Co-Sponsors Eastern University and Food For the Hungry Will Encourage Transformational Thinking to Solve Physical and Spiritual Poverty. Creativity and Out-of-the-Box Thinking will Dominate This 2nd Annual Event.
St. Davids, PA, July 08, 2009 — Eastern University and Food for the Hungry will Co-sponsor the 2nd Annual Transformational Development Conference August 7th -9th.. The purpose of the event is to identify potential solutions to human poverty through stimulating discussion proctored by a diverse group of respected theologians, scholars and attendees. Groups of all types are encouraged to attend.
“I’m delighted that we are hosting the 2nd Annual Transformational Development Conference, especially on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of our MBA in Economic Development program that we are celebrating this year,” said Dr. David Bronkema, Director of Development Programs at Eastern University. “I am looking forward, as I know many others are, to getting together with so many who have been working to combine evangelism and social concern in all kinds of development projects, and to talk about what has worked well and where the challenges are.”
Scheduled speakers include:
* Rene Padilla is a founding member of the Latin American Theological Fellowship and the Kairos Foundation in Buenos Aires, Argentina where he is currently Executive Director.
* Jaisankar Sarma serves as the Vice President for Transformational Development with World Vision International.
* Lisa Sharon Harper is the co-founder and Executive Director of NY Faith & Justice, co-founder of both the Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) Youth Theater and the USC School of Theatre Neighborhood-Turn Project, as well as an accomplished playwright.
* The Rev. Dr. Tony Campolo, a Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Eastern University, is the Founder and President of the Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education (EAPE), authored 35 books and is an associate pastor of the Mount Carmel Baptist Church in West Philadelphia.
* Benjamin Homan, President/CEO of Food for the Hungry, is also an ordained Presbyterian elder, lay-preacher and has held a variety of positions with religious institutions, colleges and universities.
“We need these kinds of spaces so that we can reflect on how to be better stewards of the resources that God has given us in this field of transformational development, and to encourage each other and hold each other mutually accountable,” Dr. David Bronkema said. “It will be a great time of fellowship and learning!”
The Transformational Development Conference
gathers a community united by God’s call to end physical and spiritual poverty worldwide. The Conference is a platform for participants to engage in honest conversation that names common hopes and signals the challenges faced. The intent of the Conference is to continue to draw a diversity of voices (including those who have yet to realize how relevant their gifts are) to the conversation and to engage them for change.
For more information, please visit www.tdconference.org
About Eastern University
Eastern is a Christian university dedicated to the teaching, development and preparation of men and women for productive lives of Christian faith, leadership and service. Offering urban, international, professional, seminary, graduate and undergraduate programs, Eastern offers a life-changing education all from its campus in St. Davids, PA.
About Food for the Hungry
Food for the Hungry implements transformational development programs in impoverished communities around the world. The organization’s mission is to partner with churches, leaders and families in overcoming all forms of human poverty by living in healthy relationship with God and His creation. More information on Food for the Hungry is available through Esther Hsu at (480) 609-7778 or please visit their website: www.fh.org
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Contact:
Danny Bismark-Pettit
Eastern University
1300 Eagle Road
St. Davids, PA
19087-3696
(610) 341-1392
http://www.eastern.edu/
