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Week 10 - Class Lecture Review - Cross-Cultural Servanthood - Dr. Duane Elmer

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Dr. Duane Elmer, a globally recognized educator and author, presented a transformative series of lectures on cross-cultural servanthood . With extensive experience teaching in over 75 countries and training leaders across corporate, nonprofit, and mission contexts, Dr. Elmer offered profound insights into the role of cultural awareness, humility, and relational intelligence in serving others effectively and reflecting Christ’s love. Dr. Elmer’s lectures tackled the complexities of cross-cultural relationships, emphasizing the importance of understanding and respecting differences. He explained that cultural misunderstandings often arise not from malice but from ignorance or deeply ingrained assumptions. His challenge to move beyond tolerating differences to truly understanding them underscored the necessity of empathy for meaningful service. One of the foundational ideas was his statement, “You cannot serve someone you do not understand; at best, you can only be a benevolent oppressor....
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Week 9 - Geopolitical Analysis

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Assad’s Ouster and the Shifting Balance of Power in the Middle East Source: How Syria rebels' stars aligned for Assad's ouster | Reuters Summary of the News: On December 9, 2024, Syrian rebels ended Bashar al-Assad’s five-decade family rule, a seismic event in Middle Eastern geopolitics. The swift campaign, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), unfolded over two weeks, beginning with the capture of Aleppo and culminating in Damascus. Assad’s regime crumbled under the weight of a demoralized military, depleted resources, and weakened allies like Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia. Turkey’s tacit approval of the rebel operation, along with its ongoing involvement in northern Syria, positioned it as the dominant external force in post-Assad Syria. Meanwhile, the power vacuum left by Assad raises concerns about the future stability of Syria and the region at large. Geopolitical and Cultural Analysis: The fall of Assad signifies much more than a regime change; it underscores the complex secta...
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Week 9 - Current News Event

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A Brazen Attack, A Broken System: Reflecting on the UnitedHealthcare CEO's Murder Source:  What To Know About The Shooting Of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson Summary: On December 4, 2024, UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot in a targeted attack outside the New York Hilton Midtown in Manhattan. The attack, described by authorities as premeditated and brazen, highlights underlying tensions between the public and the U.S. healthcare system. Police investigations suggest the suspect specifically targeted Thompson, with evidence pointing to frustrations over the practices of health insurance companies. Bullet casings found at the scene had the words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose,” potentially referencing widespread grievances against insurance providers for claim denials and prioritizing profits over patient care. While the suspect remains at large, the incident has sparked heated debates about both the morality of mocking a murder victim and the systemic failures o...
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Week 9 - Class Lecture Review - International Relations and Globalization - Emmanuel Entee

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This week’s lecture series, led by Emmanuel K. Entee, provided a profound and multidimensional exploration of International Relations and Globalization . Emmanuel, a Ghanaian-British leader and Founding Director of Mozaik Institute, brought decades of experience in leadership, peacebuilding, and societal transformation to our discussions. His ability to integrate political theories with a biblical perspective created a deeply engaging and thought-provoking atmosphere that left me with lasting insights. The lectures began with Emmanuel grounding our conversations in Genesis 2:15, reminding us that humanity’s calling to “care for and steward” creation goes far beyond environmental concerns. This mandate, he explained, extends to our engagement with governance, international systems, and societal structures. He challenged us to consider the brokenness of the world—not as a reason for despair but as an invitation to participate in God’s redemptive work in broken places and among broken peo...
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Week 8 - Class Lecture Review - A Worldview from the Heart's Perspective - Matt Rawlins, Ph.D.

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Matt Rawlins, Ph.D., is a seasoned author, keynote speaker, and change management expert with over three decades of experience helping individuals and organizations navigate tension and transform it into growth. As the founder of Green Bench Consulting, his work emphasizes listening, asking meaningful questions, and fostering deeper connections within teams and communities. His lectures, grounded in biblical principles, challenge traditional perspectives on leadership, relationships, and personal growth, providing practical tools to engage life’s complexities with humility and purpose. Topic: Understanding Humanity and Tension Through a Biblical Framework In a week filled with profound reflections and candid discussions, Matt Rawlins invited us to explore a worldview not from the intellect's detached gaze but from the heart's vulnerable depths. His approach was as much about listening and asking the right questions as it was about rethinking our definitions of peace, shame, and...
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Week 8 - Movie Review: Cabrini

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Cabrini: A Story of Unique Strengths and Unwavering Hope Overview Alejandro Monteverde’s Cabrini presents the life of Frances Xavier Cabrini, the first American saint, in a way that balances the grim realities of immigrant poverty with an overarching tone of hope. The film focuses on her mission to aid Italian immigrants in late 19th-century New York by establishing schools, hospitals, and orphanages. Cabrini’s faith and resilience shine as central themes, inspiring viewers to reflect on service, perseverance, and the unique contributions of individuals within society. While the movie is not particularly groundbreaking in terms of production value, it succeeds in portraying Cabrini as a figure of determination and compassion. Cristiana Dell’Anna’s performance brings warmth and dignity to the character, while the script carefully navigates her challenges and triumphs. For families and communities rooted in faith, Cabrini offers a meaningful exploration of historical values and spiritu...
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Book Report: How Should We Then Live? --Francis Schaeffer

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    Chapter 1: Ancient Rome Summary Schaeffer examines the rise and fall of Ancient Rome, attributing its collapse to moral and spiritual decay. Despite its achievements in infrastructure and governance, Rome’s reliance on pragmatism over enduring values created a fragile society. The culture’s focus on personal peace and affluence led to a loss of civic responsibility, which ultimately weakened the empire from within. Schaeffer draws parallels between Rome and modern Western society, warning that similar issues—such as materialism and moral relativism—threaten contemporary stability. Reflection Schaeffer’s analysis of Rome’s reliance on pragmatism prompted me to consider how modern society faces similar challenges. The emphasis on material success and personal comfort often comes at the expense of deeper values. This chapter made me reflect on whether I prioritize convenience over principles in my own decisions. Schaeffer’s comparison to modern times also highli...
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