September 15, 2008

Threads of Unity

I am always amazed at the power to focus that comes when called to share information and experiences with fellow colleagues and friends. The reflection process that ensues is one that allows for deeper contemplation of your work and a more thorough understanding and definition of where that work has led you and where it could potentially move you toward. 

The call to prepare for the Joining Hands consultation in Chapman University last July was exactly this for our Praja Abhilasha Network. As we have been working together since September, 2006, it was an opportune juncture for us to look back and see what Praja Abhilasha has been about these last two years and how we have grown.

Chenoa Stock (right) and the Praja Abhilasha Sri Lankan delegates, Herman Kumara and Padma Pushpakanthi, at their display table.

As we arrived, Herman and Padma, the Sri Lankan delegates, and I, were excited for the opportunity to share about our work and who we were, being the youngest of the nine networks in Joining Hands. But I found that it was not the sharing about ourselves that was the high point, but the sharing and learning from others that was so beneficial. To be in a room and hear the many accents from people around the globe, which included India, Egypt, Palestine, Cameroon, South Africa, Lesotho, Peru, and Bolivia, coming together with a united purpose to help and give voice to the marginalized of their countries, was inspiring in and of itself.  We were not there to prove our accomplishments to our partner networks, but instead, to listen closely to their stories of struggle and see how we have common threads of experiences that tie us together. The creation of five global campaigns—water, land, food sovereignty, security, and extractive industries—was another highlight, as we continued to learn about the interrelated aspects and commonalities of issues among the networks. It was amazing and encouraging to be in community with so many like-minded people—unselfish advocates who continue to question the injustices of society and the world and who look for alternatives and solutions to this inequality.

Praja Abhilasha display.

I was grateful for the time to exchange stories and experiences, as it was something that allowed me to see into other Joining Hands networks and learn from their struggles and successes. The energy I and my colleagues felt when witnessing the commitment and dedication of other networks has generated a great sense of clarity and renewal of focus for Praja Abhilasha.

After the consultation, we visited six churches in the Charleston-Atlantic Presbytery in Charleston, South Carolina. Our week there was filled with everything from informal discussions to formal presentations about Praja Abhilasha and the Joining Hands mission. We expressed the deeper understanding we gained about Joining Hands and made the congregations aware of the Sri Lankan context and our work within those circumstances. Southern hospitality was at its finest, as we were received with such warmth and sincerity at each venue and activity. Though it is unclear if Charleston-Atlantic will join as our U.S. presbytery partner, the opportunity to reinforce and share what we had learned at the conference brought about growth and a deeper understanding about our work as a Joining Hands network that otherwise would not have occurred.

Padma and I enjoying some time on the dock with our Charleston hosts from James Island Presbyterian Church, Henry and Kristi.

We have now fully realized how our struggles are tied and connected to those around the world. That this thread is something that goes beyond faith boundaries is even more beautiful to me. The right to live as whole human beings is a thread that God has woven among us all, and it’s one that Joining Hands continues to tie together, as it spreads awareness through the dedicated work and campaigns of each network. 

I am grateful to be a part of such a global partnership and to help Joining Hands secure and tighten the threads that bond us together as God’s Creation.

As we continue to search for ways to be an influential and strong network in Sri Lanka, the situation of the country must be kept in mind. I recommend an article on the Asia Times Web site. Though a bit lengthy, it gives an informative overview of the situation here, as the government forces continue to push north into the de facto state of the Tamil Tiger rebels, displacing many civilians who suffer with daily living more and more each day. Please take the time to read it, as this is the context in which we are working and the players with whom we must relate. 

I hope this finds you all well and perhaps enjoying some early signs of fall!

Peace,

Chenoa Stock
Companionship Facilitator
Joining Hands – Praja Abhilasha

The 2008 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 90