HISTORY

Maranatha Shabiba Conference was launched in December of 1998 with God's help, after we felt the need for an engaging retreat where Chicago’s Middle Eastern, Christian young adults could gather and experience a refreshing and healthy Christ-centered atmosphere.  Throughout the years, the Lord blessed the conference with many visitors from other cities across the USA and Canada.

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The increased presence of 2nd generation Middle Easterners demanded that we start an English program.  In 2006, the Chicago Arabic Conference united with the Lansing, Michigan ShabibaFest English conference to form what is now called Maranatha Shabiba, to offer programming in both Arabic and English.

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At the time of its start in 1998, a small group of 25 people attended. Over the years, the Lord blessed the conference with increased attendance. In 2016, Maranatha became one of the largest young Christian adults conferences targeting predominately Middle Easterners in North America.

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Needless to say, Maranatha Shabiba welcomes everyone regardless of ethnicity.