Musalaha Newsletter September 2002
From the Director
Musalaha at Greenbelt Christian Arts Festival, UK
Youth Encounter, July 4-5
Leaders' conference follow-up
Prayer Requests
Munayer family update
From the Director
In reflecting on the year thus far, we have been thankful for God's hand of protection and blessing in all regards of our ministry and family life. We know that many of you have been praying for us and God has been faithful in answering your prayers.
This fall, Musalaha's main thrust is our youth leaders' conference in Turkey . Again, as a result of the political situation, we are compelled to go out of the country to meet with each other. The time that we will spend together will include training in youth ministry with Youth for Christ and teaching on reconciliation from Musalaha board member, Pastor Evan Thomas.
Musalaha is concentrating on work with youth and youth leaders for good reason. The church in the Land has experienced growth in young people's participation, and requires special wisdom and leadership to help youth grow spiritually. For the youth in our region, conflict and violence are also a part of their experience. The body of believers can have an important message and role in addressing the special needs of our youth.
Dr. Shimon Kurnitzer , clinical psychologist, in Haaretz newspaper on Sept. 3, highlighted the importance of work among youth and children who live in conflict. He warns us not to forget the impact that the violence has on the younger generations. In a violent conflict, children feel that their existence is threatened. Kurnitzer proposed that this affects their emotional and cognitive growth, as well as their ability to deal with future conflict. They do not see alternatives in dealing with conflict, and may be more likely to resort to violence. The implications for leaders is that we must recognize the effects of living in conflict and help young people find ways to break the cycle and become part of a resolution and reconciliation.
As believers we have a special mandate in working with young people. A central aspect in the Bible is to teach children and their children to fear and love the Lord. As it says in Deutoronomy 6:2 " so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you.." Therefore in order to build up the body of the Messiah in the midst of these challenging days, Musalaha is conducting training in youth ministry and seminars on reconciliation for youth leaders.
Musalaha at Greenbelt Christian Arts Festival, UK
What was a camel doing, wearing a red cape reading CMS and a "Musalaha" sign, wandering around the green, rainy festival sight in the middle of England ? This was how CMS (Church Mission Society) was advertising their Musalaha seminar at Greenbelt Christian Arts Festival. Three speakers, who are involved in Musalaha, were invited to share about their experiences.
Greenbelt Christian Arts Festival is an annual festival attended by a broad spectrum of Christians throughout England . It is well-known for its seminars and guest lecturers as well as high profile musicians and activities for all ages. This year, there was wide interest in Israeli and Palestinian issues. Each of the main contributors to the conference, Christian Aid, YMCA, and CMS, had invited speakers from the Middle East . While these speakers addressed mainly the political situation, Musalaha was unique in its presentation of reconciliation activities. Many who attended our presentation commented that it was good to hear the stories beyond what the media portrays, and that they were glad to hear a hopeful message coming from the Middle East .
At the festival, the attention given to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was indicative of the fact that international Christians maintain great interest in the region. In our experience, that interest has often divided Christians on the issues of the conflict, causing many to adopt a one-sided perspective, neglecting the situation and suffering of the other side. The church is polarized on the issue, often supporting one side to the exclusion of the other. The message and pursuit of reconciliation can bridge the gap not only in the Middle East but among believers world-wide. It is our hope that as Shelley, Tanas , and Brittany shared about their experiences in Musalaha, they brought a refreshing glimpse of what God can do in the midst of division and conflict.
Youth Encounter, July 4-5
Miri's legs were trembling after finishing the ropes course. "Thank you for encouraging me and getting me to do this." The course, set up high in the air, looked formidable. I had watched her, along with 40 other Messianic Israeli and Palestinian Christian youth and leaders, inch their way across different obstacles. Pierre, a Palestinian youth leader from Haifa , had helped Miri , a Messianic Israeli, through the course. Up on the ropes, backgrounds and political differences did not matter.
"This really brings out the point," said George, one of the leaders. "Our theme is ' be overcomers ' and climbing these ropes I got a real idea of what it means to overcome. I myself had fear at times, and I had to push through it. This is a great lesson."
For many participants, being frightened of heights or new adventures were the least of their fears. Many brought with them other worries: fears of mixing with people from different backgrounds, of being unable to communicate and of being misunderstood or even hated.
Be overcomers . That is a heavy demand in these days. The tide of hatred, prejudice, bitterness is fed by the reality of these young people's lives. Some of them have suffered humiliation or pain in their daily lives, some have lost friends or acquaintances in acts of violence. The media, schools, their peers, create a whirlwind of pressures to hate and to keep their distance from the other side.
How can we overcome these obstacles? How can we cross the gap? Musalaha's Youth Encounter was a first step for many of the youth. There are few opportunities for Palestinian and Israeli youth to come together. It can be frightening and awkward to step out of the comforts of your own youth group, and the language, cultural and social differences can be formidable. So at dinner, when we found the youth sitting in their own groups, the leaders grinned and began to mix up the seating arrangement. With giggling, some whining, and even a little gratitude, another small barrier was overcome.
The Bible lesson that night focused on I John. As believers, we have overcome the world through the act of Jesus on the cross. We are called to put our hearts and values in the kingdom of God and not in the kingdoms of man. Our speaker challenged us with the verse, "If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen" (I Jn 4:20 ). The leaders and youth's prayers that evening were heartfelt expressions of a desire for unity and love.
The next morning's devotions centered on what it means to be one body. Ala', a believer from a Muslim background, shared from I Corinthians, about how we are all part of the body, from whatever background we may come. Each one plays our part and contributes our gifts. Just as the hand is useless without the eyes, so we depend on each other.
These Biblical lessons were reinforced later in the day, when we all had a wet and wild time in rafts on the Dan and Jordan Rivers. As we guided our rafts through the current, each person took part in rowing. Without each of our efforts, we would spin around the river in circles. (Well, most of us did so anyway, but we did try to go straight.) Laughing and splashing most of
the way, the youth and leaders enjoyed the beauty of God's creation and of being together.
In our short time together, these Biblical truths were emphasized in a very real way. The youth overcame obstacles: pushing themselves to climb frightening heights or to enter into new relationships. We also realized what it means to need each other, and to open up the chains of communication that lead to understanding and cooperation. Please pray that the lessons introduced to us in these days will make an impact in the lives of the participants.
Leaders' conference follow-up
After every Musalaha program, our staff and leaders speculate how many people will accept the challenge of continuing in the process of reconciliation. In most events, some have been fearful or unhappy and have pulled out; not ready to continue. The unique aspect of the Leaders' Conference that was held in Holland last April is how eager participants have been to meet again. Without the encouragement or prodding, they urged our staff to organize a reunion meeting as soon as possible. For us, this is evidence that the conference was something special.
As a sign of their enthusiasm, several participants were eager to know if the family from Bethlehem would be able to attend. Due to the closures of Palestinian areas, it would require a miracle for them to get permission to leave. Praise the Lord that they did receive permission and were able to attend the meeting. In spite of the difficulties, participants felt that it was necessary to be together again.
The unique bonds developed have expressed themselves in several ways since the conference. Participants have kept in touch via phone and email, some have visited each other's homes, and others have collected donations and food for those in need on 'the other side.' Several participants from a Palestinian church and a Messianic congregation arranged for their congregations to have a meeting together. Pastors have shared their pulpits with other pastors. People are learning from each other and reaching out to help.
Dedication to each other and to the process of reconciliation has grown. In order to continue, participants decided to spend a weekend together tackling more sensitive issues. They expressed that their relationships are strong enough to risk dealing with the difficult topics that can be divisive.
Please pray for us as we select a topic and arrange the weekend conference. We also pray for the participants of the Leaders' Conference, as they continue to pursue reconciliation in these difficult times.
Prayer Requests
- Youth Leaders' Conference, September 22-26. Thirty-five youth workers will attend the conference in Turkey . One main prayer need is for the Palestinian participants that they will be able receive necessary permissions and visas to travel to Turkey . Please pray for Neil and Evan as they bring the teaching and seminars, and for our office staff in planning the logistical details.
- Youth ministry: Follow-up from our summer Youth Encounter and increased work with new youth groups
- Leaders' Conference Follow-up. As we decided at the follow-up gathering, the group of leaders and their families who attended the April conference in Holland , hope to reunite for another weekend together. Please pray for the planning of this event.
- Financial needs of the ministry
Munayer family update
The highlight of the summer was our family trip to Europe . First we would like to say a big thank you to all who made our holiday possible by lending cars, houses, even maps. We really had a wonderful time in Denmark and England . It was great to see our family, and the boys enjoyed time with their cousins and grandparents. We attended a Christian holiday week in England and met some wonderful families there. The boys worked on their cricket game and we all returned to Jerusalem rested and ready for the new school year.
This year Sam starts pre-kindergarten at the same school as his brothers, so all four are in the same school. They each have new teachers, and we pray that their school year will go well. John begins 3rd grade, Daniel is in fifth grade and Jack is entering junior high. Our three oldest have resumed swimming at the YMCA and will be working hard at swim practice.
Kay has been involved with a new group called Quilters for Peace. This is a group of Arab and Jewish women who are demonstrating their stand for peace by creating a quilt. Each woman completes a hand-shaped piece, so Kay has been working on hers and attending meetings with the women from different communities. She continues to volunteer at Sunbula , the Palestinian handcraft cooperative. Their merchandise can be found at www.sunbula.org .
The Bethlehem Bible College is resuming classes. Last years academic year was frequently interrupted by curfews and closures, and many courses were finished via internet and correspondence. We are praying that this year the college will be able to function more consistently. Salim continues to serve as the academic dean there, and at times has a long wait at checkpoints while traveling between Bethlehem and Jerusalem . Still, we praise God that the college is growing despite very difficult circumstances.
