“This class was a journey that has transformed my perspective on humanity, service, and God’s heart toward the nations.“ Rawnak Bilal was one of 29 students participating in the first online dual language class in English and Arabic, offered by the EuNC Digital Campus (DC) in conjunction with the EuNC Arabic Learning Centre (ALC). The Intercultural Missions course gave students the opportunity to see the main course information in their own languages. At the same time they interacted together via Moodle forums using online language translation tools to read posts, while replying in their main language.  

Students came from 8 different countries (Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Canada, Croatia, Germany, England) which in itself was a reflection of the course content. “This course has broadened my true understanding of the meaning of cross-cultural missions and helped me realize that God’s work transcends borders and cultural differences to reach all peoples with the love of Christ”, shares Rabih Abdelbaqi. The impact of the class was noticeable in students. Lead Teacher Dr. Howard Culbertson points out the important role this course played in the transformation of the participants. “The course exceeded my expectations in enlightening students about the why and how of intercultural Christian mission outreach and inspiring them to get involved in some way. Students who entered the course with reservations about supporting cross-cultural involvement made significant changes in perspective.” 

ALC Coordinator Rev. Samia Salameh adds that the approach of the teacher played a crucial part in making this dual-language class a successful course. His efforts in communicating with the ALC students in Arabic, without the least knowledge of the language, were noticed. Furthermore, he also reached out to them personally in their own language to encourage and guide them. “What a powerful example of what it means to genuinely reach people across different cultures!”

The course not only communicated content but also shaped students on their personal faith journey. “The Intercultural Missions course has encouraged me to think about how I can be a good witness for Christ through my actions and words, and I learned the importance of love, service, and cooperation with others”, says Samah Bouaita, a student from Lebanon. The class served as a powerful means to pursue EuNC‘s mission of “Enabling Christlike Disciples for Ministry”. While serving through Learning Centres across the Eurasia Region, the unity of EuNC as one college in many nations was highlighted through this online dual language class. Rawnak Bilal adds: “It has planted in me a deeper longing to pray for the nations and a desire to live out missions as a daily way of life that reflects the heart of Christ wherever I am.”

About the Learning Centres:

• The EuNC Digital Campus provides primarily fully online theological education in English world-wide for those interested in ministerial preparation or to gain more theological foundations and spiritual development. 

• The EuNC Arabic Learning Centre provides theological education in various formats including online, video conferencing and hybrid delivery modes with the same purposes. 

Renata has been working as a nurse in a Correctional Facility on the Azores. But as she approaches her practicum course within the EuNC Portugal Learning Centre, she feels the need to deepen her spiritual reflection on fundamental aspects of her faith. What starts as part of her studies programme turns into witnessing God’s redemptive and transformative work – both in the lives of the incarcerated and in her own.

“Throughout this journey I sensed that I was an active participant in the Mission of God. I came to understand myself as someone in a process of spiritual maturity and, at the same time, as a channel of blessing.”

When Renata Vila Nova da Silva starts her practicum course at the end of 2024, she has one goal: understanding how love, repentance, forgiveness, and restoration work in the context of prison ministry. In various sessions she leads in worship and prayer. The Gospel message is shared. She has help. A Christian psychologist as well as a local pastor support her as she serves the inmates. The ministry takes off. She knows many of the prisoners from her work as a nurse in the area of health literacy. These relationships build trust and open doors. 69 inmates participate in her sessions.

But it is not a simply evangelistic ministry. What started as a practicum course within a European Nazarene College studies programme, turns into a transformative experience through the Holy Spirit. As Renata shares with those in the correctional facility, she has to face her vulnerability. She is confronted with struggles from her past, especially with inferiority. “As I shared certain aspects of my own journey of forgiveness and restoration, I found myself walking a path of healing. And within that vulnerability, I proclaimed that we can all begin again, repent, and walk a new path always considering God’s redemptive purpose.”

After each session, she reflects with her supervisor and her pastor. They attest her spiritual growth within the process. Her “humble, empathetic, and prejudice-free communication” shows that God uses her own story to reach the broken. As her practicum comes to an end in April 2025, she can say:  “Today, I am more aware of the ongoing process of transformation that God is working in me. The spontaneity and authenticity with which I was able to stand before such a marginalized population have strengthened my sense of calling. I truly feel part of the Mission of God—and I desire to continue being used by Him.”

European Nazarene College is committed to the mission of “Enabling Christlike Disciples for Ministry”.  Renata's story illustrates EuNC's commitment to forming Christlike disciples for ministry. Our programmes are designed to bring theological reflection and practical ministry together, allowing students to grow both in knowledge and in Christlike character.

When Annabelle thinks of European Nazarene College (EuNC), a familiar image comes to mind: “The sign with the dove that was outside the main building along the main street in Büsingen.”
For Shahade, the memories are filled with laughter and community: “The fun outings the students and teachers would have.”

These simple memories mark the beginning of a journey that has since taken them across cultures, continents, and ministries — all rooted in the formative experiences of EuNC.

Meeting at the Crossroads

Annabelle first learned about the college through students leading a youth outreach in her region. Drawn by their passion and authenticity, she began attending their Sunday evening services. Though she never formally studied at EuNC, she quickly became part of the vibrant community — visiting students, joining activities, and even sharing meals with them. “The college cook would always prepare something vegetarian when she knew I was coming,” she recalls with a smile. “It was also when I began attending the International Church on campus.”

For Shahade, the path to Büsingen came through his Field Strategy Coordinator in Jordan. “I had shared that I was interested in full-time ministry, and he recommended EuNC,” he explains. That decision would not only broaden his theological understanding but also change his life in ways he couldn’t have imagined.

A Global Community of Faith

Looking back, both Annabelle and Shahade describe EuNC as a place of openness and transformation. “The community life and the diversity of the students stood out to me,” Shahade says. “My time at EuNC expanded my worldview in a tremendous way and taught me to be open to different ways of thinking.”

Annabelle found her faith deepening through relationships with students from around the world. “It was the first time I met young Christians from outside my country,” she reflects. “Through the students at EuNC, I grew closer to God and chose to become a member of the Church of the Nazarene.”
Of course, it was also at EuNC that she met Shahade — the beginning of a life and ministry shared across cultures.

“It truly feels like having family all over the world.”
 — Annabelle Twal —

“My time at EuNC expanded my worldview in a tremendous way
and taught me to be open to different ways of thinking.”
 — Shahade Twal —

Called to Serve Together

After marrying in 2009, Annabelle and Shahade served in the local Nazarene church and at EuNC. When their second daughter was born, they sensed God’s call leading them further afield — to Jerusalem. There they ministered for eight years: Shahade pastoring and leading outreach and leadership development, Annabelle directing worship and children’s ministries. Together they supported district finances, taught English and German to the local Arab community, and even renovated the church and parsonage.

“The friendships and experiences from EuNC shaped how we approached ministry in Jerusalem,” Annabelle shares. “We learned that faith grows in community — especially when people from different cultures worship and serve together.”

A Continuing Connection

Today, the couple serves as Global Missionaries at the Eurasia Regional Office in Germany. Shahade oversees building projects and serves as the regional Alabaster coordinator, while Annabelle works as a graphic designer supporting the communications team.
They remain deeply connected to their EuNC roots: “We’re still in touch with many friends — some live nearby in Switzerland, others we see at church conferences and regional events,” Annabelle says. “It truly feels like having family all over the world.”

For both, the dove that once marked the entrance to EuNC has become a lasting symbol of peace, calling, and global mission. “EuNC is where it all started for us,” Annabelle concludes. “It will always be a special part of our journey.”

“EuNC is where it all started for us. It will always be a special part of our journey.”
– Annabelle Twal —