How can I help create world that
knows God’s peace?


I experience deep pain upon hearing continuous reports of violence from the Middle East to Virginia Tech, and to its escalation in my Austin neighborhood.
National and state legislators struggle to pass laws to deal with these realities. Churches, organizations and individuals are doing their best to face these issues.
As a member of Asbury UMC in Austin, the pastor’s wife and Peace with Justice coordinator for the Southwest Conference, I struggle with these questions:
> What can I do to help make a difference as a follower of Jesus?
> How can I help create a world in which all experience the love and peace of God?
I know equal opportunity to basic education, a living wage, affordable housing, food, transportation and health insurance helps to curtail violence.
I remember hearing Bishop Joel N. Martinez say in one of his sermons: “Don’t forget, it is a long march of care.”
I look to the past to see where this care has been accomplished through the nonviolent acts of Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Caesar Chavez, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and those who worked to bring peace in Ireland.
I am reminded that nations can change as when the Berlin Wall came down. So when I grow weary on this “long march,” I take heart and give thanks to God for my life. I ask how I can continue to live the Shema: “Thou shalt Love the Lord thy God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and thy neighbor as thyself” (Luke 10:27).
One way I find to live out this scriptural understanding is to share my love of God with others in the smallest things. I collaborate with others in the use of reconciliation and healing methods rather than acts of violence.
I yearn to find ways to help develop ministries that build a just and peaceful society to address the systemic issues found in trends, attitudes and structures. In this spirit, I encourage you to attend the International Living Faith Seeking Justice Conference, Nov. 1-4 in Fort Worth.
Bring a team from your congregation to participate, and report back how other congregations have struggled with these same yearnings and created ministries of mercy and justice.
Information is available at www. umcswtx.org. Click on the logo linked to the conference. Scholarships are available from the conference Board of Church and Society and the Hardt Fund for Peace.
Another way to live out this spiritual understanding of reconciliation is by donating to the Peace with Justice offering June 3—or a Sunday of your choice.
An information packet with a bulletin insert about the offering was mailed to each congregation. Fifty percent of the offering money stays in the Southwest Texas Conference. The other half supports global peacemaking efforts.
Help empower people to participate in becoming agents of change, to extend mercy and to work for justice for all.
For more information on the conference or offering, contact me at wholcomb@umcswtx.org or (512) 619-3469.