April 29, 2008

Dear Friends,

Peace. What an elusive concept in our world, especially the Middle East! I had an opportunity to reflect on peace in the last month as I preached several sermons on the subject at our seminary chapel and in several churches and Christian gatherings. As I prepared the message, I was reminded of a quote from theologian Jon Sobrino that says something like, “peace is not the absence of war, but the right ordering of relationships.”

A cross on a mission in southern Egypt.

One of the problems of peace in our world is that we tend to focus on the absence of violent conflict, rather than addressing the root causes—the wrong relationships between ourselves and God, and between us and our neighbors. It is interesting that in first century Palestine under the Pax Romana, a peace that was forced upon the native peoples from the outside, Jesus still pointed people toward the right relationships which are the foundation for peace. We can see this clearly in John 14:27, where Jesus says he gives his followers his own peace, which is unlike the peace that the world gives, which is full of tensions and contradictions.

There is real power in Christ’s message of peace! As we examine the Gospels, we can see that only a very few times did Jesus say to his disciples, “peace be with you!” In Arabic Bibles this is transated, “salamu-lakum,” very close to the popular phrase “peace be upon you” that is used by Muslims as a greeting in countries like Egypt. In the gospels, Jesus only uses this phrase after his crucifixion and resurrection! The message of Christ is that peace, especially peace with God, comes through the redeeming work of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. As Christians, we have a powerful opportunity to teach everyone, even Muslims, the depth and meaning of this phrase that they use so often, peace be upon you!

Brice and Sungmin on the Nile.

My wife Sungmin and I are learning each day how we can model this peace of Christ to others through our relationships with both Christians and Muslims in Egypt. We are learning that regardless of religious background, coming into relationships as a “peacemaker” has a profound effect on ourselves and those to whom we relate. We have discovered this as we have come into relationship with a Muslim family. When we met them, we recognized them as “people of peace,” and they recognized the same in us. Mohammed, the head of the household, is a strong believer in Islam. He regularly leads groups traveling from Egypt to Saudi Arabia on the Hajj—the pilgrimage to Mecca. Although he knows that I am a Christian “kasis” (pastor), we have begun to relate to each other as children of God who depend on his grace. Our relationship has a magnetic effect on others—through this family many doors have been opened to us for relationship with other Muslims. Coming in peace has its advantages!

The Evangelical Theological Seminary where I serve seeks to turn future pastors and leaders into such “peacemakers.” These young men and women enter into communities filled with tensions between Christian and Muslim residents. They have a unique opportunity to come and bring the peace of Christ to both religious communities. I remember a few years ago staying in the house of Pastor Ehab in a village near the city of Sohag in southern Egypt. He apologized to us at 10:00 p.m. one night that he would have to go out for a few hours. One of the Muslim leaders of the town had died, and he had to go to the family to bring his condolences! We saw that Pastor Ehab showed the same respect to Muslim villagers, and even Egyptian police, that he showed to each member of his congregation. What an example of the peace of Christ!

May the God of peace fill you and yours with all blessings this spring season.

Yours in Christ,

The 2008 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 324

Contributions to my ministry from individuals may be sent to:

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Individual Remittance Processing
P.O. Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700

Please write the title and ECO number on the subject line of the check (Brice Rogers #E074031) and on your cover letter as well. Churches should use their normal receiving sites.