Ever wonder what life is like for the Karen people living in the many refugee camps along the Thai-Burma border? On top of the “usual” challenges of life in a refugee camp they are now dealing with the myriad of issues surrounding re-settlement of the Karen people to countries all over the globe. For some unique and very personal insights into these issues check out this blog entry from a young person who is currently living in Mae La camp.
World Refugee Sunday
The Refugee Highway Partnership (RHP) is now inviting churches around the world to celebrate World Refugee Sunday, on the Sundays of June 17 or June 24, 2007. People can visit the Refugee Highway web page to find a variety of helpful resources, including a downloadable bulletin insert, resource packet, prayer points, and links to other materials: www.refugeehighway.net.
The World Evangelical Alliance is partnering with the RHP to help publicize this opportunity so we are excited that Christians around the world will raise voices together in prayer for refugees!
Plants are in the ground
Well the garden is on its way to producing some vegetables. The 3 Karen families involved with the garden project, as well as a few church volunteers, have worked hard to get the garden going. They chose to plant cucumbers, lettuce, a few different kinds of peppers, tomatoes, beans, broccoli, spinach and a few other greens. We introduced them to marigolds as a natural way of trying to keep the pests away. We’ll see if it works.
It would be great to have several community gardens around the city for new arrivals to cultivate. If you know of any land that might be available for this use please let us know.
CartoonsSpeak
CartoonsSPEAK: A Celebration of the Afghani Political Cartoons of the late Said Rahimi, who was tragically killed in Hamilton on January 15, 2007.
Early on the morning of January 15, Said Shiraga Rahimi was killed by a train at the Mount Albion Road crossing while delivering pizza to support his wife and seven children. The 35-year-old was a talented political cartoonist whose work, while he lived in exile in Iran and Azerbaijan, mocked the fanaticism that had taken hold in his homeland. He came to Canada in 2005 and Hamilton last year and was planning for a show of his cartoons even as he worked to help his children get the education they need to be successful here.
Saturday June 23, 7 – 10 pm at The Pearl Company, 16 Steven Street at King William. Also featuring live music, Afghani hors d’oeuvres, door prizes, and original cartoons and other items for sale. MC for the evening will be CBC radio personality Jeff Goodes. Featuring four outstanding Canadian political cartoonists: Terry Mosher, longtime political cartoonist for the Montreal Gazette (Aislin); Brian Gable, of the Globe and Mail; Graeme MacKay, of The Hamilton Spectator; and Roy Carless, Hamilton Political Cartoonist.
All money raised by the event will go into a trust fund for Rahimi’s wife and children.
Tickets are $30 apiece and can be purchased at Bryan Prince Bookseller (Westdale), the Carnegie Gallery ( Dundas), Arts Hamilton (Jackson Square), La Jardinere (Locke St), OPIRG (McMaster University) and The Immigrant Culture and Art Association (Stuart St). Donations to the trust fund can be made at any TD/Canada Trust location to the Rahimi Family Trust at Branch 346, Account 6312464.
Please call 905-524-0606 or email cartoonsspeak@gmail.com for more information.
Philpott Church has ongoing contact with his wife, Karemah. Hope you can join us -it will be a great way to show our support Karemah and her family.
