Friends Peace Teams
Valerie Joy is FPT Global Representative in AYM
Update
It is good to be able to update you on our incredible work for peace in Asia and the other regions of the world where the Spirit is leading us to work with very diverse local communities. A sad part for us is the increase in bombing the community we support in Karenland, destroying most buildings and other infrastructure. However, their leader Kwi Kwih maintains his positive disposition, and we assist that community with scholarships for nine high school students. Schools and other buildings have been destroyed, so at least a few teenage students there will receive an education.
Our work with our Asian neighbours is fruitful, and we ask both Meetings and individual Friends to develop relationships with our peace workers, to learn about the lives of Australian Quakers. So, we don’t just ask for financial help, but that mutual friendships will develop and grow over time, so that our giving has a focus with a particular community.
After a recent Friends Peace Teams Zoom presentation to some Friends in Tasmania, Maggi Storr is happy to be quoted on her response. She said, ‘I knew about Friends Peace Teams and AVP, but I had no idea of the DEPTH of the work, especially the Peace Libraries, where children play in a happy environment, whilst gaining literacy, messages of peace and ways of dealing with conflict. Their parents are learning from their children as well’.
As well as reading Peaceways, there is lots more information on our work at www.friendspeaceteams.org- have a wander around the website and see what grabs you- and talk to others.
Right now, can your Meeting sponsor someone to attend the next Regional Training in Justice and Peace in January in West Papua? The peaceworkers there are thrilled with the prospect of visitors and to show off their work with children traumatized by the political killings there.
Or, could you sponsor a scholarship for one high school student in Karenland ($460 a month), or a child with disability at Joglo Pre-school in Java ($760 per annum)?
Be adventurous and form friendships with one of our peaceworkers and see what joy this will bring you.
In Loving Expectations,
Valerie Joy FPT Global Representative in AYM
Here are some extracts from the Peaceways publication to which Valerie refers:
How Does Spirit Guide Our Faith, Practice, and Witness?
In the Asia West Pacific Section, we hum a refreshing tune of hope and courage as we face fear, uncertainty, and brutality. We hear diverse rhythms, expressions, and experiences of how justice and peace are possible.
From Ida in Indonesia
‘Connecting with the goodness in our core selves helps us recognize an inner strength that drives us to continue growing and understanding nature and our communities. Life belongs to us and nature. We need to care for life as best we can. Respect for local values and faith leads us to believe that goodness guides us to true goodness.’ Ida works with children and women facing religious militarism and domestic violence in Bima, Indonesia. When asked why they participate in our training, they say, ‘We never saw anything like this. We never knew this was possible.’
From Jungjoo, in Korea
‘We desperately need voices of justice and nonviolent action to survive in the world of capitalism, climate crisis, and militarization. As we focus on our justice and peace work, we build friendships with people who are different from us and realize how important it is to treat them as a friend, not an enemy. Creating cultures of justice and peace needs all people.’ Jungjoo saw how this greatly helped sustain the Jeju community’s historic culture of peace. their opposition to militarism, and their stand for conscience. It inspired her to share justice and peace education in public schools and communities in Korea.
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