The work of peacemaking is more important now than ever. Since Friday, Israeli forces have been carrying out raids and airstrikes in Gaza. Today, the World Health Organization warned that lack of water, caused by a blockade of humanitarian aid, will cause a public health crisis and endanger the lives of 3,500 hospital patients.

BPFNA~Bautistas por la Paz condemns the violence and war that has broken out in the State of Israel/Palestine. As peacemakers, we unequivocally condemn the actions of violence that have led to loss of life.

Executive director Jason Smith recently traveled to Chiapas in southern Mexico. He visited the Mayan Intercultural Seminary (SIM), a Peace Fund recipient led by board member Dalia Juarez, from September 3–9.

I was told from the beginning this was not going to be a “touristy” trip. The core of this delegation’s work was listening to folks on the ground. This was going to be an in-depth experience of what is really occurring in the daily lives of Israelis and Palestinians. Yes, I would see the “holy” sites, but the focus was experiencing the apartheid life of the Palestinian people.

Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer captures the power humans have harnessed for violence and destruction. As peacemakers, we know that forces stronger than these can coalesce to bring about healing, justice, and peace.

BPFNA has awarded 14 grants to support local peace projects around the world. This year’s Peace Fund cohort represents our most international group of ministry partners yet.

She didn’t look the part—if, by “part,” you mean a peacemaking, justice-seeking, human-rights-advocating activist. No growl in her voice, rarely a furrowed brow (as the stereotype suggests). I’m speaking of Olive Tiller, a co-laborer within the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America, a friend, and source of much encouragement.

When a Christian reads in 1 Corinthians that "now we see through a glass, darkly," it takes place in the midst of an articulation of love. And what this means, practically, is this: certainty is not a Christian posture of living.

In its earliest forms, Mark's gospel ends with a terrified silence. When the disciples meet a robed man in Jesus' tomb who announces the resurrection, they "fled from the tomb ... and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid" (16:8). Like the disciples that first Easter morning, trans folks in the United States are terrified.

In December I participated in the 10th Annual National Vigil for All Victims of Gun Violence, held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. The vigil’s purpose is found in its name: remembering all who are victims of gun violence.

In America, wealth inequality runs rampant. This is not news. In January 2020, Pew Research found that 61% of Americans believe there is too much wealth inequality in the nation. So, the natural questions are then: why does income inequality continue to grow, and what can we do about it?

In recent days we have lived through dark times. Fear and desperation are abundant, leading us to believe that things aren’t going well. But with trust in God, problems diminish.

At long last, BPFNA’s digital database project is almost complete. The project, slated to launch in early 2023, is an ambitious one: a compilation of resources for children and youth that exemplify BPFNA’s values of peace- and justice-making. Although there are arguably many resources in the Christian sphere that already do this work, this initiative added some extra key criteria.

Two months in as executive director, I feel rather filled. The days are filled with tasks and “to do-lists.” My mind is filled with ideas and dreams about the future of BPFNA. I am also “filled” by the stories of peacemakers I’ve been blessed to hear.