacting Diane Booth: diane@theoutreachfoundation.org or 800-791-5023. A non-refundable fee of $150---which will be applied to the land cost of the trip---should be sent in with the registration form. The balance of the land cost should be paid no later than July 1.
Land costs paid to The Outreach Foundation will be receipted. Mission trip costs are tax deductible only to the extent permitted by the Internal Revenue Service. The donor is urged to contact his/her own tax advisor. Participants will secure their own Syrian visa and flights to/from Beirut. Please contact Marilyn Borst if you have questions: marilynborst@aol.com or 404-431-9402.

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The Iraq Partnership Network is an ecumenical body of Christians from the Presbyterian Church (USA), the Reformed Church in America, and the United Church of Christ. The world mission bodies of these denominations have cooperated since 1924 in the United Mission in Iraq, and this newly formed mission network continues that effort.

The Syria—Lebanon Mission Network was launched in September 2009. The 38th such
mission network of the PC(USA), it welcomes participation from congregations, presbyteries and organizations who are in partnership (or seeking it) with the churches and related institutions of the Synod of Syria and Lebanon.

Established in 1979, The Outreach Foundation is a validated mission support group of the PC(USA) and exists to help Presbyterians pray effectively for mission, support Kingdom work with financial resources, and become personally involved in what God is doing in the world. Every project and missionary we support is directly involved in proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed. To learn more about The Outreach Foundation, please visit our website at www.theoutreachfoundation.org or give us a call at (800) 791-5023 or (615) 778-8881.

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SCHEDULE (subject to revision, if necessary)

Nov 5, Fri Depart USA

Nov 6, Sat Arrive Beirut

Nov 7, Sun Worship in Rabiye Church, see Synod offices, late afternoon/evening in downtown Beirut (dinner on your own)

Nov 8, Mon Iraq, Syria and Lebanon Networks Consultations (combined)
Updates and current contexts

Nov 9, Tue Syria/Lebanon Network separate conversation (morning)
Iraq Network separate conversation (afternoon)
Challenges and opportunities

Nov 10, Wed Iraq, Syria and Lebanon Networks Consultations (combined)
Next steps and future plans

Nov 11 Thu Iraq refugee ministries in Beirut, free afternoon and evening
(lunch and dinner on your own)

Nov 12, Fri South Lebanon visit plus Nabiteya, Sidon and Tyre

Nov 13, Sat Hamlin Hospital and Dhour Schwer Conference Center

Nov 14, Sun Worship in Minyara Church and late afternoon/early evening in Byblos
(dinner on your own)

Nov 15, Mon Zahle, Ba’albek, on to Damascus
Or
Zahle, Ba’albek, return to Beirut for Tuesday flights out

Nov 16, Tue Damascus, gathering with Presbyterian Church leaders from Syria

Nov 17, Wed Damascus, sightseeing
(lunch and dinner on your own)

Nov 18, Thu Depart Damascus with stops in Homs and Farouzeh churches
Arrive back in Beirut

Nov 19, Fri Flights to USA

Details on the 3-day consultation and itinerary will become available in the weeks ahead 2.23.10