We are Christ-centered Friends who equip and encourage all people
to respond to God's love and transforming Spirit.
Tom Fox, a Quaker working with Christian Peacemaker Teams, was kidnapped in
Iraq in December 2005.
His body was found in March 2006. This letter in tribute to Tom was written
by Matthew Chandler,
a fellow CPTer who worked with Tom.
We were privileged to have Matthew speak to our Meeting January 6, 2006, at
one of our Peace Suppers.
Farewell to a Friend, by Matthew Chandler
To my friend, Tom,
I know you can't read this, but I will write
it anyway, because it still doesn't feel like you are gone. It seems like
it will be only a matter of time before we are working together again. Away
for a while, but not gone...
Like when I first met you in Chicago while
you were training to become a Christian peacemaker. You made the difficult
decision to join us in Iraq, and you went back home for a while first. I said
"See you in Baghdad," and made my way east.
Like when we endured hard times together on
a team of just two amidst the chaos in Iraq. We looked out for each other,
and faced our fears together. Then I left for Jordan shortly before your first
trip to Palestine. We said to each other, "See you in a couple of months,"
and parted ways.
Like all the trips we took here and there: to Fallujah, to Kerbala, to the
other side of Baghdad, and back home. Without much thought, I would say, "See
you later," and then I always would.
But the last time we parted ways, saying "See you soon," how could
either of us have known that we would not see each other again?
We live knowing hat death is coming. We choose the risks we will take, but
we don't determine our destinies. About those risks for which we are responsible,
I know you and I made the right decisions. We made those choices together,
and you gave me strength to face danger. I wish I could have been with you
to give you strength as the threats against you became tragedy. I wish I could
have prevented your family's pain, and now I'll try to help them bear it.
But, while evil forces caused pain and destroyed your body, they cannot
destroy your soul, nor can they halt the momentum of your work for peace and
justice. The momentum of your work still prevents pain for others and creates
hope. Believe it or not, you have left a legacy, a legacy I believe will inspire
many to follow God's guidance as you did. Evil cannot touch he Spirit of Christ,
who is the First Mover and Sustainer of all life, love and peace. You sought
to submit to that Spirit, and it cost you everything. You believed it was
worth the cost. I for one am inspired by that.
Tom, I miss you. I will always miss you. I
wish I could just say, "See you soon." But I have to say, "Farewell,
my friend. Farewell."
In Christ,
Matthew