Dear American History Teacher

What were you thinking?

At one of my camps this month, a camper in my cabin saw me using deodorant. She said, "I thought you guys didn't use deodorant."I was a little confused so I asked, "What do you mean?"

"My history teacher said that you guys don't use deodorant and don't shave."

After some more discussion it was clarified that the "you guys" referred to Muslims.This was after this camper had attended one of my workshops and learned that I am Palestinian.I had assumed that being at a Christian summer camp as a Peace Intern of the Disciples Peace Fellowship would make it blatantly obvious that I am Christian, but guess not. Since I'm Arab I must be Muslim, right?Wrong.I began explaining to her that:1. I am not Muslim. &2. Arabs (Muslim and Chrisitan) use deodorant and shave.Why exactly her history teacher felt the need to mention that completely false statement to her class and what it has to do with history, I do not know. But I do know, being an Arab myself, that if there was ever an award for the most obsessively clean culture it would be given to the Arab one.Not only do Arabs care about hygiene, they are also some of the most hospitable and kind people around. But, unfortunately, that truth is not something they teach in school.So.Dear American History Teacher,I don't know where you get your information from, but it's not correct. I urge you to reeducate yourself in order to accurately educate your youth. Because I hate to break it to you, but Islamophobia is a thing. (It might even be the result of your false teaching.) And it's something you need to deal with because of the Arabs (Muslim and Christian) who live in the States and seem to be staying there. Some things you should know are:

• Not all Arabs are Muslim. &

• Not all Muslims are Arab. (Only 20% of Muslims are Arab. The majority are Indonesian, Pakistani, Indian, and Bangladeshi.)

It is amazing how much the Western media dehumanizes Arabs. At my camps I have been trying to rectify the skewed image of Arabs, but it doesn't help if these kids are being fed lies in school.People fear the unknown. Let's educate ourselves and get one step closer to peace.Sincerely,An Arab Christian

Labels Matter

As the nation celebrates the July 4th weekend, many Americans will enjoy hanging out with friends, a day off from work, and watching the fireworks. The founding fathers are in American lore, portrayed as revolutionaries and freedom fighters throwing off the chains of British imperialism and oppression. One word that will not be used to describe America’s founding fathers? Terrorists. Despite the fact that the very people that are revered in American history advocated the violent overthrow of the government, popular American thought treats them as heroes.  But what if independence never happened? What if, those who advocated for the violent overthrow of the British government lost? They would be remembered as traitors, spies, and when the term terrorist came into fashion, they would be remembered and written about as terrorists.  How we label an event, whether an event that happened in the recent past or centuries before, matters.

This week at camp, I was able to have discussions with campers about terrorism-what actions are considered to fall under that umbrella and who gets to decide whether an action, a person, or a group get labeled terrorists.  In one of my interest groups, I read to them four different scenarios. I read the scenarios multiple times, each time, I provided a different context or background. In one reading I just read the scenario as I had written it, in the next I read a quote from a Muslim extremist organization that seemed to fit with the scenario, and finally I revealed that the various scenarios I had written were in fact based on Bible stories. Some of the stories are a cherished part of Christian and Jewish faith, others are verses and stories we prefer to ignore. Each time I read the scenario and provided a different context I asked the campers, “is this an act of terrorism? Why or why not?”

I was surprised to find that even though the scenarios were based on scripture, the campers didn’t automatically justify the stories or Bible verses as being “just” but they were willing to grapple with the question of whether the Scripture that we hold so dear, has stories that endorse violence. They were willing to question whether or not some of the stories in the text, could today, be labeled as terrorism. Of course the purpose of this exercise isn’t to justify terrorism or violent action in any form-but it is meant to get campers to realize that “terrorism” is a complex subject based less on objective analysis and more on questions of power-who has to the power to label certain actions as terrorism while describing other actions, even those in which civilians are killed and targeted, as heroic. Or in the case of the Bible, these stories become part of a sacred text.

I will say this again, how we label something or someone matters.  In the West, “terrorism” is most often associated with the actions of violent Muslim extremists groups or individuals. As a result, the label terrorist has taken on a specific racial, religious, and cultural meaning. This means that a shooting by someone who is Muslim, looks Muslim, or is from a predominantly Muslim country will be investigated and labeled a terrorist attack while a shooting by a white male against people of color with the stated purpose of starting a race war, will be investigated as murder and as a hate crime.

This association of terrorism with Islam means that Western governments will justify torturing suspected terrorists, holding them in isolation with limited contact with family, friends, and the outside world without officially charging them, and blanket surveillance of Muslim communities, in the name of “national security.” Labeling someone or an action as falling under the umbrella of terrorism is not just an issue of semantics, but it is also a justice issue.  The campers this week understood this, why do so many of us adults have such a hard time understanding this?

Walking Together Toward Truth

Every minute of being in Iowa has been lovely. This camp, Camp 15 at the Christian Conference Center, has quirky and thoughtful youth with obvious eagerness to be engaged and to learn. I can't exactly understand how 60+ people became a family for me in a new state in only one week, but that's definitely the case. The camp directors are two incredible men named Randy and Bill. Both of them love the youth with all they have, and I know that every camper here feels valuable and special because of their devotion to them. Randy is practically addicted to kindness, always reaching out to give a high-five with supportive words. Bill is a thoughtful teacher, prepared to unwrap the gifts that each person brings to the table at any moment. Last night was the camp talent show. I must admit, my first thought was What the heck kind of camp is this? as I watched a girl twirl flaming batons outside for the opening act. That was followed by a comedy act, 2 songs from the amazing musical Hamilton, a moving poem written by a camper at 4 am, and other musical pieces that blew me away. We saw the whole spectrum last night, and vulnerability and humor seemed to coalesce perfectly as we enjoyed time with one another. This display of talent and support and love—this remarkable act of community—it's the very stuff of peace. This week, I talked with the campers about the death penalty and the criminal justice system, but I also got to shape-up some other workshops and talk to them about the proposal to put Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill, as well as the ways that popular media intertwines with justice work (often in harmful ways). The workshop regarding Harriet Tubman was excellent, because it opened up conversations about narratives in the U.S., what democracy really means, who Andrew Jackson was, representation of women and their contributions to history, and race and privilege in America. Some youth admitted to being uncomfortable about seeing her face on the bill, so we discussed why change is tough but necessary for the whole. No amount of discomfort can truly stand up against a more inclusive world, in which all people are valued and valuable. This conversation was also important for the sake of waking us up to every-day “norms” that we don't really think twice about. Whether we think about our currency or see the faces on them or not, it is engraved into our psyche that “democracy” is a result of white, land-owning men, rather than countless people of all races and statuses building this nation together. There was another interest group this week called “Porch Rap,” in which the campers sit with Randy and discuss current events. I always had to give my workshop during this time, but I heard that one day was particularly hard for them—the day they discussed racism. Apparently there were some intense arguments that left everyone feeling like they were “walking on glass.” Some campers came away looking exhausted, hopeless, and guilty. The next day in my peace workshop, we discussed why it is so hard to talk about race. We mentioned the polarizing media and the guilt that is inevitably produced by these discussions, but we also agreed that guilt is a pretty useless emotion and not the goal of these hard conversations. I carry a quote around with me everywhere I go: “Praise the authentic moments of walking together toward truth.” We are learning together this week that no one has the monopoly on truth. We need each other and we need to be opened, always seeking truth together rather than on a “side.” I love you Iowa! Thank you for a week I'll never forget!

Christianity and Islam

Two of the activities that I use in workshops are formatted as games and center around Bible verses and the Quran and some central beliefs in Christianity and Islam. In the first activity the students have to guess whether a given statement is from the Bible or from the Quran. Some campers have a good grasp of the Bible or the Quran and found the activity relatively easy. Others, however struggled. I intentionally chose verses and ayahs that sounded similar, especially when they discussed violence.  also pointed out to verses in the Quran that talk about peace and caring for others.

In the media we often hear about how violent Islam and the Quran are.  The public discourse surrounding Islam and the Quran seems to imply that Islam created terrorism and violence.  Violence in Christian or Jewish texts are often ignored. Or in the case of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) Christians dismiss that section of the Bible as if it were irrelevant. Or some say, “of course the Old Testament is violent…” ignoring books like Revelation in the New Testament. Or, some Christians state, “well you need to take violent Bible verses in their context,” while not extending the same curtesy to the Quran.

In this activity, by contrasting and comparing the Bible and Quran I hope to open campers eyes to the ways in which violence and peace are described in both texts. This often jumpstarts a discussion on islamophobia in the United States and how violence and terrorism are not limited to Islam or to non-state actors.  My favorite part of the activity is watching the surprised look on campers face when a verse they thought was in the Quran turns out to be from the Bible or vice versa. I am also inspired by how willing the campers are to engage in tough discussions about violence in a text they consider to be sacred.

My second activity is similar to the first one, except that it asks students to decide whether a belief is Islamic, Christian or both. For example, I might say, “Belief: Jesus is awesome” and the campers have to decide whether that is something that only Muslims believe, that only Christians believe or if it is something shared by both faiths. I of course mention that Christianity and Islam are both complicated and diverse religions and that in this game I have to simplify that complexity. But it has been fascinating to see how campers react to certain beliefs. For example, many are amazed at some of the similarities between Christianity and Islam. Such as the belief that Jesus is a prophet, a belief in one God etc. But they are also intrigued by some differences. The Quran for instances denies Jesus’ crucifixion and death. The discussion after the activity often leads to questions surrounding how Christians should treat Muslims in light of the similarity and differences amongst the two religions.  In the two camps I have been to so far, many of the campers I have met have not had sustained interactions with Muslims, yet it is extremely heartening to hear them say that they reject the common narrative that Islam is inherently violent or that terrorism is simply a Muslim problem.  Many are willing to examine and critique the violence done in the name of their own religion by Nation-states, individuals, and small groups.

Peace is complicated. Peace is a long, drawn out process. But I believe that one step in creating a more just and peaceful world requires a rejection of villainizing those who look, believe, or act differently than us. I am thrilled to see how many high schoolers could teach us adults a thing or two about acceptance.

My voice is Peace

My voice is Peace, my voice is Love, my voice is Unity.Peace to the land that is created for peace and never saw it. As a Palestinian Christian who lived her entire life under occupation, all I want, dream and pray for is peace. It’s never easy but it’s worth working for.

I’m Minerva Halteh, one of the Disciples Peace Fellowship intern this summer, I had an amazing, fruitful and extremely busy training week with my fellow interns in which we had the pleasure to meet with global ministries, DOC representatives and the General Minister and President of the Christian Church – Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins and learn all about the great work they do.

Our new journey is about to start.  We pray to God to take away our fear and uncertainty and to give us the strength, power and patience to spread the message of love and peace everywhere we go.“

You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us. And the world will live as one.”

Minerva  

Hope in a Violent and Hateful World

My academic areas of research focus on Islamophobia and terrorism (of all kinds, not just Islamist terrorism). Meaning that normally, I spend a good portion of my day examining the dark side of humanity: the hatred towards Muslims shown by some in the US and Europe, the violence that take place in numerous parts of the world by both non-state terrorists groups and by nation-states, who often kill civilians in the so-called “war on terror.” When so much of your time is spent focusing on the very worst of humanity-it can be difficult believe that hope and goodness exists.

However, my week at Camp Couchdale with the Great River Region served as a reminder that despite the amount of hate and violence in the world-there are people, from across the political and theological spectrum who refuse to fall into the “US vs Them” mentality endorsed by terrorists and increasingly, by numerous western governments.  I spent the week talking about islamophobia and terrorism and I was heartened by how many of the youth rejected the dominant media narrative that “all Muslims are terrorists.” Some pointed to personal experiences they have had with Muslims, while others instinctively knew how unfair it is to demonize a whole group of people based on the actions of the few.  I didn’t have to tell them that violence and terrorism wasn’t limited to Islam, many told me about instances in which Christians have committed horrific actions in the name of God, yet they refuse to believe that those Christian group and individuals speak for them. Likewise, the campers argued that Muslim terrorists don’t speak for all Muslims.

I was humbled by the campers’ willingness to talk about difficult subjects; very few people want to examine the ways in which their own religion has inspired some to commit horrific acts of violence. I was also inspired by the campers’ openness to learning about Islam. The campers welcomed me and my message with open arms. Even when disagreement arose, as it always does, they were respectful of differing opinions and they were open to learning. In turn, they taught me about hope and radical acceptance for “the other”-which in this case were Muslims who are often vilified as terrorists.The areas that I focus on in my academic research show me the dark side of humanity, my week at Camp Couchdale with the Great River Region youth, reminded me that hope and God’s presence can still be found.

Naiomi Gonzalez

A physical reminder of the beauty of the world…

Power, Love, and Self-discipline

This has been one of the longest weeks of my life, by far.

Crossing time zones is never fun, but I think I’ve finally adjusted to the western time zone! Yay! We learned so much and met so many amazing people during our training week. What an honor it was to meet global missionaries, DPF executives, representatives of different DoC ministries and former peace interns.

As we set out to a heavily scheduled summer of church camps, I am filled with excitement and fear. Excited for the new friendships and the new places I will get to experience, and nervous about the unknown that is tied to all of that.

“But God did not give us a spirit of timidity but one of power, love, and self-discipline.”

So this is my prayer for myself and for my fellow peace interns.We know that peace does not come easy. It is not the natural response to tragedy or violence. So as we head out, I pray that we all seek a better understanding of the intricate and complex thing that is peace, and the power, love, and self discipline that comes along with it.Will you pray with me?

Rachel Shomali

Kamp Kaleo Experience

Kamp Kaleo,

Photo courtesy of Holly Gage-Hennecke

You have renewed my spirit. Through sweat, exhaustion, and the sweltering Nebraskan summer heat, there was laughter, fun, kindness, generosity, and a whole lotta love. My heart moved into this week heavy knowing I must be present with these young folks while simultaneously processing the grief and mourning I hold for the lost lives in Orlando. Yet I could not have hoped for a better place to mourn than Kamp Kaleo.

As a peace intern, it is hard to talk about justice in the abstract. What is true justice? How do we accomplish it? Who holds the elusive knowledge of absolute justice? How does anyone teach justice in the abstract? Yet these campers have shown that when our hearts open, the deep mysteries become less mysterious. Mourning the tragic loss of life didn't limit itself only to the victims but expanded to include the one responsible with prayers of healing for all.

Day one at Kamp Kaleo showed me a spirit in Nebraska that makes my heart smile. As a peace intern traveling from a land far far away, every camp becomes a place where we are welcomed as strangers in a new land. As part of my workshop this week, I taught on the passage of Sodom and Gomorrah and spoke about how hospitality really seems to be the key to understanding such a complicated text. Hospitality to strangers resounds like a guiding bell through the fog of the Torah, yet it is so easy to have lost a sense of just what hospitality means.

Hospitality - opening the arms wide open. Making strangers family. Welcoming those wholly different as your own. The only condition of welcome being the lack of preconditions. Yes!

As I look to tomorrow and my next camp where I will be a complete stranger, I depend once again on hospitality. It is with both faith and hope that I imagine those open arms to be there, and with eagerness that I look forward to knowing a new community. As I look forward, I take with me an awesome experience from Kamp Kaleo.

Much love, Kamp Kaleo!

Matthew

Reflecting on Tragedy

This internship holds so many responsibilities alongside huge amounts of exciting opportunities. This blog is being authored through a welcomed exhaustion that holds with it wonderful amounts of spiritual fulfillment. Yet my heart is heavy. Peace... oh wonderful, beautiful, radical peace! Won't you be with us all?

The huge responsibility of stepping into the shoes of peace internship is to have a deep sense of just what peace actually is. Sometimes the harder we try to grasp at it, the less concrete it becomes. Inner and outer peace are wonderful ideals that we hold as this sort of end goal to achieving some type of heightened oneness or spiritual being, yet peace is hard.

As I write these words, I mourn the loss of so many who have been named in the news with the shooting in Orlando, Florida. Members of the LGBTQI community have endured a heavy and oppressive history that now includes yet one more tragedy. In the storm of this mourning, I also mourn the victims of history who were never named publically. I also still embrace peace. Perhaps peace is what prevents tragedies like this. Perhaps peace is what truly releases the heart.

I stand in solidarity with the community that I call my own. More than standing with my community, I wish I understood better how a tragedy like this could have been prevented. Was there a breakdown in inner peace? In outer peace? In being passed peace? While these questions cannot ease any sadness or change any events of the past, can they possibly create a brighter future?

As I consider these things, I hope you will also ponder them with me. Peace to you, my unknown friends. Please pass it along in some way. It only takes a spark...

Blessings,
Matthew

Peace Be With You?

I don't think I always understand the depth of the expression “Peace be with you.” During the time of Passing of the Peace in a church service, this expression is said repetitively and naturally; yet, when you think about it, it's almost anything but natural. We are saying that we actually believe peace is possible in this crazy, messy world. It's not simply a statement of hope—it is a great responsibility that should challenge us constantly. Pastor Lisa Yebuah says that her seminary education at Duke left her with a “holy haunting,” and author Stephen Long similarly writes of being “haunted by […] the specter of pacifism”... “It is the uncomfortable guest who will not leave.”

Why would anyone choose to be haunted by peace? Why would anyone choose to advocate for it? It's much easier to not care, to walk away, to pledge allegiance to what's normal and comfortable.

I love to read and to ask questions. I would be bored to death if I didn't, but it also leaves my brain in a tangled, sloppy mess most of the time. My past peace intern Margie Quinn told me to find my simple truths. Loving people is hard and fun. God is bigger than the humongous, broken prison-industrial complex. Next, she said, ask questions “until [your] brain turns into noodles.” With this noodley brain, my life has taken on a unique texture and quality that bewitches and haunts me. I can't un-know my heroes of social justice, like Bryan Stevenson or Margie Quinn. I can't un-read Ta-Nehisi Coates or Desmond Tutu or Gloria Anzaldúa. I can't un-see the prison letters from neglected and abused prisoners throughout the state of Alabama. I also can't forget the memories of growing up in camp and wanting so desperately to understand my relationship to the universe, my visión cósmica. Maybe I chose to be haunted by peace or maybe it chose to haunt me. Either way, I'm sitting here at the Disciples home-base in Indianapolis with a great responsibility and privilege before me, and I'm wondering how to make “the uncomfortable guest who will not leave” feel like the only natural hope for people who claim to love a justice and peace-seeking God.

I have a lot of hopes for this summer, but most of all, I want us all to grow in our understanding of the power and potential of “Peace be with you.” With this expression, may we never take ourselves out of the conversation on peace and justice in this world.

Peace be with you,
Lexie Ofe

Camp by the Numbers

Will's Camp Bracelets

This summer I have:

- been to 7 camps in 6 different states.

- traveled to 13 different states. (counting airports and one 5 minute detour through Washington)

- been graciously hosted by 8 different families.

- counseled 367 campers.

And, I have collected:

- 4 pieces of closing circle yarn

-8 friendship bracelets (from Zoe, Emily, Amber, Aubrey, Amy, Kelsey, Jordan, and Erin)

-1 prayer bracelet from a devotion station run by the Alderson sisters' small group

- 2 rubber bands from Ohio

- 1 four leaf clover

-1 camp cutie bracelet

-1 peace intern bracelet from General Assembly

- 1 wrist band to eat at the Bethany College dining hall.

 - 1 autographed children's book

- 16 T-shirts

- 50+ mosquito bites

However, no matter how many times I read through this list and go over all the different countable things I acquired this summer something is missing. I will confess to having a camp box that all of these collected items will go in, I will pull it out on occasion - likely when I'm avoiding packing or cleaning my room - and reminisce. But all these collected things in a box will never hope to measure up to the array intangible non-countable 'things' I've acquired as a Peace Intern. The relationships, memories, and camp songs will stay with me always.

Simply put, the most meaningful thing I acquired was a sense of comfort and confidence. The ability to walk around and be comfortable just being Will. As our Intern coordinator put it, "a real adult."

Who is That Girl I See…?

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She sure as heck is NOT the same one who left on this crazy summer adventure traveling around to 7 different church camps, three months ago! The spark that was in my heart to do and be better, and teach people about my passion for human rights has been fanned and is now a full on fire. In order to explain this journey a bit better, I have The Steps to Making A Great Fire:

1. Gather tinder and kindling.

• My kindling started in college. I was an International Relations major, with a focus on social and cultural issues and Latin America. Much of what I learned and studied in school was about peace and justice issues. I chose these focuses because I felt that this was an untapped area and one that was particularly interesting and necessary to go deeper in. I learned about justice mechanisms for gross human rights violations and the kinds of problems indigenous people suffer through. I learned about the oppressive governments, the wars, and the strife that this part of the world encountered. I learned about international organizations, and what bodies like the United Nations are doing to address human rights issues. I learned about the people who wanted to see their world changed, so they worked towards making that happen. These topics inspired me and influenced my choice to apply for the Disciples Peace Fellowship Intern Program.

2. Start small. Get it lit.

• These topics supported me through college and I always knew that this is where my heart was, I just didn’t know how to get that spark glowing more brightly and put my training into action. Enter Training Week in Indianapolis at the Disciples Center… Whoa. This week was amazing! We met with and talked to some inspirational Disciples who are doing work both nationally and internationally, with the mission of working towards “wholeness in a fragmented world”. The Peace Interns were given the tools to be able to talk about Peace and Justice issues that can be found around the world and relate them to how the General Church is helping to combat those issues. We learned how to be the change within our communities, our regions, and the world. Through the church, I am able to put my passions and interests into practice. I am able to go places and work with people, talk about and be the one who brings up issues of change for the topics I am most passionate about.

3. Let it breath, fan the flames.

• I learned to teach and to explain human rights issues and I learned to discuss with high school students what I really means to stand in solidarity of an issue and advocate for causes that are bigger than ourselves. This experience will be an invaluable resource for the rest of my life! Because of this internship, I now have the confidence to speak about my passions and to explain the importance of making the necessary changes to combat human rights issues. The only question is… What’s next? I have been exposed to so many amazing organizations, missions, groups, schools, and people that I have no idea what my future holds anymore. I used to have a plan for the next 5 years, but yeah, that’s been shattered and replaced with so many other opportunities to actually make a difference in our world! I have so many options and there is not one potential path that would set me back! Everything I have been exposed to this summer has helped me to form my idea of what the future will look like, not only for myself but what the world will look like because of people like me who have a passion for making change and actually doing it.

4. Congratulations, you’ve started a fire!

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• I cannot believe that my summer is over already. I would do the Peace Internship program again in a heartbeat, which is a testament to the success of the program and I would love for other driven candidates to have this experience!