One Day's Pay

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Love and Understanding

A project in memory of September 11

Report by Linde Brewer

Overcast skies looked down on phase one of our Christian-Muslim interfaith service project. Rain or shine, we were determined to begin clearing the overgrowth behind the ADAMS center Mosque. As volunteers trickled in, so did the rain. However, despite the weather the parking lot was full of volunteers by 9:00 am ready to work hard, have fun, and yes, maybe get wet!

After two and a half hours of cutting, clearing and hauling brush it was time to begin our interfaith dialog with the theme of Love and Understanding. However, when Service for Peace volunteers get to work, we mean business: our shirts and shoes were covered in dirt and debris. Before entering the Mosque for our discussion we were in need of some serious cleaning! Volunteers whose dedication was marked by muddy streaks down their shirts received new Service for Peace shirts.

After cleaning ourselves up a bit, we entered the religious study classrooms together as Muslim and Christian brothers and sisters. As the discussion began, everyone was eager to affirm the necessity of such interfaith dialogue to mend misunderstanding, and begin to build a community and world of peace. We also agreed that the terrorist attacks of September 11 were, to a large degree, rooted in misunderstanding and lack of communication. Dialouge is essential to develop mutual respect among peoples of differing views.

As we shared our hearts and learned about each other's beliefs it became apparent that we have vast common ground. One thing everyone believed in completely was the value of service. One Muslim sister spoke ardently about the Islamic principle of "living for the community good." The Christian youth rejoined enthusiastically comparing the Muslim belief of "living for the greater good" to the Christian motto: "do unto others as you would have others do unto you".

After an hour of deep sharing we returned to the field together to finalize the days work with the planting of a memorial tree. Throughout this second session the feeling of "Love and Understanding" as real brothers and sisters was totally there! During the subsequent break for lunch people were exchanging e-mail addresses and phone numbers to keep in touch!

We ended with words of guidance from our respective Muslim and Christian youth leaders. Throughout the day's work we had developed respect for both leaders. We had learned about each other and were completely united based upon our common belief in service. The two leader's words melded together and the teachings of each faith seemed one in the same.

After a final closing with prayer people lingered talking and promising to meet again at the projects second phase. We all left with new friends, deeper understanding and eagerness to continue to work together to build a peaceful community, society, and world.

Related websites:

One Day's Pay organization: http://www.onedayspay.org

The ADAMS Center: http://www.adamscenter.org