Reflections: My time in Mindanao

Adam marches in solidarity with workers in the Philippines.
Photo courtesy of Adam Shaw

By Adam Shaw

When I first arrived, fresh off the plane, I arrived with very few expectations. I had no idea what to expect. The Philippines was such a faraway tropical dream nation from my homeland that I just didn’t have any notion what was in store for me. From reading the placement site application I was aware in a very holistic form what sort of work InPeace did, so I knew it would have something to do with promoting peace. I didn’t really know anything about peace actually; I always just thought it was the absence of war.

My first impression of the staff was that everyone was really focused about who they were as people, and what they cared about. That was something I was envious about because even though I had chosen to become a missionary I didn’t have the purpose and focus that the InPeace staff had. All I had was passion and ideals.

I remember missionary training. Everyone else had expectations for their placement sites, everyone else had specific reasons they had applied to be Mission Interns with Global Ministries. I just wanted to start my degree in life and not spend the next 3 years in grad school working on an advanced degree.

I knew that a lot could happen in three years, but I didn’t realize how much could happen in 18 months. How so many different exposures, experiences and people could change the life of a college boy and make him a more mature Christian man, a passionate advocate for justice and change.

I’ve changed a lot in the past 16 months that I’ve been at InPeace. I’ve discovered what is important in life to me, I have found purpose, a purpose given to me by the hopes of the communities that I was exposed to, a purpose fueled by the plights of the individuals and the communities in Mindanao and a purpose that is impassioned by a desire for justice and the social transformative gospel of Jesus Christ.

If you had asked me 2 years ago what my opinion of politics was, I would have told you I hated it. I hate election years, all the mudslinging, bigotry, racism, Christian intolerance, American exceptionalism, bipartisan fights. I hate it.

After having been involved in polarizing political action campaigns during the past 15 months, it is correct to say that my political poles have been charged and magnetized towards justice for the people, tolerance for the discriminated, fair labor rights for the working classes, and quality education for all. I read the news a lot more, comment on forums; have political discussions with my friends. I have been interviewed by major TV networks and guested on political radio shows. In the Philippines, it has become impossible for me not to be involved in politics. The plight of the people gives me purpose in the grind of ‘western democracy.’

I value everything that I have been taught and shown during my stay. I know that I have become more focused, mature, flexible, and understanding during my time in Mindanao. I always had passion and ideals, but now I know how to organize communities around issues, and how to manifest the ideals that are within me.

InPeace taught me things that I didn’t know I wanted to learn, until after I learned them. My experience here has been excellent. I will not ever forget how I was changed by the people of Mindanao, by the volunteers and organizers who serve them or by the church workers and lay leaders that live their spiritual calling serving the people of God’s Kingdom.

I came to the Philippines willing and ready to be broken and I was. I came ready to be molded, and I was. I came ready to be transformed by people, ideas, and experiences and I was. I believe that God spoke to me through everyone I met in Mindanao and said: “Adam, This is who is important to me, let them be important to you also.”

My transformation wasn’t done overnight…or even in 6 months. It wasn’t pain free or always happy. I’ve had fears and doubts, sickness and depression. But I’ve also had joys, happiness, and the tired satisfaction of helping one person tell their story. God shaped me from the earth that I was and put me into the fire, making me into a tool for the Kingdom of God.

Adam Shaw is a mission intern with the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church, serving initially with Initiatives for Peace in Mindanao in the Philippines. The full text of this reflection can be found on Adam’s blog.

"See, the home of God is among mortals."

By David Wildman, United Methodist Church – General Board of Global Ministries

Our daughter and son were both born the week after Christmas. Each year our family experiences the hopes, the waiting and the expectations of Advent as very tangible, very earthy, and very fragile. The incarnation, God making a home with us mortals, like the birth of a baby, transforms our lives here and now! God’s vulnerability as a new born reveals how much God depends on our loving actions too!

Reading the text of Rev. 21:1-5 in Advent reminds us that Emmanuel, God with us, is not a one-time event that happened long ago, but God’s ongoing revolution in our lives and relationships with our neighbors today! The new heaven and new earth that Revelation depicts is not somewhere far off, but here among us now. A new Jerusalem coming into our lives is not built in a day. It embodies a promise to make all things new! The burden of old unjust, exploitative work relations will be replaced with relationships built on love, respect and justice for all its people.

But wait! Today, like in first century Palestine, all too many low wage workers live lives stuck in advent – a season of frustrated hopes, endless waiting, and lowered expectations – where Christmas never seems to come. We crave a quick fix to end the injustice and indignity that ravage workers’ lives. Do something God to end the widening inequality and exploitation that are tearing our society apart!

We are waiting for God to bring justice into our world. Yet this night, Emmanuel, the babe born in a manger, also waits for our hands to wipe away one another’s tears, to put an end to mourning. The text in Revelation is not calling us to a handkerchief ministry but an incarnational ministry of solidarity and love. As Mother Jones, the great labor organizer, declared, “Don’t mourn! Organize!”

Low wage workers in the early church who primarily heard the Bible read aloud would have heard the words of Isaiah echoed in the reading from Revelation 21. For Isaiah, God’s new heaven, new earth and new Jerusalem are to be built on a foundation of economic justice: “No longer will they build houses and others live in them, or plant and others eat… They will not toil in vain.” (see Isaiah 65:17-25)

For more than 16 years Interfaith Worker Justice has mobilized workers and faith communities to be about the work of a God who is making a home among us whose foundation is justice. This advent IWJ has joined with Walmart workers and warehouse workers to build a new Jerusalem where no one’s wages will be stolen. Each of the many worker centers and IWJ affiliates across the US embody a bit of a new Jerusalem as together we build communities founded on respect, equality and just wages. We invite you this advent to join with Interfaith Worker Justice in this incarnational labor of love.
A new city of justice is on the way!

“David Wildman’s devotional is part of InterfaithWorker Justice Advent Reflections. Gifts to support the work of Interfaith Worker Justice can be made through The Advance.”

South Sudan: The Birth of a New Nation

The flag of South Sudan
Photo: Libby Dearing

Hello All:

What a wonderful time to be in South Sudan!!! We were privileged to be a witness to the birth of a new nation yesterday. Through Elias, a friend and UMCOR employee, we received invitations to attend the ceremony in Yei. We were seated under the shed (built new after being torn down by a storm) just behind the dignitaries who attended. We felt honored to be included. Many speeches were given, and we heard a lot about responsibility, respect, hard work, and struggle. One guy said, "Now is not the time to sit." There was a parade with many schools, women's groups, tribal dancers, and others participating.

Ceremonies in South Sudan
Photo: Libby Dearing

Even the local Muslims marched. The banners were handmade and held high with pride. People had come from everywhere and you could feel the excitement in the air. It was very moving when they took down the flag of Sudan and raised the flag of South Sudan. They even sacrificed two goats at the base of the flag. I wasn't particularly fond of that part, but it is part of their culture. Later, in his speech, Bishop Elias Taban said it isn't necessary to do that anymore because the blood of Jesus Christ is enough.

We returned home and soon received a call from Elias saying the tribal dancers were fantastic and he was coming to pick us up. He took us back to Freedom Square, where there was a sea of people as far as you could see. There were many circles with dust rising from each one. Soon the pastor from Yei UMC, Amos Taban, came and led us through the crowd. He took us to each group and cleared the crowd so we could be right at the edge to see. Several people kept trying to get us to join the dance, but Amos was pretty protective and said no. It was the most exciting thing we have seen in a while. At the end, we joined the gospel program where our children at Yei UMC were performing. They made us proud.

Just when we thought we were finished for the day, we received an invitation to dinner at UNMIS (United Nations Missions In Sudan). We had roasted goat (that was delicious), chicken, and rice. The coordinator of the event said they would now be changing their name to UNMISS (United Nations of South Sudan). We met people from Nepal, Wales, Russia, Holland, Pakistan, and Canada. Of course, many Sudanese were there. It was amazing to be in the presence of people from so many different places.

By the end of the day we were exhausted but so thrilled to have been a part of a truly historic event. It has made us appreciate the founding of our nation and realize what our ancestors went through to give us the freedom we enjoy today.

May each of you experience the freedom you have through Jesus Christ,

Fred and Libby

Fred and Libby Dearing are an Individual Volunteer couple. They are from the Holston Annual Conference and are assigned by Global Ministries to serve in Yei, South Sudan.  

Reflection from Mwilambwe Shabanza Cadet, Global Justice Volunteer

From July 3 to July 11, 2011, young people from across Africa gathered together in Nairobi, Kenya, to prepare for their eight-week term as Global Justice Volunteers (GJV). Through the GJV program, young adults live and learn with communities that are seeking justice in our world today. GJV is a program of the Mission & Evangelism Program Area and Women's Division of Global Ministries.

In the 2011 Global Justice Volunteers Africa Program, young adults are volunteering with three organizations in Kenya seeking justice around issues related to HIV/AIDS. Below is a reflection from Mwilambwe Shabanza Cadet (North Katanga Episcopal Area, DR Congo) following the orientation and training:

Mwilambwe Shabanza Cadet (left)
with 2009 Global Justice Volunteer John Atoyo
Photo: Gabriel G. Mungai

We are grateful to the Rev. Boye-Caulker from the Sierra Leone Annual Conference, Alice Otieno, director of the Comprehensive Rural Health Project in Kenya, and others about what we learned from them, such as fighting the injustice and violence against people who are HIV/AIDS carriers.

After the training, my team of four will be sent to work with the Comprehensive Rural Health Project in Kopanga. And I would like to ask young people from all over the world to pray for us in the upcoming weeks.

Reflection from Florence Kadie Lassayo, Global Justice Volunteer

From July 3 to July 11, 2011, young people from across Africa gathered together in Nairobi, Kenya, to prepare for their eight-week term as Global Justice Volunteers (GJV). Through the GJV program, young adults live and learn with communities that are seeking justice in our world today. GJV is a program of the Mission & Evangelism Program Area and Women's Division of Global Ministries.

In the 2011 Global Justice Volunteers Africa Program, young adults are volunteering with three organizations in Kenya seeking justice around issues related to HIV/AIDS. Below is a reflection from Florence Kadie Lassayo (Sierra Leone) following the orientation and training:

This training has really been a blessing to me in raising awareness and to address the root cause of injustices, as the heart of God is the heart of justice and HIV/AIDS in our communities and beyond.

Florence Kadie Lassayo (left)
with Madira Bwaza and Duhimbarwe Lionel
Photo: Gabriel G. Mungai

The video documentary titled "Coming to Say Goodbye" clearly exposed women's vulnerability in society. This tells me I have a great role in addressing the injustices and HIV/AIDS issues globally because, as a Christian, I must contribute to saving lives.

It is interesting to know that about 1.4 million Kenyans are HIV/AIDS carriers, and that women and children are more infected (out of every five persons with HIV/AIDS, approximately three are women).

Having looked at the root causes of HIV/AIDS and injustice, I hope to make a change. I am strongly convinced that if there are laws against discrimination, even distribution of resources and job opportunities will be created for persons living with HIV/AIDS, then the dream of hope will be realized…. And I am persuaded that with the effort of GJV projects, we will make a positive change.

Reflection from Duhimbarwe Lionel, Global Justice Volunteer

From July 3 to July 11, 2011, young people from across Africa gathered together in Nairobi, Kenya, to prepare for their eight-week term as Global Justice Volunteers (GJV). Through the GJV program, young adults live and learn with communities that are seeking justice in our world today. GJV is a program of the Mission & Evangelism Program Area and Women's Division of Global Ministries.

In the 2011 Global Justice Volunteers Africa Program, young adults are volunteering with three organizations in Kenya seeking justice around issues related to HIV/AIDS. Below is a reflection from Duhimbarwe Lionel (Burundi) following the orientation and training:

Duhimbarwe Lionel (left) with Bishop Daniel Wandabula
of the East Africa Annual Conference
Photo: Gabriel G. Mungai

Before I got to the one week of training at the Methodist Guesthouse and Conference Centre, GJV was somehow strange to me. I didn't know before what exactly we would have to do. But when we started the training, day by day, I began to understand that we, as GJVs, are called to show love and fight against injustice by helping persons affected by and infected with HIV/AIDS.

Because I haven't worked with people living with HIV/AIDS, I was before embarrassed because I was wondering how to work with them, until we went and visited persons affected by and infected with HIV/AIDS in Korogocho, one of Nairobi's slums. I came from there convinced that God has called me to work with persons living with HIV/AIDS, even in these six short weeks. I live about 800 meters from a hospital in my country, Burundi, but I didn't even pay attention to persons living with HIV/AIDS, and I realize now that they are often neglected and stigmatized by their family and the community….

This one week gave me the opportunity to live in harmony with others from different countries and cultures. It has been a big experience. All that has assured me that I didn't come for nothing. I'm here to bring my experience back home and to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, for a generation free from HIV/AIDS.

Reflection from Phenie Achieng Okidi, Global Justice Volunteer

From July 3 to July 11, 2011, young people from across Africa gathered together in Nairobi, Kenya, to prepare for their eight-week term as Global Justice Volunteers (GJV). Through the GJV program, young adults live and learn with communities that are seeking justice in our world today. GJV is a program of the Mission & Evangelism Program Area and Women's Division of Global Ministries.

In the 2011 Global Justice Volunteers Africa Program, young adults are volunteering with three organizations in Kenya seeking justice around issues related to HIV/AIDS. Below is a reflection from Phenie Achieng Okidi (Kenya) following the orientation and training:

During my training, I learned that justice is God's nature, so any injustice done is first done to God, because justice is the core of God's heart. I learned three main things that the Lord requires of us throughout mission: to do justice, show mercy and loving-kindness, and walk in humility with the Lord.

Phenie Achieng Okidi (left) with Regional Missionary Finda Quiwa
and 2009 Global Justice Volunteer John Atoyo
Photo: Gabriel G. Mungai

I also learned that mission calls us to hear Christ and listen to people's stories in the community we belong to. About theology of mission, I came to realize that it looks at the practical issues about God to His people. My mission as a GJV is integrated, both spiritual and physical.

I hope that, through my training, I shall never be the same again but will create a difference in my society because of the knowledge which has been impacted on me and the experience I will have during my volunteer term.

Reflection from Ake Ble Leon Nathan, Global Justice Volunteer

From July 3 to July 11, 2011, young people from across Africa gathered together in Nairobi, Kenya, to prepare for their eight-week term as Global Justice Volunteers (GJV). Through the GJV program, young adults live and learn with communities that are seeking justice in our world today. GJV is a program of the Mission & Evangelism Program Area and Women's Division of Global Ministries.

In the 2011 Global Justice Volunteers Africa Program, young adults are volunteering with three organizations in Kenya seeking justice around issues related to HIV/AIDS. Below is a reflection from Ake Ble Leon Nathan (Côte D'Ivoire) following the orientation and training:

Front Row (left to right): Florence Lassayo (Sierra Leone), Pauline Komo Odinga (DRC - Central Congo Conference), Phenie Achieng Okidi (Kenya), Ndamira Florence (Rwanda), Rev. Kat Sal Nenette (DRC- South Congo Conference). Back Row (left to right): Lionel Duhimbarwe (Burundi), Madira Bwaza (Uganda), Ake Ble Leon Nathan (Cote D’Ivoire), Bishop Daniel Wandabula, Mwilambwe Shabanza Cadet (DRC – North Katanga Conference). Photo: Kim Lehmann

I, Ake Ble Leon Nathan, representative of Côte D'Ivoire in the Global Justice Volunteers Africa Program, participated in the orientation and training at the Methodist Guesthouse and Conference Centre on the theme: "United Methodist Young People Responding to the Challenge exposed by HIV/AIDS."

We were nine representatives from different countries, including Burundi, Côte D'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Sierra Leone. During the week, we had Bible studies, country reports, and different presentations on mission, HIV/AIDS, and conflict resolution. We also had presentations from the three organizations where we will be serving as volunteers: 

• Grassroots Organizations Operating Together in Sisterhood Kenya (GROOTS Kenya)
• Kenya Network of Women with HIV/AIDS (KENWA)
• Comprehensive Rural Health Project

Ake Ble Leon Nathan (standing)
Photo: Gabriel G. Mungai

During the week, we also dealt with our concerns, the societal issues, and our expectations…. I personally learned a lot from this training. I was touched by the HIV/AIDS overview and the specific concerns. I also learned about Christian mission towards the society, such as expressing love and doing justice and righteousness.