We hosted ten women from Iraq representing the Presbyterian churches in Basra, Baghdad, Kirkuk, and Mosel. Our Seminar was titled "Iraqi women for Peace".
The women were of different ages but all are involved in the service of their local churches. Some serve in the Sunday schools with children, some with youth, some with women, and in churches where there is no pastor, the women do the Sunday Worship including preaching, visitations, help families in need and other duties.
Together we studied the Bible with many women examples. We heard lectures on the significance of prayer, counseling, building up women's groups mostly among young women, how do we plan for different ministries in the church. The focus of our seminar was on how can women make peace, maintain peace, spread and promote peace through the family, church, and in the whole society.
We shared experiences, we prayed together and for each others, we cried together, and committed ourselves for each other in prayer across the miles.
April 13 happened to be the 35 anniversary of the long and painful civil war in Lebanon – We stood for a silent moment, prayed for peace, and issued a statement we sent to newspapers saying "yes" for peace and "no" for war. That our commitment to live and work for peace was based on our Christian mission in the steps of the King of Peace Jesus our Christ. Who on his way to the cross, Jesus told his disciples "Peace I leave to you, my peace I give you". And after his Resurrection, Jesus said to them: "Peace be with you, as the Father has sent me, even so I send you." We are sent to make peace!
The Near East School of Theologypraises God for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)its partner in this great ministry. To God be the Glory!
Mary Mikhael
President
Near East School of Theology