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Is Justice and Peace com'n?

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Jim's Peacemaking Newsletter
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Dear Friends,

“Do you really believe Justice and Peace are coming, in spite of all the wars, and as we titter on destroying all of creation with climate change?” questioned John Betten.

I answered, “Yes, I believe peace is coming. It is hard to imagine how it is possible. But Jesus told us to pray for the kingdom to come, and that means peace and justice. He wasn’t talking about pie in the sky.”

 “Another thing, what keeps you working for peace and justice?” questioned John. About all I can say is, it is the spirit at work. I just feel impelled: not sure what else to say. Doing it has been the richest time of my life.

“I think it is really important to pray.” As Daniel says, “We need to be praying especially for Colombia. There they are killing many human rights leaders. Such killing undermined the 1980’s peace agreement.”

John questioned, “Why don’t we hear more about Syria in the news? Lots of suffering from the war going on there.” I answered, “I think we are being duped by the media. They mainly talk about Trump and the outlandish things he says and does. That is what gets people’s interest and thus what keeps people watching the news. Even I have to turn off the news, because it keeps me from giving my concern to the important things.

“Something else that is pertinent for us is Zechariah 8:12 (Message bible), ‘You’ve gotten a reputation as a bad-news people, you people of Judah and Israel (America and Colombia) but I’m coming to save you. From now on, you’re the good-news people. Don’t be afraid. Keep a firm grip on what I’m doing.’  We need to keep our attention on what God is doing, the evidence that God is alive and at work: this plants seeds of hope in us. Too much we tend to pay attention to the negative,” I added.

 “Where do you get inspirations for your talks and letters?” probed John. I replied, “I notice it often comes during my quiet time. Like recently when it came to me how I could have a significant impact in Colombia sharing what I learned from Beyond Revenge , that I mentioned in my last letter.”
 
Here is Daniel Delapava on my right and John on my left in my living room.  We had lunch together.  John gave thanks in Hebrew. His dad grew up Jewish. Daniel is temporally staying with me in my studio apartment. He is a friend from Colombia. We all prayed for peace together to end our time. Daniel said, “This was an especially good and intense conversation. It was a special gift.” As a Christian I see it is a sign Jesus’ spirit lives.
On March 17 I go to St Louis, then to Iowa to do sharings. I am still in much need of donations for my coming two months in Colombia starting in June. Thank you again to those who have been supporting me with prayer and monetary gifts.
Shalom, Jim

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