OC welcomes new dean at Lebanon partner school

Dr. Martin Accad	Dr. Hikmat Kachouh

OC partner school Arab Baptist Theological Seminary (ABTS) in Lebanon recently celebrated the transition of Academic Deanship from Dr. Martin Accad to OC faculty scholar Dr. Hikmat Kachouh.

Dr. Kachouh recently completed his PhD at the University of Birmingham (UK). His thesis focused on the Arabic versions of the Gospels, examining over 250 Arabic manuscripts in Europe and the Orient, and its publication will impact the Arab world historically, linguistically, socially and relationally. He is an ABTS graduate and served as a full-time faculty member from 2003-2004 prior to traveling to the UK for his doctoral studies. As a faculty scholar, OC heavily invested in Hikmat's PhD studies.

After leading Academic Affairs for five years, Dr. Accad will now focus his efforts on the Institute of Middle East Studies (click here for more on the Institute). He will also serve as Associate Professor of Islamic Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary.

ABTS Provost Elie Haddad says, “It is no wonder that the ministry of ABTS continues to grow and expand when the Lord continues to bring on board such gifted and committed people as Martin Accad and Hikmat Kachouh.” Rev. Dr. Salim Sahiouny, President of The Supreme Council of the Evangelical Churches in Syria and Lebanon, and a representative body of church and ministry leaders were present for the celebration.

Please pray for:

• The ABTS ministry, the upcoming 2008-2009 academic year and the Church in the Arab World
• For the ABTS community of graduates, students, faculty, leadership and staff as they seek to remain sensitive to and proactive in addressing the needs of the Church in the Arab World and beyond