The year 2005 represents a significant opportunity for the United Church of God to reinvigorate its gospel efforts in the Middle East. The kickoff for these efforts is the establishment of a Feast site in Amman, Jordan, where more than 200 people have already registered for the Fall Festival.

The theme for the site is "Ambassadors for Peace," with the focus on connecting brethren with local Jordanians around the theme of real peace in the future. The attendees in Jordan will have the opportunity to be addressed by the Jordanian royal family, to visit centers for the mentally and physically challenged and to conduct a service project alongside the Jordanian people.

In addition, many of those attending will fulfill lifelong dreams and participate in fascinating extension tours to Israel and Egypt.

Why the theme "Ambassadors for Peace," and why would United be unique in this effort? Many people involved in political, social and cultural institutions of this world promote the concept and reality of peace and should be highly respected for these efforts. Yet the Church has a unique approach to bring to the Middle East: A message of the real opportunity and reality of peace that exists for this world, which is embodied in the theme of our Fall Festival.

We have unique understanding of the future that can be translated into action in this life as well as an opportunity to bring an advance message of peace by going to Jordan (or any Feast site) as ambassadors, not just Feast participants. The Ambassadors for Peace will not go to the Middle East to convert, but to give, share and connect with God's children.

The Jordan Feast site is but a kickoff to resuming a historic relationship with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. In an invitation letter to the United Church of God on Feb. 22, 2005, Prince Ra'ad bin Zeid, lord chamberlain to King Abdullah, wrote, "I very much welcome your plans to hold a conference in Amman. You have been a great friend of Jordan in the past, giving continuous support to various NGOs in the field of rehabilitation for children with special needs. I hope that you will be able to visit these centres and renew your ties and relationships during your ten days stay in Amman."

As a peaceful and secure country in an unstable area, Jordan serves as a platform for many more activities in the region aimed at preaching the gospel. In addition, the national character of the Jordanian people is one of open hospitality and kindness.

Future activities will revolve around projects and programs that promote peaceful interaction through service. Plan to hear more about these opportunities in the future and we hope many will become involved as God opens doors. UN