A Rocha, Lebanon

I received an update from Colin who has been working in A Rocha, Lebanon.  He has worked with the Aamiq wetland project.  A Rocha is a Christian conservation orgaisation doing an excellent job in many countries of the world. 

I thought his summary of his ups and downs of the past 4 years was worth passsing on: 

During my four rich, varied, often challenging years in Lebanon I went through the whole range of emotions – many times:
Excitement and trepidation to be going to a new country and a new kind of work
Joy at being surrounded by the mountains, woods, and marshes of Lebanon
Wonder at the sight of thousands upon thousands of storks, eagles, cranes and buzzards passing overhead twice a year
Frustration at the difficulties of communicating in a place where most people don’t speak my language and satisfaction when at last I was able to talk to people, and be understood in my very broken Lebanese Arabic
Gloom at the scale of the problems facing both the wildlife and the country as a whole: hunting, uncontrolled development, fires, poverty, political instability, assassinations, warHope that things could change and were changing and always the sure knowledge that however bad things got, God has a plan for Lebanon as for the whole world which is beyond anything that we can ask or imagine
Security and comfortableness (is that an word or did I just invent it?) to be surrounded by good, loving and supportive friends in the A Rocha team but also in the village, my church and especially the music group. The team in particular was much more like a family than just work colleagues
Sadness when saying goodbye to members of that family at different times during the four years but again joy in welcoming new brothers and sisters to the team
Disbelief, shock and fear during the summer war in 2006 and numbness followed by anger during the evacuation and immediately afterwards (and almost the same emotions again in early 2008 during the “mini-war” when it looked as though the country might descend into civil war again) Doubt about whether I ought to return after the war (and then again about what I ought to do during the tense days in May 2008)
Relief, joy (again) and renewed hope on my return to Lebanon in 2007 – and again in late May 2008 when, against everyone’s expectations peace suddenly broke out and a president was elected followed by the formation of a government.

This emotional rollercoaster continued as I prepared to leave – gloom followed by hope followed by uncertainty followed by excitement about what I might do next

I'm sure that sort of experience is something many of us can identify wih, as we blown about by the winds and elements, a bit like flocks of migrating birds. 

Migrating white storks in Lebanon.

  

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 

Bishop Michael Nazir Ali to move on

Bishop Michael Nazir Ali is moving on from his role as Bishop of Rochester to a more direct involvement in Christian-Muslim engagement and issues of persecution.  

 

An article in Fulcrum  has some more details of the Sept 09 move.  

I also like Bishop Nick Baines’ Blog comment: 

I remember hearing Michael for the first time at a clergy conference when I was a curate up north. He spoke without notes and without hesitation, repetition or deviation for an hour and then responded skilfully to questions from the floor. It was remarkable and his ability to remember details is formidable. Which is a good word to use of him. He is a formidable opponent, but a remarkable ally. Whatever one makes of his stance on particular issues or his absence from last year’s Lambeth Conference, what must never be questioned is his integrity or courage.’

My experience has been similar  He has been my 'boss' at CMS , when he served as General Secretary (1989-1994) and our paths have crossed on many occasions in Britain and Pakistan. Lambeth 98, the Queens Garden Party, Westminster, Interfaith meetings.   Most recent was at the Pakistan High Commission  in London when they threw a Christmas Party for Pakistani Christians in Britain. We sangs Pakistani Carols, had Bible readings (I even prayed for the Nation of Pakistan in Urdu)  and Bishop Michael spoke there elequently.  It was obvious the high esteem with which he is held by the Pakistani Community. 

2 articles taht are worth looking at with very differnet views on the situation: 
Melanie Philips in the Mail When a bishop has to leave the Church of England to stand up for Christians, what hope is left for Britain? By Melanie Phillips, writing in the Daily Mail
on 01st April 2009


George Pitcher writing in the Daily Telegraph Bishop Nazir-Ali retires; a rebellion fizzles out
Dr Nazir-Ali's departure signals the end of Anglicanism's damaging schism, says George Pitcher.  30 Mar 2009

And finally a cartoon from the Church TImes. 

I wonder what new path he will dig. 

  

'faith-hate' crime in UK

I received the following update from the Barnabas fund. It is about a  friend of mine Rev Nobel Samuel who takes a part in a  satellite TV show. He was beaten up last month and has been described as a faith hate crime. 

There is a Google video clip with him as part of a Pakistani singing group.  He is standing on the right. I include the Barnabas update in full. I noticed they have spelt his name differently but it is appropriate since Nobel Samuel's response has indeed been noble.    

UK - CHRISTIAN MINISTER ATTACKED WHILE IN LONDON

The Rev. Noble Samuel, a Christian minister at a United Reformed Church in West London, has been attacked by three men on his way to the TV studio where he films a Gospel programme. Mr Samuel was born in Pakistan and moved to Britain 15 years ago. He presents an hour-long live Asian Gospel Show on satellite television. He does not set out to be confrontational, but in recent weeks his views have been aggressively challenged by Muslim callers in a broadcast phone-in.

The incident, which has been described as a "faith hate" crime by police, happened when a car pulled in front of Mr Samuel and a man came over to ask for directions. The attacker opened the car door and started punching Mr Samuel and trying to hit his head on the steering wheel; he then grabbed Mr Samuel's cross and pulled it off, throwing it to the floor. Two other men stole his laptop and Bible. The assailants warned Mr Samuel, "If you go back to the studio, we'll break your legs." Following the attack, Mr Samuel went ahead with his show at studios that are owned by local Muslim businessman Tahir Ali, who went on air later that day to condemn the attacks.

Earlier this year, the plight of Asian Christians in Britain was highlighted during a meeting at the General Synod of the Church of England. An Asian Synod member, Mrs Zahida Mallard, noted, "We are very much aware of the persecuted Church in Iraq, Palestine, Pakistan and other places where to own the Name of Christ is to invite suffering, stigma and social isolation ¦ but the persecuted Church is a reality not just in these foreign lands but in our cities." Particularly vulnerable are British-born Asians who have converted from other faiths to follow Christ and are often treated as traitors by their friends, relatives and community. A minute's silence was held at the meeting in February 2009 in honour of persecuted Asian Christians in England.

• Thank God that Mr Samuel faced his attackers with courage and continued with his work for Christ following the attack.

• Pray for the Lord's protection of Mr Samuel's family, and that their faith in the Lord Jesus will keep them from fear.

• Pray that "faith hate" crimes will be taken seriously in the UK and that the police will deal with such crimes appropriately.

You can read the rest fo the update here

'one billion souls to save' - Times on China

We hear so much about persecution in the Church in China. The Times have an article with a different story.

   

From The Times

March 28, 2009

One billion souls to save

Christianity in China is booming. With 100 million believers, far more than the 74 million-member communist party, Jesus is a force to be reckoned with in the People’s Republic. We talk to the new faithful who love China – but love God more

Jane Macartney

read the article in the Times Online

Shalom House Migrant worker centre SEOUL

 

'Migrant workers are our neighbours who we must embrace as our friends'

Shalom House is a part of the Namyangju Anglican church of Korea. Since the 1990s migrant workers from at least 15 countries have gone to Korea in search of their dream in Namyangju area around 1500 workers 

Run buy Colombo Kim,  in his tweed jacket he looked every bit a private eye. He certainly has a heart for justice and has been imprisoned as a result of protesting on behalf of migrants.  
This extensive centre ministers to Filipinos, Nepalese, Pakistanis, Indian and many others.They run Computer classes,   Korea language,   Fitness Gym, Hobby centre,  medical clinic, dental clinic,   physical therapy,  shelter for men plus another for  women and children.  Also a drop in centre selling clothes (fixed price 1000 Wan – less than a dollar) a library and resource centre with artefacts from Nepal Indonesia and Philippines as a cultural museum. 

I was particularly struck by the church where they ring the bell when the police come looking for illegal immigrants - resounding solidarity.

It would be a great place for a short term worker teaching English and also possibilities for English speaking clergy Accommodation and food can be provided

Afterwards we visited a Lent group in the home of the Shalom driver.   We sat on the floor in their flat and Rev Paul Koh conducted a simple service and then we ate food - many dishes in honour of the centre and its committed clergy and staff. A wonderful family atmosphere. And great food! 

Sungkonghoe Anglican University Seoul

I was able to visit the Anglican Sungkonghoe University in Seoul on this trip to Korea. As ever the hospitality was overwhelming. 

Originally founded in 1914 as St Michael's theological school,  it was closed in 1940 due to students' refusal to accept and follow Japanese religious customs. It reopened in 1982 and developed into a university in 1987. Maybe it was the opposition to the Japanese regime that underlined the University’s commitment to civil rights and world peace:

‘we cultivate Christian Humanity in students that enables them to practice a spirit of openness, sharing and service. We encourage students to be independent and open-minded….to share with others ….to serve others first’

I was impressed with the wide range of courses on offer: 

Langauges - English, Japanese, Chinese;   Social welfare; Theology; media and communication; Glocal (global and local) IT; college of Asian Civil Society; democracy and social movement institute - 

And also the resources centres available online: 

NGO Resource Center  

Asian Archives Center  

Democracy Resource Center     

Institute for East Asian Studies 

Institute for the Aged 

Silver Institute for Social Welfare 

Welfare Labour History Research Center 

In addition there are a number of related institutes:  

Institute of Church Music, 

Center for Culture and Information Studies 

Institute for Study of theology;    

Management and Distribution Research Institute;    

Research centre for social enterprise
Asian Regional Exchange for New Alternatives Center  (ARENA)   

Academy of democratic society and policy 

The university has a library of 150,000 volumes, with 2000 undergraduates and 500 post graduates research students from Asia (including 100 theology students). 

The University has a good reputation for developing indigeous Asia thinking and has pioneered a lot of innovative work in Asia. One such emphasis is on leadership development in Asia-Pacific students from Korea Japan and China.  In addition windows have been 'opened' on India Philippines, China and Russia.

I was attending a presentation on vision of Asia Mission and Theology centre. Particularly impressive has been the new development  Masters in Asian NGO management (MAINS) in 2007 including  theology and sociology a development of their NGO studies course. It was also interesting to hear that a number of staff had stayed at CMS's Crowther Hall and studied at the University of Birmingham.

Sunghkonghoe University is also part of CUAC -  Colleges and Universities of the Anglican Communion.   I was also interested to see they are linked to other CUAC unverities, including 2 other East Asian universities I have visited:   St Johns University in Taiwan  and Poole Gaukin University in Osaka Japan 

Korean Hospitality is out of this world.....