Sixteen hundred is the number that sticks with me when I read news reports about the fate of 34-year-old Michael J. Sharp.

Sharp’s body was found in a shallow grave in eastern Congo on March 27. He was murdered while leading a team from the UN’s Group of Experts on a peace-building effort in a violently conflicted region. Prior to this, Michael served as a peace worker in Congo with Mennonite Central Committee.

Sixteen hundred is the number of Congolese rebels Michael reportedly convinced to stop fighting. These fathers, uncles, brothers, sons and child soldiers were convinced to give up their fight so that their children could climb out of illiteracy, poverty and war.

We live in a culture that honours military veterans with medals and wreaths and commemorative services. Michael’s ultimate sacrifice for the 1,600 lives returned to their families is worthy of the same recognition.

Dan Dyck, director of communications, Mennonite Church Canada

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