SPECIFIC AREAS OF LEARNING FOR THE VISIT
#1. Get to know and form relationships with Palestinian Christian leaders, their institutions and churches. What is their reality? What historical relationships do we already have? What kind of additional/enhanced relationships would be helpful to them and to us?
#2. Better understand the reality of life for Palestinians living in the occupied territories, for citizens of Israel, and for settlers. What is it like to cope as a Palestinian living in the West Bank? Why are Israeli settlers so committed and what is their life like?
#3. Identify faith groups working actively in the region for peace and justice and see/visit their activities or projects. We are particularly interested in groups comprised of Israelis and Palestinians. What is working? Where is there hope? How might we participate?
The following are important but secondary priorities:
#4. Visit and interact with government officials – particularly Palestinian officials – to better understand the politics of the region. What are the prospects for a viable, sustainable Palestinian state co-existing with Israel? What should we work toward in terms of US and Canadian foreign policy in the region?
#5. Find out what is being done by other denominations and US/Canadian based institutions in promoting justice, peace, human welfare, and the involvement of their own constituency in this work. Can we partner with anyone? Should we?
#6. Get a better historical/biblical understanding of “The Holy Land”.
A DIVERSE AND CAPABLE GROUP!
The CRC attempted something a bit different with this study trip. Rather than sending only employees of various CRC agencies and institutions to do an on-site assessment, the OSJHA recruited a diverse group of sixteen volunteers. The participants believe this has resulted in a better, more realistic and more creative outcome. We are:
- Bruce Adema, Director of CRC Canadian Ministries and former CRWM missionary in the Philippines
- David Adams, Pastor, Immanuel CRC, Grand Rapids and US Development staff for Bethlehem Bible College and writer of our news article in The Banner
- Karen DeVos, Writer, organizational and program consultant, former CRWRC staff
- Patricia Duthler, Extensive background in non-profits and business, member of Partners World Wide, member of Central Reformed Church, former CRWRC staff in Central America
- Carrie Elzinga, CRWRC staff, logistics staff for this visit, and former resident of Cairo, Egypt
- Sheila Holmes, Pastor at Madison Ave. CRC in Patterson, N.J., active in race relations and justice issues
- Herman Keizer, Director, CRC Chaplaincy Ministries and US Army Colonel, Ret.
- Paul Kortenhoven, Justice and Development staff for CRC World Missions and former long-term missionary in Sierra Leone
- Esteban Lugo, Director, CRC Race Relations and former pastor in Chicago and Gallup, New Mexico
- Rick Roeda, Youth Pastor, San Diego, California, and contributing editor to Youth Unlimited publications
- Rana Saba-Hekman, CRC Palestinian-American active in promoting the importance of educational efforts within the CRC on Palestinian realities
- Nikki Vander Meulen, Student, University of Michigan, CRC youth perspective
- Peggi Vander Meulen, Director, federal Healthy Start program in Grand Rapids, former CRWRC staff member and international health consultant
- Peter Vander Meulen, Team Leader and Coordinator, CRC Office of Social Justice and Hunger Action (OSJHA), former CRWRC overseas staff in Africa, Asia, and Latin America
- Lori Vermaire, Member, Crossroads CRC, San Marcos, California, registered nurse
- Mark Vermaire, Pastor, Crossroads CRC, San Marcos, California and member of the CRC Board of Trustees
