DownloadJan. 26, 2009 issue
Building bridges opens eyes
By Tigist Tesfaye GelagleAs a young Ethiopian living in New York, working in the shadow of the United Nations headquarters is a great opportunity. It allows me to see a sample of the world and to understand many of the events happening all around it.
Tigist Gelagle is a Mennonite World Conference intern at the MCC U.N. Liaison Office. She comes from the Gurd-shola congregation of the Meserete Kristos (Christ Is the Foundation) Church in Addis Ababa.
I have worked in the Mennonite Central Committee United Nations Liaison Office since August as an intern from Mennonite World Conference. Our office coordinates MCC’s advocacy at the United Nations, reflecting the concerns of our constituency while serving as a bridge between MCC’s international partners and program, and the policy makers at the U.N.
Interfaith bridgebuilding, which I am very interested in, has been eye-opening. The bridgebuilding here has been between people of different religions, especially with leaders from Iran, with whom the U.S. government has no diplomatic relations.
At first I thought we would be trying to convince the Iranians to understand what the U.S. government wants from them. But I came to realize interfaith bridgebuilding is actually quite different.
It is about living in peace as children of God whoever we are, regardless of race or religion. It is a call for the world to live in God’s harmony.
I believe that in our interfaith bridgebuilding efforts we are not just doing the work for our office or following our constituency. We are pursuing a Christian pacifist vision of peace and justice in international affairs. We are working as Jesus told us — to seek peace and pursue it.
When we pursue peace in our work, we are also dealing with international advocacy. Our advocacy, I learned, comes from our faith and our theological foundation. I strongly believe that we have a biblical basis for this work.
In Ex. 3:7-10, when God called Moses, his main purpose was to free the people of Israel from their oppressors. God says he has heard the cry of the people and doesn’t want them to suffer, so he calls Moses to set them free. God calls him to advocate for their freedom.
God doesn’t want human beings to suffer at any time or at any place. He doesn’t want people to be oppressed. But in our generation, as in ages before, many people suffer from corrupt leaders and a global economic system controlled by others.
People all over the world are oppressed by hunger, famine, disease, epidemics, war and natural disasters. Now is the right time and place to respond to God’s call. God wants his people to stand with him in bringing peace to the world.
God calls his people to stand in the gap like Moses to set the people free from their oppression. We, God’s people, are the voice for the unheard, a bridge between the powerful and the powerless, a help for the helpless. God’s people, all of us, are the tool for God’s work to set the people free (Luke 4:18).
This summer, nearly 7,000 Mennonites from around the globe will gather for the Mennonite World Conference assembly in Asuncion, Paraguay. I am part of an MWC delegation that will visit Mennonite churches and organizations across the United States to encourage participation in this assembly. Our office has also been asked to present a workshop at the assembly called “Partners for Peace: MCC and MWC at the U.N.”
It has been a privilege for me as an Ethiopian Mennonite to represent MWC and Mennonites from around the world in carrying out God’s call in the work that we do here in the MCC U.N. Liaison Office.
Comments
-
I believe, the church must rediscover Jesus' call to live under God's rule. The world is looking greater kingdom action and that is what the office of Tigist and MCC is doing. This organization is playing it's role to bring peaceful world. I am so motivated reading such a bridge-building article. I closely know this young lady, she is a leader, motivational speaker and committed to do any job for the benefit of others. Tg, let God bless you and thank you sharing what is going on in your office. This is good experience for you and for those who are waiting to hear from you.
Blessings. HENOCK
-
Tigist, you are doing very important work. I am so proud of you! As a young woman of color, it is good to see you are answering God's call. Be encouraged, it is not easy to stand in the gap.
-
Thank you for the personal testimony. Another example of the power of the Holy Spirit as we live as called by Jesus. Living the truth is more powerful than speaking the truth. Like the example of Joshua and Caleb. No earthly power overcomes the power of God. Overcome evil with good.
-
Tigist (Tg), you really deserve a million thanks for addressing fellow brethren in timely and and decisive agenda of the Living Word, Bible. I appreciate your guts and commitments to mobilize many in such precious thoughts. I expect more and join you in my prayers sometimes. Blessings, Mengisteab Tegegn(Ethiopia)
-
Since some women are born social organizers like Tigist. As I know her Tigist is really diligent and commited lady to do good things especially for the benefits of community. Tigist has a great passion for God and compasion for people. She has been in many volunteery and advoce work Ethiopia. She has also a big talent to bring a great change in the community. Tigist you good job, I encourage you to keep this diligence through your life. Mengistu.
-
I'm glad to hear this, seeing the children of Ethiopia are coming to the front! I know that there is a great potential within you from the moment we met in Accounts. Being informed about the work you are doing is an encouragement. May God help us all to stand on behalf of the weak, oppressed, voiceless and helpless people regardless of religious affiliation. All are created in the image & likeness of God, and Christ has died for all! Tigi, this is just the beginning of the enrmous work awaiting you, I pray for grace & wisdom to be able to make a difference in our relation with those who differ from us in one way or another! I'm happy & proud of you as a young Ethiopian lady! Remain blessed; be a blessing for many! Zufan
-
This is what Jesus want form us"you are the salt and the light of the world"Matt.5=13,14. Thank you Tigist(TG),You deserve morthan this because you have a potentil to do more.Keep up, The grace of God be with you.
-
I am proud of you. you are doing a great job in spreading the peace of God every where, and it is also our calling to do so. The article reminds me of this verse; Matthew 5:9 " blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called sons & daughters of God." Real peace comes from God and his sons and daughters are the channels through which this peace will reach to those who are in need. Once again, keep up the good work, our gospel is not only to function among ourselves but has to bring a world wide impact in bring Love, peace and harmony by confronting injustice which grows out of sin. Praise the Lord! Johnny!
-
When i see this i understand that God do his own purpose on you that is a big previlage for you doing his purpose.Wow...Praise God!! Dear i proud and i know i see more than this... Keep on going Bless you lot!!!!!!!
Comment on the article Building bridges opens eyes
The purpose of comments is to engage in dialogue. We expect commenters to treat authors and each other as each would want to be treated. Respectful criticism is welcomed; offensive comments or parts of comments will be removed by the site administrator. Name and comment will be posted; email address is for follow-up only and will not be made public.
Download a free PDF showing the populations of
Mennonite groups and other Anabaptists.
