A Word from the Director
Welcome to the Spring 2009 edition of the Zwemer Quarterly! This new edition introduces Trevor Castor who brings enthusiasm, vision and expertise to the job. It depicts how the journal has undergone a face lift and talks about various courses, seminars and events being offered through the Center. The lead article is by a CIU student who is faithfully digging through Zwemer archives and finding valuable material to catalog for research. Finally, the 2009 fundraising goal grows out of our desire to equip the church to disciple Muslims for Christ. We hope you enjoy it.
Other storiesZwemer Archives Uncover
Every day I see images of God through the peoples of the world, through their faces, stories, languages and cultures. I see the beauty and grace of God through people groups, mirroring Him, even when they may not have seen the Bible, let alone read it. It is an awesome and fascinating work the Lord has given me as cataloger of Zwemer archives. Over the years Columbia International University has received numerous boxes of publications that have traveled thousands of miles to find their home in our library. I have found materials in at least 13 languages, stories, artifacts and materials from various parts of the world. Read More...
New at Zwemer
Trevor Castor has joined the Zwemer Center for Muslim Studies. He has the vision, training and gifting needed to help the Zwemer Center strengthen and enlarge its mission. Trevor is a recent graduate from the Seminary School of Missions at Columbia International University with a Master of Arts degree. He and his wife served for seven years as missionaries with Youth With A Mission. He has experience in Muslim ministry and his degree includes several courses in Islam. Our desire is to bring Trevor on full time here at Zwemer. Please pray for the Lord's provision for him and his family.
Fundraising Goal for 2009
Islam is still on the rise, growing faster than ever. Did you know one out of every five people in the world is Muslim? In spite of a bad economy, the Zwemer Center is committed to enlarging and expanding its mission. We must continue growing against all odds if we hope to reach the Muslim world with the gospel. Our fundraising goal this year is $50,000. This is the amount we need in order to train and equip the church in 2009. To make a financial contribution, please visit our site for giving online or contact us at (803) 807-5327 or zwemercenter@ciu.edu.
Upcoming Courses & Seminars
Every year the Zwemer Center for Muslim Studies offers graduate-level courses through Columbia International University in Columbia, S.C. Classes are one-week intensives offered on campus in January and throughout July. Courses may also be taken as a seminar (non-credit) for only $190. Contact us to register.
Islam through Christian and Muslim Eyes June 29 -July 3, 2009
The Spirit World of Islam July 6-10, 2009
Approaches to Muslims July 13-17, 2009
Introduction to the Qur'an July 20-24, 2009
The Zwemer Journal
The Zwemer Journal for Muslim Studies is devoted to Muslim-Christian studies and to providing resources for research on Islam, its history, theology, and culture, and on Christian missions to Muslims around the world. It exists to facilitate discussion and encourage research on topics of interest. The Zwemer Journal seeks to accomplish the following: 1) encourage the Church to evangelize Muslims with love and understanding; 2) correct misunderstandings about Islam in the broader Christian community; 3) regain an evangelical voice in Islamic Studies within the academic community.
Frontiers 247 To Go Event
On January 30, 2009, the Zwemer Center had the privilege of hosting the Frontiers 247 to Go event. The event was a huge success with almost 100 participants, including several CIU students. Many of you may be wondering, what is significant about 247? Well, according to Frontiers, “there are approximately 247 Muslim people groups with populations over 100,000 who have never heard the truth about Jesus." During the event there were 13 commitments made to "Seriously consider moving to an unengaged people group by the end of 2010." May the Lord continue to use Frontiers to bring the message of Christ to Muslims across the globe. |
