Building Bridges
In many ways, the Middle East is a mystery to residents of the Western World. But with the current refugee crisis, this mystery will become even more pressing as people with very different backgrounds settle into local neighbourhoods. How will you gain an understanding of their culture, values, and needs so that you can effectively help these people? Peter Twele and Mark Naylor will be speaking on consecutive evenings about how we can understand and respond to the current needs.
Why Do We Have a Refugee Crisis? - Peter Twele
Thursday, February 25 from 7:30-8:45 at Trinity Western University (Fosmark Centre, Room 130)
Peter Twele will present recent historical and political factors that have led to the current refugee crisis. He will also include aspects of the West's involvement along with what contributes to both negative and positive attitudes when it comes to helping those in need.
Peter Twele (MA in Linguistics) works as a Translation Consultant for SIL International and a Field Representative for Sabeel Media. Peter carried out research through a number of institutions while residing in the Middle East for 11 years, and for the past 20 years has consulted for various Middle East translation and media projects. He has taught in the Linguistics programs at Trinity Western University and the University of Texas in Arlington. Peter has published two books: Rubbing Shoulders in Yemen (2012) and Iraq on Their Doorstep (2014). He also has experience helping Iraqi refugees settle in the Vancouver area and is actively preparing Canadians for the arrival of Syrian refugees by speaking to various agencies and organizations.
Contrasting Perspectives: Christian Conversations with Muslims - Mark Naylor
Friday, February 26 from 7:30-8:45 at Trinity Western University (Fosmark Centre, Room 130)
From the experience of years of interactions with Muslims, Mark Naylor will describe key contrasting understandings of spiritual issues that can facilitate productive interfaith dialogue between Muslims and Christians.
Mark Naylor (D.Th) is on faculty with Northwest Baptist Seminary and has spent years in the Middle East in evangelism, church planting, and leadership development projects. He oversees the professional development of cross-cultural workers for Fellowship International (fellowship.ca) and is the primary exegete for a current Bible translation project. He also provides support to Canadian churches in the areas of cross-cultural ministry and the development of healthy intercultural relationships.
You can register for both sessions for $25/person or register for one session for $15/person. Group rates are available (contact ministrylift@mbseminary.ca with your group number to receive a promo code with a discounted rate). Registrants can choose to attend onsite or participate via live-stream.
