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Fall 2023 | VOLUME 17, ISSUE 3
November is a month when many of us reflect on the dynamics of peace and war as we mark Remembrance Day in Canada. To honour these reflections, and also to acknowledge the places where peace seems so distant right now, we decided to focus on peacemaking in this edition of the Kentro Connection.
Below, you'll find two articles submitted by Kentro members: In the first one, MCC takes us on a journey of peacemaking and how that connects with their work as a faith-based relief and development organization; the second article from Canadian Foodgrains Bank shows us an example of peacemaking in action.
As we head into the weekend where we as Canadians reflect on the sacrifices of others in pursuit of our peace, may the articles below spur us on to pursue peace both at home and around the world.
In unity,
Faith-based peace in an age of tumult
By Grace Hercyk (Mennonite Central Committee)
Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is a worldwide ministry of Anabaptist Christian churches that works at relief, development and peace in the name of Christ. Peace might sound like a peculiar thing for a humanitarian and development organization to prioritize, particularly for a faith-based one. What does it mean to make this abstract (albeit nice sounding) virtue a reality in practice? Is it possible that peace is more than a feel-good sentiment on a Christmas card or something to wish for when blowing out your birthday candles?
Deiver José Salgado Perez and Leider David Salgado Perez harvest corn in their family’s field in La Florida, Colombia. They are part of a project with MCC partner Sembrandopaz, which teaches children about reforestation and environmental care. Teaching the next generation is essential to continuing Sembrandopaz’s work in peacebuilding and caring for God’s creation. (Photo credit: Annalee Giesbrecht ,MCC)
At MCC, we understand peace in several ways. Within our organization, it’s a dynamic and evolving conversation that started more than 100 years ago and continues today. By sharing MCC’s journey, we hope it will prompt other Christian organizations to explore what peace means to them and how to weave peace into their own work.
MCC embraces peace in four ways: Peace as a theological framework. Peace as a lens through which we do our work. Peace as a discipline and set of concrete actions. Peace as a critical, ever-evolving part of who we are as an Anabaptist Christian ministry.
Canadian Foodgrains Bank’s Humanitarian, Early Recovery, and Development program has focused on the intersection of humanitarian assistance and development activities through ten projects in Africa and Asia. In many of the contexts where we are supporting partners through this program – South Sudan, northeastern Nigeria, and DR Congo, for example - peacebuilding and social cohesion activities are closely linked with development.
Gender champions in Kajo Keji, South Sudan trained by Tearfund South Sudan during a support visit by the Gender and Protection Officer. (Photo credit: Juan Roseline)
Tearfund South Sudan (a partner of Kentro member Tearfund Canada) recently reported that after conflict broke out between communities along the border of South Sudan and Uganda, women were invited to join elders and other male leaders for inter-community peace negotiations for the first time. Why? For three years, Tearfund has been providing their Transforming Masculinities training for men and community leaders, shifting perspectives on the roles of women and men in community decision-making. Women and men have also been engaged as gender champions, agents of change to model more equitable gender relations. The female gender champions were those invited to join the negotiations.
The work that Tearfund has done has contributed to a more equitable peace process. And, hopefully, a more equitable peace will result in greater stability and prosperity for the women and men of Kajo Keji, South Sudan.
Partner Feature: Graf-Martin Communications
In an age where division often makes headlines, there's never been a more pressing need for unity and collaboration. Kentro has chosen Graf-Martin as a trusted partner based on our positive, trusted working relationship and our genuinely compatible missions and visions.
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Jayakumar is the author of the book “God of the Empty-Handed Poverty: Power and the Kingdom of God" and a compelling speaker and teacher. You can listen to a sneak peek of him via The Accord Research Alliance's podcast here!
Let's chat (GPT) about AI--threat or boon?
Webinar with Jeannine D'Entremont, Jeannine D'Entremont Communications, November 15 @ 10am PT/1pm ET
How can we best harness AI tools to amplify our mission?
Have you already embraced AI or are you taking some time to become acquainted?
Join Jeannine of Jeannine d’Entremont Communicates to explore the potential and perils of this powerful phenomenon.
Food Insecurity 101 in Canada
Webinar with Union Gospel Mission and Citizens for Public Justice, November 21 @ 10am PT/1pm ET
Join us for a 1.5 hour, virtual, facilitated discussion covering the basics of Household Food Insecurity (HFI). We will review key terms, resources, and actions we can take for addressing HFI in the Canadian context.
This webinar will be facilitated by Karen Giesbrecht (Union Gospel Mission), and Natalie Appleyard and Dula Deb (Citizens for Public Justice).
** Webinars are free for members and cost $15 for everyone else.
Kentro MEMBERS: Take Advantage of our Member Portal!
Member Connect is our MEMBERS ONLY ** interactive platform where you can connect with other members and access the expertise of our expansive and amazing network!
Search for other members, view past events, and join group discussions on Member Connect!
** Interested in the benefits of Kentro membership? We have options for both individuals and organizations to get connected. Click here to book a 15 minute Kentro Consultation to learn more about how you can reap ALL the benefits of membership, including free webinars and access to Member Connect!
Minister Hussen announces funding for Canadian Foodgrains Bank
Via Global Affairs Canada News
On November 3, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, announced $35.5 million in funding over the next 3 years to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank to support its project Nature-Positive Food Systems for Climate Change Adaptation.
Contributing Factors in the Israel-Hamas War
By David Koyzis, Christian Courier
Shaky governments, no constitution and the constant threat of terrorism.
I am old enough to remember two general Middle Eastern wars, the second of which started right after I had begun my undergraduate studies in Minnesota. With Israel’s victory in these wars, the Jewish state had acquired an aura of invincibility, despite the enmity of its numerous and much larger Arab neighbours.
Understanding poverty: A brokenness that affects us all
By the Chalmers Centre - Adapted from "When Helping Hurts"
Have you ever stopped to ponder the question, “What does it mean to be poor?” If poverty is rooted in the brokenness of the four key relationships, then the answer becomes clear: we are all affected by poverty.
Annual Call for Applications for the Canada Summer Jobs
from Global Affairs Canada
The annual Call for Applications for the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program will be launched during the week of November 20th, 2023, and will end on January 10, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific time).
For 2024, CSJ is maintaining its regular parameters and will offer quality jobs during the summer season with an aim to fund over 70,000 jobs for youth.
Not-for-profit employers can receive a wage subsidy up to 100% of the current provincial or territorial minimum hourly wage.
More details coming soon! Register for your GCOS account if you plan to apply!
Check out our Careers Page to see all the current job postings from among our Network and beyond!
A few highlights:
- Western Canadian Partner Engagement Lead: Food for the Hungry
- Expression of Interest--External evaluation of advocacy work: Canadian Foodgrains Bank
- Communications Coordinator: Wellspring Foundation for Education
Job postings are free for Kentro members & $90/ month for all others. Email admin@kentronetwork.ca to submit a posting.
