MUSALAHA Newsletter

March 2003

From the Director.
Women's Conference 2003
Youth Department
Publishing
Upcoming Events and Prayer Requests
Munayer Family Update

From the Director.

In recent months we, like many around the world, are anticipating what will happen with Iraq . It is interesting to observe people's reactions. Some are glued to the TV, anticipating the war every minute, and stocking up on food and water. Others are paralyzed by fear of the unknown and their mind is preoccupied with all kinds of scenarios. Some are searching Scriptures, looking for prophecies to be fulfilled and fitting current events into apocalyptic scenarios. These reactions can lead to paralysis and passivity, almost allowing external powers to take charge of their lives. I am reminded of the disciples in Acts 1:10-11, after Jesus ascended: "They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 'Men of Galilee ,' they said, 'why do you stand here looking into the sky'?"

All the attention focused on politics and government, areas where we have little control, can distract from the ways in which we can affect change in our world.

In the conflict here between Israelis and Palestinians, there is a similar sense of events spiraling out of our control. There is much stress and fear. The words, "the situation" have become a kind of code phrase to excuse all kind of attitudes and behaviors.

Instead of focusing on things that we cannot change, like the disciples waiting for the Messiah, we are challenged to put efforts into areas we can influence. As believers, we can devote ourselves to prayer, seek what the Lord requires of us, walk justly and mercifully, and advance the kingdom of heaven. There are many ways that we can reach out to people, and tell them about the hope found in Him. Often difficult circumstances bring a new openness and hunger for the message of the Gospel. We can be comforters to those in need of help and healing. While world events are out of our control, we can be assured that God has His way.

In the midst of uncertain times, we rejoice that the Lord is still moving people to be involved in reconciliation. Therefore, we want to share in this newsletter what the Lord has been doing in our women's conference, youth work and upcoming Leaders' Desert Encounter. - Salim J. Munayer, PhD

Women's Conference 2003

Over 120 women attended Musalaha's eighth annual women conference, held at Tantur on January 17-18. This year's conference was dedicated to prayer, with an added focus on worship and testimonies about how women are responding to the political situation and the needs of our communities.

The body of the Messiah in the land is composed of varied backgrounds. Among Israelis, there are Jews of Israeli birth and also immigrants from Europe , the Americas , former Soviet Union , and Ethiopia . Among Palestinians, there are those who live in Israel and those who live in areas under Palestinian Authority. At each Musalaha event, in order for people from the Palestinian Authority to participate, we must receive permission from the army. This year it was a miracle that over 30 women could attend from these areas. For many of these communities in Israel and Palestinian areas, little is known or understood about each other.

Looking out across the auditorium, it was evident that this was a collection of women from many different walks of life. One important aspect of the conference was for women from each community to share their personal stories and also their responses and activities relating to the needs of their communities, particularly in light of the political conflict.

As one Palestinian participant said, "The flavor of women from such drastic backgrounds and circumstances yet worshipping and praying together.is a miracle and a wonder from God. Listening to each other's life stories and vision is an eye-opener in itself, how little is really known about each other?" Over the course of the conference, we had 7 speakers share: a Russian immigrant and her heart for the Russian Jewish community; a Palestinian living in Israel who grew up in an orphanage; an expatriate who's involved in many communities and active in helping needy Palestinian women and families; a Messianic Israeli youth worker; two Palestinian women who serve their communities through humanitarian aid, outreach, and support; and an expatriate who helps manage an Israeli conference center for believers. These women represented stories of over 100 others who came together for the conference.

For some women, the worship time together was a highlight. A Messianic Israeli participant shared, "The experience of women worshipping together, in Arabic and Hebrew, touched my heart. It became a prayer that God would bind us together in deep and meaningful ways, and that we would not only worship together but truly share our lives. K.'s message was also very inspiring. It encouraged me in thinking that there are so many very practical ways in which we can help. When I shared it with my husband, he said that this was really true religion: 'I was naked and you clothed me, I was hungry and you fed me..' L.'s admonition that we should pray briefly and not 'against' was also very right. We have so much that we are 'for,' we don't have to define ourselves by what we are against. Mostly, we need to be 'for' each other."

At a conference like this the interaction between participants leaves a significant impression and is an important aspect of the reconciliation process. It is in the simple moments at meals or coffee breaks, when women from both sides extend themselves to one another. It often takes courage to speak to strangers, particularly strangers from the 'other side.'

S. our staff worker, shared the following about a conversation that she had:

"A woman approached me at the end of the conference and asked if I was a soldier at a checkpoint. According to the way she worded the question I knew that she must live close to one. Hesitantly I replied, 'No, my army service was not related to a checkpoint'." Checkpoints, placed on roads at the borders between Israel and Palestinian areas, are flashpoints of contention and conflict. For Israelis, they are perceived as maintaining security. For Palestinians, they are perceived as boundaries that limit movement and are sources of pain and frustration.

S. continued: "The woman then continued to share her heart with me for the soldiers that serve in the West Bank . How when she looks at them she sees young men, like her very own sons, who need the protection and love of the Lord. How she boldly brings the gospel to their ears even when they least expect to hear it, how she prays for them consistently, and how she has longed for an Israeli young person to support her in prayer as she does this.

As one who is involved in reconciliation work, I had become "comfortable" with the notion that Israeli and Palestinian can get to know, accept, and honor one another. Just when I thought that I had it "all down," the Lord challenged me afresh that reconciliation is not balanced on a chord of honor but on a bridge of mind-boggeling love! It is not a mere attitude of tolerance and "grace," but of abandoned embrace. Then and there we earnestly sought the Lord together in that very posture.

Often times, once a Musalaha event is over, I step through the door of my cosy home, sink into the couch and wonder what the implications of the conference really mean.

Here, once the conference was over, I was greeted by a live picture of what true reconciliation not only CAN look like, but DOES look like. This lady not only accepts the soldiers, she loves them to the point of EXTENDING the love of the Lord into their lives as she would to her very own children."

It is difficult to know how to respond to the situation in which people here find themselves. Pressures (even reasons) to turn to hatred and anger are tremendous. This conference was full of examples of women who provide alternate responses, who reach out to their own communities and to the communities of the "other," seeking reconciliation and what it means to be salt and light in this difficult situation.

Youth Department

You are 15 years old. You see a new person who belongs to the "other side." Should you be careful? Afraid? You look at their shoes, consider their mannerisms, listen to the sound of their laugh. Do you approach or not? They don't even speak your language, go to your school, or know who you are. They are from the other side. They might even hate you. Do you stick out your hand and say "Hello, my name is.?"

Thirty-seven percent of Israelis are under the age of 19, and 53% of Palestinians in the Palestinian Authority are 18 or under. It is their future that is being affected by the political process. Young people have lost their friends, family and their own lives in the last two years of conflict. They can be found at political rallies and protests, in school or stuck at home due to curfews, preparing to go the army, throwing stones at soldiers, sitting quietly at home, frightened or unconcerned. In these young and formative years, their identity is being shaped, and they are experiencing social pressures in many different aspects. Young people who are believers are not immune to the affects of the conflict. At the same time, many on both Palestinian and Israeli sides are experiencing a spiritual awakening. For them, their faith sets them apart from the crowd. Yet, the social, national, and political pressures do not disappear. Many Messianic Israeli and Palestinian Christian youth have spent very little time with youth from the other side. As a young person, it is difficult to approach strangers under ordinary circumstances, nevermind the barriers presented by politics, culture, and language.

So what happens when you get them together in a room? Musalaha has been working over the past few years to expand its work among youth. As future leaders in the body of the Messiah, they are at an important age to enter into the process of reconciliation. The following are some of the projects that have taken place and are planned for the coming year. We appreciate your prayers as we continue this work among youth and youth leaders.

Youth Gatherings

On February 20, Palestinian youth groups from East Jerusalem and Haifa visited an Israeli youth group in Tel Aviv. These meetings typically begin like this: the youth walk in, look around, mumble hello to each other and form circles with the kids they know. Some Israeli youth came wearing a star of David on a chain around their necks, some Palestinian youth came wearing a cross around theirs. How do we get them to approach each other?

The youth leader paired the kids, an Arabic speaker with a Hebrew speaker and had them teach each other Bible verses in their own language. The scene unfolded with giggles and encouragement, as the kids not only tried to get their mouths around some very difficult pronunciations, but also began to get to know each other. No longer were Palestinians on one side of the room and Israelis on the other. Then they shared what they had learned, to applause and some encouraging laughter. (Some managed a very good pronunciation of the short verse, "Jesus wept.") As the youth recited verses in a foreign tongue they realized the Word of God upon which we base our hope is the same for Arabic, Hebrew, Russian or English speakers. This is a small step and beginning to the long process of reconciliation.

Youth Desert Encounter, April 23-25

Palestinian and Israeli youth will be participating in a trip to the Negev desert. Together they will hike, ride camels and enjoy a jeep trek. For many young people, the desert experience is a unique experience, a removal from their cultural context and modern conveniences that leaves a great impression and provides a chance for spiritual growth. We pray that the Lord will use this experience and the Biblical teaching to build relationships between the youth from both sides. Please pray for the planning of this event and for safety in travels and activities.

Social Service Projects

As follow-up to our youth activities, groups who have gone to the desert select social service projects to perform in their communities. By reaching out to others through food distribution, painting churches, remodeling homes, youth can impact their societies with the message and testimony of reconciliation. In the past, people have asked, "Who are you and why are you doing this?" The youth have been able to talk about their experiences in meeting people from the other side and working side-by-side with them to serve their communities.

Youth Leaders Training

In our work with you, we have noticed that there is a shortage of trained youth leaders in local congregations. As a result, Musalaha has focused also on working with youth leaders to provide training in the area of youth ministry and reconciliation. In turn, this has made an impact in Musalaha's youth programs.

Last fall, we conducted a conference for training in youth work. Youth for Christ provided excellent teaching on various topics of youth ministry, and Palestinian and Israeli youth leaders spent time getting to know each other and building relationships.

A few of the youth leaders from the conference are the same ones whose youth groups met on February 20. At that meeting, the young people could tell that their leaders were part of the process of reconciliation. From their warm hugs and conversations, it was evident that the youth leaders were familiar with the difficulties of reaching out to people from the other side, and already working to overcome the many barriers.

Upcoming Projects

The youth leaders from the conference continue to meet for training (the next meeting is March 14) and some will participate in the Youth Desert Encounter in April. In 2003, Musalaha intends to conduct a second training conference in August to include new youth leaders, and thus expand our work among youth. In addition, Musalaha, along with Youth for Christ, will invite youth leaders from Northern Ireland to provide training in the area of reconciliation and youth. We plan to host a conference in the fall where we explore the timely and vital topic of conflict-resolution among young people.

Publishing

In the Footsteps of Our Father Abraham

Now available for $10 plus shipping from Musalaha. Orders can be placed by email, fax, mail or phone

A revised version of Musalaha`s first volume, this book includes articles written in the early years of Musalaha`s ministry and contains an additional section of articles written in the past year. Contributors to the text include Palestinian Christians, Messianic Israelis, and international Christians. It is a unique mix of perspectives and experiences from our twelve years of activity in reconciliation.

Musalaha, P.O. Box 52110 , Jerusalem , 91521, Israel ; Musalaha@netvision.net.il Ph: 972 2 672 0376; Fax: 972 2 671 9616

Upcoming Events and Prayer Requests

Worship Songbook

Our staff and volunteers have been making progress on the songbook of Hebrew, Arabic, and English worship songs. It has taken some time, but we have managed to acquire nearly all of the copyright permissions.

Currently, they are transliterating and translating the songs. The task of notating the Arabic songs has been the biggest challenge in this process. Much of the Arabic music has never been notated and requires expertise in music and familiarity with the songs. When the Arabic songs are transcribed, the publication will be in its final stages. We pray for our staff and volunteers as they contine their efforts on this complex project.

Leaders Desert Encounter, April 20-24

Every year Musalaha conducts a leaders' conference for leaders of local congregations and ministries. This year, we are inviting members of international contributing organizations to join with local believers for a desert experience.

We have found the desert to be a uniquely neutral atmosphere, where the challenges of survival and cooperation provide an excellent occasion for relationships and open communication. Each trip has been a unique experience of cultural and spiritual discovery. This will be an unforgettable encounter: a four day journey in the beautiful wilderness, hiking, climbing in the Sinai mountain range, sleeping under the stars, studying God's word, and fellowshipping with local believers.

Munayer Family Update

We have nearly finished the birthday season at the Munayer house, with Daniel turning 11, Sam turning 5, and John turning 9, all in the last three weeks.

Jack, 13, has enjoyed several camping and hiking trips to the desert lately. He has also been attending the youth group at an international congregation and enjoys that fellowship.

Daniel has excelled in swimming. In the beginning of March he will compete in the junior national competition in three different races!

John has patiently endured some major dental work. He had six teeth removed to make space in his mouth, and has to wear a mouth brace.

Sam is doing well at the YMCA kindergarten, and growing up quickly.

Kay has continued her charity work. Recently she visited a blind school and several orphanages. She is able to take into Bethlehem food and clothing items that are difficult to get. Recently she organized the distribution of a shipment of school sweaters that was sent through a church friend in the UK .

At the Bethlehem Bible College , Salim has been busy with the beginning of the second semester and with the extension program in Nazareth . He travels north every second week to teach there.

The second book of the Christian curriculum in Arabic that Salim has been writing is coming to its final stage. At the Bible College we also completed two booklets in Arabic. One is on Romans, and the other is a much needed text on the four schools of interpretation of Revelation.