New Jersey Association Annual Meeting

Marla Schrader – Israel-Palestine
Sixteen years ago I was commissioned to serve, on your behalf, in the occupied Palestinian territories through the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ. It has never been less than a privilege to do so. It has been a privilege to journey together with our international partners. It has been a privilege (and responsibility!) to come to understand, quite deeply, how connected our fates are.

Sixteen years ago I was commissioned to serve, on your behalf, in the occupied Palestinian territories through the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ. It has never been less than a privilege to do so. It has been a privilege to journey together with our international partners. It has been a privilege (and responsibility!) to come to understand, quite deeply, how connected our fates are.

Today the ties that bind our hearts together are more global than ever.

In the context of the Middle East, critical presence from a mission perspective has meant most significantly: accompaniment. Therefore, in faith and perseverance I, along with several other missionaries, have engaged in a ministry of accompaniment—at the points of greatest need. For me, this has meant sharing the hard realities of life together. From sharing a meal to standing in non-violent vigil together. From picking olives to surviving as a mother with two young children under siege with snipers on the rooftops and no access to diapers, food, or medical care. And all the while remaining dedicated to our common work of ecumenical witness, environmental protection, human rights delegations, international interpretation and women’s leadership in the building a culture of peace and nonviolence. The physical fragmentation of Palestinian society has been devastating. It has meant that for several years I could not meet in person with my mission partner who lived less than 15 miles from my house in Bethlehem. We have decided not to let the structures of violence separate our ministry together and so we continue on –even as I am here in the U.S., or more accurately, in exile.

I am convinced that wherever we are and whatever may be our daily bread, our hearts and futures are tied. And that together, with courage and care, we have no choice but to affirm with hope that God’s justice will prevail.

Marla Schrader
Middle East Mission Personnel
Common Global Ministries

Yours faithfully,
Marla
Marla Schrader lived ten years in the occupied Palestinian territories. She continues to support the theological work of Jean Zaru, Clerk of the Ramallah Friends Meeting.