CISF Announces the First Scholar Leader of the Year Award

June 1, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact Evan Hunter, evan@cisf.org or 847.295.9308

Dr. Salim Munayer Named

 Christian International Scholarship Foundation's (CISF)

first-ever Scholar-Leader of the Year

DEERFIELD, Ill., June 1, 2009 – CISF (www.cisf.org) today announced that Dr. Salim Munayer, founder of Musalaha Reconciliation Ministries and faculty member at Bethlehem Bible College, was selected as the first annual CISF Scholar-Leader of the Year. Dr. Munayer, an Arab Christian, earned this prestigious distinction because of his effective biblical teaching and his unique ministry of bringing longstanding adversaries together in powerful reconciliation experiences that unite hurting and fearful people. The CISF award recognizes excellence in leadership, scholarship, and faithfulness to the mission of the Gospel.

According to Chuck Orrestad, CISF's president, "Dr. Munayer embodies just the kind of Christian leader CISF has supported over its 25 year history. His growing influence as a voice for reconciliation is a striking example of the application of Christ's teachings in one of the most complex regions of the world. At a time when the vast majority of Arab Christians have fled their homeland, Dr. Munayer has chosen to stay and utilize his advanced theological training in the very land of his forefathers."

Regarding his work, Munayer states, "I came to the conclusion that the theology of reconciliation was the best theology to deal with all these issues, and that more than anything else, Jewish and Palestinian believers needed to be brought together, face to face. Anything less would not work, because of the dehumanization and demonization going on from both sides."

About Dr. Munayer:  Salim Munayer has served on the faculty of Bethlehem Bible College since its founding in 1979. He was Academic Dean for almost twenty years, helping it grow into the leading evangelical school preparing pastors for Arabic speaking churches in Israel/Palestine.

Munayer is also the founder and Executive Director of Musalaha Reconciliation Ministries. He began the work in 1990 in the context of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, working with a group of Messianic Jewish and Arab Palestinian Christians. Since then, Musalaha has become a world recognized model for the promotion of reconciliation and understanding, utilizing teaching, conferences, and desert encounters to bring together groups of women, children and young adults for the purpose of reconciliation. Participants continue to make an impact throughout their communities for the sake of healing and forgiveness.

Munayer earned an MA in Intercultural Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary and his PhD from Oxford Center for Mission Study and University of Cardiff in Wales. He has authored five books and a number of articles on reconciliation, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and Christian Palestinian identity. He continues to teach and write on issues related to a Theology of the Land, justice and peace.

CISF supports prominent Christian leaders from the Majority World to attain advanced theological education at leading seminaries worldwide. After finishing their studies, they return home to make significant contributions to the church and society. Dr. Tite Tiénou, Academic Dean of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and chairman of the CISF Board explains, "CISF exists to help develop highly trained, Christian leaders. This is the greatest need in the church around the world today." 

About CISF:  CISF is a nonprofit ministry that supports proven Christian leaders from Africa, Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe and the Middle East primarily at the doctoral level. These scholars attend seminaries such as Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Ill.; Fuller Seminary, Pasadena, Calif.; Regent College, Vancouver, B.C and several institutions in the United Kingdom, Africa, Hong Kong and South America. More than 150 CISF-supported, gifted women and men have founded seminaries, serve as presidents and executives for leading schools and Christian non-profit organizations, and continue to develop grass roots work on such issues as widows and orphans in Africa, reconciliation work in the Middle East, promoting dialogue and peaceful solutions between Christians and Muslims in Africa, and addressing harmful cultural practices from a Christian perspective.