by Rich Copley | Presbyterian News Service
The Rev. Jimmie Hawkins speaks in front of the United Methodist Building on Capitol Hill, where the Office of Public Witness offices are located. (2017 file photo)
At events such as Big Tent in the summer of 2019, the office coordinators presented workshops together. Recently, the offices have collaborated on webinars illuminating international issues around the world, and they participate in a Colombia Theological Seminary Doctor of Ministry class that includes a week at the UN Office and a week at OPW. Behind the scenes, the offices have collaborated on advocacy pertaining to issues around the world.
by Rich Copley | Presbyterian News Service
The Rev. Salam Hanna, pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Latakia, Syria, officiates at the communion table with members of a visiting team from Eastminster Presbytery, the Rev. Mark Ruppert and the Rev. Janet Lowery. (Photo by Elmarie Parker).
LEXINGTON, Kentucky â At the Presbyterian Church of Latakia, Syria, the Rev. Salam Hanna ministers to people who have endured nine years of civil war and, recently, sanctions that have led to the worst economic crisis the nation has faced in a century.
âWe rediscovered the Gospel as being a message of hope in the middle of crisis,â Hanna says of ministering during war. âThe Gospels, especially Mark, were written at a time when the Christian community was going through turmoil and crisis. We try to bring that hope of the Gospel into our daily life, to say that things will end. Crisis will end and never continue endlessly. Christ is present with us.