by Kelly Wesselink

The urgent need for peace and justice along the U.S.-Mexico border is a certainty that cannot be ignored. I came to Tucson, Arizona because I saw the need and felt God's call to work for peace in the borderlands. I wanted to see peace between the United States and Mexico realized. After all, as a peacemaker that is my charge: to fight against injustices and to realize peace. However, I believe this is only a small part of what it means to be a peacemaker.

My experiences in Tucson have broadened my understanding of peacemaking to envelop even the "routine" actions of everyday life. Those actions that we perform daily, which are seen as commonplace: eating, conversing, fellowshipping with others. Peacemaking is not just about protesting wars, giving asylum to refugees, helping migrants in distress, or fighting against the 'isms' that pervade society.

Peacemaking is not some lofty feat that can be achieved only by a select few. Peacemaking is a daily practice for every individual, required by God and essential if we are to see peace realized in war-torn nations, on our streets, in our communities, and in our homes. We must start with our daily interaction with one another, remembering that each individual is made in the image of God. Only then can we begin to overcome the social, political, and global problems that call us into action and charge us to fight for justice.