News and Information from the 2006 Visit of the International Peacemakers

View a photo album of the 2006 International Peacemakers Orientation in Louisville, Kentucky.

In 2006 we were blessed to receive 13 wonderful individuals representing Colombia, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, France, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, The Philippines, Russia, Sudan and Thailand. They were scheduled into 52 different presbyteries and educational institutions. The International Peacemakers brought news of peace and war, justice and inequity, calm and struggle from around the world to American Presbyterians.

Some Interesting Stats

The 2006 International Peacemakers received their orientation at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.  Photo by Joe Williams.

• The Twin Cities Presbyterian Mission Conference again requested the largest number of Peacemakers, hosting five this year, who then also itinerated in local churches.
• Two non-Presbyterian organizations, in cooperation with local presbyteries, hosted Peacemakers: The Interfaith Association of Central Ohio (with Scioto Valley Presbytery) and the Inter-Religious Task Force on Central America (with Western Reserve Presbytery).
• 2006 marked the first year we have invited a representative from France; the guest from Colombia is our seventh from that nation.

Observations from International Peacemakers

After traveling a little over three weeks around the presbyteries, the Peacemakers returned to Louisville for a short time of debriefing. Here’s some of what they had to say about their experiences:

I learned about a number of problems faced by various communities in the United States and how each are different … I do not regret accepting the invitation to participate and hope my visits were helpful.

—Mark Tamthai, Thailand

 [It was] an enriching experience, both for personal growth and also for the Church in Colombia.

—Vilma Yanez Ogaza, Colombia

The International Peacemaker Program [was] a great experience to meet so many groups and people in the PC(USA) … It challenges me to develop more understanding about your experience, point of view, and perspective, and how we can build mutual partnership and cooperation as the church of Christ in the world.

—Yahya Tirta Prewita, Indonesia

I have come to understand the degree of fear … in the United States. People in the United States need to know more about what is going on in Third World countries. I believe this program has a lot to contribute towards that goal.

—Mamo Wejega, Ethiopia

It was terrific, I’ve met varieties of groups, individuals, and sites. All of them have inspired me something else.

— Pierre Mpia Mopendo, Democratic Republic of the Congo

It was a tremendous opportunity to know how Presbyterians love peace and justice … Personally, it was the widest exposure to a variety of individuals and congregations. Teaching to [Presbyterians on] the extreme left and right … was most rewarding.

— Maqsood Kamil, Pakistan

[It was an opportunity] to show them a face, a different face, and help them to discover, to wish to understand [what is] behind the appearances; to have questions, and so to look for more peace and justice; to seek balance [between] tolerance and resistance.

— Philippe Perrenoud, France

Comments from those Who Hosted International Peacemakers

… our IP’s responses always reflected a depth of faith that is enviable…

… the visit was a positive experience … In one way or another the IP touched most of the congregations which are supportive of our work. We are glad that the IP was here…

… brought new awareness to those who heard the IP, and created interest in attending a proposed seminar in 2007 …

… was an eloquent spokesperson for peace among Christians, and between Christians and Muslims, and gave first-hand testimonies of work in difficult situations …

… inspired us and invited us to be engaged in mission; provided school children with opportunities for cross-cultural understanding …

... it was an enriching experience, and everyone who has been involved indicated that this was the best year ever ...

… gave us a unique insight into life in that country and the work of peacemaking efforts there …

… made things more personal and real …

… our IP’s personal witness was powerful in raising awareness … really enjoyed our IP’s perspective …