Prayer for Palestine
This morning was momentous. From the moment we arrived in Northern Ireland we heard faint murmuring of a sensational "Ulster Fry." A breakfast, of course, consisting of beans, bacon, eggs, sausage, fried tomatoes, and potato bread. Well, we had it. And it was everything it was made out to be. Wonderful. Delectable.
Following our morning indulgences, proceeded to "The Oasis" where we met up with the lovely group of "YWAM'ers" that we met at Corrymeela. We spent the morning and afternoon hearing a string of narrative oriented speeches by a woman who has been involved in reconciliation work in some of the most war torn portions of the world for many years, including Rwanda, South Africa, Liberia, and many others. Her stories were steeped with emotion and insight. Quite inspiring and substantive.
Following the speeches, we began the long, emotional process of parting with many of the wonderful people we have met so far. This time included a heartbreaking slide show of pictures from Palestine and Israel spanning the last 50 years and a spirit filled time of prayer for peace in the Middle East. The prayer time was sharp and poignant. In the group were many activist for peace between the Palestinians and Israelis, as well as two Palestinians and one Lebanese man. The sense of unity and love the invaded us was overwhelming. As tears flowed, the spirit moved. Our prayers were like one voice--a melodic song of hope and peace.
Really, words cannot express the value of our time so far. Yet, the people we have met and the words we have heard are buried deep in our hearts and minds. Who would think that we would come to Northern Ireland only to meet a bunch of Palestinians. Providence.
Comments or questions welcome.
tomorrow we plan to meet with Gareth Higgins (Zero28) in the morning and then head on to "Summer Madness" (a reconciliatory gathering of about 5,000 Northern Irish and Irish youth) in the evening.
Cheerio then.
Following our morning indulgences, proceeded to "The Oasis" where we met up with the lovely group of "YWAM'ers" that we met at Corrymeela. We spent the morning and afternoon hearing a string of narrative oriented speeches by a woman who has been involved in reconciliation work in some of the most war torn portions of the world for many years, including Rwanda, South Africa, Liberia, and many others. Her stories were steeped with emotion and insight. Quite inspiring and substantive.
Following the speeches, we began the long, emotional process of parting with many of the wonderful people we have met so far. This time included a heartbreaking slide show of pictures from Palestine and Israel spanning the last 50 years and a spirit filled time of prayer for peace in the Middle East. The prayer time was sharp and poignant. In the group were many activist for peace between the Palestinians and Israelis, as well as two Palestinians and one Lebanese man. The sense of unity and love the invaded us was overwhelming. As tears flowed, the spirit moved. Our prayers were like one voice--a melodic song of hope and peace.
Really, words cannot express the value of our time so far. Yet, the people we have met and the words we have heard are buried deep in our hearts and minds. Who would think that we would come to Northern Ireland only to meet a bunch of Palestinians. Providence.
Comments or questions welcome.
tomorrow we plan to meet with Gareth Higgins (Zero28) in the morning and then head on to "Summer Madness" (a reconciliatory gathering of about 5,000 Northern Irish and Irish youth) in the evening.
Cheerio then.
posted by M.A.P. at
4:27 PM
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