Getting in the Way: Stories from Christian Peacemaker Teams
Tricia Gates Brown, ed.
Herald Press
Christian Peacemaker Teams operate around the world, showing solidarity with those in the midst of war and upheaval. They advocate for human rights, speak with extremist groups and preach peace amongst chaos. It was created in 1988. Since then, teams have worked in Iraq, Palestine, Mexico, Haiti, North America and Colombia. Their motto, Getting in the Way, has enabled them to do Christ's work in the world's most heated conflict zones.
It was with some interest then that I read the first-hand accounts from peacemakers in Colombia and elsewhere. The intimate, honest, inspiring stories are told in a concise, yet detailed manner, launching the reader into war torn Iraq, Palestinian settlements in Hebron and contested aboriginal land in Northern Ontario. Fierce determination and courageous acts abound in the name of peace. As evidenced in the book's pages, peacemakers are people who "talk to soldiers, guerillas and paramilitaries, accompany school children and farmers, advocate for human rights, support local initiatives in nonviolence, and disseminate reports of what they witness." They are "ordinary people with big hearts and a passion for justice achieved nonviolently."
They live in the midst of conflict — sometimes their presence alone helps calm the turbulence. Although their acts are brave, fear sometimes finds a way of creeping in. Before leaving for Baghdad, one peacemaker writes, "When I decided to join CPT, I generally accepted the idea of laying down my life for peace. But am I ready to do that now? Am I prepared to embrace whatever happens, regardless of what that may be? I force myself to admit it: I am afraid."
Instilling fear in others is the main weapon used by guerillas and paramilitaries in Colombia, where a brutal civil war (known as the "dirty war") has been raging for decades. Through fear these groups exert control over entire communities. While living in Barrancabermeja, a paramilitary-controlled city where "anyone working for peace is a target," one peacemaker tells of banishing such fear, as well as dealing with her own. "The Bible says again and again that we are not to be afraid, for God is with us," she writes. And yet, "Fear lurked behind every corner.
"Fear is still present in my life, but I am learning to accept it so that I can choose to hope. I am finding that embracing my fears somehow liberates me from them. Jesus' words to his fearful disciples, 'Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?' remain a deep challenge as I struggle to be faithful to God. But I know I do not struggle alone."
Although punctuated by leftist sentiment, Getting in the Way is an eye-opening collection of stories told by the people who know them best. It's a good read for Christians interested in social justice, as well as those who simply want to learn more about how God seems to be working in this world. It will leave you wondering if you have the guts to be a peacemaker.
