Ben Van Haitsma

Vision and Mission

I am seminary student at Princeton Theological Seminary and am discerning where God is calling me in ministry. I hope that this internship will give me a better sense of the direction God wants me to head and also a better understanding of what it takes to be a missionary. I felt called to the Al-Amana Centre specifically because of its interfaith work. I have been interested in interfaith work ever since I studied abroad in Central Europe in 2019 when I visited Sarajevo and learned about the Bosnian Genocide. That experience made me deeply aware of how religion could be a source of conflict and violence, but also of reconciliation and healing. I became involved in my college’s interfaith program after that experience and continue to seek out interfaith opportunities while in seminary. I hope that my time in Oman will allow me to deepen my understanding of Islam and the Middle East and grow my cross-cultural understanding skills.

Mission Work

I will be working at the Al-Amana Centre, an ecumenical and interfaith organization that has a long history in Oman. It promotes dialogue between Christians and Muslims and works towards intercultural understanding. My main work at the Al-Amana Centre will be assisting with the Centre’s study abroad and cultural immersion programs. I will be acting as an RA and mentor for college students studying abroad at the Centre and will help facilitate devotions and discussions. I will also be helping out with various administrative tasks at the Centre as needed.