Host and Guest Speaker on Civil Rights Tour & 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington

Lina AbuJamra founded Living with Power Ministries and is a popular Bible teacher, podcaster, and conference speaker. She's also the host of a radio show and the author of several books, including Fractured Faith and her new Bible Study Through the Desert: A Study on God’s Faithfulness. Lina is a pediatric ER doctor who practices telemedicine, and in her “spare” time, she provides medical care and humanitarian help to Syrian refugees and others in disaster areas. Learn more about her at LivingWithPower.org.

Jorge Acevedo loves Jesus Christ and his Church. Touched by the grace of God at seventeen and rescued from a life of addictions, his greatest delight is connecting people to Jesus and the Church. He is married to Cheryl Montgomery. His son, Daniel, is married to Courtney and they have 4 children. Jorge and Cheryl also have a younger son, Nathan. Jorge is the Lead Pastor at Grace Church, a multi-site United Methodist congregation in SW Florida. In August 2023, he will step away from the church to begin a coaching, consulting, writing, and speaking ministry. Jorge has authored or co-authored six books and has received numerous awards for ministry and evangelism.

Dr. Bill T. Arnold joined the faculty of the Old Testament Department at Asbury Theological Seminary in 1995, and became the Paul S. Amos Professor of Old Testament Interpretation in 2007. During his time at Asbury, he has taught scores of pastors, missionaries, and teachers, and has published seventeen books, most recently the edited volume The Cambridge Companion to Genesis (Cambridge University Press, 2021). His research and writing cover several aspects of biblical interpretation, including the history of ancient Israel and the Hebrew language. His publications include commentaries on Genesis, Deuteronomy, and 1 & 2 Samuel, as well as a grammar of Biblical Hebrew and introductory textbooks.

Arnold served as an editor for the Old Testament notes in The Wesley Study Bible (Abingdon, 2009), and contributed its study notes on Genesis. He also served as co-translator of Genesis for the Common English Bible (Abingdon, 2011). He is an Ordained Elder in The United Methodist Church (1984), and has been a delegate to four General Conferences.

Journey Through the Bible Speaker January 4 - 14, 2024

Rachel Billups is a visionary, leader, speaker and author. Currently she serves as Senior Pastor at Ginghamsburg Church multi-campus ministry in Tipp City/Dayton Ohio. Rachel draws on her love of people and passion to explore new venues for ministry and mission.

Rachel is an ordained Elder within the United Methodist Church and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Bible/Religion and History from Anderson University and a Master of Divinity Degree from Duke Divinity School.

Most days you can find Rachel reaching out – praying online, hosting Open Table gatherings in her home or enjoying moments with husband Jon and their four loves: Adeline, Christopher, David and Sarah. She also might be cheering for those Duke Blue Devils and The OSU Buckeyes.

Rachel is a popular speaker for national gatherings and has recently authored BE BOLD: finding your fierce as well as co-authoring Down to Earth: Hopes and Fears of all the Year Are Met in Thee Tonight and Sent: Delivering the Gift of Hope at Christmas – all by Abingdon Press. You can find her on social media at: @rlbillups.

Rev. Dr. Kelly Jackson Brooks, LPCC holds a Doctorate of Ministry from Claremont School of Theology, a Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of New Mexico, and a Master’s degree in Divinity from United Theological Seminary. She is the Executive Director of Chrysalis Consulting Center for Clergy (https://chrysalisconsultingcenter. org),  which focuses on clergy mental health and currently serves as the Executive Pastor with Central United Methodist Church in Albuquerque, NM. Kelly is a Licensed Professional Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LPCC) and has served as the Chair of the New Mexico Counseling Association and the Chair of the New Mexico Association for the Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling, along with other community and United Methodist Church faith-based boards. Involvement in the spiritual, religious, and mental health fields as they relate to community and connection are the foundations and passions of Kelly’s work.

Dr. Michael Brown is an author, motivational speaker, and adjunct professor. He is currently teaching at Duke Divinity School and High Point University. He is an ordained United Methodist clergy who retired after serving Marble Collegiate Church in New York City and churches in NC. He is the author of numerous books. He has contributed to The Huffington Post and Thrive Global. Michael has been featured on TV specials for ABC, PBS, and NBC and has also been a guest on other TV and radio shows. He is known as a gifted speaker who uses humor and anecdotes to bring meaning, joy, and hope his listeners.