Commentary: Signs of hope can be seen in Iraq
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Photo courtesy of United Methodist Endorsing Agency Chaplain James R. Lewis
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Chaplain
James R. Lewis is in Baghdad, 111th Chaplain's Detachment. He
represents the United Methodist Church's East Ohio and Florida
conferences. A UMNS photo courtesy of United Methodist Endorsing Agency.
Photo #05-837. Accompanies UMNS story #684, 12/8/05. |
Dec. 8, 2005
A UMNS Commentary
By Chaplain James R. Lewis*
Sentiments about “Peace
on Earth” abound this time of year, as well as prayers of thanksgiving,
and Christmas wishes. That infamous song about the missing “two front
teeth” could easily be rewritten “All I want for Christmas is my Daddy
home...” (or insert “hubby,” “sonny,” “wifey,” etc.). In light of
these wishes for peace on earth and prayers of thanks, let me share
again my oft-repeated mission: “The Good News that is often Forgot.”
Back in June, I
received a summary of accomplishments in Iraq since Iraq sovereignty in
2004. It included the following (a whole lot more too, but these are the
most obvious indicators):
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As of June 2005 —
despite years of neglect by the Saddam regime, an insurgency intent on
intimidating teachers and students, and the damage caused by war — 3,105
schools have been renovated and another 950 schools are currently under
rehabilitation.
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Considerable progress
has been made in the field of education: 860 secondary school master
trainers were trained and passed on training to 31,772 secondary school
educators nationwide. More than 8.7 million revised math and science
books have been printed and no longer mention Saddam Hussein.
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Health care spending is
up more than 30 times its prewar levels. More than 3 million children
have received life-saving vaccinations.
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There have been 26,785 new Iraqi businesses established.
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Construction is under way on 142 new primary health care facilities across Iraq.
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Sixty-five water treatment projects have been completed, with almost 100 still in progress
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A UMNS photo by James R. Lewis A cross marks the field baptismal at Camp Virginia in Kuwait.
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A
cross marks the field baptismal at Camp Virginia in Kuwait. Chaplain
James R. Lewis took the picture when he first arrived in the theater. A
UMNS photo by James R. Lewis. Photo #05-838. Accompanies UMNS story
#684, 12/8/05. |
Since that report, we
had a strong showing at the constitutional referendum, and as we
approach the election, we are seeing signs that the bulk of the Sunni
population — who boycotted the election in January — will be voting this
time, as it appears they are becoming convinced that the democratic
process holds for them the most hope. Of course there’s still a lot of
public fussing about conditions here — it’s beginning to sound like a
pre-election year back home! Not a pretty sight, but democracy at work
nonetheless.
Even some of the
insurgents are trying to get in on the peace train: “President Jalal
Talabani confirmed he had been contacted by rebels wanting to join the
political process” (Arab News, 28 Nov.). Insurgent groups are responding
to President Talabani’s offer to “help” them lay down their arms. It’s
too early to tell what net effect this new development will have, but it
is a wonderful sign of progress.
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A UMNS courtesy of James R. Lewis Chaplain James R. Lewis hands out United Methodist-donated phone cards to soldiers going on patrol.
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Chaplain
James R. Lewis hands out United Methodist-donated phone cards to
soldiers going on patrol. Lewis is in Baghdad, 111th Chaplain's
Detachment. A UMNS photo courtesy of James R. Lewis. Photo #05-839.
Accompanies UMNS story #684, 12/8/05. |
While I can’t quite be
Santa and put every soldier mom and dad in a stocking back home, I am
glad to say that your prayers for peace on earth are yielding results,
and peace is on the move in this end of the world. We’re not all there
yet, but we are making significant progress in that direction.
You keep praying for
peace, and we’ll keep working for it. And play “(I’m Dreaming of a)
White Christmas” for us a few times, would you please?
*Lewis is in Baghdad,
111th Chaplain’s Detachment. He represents the United Methodist Church’s
East Ohio and Florida conferences. You will find regular updates on his
experiences, thoughts and observations athttp://www.chapchats.com/.
News media contact: Kathy L. Gilbert, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org
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