As I think about the leaders of the Be Peace Make Peace and ArtPeace ministry projects, the word that comes to mind to describe them is “committed.” The impact these ministries continue to have in the lives of participants and the communities as a whole is directly related to the tireless work of the leaders and volunteers of these projects. They are committed to following the Spirit of God’s leading and the biblical basis of peace as holistic flourishing. They are committed to living out Jesus’ love in tangible ways to the children, youth, and adults in their communities. They are committed to promoting non-violent conflict transformation and equipping a new generation to live as peacebuilders.
This week, on October 2, Be Peace Make Peace is leading an all day, city-wide celebration commemorating the International Day of Peace and Nonviolence. This event is sponsored by both the Municipal and State governments, but they have trusted Be Peace Make Peace to organize and lead the event. It will include a large group forum discussion in one of the community centers, a peace parade through town, and a movie night forum at one of the local soccer fields. Pray for safety, for participation, and for the impact of this event to be multiplied in the lives of the residents of this town who have suffered from violence on many levels.
Be Peace Make Peace, continues to pour into the community, recently offering a talk for youth about the importance of mental health, as well as a recreational afternoon of kite flying for kids and families at a local park, and workshops on identifying different forms of violence and how to transform them.
In San Marcos, the leaders and volunteers of ArtPeace continue to love on the most vulnerable in their community, particularly children, youth and women heads of households. They have continued to involve women who often are under-resourced and have to struggle financially to provide for their families, in entrepreneurship classes and process. The women are learning different skills like sewing, knitting, an other artisan methods. The leaders of the project say that not only are these women and teenage girls creating art, they are building a better future for their families as they create pieces that can be sold.
They continue to promote holistic peace that not only looks at our relationship with God and others, but with creation. In a culture that many times undervalues the importance of caring for nature, they are setting an example by sponsoring clean up days in different public spaces in the town.
They are committed to creating spaces for children and youth to come together for healthy recreation, and a safe environment where they can learn about peace as they dance, play, and create art. They also care for the physical health and nutrition of children, offering a healthy snack, like they did in the San Rafael 2 neighborhood on August 31st.
Praise God for the ways that these ministry projects are impacting lives and communities in El Bagre and San Marcos. Pray for the leaders who often come up against resistance and many challenges. Pray for more volunteers to join these important processes that are shaping the future of Colombia.
