[amc] FW: Some thoughts on our CPT colleagues in Baghdad

From: Wilson Tan <wilsontanhp@xxxxxxxxx>
To: Austin Mennonite Church <amc@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Wed, 30 Nov 2005 11:59:56 -0600
Hi all,

Many of you had the pleasure of meeting Gene Stoltzfus, founder and
ex-director of CPT, in May 2005.  Below is a reflection from him regarding
recent events.

Best,
Wilson

------ Forwarded Message
Date: Wed, 30 Nov 2005 09:44:29 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Some thoughts on our CPT colleagues in Baghdad


Greetings good friends,

By this time many of you know that four CPT workers
were taken hostage in Baghdad. This crisis calls us
back to our most basic convictions in life, what is
worth living for and what is worth dying for.  This
event reminds us that we build meaning into our lives
by the choices we make.

The choice to begin, and to continue the CPT work in
Iraq was made in prayer.  I believe it was the right
decision, and that the hand of God seeks to be
revealed as we all walk into the face of violence in
this century.  

Today is almost December 1st.  In 25 days Christians
will be joined by people of many faiths to celebrate
the Prince of Peace.  He came in weakness, as a baby,
in a time when terrorism was rampant.  A few days
after his birth, innocent male children were declared
enemies of the state and  killed.  A lot of people
must have thought that this was a poor way to begin
the peace project. 

Now, just as in the time of Jesus, the earth and its
people hang in the balance.  The outcome of this
abduction of my co-workers is not only in the hands of
hostage takers and persons working tirelessly to seek
their release.  The outcome of this event is also in
your hands, in my hands.

I write to encourage your prayers for the hostages,
the hostage takers, for Iraqi people who face this
every day and for the good that can come from this
event.  Your prayers for the immediate outcome and for
our common willingness to embrace sacrifice and risk
are a fundamental part of our commitment to the Christ
who had to flee to Egypt because of state sponsored
terrorism. 
    
I know that I speak for at least two of the CPT
hostages with whom I have worked directly that their
desire is that this situation will be used to awaken
the soul of our age, to bring  us to deeper unity,
vision, and the practical arts of peacemaking.

With much thankfulness for colleagues in the journey.

Gene Stoltzfus

for complete up to date information go to www.cpt.org
or for other reflection see my blog at gstoltzfus.blogspot.com

      For ideas and reflections on CPTers being held in Baghdad and other
peace initiatives check my blog at gstoltzfus.blogspot.com
   
  Gene Stoltzfus ( US mail )
P. O. Box 1482
  International Falls MN 56649
   
  residence
  RR #1
  RMB 293
  Ft. Frances, Ontario P9A3M2, Canada
   
  tel.  807-482-1792 cabin
        807-274-0138 residence
   
  email genestoltz@xxxxxxxxx





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Austin Mennonite Church,  (512) 926-3121  www.mennochurch.org
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[amc] FW: Some thoughts on our CPT colleagues in Baghdad

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