An Evening with Greg Mortenson Mechanics Hall, Worcester, MA Tuesday, May 3, :30 PM

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1 An Evening with Greg Mortenson Mechanics Hall, Worcester, MA Tuesday, May 3, :30 PM Study Guide: Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin INTRODUCTION These study guides have been created in anticipation of Greg Mortenson s visit to our region (May 3, 2011 at Mechanics Hall in Worcester) and to facilitate conversation around his books and work. Included are materials appropriate for children and youth as well as materials for adult faith formation. This material is posted online at Additionally, on this site you will find interactive resources where you are invited to add ideas and suggested uses for this material or best practices to help others explore Greg Mortenson s work and mission. Suggested uses for study guides: For Adult Faith Formation and Outreach: 1. Hold a special Lenten Study, perhaps with a meal of food from the region. 2. Integrate this material into your regular Bible Study Program. 3. Use this Study Guide as outreach into your community by offering a book study at your local library, which are often willing to support this kind of effort. Doing the book study at your local library could be a way to help your community understand the nature and ministry of your church and would create a venue for inviting members of the community to hear Greg Mortenson speak. 4. As an alternative to the library, consider offering the book study at a local coffee or sandwich shop like Starbucks or Panera Bread. 5. Take a group to hear Greg Mortenson speak in Worcester. For Children and Youth 1. Host an intergenerational evening or after church event. 2. Integrate the children s study and curriculum into the existing church school program. 3. Adapt the materials for use with youth ministry programs. Books by Greg Mortenson: Stones into Schools: Promoting Peace with Education in Afghanistan and Pakistan Paperback: 448 pages, Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics); Reprint edition (October 26, 2010), ISBN-10: Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace... One School at a Time Paperback: 349 pages Publisher: Penguin Books (January 30, 2007) ISBN-10: Listen to the Wind (Children s book) Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Dial; First edition (January 22, 2009) ISBN-10:

2 Remember to purchase your tickets to hear Greg Mortenson soon! The Pastoral Excellence Program of the Massachusetts Conference in partnership with the Worcester Area Mission Society cordially invite you to join us for "An Evening with Greg Mortenson", complete with a dessert tasting and book signing. Schedule for the event is as follows: o 6:30 - Introductions o 6:45 7:15 PM Performance by the Worcester Children s Chorus o 7:15 8:30 PM Program with Greg Mortenson o 8:30 9:30 PM Dessert Reception and book signing (Bring your own book to sign or purchase one at the event.) Cost of the event is $51.50 general admission. For tickets and information, please contact the Mechanics Hall Box Office by phone or online at Please note: A significant portion of the ticket cost will go towards building a school in Afghanistan and an after school program in Worcester coordinated through the Community Ministries Fund. Promotional Materials for community book study: Use the following as a template for an article in your local paper or your church newsletter to advertise the book study you will host in your local church or local library. Don t Miss! An Evening with Greg Mortenson Afghanistan and Pakistan continue to figure prominently in the media and political arena. It is a complex region of the world and no one knows it better than Greg Mortenson. His journey has taken him from a climber of the world s second highest mountain (K2) to a climber of the mounting problems of the region. His insights offer a perspective and a resolution that reaches from those mountains to our home town. You re invited to a book study at [church location or library location] on [date and time]. It will be hosted by [church name]. We ll be discussing Greg Mortenson s book Three Cups of Tea. You may also want to read his new book Stone to Schools. Greg Mortenson will be coming to our region to speak at Mechanics Hall (321 Main St, Worcester) on Tuesday, May 3 rd at 6:30 pm. Tickets are available through the Mechanics Hall Box Office or visit their website at A significant portion of the ticket cost will go towards building a school in Afghanistan and an after school program in Worcester coordinated by the Community Ministry Fund. For more information contact (list your church contact).

3 Study Guide: Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin For use in adult faith formation settings As you are preparing for and promoting the opportunity to hear Greg Mortenson speak about his work and his experience in Afghanistan/Pakistan, a beautiful and tumultuous part of the world, this study guide may be helpful for individual or group conversation. The study could be used as an after church event, a youth discussion, a part of your regular Scripture explorations, a Lenten Study, etc You might consider sponsoring a book discussion at your local library for the whole community, inviting them to your church and to hear Greg speak. Greg has a few books out in print: Three Cups of Tea, Stones to Schools and a children s book, Listen to the Wind. This Study guide focuses on Three Cups of Tea Book studies often take on a life of their own as people offer insights, reactions, questions and wonderings around what they have read. This Study guide is meant to prime the pump of that conversation, feel free to adapt it to you needs. Be sure to encourage folks to come hear Greg speak on May 3, 2011 at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, MA. To purchase tickets for this event go to the Mechanics Hall web site at A significant portion of the ticket price will go towards building a school in Afghanistan and an afterschool program in Worcester supported by the Community Ministries Fund. QUESTIONS AND THOUGHTS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION For scripture background and reflections see attached sheet for additional resources. Introduction: In Mr. Mortenson s Orbit, p. 1 o What is David Relin s thesis for this book? Ch. 1: Failure 1. Why did Greg decide to climb K2? 2. What was Greg s life like when he decided to climb K2? 3. What do you sense Greg was looking for in his life? Ch. 2: The Wrong Side of the River 1. When Greg went out of his way, how did Mouzafer Ali go out of his way to care for him? 2. What does this tell you about the people of this region? 3. Compare and contrast the Balti and Sherpa people.

4 Ch. 3: Progress and Perfection 1. What in Greg s past allowed him to connect with the people of Korphe? Ch. 4: Self-Storage, p List at least 2 features from Greg s background that would help him fulfill his promise to the people of Korphe. Ch. 5 8: 580 Letters, One Check 1. For what cause would you sell all the memorabilia from your parents, your favorite car and the gear from your favorite hobby? 2. Describe the three setbacks Greg experienced in these chapters and the outcome of each. 3. Describe setbacks you ve had that altered your life s path Ch. 9: The People Have Spoken 1. Describe the challenges for people trying to make a living in this region 2. Describe the opportunities and appeal of life in this region Ch. 10: Building Bridges 1. What did Greg learn from the ibex-hunting trip? Ch. 11: Six Days 1. To what does the chapter title refer? Ch. 12: Haji Ali s Lesson 1. Why did Haji Ali confiscate Greg s plumb line, level and ledger? 2. Why did Haji Ali smile after he handed over half the wealth of the village? Ch. 13: A Smile Should Be More Than a Memory 1. How did Greg hold off the black water of despair? Ch. 14: Equilibrium 1. What kind of equilibrium did Dr. Hoerni need to learn? 2. What kind of equilibrium did Greg Mortenson need to learn? 3. What did the author mean by the planet s relentless march toward equilibrium? Ch. 17: Cherry Trees in the Sand 1. Whose war was causing the refugees in Baltistan? 2. What was the refugees chief need? Ch. 18: Shrouded Figure, p What was the surprising result of Greg s talk to three people in Apple Valley, MN? 2. Identify two problems Greg needed to address in himself. Ch. 19: A Village Called New York, p What about Syed Abbas speech did Greg wish some Americans would hear? Ch :

5 1. We have heard much about this region through media and political coverage of the war. What new insights did you gain from seeing the region through Greg s eyes? 2. Greg told his Pentagon audience that the worst thing the military could do in Afghanistan is? SUMMARATIVE QUESTIONS: 1. The author contends that Greg Mortenson has waged the war on terror with his schools. What wounds does he bring home from his effort? 2. We are in an era where military strategy around the world is being reconfigured. There is much debate about the role of military in rebuilding the physical and social infrastructure in conflicted or war torn regions such as Afghanistan or Pakistan. Some believe that military cannot engage in such efforts without bias or the perception of bias. Some believe the best way to achieve peace is through efforts to rebuild society and reduce poverty and hardship. How do the insights from Greg s experience and perspective inform your thoughts on this issue? 3. Doing social justice with the poor involves a distinctive way of using power that enables without imposing. Cite at least three incidents from the book that show how Greg discovered this balance between courage and consultation. 4. Name the parts of the book that leave the strongest impression on you. Remember to purchase your tickets to hear Greg Mortenson soon! Having read and discussed Three Cups of Tea, you won t want to miss the opportunity to hear and meet Greg Mortenson. The Pastoral Excellence Program of the Massachusetts Conference in partnership with the Worcester Area Mission Society cordially invite you to join us for "An Evening with Greg Mortenson", complete with a dessert tasting and book signing. Schedule for the event is as follows: o 6:30 - Introductions o 6:45 7:15 PM Performance by the Worcester Children s Chorus o 7:15 8:30 PM Program with Greg Mortenson o 8:30 9:30 PM Dessert Reception and book signing (Bring your own book to sign or purchase one at the event.) Cost of the event is $51.50 general admission. For tickets and information, please contact the Mechanics Hall Box Office by phone or online at Please note: A significant portion of the ticket cost will go towards building a school in Afghanistan and an after school program in Worcester coordinated by the Community Ministry Fund.

6 Study Guide: Listen to the Wind by Greg Mortenson and Susan Roth For use in children and youth faith formation settings Listen to the Wind is a delightful book which tells the story of Greg Mortenson s experience and work in Afghanistan and includes information about the people of geography of the region. This Study Guide is for use with children of our church. For scripture background and reflections see attached sheet for additional resources OUTCOMES AND OBJECTIVES: Help our children and youth understand life and school from the experience of another culture. Experience working on a project together in community. Understand that mission emerges out of a relationship with the people and the needs of the community. Use this guide: During the time in worship that focuses on children and youth. As part of a Church School special focus. During children s church. As part of an after church intergenerational event. As part of a Lenten study for children. To encourage mission and outreach to another part of the world. Specific ways to use the book: Here are some options to prepare a presentation or to prime the pump of your thinking. These cover a wide range of ages and will need to be tailored to your age group and particular abilities. For scripture background and reflections see attached sheet for additional resources. Option 1 Learning About The School in Korphe: 1. Help your kids experience or understand what school would be like in Korphe. 2. Read the book and show the illustrations to the children. 3. Show them a map of the world and find Pakistan and Korphe 4. Look up Korphe on the internet and read about it and/or find pictures 5. Weather permitting, you could go outside and use a stick to draw or write in the dirt as the students in Korphe do. (This could also be done on a rug)

7 6. If your church or neighborhood has a stone wall take a trip to look at it, draw it, feel it, trace it. Option 2 Learn about Building Schools: 1. Help the children understand what it might take to build a school. 2. Read the book and show the illustrations to the children. 3. Ask if anyone knows who built their schools or their church school building 4. Ask the children why everyone in Korphe (Mom s, Dad s, neighbors, kids) helped build the school? 5. Ask the children what the children of Korphe did to help? Option 3 Learn about How Greg helps build schools: 1. Help the children learn what it took for Greg Mortenson to help build the school. 2. Read the book and show the illustrations to the children. Discuss the following issues. 3. The people did not think that Greg would come back to help them, why? 4. Why did Greg come back instead of simply sending money from his home? 5. What did Greg gain by his work? What did the people gain? 6. Look through the Scrapbook section at the back of the book, talk about how the people and the land are different and the same as what we have in Massachusetts. 7. How did Greg s experience and relationship with the people of the region help him determine the value of building schools? 8. Why are the schools valuable? Option 4 - Mission Project - Pennies for Peace: The book, Listen to the Wind discusses Pennies for Peace. The Pennies for Peace program is designed to help students broaden their cultural horizons and learn about their capacities as philanthropists. It educates students about the world beyond their experience and shows them that they can make a positive impact on a global scale, one penny at a time. Students learn the rewards of sharing and working together to bring hope and education opportunities to the children in Pakistan and Afghanistan. While a penny is virtually worthless, in impoverished countries a penny buys a pencil and opens the door to literacy. (from You can learn more about this program at This website has additional curriculum resources and information for you or your group can explore. Make a bank to hold your pennies. If your church or church school wants to take this on as a mission, help the kids create banks to collect and store pennies. Some folks decorate paper towel to toilet paper tubes. Here is another suggestion: Use the Lenten Calendar (attached) as a guide for the collection of pennies. As the children walk their Lenten journey the calendar will invite them to add pennies based on what they have. This will help to heighten their sensitivity to what others in many parts of the world do not have. The pennies collected can be sent to Pennies for Peace or another outreach project of their choosing. Other Outreach/Mission Projects o The Penny Banks could also be used to collect funds for other missions: Your Local Food Pantry

8 The Worcester Area Mission Society (WAMS) offers after school programs for children and youth along with a variety of programs for support and advocacy of people in need. A portion of the proceeds for our Evening with Greg Mortenson will be given to WAMS support the after school education programs. See: Our United Church of Christ Global Ministries has programs and people working all over the world. You can learn more about their efforts at Your group may want to pick an area or the world or specific project to support. Option 5 - Craft project Making Art from Recycled Materials: 1. The illustrator of Listen to the Wind, Susan Roth, tells a wonderful story of how she designed her illustrations based on the lessons of Korphe. 2. Read through this section of the book. 3. Make note that nothing goes to waste in Korphe. 4. With your group look through the book s illustrations and note and describe how the illustrator used the idea of reusing and recycling in her work. 5. Arrange with parents and children to bring trash from home that could be recycled and used in a work of art. 6. As a group imagine how the items from home could be used to create a representation of a school (sculpture, picture, collage, etc.) 7. Create a mural or individual picture using recycled items, scraps of cloth, etc. Option 6 Come and Hear Greg Mortenson, May 3, 2011, 6:30, Mechanics Hall, Worcester, MA Having read Listen to the Wind and studied the work and mission of Greg Mortenson, you won t want to miss the opportunity to meet this great man. The Pastoral Excellence Program of the Massachusetts Conference in partnership with the Worcester Area Mission Society cordially invite you to join us for "An Evening with Greg Mortenson", complete with a dessert tasting and book signing. Schedule for the event is as follows: o 6:30 - Introductions o 6:45 7:15 PM Performance by the Worcester Children s Chorus o 7:15 8:30 PM Program with Greg Mortenson o 8:30 9:30 PM Dessert Reception and book signing (Bring your own book to sign or purchase one at the event.) Cost of the event is $51.50 general admission. For tickets and information, please contact the Mechanics Hall Box Office by phone or online at Please note: A significant portion of the ticket cost will go towards building a school in Afghanistan and an after school program in Worcester coordinated by the Community Ministry Fund. Scripture background and reflections: See attached sheet for additional resources

9 Scripture Resources and Reflections for Three Cups of Tea and Listen to the Wind Spiritual devotion must naturally and inevitably find expression in outward action. In Isaiah 58, the prophet begins with God calling Isaiah to shout this message with the sound of the shofar (trumpet). It is significant that the shofar, in this time of ancient Israel, would be most recognized for its use on Yom Kippur particularly during a jubilee year: a day of repentance that ushers in a new year when debts would be cancelled and slaves would be freed. The people were confused as to why they were following the motions and prescriptions of religion without any apparent results. God tells Isaiah to teach them that spiritual practice and religious piety without works of justice and mercy are meaningless. More than that, it was a core and essential sin and failing. Read the following passages. Isaiah 58:3-8 (New Revised Standard Version) (Note: some phrases from The Message (MSG) have been added for additional insight) 3 Why do we fast, but you do not see? Why humble ourselves, but you do not notice? Look, you serve your own interest on your fast day, and oppress all your workers. 4 Look, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to strike with a wicked fist. Such fasting as you do today will not make your voice heard on high. 5 Is such the fast that I choose, a day to humble oneself? Is it to bow down the head like a bulrush, and to lie in sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD? 6 Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, [(MSG) to break the chains of injustice,] to undo the thongs of the yoke, [(MSG) get rid of exploitation in the workplace,] to let the oppressed go free, [(MSG) free the oppressed,] and to break every yoke? [(MSG) cancel debts.] 7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, [(MSG) sharing your food with the hungry,] and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, [(MSG) putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad,] and not to hide yourself from your own kin? [(MSG) being available to your own families.] 8 Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. Matthew 25:31-46 (NRSV) 31 When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. 32All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates

10 the sheep from the goats, 33and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. 34Then the king will say to those at his right hand, Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; 35for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me. 37Then the righteous will answer him, Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? 38And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? 39And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you? 40And the king will answer them, Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me. 41Then he will say to those at his left hand, You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; 42for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me. 44Then they also will answer, Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you? 45Then he will answer them, Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me. 46And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life. For Reflection: 1. For comparison find how many of the phrases and concepts in Isaiah 58 have a parallel with the teaching of Jesus in Matthew Who do you think are the people and groups that Isaiah or Jesus would want you to be caring for in our society and setting? 3. Who are the people who have offered the same prophetic plea to our generation and era? 4. Greg Mortenson has embarked on a mission to help others in need. What from your faith tradition calls you to a life of action, service and/or justice? 5. When have you given the hungry food, given drink to the thirsty, welcomed the stranger, clothed the naked, cared for the sick or visited the imprisoned? 6. When will you give the hungry food, give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, care for the sick or visit the imprisoned?