Further Thoughts on PeaceEducation as a way to promote Peace I have not added to my "Mourning" piece (about 9/11) in all this time because I have been so saddened by the events that have transpired since then - I could think of nothing meaningful to say. Other than supporting organizations that work for peace, that aid the world's neediest people and voting for candidates who support a similar point of view, there didn't seem to be any thing else to do. After all since I didn't have at least a hint of a solution it seemed better to keep my mouth shut. But recently I read Three Cups of Tea - One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. This is the story of how one man, after a failed attempt to climb K2, the second highest peak in the Himalayas, raised the money, founded a nonprofit organization (Central Asia Institute - CAI) and built a school for the impoverished village in Northern Pakistan that had given him shelter as he recovered from his climb. He, with CAI, then went on to build 58 (and counting) new schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan, believing that education is the only way to end the conditions that breed the extremist culture that sponsors terrorism. This was accomplished by being respectful of the local people, their customs and beliefs, and using local resources and labor. It was-is an extremely dangerous undertaking, especially after 9/11 - but the story is all in the book! Three Cups of Tea gave me a much better understanding about that part of the world, so - perhaps educating me and you is as important as educating children, wherever they might live. I strongly believe that we, as individuals and as a country or world, must learn about and support those who actively promote peace, understanding and healing on this fragile planet we call home. If we don't we will have no security. The bombing of the twin towers in New York killed and maimed thousands of innocent people - people who for the most part share our beliefs. As retribution how many innocent people have been killed or maimed from our continuing war in Afghanistan and Iraq? Millions? Who knows, civilian casualties don't seem to be counted. The "Eye for an Eye" has been repaid many times over, maybe its time to re-read what Jesus really taught. One person can make a difference! we can spread the word, let our congress people and other leaders know how we feel and give to those organizations that touch our hearts. Central Asia Institute - CAI
- Promotes and provides community-based education and literacy programs,
especially for girls, in remote mountain regions of Central Asia. Heifer Project International - providing animals to help struggling families become self-reliant. Save the Children - Creating real and lasting change in the lives of children in need. World Concern - Sharing Christ's love in word and deed. Mercy Corps - Exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities. Right Sharing of World Resources - Supports grassroots development and economic discipleship. International Medical Teams - Sends medical teams to troubled spots throughout the world. Mennonite Central Committee - A relief, service, and peace agency of the North American Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches. It seems to me if many people would make a commitment to give on a regular basis, perhaps every month, to an organization that helps impoverished people help themselves that we could go a long way towards changing the terrible conditions the people live in. Many people do this already - Americans are the most generous people in the world - perhaps more of us need to make this sacrifice. Let us learn more about those who are/have different cultures than we do for in understanding we will find tolerance. I know there is no reasoning with fanatics, but the fanatics are only a very small portion of a culture and when we bomb, kill, or maim we are creating more fanatics This is an excellent website that gives much insight into the problems in Afghanistan, especially the problems of the Afghan women: http://www.rawa.org/ Prayer is very important - through prayer our own hearts are directed towards God and understanding his world. Prayer does uplift those we are praying for. We too can make a difference - we know God loves each and every person on this planet and God has given us the ability to take care of our world, somehow we must find that ability and use it. I am a Friend (Quaker) and here are a couple of links that further explain our beliefs about nonviolence as a way to peace: The American Friends Service Committee Friends Committee on National Legislation I would like for these pages to be an open forum. If you have any comments, questions, or links you would like to add please email me and I will put them on this page. I will not post any email addresses and I will not accept any hate messages. "Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy Jan McClellan The following was put together and contributed by Joan Fallon of Crescent City, CA:
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