8th Annual Middle East Conference

The view of Beirut from Beit Mery, Lebanon

Martin Accaad facilitating the closing "question and answer session" with the conference speakers from across Africa.

Aaron with John Azumah, director of Centre for Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations and lecturer in Islamic Studies at the London School of Theology.

A delegation of Muslim clerics joining the conference

for an afternoon of dialogue at ABTS

John Uzumah passionately calling the Church to a cordial witness

Aaron and Terry Smith during the lectures

Also participating in this year's MEC were seven Canadian theological students in the Canadian Baptist Ministries Praxis Program. The Praxis students will continue learning about the ministry of the Baptist Church in Lebanon over the next two weeks, as they continue their program in Beirut and in field visits throughout the country.

Participants in the MEC VIII at

Arab Baptist Theological Seminary, Beirut

Gathering in Beirut

Mohammad al-Amin Mosque

Beirut, Lebanon

This past week, Aaron has participated in the annual Middle East Conference hosted by the Institute for Middle Eastern Studies at the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary in Beirut. This year's conference focused on the African Church's Response to Islam, with speakers from Egypt, Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya.

Folarnmi Speaking on the historic perspective of Islam in Nigeria

Folaranmi T. Lateju, PhD. President of the Center for Interfaith Relations and Cross-Cultural Outreach Ogbomoso (Nigeria); President of the All Africa Baptist Men Fellowship; and teaches Islamic Studies in the Department of Religious Studies at Obafemi Awolowo University.

Aaron with Martin Accad, director of the IMES

We deeply appreciate the contribution of Martin in the scholarship of Muslim and Christian relations. Martin's leadership has drawn scholars and leaders from around the world in the pursuit of improving Christian understanding, attitude and response to our Muslim neighbours.

Alistar Brown, Bishop Timothy Ndambuki, Deaconess Mary, and Terry Smith

Aaron with our newly appointed

CBM team mate, Wayne Morgan.

Wayne and Maureen have answered a call to serve in Kenya as Integral Missions facilitators with the African Christian Church and Schools. It was a wonderful gift to have this past week to get to know Wayne and share about the challenges and joys of ministry in Africa.