How do you keep your heart soft? That’s the title of Natascha van Weezel’s much-discussed and relevant book. She makes a plea about the “radical center in times of war,” specifically regarding Gaza and the conflict between Israël and the Palestines. Often, these past few months, the thought crossed my mind: “What would Brother Andrew – may God  bless his soul – have thought of this? What would he have said, and how would he have reacted?” This month it’s been 5 years since he suddenly passed away… There is so much need for clarity, and perhaps even more for grace…

During the Peace Dove for the Deaf summer camps, hearts also formed the central theme: black, red, and white hearts. They were placed on the Deaf. Sahel explained how a sinful black heart can become white through the Lord Jesus Christ. Two Deaf participants share what they learned in the video. Sahel also tells the story of an Egyptian hotel owner who offered his lobby to the group of sixty Deaf people so they can learn about the Gospel. He turns out to be Muslim, but he’s eager to know what the hearts mean. This openness; from Sahel to speak in the lobby; from the hotel owner to offer a place to Christians, it shows that there still are ‘soft’ hearts out there.

With so many black hearts around us, the need for white hearts becomes even more apparent. Can we be those white hearts? In any case, many wonderful things are happening. For example, more training sessions have been given, more signs and even pictures are available in the online sign language dictionary, and a multi-year project to improve Deaf education is underway. There is much to be thankful for. Will you join us in thanking and praying?

René Kolsters
Chairman, The Carpenter’s Son