by News from the Center for Global Engagement
The Corban University Center for Global Engagement is a place for scholars to work together to discuss and address global issues affecting Christian education, the church, and other Christian organizations.
The Corban Language Institute provides international Christian students with the instruction, environment and experiences necessary to promote meaningful language acquisition to further their personal, professional and vocational goals.
Corban University Engages in Discussions on Diversity
Corban University had over five departments represented at the CCCU 2019 Diversity Conference, Oct 4-5th , including a few members of Corban’s Diversity Committee. We joined Christian colleges and universities from across the nation to engage in dialogue around this important topic of how to advance racial and ethnic diversity within Christian higher education. Workshop sessions included topics such as a Biblical and theological approach to reconciliation, using student data to inform decision-making, holistic approaches to pedagogy, understanding our history and other topics around equity, diversity & inclusion.
- An audio file of the opening plenary session with Bryan Loritts, senior pastor at Abundant Life Christian Fellowship.
- Media coverage of the conference from Newsweek and Religion News Service.
- Here is a book you can check out from the Corban Library if you want to dive deeper into the topic: Diversity Matters race, ethnicity & the future of Christianity in higher education
Share the Love of Christ as a Christmas Homestay Host!
Host two or more students over the holiday break December 20th-January 1st. Many international students or missionary kids are unable to travel home during winter break. In order to make sure students are in community over the holiday we coordinate homestay families for those who do not have plans. This is a great chance to minister to students and learn about culture. For more information, e-mail Dawnita Libby at international@corban.edu.
Welcoming New Students to Corban University
Fall 2019 we welcomed international students from five different countries to Corban University! Many of these students will also be representing Corban as athletes on our soccer, wrestling, and basketball teams.
Indonesian Students from Papua
Corban University has over 50 international students on our Salem campus, including around 30 Indonesian students from Papua. This semester has been especially hard for some of these students as they process what a Biblical response looks like to conflict and how to balance school with personal stress.
A series of protests in Indonesia begun in August 2019, in response to the arrests of 43 Papuan students for allegedly disrespecting the Indonesian flag. For historical context, Papua was annexed by the Republic of Indonesia in 1969 despite a desire for independence. 1.xx&oh=0daa354f5c77c18019db051ac4ac38c0&oe=5E5CEF20Governmental officials and others have referred to Papuans with derogatory racial slurs and demeaning statements. In the last three weeks, Indonesian police have acted aggressively towards Papuans. Many of the protests have developed in response to the aggression shown towards Papuan university students and other protests demanding Papuan independence from the Jakarta government. Government buildings in Papua have been burned down, roads closed, police have been aggressive with gun fire, airports have been closed, and an internet shutdown has been enacted.
Many Papuans have been killed and others with injuries beyond number. Including the alleged killing of Papuan university students in their dorm rooms by pro-militia government groups earlier this month. The United Nations Human Rights Office issued a statement condemning the violence in Papua.
Most recently on September 23rd, a riot occurred in Wamena, Papua which is home to many of our Corban University students from Papua. A few are unclear where their families are, one student’s house was burned down because it was close to the government building and others fled and are hiding inside but safe. Many of our students have missing family members. The internet shutdown has been reenacted by the government in Wamena, so our students have had difficulty contacting family members to determine their whereabouts and safety.
The current rioting throughout Indonesia and in Papua has been the worst seen in years.
Prayer Requests from Indonesian Students from Papua:
- Safety for those in Indonesia
- Medical attention for those in need
- Students from Corban (impacted families, emotional turmoil, focus on studies, etc.)
- Pray for those grieving (loss of home, missing family members, etc.)
International Student Spotlight: Friska Enembe
Friska is a Political Science major. With her major she wants to work with the Papua governments and be the voice of the minority groups, especially for those who are in isolated places. She says, “they need to be heard and seen”. Friska’s favorite memory at Corban so far has been the Indonesian night, where she got to perform a dance with friends. For Friska, the best thing about Corban is the professors because they are really nice and very helpful. In her free time, she likes painting, drawing, and sketching cartoons or sometimes hanging out with her friends and boyfriend.
“Since being at Corban, I have learned more about who I should trust and rely on. I have learned that God is faithful and His faithfulness will never fail me, not even once.” -Friska
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