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February 1, 2011 - From
Dr. Paul Wright
I want to send
a quick update as our spring semester gets underway, mostly to
reassure the friends and family of the Jerusalem University College
community that in spite of the tragic and potentially dangerous
unrest that is sweeping parts of the Middle East, the situation in
Israel remains calm. These are momentous days, ones that could well
give a new shape to the region. No one can be sure what the outcome
might be. The Republic of Egypt—the scene of most of the unrest the
last few days—shares a long border with Israel. The Israeli
government is taking steps to ensure that the border will remain
secure. We are planning to proceed as scheduled with all of our
activities and travels, including those into the southern Shephelah
and Negev, areas that are fairly close to the Egyptian border. We
fully expect another great semester of on-site learning
opportunities. Our main concern, however, is for friends and
colleagues who live in, or are currently visiting, Egypt, and also
the body of believers in Egypt who seek to be a daily witness for
Jesus. We pray for safety, courage, wisdom and stamina for them and
us, as well as an outcome that will foster wholesome, open and free
societies across the Middle East.
Many of you have heard that our longtime
professor of historical geography, Anson Rainey, has been
hospitalized with an advanced stage of pancreatic cancer. He is not
doing well and would certainly appreciate expressions of concern and
care. Our prayers are also with him. If you would like, you can send him a card or note at his home
address:
Dr. Anson Rainey
Box 358
44810 Sha’arei Tikva
Israel
We are offering three new courses this spring:
1) Dr. Eldon Clem is teaching Introduction
to Jewish Palestinian Aramaic. I am pleased that we are
again able to increase our language offerings beyond Hebrew and
Greek.
2) Dr. Amitai Baruchi-Unna, teaming up with
Dr. Wayne Horowitz, both of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem,
are teaching the course Sources for Ancient Near Eastern
History related to the Land of Israel. This is a graduate
level methods course aimed at helping our students work with
primary sources, as well as related historical and literary
issues.
3) Dr. David Schmidt and Dr. Salim Munayer
are teaching The Evangelical Imprint in the Middle East.
David has been working with Messianic congregations in Israel
for the last 25 years, and Salim splits his time between
administrative and teaching duties at Bethlehem Bible College
and the reconciliation ministry Musalaha. David will be covering
the world of the Messianic movement in Israel, and Salim the
evangelical churches among the Arabs of the Middle East.
This past month our
campus was bursting with the activities of our short-term programs.
We had four different busses in the field during the month. Our
regular January Geographical and Historical Settings of the Bible
course was divided into two sections, one taught by Dr. Jack Beck
and the other by Aubrey Alexander. Schools sending students to this
program included Taylor University (with Dr. Greg Magee),
Calvin College (with Dr. Ken Pomykala), Grace University
and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. We also welcomed a
group from Bethel University, led by Dr. Gary Long and
instructed by Dr. Carl Rasmussen. The fourth group was a short
program for Taylor University headed by Dr. Michael Harbin.
This special program, focusing on the New Testament, spent a week in
Jordan prior to their week with us in Israel. The instructor was
Emily Thomassen, assisted by Seth Hague.
I would like to remind everyone of our
announcement a few weeks ago that thanks to a generous donor, we are
again able to offer three full scholarships to students who
participate in both our June and July programs (The Geographical
and Historical Settings of the Bible and Jesus and His Times).
I ask you to refer to the announcement for application and
qualification details.
I am glad to have heard from so many of our
friends and donors the last few weeks, and am encouraged by your
support. As I write these words, the blessing of winter rain is
filling the land of Israel and those of its neighbors, places badly
needing to be refreshed by the open hand of God. You, too, have
showered blessings upon us, and for that we are grateful. You have
renewed us in difficult times, strengthened us in good times, and
gladdened us all times. Thanks for partnering with us as we seek to
provide life-changing learning opportunities in the land of the
Bible.
With blessings, and thanks,
Dr. Paul Wright
President, JUC |
