Hello everyone,
It was good to see some involved in the Christchurch 15 March event setting off for the Hajj. This is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and faithful Muslims hope to achieve at least one pilgrimage in their lives. It was good to see smiling faces as they left NZ for this once-in-a-lifetime trip. “All things work together for good”?
Other families have been affected too. St Andrew’s people will remember Hanaa who’s spoken at St Andrew’s twice for the Social Justice Education Group and also in church. She and her husband are from different Islamic sects, so have less mosque and family support than others. When we visited after 15 March, she said their three young boys were afraid to go outside. Also, we found Hanaa’s husband (flown home for a family bereavement by his family in Iraq) had had his return delayed by their fears of what 15 March might mean. Eventually, the trip has been booked but Hanna was left to pay the accommodation in Bangkok and onward travel from Bangkok to NZ. Last week we made sure this has been paid so the price didn’t keep climbing. If anyone would like to contribute to the approximately $800 cost, that would be wonderful. Just internet bank your donation with the reference ‘airticket’ or put money in a separate envelope in the church plate with ‘airticket’ written on the outside and your giving number on the envelope too. This means your donation will be added to your end of year total for tax purposes. Thank you in advance!
This reminds me of an unusual duo coming to Wellington. “Imam Muhammad Ashafa and
Pastor James Wuye [see pic above] once mortal enemies, moved from vengeance and killing to healing and friendship. They now lead taskforces to resolve conflict across the divides in Nigeria and beyond. A case study of grass roots community building initiatives in places torn apart by conflict. Their award-winning film was launched at UN HQ in New York. Speakers at the Nobel Peace Prize awards in 2015; https://www.iofc.org/imam-ashafa-and-pastor-wuye-speak-nobel-peace-prize-forum Tedtalk in Berlin, 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQ-hiBmeZuI “
On Monday August 19 these two men are speaking at a Victoria University, Wellington event. It runs from 5.30pm – 7pm at Room GBLT1, Old Government Buildings. (Access off Stout Street and Whitmore Street). Sounds like something all interfaith enthusiasts and peace advocates need to attend! Also, there is another opportunity on Tuesday 20 August, 6.00 – 7.30 pm
Wellington Islamic Centre, 7-11 Queens Drive, Kilbirnie.
This Sunday is Peace Sunday. We will celebrate with silence, to re-connect with the spirit within. Inner peace is the key to outer peace. Communion will be mostly celebrated and served in silence – so be prepared to use other sources of information such as your eyes rather than your ears! At the morning tea/ coffee to follow we can talk as much as we like! (smile) and also at the congregational conversation which follows. See you there.
Susan
To view the full e-news click on this link : https://mailchi.mp/4e7ec6c0938e/this-weeks-newsletter-from-st-andrews-on-the-terrace-1494681
