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Traveling Peacemaking

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Hello friends,

"I used to be very active in the peace movement, but my current work has been so consuming I haven't participated much in the last ten years," shared Rich Wood, a former United Methodist pastor, during a conversation with me on the train to Chicago. For the past ten years Rich has been dedicating himself to exposing the way drug companies are wrongfully pushing farmers to use unnecessary drugs on animals here and abroad.

I also got to share CPT photos and stories with him. "It is very encouraging to hear about CPT peacemaking. Even though I get 40 emails a day, I would still like to be on your mailing list." I responded, "You can always delete my email if you are getting too many emails; I will never know it!" And I added, "But don't forget your work is an important part of peacemaking and I want to encourage you to keep at it. Blessings to you in it."

Rich and I agreed though our work often feels overwhelming, one thing that is on our side is that eventually the truth comes to the light. It is a reminder that light is overcoming darkness and always will.

On the train returning home from Chicago, I had a great time of sharing with Bret, a forester from Washington. He is fed up with working for companies where making money is the most important thing. Because of this he is looking to transition into something else for the next 15 years. He is quite an adventurer, which recently led him to spend four months traveling in South America. We had a lively conversation the entire 2 1/2 hour trip about community, Mennonites, Amish and peace work. Much of this time included sharing CPT photos and stories. He said he definitely wanted to be on the mailing list.

Since the New Year I have been busy working on what I feel have been weaknesses in some of my personal relationships. This has called me to work hard at changing some of my ways. It is not easy, but I think there has been progress. Along with this, I did three talks in Chicago and one in Texas, all of which went well. I also have been working on my annual report.

Please pray for:
15 presentations during the period 3/1- 3/8 in the St Louis, Missouri area
CPT booth at the Mennonite Relief Sale in Bloomington, Illinois on 3/16 & 3/17
Annual report

Thanks so much for your prayer support.

Peace is coming,

Jim
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