(Note: a schedule is posted at the end of this article.) Rev. Tomeh is currently assigned to serve with the Middle East Council of churches (MECC) as an associate general secretary, in charge at present of the Iraq relief and rehabilitation program, which is part of the ecumenical relief services of the MECC.

In addition to his duties with the MECC, Rev. Tomeh is also the regional liaison of the PC(USA) for Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and the Gulf. He is assisting with the newly formed Iraq Mission Network in the PC(USA).

Rev. Tomeh holds a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy and psychology from Beirut Arab University in Beirut and a master of divinity from the Near East School of Theology. He received his doctorate of ministry in pastoral care and counseling from Christ Seminary Seminex (ELCA) in St., Louis Missouri. His clergy membership is with the Synod of Syria and Lebanon, which is the Presbyterian Church of Syria and Lebanon.

Nuhad is in contact with the five Presbyterian churches in Iraq and is deeply aware of the struggles of these churches. These churches, and Christians in Iraq in general, have come under increasing threat and danger from Islamic extremists who have kidnapped and in some cases killed Christians. Elder Yousif Al-Saka of the Presbyterian church in Mosul, was kidnapped and murdered in January 2007. (See page 171 of the 2007 Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study).

The website of Refugees International says that the displacement of Iraqis is now the fastest growing refugee crisis in the world. The U.N. estimates that over 4 million Iraqis have been displaced since 2003: over 2 million have moved within Iraq itself; another 1.5 million have fled to Syria, 3/4 million have gone to Jordan; 1/4 million have gone to Iran, Egypt, Lebanon, Yemen and Turkey.

It is unofficially estimated that over 50,000 Christians have emigrated to Syria and the same number to Jordan. Another 6,000 have gone to Lebanon. Yousif Al-Saka’s son, Mazen Al-saka M.D., has had to flee to Lebanon from Mosul.

Rev. Tomeh will share with us throughout the day the situation of the Presbyterian churches in Iraq and what we might do to help. All are welcome to attend any or all of these events.

Schedule of the day

9:00 am - 10:00 am
Presentation at the Adult Forum (Parlor)

10:30 am - 11:30 am
Worship
Rev. Nuhad Tomeh preaching

3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Presentation and discussion

For more information on Rev Tomeh, see:
http://www.pcusa.org/missionconnections/profiles/tomehn.htm