About a month ago I became aware of a young American soldier serving in Afghanistan, who is keenly interested in helping poor people there improve their lives. His name is Matt Zeller. He is the son of Betsy Blades, who was a guest soloist in our church a number of times. Betsy has started a grassroots effort called “Pens for Peace” to respond to one of her son’s requests.

In an email Matt wrote that poor children can go to government-sponsored schools in Afghanistan, where education is free, but pens are not provided to the students. If a poor child came to school without a writing implement it would bring a great dishonor to his family, so the children do not go. If a child is too poor to obtain a pen, there is one other option: boys may attend the Madrasa schools, which, according to Matt, basically teach memorization of the Koran. The Madrasa schools also provide food and writing implements, so poor families often send their sons there, if the family cannot provide for them. Girls from poor families with no pens get to stay home and tend the goats!

Matt said that sending pens to him to give to the children there is a real, tangible way to contribute to a more peaceful world in the future, by making it possible for more of these poor children to attend a government-run, public school.

The more children are educated, their lives will improve, their country’s economy will improve, and peace is more attainable.

These children also need clothing and shoes. We have pictures at the church which show children receiving shoes, food, pens, etc. Please see the bulletin board in the lobby.

I feel inspired to collect one thousand new pens to send to Afghanistan for these children. I could go out and buy them myself at the Dollar Store, but I feel it would be more meaningful if 100 people donated 10 pens, or 50 people donated 20 pens. Therefore I am inviting anyone who likes this idea to contribute new pens (any amount) at the church during the months of July and August, or until we receive 1,000 pens. I would also like to send children’s shoes as a secondary goal. I have two pairs I bought on sale at Target recently. I will also include in the box any children’s shoes which may be leftover after Circulation Day. If anyone would like to contribute children’s shoes, that would be welcome also. But pens are the first goal.

When I saw a picture of an Afghan child holding a new pen, my mind went to the scripture which says, “They have turned their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks.” (Isaiah 2:4) That scripture is about turning weapons of war into tools of constructive action. These pens are tools of constructive action too. It is amazing to me that the presence or absence of such a small thing could make such a huge difference in the direction of a child’s life!

If this project appeals to you, you could also: help to box the collected items to be taken to the Post Office, help fill out customs forms, spiff up shoes, or donate money to pay for shipping. There will be a sign-up sheet at the church labeled “Pens for Peace” where you can volunteer to be part of this.

The Vision Statement of the Association of Unity Churches International says: “Centered in God, we co-create a world that works for everyone.” Pens for Peace is helping the world work better for these Afghan children. Thank you for any support you can give, by prayer, positive thoughts, time and material contributions.

~ Gratefully, Rev. Eleanor