Jim's Peacemaking 2003 Year End Report

May 20, 2004

Hello. Warm greetings to each of you.

The year has been successful in peacemaking in many ways far beyond my expectations. Here are some of the highlights of my peacemaking:

Participated in a month of Christian Peacemaking training [CPT]. This was basic education to do peacemaking.

Spent two and a half months in Colombia this fall with CPT and was a part of providing direct protection for some 80 farm families by "getting in the way" of the intrusions of guerrillas and paramilitaries.

Visited our El Salvadoran sister community Valle Nuevo in March. It was again a visit that enriched our relationships as brothers and sisters between south and north.

Facilitated three peacemaking seminar/discussions at Cornerstone Festival, a Christian seminar/music festival of 25,000 people. At the Christian Peacemaker Teams booth we collected 238 names of persons interested in receiving peace emails.

Gave Presentations with slides about my peacemaking in Colombia in numerous schools, colleges, and churches.

Provided leadership for "War? Peace? What Do We Do Now?" seminar in January, which lead to three peacemaking dialogues that enabled people of different opinions on the war to talk to each other. This resulted in publication of "Inspections Work, War Won't" ads in two local papers with some thirty local signatures. We raised over $1000 in 2 days to do it.

Built better understanding through many good conversations. I sense this has been one of the more significant parts of my peacemaking. I have gotten to know three local families with soldiers in Iraq.

Coordinated bringing speakers to the area to speak on peace opportunities and issues. A notable one was Cliff Kindy who was in Iraq.

Wrote e-mails and letters that encourage and give hope for peacemakers. My letters are at web site http://www.plowcreek.org/jimspeacemaking.htm

• Participated in weekly Peace Vigil. 2000 cars see our messages during the hour we are there. Like "Pray for Peace, Act for Peace" and "Mourning Suffering US Troops". This has been where I met a US soldier who fought in Iraq and two families who have soldiers in Iraq.

• Co-led monthly ecumenical prayer vigil for peace

I have been very encouraged by the outpouring of financial support from over 50 persons that amounted to nearly $2000 more than was needed for last year (to be used for this year), some of which was unsolicited. Here is the link to my 2003 financial Report. A number of friends really questioned whether enough money would ever come in, and I must say I wondered sometimes too.

Also I am sure that all the people who prayed for me helped my effectiveness more than any of us realize.

It is difficult to find words adequate enough to express the thankfulness due to each of you and to God, which enabled me to do this peacemaking ministry. One thing that brings awe to me is how God raised up the faith in me, a simple farmer to do peacemaking, to believe that despite the fact that few others were doing it, it was something God was calling me to.

You will receive soon my work plan for 2004. I hope you will consider providing continued financial and prayer support again. Special thanks to those who have given already in 2004.

Keep on doing your part in being and bringing peace in the world.

Shalom,

Jim