To the families of Harmeet, Jim, Norman and Tom: Ivisited Hebron twice this year, staying with a family much supported by C.P.T. whose home has been demolished twice and whose lands are threatened. I was humbled by the work of the peaceworkers I met. The father of this Palestinian family said to me, "If it weren't for these Christians, I would have lost my faith, my belief in goodness, and turned bitter, maybe violent." Thank you for your brave loved ones, saying prayers for all, Anne
Dear heavenly Father, I come before you today, to intercede on behalf of your servants, who are detained in Iraq. Father, I ask that you bear Your holy arm unto a miracle. Ther hairs on thier heads are numbered by You. Let not one hair be lost, by any act of violence. Cradle them safely in Your arms until they are released. Father, I pray Your peace upon them and their families, while they are waiting, for You to open the doors, that have closed them in. You are He who opens and no man can close. Father, I intercede for Your servants of peace and their families, knowing that nothing is impossible with You. In the Name of Jesus. Amen Patricia, Dallas Texas
Our family is praying for Harmeet, Jim, Norman and Tom. Each evening at our supper table, the children light four vigil candles beside our Advent candles. We have many Mennonite and other friends who know Jim from Zaccheus house, through L'Arche, CPT and other ministries and have heard many wonderful stories about him over the last week, via emails and visits. We pray for you too in this time of unknowing. Peace and blessings of God be with you all, Judy
You, family and friends, are a part of this witness that Harmeet, Norman, Jim and Tom are offering. They have not gone alone to act on the truth of the gospel as they have done. They – and you – are not alone now.
You alone are the Almighty and Holy one. You've created the Heavens and the Earth as with everything in it. Lord, at this time, we are faced with trials that are unpleasant, trials that leave us with alot of questions, trails that remind us the only thing we can do now is to depend on you and you alone. Father remind us of why we're placed in the face of danger, unjustice, threat, and fear. Because Harmeet, Jim, Norman, Tom, and their families and friends have shown us the reason Lord. To spread your light upon those in need. To be a light where there seems to be no light. To make an example of peace in a land torn apart by years and years of devastating war. God, I ask that you would place your hand of Grace and Blessing on these men and their families Lord through this trail. Recognize their passion and dedication to you Lord. And send your angels to keep them and protect in this time oh Glorious One. Amen
my heart is with you in this traumatic time. we are all bearing witness to this act and indeed the act of our invasion of iraq. this is not to be taken lightly. i hope that the members of the swords of righteousness can too open their minds and listen to these 4 great men. that would be the greatest miracle. and to the families of these men, i know you are suffering, i hold you in the light. we miss tom and feel his presence in our lives.
On behalf of members of the Iraqi Community in the UK, we would like to wish you all a safe and peaceful resolution to what is happening to your loved ones and hope that all the CPT members are retruned home safely.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all and may god look over them all, during these times.
To family and friends of the peace seekers, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones. They are very courageous men and I am sure they have done many good works which will be richly rewarded to them. Be strong and steadfast in your beliefs. It is very important that we be. Our Lord is with them and with us. May he bring you peace and stregnth.
Oakville Community Centre For Peace, Ecology And Human Rights 148 Kerr Street, Oakville, ON L6K 3A7 Tel/Fax: (905) 849-5501 E-mail: volunteer@oakvillepeacecentre.org www.oakvillepeacecentre.org
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
A Message of Hope for the four peace activists held in Iraq:
The people of Iraq and the international peace movement are well-served by the peace and human rights group called the Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT).
I have known James Loney and other members of this organization since 1990 when he was active in the local Toronto peace movement.
I plead and urge those who are holding them in Iraq that they release them unharmed so that they can continue their mission to be of non violent service for the people of Iraq.
Sincerely, Stephen Dankowich, Executive Director, Oakville Community Centre For Peace, Ecology and Human Rights
To the families, May God surround you with His love and mercy at this time. This tradegy is beyond understanding, and we pray for His peace in the midst of this storm. May He who road in the boat with the desciples, and calmed the waves, be very you near to the captives,the families, and may those holding the men be overwhelmed with their sin, and find God's grace and forgiveness.
To the families of Harmeet, Jim, Norman, and Tom: My thoughts and prayers have been with you over the past week. Jim had a pretty strong influence on me during my time with One World. I always look forward to seeing and chatting with him, rare though those times have been in recent years. I will continue to pray. Derrick Martens, Winnipeg
On November 26, 2005, Tom Fox, a US-born Quaker from Virginia, was taken captive in Iraq with his three colleagues from Christian Peacemaker Teams, Norman Kember of England and Canadians Harmeet Singh Sooden and James Loney. The four came to Iraq to document human rights abuses by both US and Iraqi forces, to provide training in nonviolent intervention, and to provide independent reports on the current situation in Iraq.
To those unfamiliar with the history of Quaker witnesses for peace, our Friends’ presence in Iraq might seem foolish, or even suspicious. But their presence in Iraq is part of a tradition of direct peacemaking that our Religious Society of Friends (the Quakers) has engaged in since our founding in the 17th century.
We actively worked to avert the US invasion of Iraq, as we have always repudiated the use of war as a means of resolving disputes. We understand that this war has inflicted suffering on innocent victims, that it has devastated the infrastructure on which the civilian population depends, and that it has poisoned the environment, littering landmines, depleted uranium and other hazards which will remain long after US forces have left. We understand that no people can be free under a foreign occupation. Moreover, the war and occupation have left psychological scars, both on those who have experienced suffering and on those who have inflicted it. Our Friends saw it as their calling to try and heal those scars, to rebuild relationships, and to remind all whom they encountered in Iraq of our common humanity.
To you who have taken our Friends captive, we say that you are not our enemies. We know that we must respond to your action by redoubling our efforts for finding peace, for ending torture and unjust imprisonment, and for taking responsibility for the destruction that this war and occupation have caused. We are confident that by now you have found that the only weapon these four carry with them is love. We ask you to take their weapon and employ it in your struggle. We ask you for their safety, and their release back to their homes and families.
To those of you who, like us, are praying for the safe release of these four peacemakers, we say let us take their actions as a guide. In whatever ways we are able, let us risk ourselves for peace. Let us root out violence in every facet of our lives, in our family relationships, our communities’ response to crime, our stewardship of the earth, and our foreign policies. Let us eradicate prejudice and bigotry, economic inequality, resource domination and other injustices lest they plant the seeds for future conflicts. Let us, above all, answer to that of God in every person.
And to Tom, Norman, Harmeet and James, we thank you for your courage and integrity. We are holding you in the Light.
Statement from the Saint Louis Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends 4th Day, 12th Month, 2005 Saint Louis, Missouri
(Please note that this statement of support was published as an Op/ed in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on 12/6/05 - see Editorial at www.stltoday.com)
I do not have the words to bring comfort, but know that this peace and comfort comes from God. I pray for this amazing peace that surpasses our earthly understanding to fill you from head to toe as you walk this brave road. There are hundreds, thousands, and perhaps even more people praying and standing vigil.
I am not a very eloquent speaker, but I do know Tom and what a genuinely good person he is. He has been a teacher and friend for many years for both my children and for myself. I just keep imagining him and his friends making friends with the folks from Swords of Rightousness and smiling at each other. That may be naive, but it's what I can do.I will hold all of them in the Light and pray for us all.
I participated in a prayer vigil on Sunday night at Reba Place Church (Mennonite) in Evanston, IL which was focused on intercession for your four precious family members. It was helpful to see their pictures, read their bios, and just "be" with them in that space. I imagined the fear that it would be natural to feel in such a situation. Yet I also pictured the supernatural strength that the Holy Spirit brings to folks who have yielded themselves so completely to God for God's work. I pictured them reaching out and finding that of God in the people who have taken them in, finding ways to bridge the gap. . .the ultimate peacemaking assignment of their mission. I pictured them meditating on scriptures and songs that buoy up their hope. I remember the Rev. Benjamin Weir, a Presbyterian minister who was taken captive in Lebanon several years ago, who was ultimately released and able to share his story with others. I am praying that God continue to watch over them and keep them strong and keep YOU, their families, strong in hope as well. Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ (Romans 8: 35-ff) Please know that you and they are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses right now who are saying "No" to the powers of death, enmity, violence, injustice, and greed (which have set such a conflict in motion)having the final say. You and they are not alone.
With you in prayer,
Rev. Sally Schreiner Youngquist Living Water Community Church (Mennonite Church USA) Chicago, IL
To the family I offer you my prayers and love at this time of torment and distress; I humbly ask and pray to God that the people in Iraq release the Canadian captives.
To the hostage-takers: I ask that they please see that our countrymen mean no harm and are only trying to spread the love of God and try to make certain that the citizens of Iraq can be relieved of hardship and distress. We love Iraqi people they are our friends we are trying to extend our hand of friendship to you. Give us a chance to prove to you that we are trying to help the citizens of Iraq and that we mean no one any harm. Canada has always been a peaceful nation and that is why our beloved Prime Minister did not send troops into your country. He did this out of respect for Iraqi people. Please see this as a sign of endearment and our way of showing the Iraqi people that Canada cares about Iraqi people. Dexter Hamilton Winnipeg,Manitoba
Lord Almighty God, I pray your intervention in this situation. That you will work in the hearts of those who are detaining Harmeet, Jim, Norman and Tom that they will mercy on these men but most of all you will convict them to know that what they are doing is wrong and release them unharmed. Lord God I pray that they will see that these men have come to help the people of Iraq and that they are against war and injustice in the name of God. I pray for Harmeet, Jim, Norman and Tom that through your indwelling Holy Spirit they will draw their strength from you. They will know that you are with them, that you love them Lord God, that you have not forsaken them. Let your peace flow like a river, that they will have hope in place of despair. You have great plans for these men. Pour out your love and comfort I pray dear Father. That although they walk through the valley of the shadow of death they shall fear no evil as you are with them, your rod and your staff comfort them. I pray comfort and strength to their love ones and family. Amen, Cindy, New Zealand
Those of us at the Korea Anabaptist Center are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. I'd like to pass on a message of support I received from a friend who is praying for your loved ones in Iraq.
"May God give you all strength.
Although we in Korea experienced the kidnapping of one of our people last spring, I can not imagine how hard it must be for you as family.
I pray that with God's help, all four men may be released and be able to return safely home to you.
I believe that your loved ones working for peace are doing the work of God. As God's workers, I also believe that God will care for and protect them in all things.
My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you and with them."
May the peace of God be with you during this difficult time.
Cheryl Woelk Korea Anabaptist Center Seoul, South Korea
As an American Friend working in London during the autumn months, I send my thoughts and prayers for you and your loved ones in this time of worry and crisis.
Along with many others, I signed the petition put together by Faithful America and also passed this along to friends at Carson-Newman College in Tennessee, where it was shared with participants in a Peace Reading held yesterday (6 Dec.) in celebration of Human Rights Day coming up soon. All of us are holding you in the Light and believing the witness of your loved ones will bear fruit in their own difficult circumstances as well as beyond in the long journey of peace.
Peace like a river, Larry Osborne, Tennessee (temporarily in London)
Tom Fox, James Loney, Norman Kember and Harmet Sing Sooden risked the dangers of travelling to and within Iraq in order to understand the plight of the Iraqi people,under occupation. They came in the spirit of those from so many countries who camped on the Iraq/Saudi border in 1991, in the hope of preventing the war.
Iraq is renowned for hospitality to and protection of friends. These are brave friends who came in peace. Please keep them safe and release them in to the light where 'the road may rise to meet them and God be at their back' as we say in Ireland.
Please also bear in mind that Mr Kember has devoted all his long life to peace and to medicine. He is a healer of people and healer of harms.
Felicity Arbuthnot. Senior Researcher for John Pilger's Award winning documentary on the embargo: 'Paying the Price - Killing the Children of Iraq'.
Dear Families of Tom, Norman, Jim, and Harmeet, we have fasted and are continuing to pray with you and tens of thousands throughout the world for a peaceful resolution. Even in Kansas, USA, many people are holding you and your loved ones in the Light, and are gathering to let even more folks know about this and do the same. Love and Prayers, Marty Bates and Janie Stein Salina, KS
These brave men of God, a God of love, a God who asks nothing more or less than that we seek justice and walk humbly with Him, are an inspiration to us all. They, and you, are in our prayers. We are praying for a miracle as, in this Advent season, we celebrate the miracle that has already happened. Be not afraid! !
Dear friends, Here in Richmond Indiana all three Quaker meetings are joining in prayer for your loved ones and, as well, for people of all nationalities being detained in secret places by the US government and its allies. There are a number of students at Earlham College from Baltimore Yearly Meeting, who Tom worked with, and they have been gathering for prayer each evening at 7 pm. I pray that God may work through this event to transform the situation in Iraq towards peace and justice, and that your loved ones return safely. I have immense admiration and appreciation for their courage and steadfastness. It makes me wonder what else I should be doing for peace. Betsy
My prayers are with you and your loved ones. I am thinking of you this night, and you are not alone. May the strength of love continue to shine in your hearts.
May God encourage and strengthen all of you as you go through this trial. I hold you in my prayers daily, and will continue to do so.
I pray for your family members in Iraq also, of course. I pray that our loving God gives them strength, courage, hope and love. Love from our Father and love for their captors. I pray for God's discernable presence within and amongst them as they couragously stand for the Kingdom of God. And I know that God is with all of your family, whether His presence is felt or not. I know this from my own struggle to live in God's Kindom, an attempt much less courageous than theirs. They are truely led and empowered by God. I have never been in your situation as family members, and I can't say I know what it is like. I feel, though, that there must be questions and perhaps even doubts in some of your thoughts. I pray that our Father lead you through these questions, and quide you to the answers.
To all of you wonderful people, I send my prayers and thoughts to your kind loved ones being held against their will for their peace efforts. May the blessings of teh season bring freedom and safety to them.
We wanted you to know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. In this advent season we are filled with infinite hope. "For surely I am with you always until the end of the age." Blessings and above all PEACE. Bethany for CMF in Cincinnati
It is terrible the things that God's people do in God's name. We pray that the captors will receive a clearer vision of God and God's will, and put down their swords and release the innocent four whose only motive for going into the Far Country was to implant God's goodness. Stan Richards
I pray for all the grace that has gone into the lives of these men, all the wisdom they have absorbed, all the love they have nurtured in their hearts to be at its pinnacle and strongest in this moment of their lives. And I pray this for you all as well. Blessings and love,
I know Tom Fox. He is a friend. He listens deeply and is following his calling. It takes tremendous strength to walk the path he and Harmmet, Jim and Norman have each chosen. It takes tremendous faith.
Tom Fox, strong as an ox, Peace within your soul. Tom Fox, strong as an ox, Peace be with you now. Tom Fox, strong as an ox, Justice come to all. Tom Fox, strong as an ox, Forgiveness over all.
Thank you for you, dear families of these faithful, for your love and care and faithfulness. And peace for your suffering. All my love, Susan
To the CPT families..... Working for a statewide peace and justice organization, I see the power of the nonviolence movement at work each day. It is a force much more powerful than the world's armies and all their weapons. It seems this is the right way to settle conflict...and the only way. I thank your courageous loved ones for practicing what most others only talk about. My heart is with you! Judy Miner in Wisconsin
Quakers in Portland, Oregon, USA, are gathering this (Wednesday) evening to support Harmeet, Tom, Jim, and Norman, and their families in prayer.
My personal constant prayer is for each of the four and their families, for their co-workers in CPT, and for the kidnappers (and especially for their eyes to be opened to the truth and reality of the situation).
I pray that all of us can be given wisdom and protection, so that our contacts with relatives, the media, the world at large can reflect God's truth and grace.
May our shared faith and love be a source of unity for all of us—and a source of strength for the families of these men.
Many thanks for those who have already written on this page. Their prayers also speak for me.
To the families and loved ones of Harmeet, Jim, Norman and Tom:
Although not religious per se, I am moved to write and donate to CPT simply as a fellow human, one deeply moved by your individual and collective passion and belief in our ultimate goodness. Actions taking by people such as the members of CPT with the suport of family and friends, reaffirm faith in humanity and belief that we are capable of extraordinary acts of sacrifice in the name of a truly greater good. Your idealogy and actions are inspirational. I hope that reason prevails and that they will be freed shortly. Cynthia
My prayers are with all the families of the members of the C.P.T. who are being held hostage. Their courage and passion inspires me to work harder for peace.
Love and peace to you and to all people. Your family members are to be commended for allowing love to work through them. It will prevail in the long run, thanks to people like this (no matter how it turns out in the short run). Blessing to you and to them. May you have courage and faith in this very hard time. You are not alone.
As a human being, I am proud of the bravery and selflesness of all of these men. My deepest hope is that they will be released to continue their work on behalf of peace.
To the Loved Ones of Tom, Harmeet, Jim, and Norman,
You and your loved ones are in my thoughts and prayers. I am holding them, and you, and their captors and their people, in the Light. May the captors recognize their captives as their Friends.
May this conflict be resolved in Love. May Courage and Peace fill your hearts in this difficult time.
With you, and your loved ones, I remain connected in prayer, Suzanne
To the Loved Ones of Tom, Harmeet, Jim, and Norman,
You and your loved ones are in my thoughts and prayers. I am holding them, and you, and their captors and their people, in the Light. May the captors recognize their captives as their Friends.
May this conflict be resolved in Love. May Courage and Peace fill your hearts in this difficult time.
With you, and your loved ones, I remain connected in prayer, Suzanne
You are in our hearts, and we hope for the release of your loved ones, who have given so selflessly to others.
To Jim's family in Canada,
I have worked in the past with Jim as a volunteer at Zaccheus House in Toronto. In addition to his work with CPT in Canada and around the world, Jim has helped many people right here in Toronto. Your son and brother is a kind, compassionate man. He has inspired others to be better human beings. We need more people like him in this world. As a mother, and as someone who benefited from Jim's good heart, I am grateful for Jim's work and sorry for your suffering.
47 Comments:
To the families of Harmeet, Jim, Norman and Tom:
Ivisited Hebron twice this year, staying with a family much supported by C.P.T. whose home has been demolished twice and whose lands are threatened. I was humbled by the work of the peaceworkers I met. The father of this Palestinian family said to me, "If it weren't for these Christians, I would have lost my faith, my belief in goodness, and turned bitter, maybe violent."
Thank you for your brave loved ones,
saying prayers for all, Anne
Dear heavenly Father,
I come before you today, to intercede on behalf of your servants, who are detained in Iraq. Father, I ask that you bear Your holy arm unto a miracle. Ther hairs on thier heads are numbered by You. Let not one hair be lost, by any act of violence. Cradle them safely in Your arms until they are released. Father, I pray Your peace upon them and their families, while they are waiting, for You to open the doors, that have closed them in. You are He who opens and no man can close.
Father, I intercede for Your servants of peace and their families, knowing that nothing is impossible with You.
In the Name of Jesus. Amen
Patricia, Dallas Texas
Dear friends,
Our family is praying for Harmeet, Jim, Norman and Tom. Each evening at our supper table, the children light four vigil candles beside our Advent candles. We have many Mennonite and other friends who know Jim from Zaccheus house, through L'Arche, CPT and other ministries and have heard many wonderful stories about him over the last week, via emails and visits. We pray for you too in this time of unknowing. Peace and blessings of God be with you all, Judy
You, family and friends, are a part of this witness that Harmeet, Norman, Jim and Tom are offering. They have not gone alone to act on the truth of the gospel as they have done. They – and you – are not alone now.
Peace to you
Father God,
You alone are the Almighty and Holy one. You've created the Heavens and the Earth as with everything in it. Lord, at this time, we are faced with trials that are unpleasant, trials that leave us with alot of questions, trails that remind us the only thing we can do now is to depend on you and you alone. Father remind us of why we're placed in the face of danger, unjustice, threat, and fear. Because Harmeet, Jim, Norman, Tom, and their families and friends have shown us the reason Lord. To spread your light upon those in need. To be a light where there seems to be no light. To make an example of peace in a land torn apart by years and years of devastating war. God, I ask that you would place your hand of Grace and Blessing on these men and their families Lord through this trail. Recognize their passion and dedication to you Lord. And send your angels to keep them and protect in this time oh Glorious One. Amen
Dan Nguyen
Calgary Alberta Canada
to all who know these 4 peace workers,
my heart is with you in this traumatic time. we are all bearing witness to this act and indeed the act of our invasion of iraq. this is not to be taken lightly. i hope that the members of the swords of righteousness can too open their minds and listen to these 4 great men. that would be the greatest miracle. and to the families of these men, i know you are suffering, i hold you in the light. we miss tom and feel his presence in our lives.
love and light,
melanie
denver, co
On behalf of members of the Iraqi Community in the UK, we would like to wish you all a safe and peaceful resolution to what is happening to your loved ones and hope that all the CPT members are retruned home safely.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all and may god look over them all, during these times.
To family and friends of the peace seekers,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones. They are very courageous men and I am sure they have done many good works which will be richly rewarded to them. Be strong and steadfast in your beliefs. It is very important that we be. Our Lord is with them and with us. May he bring you peace and stregnth.
Oakville Community Centre
For Peace, Ecology And Human Rights
148 Kerr Street, Oakville, ON L6K 3A7
Tel/Fax: (905) 849-5501
E-mail: volunteer@oakvillepeacecentre.org
www.oakvillepeacecentre.org
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
A Message of Hope for the four peace activists held in Iraq:
The people of Iraq and the international peace movement are well-served by the peace and human rights group called the Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT).
I have known James Loney and other members of this organization since 1990 when he was active in the local Toronto peace movement.
I plead and urge those who are holding them in Iraq that they release them unharmed so that they can continue their mission to be of non violent service for the people of Iraq.
Sincerely,
Stephen Dankowich,
Executive Director, Oakville Community Centre For Peace, Ecology and Human Rights
To the families,
May God surround you with His love and mercy at this time. This tradegy is beyond understanding, and we pray for His peace in the midst of this storm. May He who road in the boat with the desciples, and calmed the waves, be very you near to the captives,the families, and may those holding the men be overwhelmed with their sin, and find God's grace and forgiveness.
To the families of Harmeet, Jim, Norman, and Tom:
My thoughts and prayers have been with you over the past week.
Jim had a pretty strong influence on me during my time with One World. I always look forward to seeing and chatting with him, rare though those times have been in recent years.
I will continue to pray.
Derrick Martens,
Winnipeg
My prayers and those of our congregation are with you daily! May God be close to you.
debbie gish
church of the sojourners
san francisco, ca
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
On November 26, 2005, Tom Fox, a US-born Quaker from Virginia, was taken captive in Iraq with his three colleagues from Christian Peacemaker Teams, Norman Kember of England and Canadians Harmeet Singh Sooden and James Loney. The four came to Iraq to document human rights abuses by both US and Iraqi forces, to provide training in nonviolent intervention, and to provide independent reports on the current situation in Iraq.
To those unfamiliar with the history of Quaker witnesses for peace, our Friends’ presence in Iraq might seem foolish, or even suspicious. But their presence in Iraq is part of a tradition of direct peacemaking that our Religious Society of Friends (the Quakers) has engaged in since our founding in the 17th century.
We actively worked to avert the US invasion of Iraq, as we have always repudiated the use of war as a means of resolving disputes. We understand that this war has inflicted suffering on innocent victims, that it has devastated the infrastructure on which the civilian population depends, and that it has poisoned the environment, littering landmines, depleted uranium and other hazards which will remain long after US forces have left. We understand that no people can be free under a foreign occupation. Moreover, the war and occupation have left psychological scars, both on those who have experienced suffering and on those who have inflicted it. Our Friends saw it as their calling to try and heal those scars, to rebuild relationships, and to remind all whom they encountered in Iraq of our common humanity.
To you who have taken our Friends captive, we say that you are not our enemies. We know that we must respond to your action by redoubling our efforts for finding peace, for ending torture and unjust imprisonment, and for taking responsibility for the destruction that this war and occupation have caused. We are confident that by now you have found that the only weapon these four carry with them is love. We ask you to take their weapon and employ it in your struggle. We ask you for their safety, and their release back to their homes and families.
To those of you who, like us, are praying for the safe release of these four peacemakers, we say let us take their actions as a guide. In whatever ways we are able, let us risk ourselves for peace. Let us root out violence in every facet of our lives, in our family relationships, our communities’ response to crime, our stewardship of the earth, and our foreign policies. Let us eradicate prejudice and bigotry, economic inequality, resource domination and other injustices lest they plant the seeds for future conflicts. Let us, above all, answer to that of God in every person.
And to Tom, Norman, Harmeet and James, we thank you for your courage and integrity. We are holding you in the Light.
Statement from the Saint Louis Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends
4th Day, 12th Month, 2005
Saint Louis, Missouri
(Please note that this statement of support was published as an Op/ed in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on 12/6/05 - see Editorial at www.stltoday.com)
I pray for a happy resolution.
Peace-Shalom-Salaam
I do not have the words to bring comfort, but know that this peace and comfort comes from God. I pray for this amazing peace that surpasses our earthly understanding to fill you from head to toe as you walk this brave road. There are hundreds, thousands, and perhaps even more people praying and standing vigil.
I am not a very eloquent speaker, but I do know Tom and what a genuinely good person he is. He has been a teacher and friend for many years for both my children and for myself. I just keep imagining him and his friends making friends with the folks from Swords of Rightousness and smiling at each other. That may be naive, but it's what I can do.I will hold all of them in the Light and pray for us all.
I just want to let you know I am keeping you and your families in my prayers. May peace prevail and your loved ones come home safe.
Dear Families,
I participated in a prayer vigil on Sunday night at Reba Place Church (Mennonite) in Evanston, IL which was focused on intercession for your four precious family members. It was helpful to see their pictures, read their bios, and just "be" with them in that space. I imagined the fear that it would be natural to feel in such a situation. Yet I also pictured the supernatural strength that the Holy Spirit brings to folks who have yielded themselves so completely to God for God's work. I pictured them reaching out and finding that of God in the people who have taken them in, finding ways to bridge the gap. . .the ultimate peacemaking assignment of their mission. I pictured them meditating on scriptures and songs that buoy up their hope. I remember the Rev. Benjamin Weir, a Presbyterian minister who was taken captive in Lebanon several years ago, who was ultimately released and able to share his story with others. I am praying that God continue to watch over them and keep them strong and keep YOU, their families, strong in hope as well. Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ (Romans 8: 35-ff) Please know that you and they are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses right now who are saying "No" to the powers of death, enmity, violence, injustice, and greed (which have set such a conflict in motion)having the final say. You and they are not alone.
With you in prayer,
Rev. Sally Schreiner Youngquist
Living Water Community Church (Mennonite Church USA)
Chicago, IL
To the family I offer you my prayers and love at this time of torment and distress; I humbly ask and pray to God that the people in Iraq release the Canadian captives.
To the hostage-takers: I ask that they please see that our countrymen mean no harm and are only trying to spread the love of God and try to make certain that the citizens of Iraq can be relieved of hardship and distress.
We love Iraqi people they are our friends we are trying to extend our hand of friendship to you.
Give us a chance to prove to you that we are trying to help the citizens of Iraq and that we mean no one any harm. Canada has always been a peaceful nation and that is why our beloved Prime Minister did not send troops into your country. He did this out of respect for Iraqi people. Please see this as a sign of endearment and our way of showing the Iraqi people that Canada cares about Iraqi people.
Dexter Hamilton
Winnipeg,Manitoba
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Lord Almighty God, I pray your intervention in this situation. That you will work in the hearts of those who are detaining Harmeet, Jim, Norman and Tom that they will mercy on these men but most of all you will convict them to know that what they are doing is wrong and release them unharmed. Lord God I pray that they will see that these men have come to help the people of Iraq and that they are against war and injustice in the name of God. I pray for Harmeet, Jim, Norman and Tom that through your indwelling Holy Spirit they will draw their strength from you. They will know that you are with them, that you love them Lord God, that you have not forsaken them. Let your peace flow like a river, that they will have hope in place of despair. You have great plans for these men. Pour out your love and comfort I pray dear Father. That although they walk through the valley of the shadow of death they shall fear no evil as you are with them, your rod and your staff comfort them. I pray comfort and strength to their love ones and family.
Amen,
Cindy, New Zealand
To the families of Harmeet, Jim, Norman, and Tom,
Those of us at the Korea Anabaptist Center are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. I'd like to pass on a message of support I received from a friend who is praying for your loved ones in Iraq.
"May God give you all strength.
Although we in Korea experienced the kidnapping of one of our people last spring, I can not imagine how hard it must be for you as family.
I pray that with God's help, all four men may be released and be able to return safely home to you.
I believe that your loved ones working for peace are doing the work of God. As God's workers, I also believe that God will care for and protect them in all things.
My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you and with them."
May the peace of God be with you during this difficult time.
Cheryl Woelk
Korea Anabaptist Center
Seoul, South Korea
Dear families of Tom, Norman, Jim, and Harmeet,
As an American Friend working in London during the autumn months, I send my thoughts and prayers for you and your loved ones in this time of worry and crisis.
Along with many others, I signed the petition put together by Faithful America and also passed this along to friends at Carson-Newman College in Tennessee, where it was shared with participants in a Peace Reading held yesterday (6 Dec.) in celebration of Human Rights Day coming up soon. All of us are holding you in the Light and believing the witness of your loved ones will bear fruit in their own difficult circumstances as well as beyond in the long journey of peace.
Peace like a river,
Larry Osborne, Tennessee (temporarily in London)
Tom Fox, James Loney, Norman Kember and Harmet Sing Sooden risked the dangers of travelling to and within Iraq in order to understand the plight of the Iraqi people,under occupation. They came in the spirit of those from so many countries who camped on the Iraq/Saudi border in 1991, in the hope of preventing the war.
Iraq is renowned for hospitality to and protection of friends. These are brave friends who came in peace. Please keep them safe and release them in to the light where 'the road may rise to meet them and God be at their back' as we say in Ireland.
Please also bear in mind that Mr Kember has devoted all his long life to peace and to medicine. He is a healer of people and healer of harms.
Felicity Arbuthnot.
Senior Researcher for John Pilger's Award winning documentary on the embargo: 'Paying the Price - Killing the Children of Iraq'.
Dear Families of Tom, Norman, Jim, and Harmeet,
we have fasted and are continuing to pray with you and tens of thousands throughout the world for a peaceful resolution. Even in Kansas, USA, many people are holding you and your loved ones in the Light, and are gathering to let even more folks know about this and do the same.
Love and Prayers,
Marty Bates and Janie Stein Salina, KS
These brave men of God, a God of love, a God who asks nothing more or less than that we seek justice and walk humbly with Him, are an inspiration to us all. They, and you, are in our prayers. We are praying for a miracle as, in this Advent season, we celebrate the miracle that has already happened. Be not afraid! !
Dear friends,
Here in Richmond Indiana all three Quaker meetings are joining in prayer for your loved ones and, as well, for people of all nationalities being detained in secret places by the US government and its allies. There are a number of students at Earlham College from Baltimore Yearly Meeting, who Tom worked with, and they have been gathering for prayer each evening at 7 pm. I pray that God may work through this event to transform the situation in Iraq towards peace and justice, and that your loved ones return safely. I have immense admiration and appreciation for their courage and steadfastness. It makes me wonder what else I should be doing for peace.
Betsy
My prayers are with you and your
loved ones. I am thinking of you this night, and you are not alone.
May the strength of love continue to shine in your hearts.
Marcus
South Korea
Dear Families of Harmeet, Jim, Norman, and Tom;
May God encourage and strengthen all of you as you go through this trial. I hold you in my prayers daily, and will continue to do so.
I pray for your family members in Iraq also, of course. I pray that our loving God gives them strength, courage, hope and love. Love from our Father and love for their captors. I pray for God's discernable presence within and amongst them as they couragously stand for the Kingdom of God. And I know that God is with all of your family, whether His presence is felt or not. I know this from my own struggle to live in God's Kindom, an attempt much less courageous than theirs. They are truely led and empowered by God. I have never been in your situation as family members, and I can't say I know what it is like. I feel, though, that there must be questions and perhaps even doubts in some of your thoughts. I pray that our Father lead you through these questions, and quide you to the answers.
God Bless Each of You,
Larry Egly
Killeen TX USA
To the families -- at this season of waiting in joyful hope, I hold your brave loved ones in my heart. If the world can be healed, it is through love.
To all of you wonderful people, I send my prayers and thoughts to your kind loved ones being held against their will for their peace efforts. May the blessings of teh season bring freedom and safety to them.
Lester M. Timofeev
Candidate State Senate - Maine
May love surround you in this time of distress. I am deeply moved by the bravery of these peacemakers.
In peace and hope, Peggy
We wanted you to know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. In this advent season we are filled with infinite hope. "For surely I am with you always until the end of the age." Blessings and above all PEACE. Bethany for CMF in Cincinnati
It is terrible the things that God's people do in God's name. We pray that the captors will receive a clearer vision of God and God's will, and put down their swords and release the innocent four whose only motive for going into the Far Country was to implant God's goodness.
Stan Richards
Dear families of CPT workers:
I pray for all the grace that has gone into the lives of these men, all the wisdom they have absorbed, all the love they have nurtured in their hearts to be at its pinnacle and strongest in this moment of their lives. And I pray this for you all as well.
Blessings and love,
Anita Boeninger, Manhattan Mennonite Fellowship
Dearest Loves,
I know Tom Fox. He is a friend. He listens deeply and is following his calling. It takes tremendous strength to walk the path he and Harmmet, Jim and Norman have each chosen. It takes tremendous faith.
Tom Fox, strong as an ox,
Peace within your soul.
Tom Fox, strong as an ox,
Peace be with you now.
Tom Fox, strong as an ox,
Justice come to all.
Tom Fox, strong as an ox,
Forgiveness over all.
Thank you for you, dear families of these faithful, for your love and care and faithfulness. And peace for your suffering.
All my love,
Susan
To the CPT families.....
Working for a statewide peace and justice organization, I see the power of the nonviolence movement at work each day.
It is a force much more powerful than the world's armies and all their weapons. It seems this is the right way to settle conflict...and the only way.
I thank your courageous loved ones for practicing what most others only talk about. My heart is with you!
Judy Miner in Wisconsin
Dear families of Harmeet, Jim, Norman, and Tom,
Your loved ones are in my heart and prayers, and those of the world. I am inspired by their courage and love.
In peace,
Kathy
Quakers in Portland, Oregon, USA, are gathering this (Wednesday) evening to support Harmeet, Tom, Jim, and Norman, and their families in prayer.
My personal constant prayer is for each of the four and their families, for their co-workers in CPT, and for the kidnappers (and especially for their eyes to be opened to the truth and reality of the situation).
I pray that all of us can be given wisdom and protection, so that our contacts with relatives, the media, the world at large can reflect God's truth and grace.
May our shared faith and love be a source of unity for all of us—and a source of strength for the families of these men.
Many thanks for those who have already written on this page. Their prayers also speak for me.
To the families and loved ones of Harmeet, Jim, Norman and Tom:
Although not religious per se, I am moved to write and donate to CPT simply as a fellow human, one deeply moved by your individual and collective passion and belief in our ultimate goodness. Actions taking by people such as the members of CPT with the suport of family and friends, reaffirm faith in humanity and belief that we are capable of extraordinary acts of sacrifice in the name of a truly greater good. Your idealogy and actions are inspirational. I hope that reason prevails and that they will be freed shortly. Cynthia
My prayers are with all the families of the members of the C.P.T. who are being held hostage. Their courage and passion inspires me to work harder for peace.
Love and peace to you and to all people. Your family members are to be commended for allowing love to work through them. It will prevail in the long run, thanks to people like this (no matter how it turns out in the short run). Blessing to you and to them. May you have courage and faith in this very hard time. You are not alone.
As a human being, I am proud of the bravery and selflesness of all of these men. My deepest hope is that they will be released to continue their work on behalf of peace.
Greg Soucie,
Newmarket, Ontario
To the Loved Ones of Tom, Harmeet, Jim, and Norman,
You and your loved ones are in my thoughts and prayers. I am holding them, and you, and their captors and their people, in the Light. May the captors recognize their captives as their Friends.
May this conflict be resolved in Love. May Courage and Peace fill your hearts in this difficult time.
With you, and your loved ones, I remain connected in prayer, Suzanne
To the Loved Ones of Tom, Harmeet, Jim, and Norman,
You and your loved ones are in my thoughts and prayers. I am holding them, and you, and their captors and their people, in the Light. May the captors recognize their captives as their Friends.
May this conflict be resolved in Love. May Courage and Peace fill your hearts in this difficult time.
With you, and your loved ones, I remain connected in prayer, Suzanne
To the families of Jim, Harmeet, Tom and Norman,
You are in our hearts, and we hope for the release of your loved ones, who have given so selflessly to others.
To Jim's family in Canada,
I have worked in the past with Jim as a volunteer at Zaccheus House in Toronto. In addition to his work with CPT in Canada and around the world, Jim has helped many people right here in Toronto. Your son and brother is a kind, compassionate man. He has inspired others to be better human beings. We need more people like him in this world. As a mother, and as someone who benefited from Jim's good heart, I am grateful for Jim's work and sorry for your suffering.
Sincerely,
Jill Pritchard-Scott
Burlington, ON
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