Swords into plowshares
About this blog
Swords into Plowshares is the blog of the Peacemaking Program and the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations of the Presbyterian Mission Agency of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Seeking peace. Striving for justice. Together.
Recent posts
- Summer 2013 intern at the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations - Brendan Welsh
- Summer 2013 intern at the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations - Marissa Costello
- Hold Sudanese Human Rights Violators Accountable!
- US remarks at high-level talks on trafficking
- Three Prayer Concerns - May 16
Categories
- Peace (524)
- United Nations (500)
- Prayer (471)
- Human Rights (417)
- Justice (387)
- View all categories →
Archives
Posts with category: International Peacemakers
November 26, 2012The Spirit Moving During International Peacemaker Visits
The Peacemaking Program sent out surveys to hosts, International Peacemakers, and participants. As the staff sifts through the results, we are seeing common themes. We are hearing of experiences that touched people’s souls—experiences that clearly reflect the workings of the Spirit, that inspire and energize peacemaking.
Many of the International Peacemakers shared that some of their most rewarding experiences were of times with small groups. These moments led to deep and meaningful conversations where the International Peacemakers could share about their work and lives, but also where they could learn of life in the United States. Many International ...
November 19, 2012
Insights of American Brokenness from an International Peacemaker
Arda Aghazarian, one of the International Peacemakers from Palestine, told a story about traveling to the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, Orange County, California. Crystal Cathedral is a church building made of glass panes, all orchestrated by the Reformed Church of America. An 18 million dollar project, the Reformed Church of America designed the building to house the Crystal Cathedral Ministries. However, the upkeep of the building proved to be too much a burden for the ministry, and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange Crystal Cathedral later bought Crystal Cathedral.
Arda observed the beauty and awe of the cathedral, yet ...
November 13, 2012
All in this Together
Just as the International Peacemakers arrived into Louisville, KY for their orientation, I began my work in the Peacemaking Program as part-time staff. Before I fully understood the nature of the program, I was helping with preparations—arranging meals, arranging worship, and learning about the many people who have dedicated themselves to hosting and organizing a rich experience for the International Peacemakers, and also the communities in which they traveled. Logically, I saw the importance of the program, but it was not until sitting with the International Peacemakers, hearing stories of why each individual was called to travel and share ...
September 20, 2012
2012 International Peacemakers Gather in Louisville
The Presbyterian Peacemaking Program welcomes 14 peacemakers from 11 countries as they gather in Louisville, KY for orientation September 18-20. They will be traveling to congregations, mid-councils and other institutions from September 21-October 29.
September 22, 2011
Welcome to the 2011 International Peacemakers
From left to right: Mazen Asaqa (Iraq), Sunil Mankhin (Bangladesh), David Thomas (Mexico mission co-worker), Brenda Trinidad Espitia (Mexico), Karla Ann Koll (Guatemala mission co-worker), Marina Shishova (Russia), Juana Herlinda Yac Salanic (Guatemala), Emad Ramzy Philobbos (Egypt), Arda Aghazarian (Israel/Palestine), Neerja Prasad (India), Dan Turk (Madagascar mission co-worker), Peter Tibi (South Sudan), and Hubert Rakotoarivony (Madagascar).