Bethlehem Bible College invites Conference Participants from Around the World to Explore 'Theology in the Service of Peace and Justice'

Bethlehem: November 21, 2009, (PCTV Newsdesk)

For thirty years Bethlehem Bible College (BBC), an Evangelical interdenominational Bible college in the West Bank, has been a living testimony that God is alive among Palestinians and a witness to the blessings of God in this land.

Now, BBC will hold an on-site conference, "Christ at the Checkpoint: Theology in Service of Peace and Justice," at the college from March 12 - 17, 2010.

"We have learned much that we believe is relevant to the wider church, but, at the same time, we are aware that we must continue to seek insight from the global Christian family," said college founder and president Bishara Awad, speaking in a media release.

"We expect to attract some 200 participants from around the world. The conference itself will be a mixture of keynote lectures, workshops, worship and on-site visits lasting five days.

"In addition to the conference, we will offer a pre-conference tour of the holy sites in Galilee and Jerusalem (March 8-12) and a post-conference that will include visits to Hebron, Jericho and the Dead Sea (March 17-18)."

Awad said the goal of the conference is "to equip the evangelical Church to read Scripture in the service of the Gospel in the Palestinian context, discuss the conflict in the Holy Land from a biblical perspective, and to encounter theologically the realities 'on the ground' in the Holy Land.

"We are inviting speakers from around the world, as well as local Palestinian leaders, who we feel can most effectively address these concerns."

Among those who have accepted an invitation are Dr. Tony Campolo, Br. Andrew, Dr. Stephen Sizer, Dr. Walter Kaiser, Dr. Paul Alexander, Dr. Colin Chapman, Dr. John Feinberg, Lynne Hybels and Dr. Manfred Kohl. Local speakers include: Sami Awad, Jonathan Kuttab, Dr. Yohanna Katanacho, Dr. Salim Munayer and Rev. Alex Awad.

Tony Campolo will speak on "Ethical Responsibility of the Evangelical American Church Towards Palestinian Christians."

Paul Alexander's subject will be "The Pentecostal Church's Role and Responsibility Towards Peace and Justice in the Middle East."

Stephen Sizer will tackle the topic,"Israel and the Church: Challenging Zionism, Anti-Semitism and Replacement Theology."

Gary Burge will talk on "Land and the New Testament."

Salim Munayer will address,"From Land of Strife to the Land of Reconciliation."

Conference detail can be found on website of Bethlehem Bible College www.bethbc.com



News source: www.assistnews.net