On
Saturday,
April 30, 1:00 - 4:30 pm, John D. Roth met with a group of Willamette valley
youth at Zion Mennonite Church, Hubbard, Oregon. The
event "Peaceful
Rebellion:
Where Do You Stand" was planned and lead by Jana Gingerich,
Zion Mennonite Church Youth pastor and Jennifer Gingerich youth pastor
of Salem Mennonite Church. This event was recorded and is available in the Zion Mennonite Church
Library. Jana Gingerich wrote the following report on the program.
A Peace Perspective
(John D. Roth)
John Roth shared with youth at a "Peaceful Rebellion" rally held at
Zion Mennonite Church, Hubbard, OR on April 30, 2005.
The secret of the universe is that "Love
is stronger than Fear". Through our Mennonite lenses, we see the
Peace Perspective as an integral part of our call to follow
Jesus. John indicated to all that he had no interest in backing
anyone in to a corner to accept what he was about to share. He
invited us to listen.
John shared ways that Jesus really lived what
he preached. He taught us to love our enemies not only in word
but also in deed. John also shared a real life story that would
have tested any of us.
Much popular belief about violence/war stem
from a context of what is often referred to as "just war". Many
would agree we should avoid violence but indicate that all too often
there is no other way. They resigned to consider only two methods
to face injustice or evil. John challenged us to consider that
this assumption is simply not true and is actually fear-based. There is
always a third way, a way that requires us to trust in God and to seek
a creative path that only God can give; an action other than "fight or
flight". This path can not be spelled out as easily as violence,
passivity or escape, it requires a relationship and a trust that God
will give us what we need at the time we need it. It doesn't
"fit" into a popular sound bite. It is not driven by fear but rather by
love.
We all needed to reflect as John suggested
issues other than war that truly reveal our view of the world. Do
our lifestyles reflect a path of peace? If we are influential or
popular, how do we use/abuse this power? How do we include or
exclude the "unwanted" in our society? What type of movies are we
drawn to? John invited us to "get mad" about injustice, but then
to "get focused". He shared that prayer is a good way to do this.
A Peace and Justice booth was sponsored by our Peace and Justice Group
with books, bookmarks and posters distributed.
