Small Enough to Stop the Violence?

Roused to speak by the injustices experienced over many years by Palestinian Christians amongst whom she has lived in the West Bank, long-term missionary Margaret Gaines offers a prophetic word to the Christian community and beyond. In this 'testimony', she traces the historical origins and development of the tensions by which this part of the world has been characterized, asking all parties - Muslims, Christians, and Jews - to seek understanding by viewing the grievances of each through the eyes of the other. By envisioning the other as friend instead of enemy she seeks to bring an end to the violence that haunts the country, creating an environment in which peace can take root and thrive. Weaving personal narrative with historical analysis and theological reflection Gaines delivers a prophetic word that, though unsettling to some, offers a distinctively Christian way forward in this troubled land.