Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo - July 2021 Update
Although the world is suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo (ETSC) celebrated the graduation of its 149th class. The graduation was supposed to happen last summer, but because of COVID, the celebration took place in April at the Presbyterian Church in Heliopolis. The number of graduates this year was historical – 75!!! Fourteen graduates received an M.Div. and will be pastors in the Presbyterian Church of Egypt (most of them had already started their ministry in village churches, church planting, and other fields of ministry). The graduates included laypeople who came to ETSC to be better equipped for ministry – they are key leaders in local churches, Christian non-profits, and other Protestant denominations. Many of them are working in the marketplace but are demonstrating God's love in their circles. Some of the graduates are focused on leadership and church management. Through these capacities, they will serve their churches and organizations through strategic planning, biblical leadership, and management to achieve more goals for God's Kingdom.
This year, both Christians and Muslims graduated from the Arabic Christian Heritage program. This degree was introduced through the Center for the Study of Middle Eastern Christianity in the seminary. Those who completed this program studied together for more than six months in an environment of love, acceptance, and tolerance and this, in turn, nurtured a spirit of mutual love, understanding, and coexistence. These Muslims, Coptic Orthodox, Catholics, and Protestants came to study in ETSC to be ambassadors of peace and love in the community. The graduates also came from different nationalities including, Egyptians, Syrians, and Yemenis.
We thank God for the ministry of ETSC. Although the seminary faced a difficult year because of the pandemic, its ministry continued and an encouraging number of students graduated. Please pray for the ministry of the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo as it equips leaders for the Kingdom of God in Egypt and the Middle East.
Grace and peace,
Dr. Tharwat Wahba
Egypt Mission Consultant for The Outreach Foundation
Professor of Mission, Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo
Read more about ETSC HERE.
A return journey to Egypt has been scheduled for February 18-26, 2022. Click HERE for trip details and for more information, please contact: Carol Dublin carol@theoutreachfoundation.org.
THE NEED
The Outreach Foundation is seeking gifts totaling $10,000 a month for scholarships and operations, $20,000 for the Center for Middle East Christianity, and $80,000 for capital improvements of a flat that will expand program capabilities. You may make a gift HERE or by sending a check to our office.
