Our worship theme for Lent has been “Thrown Alongside.”  That’s the literal translation of the Greek word for parable.  Throughout the season, we’ve been pondering parables and stories from Luke in which Jesus throws his listeners alongside a compassionate Samaritan, a prodigal father, a wealth gap that stretches from Hades to Heaven, and a tax collector who finds salvation through reparation. 

Over the past few days, we have found ourselves thrown alongside another striking situation.      

The Ohio State University College of Medicine hosts an annual Global Health Symposium.  This year’s keynote speaker, UK-based Dr. Nick Maynard, has traveled to Gaza over the past 15 years to train surgeons.  His talk is titled: “Beyond the Ivory Tower: A Dialogue on Humanitarian Medicine – Gaza: A War on Healthcare.”

However, two weeks ago, the dean informed the event organizer that the keynote, along with the entire symposium, was canceled, and Dr. Maynard disinvited.  Undeterred, the organizer got in touch with the Ohio History Connection, for them to host the keynote.  After initially agreeing, they too cancelled.    

I didn’t know about any of this until a text from CMCer Ray Hershberger Saturday morning wondering if I could talk with him and the event organizer, still looking for a venue for Dr. Maynard to give his keynote.  A Zoom call, and several texts and phone calls later, Columbus Mennonite had committed to hosting this talk.

This will be happening tomorrow, Wednesday, April 9, beginning at 5pm Eastern time.  It is open to the public, including a Zoom audience.  Dr. Maynard will be sharing slides, videos, and stories from his experience in Gaza, focused on the medical crisis he has encountered.  We would love to show our support by having a strong showing.  Spread the word.

There are any number of parables that could be spun out of this experience.  The one I’m pondering today has to do with what can come about when a persistent organizer, a compassionate doctor, and a receptive faith community get thrown alongside one another and create a space for silenced stories to be told.

Joel