March 11thPeace is not the Absence of Trouble but the Presence of Christ
Peace is not the Absence of Trouble but the Presence of Christ
12 Funnels of God’s Love from East Zorra to the Philippines
“The visit of ‘the 12 funnels of God’s love from East Zorra’ rejuvenated us and re-ignited our enthusiasm.” said Dann Pantoja, Mennonite Church Canada International Witness worker in the Philippines. “Travelling with 12 sisters and brothers from half-way across the globe was a giant embrace of the Creator to us and to the communities we visited. To say “We’re grateful for their visit,” is an understatement.”
Twelve people from East Zorra Mennonite Church braved a long flight and lost luggage to reach Mindanao, Philippines for a January peace learning tour. East Zorra Mennonite Church has been a long-term supporter of Dann and Joji Pantoja, MC Canada International Witness workers.
PeaceBuilders Community Inc. (PBCI), founded by Dann and Joji, provides peace-and-justice training for Christian church leaders, Indigenous leaders and civil society organizations. As part of PBCI’s sustainable development initiative, Joji works as CEO of Coffee for Peace (CFP), a social enterprise that works directly with local coffee farmers to ensure a fair return for their product. Coffee is just one of the products used to help move a community toward economic-ecological balance, food security and sustainable livelihood.
"To say “We’re grateful for their visit,” is an understatement." - Dann Pantoja
“It was those weeks from October to December 2019 when I, Joji, and our whole community were shaken—literally and psychospiritually—by a series of strong earthquakes, along with thousands of families in Mindanao. It was discouraging to drive through damaged homes, hospitals, government buildings and business structures,” said Dann in a recent email.
Ray Martin, pastor at East Zorra Mennonite Church, explained that a month before their trip, in light of the earthquakes and trauma, the group struggled with whether it would be better to send money to the Philippines, instead of travelling to the country. Dann assured the group that they and their partners were greatly anticipating East Zorra’s presence and encouraged them to come.
The team joined Dann and Joji to visit all of their peacebuilding and inclusive development partner communities among Indigenous Peoples in Mindanao. These listening visits occur each year in order to renew and celebrate PBCI and CFP field relationships.
One East Zorra highlight was their visit with the Obo Manobeo Tribe elders. After a morning of sharing stories with each other, Datu Damaso Bayawan, the chairman of the tribal council, invited them to visit the Obo Manobeo’s sacred place. “I was so touched that they invited us to their sacred place – it wasn’t on the schedule. I was honoured,” said Tracy Kropf from East Zorra. It was here that the entire group prayed together. Ray said, “We linked arms with leaders of tribal Indigenous spirituality, people from the Muslim faith and Christians. Everyone claimed their faith but stood in the same circle and prayed to the same God that we understand differently. It was profound.”
“I was ready to quit,” said another, “but since you came, I am encouraged to go out and keep working.”
“Their visit and commitment to this coffee partnership gives us hope to get back to our normal lives,” said Datu Bangkas, one of the Obo Manobeo elders. “I was ready to quit,” said another, “but since you came, I am encouraged to go out and keep working.” This deeply affected the team as they realized that their presence gave hope to those who were facing many hurdles.
The Taal volcano erupted during the time they were in the Philippines. Although the team was never personally at risk, the eruption forced the shutdown of Manila’s main international airport for one night, which resulted in the cancellation and delay of hundreds of flights. The team’s stay was extended because of the extra maintenance needed on the planes due to the ash from the volcano.
Greg Leis, lay mission minister, acknowledged that there were many in the congregation who had wanted to be a part of the team, but were unable. He strongly encouraged the congregation to send another team to the Philippines. In reflecting on their experience, Ray encouraged their home congregation to remain deeply rooted in the peace of Jesus, consider what it means to have a deep connection with each other and believe with all their hearts that faith makes a difference in their communities.
The team continues to reflect and remember sights and sounds they experienced while abroad. They recall the joyful sound of gongs played by the Bagoba Tagabawa youth as they welcomed East Zorra Mennonite. They call to mind the traffic and remember fondly their capable and confident drivers. They remember the tribal dancers, and try hard not to remember how the East Zorra people danced when invited! They recall the military presence that was a part of everyday. They think back on the taste of jackfruit or the smell of coffee in the various stages of processing. And, they remember the presence of Christ that they experienced during their travels and are reminded that peace is not the absence of trouble but is the presence of Christ.
