Post your Statements of Support Here Archive 2
You can add your statements of support for the families of Harmeet, Jim, Norman and Tom as comments to this blog post.
This is the second thread. You can read over 50 statements of support already posted in Archive 1.
This is the second thread. You can read over 50 statements of support already posted in Archive 1.
56 Comments:
To the families of Harmeet, Jim, Norman, and Tom:
During this difficult time let it be a comfort to know that many, myself included, are holding you and your loved ones in our prayers. These four men are truly dedicated and mindful peacekeepers. My sister is also a CPT team member in Bagdad and is working fervently to aide in the release of the CPTers. Let you and your loved ones be held in the Light.
Marlene Ahouse,
Waukon, Iowa
To you and your families, may your lights of love warm this world. We so need your peaceful ways. The Christian Peacemakers I have met are to a person strong, loving, and courageous. You inspire us. You bring us hope. Thank you and Christian Peacemakers for sending understanding to the captors even in these most trying times. With greatest wishes for a good result and joining the millions around the world who support you Harmeet, Jim, Norman and Tom,
Peace be with you and your families
Carol Hannah
Hayward, Wisconsin
Dear Friends
Please know that many people in the Northwest Yearly Meeting of Friends in Oregon, Washington and Idaho are praying ferverently for your loved ones and praying for you, their families. We are confident tht nothing can separate Harmeet, James, Norman and Tom from Christ's love. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end. May Christ surround each of you with his light, love, and peace.
Peggy Hanson
My prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Traci
Dear, loving families (and beloved friends) of Harmeet, Jim, Norman and Tom.
You are in my hearts and prayers, as are these four peacemakers, as are the suffering people of Iraq. In 1989, I was briefly detained in El Salvador, where I was working with Peace Brigades International, doing similar work to CPT. My detention was much shorter (18 hours) and less intense than is this present detention -- but during the detention i had an experience that I would like to share with you. I think that it pertains to what your loved ones are undergoing, and what you are undergoing as you imagine/fear to imagine what they might be living through. I was in a torture center, hearing torture, being occasionally beaten, threatened with death. And I was remarkably unafraid. I have never in my life before, or since, felt as fully beloved and accompanied as I did at that time. Without a moments' hesitation, I knew that my family's love was with me, and that they and others around the world would be working for my safe release. And although I would not have described myself as a strongly religious person, I did feel -- absolutely clearly and palpably -- the presence of the Divine with me, alongside me. I completely believe and trust that Harmeet, Jim, Norman and Tom will be feeling equally loved and cared for; they will be feeling your love, the love of God, and the amazing outpouring of love and support from people all over the world. They are not alone, and I believe that they know that.
I will continue to work and pray for their safe release, and the end of the occupation of Iraq.
Yours in peace
Karen Ridd
kg93@web.net
my prayers are with all of you, be aware that if you are to perish, it will not be in vein. your courage and passion for the support of peace will not go unseen in the eyes of god. love your captors and look to understand why their anger is so immense so that you may assuage these feelings of hatred- representing Christianity's true principle. Love one another. i am so proud of all four of you, and hope that you will somehow read this message.
Love,
Matt Marquart,
Beverly, Massachusetts
To the families of Harmeet, Jim, Norman and Tom,
The prayers and hopes of my wife and I are with you, with Harmeet, Jim, Norman and Tom. Our prayers are with their kidnappers as well (I'm sorry but I can't in good conscience call them hosts) that they will come to see the difference between those trying to hurt them and those whose only interest is peace, and they will find the strength to do the right thing. We are so very glad that there are people in the world like Harmeet, Jim, Norman and Tom and everyone around them who bring a message of dedication to peace and love in a world that is always in need of it.
I write to express my solidarity with you, and with your loved ones in Iraq. There isn’t really anything I can say in the face of what you must be feeling, but I wanted you to know that my community and I are keeping Harmeet, Jim, Norman and Tom always in our thoughts and prayers. We pray for strength and comfort for them, and for you, and that the hearts of their captors will be transformed, and they will be swiftly and safely released.
I wanted you also to know how much we admire them – the work they are doing, the stance they are taking, the faith that they manifest in the world. We are so proud of them, and we hope fervently that they will be released to continue their important witness.
In peace.
To the families and friends of Harmeet, Jim, Norman, and Tom,
Our hopes and prayers are with you and your brave loved ones. May their inspiring compassion for everyone continue to spread and to unite us all even in these trying days.
Dave and Family
Richmond, Virginia
I heard Sheila Provencher speak in Olympia last summer. She woke me up to the work that CPT does. I am thinking of and praying for them, and for you.
Prayers are with you for comfort and safety.
Mary Sue Renfrow
Portland, OR
Our family is praying hard for your loved ones.
Sarah
I sincerely pray for the end to this issue in Iraq.
I am saddened that peace keeperr may soon be harmed by the very people they wish to help. May they be viewed as helpers to the cause of resistance of aggression and not infidels.
To the families of Harmeet, Jim, Norman and Tom
I have been so moved by your statements and interviews. You are doing an amazing job of articulating both your personal messages of love for your loved ones, and also the political messages, advocating for the cause of justice for the people of Iraq. You are indeed carrying out the work that Harmeet, James, Tom and Norman are committed to doing; the work that brought them to Iraq. They will be so proud of your efforts. Blessings on you all.
Grace and peace to the family, friends and coworkers of Tom, James, Harmeet and Norman. I pray that your suffering and anxiety will be redeemed. The ultimate redemtion will be freedom for all the captives! That is our hope. That is our prayer.
Shalom,
Marlene Janzen
To the families of Harmeet, Jim, Norman and Tom,
Each Christmas we light four candles on an advent wreath to remind us of the coming of Christ. This year we lit all four candles simultaneoulsy when we heard of the capture of your loved ones. This was to remind us of the detention of your family and to remind us that we are not waiting on Christ, but that Christ is already here and present with youf family. We hold you, Harmeet, Jim, Norman, Tom and their captors in our heart and pray unceasingly for the release of your family.
Sheila Giesbrecht
Winnipeg Manitoba
Jesus said "Blessed our the Peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God". My heart goes out to you...your loved ones are in my prayers, as are you family members.
May the Prince of Peace bring this situation to a truly peaceful resolution so that your loved ones may resume their Christ like ministries in Iraq.
To Matt and family, As soon as I seen your family name and picture on the CBC news, I remembered you and felt shock and sorrow for what your brother, your parents and siblings and you are going through. However, you and I know that nothing is impossible with God. The prayers of myself and my church are with you, Laureen Sandin (Laureen Thompson or LT from 6th Henday)
A plea from the heart to those holding Tom Fox, James Loney, Harmeet Sing Sooden and Norman Kenbar.
I lost my son Tom in Iraq, he was a young soldier and he died because the UK government lied about your country, which I now know threatened no one and is renowned for its hospitality.
It is my loss and that of others that gives me the belief that there is far more that bonds us together than divides us - and the most poignant bond of all is the terrible grief of loss of those we love, a grief which bonds all creeds and faiths.
After the 1991 war, soldiers from the UK who had become ill with so called 'Gulf war syndrome', travelled to Iraq to meet Iraqi soldiers who were also ill, they hugged each other, shared experiences -and even cried together. Some of those, Iraqi and British, have died of their illness but before they did, all talked of the healing of reconcilliation.
Tom, James, Harmeet and Norman came in solidarity, reconcilliation and to draw the attention of the world to the historic injustice of the invasion. Please do not repay them with harm. Like them, I too am working to the same ends and to bring the occupation forces out. I am pleading for the people of Iraq and Afghanistan as well as for your guests.
In Peace,
Reg Keys, Military Families Against the War. U.K.
Former Independent Parliamentary Candidate who challenged Prime Minister Blair in his Sedgefield Constituency in Britain's May 2005 elections.
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My wife has had in mind for several days the story of three men in the blazing furnace, told in chapter 3 of the Book of Daniel. The story goes at one point:
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (Dan 3:16-18)
The four captives in this case have said to America and to Britain: "...we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." The story goes on to say there was another person walking with the three in the furnace.
There is another person walking with your four loved ones right now.
Our prayers and deepest empathy are with you.
Esther and Wayne Northey, Langley, British Columbia, Canada.
To the families of Harmeet, Norman, Tom and Jim:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult time. I am originally from the Sault and my sister has long been friends with Ed Loney, so this has touched us even more because of that connection.
We pray that you will be comforted in the knowledge that so many strangers are so concerned about you and your loved ones.
We pray for peace.
My prayers are with you, your loved ones and their captors. May God's grace and peace be more pervasive than human violence. Sacred Light shines in the darkness; and darkness shall not overcome it.
To the families of Harmeet, Jim, Norman, and Tom: My heart goes out to you all at this dreadful time. Your loved ones are truly noble people and I admire them immensely.
I am praying daily that Norman,Tom, Harmeet, and Jim will be released safe and sound, and that God will move them to be merciful.
May God's presence sustain you at this time.
Karin, UK
Please know that I am praying for the safe release of Harmeet, Jim, Norman and Tom. I am also praying for you, their family members, for their captors, and for all those working for their release. Through e-mail releases, I have come to greatly admire the work of the Christian Peacemaker Teams and their work in Iraq. I am also encouraging others to pray and am keeping others updated. I also have a blog entry. "Hostages for Peace, Hostages of War" about them at http://journals.aol.com/annegw77/PaxPraxis/.
Peace be with you.
May Peace Prevail in Iraq!
Sending out the prayers to the families of Jim and Harmeet, Norman and Tom, Peace be with you and with all
To all the families in despair for their love ones in Iraq, I'm begging you with all my heart to not please lose hope at this moment. Let's keep our lights shining through, for other people to see especially the Iraqis. Let's continue our prayers to our Lord, our God, for a single prayer is worth a billion, and infinite things. We all thank God for when we let go of Him when we have so much sorrow, despair and pain in our hearts, He doesn't let go of us. We all keep you in our hearts and always believe that anything can happen with a single prayer and a single call for God's help. =)
Our family is holding you and your loved ones and their captors in our prayers, that somehow good may come out of this situation for all and that your loved ones will be home with you soon.
May the abductors find mercy in their hearts and decide to free the Harmeet, Jim, Norman, and Tom.
I have the utmost respect for CPTers. They really represent the good that can be done in the complex and difficult times in which we live.
To the families: I cannot fathom what you have been going through but know that there are thousands of people across the globe that are hoping, praying, and reaching out in one way or another.
Please know that you and your loved ones in Iraq are in our thoughts and prayers. We continue to pray for the safety of the CPTers while being inspired and humbled by their committment and courage.
May you feel God's presence at this most difficult time.
Holding you in our hearts,
The Hildebrands
Edmond, OK
I have worked with and met CPTers in the West Bank, and am in awe of the incredible dedication to peace and justice that they show. My thoughts are with the hostages and their families and I hope and pray that they are released unharmed.
Peace
Andy Hockley
Romania
Tonight as I read a commentary on the Beatitudes, I started to pray for Tom, Norman, Harmeet and James.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.' Matt 5:9-12
I particulary prayed that these four peacemakers would know that they are blessed and that they would feel joy despite their situation. I pray also for their families, friends and co-workers.
I don't know what to say really; I can't imagine the anguish you must feel. I am praying for you and for Harmeet, Jim, Norman, and Tom, and hope they will be with you soon, safe and well.
To the families of Tom, Norman, Jim and Harmeet,
None of us can imagine the turmoil you are undergoing. May you know the grace of our Creator for each moment. The impact of their witness to us in the world is profound and a deep gift - out of pain and uncertainty on your parts. You may not have chosen this way for yourselves or your family member, but know that they are beacons of light in a world gone mad for violence. Evil and violence lurks within all of us. Your family members' desire to witness to the opposing power of love and goodness is the "winning" side - though does not always seem so. Be of Good Courage.
Dear, loving families (and beloved friends) of Harmeet, Jim, Norman and Tom,
May you be free from suffering and free from pain.
May you be surrounded by love.
May you feel the presence of your God guiding you and comforting you.
When things are difficult, may you ride the wild ocean waves peacefully and calmly.
May you rest secure in the knowledge that you have many friends who care about you, love you, want only the best for you, and who are thinking of you.
May you take a moment to breathe deeply and be filled with lovingkindness and peace.
With much prayer and lovingkindness,
a fellow traveler in this life
Dear families of Harmeet, Jim, Norman and Tom,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and have been ever since your loved ones have been taken. I also have been reading about the three faithful ones in the firey furnace and also Daniel in the lion's den, and truly believe that God is very close to them and His love will be present not only for those kidnapped but I believe that the kidnappers are feeling it too. What a witness this has been to the world obesssed with violence, to hear people from all faiths and walks of life expressing their admiration for what CPT'ers are doing - their courage and integrity seems so much to exemplify "Give peace a chance". I pray that the captives will be changed by this experience just as those who were chained to Paul, came to a real understanding of his belief and the God he served. I also pray that your loved ones will be released unharmed and God will be glorified through this ordeal.
Helen
To: the families of the hostages
From Gil Halsted Madison, Wiscosin
My heart and mind are with you as I send this note of gratitude for the work your loved ones have been doing in Iraq. They are an inspiration for all who are working in so many ways to end the war and to help its victims. I pray that their work and thoer spirits will touch the hearts of thoer captors , and that they will free them to continue the vital work they've been doing. War and brutality must be responded to with love. That is what they have been doing. I pray that and others who foilow in their footsteps wil take their bravery as an example.
I am humbled by the courage and conviction of the Christian Peacemakers. It is my sincere hope that such exceptional individuals may receive grace and mercy so they can continue their work in this world.
Allan White
To the families of the Hostages. May your faith is God give you strength to endure the trials put in front of you and your family. By such love for Peace, comes a calm in time of strife.
Peace,
Carol Weingart
Vermont & Australia
Dear all the families,
To let you know that we are thinking of you in New Zealand.
Please accept my love and support as well as my deepest respect for your family members held captive in Iraq. I am a member of the Buddhist Peace Fellowship here in California. The example of courage and compassion shown by your loved ones is felt around the world.
Mark
Trinidad, California
To the family and friends of Tom, Norman, Jim, and Harmeet,
The compassion of your loved ones is touching and teaching people around the world. May it touch the hearts and minds of their captures to help to turn them to the path of love.
I join my hope and prayers with your in this most difficult time.
Mary Lou Harley
Nova Scotia, Canada
Dear Friends,
Although we have not met I am deeply concerned for your loved ones who are being held captive in Iraq. I recently became aware of CPT through the news media and have prayed for the safety of those who are working to spread the good news.
To the families of Harmeet, Jim, Norman, and Tom,
I continue to pray for you, as well as those being held in
Iraq. Jim is the only one of the four that I know
and I miss his presence in our community---he offers
an approach to life all too rare.
My family in the Sault also is keeping you in their prayers.
In peace,
(Rev.) Brian Burch
We are praying for you and for your captors, that God will be with you in all your work and suffering for peace. And we are praying for you families as well. Thank you for setting an ezample of really working for peace as actively as others have been working for war.
David Lukens, Reba Place Fellowship, Evanston IL
To the families of Harmeet, Jim, Norman and Tom:
I have loved CPT for years because they are carrying out Christ's mission, as set out in Luke 4:18-19. "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because God has appointed me to bring good news to the poor. God has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
The CPT members who were captured are the peaceful counterparts of suicide bombers. They go without weapons or armor into the crossfire to bring Light and reconciliation and the hope of release.
Today in my Quaker meeting in Portland, Oregon, we prayed and cried for the CPT members who are held captive, and we will continue to pray for them and for you.
No matter what happens, their deeds have been pillars of fire that remind us of God's presence and show us the way.
Sally Gillette
There are many of us who are holding all of you in our hearts. Every hour that goes by brings new hope for the safe release of your loved ones.
It takes tremendous courage to respond to violence with love, and I have been moved by the words of CPT members who remind us that peace will not be achieved through retribution. The fact that so many Muslim organizations have called for the release of the hostages shows the power of a consistent, unalterable belief in non-violence and justice for all.
I hope you can find comfort knowing that the world is united in praying for your loved ones. Salaam... shalom... peace.
We encourage you all to be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might, and having done all that stand, because the word of God must be fufilled. Isaiah 54:17 says no weapon formed against you shall prosper and every tongue that rises up against you. You shall condemn. Psalms 91:15 says I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him. I will show him my salvation.
We love you all!!!
the Whitaker family
Beechwood, Ohio
just what makes that little old ant, think he can move that rubber tree plant.
hope this is all history soon!
peace and love
Your loved ones are truly the light in a dark world this Christmas season, although your world must seem especially dark right now. So many of us think of them and pray for them and you as we go about our daily tasks. The spirit of God is moving. The light of truth will burn.
Dear CPT Team member family members,
Please know that we are very proud of your family member for the ministry he does, for putting himself at risk for the sake and safety of others, and for being aperson of integrity and conscience. He is in our thoughts and prayers, as are you.
God's peace, love, and strength be with you and your loved ones.
Sincerely, Bill and Joyce Ruhaak
Families of Jim, Harmeet, Tom and Norman:
God's Grace and Peace to you during this difficult time. My church prays for your loved ones and your families every Sunday morning during our service.
Murray Schwartzentruber
Kitchener, Ontario
May the blessings and light in all of your souls comfort one another at this time. We continue to pray for Jim, Harmeet, Tom and Norman and feel their gift of light, caring, joy and healing. When I meditate on these brave and courageous people I feel their tremendous peace comforting me. I feel the peace they release into the world, to every person and to all human relations. I know that their risks and giving is not in vain. The love in their hearts is transforming international relations and interpersonal relations. I pray for their safe return home and give thanks to each of them and their families for the tremendous peace and healing they have given humanity. May God Bless them and those with them and may we soon see them home with their loved ones. May the love of God flowing through these four people and all of us bring us peace. We pray that the Spirit of Christ continue to reside with them and their families in this time of waiting.
love from friends of Jim
I pray for their safe return.
Dearest family members, May you feel the presence of your loved ones just as we believe, they are feeling your presence.My wife Jane and I hope that the warm moments you have shared with Jim, Harmeet, Norman and Tom will help sustain you while you wait.In friendship, david and jane ramsay, Goulais River, Ontario
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