Jenna Liechty Martin (’03)

and her husband Peter are in the midst of exciting conflict transformation taking place in Northern Ireland.

From Mustard Seeds, Sept. 2011, Mennonite Mission Network.

Recent events in Northern Ireland have been somewhat discouraging for the peace process, with increased tension, rioting, and even shootings or small bombs in several locations around Northern Ireland. However, Jenna and Peter Liechty Martin are working in Belfast at helping churches engage with reconciliation, and assisting church leaders and congregations to reflect on the radical and reconciling gospel of Jesus.

“On days when people are discouraged about the slow process of peace, there is hope in the gathering of individuals who just a few years ago would never have been in the same room together,” say the Martins.

In their work this summer, Jenna and Peter are compiling resources on topics like conflict transformation, church and conflict, dealing with differences, and forgiveness. They are also working with a group of former paramilitary leaders (from different groups) who are now involved in community development projects, especially with young people. Along with their supervisor, they’ll be meeting with these men to address issues surrounding power and conflict.

Peter and Jenna are regularly inspired by stories.

For example, at a church in Northern Ireland, a weekly meal has become a place of connection. A congregation started holding this meal for ethnic minority groups, most of whom are asylum seekers or refugees. (Everyone gathers to help prepare the food and then share it together.) This meal has become a place for people to volunteeer, as well as a place to connect with people who are in a similar situation.

Another church, also interested in ministering to  refugees, has commissioned a staff to set up a drop-in center that is open to anyone who wants to come in for a cup of tea, conversation, or evening language classes. Recently, two young women have been baptized and joined a church after attending a Monday evening English language and Bible study course.

Jenna and Peter heard these stories through their work with EMBRACE, a group that promotes a positive response to people seeking asylum, refugees, migrant workers, and members of ethnic minorities. They helped to facilitate a conference on welcoming the stranger.(EMBRACE is a partner organization of Edgehill Reconciliation Programme, which is a partner of Mennonite Mission Network).

“We were inspired by the people who attended the event,” the Martins wrote. “Some people were already heavily involved in work with minority ethnic people, while others attended because it was something that they’ve wanted to get involved with, bur were not sure where to start.”

By bringing people together, the Peter and Jenna believe that the good news of reconciliation can spread.

“The hope is that others will use the information from the day, as well as relationships that were formed, to help them in their ministry of hospitality and welcoming the ‘stranger,’” Jenna said.

Jenna and Peter are noticed! People ask them to talk about Mennonites, which is a perfect introduction to their reason for coming to Northern Ireland and to how their faith inspires them into mission.