Unlikely friendships

Unlikely friendships
The European Evangelical Alliance is not in the habit of getting involved in film projects. But it made an exception for “The Peace Between”, a short documentary, giving a glimpse of three genuine friendships between a European and a displaced person. We knew that it could powerfully open up non-political, honest and respectful discussion about how we all feel about foreigners moving into our neighbourhoods. This kind of dialogue space is desperately needed among Christians and among broader society. So EEA embarked on a big collaborative effort to help the film be completed and to create discussion, church service and prayer materials to go with it.  We are hugely grateful for all who have given their creative talents, time and money and now we pray that many churches will choose to open up space for people to “meet” a displaced person through viewing the film. Possibly the week around World Refugee Day (16-23 June) might be a perfect opportunity.   We are immensely encouraged by the feedback we have received so far. Here is just one comment. “I really think the film will help us to understand how good relationships can change bad habits and wrong expectations of refugees. This film gives me many good ideas and calls me into action,” wrote Vitaly Vlasenko, of both the Russian and European Evangelical Alliances.   The final word goes to Istvan Horvath General Secretary of the Hungarian Evangelical Alliance and one of the film’s stars. “I wanted to be part of this film because I would like to help churches and Christian believers to find real, good and balanced answers to this complex and difficult situation. Most of the people who I am connected to have never met any refugee or migrant. Starting from this point of view, I think that it is true of many people in churches as well. Because they don’t have any personal experience, they receive information from different media. I find that the media is biased (with rare exceptions). People are watching, listening and reading mainly that kind of media where the news is interpreted according to their worldview and political beliefs. The propaganda from both side is very determined and very shortsighted, overly simplified and they use just simple political messages. I saw a lot of arguing from both side but I rarely had experience when I heard a really balanced views (It is true worldwide include Europe and Hungary as well.). Moreover, I do not want to get into the political or economic aspects of this issue. I would like to encourage God’s people to find what is our/their responsibility and our/their possibilities in this hard situation – at this historic moment. The Gospel will never change.”   

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