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Dear Reader "Blessed are the peacemakers," Jesus said, "for they shall be called children of God." -- Matthew 5:9 Christians are called to be peacemakers, agents of reconciliation in a hostile world, lights shining in the darkness. Early Christians believed Jesus' words and tried to live lives of reconciliation. Early Friends took Jesus' words to heart and, in the midst of war, began living in "the power that takes away the occasion of war." Our world is no less chaotic. Wars and daily struggles are a part of life in places like Ramallah and Chechnya. Mahmoud Amra recounts the struggles facing education in Ramallah during the last Intifada while Colin South shares the contemporary struggles during one day in the Middle East. Galina Orlova, staff member of Friends House, Moscow, recounts her journey to Chechnya last fall. Peace Notes, a new column, offers several perspectives on peacemaking. Query 9 in many yearly meetings concerns "Peace." Do you consistently practice the Christian principles of love and good will toward all [people]? Do you work actively for peace and for the removal of the causes of war? Do you observe the testimony of Friends against military training and service? Do you endeavor to make clear to all whom you can influence, that war is inconsistent with the spirit and teaching of Jesus? (Western, Iowa Yearly Meetings) Every Church a Peace Church, New Call to Peace-making's newest call, addresses these questions, as does Eden Grace's report on the launch of "The Decade to Overcome Violence." Dedicated Quaker peacemaker, Elise Boulding's new book, Cultures of Peace points us toward creating peaceful cultures in our lives and world. As you read through this issue, may you take time to answer the Queries on Peace. Do you take your part in the ministry of reconciliation between individuals, groups, and nations? When discouraged, do you remember that Jesus said, Peace is my parting gift to you, my own peace, such as the world cannot give. Set your troubled hearts at rest, and banish your fears? John 14:27 (NEYM) Shalom, dear Friends, shalom! Blessings in Christ, Trish Edwards-Konic

COVER STORIES 8 Ramallah Update... The Intifada's Effect on Palestinian Education Mahmoud Amra 9 Keef Awadea Fi Ramallah? Colin South Mahmoud Amra, Head Administrator of the Friends School High School in Ramallah writes of the difficulties of education during the last Intifada. Colin South, FUM Field Staff in Ramallah, recounts the situation there as we go to press. 10 Every Church a Peace Church John K. Stoner New Call to Peacemaking's newest initiative is Every Church a Peace Church. John Stoner outlines the process of becoming more engaged in peacemaking as a community of faith. 12 Cultures of Peace Mary Lord As Mary Lord reviews the newest book by Elise Boulding, she helpfully cites areas of learning for her and their application in building Cultures of Peace. 14 WCC Launches Decade to Overcome Violence Eden Grace "The Decade to Overcome Violence" was recently launched in Berlin by the World Council of Churches. Eden Grace represented not only Friends but all of North America during one symbolic event.   FEATURES 4 News from Friends United Meeting 15 Message on the Occasion of the Launch of the Decade to Overcome Violence: Churches Seeking Reconciliation and Peace 17 Salt and Light Pastor Smith Rethinks Yearly Meeting Alan Weinacht 18 Bible Study The Heavens are Falling Howard R. Macy 19 Peace Notes 22 Ideas That Work 24 Reviews 26 Passages 28 Classifieds 29 FUM VBS Mission Project 30 Meeting Directory 35 The Back Bench Of Mice and Men Phil Gulley

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