One of this week’s top news stories is the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Ethiopian prime minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. The Norwegian Nobel Committee, which awards the prize, states in its website that it was given in recognition of Ali’s “efforts to achieve peace and international cooperation, and in particular for his decisive initiative to resolve the border conflict with neighboring Eritrea.” This particular prize matters to us because Ali is a brother in Christ, a committed follower of Jesus and active member of the “Ethiopian Full Gospel Believer’s Church.”
Recognizing Peacemakers
The Nobel Peace prize was created over 100 years ago by the express will of scientist Alfred Nobel, who stated that the prize would go:
“To the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between the nations and the abolition or reduction of standing armies and the formation and spreading of peace congresses.”
Alfred Nobel’s will
For the Second Year
This is the second year in a row that a Christian visionary leader is recognized with this celebrated award. In 2018, the prize was shared by two leaders who fight for victims of warfare rape. One of them, Dr. Denis Mukwege, is a physician and the pastor of a Pentecostal Church in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Greatest Force for Good
These two believers are not the exception. The Christian faith is arguably the greatest force for the good in the history of the human race. From monks who gave their lives caring for the sick and burying the dead in the great plagues of antiquity to Mother Teresa’s Sisters of Charity, to men and women in our generation who serve refugees in Turkey and Europe, History is witness to what happens with followers of Jesus Christ take His command to love our neighbor seriously. The journeys of these two brothers culminated with great honor and teach us two important lessons.
Global influence through holy love requires taking the first step. Peace with Eritrea was possible because Ali boldly reached out to the Eritreans as brothers and sisters and risked his reputation to achieve peace. Mukwege “has repeatedly condemned impunity for mass rape and criticized the Congolese government and other countries for not doing enough.”
Global influence through holy love comes at a price. Both Nobel prize winners have faced opposition and even threats because of their radical stand for peace. Dr. Mukwege suffered a serious attack in 2012, in which he almost lost his life. On the home front, Ali faces serious opposition at home for his bold move to release political prisoners and lift the state of Emergency in Ethiopia.
As it was expected, Ethiopians, Africans in general, as well as Christians all over the world are celebrating. This week, my Facebook feed is filled with posts from friends rejoicing that a fellow follower of Jesus Christ has been recognized for being obedient to Jesus.
You should celebrate, too. Our faith, when accompanied by consistent works is the best chance humanity has of peace, harmony, and progress. Let’s be bold and proclaim this truth with our actions, like Brother Ali and Brother Mukege.
Data and information are essential for knowing how effective your organization or ministry is, but knowing the right data to measure is the most important key to your success.