Abu-Akel was

born in Kuffer-Yassif, Galilee, Israel, the son of Christian Palestinian

parents. He received a B.A. from Southeastern College, Lakeland, Fla.

He later earned a master of divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary

in Chicago, Ill., and his doctor of ministry in Atlanta from Columbia

Theological Seminary.

He is an ordained

minister of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and has recently completed a

term as the moderator of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

For 21 years,

he served on the staff of Atlanta's First Presbyterian Church. He is the

founder and executive director of the Atlanta Ministry with International

Students (AMIS), a ministry of friendship and hospitality to the 5500

international students and scholars from more than 140 countries who are

studying in the 22 metro Atlanta colleges and universities.

Among his long

list of accomplishments and recognitions are the 1988 Greater Presbytery's

Peace Making Award, board member of the Interfaith Coalition of Metro

Atlanta, the Atlanta Interfaith Leadership Award by the Jewish and Christian

Southern Committee, and the Arab American Community of Georgia Award.

"Dr. Abu-Akel

is a Palestinian Christian and this gives him a perspective that is valuable

to us as we strive to relate to our Muslim brothers and sisters in an

understanding and tolerant fashion," a spokesperson said.

"God has

called us to show our faithfulness through love and compassion for others,

yet events of the past few years have caused many Christians to close

their hearts to Muslims and others who are not familiar. Worse yet, we

often see both Christians and Muslims who twist their scriptures to justify

violent acts towards their fellow man. We know that this is not the answer.

It is our hope that this service can play a small part in helping us to

find the way."

Hopewell UMC

is at 351 Jenkins Road, Tyrone, near the intersection of Jenkins Road

and Ga. Hwy. 74, across from Sandy Creek High School. For more information,

call the church office, 770-306-7537.

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