[mobglob-discuss] Deacon Dave to Iraq

[Deacon Dave Havard]

Dear friends,

I wanted to let you know that I have been accepted for a place on the
Christian Peacemaker Team delegation to Iraq from 17th-31st March.  I am
leaving Sheffield today and will fly to Amman on Tues 19th.  That would
give me a couple of days in Jordan to sort visas and catch my breath
before the long and bumpy bus ride to Baghdad.  Obviously that
depends on whether a major attack happens first in which case we will
have to
cancel.  If we get stuck in Jordan we will do a peace witness there.  In
the event of a major attack happening once we are in Iraq we would have
to stay longer as travel out would become impossible.  The news is not
looking good these days.  We can but hope and pray that sanity will
prevail.

Christian Peacemaker Teams has had a full-time presence in Iraq since
Oct 25,
2002. This team has hosted several 2-week delegations since then. On our

delegation to Iraq we will visit Baghdad and other cities. We will visit
facilities such
as hospitals, schools and markets. Meetings with representatives of
governmental
and non-governmental agencies will allow us to learn about the effects
of the Gulf
War, and the 12 years of bombing and economic sanctions since then. In
case of a
U.S. or British attack, we will strive to be present among people and
institutions that
support life.  We do not see themselves as human shields and will not
deliberately
put tourselves in harms way.  Currently there are 6 long-term team
members with 2
more to join shortly.  The short-term delegation will be another 7,
mostly from the
U.S.

I am working at getting my e-mail list transfered to onetel's web
programme so
that I can send messages from abroad.  If you have problems getting hold
of me
once I leave, the contact person in Sheffield is Steve Tozer-Loft,
0114–258-4382
steve at tozer-loft.fsnet.co.uk

Costs are expected to be around CAN$2,500.  Don’t feel you need to but
if you are able to help with that you can leave money at St. Margaret’s
Anglican Church, 1530 E 22nd Ave., Vancouver, BC, V5N 2PI or mail
cheques there payable to David Havard.
Fundraising coordinator is Terri Amber,  terriamber at synergynet.co.uk.
If we are not able to go ahead with the trip any funds
collected will be sent to Voices in the Wilderness and Christian
Peacemaker Teams
to support their long term teams in Iraq.  So far we have raised UK£388
plus pledges of
UK£114 and money to come from sale of CDs.

If you are able to pray, I would very much value prayer support for
myself, the
team and especially for the Iraqi people at this critical time.

I am really appreciative of the wonderful support I have received so
far.  Many
people, especially from Sheffield Samba Band, St. Mary's Church,
St.Margaret’s Church and Nether Edge Against War have stepped forward to
offer help to make this trip possible.  The
main purpose of the trip is solidarity and it means a lot to know that I
am being sent
to represent such a large and committed group of people.

Saturday’s rally in Sheffield was awesome.  Over 3,000 people.  I had a
great time playing with the Samba Band.  (Photos:
http://www.sheffieldagainstwar.org.uk/news/8th-march-2003-sheffield-demo/)
After playing to an audience of 2 million in London all else seems quiet
!

May God bless you in your journey towards peace.

In hope and solidarity,
Deacon Dave

I shall have to come off the list as I travel but you should be able to
contact me at   deacondave at onetel.net

Christian Peacemaker Team in Iraq:
http://www.prairienet.org/cpt/iraq.php
Deacon Dave:   http://www.colehse.demon.co.uk/DeaconDave.htm