I lived an ecumenical experience worth a tremendous reflection. It was full and complete. Each of us got to know the other as he is. We were brought together young men and women from 7 different Arab countries. We were gathered as strangers to become friends and close family members. We shared food, sleep, laughter, tours and study! We visited the various churches to find out one fundamental truth that is Jesus the Lord, glory for His name, wanted us to be one parish for one shepherd!
Each of us travelled to each other's country during the cultural evening! We laughed, played, learned and even wept. The last day was the most difficult day, the day of separation. We have made a promise that our relationship will always remain strong... and that we will plant the seeds of ecumenism in the country of each and every one of us, and in the church of each one of us. Ecclesiastical unity is already in our hearts and our minds, so that we may know it on the ground in our churches; to please the heart of the Lord!
This journey did not end with the end of the ecumenical training in Lebanon, but shall continue through our interaction and study on the Internet... all this owing to the efforts of the instructors of the Institute and the efforts of the regional secretary Miss Wakil, and the director of the Institute Dr. Azar! All so that ecumenism becomes the oxygen of our souls and life cannot be without it! May the Lord always lead us, let us become the salt of the earth by renouncing fanaticism and extremism.
-Mary Khamis - Egypt
