New peacemaking organization founded

Christian Peacemakers International (CPI) was started by members of Mennonite and Mennonite Brethren churches in Edmonton to develop a new model of peacemaking in Central America. Members of CPI with roots in the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers, MCC, MEDA and Habitat for Humanity, became convinced that people from Central America will continue to become refugees unless the structural causes of conflict are addressed. Instead of stopping the bullets that are already flying, CPI would like to minimize the likelihood of bullets being fired in the first place.

Adult literacy class in Buenos Aires, Honduras

CPI contacted Mennonite church leader Ovidio Flores in Honduras. It was decided to start a project in the Upper Sula Valley. The project has initiated economic development through micro-loans, helped poor people become landowners, and provided adult basic literacy and community development. The project also supports the evangelism work of the Honduran Mennonite Church.

The goal is to raise $50,000 US annually. Mortgage payments from the projects will fund future projects. More information is available at Christian Peacemakers International.

—news release