On the Way to Warmth

Jubilee Partners in Comer, Georgia

Since 2013, I have spent ten months as an Individual Volunteer in Missions (IVIM) with the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) in the Middle East: Jordan, Palestine and Israel.  Through this service, my understanding of the plight of refugees has expanded.  IVIM also have an option to serve refugees in the United States. 

Jubilee Partners is an intentional Christian service community in rural northeast Georgia. Their primary ministry is offering hospitality to refugees who have newly arrived in the United States.  I visited Jubilee Partners on my “snow bird” journey to warmer weather.   Jubilee Partners seeks to understand and live by the radical implications of following Jesus Christ.  They are concerned about being effective peacemakers, promoting justice and understandings among neighbors and around the world.

I enjoyed this welcome sign in multiple languages.

There are three ponds on the property, as I drove in I had to decide if I wanted to drive my new car through the flowing overflow.  I made it!

There might be a possibility for me of an IVIM assignment here.  The GBGM website has the following to say about this potential assignment.

The position is welcoming and assisting in the resettlement of newly arrived refugees while experiencing an intensive Christian community.  The tasks include teaching English as a second language, providing childcare, gardening, cooking, cleaning, grounds upkeep and maintenance. 

Although I was a guest, I did volunteer for some of the daily chores.  I helped with the cooking and cleaning of the kitchen, and attended noon devotions. 

I did not have to do the grounds upkeep; instead, I had a wonderful tour of the grounds.  The chickens are in the back of the farm, but the other farm animals were nowhere to be seen on this rainy afternoon. 

I visited some of the homes and met some of the refugees.  Many photos of refugees are available at www.jubileepartners.org.

The sign by the school identifies the home countries of refugees who have been served at Jubilee Partners.

The refugees go to English class every day, some days twice, as well as to cultural lessons.

There is a well-stocked boutique.

Prayer Vigil

The community of Jubilee Partners believes in the possibility of God’s redemptive work in the life of every individual.  Various members of the community have been ministering in prisons including visiting individuals on death row in Georgia.  Through this community, prayers are offered for all involved in criminal justice: prisoners, corrections staff, defense lawyers, prosecutors, judges, police and crime victims. 

The community of Jubilee Partners is opposed to the death penalty and holds a prayer vigil in Athens, Georgia whenever an execution is scheduled.  On January 13, 2015, Georgia executed Andrew Howard Brannan.  I participated in the prayer vigil. 

The Jubilee Cemetery is the final resting place for several people executed by the State of Georgia.

Personal Reflection

Being a part of this Christian community for even one day reaffirmed to me the importance of relational community.  I am drawn to the Christian fellowship displayed here.  The volunteers have two meetings each week including sessions on Christian discipleship.  There are regular worship services and devotional periods.  All volunteers receive training on how to teach English as a second language.  There was an atmosphere of joy, serving refugees and each other.

Friends along the Way

Georgia

What fun it was to have Carol, a friend from my Sierra Leone UMW Ubuntu Journey, drive over to
I-75 and have lunch with me.  Carol is on the leadership team for her Conference’s United Methodist Women (UMW.)  She gave me many good ideas for my volunteer activities with West Michigan Conference UMW.

Florida

Other Traverse City “snow bird” friends flocked to I-75 in Florida so we could meet.  Pam and I met for breakfast and Barbara, pictured with me, and Ken met me for lunch.  Both making my trip to warmth much more enjoyable.

Learning in Florida

SIM Missionary Retirement Village

It is such a joy to visit my sister’s “village.” It is the home for about 130 retired missionaries.  Bible study, prayer meetings and home visits are amazing.  I am bringing up social justice issues and getting years of experience and opinions. 

Reading

I brought several books with me to read, and I spend time every day reading articles on the internet.  For my new UMW volunteer position, I want to be conversant in all the social issues.  

We United Methodist Women have the following issues on our advocacy list: Domestic Violence, Economic Justice, Environmental Justice, Global Justice/Peace, Health Care, Human Trafficking, Immigration Justice, Peace Building, Racial Justice and Women’s Rights.  

St. Johns United Methodist Church

How fun it is to find a church family while I am here.  I attend the worship service, Sunday school and the Women’s circle at St. Johns UMC.  The Sunday School Class is studying John Wesley’s three rules; Do No Harm, Do Good, and Stay in Love with God.  We are following an excellent devotional titled, Praying with John Wesley by David A de Silva

At The Movies

I traveled to Tampa to the Premiere Showing of A Path Appears.  This documentary shows gender oppression and human trafficking in the U.S. and around the world.  Check your local PBS listings. 

There Are Some Strange Things Happening

First, time in Florida.  I have not figured it out yet, but time goes faster!  Then extra items appear on my to do list, all needing completion before I get home and add Michigan’s major to do item, yard work!  Finally, the days left before heading back to the cold are disappearing at an alarming rate.

Not At Home

Reflecting on My Holidays

Driving out of Michigan in order to be ahead of Storm Hector, I got as far as Rocky Top, Tennessee the first night.

I had a lot of time to reflect on the Holiday Season. 

If you are like me, part of the holiday joy is being with family, carrying on family traditions. 

How would it be different if…?

How would your holiday have been different if when you were five years old, your grandparents on both sides, your parents, aunts and uncles had lost their homes and livelihoods?  Pondering this reality of the Palestinians who are my age helps me start to understand the devastation of being a refugee. 

Holy Family-Refugee Family

We have just celebrated the incarnation of God into God’s creation.  

This is a wonder that I do not have my head around yet!  I believe it, but it is beyond understanding.

Actually, the Holy Family was an internally displaced refugee family at Jesus’ birth.  They were displaced because the Roman Empire, then controlling things and wanting to collect family taxes, required them to go to Bethlehem.  Shortly after, the Holy Family became a refugee family in Egypt. 

Empires, Greed and Power and Control are Still Creating Refugees! 

Thousands of Palestinians became refugees when forced from their homes in 1948 because of government decisions.  Millions still are refugees because of government policies denying the right of return as required under International Law. 

One example of where the 1948 Palestinian refugees resettled was Yarmouk camp in Syria. 

The UN picture below shows what happened there in 2014.

While many have been uprooted yet again, the second picture shows what is still happening as of January 2015.

Refugees in Gaza

Most of the people in Gaza are 1948 resettled refugees.  We know from the news the devastation those refugees live with.  96,000 Palestinian refugee dwellings were damaged or destroyed during this summer's conflict, according to the technical assessment completed by UNRWA on December 15, 2014.   

Are you giving? www.umcmissions.org Advance Project # 14908A – Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees- Middle East Council of Churches 

Refugees on Our Border

We do not have to go overseas to see refugee needs.

Are we giving? www.umcmission.org. Methodist Border Friendship Commission is Advance #10759O - Promoting friendship, fellowship, evangelism and mission along the U.S. and Mexico border

As People of good will, we must make our voices heard on behalf of refugees.

Is God hearing our voice in prayers for refugees? 

Our Government policies could make a difference for refugees at home and around the world.  Are we contacting our elected officials, letting our voices of love be heard? 

Do we hear Jesus’ voice saying,

“If you do it for the least of these you do it for me?”

More To Do

Christmas Past

It has been 2 weeks and two days since I departed from Hope Secondary School in Beit Jala, Palestine.  Arriving in the states on December 23 landed me into the Holiday Mode.  I celebrated Christmas with Ed and Gale, my son and daughter in law.  The day after Christmas, they put me on a plane to visit family in Washington State.  

While in WA, I had the opportunity to tell Seabold UMC about United Methodist Advance projects including Hope Secondary School, Beit Jala, Palestine where I last served. 

In 2015, let’s take action on behalf of the Palestinians through the United Methodist Advance Program (www.umcmission.org)

Reflections

Spending two months, November-December 2014, at Hope Secondary School in Beit Jala was a privilege and joy!  Being around youth, experiencing their exuberance and energy helped me realize God’s blessings and imagine God’s expectation for these lives.  Experiencing firsthand the dedication of the administrative staff and teachers makes it easy for me to request your involvement. 

God is giving you the gift of being involved in the lives of students at Hope Secondary School Advance Project #12018A.

Actions

My days were filled with action.  Lalia in the development office kept me busy with projects that will further develop the contact and involvement with friends of Hope School.  

I interacted with the students personally through English enrichment activities, going on a field trip for environmental education and eating meals with the boarding section students. 

Being a part of the teacher professional development allowed me to attend team building and arbitration training.  

One of the highlights was seeing Dr. Jihan Emaya's leadership enhancing the quality of education at Hope Secondary School.  I am glad the board, led by Khader Saba, supports the long-term needs of Hope Secondary School.

Student Sponsorship Program

Lalia coordinates the Student Sponsorship Program at the school.  This gives an opportunity to communicate one on one with students.  To be part of sponsoring a student, let Lalia know your interest info@hopeschoolpal.com.

I am looking for some people in the United Methodist West Michigan Conference who might like to join me in sponsorship of some of the students I met!

More Information

Hope Secondary School has a web site, www.hopeschoolbeitjala.com.  They are also on Facebook.  Please check out these places for further information about all God is doing through those serving at Hope Secondary School.

Looking Ahead

The temperature outside today in the single digits, reinforces why I plan to be out of Michigan this time of year.  I leave soon for a trip to Florida! 

Florida

I am looking forward to the warmth while visiting my sister, Donna, in Sebring Florida. 

Middle East

The Middle East remains in my thoughts and prayers.  There is still much to learn and do as we continue to reflect our God of justice.  The United Methodist Kairos Response, www.kairosresponse.org is a source for information and suggested action.  Many United Methodist conferences are looking into ways to further God’s justice through United Methodist Conference’s actions.

I have enjoyed receiving a newsletter from Wazala www.wazala.org.  This site gives an overview of things Christian from several countries in the Middle East.

United Methodist Women

I have taken on a new volunteer responsibility as United Methodist Women social action coordinator for United Methodist West Michigan Conference.  United Methodist Women are dedicated to putting their faith, hope and love into social action.

Hospitality

Once back home, I am answering a call to hospitality.  Consider this as your invitation to visit me at my home.  I am planning a Bible study, prayer group and more.

Palestinian mint tea and mint lemon aid are house specialties.

Africa

My next oversea trip will happen this summer in connection with a Bible Dedication in Ethiopia.  My sister Donna’s last few years of her 30 years in Africa were spent in the development of this Bible in a native tongue that never had a written language previously.  My sister in law and I will be traveling with Donna to the dedication.

Keep in Touch

My Email is randie.clawson@gmail.com.

Reflecting Praising Grieving

Reflection on being Part of the Methodist Community Palestine Israel

Comfort is found in being in community; I leave the comfort of my local congregation when I travel as an Individual Volunteer in Mission. 

Here in Palestine Israel there is a temporary Methodist community.  Rev. Kristen Brown, Liaison at the Methodist Office Jerusalem uses her gifts to nurture community for Methodists who travel and serve here

Serving here, we have left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children, or fields in order to do ministry.  Praise God with me that in this temporary community we receive from each other part of the hundred-fold promise of God.  We create for each other the soil where we can grow and blossom. 

In community, we remove the plank in our own eyes as we are able to see ourselves.  In community, we are working on the specks, healing each other.  Acknowledging our brokenness we do not judge each other, but, stand together in the light of God’s Grace and Mercy, reflecting that Grace and Mercy to each other.  

Reflecting on Added Blessings, House of Hope

As some of you know, I stayed at the guesthouse of House of Hope for two months earlier this year.  It was my joy to be able to return and share devotions with the residents, blind and special needs students.

During this week, my last week here, I was able to attend a fundraiser for House of Hope.  They are in desperate need!  More information may be found on their web site, www.hohbethlehem.org.  

The winner of the Palestinian Idol was the entertainment for the evening. 

The House of Hope residents were invited up to sing and danced along.

Jaffa, a blind resident, was given the microphone and led us in couple of Christmas songs.  

Everyone enjoyed the music, students, and the privilege of helping the House of Hope.

Experiencing Beit Jala

Beit Jala, the village where Hope School is located, has St Nicholas as their patron saint.  The boarders from the school, their house father and I walked down for the Lighting of the Christmas tree.

 Sorry, the video of the countdown and lighting of the Christmas tree would not load.  Maybe we can watch it together during one of my presentations.

Again the next morning we went down for the Saint Nicholas Festival.  

Some of God's treasures from Hope School

 Seeing all these Palestinian Christians celebrating their special day was a joy!

Reflection on Interacting at Hope Secondary School

I hope you have stayed current with my blog, www.considerourcall.blogspot.com.  Further information and photos of some of the things I did can be found on Hope School's web www.hopeschoolbeitjala.com and their Facebook page, Hope Secondary School.

Seeing the administration and staff striving to educate the most vulnerable of Palestinian children is joy to my heart.  Professional development for the staff is an ongoing contributing to Hope Secondary School’s success.  Much of my time was working in the development office also being a part of English enrichment was a delight. 

The students are given opportunities and experiences that will add to their ability to thrive.  Along with their class work, students have access to computers.  During the time I was here, they attended a science fair, went an environmental learning field trip and enjoyed a day together at a park.  These are children of the occupation, I am so glad to see their enjoyment of these extras.

Special to my heart are the boarding students.  Eating meals together and exchanging vocabulary and a little conversation was a highlight.  After living with these 22 teenage boys, I am not sure I will be able to stand my quiet home.  I will miss their camaraderie. 

I have already started my leaving, grieving process!

While pondering the plight of these vulnerable children, I reread the scriptures that refer to children.  In Matthew 18:10 Jesus says, "See that you do not despise one of these little ones.  For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven." 

God sees all the pain of children and through their angels; they have their own additional advocate with the Father.  

Hope School’s sponsorship program invites you to sponsor a student.  You can become an additional advocate as students face the many troubles of being a child of poverty and the occupation.  For sponsorship information, contact: info@hopeschoolpal.com.

Praising God

I am completing the seventh month this year in what we call the Middle East, my heart is filled with thankfulness to God. I am praising God for the people and places in the memories of my 71^st year on earth! 

May the Joy of Christmas Fill Your Hearts!

December Is A Busy Month Here Also

Jerusalem an Unexpected Journey

The roads lead to Jerusalem, especially when you pick up the bus # 21on the wrong side of the street.  In English I explained where I wanted to go in Bethlehem.  I heard and followed the Arabic, “Yella”.  It was a correct command, but bad advice if time and money is a consideration.  The bus did go to Bethlehem, but by way of Jerusalem.  It required me to catch a returning bus # 21 to Bethlehem including a second fee.  I rode for 1 hour and 15 minutes before heading down to Bethlehem on the other side of the road.  Travel time to enjoy the scenery,  contemplate and pray.

Kairos

On December 1-4, I had the privilege attending an International Conference to celebrate Kairos Palestine’s fifth anniversary of launching the document, “A Moment of Truth.”  The title of the conference was, Life with Dignity.  2 Corinthians 4:8 was the Bible emphasis,

 “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed, perplexed, but not despairing”

It was a wonderful opportunity to learn, connect with people from my prior assignments here and make new friends.  There were many Methodists in attendance.   

The last event of the conference was a Palestinian dinner with entertainment, a Palestinian Dance group.

Bethlehem Tree Lighting Festival Manger Square

While I seldom go out alone after dark, I felt the Christmas Tree lighting on Manger Square in Bethlehem should be an exception.

Bus to Bethlehem

I caught the bus to Bethlehem, this time from the correct side of the road.  The street scene on the way created a Christmas atmosphere..

Walk to Manger Square

I joined up with Pat from MI.  Some of you might remember she presented her Ecumenical Accompaniment Experience at Christ UMC’s Middle East Peace Lenten Series in 2012.  The 20 minute walk to Manger Square added to the festive atmosphere.  It was evident that the event was to be well attended.

The Celebration

The festival included music, the lighting of the tree and fireworks!  The sign across the stage, “All I want for Christmas is Justice” expressed everyone’s desire for this Christmas Season!

We returned the following day to get more pictures without so many people in the way.

Sunday at Christmas Church and Beyond

This past Sunday I worship at the Christmas Lutheran Church near Manger Square.

Grace

It gave me an opportunity to hear Grace, a United Methodist Global Mission Fellow, sing in the choir.  There were several Methodists in attendance and we enjoyed our lunch together on Manger Square.



Grace and I had also connected in Mafraq, Jorden where we both served with the Syrian Refugees.

The United Methodist Global Mission Fellows is a 2 year mission opportunity for young adults ages 20-30. Young adults are invited to engage with the local communities, connect the church in mission, and grow in personal and social holiness. This program allows for transformation and leadership development to take place while addressing roots of social injustices with other young people from around the world.

Global Mission Fellow has 2 tracks: US-2 and International. Both track offer candidates the opportunity to be part of a cohort of other Global Mission Fellows. You will train and regroup with the same young adults throughout your 2 years of service, always have a support group to walk with you through your journey!  Please let family and friends in this age range know about this mission ministry program.

One of the stain glass windows at the Christmas Lutheran Church portrayed the Holy Refugee Family. May we all remember those around the world this Christmas season who share the refugee status.

Lunch at Manger Square

It was an added pleasure to have lunch at Manger Square, Palestinian food is so VERY good.

Hope School Exam Week

This is exam week at Hope School.  The students take these exams very seriously.  There is a lot of studying going on.  Education is highly valued here.  I like to think of their striving as nonviolent resistance to the current inhuman conditions experienced from the occupation.  The students and teachers show their steadfastness to live above their circumstances in Hope!. .

Christmas Decorations at Hope Secondary School

The Cave

The cave under the Christmas tree with the holy family displayed is a traditional Christmas decoration in Beit Jala.. 

The Decorators at Hope School

I was glad to be able to take photos of the students who helped with the decorations.  

What a blessing to be surrounded  by such kind teenagers

I had the privilege of serving these students with with English enrichment classes.

A Christmas Option

8th Annual Bethlehem Prayer Service

WHEN: Sat, Dec 20th at 10 am

WHERE: Washington National Cathedral in D.C. and Live Streaming Nationwide

Prayers, readings and hymns alternate between the two far-removed locations via the Internet, bringing together people of different lands, languages and ethnic backgrounds in celebration of the birth of the Prince of Peace. 

More information and live streaming at http://www.nationalcathedral.org/events/ChristmasBethlehem2014.shtml

Living the Christmas Message

As Christians we stand shoulder to shoulder with all humanity, facing the Light and Glory of God and hearing with the shepherds,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 

Luke 2:14.

Be the Peace!