118 Days: Christian Peacemaker Teams Held Hostage in Iraq

[118days.org]
Greetings everyone,

Last night I was up a little too late, absolutely engrossed in a book. (It's been too long since doing this, as having reading assigned to me for school takes all the joy out of said reading). But this one I chose of my own accord. It was important, and close to home.

Christian Peacemaker Teams, the organization I worked for most of my time in the Middle East and on the US/Mexico border, has just published "118 Days: Christian Peacemaker Teams Held Hostage in Iraq." As you know, I returned from Iraq to begin seminary, and Tom Fox, the person who joined the team in my place, was taken hostage along with my colleague Jim and two visiting delegates, and Tom was later killed. This is one of the events that has made it very hard for me to feel at peace in completing my studies.

I find it incredibly helpful and cathartic reading--too much grief at the time had to be 'shelved' because I was also in the midst of changing churches and seminaries. I also find it to be helpful in doing my own writing work now; I just sent back my revisions to the publisher for my Iraq memoir, which ends a little before this book picks up. It also helps me to think about how I will prepare my next book, which is the memoir from jail.

If you are interested in purchasing the book for yourself, or recommending it to your bookstore or library, please visit 118days.org. Also, here is a short clip if would like to read a bit:

On November 26, 2005, Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) members Tom Fox and Jim Loney along with delegation members Norman Kember and Harmeet Sooden were kidnapped in Iraq. Tom Fox was killed on March 9, 2006. Jim, Norman and Harmeet were freed two weeks later on March 23 after 118 days of captivity.
The kidnapping of these four peacemakers was like a rock thrown into a pond.
This collection describes the ripples on the water, the impact and results of that rock, in stories characterized by hope, courage, friendship, and forgiveness. 118 Days bears witness to vital peacemaking being done around the world in these times.
Tricia Gates Brown is the editor of pieces from 23 contributors to this volume.

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Posted By dead reformer to Journal of a Young Activist at 6/07/2008 03:21:00 AM

Popsicles in church, and other signs of radical welcome

Sunday I visited a friend's church that completely bowled me over to what church could be. It was called 'Family of Hope,' and when I left that night, I left with a strong sense of family, and of hope, too, for our future church.

Lawrence, a precocious three-year old, served as the announcer, praise song leader, and usher. He would get everyone's attention, at full volume, and then the pastor would fill in the details. When he wasn't fulfilling one of his duties, he was dancing in the aisles, or visiting a variety of folks in their pews. Nobody gave a second thought, they just visited with him quietly as the service proceeded. One of the banners of this church's mission is: 'Child-Inclusive.' They clearly had this down pat. Why shouldn't children help lead church?

It was hot in the church--a ninety degree day with too much humidity in the air, and it overpowered the fans. No matter, this church had a new summer tradition--it handed out freez-pops to everyone, adult and child alike, during the children's sermon. We all held our brightly colored pops, and listened, and it was so great together, so simple, so delightful. Why shouldn't we have popsicles in church? There were, of course, plenty of napkins.

The day would continue to be adventurous--a huge thunderstorm blew in and knocked out the electricity (but not the 'power') of the sermon; it cleared up just in time for the afternoon party, celebrating the third year of the new church start (the benchmark for sustainability). We feasted on fried chicken, orange sherbet punch, and an enormous cake with a winding road to symbolize the spiritual quest they had been on together. Then there was the "Extravaganza"--friends from neighboring churches and ministries sharing their music with us, from a variety of styles--and two young leaders of this church sharing their vision for reaching out to the youth of the community--teenage girls and pre-teen boys especially, something I've rarely seen before.

Two more phrases caught in my mind: the pastor said "You are welcome here no matter how well you make it look put together--or how broken up it really is." She called out that painful facade so many of us in the churches put up for so many reasons. The regional minister present emphasized the church's dedication to 'Welcoming, Healing, and Growing.' I could see for myself they were living out this expansive call.

In short, this is a church of the new revolution. Where young and old and single and partnered and all races and backgrounds and orientations are welcome. This church doesn't have to be so far away. This church, with the right spirit, the right vision, could break out in all our churches, all over.

We just have to let it.

peace,

Le Anne