A letter from Tom and Judy Harvey serving in England
October 2014 - Students Behind the News
Dear Friends and Partners in Mission,
For those of you not familiar with the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies (OCMS), we have 113 doctoral students from over 40 nations who continue to serve in often very difficult situations even as they pursue their research. This means that one of the great joys and sorrows at OCMS is simply reading the news.
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Malkhaz
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Rula
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Dennis
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Mehri
When I read about the flood of Muslim, Christian and Yazidi refugees fleeing the violence in Iraq, my thoughts turn to our student Malkhaz Songulashvili in Georgia. Currently Malkhaz is struggling to cope with the massive tide of individuals and families flooding into Tblisi. Not only are they in desperate need of food, clothing and shelter, they have suffered horrible physical, psychological and spiritual trauma. Georgia is a poor nation and therefore dealing with the onslaught of refugees as the bitter Georgian winter prepares to set in is an impossible task. Further, many Georgians despise the refugees, and ethnic tensions are rising. Malkhaz must work as well to address the frustration of his fellow Georgians even as he attempts to work with the refugees. Malkhaz’s research has uniquely prepared him for this difficult work. His research specialty is addressing conflict and reconciliation between the churches and peoples of the region. He is a bridge-builder in the right place, with the right training and at the right time.
When I turn the page to the war in Gaza, or the recent taking of Palestinian land in Bethlehem by Israel, I know that our student Munther Isaac in Bethlehem is strategically located and one who specializes on the religious and theological claims to the Holy Land. He is now globally recognized as one of the key Christian leaders in the West Bank/Palestine who is respected by Palestinians of all backgrounds as a peacemaker. I also think of Rula Mansour of Nazareth, who teaches at Nazareth Evangelical Christian Seminary in Galilee, Israel. Rula’s research is in ‘Conflict Resolution and the Palestinian Evangelical Churches of Israel.’ Given the ethnic tensions mounting in and beyond Israel and the Occupied Territories, Rula finds herself at the front lines of increasing Arab and Jewish hostility in the Galilee.
When I read about the ravages of Ebola in Liberia, I think of Dennis Aggrey, who is grappling with the loss of his co-workers due to Ebola even as they work with the Lorma people to provide food, information and comfort in a nation where illness and terror are quickly destroying the fabric of society. With Ebola spreading rapidly, it is tearing apart families and social networks necessary for survival. Often it kills parents, leaving starving children and infants to fend for themselves. Dennis has been coordinating support and delivery of food resources in his area. His research on the Lorma people is helping to bridge the cultural barrier to allow needed aid to be distributed and as well sound information regarding the nature of Ebola.
When I read of the growing number of Iranians becoming Christians here in the United Kingdom, I think of Mehri Zarifkolyane, who is working with the diaspora Iranians to help to cultivate a culture of peace and healthy engagement in public life. Given the steady flow of news about atrocities in the Middle East and the execution of Western captives, there is growing animosity amongst the native British population against immigrants. As an Iranian and a Christian, Mehri serves as a good ambassador to the wider British population to help build understanding, relationships and mutual ministry by churches in the region.
Thus behind the news stand people I know, work with, assist, teach, and train so that research might serve them in the vitally important work they are involved in. Naturally I am deeply excited about their work, its relevance and effectiveness, and how their training at OCMS serves to improve their understanding and practice. I’m honored by how they represent OCMS. Their work testifies to the importance and effectiveness of our research internationally. Nonetheless, it is their commitment to reflect and share the love of Christ with all they come in contact with that reflects the true spirit of mission: to spread the good news of Christ and to work for the establishment of his reign of Shalom around the world.
Naturally the news does generate a healthy dose of concern and prayer both by me and the entire OCMS community for our students. When we pray for the refugees fleeing the Middle East, we pray for Malkhaz. When we pray for Israel and Palestine, Munther and Rula are lifted up to God. When we stand in solidarity with the people of Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia facing the scourge of Ebola, we pray for Dennis Aggrey and his family. When we consider the burgeoning Iranian churches both here and in Iran we pray for Mehri and her work. Naturally those prayers also extend to our other students involved in crucial ministry around the world. Please join with us and pray for Malkhaz, Munther, Rula, Dennis and Mehri as well as for the faculty and staff at OCMS and our other students. As a community that prays and supports mission worldwide, we appreciate how your prayers and support keep us going.
For those of you who may be reading about our work with OCMS for the first time, may I invite you to come alongside us and support this important ministry through your prayers, encouragement and financial support. We know these are challenging times economically and financially both for individuals and churches. So do know that we appreciate your generosity and that we are in prayer for you even as you keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
Blessings,
The Harveys
Tom and Judy
Address: 25 Hayfield Road
Oxford OX2 6TX England
Tom’s e-mail: ttctharvey@yahoo.comJudy’s e-mail: madiganharvey@yahoo.com
The 2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 309
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