Nº 2, 2017/18
ONLY FOR PRIVATE DISTRIBUTION TO MEMBERS
Remembering PAUL WILLIAM ALEXANDER REMEMBERING PAUL WILLIAM ALEXANDER: In Search of Paul William Alexander • A Pointer to our Purpose and Objective, our Vision and Mission by Paul William Alexander • Leaders Reflect The Relevance of our Founder’s Vision in the Present Century • How do We See Christianity in a Changing Europe • News from Areas • RESISTANCE AND HOPE: The Olive Campaign: Non-Violent and Solidarity Resistance of Palestinians • ADMIN UPDATE: YMI Satellite Office in Partnership with YMCA • Max Ediger Column – Another Silent Night
Fellowship Across the Borders
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Editor’s Page Dear reader, Deliberations on how to plan for the upcoming centenary year in 2022 at the International Council meeting in Las Vegas last year brought forth the suggestion that we seek out the descendants of our Founder, Paul William Alexander, and involve them. That discussion triggered off the idea in our minds to revisit the legacy Paul William Alexander. And, in that process, we discovered that we just entered the 130th year of his birth anniversary on 8 December. This issue of YMI World is as much a commemoration of that milestone as it is about revisiting his legacy. We begin from the beginning – from where Paul William Alexander spent all his life – in Toledo, Ohio, USA – and where Y’s Men International originated and had its headquarters for some time. Debbie Redmond, our Historian, travelled to Toledo in search of the Founder and his mortal remains. Her findings, published in this issue, will definitely surprise all of us. She discovered a man who was so self-effacing in an age when pomp and pelf was much in display. Of this unselfishness we know through his example of refusing to spend people’s money for a portrait of his and setting apart that amount for the training of YMCA staff. What we have not heard about is that he was cremated after his death in 1967 and his ashes interred at an unmarked grave. How much more can one be unselfish and give unto others all that he had! Paul William Alexander left behind a great Movement for us. All its guiding principles are his creations and that’s the legacy we are visiting through the pages of this issue. We uncovered a document that he penned to the leaders of the YMCA and YMI in 1951 expressing his position on “inclusiveness” and “diversity” (not exactly his words) in the Cover picture: The house where Paul William Alexander grew up in Toledo, Ohio. Debbie Redmond who took the photograph says, “Not much left. We understood there had been a plaque on the house but it is not there now.”
Official Publication of Y’s Men International / Y Service Clubs International Headquartered at: Ave Sainte-Clotilde 9, CH-1205, Switzerland Tel: +41 22 809 1530 :: www.ysmen.org Edited and published by Koshy Mathew for YMI/YSC International. Assistant Editors: Tunji Makinde (Africa), Bill Irwin (Canada/Caribbean), B. Pavithran (India), Kim Kyun (Korea) Reprinted at the National Printing Press, Koramangala, Bangalore, India and distributed by Babu Oommen (India). Submit your stories and pictures at: www.ysmen.org/ymiworld
Movement. Centering on that, we asked a few senior leaders to reflect on his legacy. We have six of them re-affirming that and furthering it. PIP Hirotoshi Fujii poses a relevant question when he concludes his reflection thusly: “I wonder if a Y’s Men’s flag will take its [Christian flag] place some day.” That would not only be symbolic but a fulfillment of his legacy in the present century. We are grateful to our contributors – Historian Debbie Redmond, International President Henry Grindheim, Past International Secretary General Ingvar Wallin, Past International Presidents Hirotoshi Fujii, Benson Wabule, Poul V. Thomsen and Philip Mathai – who responded to our call for submissions. It is our hope that others will be able to supplement these thoughts with their own contributions. New Year is almost here. It’s a time when most of us make resolutions. Probably, the best resolution that we can take this new year is to emulate the example set by our Founder. He devoted all his life to those who needed a helping hand and left behind a special purpose vehicle – Y’s Men International – for us to continue his mission. With all good wishes of the season, Y’sly, Koshy Mathew
FROM MY BOOKSHELF Keeping Hope Alive: One Woman: 90,000 Lives Changed by Hawa Abdi The moving memoir of one brave woman who, along with her daughters, has kept 90,000 of her fellow citizens safe, healthy, and educated for over 20 years in Somalia. Dr. Hawa Abdi, “the Mother Teresa of Somalia” and Nobel Peace Prize nominee, is the founder of a massive camp for internally displaced people located a few miles from wartorn Mogadishu, Somalia. Since 1991, when the Somali government collapsed, famine struck, and aid groups fled, she has dedicated herself to providing help for people whose lives have been shattered by violence and poverty. She turned her 1,300 acres of farmland into a camp that has numbered up to 90,000 displaced people, ignoring the clan lines that have often served to divide the country. She inspired her daughters, Deqo and Amina, to become doctors. Together, they have saved tens of thousands of lives in her hospital, while providing an education to hundreds of displaced children. In 2010, Dr. Abdi was kidnapped by radical insurgents, who also destroyed much of her hospital, simply because she was a woman. She, along with media pressure, convinced the rebels to let her go, and she demanded and received a written apology. Dr. Abdi’s story of incomprehensible bravery and perseverance will inspire readers everywhere.
Deadline for submission of contribution for next issue: 28 February 2018
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(A Goodreads review)
Fellowship Across the Borders .
TRIBUTE
Remembering Paul William Alexander The birthday of our Founder-President, Paul William Alexander, falls on 8 December. That day is celebrated as Founder’s Day in the Movement with a view to publicise what Y’sdom stands for. This year marks the 130th birth anniversary year. On this occasion, we publish below excerpts from a tribute to Judge Alexander read by Past International President Harmon Wilkinson at the meeting of the National Board of the YMCAs of the United States on 22 October 1967.
He was one of the earth’s rare elect – a man who dreamed valuable dreams and had also the ability to clothe those dreams with substance. In two notable instances in his career he did this – once in vocation and once in avocation. They are his living monuments. For the one, he received the Roscoe Pound Award of the National Council on Crime and Delinquency. For the other, he received an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from George Williams College. The first stemmed from his service as a judge in the domestic relations and juvenile court in Toledo, Ohio. He had become convinced that dealing with legal problems of family life could best be handled in a single, unified court rather than in scattered jurisdictions. As he put it, “Delinquency and divorce are common companions. In studying the child, we stumble over family problems. The converse is also true. In one year, as high as 40 per cent of the divorce seekers had previously been in juvenile court with child problems.” So, he fathered the Family Court of Lucas 8 December 1888 County, Toledo, Ohio – the first such court in the land “for children whose behaviour is sick and for adults whose marriages are sick.” The second recognised his dedication to the YMCA over his lifetime and his founding of the Y’s Men’s Movement, which reached all corners of the world. He must be ranked as one of our greatest YMCA leaders. He was a man who had to serve others. He believed that one fulfills himself as he serves others. Additionally, he realized that the need to serve must be directed by working in concert
with other like-minded persons. Conversely, he believed that selfishness, personal and national, is the root of all evil. He was much more than the first Y’s Men’s President. He was its father – the George Williams of the Y’s Men. He set its tone, its direction, its objectives, its philosophy. Its Constitution was based upon a draft that he prepared in advance and which sought to improve upon the Ohio Constitution and embraced the best features found in the constitutions of the older luncheon clubs. He composed the induction ritual for new members and the installation charge for all officers. At a later time, he wrote the words for the Y’s Men’s Hymn, Once More We Stand. Y’s Men honoured him for his elemental contributions by naming him President Emeritus and in giving him their highest service award, the Harry M. Ballantyne Award. He has attained immortality through the lives he has touched who now touch other lives lives given new direction, new dimension and new vision – 29 June 1967 because of what he did. He has made possible a redemption for thousands – the losing of life in a cause greater than self and outlasting self. He has provided hundreds of leaders to the YMCA - recruited them through the Y’s Men, trained for leadership as practising Y’s Men. It is fitting that this body take these few moments to salute the life and service to the Young Men’s Christian Association of Judge Paul William Alexander, 8 December 1888–29 June 1967.
Fellowship Across the Borders
Reprinted from A Fellowship of Service – The Story of Y’s Men International, 75th Anniversary Edition 3
UNCOVERING
In Search of Paul William Alexander Debbie Redmond, International Service Director (Historian) Being from the United States, I am public and his family life was kept often asked by my friends in other very quiet. Indeed, he did not seek countries how often I have visited public attention; instead he sought Toledo, Ohio. Up until recently, I to support the organisations and had not been to Toledo or even the people that meant the most to State of Ohio. I decided it was time him. Upon his death in 1967, there to see for myself so I could make was a memorial service held for recommendations to fellow Y’s him in his church but there was Men travelling from other countries not a public burial. Paul, his wife, The marker in Toledo YMCA indicating the first Y's Men Club to the United States. Lorraine, and other family memWhile I already knew that Paul gave shape to Y’s Men as an international bers were all cremated and are buried William Alexander was a very humble organisation no longer exists. The home in a beautiful cemetery with many big human being as evidenced by the fact where he and his wife, Lorraine, lived headstones. Their graves are unmarked that he chose to use the money raised for something like 40 years has been (by choice). For, it seems that Paul did for a painting of him to start a modified and there is no sign even saying scholarship fund and instead have a that it was his home. While Paul William Alexander is photo taken, which is the one we often use, I was not prepared for what I known to the historians of Toledo, it is experienced in Toledo. I have realised not about his work with the YMCA or that his humility extends beyond his Y’s Men, it is more about his work as a grave too. In the induction ceremony judge. He worked in the Family Court for officers, there is a line that says, “The system and worked hard to establish a man does not seek the office but the court specifically to handle juvenile deThe hallowed ground in which Paul William office seeks the man.” That is so true of linquency and divorces. Much of his work Alexander’s mortal remains rest Paul William Alexander for he did not became an example for other judicial seek recognition for his works, instead systems around the United States. He not want us to worship him but to supthe work that he did provided him was chosen to serve as a judge in 1937 port the service that he felt was so imrecognition. When we searched Toledo, and continued until his death. Paul wrote portant. There is no monument or Ohio for anything about Paul William numerous articles and papers about his statue dedicated to him, there are a few Alexander, we found very little. His work. In addition, he also worked hard small plaques to honour him but nothchildhood home is boarded up and on for a variety of causes. Paul was on the ing else. We don’t need to travel to Tothe verge of being torn down. The home Board for the Toledo YMCA, Boys Club ledo to honour Paul William Alexanwhere he lived when he thought of and of Toledo, North Toledo Community der; instead it needs to be by our own House, Crippled service that we can honour him. We walked the same streets and Children’s Socivisited the same places, where Judge Paul ety, Toledo C o m m u n i t y William Alexander had been, 50 years Chest, and after his death. We searched for Child Welfare information in the buildings, the parks, Board. Paul even the library and even the Toledo YMCA served as Presi- Archives. This man should serve as an dent of the Na- example to all of us. Do not seek the tional Council fame and glory, do not seek the attention of Juvenile from other people, instead, we should seek to improve our clubs and honour Court Judges. For Paul, as all of the people that are a part of Y’s well as his fam- Men International. The house that Paul William Alexander and his family lived for nearly 40 years in Maumee, just outside Toledo, Ohio, 2017 ily, his work was Pictures by the author 4
Fellowship Across the Borders
LEGACY
On Paul William Alexander and His Legacy Is the Y’s Men’s Movement a Christian organisation? That’s been one of the questions that had plagued its constituency since its founding in 1922 because of its organic link to the YMCA. While some steadfastly hold on to the “Christianness” of the Movement, others embrace Christianity in the larger sense of the term. Given below are excerpts from a letter that Judge Paul William Alexander wrote in 1951 to the leaders of the YMCA and Y’s Men’s Movement in the USA and published in Y’s Men’s World (No. 2/2003-04) captioned “Lasting Legacy our Founder-President.” We also invited some senior leaders of the Movement to re-examine this legacy in the context of a changing global atmosphere and pay tributes to this great visionary. – Editor
A Pointer to our Purpose and Objective, our Vision and Mission Paul William Alexander I have always thought that the young and vigorous Y’s Men’s Christ, and as demonstrated, by Movement should be in the vanguard of the liberals. This is Christ on the Cross. But, to because I have an undying hatred of the divisiveness of exemplify that virtue one must accept theology. I think the YMCA hurts itself, limits its that teaching, which is ethical, but effectiveness, and in the long run will be able to do less good need not accept Jesus as his personal in this world if it adheres to strict theological lines of saviour, which is theological. Else, demarcation than if it opens its door and admits to how could so many Jews and other membership — and I mean purposeful membership — those non-Christians whom it is proposed who are striving to practice the teachings of Christ — whether to exclude be so much better or not they accept Him theologically as a personal savior, ‘Christians’ than a lot of us etc., etc. This way membership would be open to right- Episcopalians, etc? thinking Jews, Hindus, Unitarians, Moslems, Shintoists, etc. If any of us also want to keep our belief in the various — but of course they must be right-thinking and must theological dogmas, ... we may do so. But must we therefore subscribe to the teachings of scorn and spurn others who Christ, although not the The Y is ‘a union of persons acting together cannot or will not accept these theology that has so divided beliefs? Can we never learn not for a common purpose. The persons are Christianity and cursed to let theology keep dividing us? mankind. The point I am emphasizing is young men who strive to practice the Yes, theology as such has, not that we should change our teachings of Christ’. This has always been beliefs or our faiths, but that we in my judgment, been a curse of mankind. You will notice should not deprive ourselves of construed, as far as I know, to mean the how I steered away from the benefits of companionship, ethical teachings of Christ and not the theology in framing our fellowship, support, coinduction ritual and how theological dogmas which have been built operation and collaboration of carefully we avoided any somebody else who happens up around his sayings reference to it in all of our not to believe quite all of these statements of purpose and dogmas and doctrines or constitutional provisions, etc. We say, in Section 2 of the perhaps even not any of them – provided always — and I Induction Ritual, that the Y is ‘a union of persons acting can’t make this too emphatic — that they accept and strive together for a common purpose. The persons are young men to practice the ethical teachings of Jesus — which are who strive to practice the teachings of Christ’. This has always acceptable to Hindus, Moslems, Buddhists, Jews and been construed, as far as I know, to mean the ethical teachings Unitarians. of Christ and not the theological dogmas which have been And right here is where the Y’s Men come in. I think it built up around his sayings. This is emphasized by the fact is up to us to summon the courage and develop the strength that to be a Y’s Man has never been predicated upon what a to come out and help the Y to assume its rightful position man believes, but upon what he does. of not only interdenominational leadership but interfaith Righteousness is not created by theology. Morality is not and inter-religious leadership throughout the world! And I born of theological dogma. The virtue of unselfish service am convinced the Y is the only institution or movement which we insist shall be the hallmark of the Y’s Man is an ever created upon which we should pin our faith in this exemplification of love for one’s fellow man as taught by respect. Fellowship Across the Borders
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LEADERS REFLECT
The Relevance of our Founder’s Vision in the Present Century HENRY GRINDHEIM International President, 2017-18:
INGVAR WALLIN Past International Secretary General
Greetings to all YMI members all over the world. The birthday of the Founder of our Movement, Paul William Alexander, falls on 8 December. I think it is time to reflect upon what his idea has created and how we can live up to his intentions today. He dreamed valuable dreams and he also managed to fulfil his dreams with substance. He was very dedicated to the YMCA during his lifetime, and through the Y’s Men’s Movement, his message and ideas have been spread all over the world. He was a man who served others, which is reflected through our motto: To acknowledge the duty that accompanies every right, which is also the fundamental tenet for our Movement. He touched and still touches our lives through what he did, either giving our lives a new direction or a new dimension. What he started as a luncheon club in Toledo, Ohio in 1922 has gradually grown to a worldwide Movement now existing in more than 60 countries. During my IPE term I travelled to the United States in November 2016 to attend various meetings and conferences. On this journey I also managed to visit Minneapolis and the University of Minnesota Archives where YMCA and Y’s Men International have their archives. Here, together with the late PIP Harold Westerberg and some other devoted Y’s Men from the Minneapolis Y’s Men’s clubs, I was shown some of the old documents, letters and programmes from the very early years of Y’s Men history. Pictures and minutes from meetings where Paul William Alexander were also shown to me, and they have given me wonderful memories. As we now also have reached December, which is the Christmas month, it is my wish and prayer that we, through these advent days, once more remember the message God sent us. Let me end this greeting by sharing with you a few lines from a beautiful carol, Hark! The herald angels sing written by Charles Wesley and set to tune by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy: Hark the herald angels sing “Glory to the newborn King! Peace on earth and mercy mild God and sinners reconciled”
You will have seen in the article on page 5 of this issue, that our Founder, Paul William Alexander, stressed on the importance of accepting “the teachings of Jesus Christ” for our members but – at the same time – he stressed that we should not be “dogmatic.” We should be open to welcome people of other faiths into our Movement – if they accept the teachings of Jesus Christ. This was written into our Constitution in 1968 through the phrase in Article II that our Movement “is a worldwide fellowship of persons of all faiths working together in mutual respect and affection, based on the teachings of Jesus Christ.” This makes our Movement unique among service clubs – and, in today’s world with radicalised movements spreading terror and fear, it is even more important to be open to listen to and cooperate with people of other faiths, to prevent radicalisation and perversion of religious movements. It is important that we remember this and that we reinforce it through witnessing in word (if we are gifted speakers) and, even more important, through our actions. Here again, our Founder’s vision is so relevant today. He pointed out that whilst membership in many other service clubs, first was seen as a means to “increased business, social, athletic or fellowship contacts he will enjoy, we challenge him to join for the good he can do the Y, and through the Y to the community” (quote from a speech he gave in 1941, when our membership was open to men only). We are called to witness through our service. Another part of our Founder’s vision is written in Article II, which says that we work together “in mutual respect and affection.” Many years ago I had a discussion with one of our Indian leaders, Madhav Reddy, about Christian emphasis in our Movement. I used the terms “Christians” and “nonChristians” several times during our discussion, until Madhav said: “Ingvar, you should not use the terms ‘Christian’ and ‘non-Christian’ when you speak about our members. I know that you are a Christian and you know that I am a Hindu. I am not more ‘non-Christian’ than you are ‘non-Hindu’ – and we both are ‘non-Buddhists’, ‘non-Moslems’, etc. It is better to speak about members who are Christians and members of another faith.” Madhav, in his simple words, gave me a strong lesson not to express myself as if I look down on people, who are different from me – exactly in line with our Founder’s vision, which is indeed still very relevant today.
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Fellowship Across the Borders
LEADERS REFLECT HIROTOSHI FUJII International President, 2010-11:
sayings. This is emphasised by the fact that to be a Y’s Man has never been predicated upon what a man believes, but upon what he does.” On the occasion of the 130th anniversary of the birth of I conclude with a quotation from his letter again: our founder Judge Paul William Alexander, I think it is “Righteousness is not created by theology. Morality is not born of meaningful for us to read his letters and think what he theological dogma. The virtue of unselfish service which we insist wanted Y’s Men to be. shall be the hall-mark of the Y’s Man is an exemplification of His expectations for the Y’s Men’s love for one’s fellow man as taught by Christ, and as demonstrated Club are expressed in the Induction by Christ on the Cross. But, to exemplify that virtue one must Charter which is read when we are accept that teaching, which is ethical, but need not accept Jesus admitted to the club. This Charter as his personal saviour, which is theological.” expresses clearly what he wanted the Today, in the opening ceremony of Y’s Men’s Y’s Men’s Club to be and what it International Conference, the Christian Flag is in the should be. It reflects a high level of forefront of the procession. I wonder if a Y’s Men’s Flag spirituality which is not found in any will take its place some day. other service organisation. The basic theme of this Charter is found in his letter, “Why be so exclusive?” He did not leave many letters. BENSON WABULE One of them is this letter, and another is a letter written in International President, 2005-06 and Chairman, 1951. In that letter, Alexander expresses his thoughts on Past International Presidents’ Club, 2012 - 2018: non-Christians being members of YMCA or Y’s Men International. For those who have read the Alexander was a Christian, but, perhaps influenced by literature on Y’sdom including his family environment and upbringing, he seems to have books, manuals, policies, pamphlets been a liberal who was basically not very particular about and other texts you have found the theological dogmas of Christianity. varying descriptions of Judge Paul As he was growing up, he became friends with wonderful William Alexander. He has been people of various beliefs and came to believe that what is described as one of the earth’s “rare important is not what one believes, but what one does. human beings,” a “visionary,” a After the Paris Basis of 1855, the YMCA in the United selfless crusader for justice and for States, which was established in 1851, began to open its dedication to a cause greater than doors to people of other religions and make it a more open self. organisation. However, there was strong resistance from a For Y’s Men I would set out the legacies of Judge Paul group of members, and doctrinal disputes were still William Alexander as indicated in the following paragraphs: continuing when Alexander established the Y’s Men in 1922. He founded Y’s Men International (YMI) and bequeathed He loved YMCA dearly, and the Y’s Men’s Club may have it to us and to generations after us. This organisation of which been the realisation of his dream to make the YMCA a he was the Founder, Architect and President Emeritus, has genuine open-door organisation. given us and millions of other people opportunity to provide The following words of Alexander show how he selfless service to the YMCA, to the community and to endeavoured not to bring in Christian theology into Y’s humanity at large. YMI has given us friends across the globe, Men when he wrote the Induction Charter. He wrote as unforgettable fellowship, joy and satisfaction all of which come follows: from enjoying the provision of free service. “Yes, theology as such has, in my judgment, been a curse of He gave us the YMI constitution which, despite having mankind. You will notice how I steered away from theology in been amended many times, is a fine piece of legal foundation framing our Induction Charter and how carefully we avoided on which YMI rests. The core values enshrined in the any reference to it in all of our statements of purpose and constitution include integrity, trust, humility, service beyond constitutional provisions, etc. We say, in Section 2 of the Induction self and justice. All these are captured in the timeless motto Charter, that the Y is “a union of ‘persons acting together for a “To Acknowledge the Duty that Accompanies Every Right.” common purpose. The persons are young men who strive to He crafted and gave us the “Induction Charter” which has practice the teachings of Christ’. This has always been construed, been used and continues to be used in inducting/admitting as far as I know, to mean the ethical teachings of Christ and not new members into YMI. The Induction Charter answers the the theological dogmas which have been built up around his question, “Who is a Y’s Man?” If anyone asks you “Who is a Fellowship Across the Borders
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LEADERS REFLECT Y’s Man” get hold of the Induction Charter and give it to him/her. The Charter requires a Y’s Man to be an idealist, loyal to the YMCA, world-minded, to acknowledge the duty that accompanies every right and to be enthusiastically active. He gave us the “Inaugural Charge” which sets out the qualities of a leader or of anyone given an office in YMI. The major qualities set out in the Induction Charter are idealism, interest, initiative and industry. The unique feature of leadership in YMI is that the job seeks the person rather than the person the job. He wrote the Y’s Men Hymn and bequeathed this to us. He was a prolific and effective communicator emphasising the vital role played by communication in the growth, sustenance and success of YMI. His creativity, foresight and visionary leadership laid a firm foundation for YMI and were responsible for the spread of the Movement throughout the world and across civic, economic, linguistic, racial, international, national, social and religious barriers. He taught us the value of compassion, humility and modesty. An example of his modesty was when he declined a decision made at the 1950 Mexico City Convention to honour him by having his portrait painted at great cost. USD 942.99 had been contributed for this purpose but he wanted the money used for what he described as a more worthy purpose. The Portrait Committee, bowing to the wishes of Paul William Alexander, opted instead to have a photograph taken leaving USD 900 remaining from the portrait contribution that marked the birth of the Alexander Scholarship Fund. He valued strong, stable families. His family consisting of his dependable, talented and gracious wife Lorraine, daughter Conslanex and son Alexander Junior was a model in Lucas County. He created and became Judge of the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts of Lucas County, Ohio, USA. He was recognised as an outstanding Juvenile Court Judge in the United States by his election as President of the National Council of Juvenile Judges and of the National Conference of Juvenile Agencies overseeing and presiding over cases, disputes and issues that were settled to create stable, happy and successful families. There are many other legacies of Paul William Alexander too numerous to document in this short article. Some of the legacies include great organisational skill, world outlook, sparing an ear for everyone who came in contact with him, having a positive attitude and encouraging everyone to do better. He has taught us that when you provide service beyond self, honour comes to you from those whose lives you have touched. (For more inspiring information about Paul William Alexander read the articles I have published in the PIP Newsletters of December 2016 and September 2017.)
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POUL V. THOMSEN International President, 2013-14: Our Founder’s vision has, from the very beginning of the Y´s Men’s Movement here in Europe, been a great inspiration for all, and when our Movement expanded to Scandinavia after World War II it continued to be essential for all, who got to know about our Founder’s vision. In 2017 we have chartered clubs in three more countries within Europe – Kosovo, Moldova and Ukraine. With the clear focus on the word SERVE our motto is a constant challenge to us all. “To acknowledge the duty that accompanies every right” is not only an inspiration but also a demand to think of our duties rather than our rights. And the statement in our Constitution, “Based on the teachings of Jesus Christ” is, likewise, very relevant in today’s society. We should always bear in mind that Jesus taught us to help the least of our brothers and sisters - to help people in need. And He said: “What you have done unto one of the least of my brethren, you have done it unto me.” Another part of the teachings of Jesus Christ says: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” We should also keep that in mind, when we quote our main objectives – our mission. By doing so we also strive to be loyal to our parent organisation, the YMCA. My theme as IP was “Go Ye into all the World.” Almost 130 years have passed since Paul William Alexander was born, but his vision is still relevant, and here in Europe we strive to honour his vision by starting new clubs and by inviting people to serve based on “both parts” of the teachings of Jesus Christ.
PHILIP MATHAI International President, 2012-13: Success is the synonym of dedicated and selfless hard work. The life and work of our Founder President Judge Paul William Alexander are standing testimony of such dedication and selfless service to humanity. As a Juvenile Court Judge he championed the cause of juvenile delinquency and the rampant divorces in the society which he found interlinked. His first attempt therefore was to remove this malady from society.
Fellowship Across the Borders
LEADERS REFLECT The first Family Court was thus established in Lucas County, Ohio for children and adults whose behaviour and marriages were sick. The second and most important work during his lifetime was his dedicated services to the YMCA and the founding of the Y’s Men’s Movement which has touched the lives of thousands of people like us. He believed selfishness, personal and national, is the root cause of all evil. It is befitting to remember him on his birthday which we celebrate as our Founder’s Day on 8 December every year. We are deeply indebted to this great soul who lived for 79 years (1888-1967) and whose unselfishness of character and unbound dedication set the tone, direction, objectives and philosophy of a great movement. He has given a new dimension and a new vision for many and he has attained immortality through
the lives he has touched throughout the years. At this juncture it is essential that we dedicate ourselves to the cause of Y’sdom and our aim should be to possess the unselfishness of character which is the hallmark of Y’s Men. Let us look around and lend a helping hand to our less fortunate fellow-beings. This does not mean that one needs to help the financially poor alone. There are so many other problems which we face today, for example, loneliness of the elderly, drug addiction, the broken families, rape, physical and mental challenges and so on. True love is companionship and understanding one’s neighbour and providing them with what she/he needs. It is our duty to help and only then we can affirm the rights that accompany it.
AREA EUROPE’S VIEW
How Do We See Christianity and Y’sdom in a Changing Europe In July we had the Area Europe Convention. I made my presentation stressing on our Constitution, Art. II, Section 1 and Guideline 201 in a group work in Forum 2 on “Christianity in Y’s Men International.” Here, we find the definition and explanation for Christianity in the Movement. Our Constitution says: “Y’s Men’s International is a worldwide fellowship of persons of all faith, based on the teachings of Jesus Christ.” In the guidelines it is said what “based on the teachings of Jesus Christ” means. It means that club members acknowledge what Jesus Christ has taught and that the acceptance of those teachings leads club members –us – to put his words into action, both as a Movement, as clubs and as individuals, and our purpose is to build a better world for all humankind. The keynote speaker, the former president of Latvia, VairaVike-Freiberga, gave us very good examples from her own life of how to “put Jesus Christ’s words into action.” Today we are his hands and feet! BUT it does not mean that all members should be Christians. To accept Jesus Christ is not the same as being a Christian. In our Movement, we must be open-minded and inclusive, NOT excluding people of other faith. The migrants coming to Europe give us the possibility of opening up our clubs to them. They do not have to become Christians, but they must accept our basis, and we must accept and respect their religion – and together work to build a better world! This is to work in a Christian way, and this is our duty in our Movement.
Finally, we said, “We are a Christian Movement, therefore we are members of Y’s Men!” My questions to the participants could be relevant to consider for Y’s Men all over the world: What do you think of Christian Emphasis? Are we a Christian movement? – or why not? How do you see members of all faiths? Do we have a Christian mission? Are we ready for dialogue with all faiths? How do you see life in your own club – any changes needed or wanted, for now? Bring your ideas for Christianity in Y’s Men! You are welcome to let me know, what you think! Contact at: carlhertzjensen@gmail.com.
Fellowship Across the Borders
Carl Hertz-Jensen, ISD-CE
9-12 August 2018 www.ysmen.org/conventions 9
NEWS FROM AREAS
Kingswood Y’s Men Support Children’s Hospice One of the members of Kingswood Y’s Men’s Club in the UK was involved in 2006 with work before the opening of Charlton Farm (a hospice). He was contracted to refurbish the stained glass windows of the buttery and from his involvement we became interested. We had a
are three hospices in our area and Charlton Farm in North Somerset is one of them. Charlton Farm has 8 child-friendly rooms and plenty of accommodation for parents and the rest of the family. Great care is taken to find out as much as possible about
The buttery window with the refurbished stained glass
Kingswood members in the “Messy” room for arty stuff
talk about the hospice in January 2007 and a visit in February 2007 just before it opened. We also took part in a fundraising walk later that year. Since then, we have regularly donated to this wonderful charity. In July 2017, we were able to have a conducted tour to see the developments over the last ten years. Every year in the UK, hospices provide vital care to 200,000 people with terminal or life-limiting illnesses, as well as providing support for many of their loved ones. From managing someone’s pain, to looking after their emotional, spiritual and social needs, hospice care supports the whole person, helping them to live their life to the full. Children’s Hospice South West provides hospice care for children up to the age of 21 with life-limiting conditions and their whole family across the South West. The care offered is wide ranging; respite and short breaks, emergency care, palliative care and end of life care. There
the child before arrival so that the room allocated can be ‘tailored’ to make welcoming. It really has a home-awayfrom-home feel and everything is done to make sure that children have some of their favourite toys, games and DVDs waiting for them when they arrive. The facilities include playrooms, ‘teenagers only’ rooms, a spa bath for relieving stiff joints and muscle spasm, a sensory room for chilling out and a soft play area for safe, trouble-free fun. There is also a games room and a large open plan kitchen and dining room, which form the heart of the house. There are also a few cosy places to relax and take a little time out. This hospice receives only 17 per cent of their funding from Government so rely mainly on charitable donations. Charlton Farm is a truly inspiring place giving support to vulnerable children and their families. Alan Wallington, former Editor, Y’s Men’s World
Ipoh Y’s Men at the Perak Society for the Promotion of Mental Heath Members of the Y’s Men Silver State Y Service Club, Ipoh, Malaysia, along with families and friends visited the Perak Society for the Promotion of Mental Heath in August to lend a helping hand and to provide solace to some of the residents there. The club provided Mary Brown chicken and rice lunch set for the 100 residents of the home, apart from a small donation in cash. Members and friends purchased handicraft items made by the residents as part of their fundraising activity. The residents of the home entertained us with several songs. Members and residents of the home enjoyed themselves in the dancing sessions. 10
Fellowship Across the Borders
NEWS FROM AREAS
A Painting Competition to Celebrate Founder’s Day
Enthusiastic children on the go
Particpants with the organisers following prize distribution
In celebration of Founder’s Day and in furtherance of the RD’s theme, “Engage, Educate and Empower Children,” Bangalore District 2 organised a painting competition for children on the theme “Our wonderful world” in early December. Over 170 children, including differently abled, from various public and private schools in the city took part in spite of the inclement weather that prevailed that weekend. The event was coordinated by the Y’s Menettes and ably supported by Y’s Youth, Y’s Lings and Y’s Men. All the children were given T-shirts and refreshments on arrival at the venue. While the winners carried away cash prizes and trophies, all participants received certificates of participation for them to cherish. Seegla Louis, District Y’s Menettes Coordinator
It’s that Time of the Year to Celebrate and Share The Y Service Club of Bendigo commenced its annual Christmas tree sale in early December. Almost 200 real Christmas trees were transported to the YMCA in Mundy Street in the first weekend to be sold to raise funds for the Y Service Club. Funds raised will then be used to support local charities and organisations. The club hopes to sell 800 of them this year. “We started selling them in 1954, so we are well past our 60th year. People buy them because they are the real thing. I think they're renewable too because they can be used for good mulch on the garden,” said coordinator Ken Morrison. News Courtesy: Bendigo Advertiser
Y Service Club and Rotary Serving Together
Officers from Rotary, Rotaract and Y Service International break for a picture
As part of the joint action agreed between the Y Service Club of Montevideo (Uruguay) and both the Rotary Club of Aguada and its young Rotaract group, the work to sort and pack a large donation of T-shirts, received by the Rotary Club, was completed successfully. The gifts were handed over to a non-governmental organisation that supports young people with leukaemia. The Y Service Club of Montevideo is the oldest in Region Latin America, having celebrated its 77th anniversary in August. Fellowship Across the Borders
invites Club leaders to send stories of activities undertaken with one or more high-resolution pictures and appropriate captions. Write-ups must not exceed 150 words. Readers are also requested to send their views and notes on matters of concern for the Movement, globally. Submit your stories and pictures at: www.ysmen.org/ymiworld Last date for submission for next issue: 28 February 2018 11
RESISTANCE AND HOPE
“Keep Hope Alive” The Olive Campaign: Non-Violent and Solidarity Resistance of Palestinians One million trees and thousands of hectares of agricultural land have been destroyed in the Palestinian territories by the Israeli occupation army since September 2000. About half a million olive trees have been uprooted as a result of a systematic practice done daily in the occupied territories. The Olive Tree Campaign is a programme developed by the Joint Advocacy Initiative of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) and Student Christian Movement (SCM) in Palestine. Under the pretext of security, Palestinian land is confiscated in order to expand Israeli settlements, roads and their walls of separation resulting in the destruction of millions of olive trees. The olive tree is a symbol of peace, wisdom and prosperity. For centuries, the olive tree was not just a vital part of the economic development of the Palestinians, but a vital part of their daily life, culture and tradition. “Keep Hope Alive” aims to protect lands from confiscation, to support peasants at risk of losing their lands and to generate an education campaign for non-violent resistance which includes the support of international solidarity through sponsorship and sending of volunteers and to plant 11,000 olive trees every season. This interview with Mohannad Al-Qaisy, coordinator of the Olive Tree Campaign by Marcelo Leites first appeared in Federation News, the official publication of the World Student Christian Federation, Geneva (www.wscfglobal.org) and is reprinted here with kind permission.
ML: What is the campaign all about? MQ: The campaign began in 2002 when the Israelis started building the separation wall which was not created to protect Israel but was created to take more and more land that belongs to the Palestinian side. At that time, the farmers were not able to defend their lands. The Israelis created a handful of laws saying that if the lands are empty for more than three to five years, they can take it.
As you know the YMCA and the YWCA do not support violent activities; so, we thought of a campaign to protect and support the farmers. The idea of the campaign is to plant olive trees in vacant lands, so we can keep them out of Israeli confiscation; we support the farmers in accessing empty fertile and virgin lands to where the farmers can plant the olives, maintain them and generate sustainability.
A Palestinian farmer plants an olive tree with the help of volunteers 12
Fellowship Across the Borders
Mohannad Al-Qaisy
ML: We understand that these lands belong to Palestinian territories. How do Israeli forces or authorities see this action? MQ: Israel has the power. They use the law, government rules and the army to confiscate lands from the Palestinians, so we try to be present in the farmlands in order to resist, we bring as many volunteers as we can to protect the peasants and to maintain the lands for the sustenance of their families. ML: What are the main achievements at the level of local economic development and land protection of the campaign? MQ: As you know, when peasants own the trees and are supported by us, they manage to keep those lands out of confiscation by Israeli. After a couple of years farmers start to get some money from the olive plantations. Economically, this is a good project for the farmers. So far we have planted more than 100,000 olive trees. Farmers have been planting trees since 2002 and they are able to get some money from these olive trees. Now they have land and work from which they are able to
RESISTANCE AND HOPE draw sustenance from the harvest of their trees. ML: How is the campaign being done outside of Palestine? MQ: Hundreds of foreigners who come to Palestine every year learned about the realities here through our programme. This is one of our greatest achievements; that hundreds of people, who never knew anything about the situation of Palestine, come here through the campaign and witness the reality in the territory; they return to their countries and communities and work there to spread the realities happening here. Our partners around the world promote the campaign in their country and they invite us to their country to talk about the problem of land confiscations and how our people suffer to keep those lands. They sponsor trees and seeds with a small contribution and, in this way, they become connected with the Palestinian people. We exchange e-mails. They know they are connected through the olive trees; we inform them of what happened to the olive tree they sponsored and to the farmer who planted it. They can read the stories of the farmers, hear about their daily lives and the sufferings that is involved in maintaining those lands. ML: It is therefore a non-violent form of resistance. How would you evaluate the campaign? MQ: We try to find ways to stand up and resist peacefully. Planting the olive trees on our land is the most sustainable way to resist and protect the territory. Another important achievementthat we have discovered is that thousands of Palestinian farmers still have hope of staying on their land and keeping it out of reach of the Israelis. When they see the international volunteers arriving each
year to their lands to accompany them in planting and harvesting, it gives them much hope. In our country, without hope it is difficult to survive, but when you see people coming from all over the world to support us, it gives us hope, we are no longer alone. Indeed there are peaceful ways of resistance. ML: You talk about peace building, economic and ecological justice and active non-violent resistance against the onslaught of Israeli occupation. In Latin America and in the global south, many times and in different forms, there are the same problems in terms of peace, land, economy and violence; the suffering of the most vulnerablea nd poor. I think of Colombia, with millions of displaced people by internal violence, inequality and land dispossession. I understand that it is important to work more towards South-South cooperation among those who are in similar struggles against an economic Fellowship Across the Borders
military system that destroys lives. MQ: Now with the social networks, people in the South can hear our stories, share our sufferings and accompany us. I invite the people from the South to be in solidarity with us. Look at what is happening here because the whole world is treating us in an unfair way. We do not need weapons or army. We have been suffering 70 years of Israeli occupation. People lose their lands, children and dignity. Come and be with us. Let’s stand up and save our world. ML: From WSCF we look forward to further promote international solidarity among young people and students and cooperation between countries and movements that make up the Federation. MQ: People will always be welcome to visit us to see what is happening on the ground. We appreciate your accompaniment a lot; this gives us hope to continue the fight. 13
ADMIN UPDATE
YMI Satellite Office in Partnership with YMCA In early 2015, the International Executive Officers (IEOs) began discussing a new IHQ operating system, which included an office in Bangkok, Thailand. This idea was subsequently shared with the Area Presidents and Area Presidents Elect. All were surprised but the concept eventually gained support, as a strategically located Operation Center (Satellite Office) and downsized IHQ could counteract the declining dues income associated with membership loss. With a consensus to proceed, discussions continued at ICM 15 and MYM 16. Ultimately, Chiang Mai was selected over Bangkok for its better logistics and cheaper prices. A budget was approved at ICM16 in Taipei, and I moved to the new Satellite Office (SLO) within the Chiang Mai YMCA after the International Convention. Support and assistance from Chiang Mai YMCA has exceeded expectation. The Thai are welcoming. Most of the YMCA leaders are also Y’s Men so cooperation is excellent.
One of the earliest visitors to Satellite Office in Chaing Mai was YMI Green Ambassador Colin Lambie (second from left), seen here with the ISG and staff of Chiang Mai YMCA
Since its opening, the office has welcomed many visitors coming for various reasons, including MYM in February and the 1st Asia Pacific Area Convention in July. We will host the World YMCA General Assembly in July 2018 with its more than 1,200 expected attendees.
2017/18 YMI Photography Competition Everyone sees YMI through a different lens, and we want you to show us your view! ENTRY PERIOD: The YMI Photography Competition begins at 12:00 noon on 18 December 2017 and ends at 11:59 p.m. on 31 March 2018 WHAT TO ENTER: You may submit a maximum of three (3) pictures in any of the following categories: Club Life • Community Service • Personal Development & Training • Youth Involvement • Partnership with YMCA PRIZES Open contest (in any category): 1st – CHF 300; 2nd – CHF 200 and 3rd – CHF 100. Outstanding photographs from each category will be recognised with a certificate of merit. HOW TO ENTER: All images for the competitionare submitted though our photo contest website – www.ysmen.org/contests Visit the website for full entry requirements and competition terms and conditions. 14
Fellowship Across the Borders
We continue to learn and make improvements to our operations in Thailand. Upon approval by ICM 17, an application to create the YMI Foundation (Thailand) was submitted and recently approved. This secures our legal status in the country and facilitates future operation. Proper communication is being maintained with IHQ staff in Geneva via a weekly video conference and regular emails. I have also made several, in-person visits, arranging these to coincide with other official travel in respect for our economy. The benefits of the SLO are already evident. We finished 2016/17 with a sizeable surplus. And with the approval of ICM 17, 30 per cent is being given as “Strong Area Support” (SAS) and 20 per cent to “Towards 2022.” Thanks to the SLO, we are on our way to realising our goal of stronger Area governance. I thank God who gave our leaders the wisdom to embrace this change and for our growing partnership with the local YMCA. Let’s pray that YMI can continue its positive transformation Towards 2022 and beyond. God Bless, ISG Nishi Takao Nishimura
MANTRA FOR
THE SOUL
Max Ediger*
ANOTHER SILENT NIGHT When I lived in Thailand, I occasionally visited a large department store a few blocks from my house. Down a small street running behind the store a Taoist shrine had been built by the department store owners to console the slum dwellers who had been evicted from the area earlier to make way for construction of the large building. Like all Taoist shrines, it was ornate with colourful dragons wrapped around ornamental pillars and a gold and red ancestral table inside containing the flowers, incense and fruit offerings devotees brought each day. Also wrapped around the brightly coloured pillars were blinking lights – the kind we decorate our houses with at Christmas time. As the lights blinked, electronic music emanated from small black boxes at the base of each strand. Each time I walked past the shrine I found myself singing along with the electronic music as the little black boxes played “Silent Night, Holy Night” over and over again. I found this to be a very interesting contrast. One of Christianity’s favourite Christmas carols being played all year long in a Taoist shrine. But I doubt that the many visitors coming to the shrine to meditate, give gifts of fruit and light incense saw the strangeness of this Christmas melody being played continuously day and night in their shrine. In the years since leaving Thailand I have often thought of that small Taoist shrine and its electronic “Silent Night” serenade. For me, it is symbolic of the kind of Christmas we have exported to the world; a Christmas of beautiful music, but not the meaning of the songs, a Christmas of gift-giving but not a clear explanation of why gifts are given on this day, a day that was to bring peace and compassion but instead seems to bring disharmony and anger. For many people in Asia not familiar with the Biblical account of the first Christmas, the seasonal television shows, the movies and even the international news suggest to them that Christmas is a time of fighting over bargains during Black Friday, boisterous parties and excessive eating. Even those who do ask about the deeper meaning of Christmas sadly often listen with little interest because the holiday we have exported into their countries is much more interesting than hearing about a baby born in a stable. This year we are hearing a lot about the “war on Christmas.” That one is even more difficult to try and explain to friends of other faiths. But then, I do believe that the war on Christmas does exist. It is not a war instigated by liberals, democrats or even people who claim to have no faith. Rather, I believe it is a war against the true meaning of Christmas by the powerful forces of consumerism which has led us to worship possessions rather than the Christ child, regale in
decoration and parties rather than silently meditate on how to turn the true message of Christmas into a transformed world that reflects God’s community of peace, spend exorbitant amounts of money for gifts that may never be used instead of caring compassionately for the suffering of our world. The war on Christmas has also resulted in unfortunate arguments about whether Jesus and Santa Clause are white men, or whether we should say Happy Holidays rather than Merry Christmas. Are these the issues that really define the reason for the season, or is it more important how we live our lives each and every day that explains the value and purpose of an event that happened more than two thousand years ago? For those here in Asia seeking to understand why Christmas is such an important season, the bickering over words and skin colour is of no meaning or importance. What will speak to them clearly and meaningfully are lives lived in such a way that the birth of Christ can be seen in our acts of compassion, love and commitment to justpeace. After Jesus healed the man with leprosy, he told him not to talk about it to anyone but to quietly show his healed body to the priest. According to “The Message” Jesus explained this by saying, “Your cleansed and obedient life, not your words, will bear witness to what I have done.” Don’t get me wrong. I do love the decorations, food, parties and gifts. But we must put them in their proper place so they do not block the view of a child sleeping in a manger in a cold and dark stable, a child who would transform the world. And we must stop the arguments over the trivial things that seem now to cause so much division and labelling in our society. After all, the song of the angels “Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth to all people” was a unifying message of peace. Let us focus on that during this Christmas season and in the year that follows. *Max Ediger directs the School of Peace from Cambodia. Reprinted with permission of PeaceSigns, the online publication of the Peace and Justice Support Network of Mennonite Church USA, www.mennolink.org/peace
Fellowship Across the Borders
15
Small sacrifices, big impact
TIME OF FAST-GLOBAL PROJECTS FUND (TOF-GPF) THE FLAGSHIP PROGRAMME OF Y’S MEN INTERNATIONAL Korean Y’s Men Doctors in rural Thailand
TOF-GPF reflects the spirit of Y’sdom and urges members to sacrifice at least one meal a year and contribute its cost to the Fund Such contributions support a variety of YMI and YMCA projects with focus on the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Around 8 new projects are funded annually within a collective budget of about USD 180,000 Since its inception in 1972, the Fund has supported hundreds of projects in more than 30 countries with nearly USD 6.5 million
Y’s Men International Y Service Clubs International To make a contribution go to http://www.ysmen.org/donate
Fellowship Across the Borders
TOF-GPF Focus Month
FEBRUARY 2018