International visitors are refused visas for Annual Conference.

Several international guests who were invited to attend Annual Conference this year were not able to get visas to enter the United States. Those denied visas include Anastasia Buena, moderator of Iglesia de los Hermanos (Church of the Brethren) in the Dominican Republic; her husband, pastor Isaias Pena of San Luis Iglesia de Los Hermanos; Filibus Gwama, president of Ekklesiyar Yanuwa a Nigeria (EYN—the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria); and Yohanna Y. Balami, EYN's general secretary.

Although a July 6 insight session that was to feature the Nigerian leadership will be canceled, an International Welcome Dinner on July 3 will still take place with speakers Jeff and Peggy Boshart, mission staff for economic development in the Dominican Republic. Another July 5 evening insight session that was to be led by Buena may still take place as well.

Haruun Ruun, executive secretary of the New Sudan Council of Churches, will attend the Conference to speak about efforts for peace in Sudan. He will be accompanied by Merlyn Kettering, NSCC strategic advisor. Ruun will be at the International Welcome Dinner and will be the featured speaker for the Global Ministries Dinner and an insight session on July 6.

Source: 6/18/2004 Newsline
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