Prayers for Peace: The Parent’s Circle Families Forum

November 26, 2013 CMEP Comment

by Craig Swandby, World Vision

The Parents Circle – Families Forum (PCFF) is a joint Palestinian Israeli organization of over 600 families, all of whom have lost a close family member as a result of the prolonged conflict. Through face-to-face reconciliation programs, the Parent’s circle has shown that the reconciliation between individuals and nations is possible, and it is this insight that they are trying to pass on to both sides of the conflict.

The PCFF was established in 1995 by Mr. Yitzhak Frankental and several bereaved Israeli families. In 1998 the first meetings were held with a group of Palestinians families from Gaza who identified with the call to prevent further bereavement through dialogue, tolerance, peace, and reconciliation. The connection with the group in Gaza was cut off as a result of the second Intifada. Read more

Being Children of God

November 19, 2013 CMEP

by Sarah Withrow King, ESA

Lord Jesus,

We are mothers and fathers;
we are sisters and brothers;
we are a family connected by your love.

God, we acknowledge that we are all your children. Each of us created in your holy image. Each of us created to love you and to love one another.

God, we praise you as the creator and caretaker of all children. You see all of your children. You love all of your children. You want every child to flourish in communities of care and concern. We praise you, Holy One. Read more