Proper 27 (November 8, 2009)
Common Lectionary Readings:
I Kings 17:8-16; Ps. 146; Heb. 9:24-28; Mark 12:38-44

This week we learned firsthand about issues facing Iraqis who were uprooted by war. While some Iraqis are beginning to return home, there are still more than 2 million refugees (mostly in Syria and Jordan). Another 1.6 million are displaced inside Iraq. Those who are returning home face many challenges – including lack of access to food, fuel, health care and electricity (75% have less than 6 hours of electricity per day).

Leaders of the Iraq Student Project – a MCC partner who prepares Iraqi refugees for study in U.S. universities – visited our office in Amman to report on their work. They presented MCC with a book of writings by the students, The River, The Roof, The Palm Tree: Young Iraqi Refugees Remember Their Home (see entries below).

Iraqi girls pose while waiting for the bus to their after-school program in Amman

On Thursday afternoon, we visited an after school program operated by Jesuit Refugee Services for Iraqis living in Jordan. The program offers a variety of language, computer, art, drama and sports classes for children and adults, while they await resettlement in 3rd countries. We were moved by the resilience and friendliness of Iraqi children who have suffered the trauma of displacement; and yet the scars of war remain.

A game of basketball is squeezed between English, French, computer and art classes

In the region this week, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced that he will not seek re-election in January 2010. Meanwhile, in New York, the U.N. General Assembly voted 114-18 to endorse the Goldstone report, which calls on both Israel and the Palestinians to investigate human rights violations and potential war crimes committed in the January 2009 fighting in Gaza. The report next goes to the U.N. Security Council.

In Iran, protests marked the 30th anniversary, Nov. 4, of the U.S. Embassy takeover in Tehran. An anti-American rally was held at the site of the former U.S. Embassy, while, nearby, large crowds gathered to continue protesting the results of the Iranian presidential election in June.

The Common Lectionary readings this week focus on simple faith. Several of the readings specifically highlight the faith of widows.

In the Old Testament reading, the prophet Elijah meets a widow who is gathering sticks to cook a last meal for herself and her son before they die of starvation. Incredibly, Elijah asks the widow to use her last bit of flour and oil to first make him a cake! She does so, and God blesses her with a constant supply of flour and oil (I Kings 17:8-16).

The psalmist declares that God “keeps faith forever” (Ps. 146:6) and “upholds the orphan and the widow” (v.9).

The Epistle reading describes the faith of Jesus who fully entrusted his life to God, sacrificing himself “once for all” to remove sin (Heb. 9:26).

In the Gospel reading, Jesus and his disciples watch as people put their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people contribute large sums. But Jesus is only impressed with a poor widow who drops in two small copper coins. “For all of them have contributed out of their abundance,” Jesus says, “but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on” (Mark 12:44).

Simple faith is not simply about our beliefs. It is about giving our all to God and to God's service – our time, our resources, ourselves – trusting that God will continue to care for us and provide for our needs. Simple faith is not so easy to practice! The most vulnerable people are often our best role models.

From The River, The Roof, The Palm Tree

Iraq, when I say your name I remember my Mom!
You gave me your love,
You gave me your arm.
When I look back, I see something,
I see something different from my Mom.
My Mom breastfed me for a while,
but Tigris and Euphrates never stop.
I’m your spoiled child!
Your hands held me for so long
And still want to hold,
but I left!
When I think of what was going on,
I realize that you are in the labor!

Yeah, Iraq is in labor, Iraq is having a new baby,
a new generation.
I’m sorry Iraq because I had to leave,
but I promise I will get back and help you
To take care of that new spoiled baby.
-Fatima

Salaam (peace) is what we lost in the mist of war.
Salaam is what we dream of in our lonely nights.
Salaam is what we wished for under the Christmas tree.
Salaam is what we hope in our future days.
Salaam is what we make, not what we wait for.
-Farah

Proper 26 (November 1, 2009)
Common Lectionary Readings:
Deut. 6:1-9; Ps. 119:1-8; Heb. 9:11-14; Mark 12:28-34

We spent last week in Lebanon, meeting with MCC representatives from Europe and the Middle East for fellowship and to begin work on a strategic plan to guide MCC’s programs in the region during the next five years.

Bassam Chamoun shares a light moment with Rick Janzen during MCC meetings in Lebanon

This week we hosted Annie and Jean-Victor Brosseau, MCC representatives for Western Europe. Together we visited several MCC SALT workers and Global Family partners.

Julie Lytle visits with a kindergarten student at the Arab Episcopal School

In Irbid, Julie Lytle works at the Arab Episcopal School, which integrates blind and low-vision children in the same classrooms as sighted children. In Salt, Brent Stutzman works with 16-year-old Mohammed on the deaf-blind unit at the Holy Land Institute for the Deaf.

Brent Stutzman describes his work to Annie and Jean-Victor Brosseau

The Common Lectionary readings this week speak of the importance of a singular focus in our lives.

In the Old Testament reading, Moses reminds the people: “The Lord is our God, the Lord alone” (Deut. 6:4). Therefore, we are to love God with all our heart, all our soul and all our might (v.5).

The psalmist says that those who seek God “with their whole heart” will be happy (Ps. 119:2). We are to walk in God’s ways (v.3), be steadfast in keeping God’s statutes (v.4) and keep our eyes fixed on God’s commandments (v.6).

In the Epistle reading, the writer of Hebrews describes the “once for all” sacrifice that Jesus made to redeem all creation so that we can freely worship the living God (Heb. 9:11-14).

In the Gospel reading, a religious leader asks Jesus, “Which commandment is the first of all? (Mk. 12:28). Jesus responds: “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” (vv.29-31).

At the core of Jewish, Christian and Muslim faith is the affirmation that there is only one God. This simple theological truth has profound impact for how we live our lives. If there is only one God, then there rightly can be only one focus for our affections, our worship and our service. And yet our affections are many and our lives feel torn in many directions.

Brent and Mohammad communicate on the playground at Holy Land Institute for the Deaf

We were impressed this week watching MCC SALT worker Brent Stutzman at the Holy Land Institute for the Deaf. Almost all of his time is spent giving attention to one student, Mohammad, who can neither see nor hear. By focusing intently on this one relationship, Brent and Mohammad have developed an impressive ability to communicate with one another. May our lives have such a singular focus in loving and serving God.

Proper 24 (October 18, 2009)
Common Lectionary Readings:
Is. 53:4-12; Ps. 91:9-16; Heb. 5:1-10; Mark 10:35-45

This week we used free technology to connect MCC staff from Iraq, Jordan and Palestine for a one-hour teleconference! Each staff member share about a project they find to be exciting, as well as a situation they are struggling with.

October 15 was the deadline for partners to submit ideas for projects that might be funded from special MCC accounts set aside for peace, water and HIV AIDS projects. We received nearly a quarter million dollars worth of excellent proposals!

Princess Basma speaks about the importance of interfaith dialogue (Jordan Times photo)

On Thursday, Cindy attended the 2nd Annual Conference for Episcopal Women in the Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East, where Princess Basma spoke on the importance of inter-faith dialogue and understanding. Cindy is quoted in a news article about this event.

As an example of how seriously Jordan is taking religious intolerance, the State Security Court this week imposed jail sentences of 15 to 20 years on 12 Jordanians found guilty of attacking a church last year.

Daryl completes the first Amman International Marathon

On Saturday, Daryl celebrated his 54th birthday by running the first Amman International Marathon, finishing in 4 hours 40 minutes. Nearly 12,000 persons signed up for one of three races – 4.2K, 10K or full marathon -- as part of a series of events commemorating Amman’s 100 years as capital of Jordan. Temperatures were in the 90s – definitely not ideal for marathons!

Of significance to the region this week, U.N. human rights leader Navi Pillay endorsed the Goldstone report and called for both Israeli and Palestinian leaders to investigate the report’s allegations that war crimes were committed during the January 2009 military action in Gaza.

The Common Lectionary readings this week are about serving one another -- living our lives in the interests of others.

In the Old Testament reading, Isaiah describes how God’s suffering servant offered his life for the benefit of others. He has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases (Is. 53:4); was wounded for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities (v.5a); was punished so that we could be made whole (v.5b); bore the sins of many and made intercession for transgressors (v.12).

The psalmist writes that God will: “command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways” (v.91:11); deliver and protect us (v.14); answer those who call (v15a); be with us and rescue us in times of trouble (v.15b); satisfy us and (v.16a); show us God’s salvation (v.16b).

In the Epistle reading, God’s chosen high priest “is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness” (Heb. 5:2). As the ultimate high priest, Christ learned obedience through what he suffered . . . and became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him (v.9).

In the Gospel reading, Jesus’ disciples argue over who will have the positions of honor in God’s kingdom. Jesus tells them that “whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all” (Mark.10:43b-44).

We live in a world where people pursue self-interests and countries invest their treasures in pursuit of national security and economic interests. The radical call of God – modeled most completely in Christ – is to look beyond our own interests and to consider the interests of others. Let this be our aim.

Proper 23 (October 11, 2009)
Common Lectionary Readings:
Amos 5:6-15; Ps. 90:12-17; Heb. 4:12-16; Mk. 10:17-31

This week we hosted a luncheon for Jordanian alumni of Eastern Mennonite University’s Summer Peacebuilding Institute. During the past 10 years, MCC has provided scholarships for 15 Jordanians to attend this internationally acclaimed program. Upon returning to Jordan, many of the alumni are engaged in creative peacebuilding projects – developing children’s TV programming; leading workshops that combine art and peacemaking; and integrating peace concepts in teaching, business and government roles.

Thyme is a popular spice that, with water, grows well in the deserts of Jordan

We also had opportunity this week to visit MCC partners in the south and north of Jordan. In Wadi Araba, MCC supports the Prince Hussein Benevolent Society in doing water projects that bring life to the desert.

Drip irrigation conserves water and makes it possible to grow corn and tomatoes in the desert

In Irbid, MCC provides a SALT worker and financial resources to the Arab Episcopal School. This innovate Global family partner integrates blind and low-vision students into the classroom with sighted children.

U.S. Middle East envoy George Mitchell returned to the region this week to try to breathe new life into a peace process that the Israeli foreign minister now describes as an illusion. Regional expectations for the Obama administration to transform the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have only been heightened this week as a result of Obama receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.

The Common Lectionary readings this week are about the good life. Not surprisingly, the good life begins with a good teacher.

“Teach us to count our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom,” the psalmist begs God (Ps. 90:12). In addition to using our time wisely, the good life includes being satisfied with God’s steadfast love (v.14), being aware of God’s work and power (v.16) and asking God to prosper the work of our hands (v.17).

In the Old Testament reading, Amos tells the people that the good life comes from seeking God (Amos 5:6), seeking good (v.14), hating evil (v.15a) and establishing justice for the needy (v.15b).

In the Epistle reading, the writer of Hebrews credits God’s living word – most fully revealed in Jesus Christ – as being able to “judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Heb. 4:12) and root out that which is harmful. Because Jesus was tested in every way that we are, he is able to sympathize with our weaknesses and offer mercy and grace in our time of need (v.16).

In the Gospel reading, Jesus tells a wealthy man that the good life is not found in the abundance of possessions, but in being free to follow (Mark 10:21). Ironically, it is those who give up that receive the most (vv.29-30).

As we see modeled by many of our partner organizations in the Middle East, the good life is not about accumulating wealth or living in luxury, it is about simple faith that leads one to freely serve God and others. May God teach us to count our days for such purposes. And may God prosper the work of our hands.

October 4, 2009
Ephesians 6:10-17

This week MCC staff in the region gathered just outside Amman for a three-day retreat. Our time together included singing, worship, and sharing program updates and plans. We also enjoyed relaxed meals, a talent show and a trip to the King Hussein Car Museum and The Children’s Museum Jordan.

MCC staff from Jordan, Iraq and Palestine (Sept. 2009)

These annual times of retreat help us keep perspective on the purpose of our presence and work in the region. Below is a devotional reflection that Daryl shared with the group on Sunday morning.

Devotional reflection

Eph. 6:10-17
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. 11Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. 15As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. 16With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

I have been working on Middle East issues for more than 15 years. Honestly, with a few exceptions, things seem to be getting worse rather than better.
• It is hard to imagine how things could become any more desperate in the Gaza Strip. A U.N. agency reports that the number of Gazans living in abject poverty has tripled this year. In the West Bank, Israeli settlements keep growing larger. The separation Wall keeps growing longer. The Israeli matrix of control keeps squeezing tighter. The divisions among Palestinian leaders only add to the problem.
• In Iraq, the violence seems to be increasing again. Even if the violence stopped today, it would take years to recover from three decades of wars and sanctions. Much of Iraq’s infrastructure is in shambles, many of its people are traumatized and the trust between ethnic and religious groups has been badly damaged.
• In Iran, the government is trying its best to quash the youthful reform movement. Meanwhile every time that the U.S. and Iran take a step forward in restoring diplomatic relations, something happens that makes both sides take two steps backward. All this to say nothing of the possibility that Israel will attack Iran’s nuclear sites.

But the intention of this devotional reflection is not to depress us but to offer hope and focus for our work. I’d like to reflect for a few minutes on three things related to our work: 1) our real struggle; 2) our proper role; and 3) our appropriate weapons. Paul’s military analogy is not a favorite for MCC workers committed to nonviolence, but let’s work with it!

Our real struggle
There is a high risk in our work that we will spend too much time fighting the wrong battles. The first rule of warfare is to know one’s enemy.

In his letter to the church at Ephesus, Paul writes: “For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (6:12).

The Bible talks about two sources of evil – one internal and one external. Both are real. Jesus spoke about the things that spring from the human heart – theft, murder, adultery, greed, deceit, envy, slander, pride and folly (Mark 7:21-22). And James says that conflicts and disputes come from the cravings that are at war inside us (James 4:1). Some Christians tend to focus only on this internal or personal source of evil.

But the Bible also speaks about an external or structural source of evil, which is Paul’s focus in his letter to the church at Ephesus. In biblical times, people understood the forces of evil to be like cosmic puppeteers who controlled the actions of people and caused evil and strife on the earth. These invisible forces were opposed to God and to God’s purposes for the world. They were not on par with God, but they were powerful nevertheless. Sometimes they were personified as Lucifer and his angels.

Today, of course, we are more sophisticated. We rarely talk about invisible heavenly powers or spirits. Instead, we talk about gigantic structures and systems that cause the world’s evil – large economic and political systems, things like multi-national corporations, bad governments and extremist ideologies. These larger-than-life forces are behind the domination, oppression, killing, greed and injustice that we see in the world today.

Indeed, one doesn’t have to live in the Middle East very long to become convinced that we are dealing with forces that are larger than life. It is not just a matter of a few bad people doing bad things. If it were that simple, we could just replace bad leaders with good and the outcome would be different. But occupation and settlement growth in the West Bank hasn’t changed regardless of whether Likud or Labor or Kadima leaders are in power.

Some very good people get chewed up working in bad systems. With all the wonderful vision and dreams that Barack Obama brought to his role, we are now beginning to see the political forces take a toll on his considerable leadership gifts. I remember often visiting public officials in Washington, D.C. and thinking, “Wow, these are really nice people who are trying to do a good job.” And yet, they were part of a huge system – the U.S. government – that was bombing Iraq, providing cover for the actions of Israel and engaging in all sorts of other mischief around the world.

Our struggle is not against other human beings, but against the forces that cause human beings to succumb to evil. Our struggle is not against the settler in Hebron, or the soldier at a checkpoint, or even against leaders whose style or policies we find hard to stomach.

Our struggle is not against the visible and obvious but against the invisible powers that hide behind the visible expressions of evil. To use a medical analogy, our struggle is not against symptoms but against the virus itself.

Our proper role
Given these larger-than-life forces that we struggle against, Paul offers some extremely helpful advice. First of all, our role is not to defeat these forces. That is God’s role. So take a deep breath! Our role is to simply stand firm against these forces so that we ourselves do not become sucked into their grasp. Four times, Paul says that our job is to stand against, or withstand, or stand firm or simply to stand.

Our job is not to defeat the rulers, the authorities, the cosmic powers of this present darkness and the spiritual forces in the heavenly places. Christ has already done that. The Bible says that – through his life, death and resurrection -- Christ has disarmed them and made a public example of them (Colossians 2:15). He will complete that task with his second coming when his kingdom is fully established.

Our job is to stand firm and to not give in to what remains of their power. Our job is to not join the powers; to not cooperate with the powers; to not collaborate with the powers; to not ourselves start using their tactics. Our job is to resist them, to stand firm.

Several years ago PBS television ran a series called “A Force More Powerful,” which tracked the major nonviolent social change movements of the 20th century – including Gandhi’s India, South Africa, and the Civil Rights movement in the United States. In each case, the key to change was the decision of the masses not to cooperate with the oppressive power that was trying to control them. Evil forces can no more succeed without willing participants than yeast can grow without warm water.

About 45 years ago, Mennonites helped to build a church for Choctaw Indians near Philadelphia, Mississippi. The Ku Klux Klan firebombed the church. Mennonites from around the country came to rebuild the church. Again, the Klan bombed the church. Again Mennonites came and rebuilt it. A third time, the Klan bombed the church. This time Mennonites did not need to come from afar to rebuild the church because local Mississippians were so upset with the actions of the Klan that they rebuilt the church – which stands today.

We see a similar situation in the West Bank today with the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions and other groups who continue to rebuild homes that Israel demolishes. These groups simply refuse to accept illegal demolitions.

Stand firm. Don’t give in. Keep rebuilding until even the dullest and most dim-witted of the principalities and powers can see the futility of their destructive behaviors.

Our appropriate weapons
How do we resist the powers? Paul points to two things. First, we are to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of God’s power (v.10). This is not a struggle to engage on our own power and wits. Second, we are to put on the whole armor of God.

What does this armor of God look like? Many countries hold arms bazaars each year to proudly display their latest weapons -- the newest fighter jets, the most sophisticated armaments and the latest technology. Our weapons are completely different.

• While the principalities and powers use falsehood and deception, we are to fasten the belt of truth around our waist. The first casualty of war is the truth. Any time the principalities and powers prepare for war, their first step is to demonize the enemy – to make the enemy less than human. The logic is this: If the enemy is less than human, then it is o.k. to kill him. Our job is to tell the truth about enemies. The truth is our enemies are pretty much just like us. They are annoying, obnoxious and selfish human beings, but also tender and capable of doing things that are good and just. Rather than demonizing our enemies, Jesus calls us to humanize them – to pray for them and to feed and clothe them.
• While the principalities and powers seek to dominate, control and take advantage of those who are weak, we are to put on the breastplate of righteousness, which means that we are to practice justice. Instead of taking advantage of the weak, we are to show special concern for those who are the most vulnerable.
• While the principalities and powers rely on military might, we are to make every effort to proclaim the good news of peace.
• While the principalities and powers use fear to control people, we are to take up the shield of faith. Fear has become the tool of choice for many politicians. If you can keep the people afraid, you have more power over them. After Sept. 11, many politicians used fear to justify baseless wars, wire-tapping and other infringements on civil liberties. Instead of using fear to control, we are called to see the world through eyes of faith. True, there are many frightening things in the world. We don’t deny that. But as people of faith, we remember and remind others that God is in control.
• While the principalities and powers promise security through strength, we are to humbly find our security by trusting God for our protection.
• While the principalities and powers depend on weapons of war, we are to rely on the power of God’s word.

The Bible says that we overcome evil with good, not by joining evil on its own terms. We are to be light in a dark world. Salt that seasons and preserves.

With God’s power, we witness to the principalities and powers by living in ways that are completely opposite of their tactics. We resist the principalities and powers by actively aligning our lives with God’s kingdom. This very act of resistance by communities of faith is a threat to the powers because it exposes their falsehood and weakness. This is why they killed Jesus – he demonstrated a completely new way of life based on service, humility and love for the other.

The occupation of Palestine will likely not end today or tomorrow. The Palestine team likely will encounter soldiers at checkpoints when they return on Tuesday. But the occupation will end, for Christ has disarmed the principalities and powers. Their time is short. The violence in Iraq will likely not stop today or tomorrow. When Ann returns to Iraq in a few days she will hear about more suicide bombings and find people who are still suspicious of each other. But the violence will someday stop, for Christ has disarmed the principalities and powers. While it may not appear to be so, they are in fact gasping their last breaths.

We live in a holy and sometimes hell-bent land. If you are like me, you spend far too much of your energy thinking about how to get back at those people who annoy and threaten you. If you want to fight enemies of flesh and blood then buy a gun, join the military, and learn how to inflict body blows and to demonize your enemies. God bless you.

But if you want to make a real difference in the world, then:

• Keep focused on the real struggle. Know the real enemy. Our fight is not against enemies of flesh and blood but against the principalities and powers.
• Keep focused on your real job so that you do not become overwhelmed by something that is not in your power to do. We are not called to defeat the principalities and powers, but simply to resist them and to not collaborate with them.
• Keep using your distinctive weapons. These are not weapons cast from metal and filled with explosives. Our weapons are telling the truth, practicing justice, building peace, and exercising faith. Only such weapons are strong enough to overcome the principalities and powers.