Deeply rooted: profoundly open

Details of 2 events coming soon in Guildford. A workshop I am running on 'Common Ground' as part of the Diocesan Summer School and a talk at Emmanuel Stoughton as part of a reconcilliation Tour by 2 colleagues Tanas and Joseph 

COMMON GROUND

How far are we prepared to go in terms of engaging with Muslims and people of other faiths, dealing with and working on common social issues. 
We will consider conciliatory, non-confrontational ways of bridge-building and working together without compromising our own beliefs and faith. Bearing in mind any form of engagement with the other necessitates the possibility of change. We will share stories of what works (with examples from around the world) rather than simply look at insurmountable problems.

Date:	Monday, July 13, 2009
Time:	7:45pm - 9:45pm
Location:	Education Centre, Guildford Cathedral
Street:	GU2 7UP
City/Town:	Guildford, United Kingdom

Phone:	01483484916
Email:	summerschool@cofeguildford.org.uk

TOUR OF RECONCILLIATION 

Two different men, two different backgrounds. One road of reconcilliation. One message of Hope.  What happens when 2 men who should be enemies meet the Prince of Peace? Jospeh Steinberg a Jewish believer and Tanas Alqassis a Palestinian Christian share how God brought each of them to himself and made them brothers in Christ. 

Date:	Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Time:	7:30pm - 9:30pm
Location:	Emmanuel Church
Street:	Stoughton GU2 9SJ
City/Town:	Guildford, United Kingdom Phone: 01483823416 Email: richard.jordan@ntlworld.com

Day trip to Gaza June 2009

I received the following from Ruth, based in Bethlehem, about her day in Gaza.

Gaza? What do you want to go there for? Dangerous, unsafe, and war zone are a few of the words that come to mind and for most of us  reasons not to visit. For the people of Gaza the damage caused by the war and the continued restrictions are utmost in their minds and lives. I realized that I needed to go and see for myself. Although much of media focus is now not on Gaza, it is still an area of the world that needs our attention. An area half the size of Wales, with 1.5 million people and only 3000 Christians. All are suffering and by visiting at least we could encourage and pray with them.

After months of waiting and much frustration, the Bible Society sponsored me to get a permit to enter Gaza. We left Bethlehem early in the morning to be at the crossing point by 8:00 when it opened. I went on behalf of the Anglican Church in Jerusalem and one of our aims was to take in medical equipment for an audiology clinic and blankets for a hospital in Gaza city. After much discussion with the authorities they decided that we could not take the medical equipment in and only let us take the blankets and some vitamins for children. We had to leave our frustration behind with the equipment and concentrate on getting through and seeing people. From the Check point it is 1 mile to the Gaza border. Another Check point and I found it rather amazing having my rucksack checked by a Hamas official with a uniform and a gun in his holster. Two hours from the Israeli border we were in Gaza city.

The first stop was a Christian School, called “Menara” or Lighthouse. Although the children had finished for the summer we were able to see the excellent, well maintained  facilities which had a very good reputation. We were entertained for lunch, falafel and shawarma, but while we were eating power went off twice, a normal occurrence. To commemorate the end of the latest war, the school, with funding from the West was able to build an asphalt playground. On the wall had been painted the slogan “Free Gaza”, which for me was very poignant.

Next we moved on to the Al Alhi hospital, just round the corner. The hospital was started by CMS in the 1870’s and continues to this day to be supported by them. Around the area of the hospital are grave yards and buried there was a CMS missionary nurse who was shot whilst transporting some children in 1972. It was also alarming to see some families living in the grave yard making makeshift homes out of corrugated iron. I learnt later that these families send their children to the Menara School.

Suheila, the hospital Director, was very pleased to see us and gave me a big hug when she knew that I was with CMS. I hope and pray that this is a contact that will be developed and used in a very positive way now that I have permission to visit. CMS had and still does play a very important role in supporting the hospital.

It was time to head for the Checkpoint to make it back by 3.0pm. The taxi took us the long way back through an area that has suffered major damage during the recent incursion. I really could not believe what I was seeing. There was devastation and many buildings had been completely flattened. We saw families trying to live among the concrete ruins because they have no where else to go. This was their land and their home so where else could they go? It appeared that the rockets were very specifically aimed and so the damage in places was very selective. Other areas were completely destroyed.  All this on the way back to the Checkpoint where on the other side was a completely different world.

Another 2 hours at the Check point and then back to our van and onward home to another town surrounded by a wall, Bethlehem. 

 

UPDATES: Gaza and Diocesan schools

UPDATES: Gaza and Al Ahli Hospital

Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza reports that they continue to be overwhelmed with patients like the little burn victim above.  Since the embargo is still in force, they suffer from shortages in basics such as toilet paper, detergent, sheets -- things you don't think of as being important until you don't have them.  Imagine trying to run a hospital without them. 

 

Suhaila Tarazi, Director of the Hospital writes, "Through your most recent donation, we have bought fuel and medicine and have sustained the running of the free medical missions.  Since January we have treated 1074 patients and can distribute milk, safe water and nutritious biscuits to more than 1200 children.  We also provide medical care for 200 chronically ill women."

 

Ann Veneman, Executive Director of UNICEF, recently toured Gaza.  She expressed deep concern about the war's effect on the children.  "The children are the innocent victims with the nightmares," she said.  "In Gaza, with 58% of the population under the age of 18 and so many schools severly damaged, there is an incredible amount of [psychological] work to be done."

 

Please keep the staff and patients in your prayers and in your hearts as we move toward Holy Week.  Too many in the Holy Land are suffering and you can help by going to our website at www.afedj.org and clicking on the Donate Now button.  Give a meaningful gift this Easter by helping a family back to health and healing. 

Today's students will lead tomorrow's peace

(photo: Liane Marquis) 

Despite grinding poverty, Lorena works hard to do well in her school in Ramallah.  Thanks to full scholarship aid, she's able to stay in sixth grade despite her parents' sporatic employment.  School is a struggle for her and her two brothers, but they know that with an education comes choice for the future. 

 

Merna comes from Jericho. but lives at the Diocesan school in Ramallah.  Now in 10th grade, she's at the top of her class and works hard to stay there.  There are no Christian secondary schools in Jericho, and Merna's parents are not able to pay her school fees.  Scholarship help is the only way she will be able to attain her goal of college and a teaching career.  She wants to help other children learn and grow.

 

We can insure that these children stay in school through our contributions.  With our help, future civic leaders can build peace in a troubled land.

 

This Update came from 

Diary of an Aid worker in Gaza

Hatem Shurrab works for Islamic Relief in Gaza

It is worth looking at the diary of a relief worker in Gaza on the BBC website 

It reads as a very ordinary, human insight into what has been happening, proof if any is needed that development crosses international and interreligious borders.   We can all pray for peace ..

25th January
Amid the rubble and destroyed buildings people are trying their best to return to normal life - if there ever was such a thing in Gaza.Part of that process is the children going back to school. Some of the schools have reopened and the pupils are eager to return...... 

I spoke to seven-year-old Mariam, from Tal El Hawa. Like other children she remembers the day the first bombs dropped and is now happy to be back in her classroom.
"I remember I was in an Arabic exam when I heard the bombs. I was too afraid until my dad came and took me back home. On the way I also heard very loud explosions," she said.
"Now it is calm. I am so happy that I am back at school. Today at school I chatted with my friends and classmates while we were sitting on the steps. Each of us had a story during what happened. Three of them had their homes totally destroyed. Our teacher also asked us about what happened with us. I told her about what happened."

Unfortunately today 27th it has all started again- 

read BBC   Israel launches attacks in Gaza

More on Gaza January 09

CMS statement on the Gaza crisis



Canon Tim Dakin, CMS General Secretary
(Photo: © CMS)

Grieved by loss of life, longing for justice, praying for peace – Tim Dakin of CMS comments on Gaza

CMS has a long-term commitment to working in Israel-Palestine in order to share the love of Christ. Our partners have included those who have different Christian, ethnic and political perspectives.

At this time of crisis we are grieved by the appalling loss of life in Gaza and call for an immediate ceasefire and a return to negotiating about disagreements rather than resorting to violence.

As a matter of justice we believe that Israel should grant greater access for relief workers and supplies in order for the people of Gaza to have their basic food and medical needs attended to. This is a matter of urgency.

We also acknowledge the long-term problem and provocation of rockets launched from Gaza into Israel, yet we find the disproportionate use of force by the Israel Defence Forces a matter which clouds the justice of their cause and stokes up further emotive responses in the wider region.

As Christians we are praying for peace in the name of Jesus the Prince of Peace, longing for a time when people of all faiths and none can live together in Israel-Palestine on the basis of there being justice for all.

CMS is able to accept donations to pass on to partners bringing relief to families in need in Gaza, including Al Ahli hospital. You can give by credit or debit card by using the link below, or send a cheque, payable to Church Mission Society, to CMS, Income Team, Watlington Road, Oxford OX4 6BZ, clearly stating that your donation is for Gaza.

see also BBC website in pictures 

In pictures: Inching into Gaza

Web Stories from CMS January 2009

Stories from the CMS website 

There's a lot going on in Gaza. Here are some web connections from my agency, CMS. They are all people and places I know and have visited. I have included another couple of stories from Nepal (also on reconciliation) and Pakistan  (on environment).   

Anglican hospital at full stretch in Gaza
In Gaza city the staff of the Al Ahli Anglican hospital are struggling to save lives despite a lack of supplies
Read more > :: Thursday, January 08, 2009 :: 112 views :: 0 Comments ::


The Middle East needs prayer and prophets
In the midst of war, we must pray but also speak out against the misuse of power, says Salim Munayer
Read more > :: 1/8/2009 :: 52 views :: 0 Comments ::


Gaza: Love and the Enemy
Tanas Alqassis, a Palestinian Christian, makes a heartfelt call for prayer in the spirit of the Prince of Peace.
Read more > :: 1/8/2009 :: 124 views :: 0 Comments ::


LISTEN   Tour of Reconciliation 
True reconciliation Palestinian and Jewish believers say only Jesus can bring peace 

 Part 1 - the Palestinian experience. Part 2 - biblical reflection. Part 3 - practical experience of reconciliaiton in Israel-Palestine Part 4 - so what, now what?

Gaza PowerPoint
Facts, statistics and prayers about Gaza in the current crisis, prepared by CMS regional manager Tanas Alqassis
Read more > :: 1/8/2009 :: 64 views :: 0 Comments ::


Conflict as necessary for positive change?
Stephen Edison is doing his part to meet Nepalis’ need for conflict resolution and cathartic community transformation.
Read more > :: Friday, December 19, 2008 :: 332 views :: 0 Comments ::

The greening of Rattanabad
A ground-breaking nature-reserve-cum-organic-farm project in Pakistan is restoring people’s relationship with the enviroment...
Read more > :: Friday, November 14, 2008 :: 481 views :: 0 Comments

GAZA CRISIS January 09

As we watch and hear the news we agonise about what is happening in GAZA.  I have received many heart felt crys for help and include some below  

ben-thomas images 

The images are by a young photojournalist  Ben Thomas, a good friend of my son Jonny, who is currently staying in Ramallah.   He is due back in UK on 20th, after which  I am sure more  will appear on his BLOG and Photo Website. 

Al Ahli Arab Hospital 

The Al Ahli Arab (Anglican) Hospital has been in operation for over 100 years and has a very dedicated medical staff of doctors, nurses, technicians and general services personnel.

During the best of times they are stretched to their maximum meeting the medical needs of this populous community. Now, during the current military conflict with its heavy toll on human life and material, the hospital faces even greater responsibilities and challenges. The result is growing strain on the hospital’s resources. 

Every day since the beginning of military operations, the hospital has received 20-40 injured or wounded patients. A large proportion of them require hospitalization and surgery. These patients are in addition to those with 

non-conflict-related illnesses. About one-fourth of the patients are children.......

In addition, the conflict has brought new type of medical and surgical conditions.
Many medical items are needed, especially bandages and supplies for burns and trauma. The hospital’s windows have all been blown out or shattered from rocket and missile concussion and cold permeates the entire premises. Plastic sheeting to cover the windows could alleviate some of the cold but is unavailable now. Food supplies are scant throughout the Gaza strip and maintaining patients’ nutritional needs at the hospital has been difficult, especially for the most vulnerable. Some medicines and supplies for the hospital have been generously donated but it is impossible to delever these items....

Bishop Suheil S Dawani, Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem  - for more information look at the statement on the Diocese of Jerusalem website

A voice heard in Gaza 

A voice was heard in Gaza. Wailing, weeping and great mourning. Nations weeping for Gaza’s children and would not be comforted because they are no more.

On December 23rd, 2008 on a Sydney Radio interview, I indicated that the forthcoming Christmas celebrations might not be joyous. "Why?" queried the interviewer. "Because" I replied "I feel that something is going to happen in Gaza". The interviewer's response was "you are prophesizing?" "No" I replied. "I have read the signs. The signs were clearly written on the wall." My feelings, my intuition have, tragically, proven to be right. I wish, I pray it was not so.

The besieged and beleaguered people of Gaza have been enduring the un-endurable for too long. Not just now, but for decades. Some Christian leaders remained silent. Some sadly equated the oppressed with the oppressor in their statements. None found their way to Gaza. May God have mercy.

Bishop Riah the former Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem 

Other sources: 

There is more information available on the Faith2share website - see 

* Bibles not Bullets in Gaza

* Christian leaders call for intervention in Gaza

* Diocese in Jerusalem active in Gaza crisis

See also the CMS website for more stories and resources 

 

Gaza: Love and the Enemy

written by a collegue of mine, Tannas Al Qassis,  himself Palestinian 

Anglican hospital at full stretch in Gaza

more from the Diocese about the Al Ahli Arab hospital in Gaza 

Tour of Reconciliation

a podcast about a reconciliation tour with Tanas and Jewish colleague  Joseph Steinberg