Meeting People's Scripture Needs Today in Africa, Middle East and Europe
Our Theme
Our theme, Meeting People's Scripture Needs in Africa, Middle East and Europe, has been developed to enfold three interrelated dimensions of ministry relevant to international Bible mission.
Firstly, the context of Greece that connects us to the landmarks where and the moments when the Scriptures of the Greek New Testament were born.
Secondly, the momentum within FOBAI to include more global voices in the Annual Meeting and to hear about the practical Scripture needs of the Majority World.
Thirdly, a focus on Africa, Middle East and Europe that intersects with the contemporary phenomenon of mass migration; the role Greece plays as a transition country for refugee populations; and, the challenges this presents to the churches and mission agencies in 'source', transition and destination countries.
In 2023 we welcome the participation of leaders from member agencies from these regions to contribute to our theme during the Annual Meeting program and through informal networking.
The Annual Meeting Program
The Annual Meeting begins at 6pm with dinner on the evening of Tuesday, 25 April through to dinner on Thursday, 27 April.
You can download the headline program here or scan the QR code below:
In addition to plenary presentations and excursions, the program provides time for informal networking and sightseeing.
Development Group Day
Ahead of the official start of the Annual Meeting, the Development Groups meet from 9.00am on Tuesday 25 April.
The groups provide an opportunity to reflect on and engage with our theme through the more specific lenses of translation, Scripture engagement, multi-modal media and Deaf ministry.
Annual Meeting participants need to sign up for the development group of their choice when registering online.
If you are new to Development Groups you can find out more about each of them here.
Our Speakers
You can find some more information about our plenary speakers below:
Rev Fotis is Director for Eastern Europe and the Middle East for AMG International based in Greece.
He also serves as a chairman of Greek Evangelical Alliance and is a leader at New Life Evangelical Church in Athens.
Fotis is a member of the Board of Directors of the Greek Bible College in Athens, where he also teaches homiletics.
He has been married to Mary for 36 years and they have three adult children.
Michael is currently the General Secretary / CEO of the Bible Society in Lebanon and responsible for the work in Syria & Iraq. He has over 35 years of experience as an executive and entrepreneurial leader in business, nonprofit, and educational sectors with global leadership and governance responsibilities.
He is an adjunct professor at several universities and has published research in several topics. His book on Leadership … in Crisis was published recently.
Specializing in strategic planning, resource development, change management, and organizational development, his current focus is on coaching and developing new and emerging leaders.
Michael is married to Dr Tassoula Bassous and they have three adults sons.
A panel of three speakers will provide insight into meeting Scripture needs in Africa from both translation and engagement perspectives:
- Lillian Mutambi, Partner Relations Director, Bible League International
- Joseph Sensor Msimbete, Chair, Africa Deaf Missions Alliance
- Ishmael Macharia, Regional Director OneHope and FOBA-Africa Chair
There will be opportunity for panel discussion and Q&A during the session.
Spouse Program
Spouses are welcome at the Annual Meeting. There is no separate program for spouses but by registering and paying the fee they can participate in the full Annual Meeting program and excursions.
Registration includes all refreshments and meals during the Annual Meeting.
For those not involved in CEO or Deaf Development Group meetings, there is a visit to the St. Nicolas Orthodox Church escorted by Fr. Alexandros Kariotoglou, a Board member of Hellenic Bible Society, on Friday, 28 April in the morning.
Across from the Royal Olympic Hotel is the renowned Plaka area with modern shopping malls and traditional markets. And, there is a variety of celebrated ancient sites within easy walking distance.