International Peacemaker works to preserve Christian presence in the Holy Land

Pastor in PC(USA)’s partner denomination is one of 10 International Peacemakers coming to the U.S.

July 31,  2022

Pastor Fursan Zumot

Pastor Fursan Zumot did not want to see Tawfeek leave his church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Jerusalem.

Tawfeek told him he had applied for immigration to Canada, where he understood education was free. Sending his kids to school in Jerusalem was a heavy financial burden.

“As a pastor in Jerusalem, where Christian presence is in danger, I was not happy to hear this,” Zumot said. “While waiting for the Canadian embassy to reply to his application, the church tried its best to provide a scholarship for his kids. Even though it was stressful for the church, we were able to provide his kids with a scholarship. After that, Tawfeek’s application of immigration was accepted, but he chose to stay in Jerusalem.

“This is how the church can protect the Christian presence in Jerusalem.”

Presbyterians and others will have a chance to hear and speak with Zumot about the challenges of the Christian church in the Holy Land in the face of a shrinking Christian presence and advocating for peace for all.

Zumot is one of 10 people from around the world involved in peacemaking work scheduled to visit the United States early this fall as part of the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program’s International Peacemakers event. The Peacemakers will visit congregations, mid councils (presbyteries and synods), and communities around the country to talk about their work.

These are expected to be the first in-person peacemaker visits since 2019, due to the Covid pandemic.

Click here to learn more about the 2022 International Peacemakers and how you can invite a peacemaker to your community.

“I will be talking about what it means to be a Christian in the Middle East,” Zumot said. “I will share my perspective on the Arabic Israeli conflict from a humanitarian aspect.”

Zumot grew up in Amman, Jordan, and had a short career in banking before heeding the call to ministry in 2003, the same year he started working with the Deaf community. Following studies at the United Theological College of the West Indies in Jamaica, he was initially ordained in the Anglican Church and served in Jordan. In 2014, Zumot joined the PC(USA)’s partner denomination in the region, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL).

In addition to serving Church of the Redeemer, Zumot is pastor to a Deaf congregation in Palestine, and spiritual adviser of The Upper Room Mission, an NGO in Jerusalem.

“The ELCJHL helps people to discern God in the midst of occupation, where people are discriminated and under a great financial pressure,” Zumot said. “The Presbyterian Church helps ELCJHL in so many areas — financially, spiritually and physically, most of the time.”

The Presbyterian Peacemaking Program is one of the Compassion, Peace & Justice ministries of the Presbyterian Mission Agency.

Rich Copley, Multimedia Producer, Presbyterian Mission Agency

Today’s Focus: Pastor Fursan Zumot, international peacemaker

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff

Margaret Boone,  Project Manager, Special Offerings, Mission Engagement & Support, Presbyterian Mission Agency
Shonita Bossier, Vice President, Operations, Presbyterian Foundation

Let us pray

Dear Lord, we give thanks that you have gifted each of us for your purpose. May our hearts be open to your leading that we may use those gifts to your glory. We give thanks that we are part of a great family. May we always encourage and support one another in your work in your world. Amen.