Rev. Emil Zaki Visits the Des Moines Presbytery

Rev. Emile Zaki, newly-elected General Secretary of the Synod of the Nile, visited the Des Moines Presbytery from Friday, August 28, through Wednesday, September 1, 2004. This report was prepared by Nancy Lister-Settle, Hunger Action Enabler and JHAH coordinating team moderator; Rev. Steve Mathison-Bowie, First Presbyterian Church, Newton; Lila Jean Jensen, Audubon First and coordinating team member; and Rev. Roger Todd, Guthrie Center First and coordinating team member.

Friday, August 27

Rev. Emil Zaki,arrived in Des Moines Presbytery on Friday, August 27th for a five-day visit.  His first stop was to the new presbytery office to meet with General Presbyter Rev. Phil Barrett.  Over the course of their conversation they discovered that the Presbyterian churches here and the Coptic Evangelical churches there face many of the same changes and challenges, and are taking similar steps to address those issues. Rev. Zaki shared dinner with Hunger Action Enabler Nancy Lister-Settle, and JHAH members Denise England and Rev. Ray and Mary Ann Martin.

Saturday, August 28

Rev. Zaki attended the Western Regional Partnership meeting meeting and luncheon. Rev. Zaki spoke to the group and answered questions prior to the beginning of the WRP business.

Sunday, August 29

Rev. Emile Zaki was a guest of the Presbyterian Churches of Newton on August 29th. Rev. Zaki preached at First Presbyterian and presented an extended Minute for Mission at United Presbyterian. He was introduced to the congregations by Denise England, a member of the Joining Hands taskforce and participant in two delegations to Egypt.

Following worship, a group of 15 accompanied Rev. Zaki to lunch, where there was an opportunity for extended conversation.
 
Here are points that Emile emphasized throughout the encounter:

•The 150-year old partnership between the PCUSA and the Presbyterian Church of Egypt is a vital connection that ought to be strengthened in the years to come.

•The PCE has been successful in developing partnerships in the Muslim community through a commitment to education and health care that has accompanied the development of worshipping communities.

•A great challenge comes from fundamentalist religious movements, both Christian or Muslim, that resist building more inclusive communities of God's people.
 
•The United States government has suffered in the eyes of many in Egypt on account of the war in Iraq.

Rev. Zaki also passed out the Spetember 2004 issue of "Leaders for a Global Church" which features the partnership between the PC(USA) and the PCE.

On Sunday evening, Rev. Zaki and Nancy Lister-Settle met for an in depth discussion of our Joining Hands Against Hunger partnership and pledged to work together to strengthen that relationship.

Monday, Augu29-Wednesday, September 1

On Monday, Paul Walther and Lila Jean Jensen, coordinating team members, took Rev. Zaki to Cross Ministries and had a good visit with Sharon Baker, director, about the their programs. The next visit was to Hearts and Hands and visited with Sue about the set up there.

After lunch, Paul and Lila Jean then took Rev. Zaki on a a thorough tour the state capitol building.

Mid-afternoon, they went to the Trinity United Methodist and had a very exciting and informative until 6:00 p.m. observing and joining in with the after-school program. About 47 children were there and had a chance to listen to Rev. Zaki and then ask questions. They observed the children working at the computers, doing homework, playing with Legos, and others planning for for two days when there is no school and they will be there all day. This excellent program is carried out with the Children and Family Urban Ministries. Their director is Carmen Lampe Zeitler. She spent time explaining the theology of the program and the need. They were invited to stay for the evening meal which allowed them time to visit further about the program.

On Tuesday morning, Paul took Rev. Zaki to two different farms where they toured with the owners and saw many different aspects of farming in Iowa. Rev. Zaki had never been to Iowa before.

At noon, they met a group from Atlantic for a buffet lunch in Elk Horn and then visited the Danish windmill. From there they went to Atlantic and toured CASS which employs around 50 disabled people. It was very enlightening. We then enjoyed ice tea at the Atlantic church and took some pictures.

Rev. Emil left Des Moines on Wednesday morning to fly to Los Angeles.

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