Amplify Peace: Creating a Better Story Together Amplify Peace

Welcome to part 2 of our podcast series, where we delve deeper into disrupting the status quo of peacekeeping to embrace the role of peacemakers.  In this episode, our focus remains on the transformative power of peacemaking over peacekeeping, emphasizing the need to venture beyond comfort zones to understand diverse narratives, cultures, and faith backgrounds.
As we continue the conversation, Salem Al-Marayatti shares the Mustard Seed Project—an initiative uniting American Muslims and Evangelical Christians. Salem sheds light on how this project facilitates meaningful conversations, breaking down barriers by bringing individuals to the same table. The objective is to foster genuine connections through shared meals and the willingness to engage in uncomfortable discussions.
Recognizing the existence of stereotypes and misrepresentations on both sides, we address the pressing question: How can we step in as peacemakers? Now, more than ever, the world needs individuals committed to making peace. 
The Mustard Seed Project will be hosting an event at a local mosque in Phoenix, AZ on Feb 3. You are invited to attend to listen and learn.
ICNEV-SCOTTSDALE MASJID
12125 E Via Linda, Scottsdale, AZ 85259
2pm Saturday on Feb 3
Salam Al-Marayatti is the Founder and President of MPAC (Muslim Public Affairs Council) www.MPAC.org

What can happen when we cross the lines and are in proximity with each other? 
In this podcast interview, Salam, a Muslim, shares his insights on faith, aiming to dispel misconceptions about Islam and Muslims. The conversation centers on fostering peace and understanding by crossing cultural boundaries, discovering commonalities, and challenging stereotypes. Emphasizing the beauty of making the 'strange' familiar, the discussion encourages listeners to connect through shared humanity while acknowledging differences. The focus is on unity, not uniformity, as the interview delves into one of our Peace-Making Principles at Amplify Peace: Listening to Understand. 
The goal is to see and love each other as fellow human beings, fostering compassion and better understanding. Salam's story, purpose, and faith offer a unique perspective that challenges listeners to view people with a fresh lens, potentially opening up a new world of compassion and understanding.
Salam Al-Marayatti is the Founder and President of MPAC (Muslim Public Affairs Council) www.MPAC.org

Is your neighbor limited to someone who looks, thinks, believes, and acts just like you? How we see people is how we tend to treat them. In this podcast, Pastor David Wade, Pastor of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, the oldest predominantly Black Church in Mesa, AZ (est. 1918) shares profound insights and his own personal experiences from the black community and the black faith community. 
Pastor David challenges us to rethink our perceptions and invites us into a transformative journey of seeing beyond the surface. How do you view that neighbor who doesn't share your values or beliefs, perhaps comes from a different ethnicity or faith?
During this candid conversation, Pastor David offers a unique perspective on the importance of understanding, empathy, and love. He shares inspiration from the teachings and life of Martin Luther King Jr., shedding light on how these principles have influenced his life, ministry, and purpose.
Beyond words, Pastor David exemplifies the essence of using one's voice for others. As a recognized leader of his community, he advocates passionately for the marginalized and children, embodying the profound truth expressed by MLK: "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
Let’s pause and reflect: What matters to you? How are you using your voice in the world? Do you truly "see" your neighbor, especially those who differ from you? This podcast is not just an interview; it's an invitation to explore how we can love better, speak up for what matters, and truly embrace the beautiful diversity that surrounds us.

We continue Part 2 of our interview with Sami DiPasquale, Founder and Director of Abara Ministries in El Paso, Texas. Is the border with Mexico the problem? Is the border the solution? What if the answer is neither? Take a deeper dive into this disruptive topic of border, immigration, immigrants, and asylum seekers and be better informed as to ways we can help and not hurt and truly see every human being as worthy.

Have you ever found yourself saying, “I didn’t know!”. That happens all the time in our work living and leading as peacemakers. There is so much from history, to present day realities that we just don’t know, haven’t been taught, or haven’t been curious enough to hear. This is one of those conversations where you might find yourself saying, “I didn’t know!”
Explore the profound connection between history, the present, and the future in the latest podcast episode, "What is the Significance of Place and Time?" Join Sami DiPasquale, Founder and Director of Abara Ministries in El Paso, Texas, as he unfolds a 500-year journey encompassing diverse ethnicities, power dynamics, conquests, and oppression—all in one impactful location. 
Discover the hidden realities of the border and immigration, gaining insights that might make you exclaim, "I didn't know!" Be prepared to leave the podcast with a deeper understanding of the term "border" and how it shapes individuals, nations, and our collective future. Tune in to be better informed and contribute to creating a more empathetic and clear-sighted future. Don't miss part one of this enlightening two-part interview with Sami.

Today, we're joined by Maria Fuentes, a visionary with a deep understanding of the unique impact the Faith community and the Church can have in our local communities and the world.
Inspired by thought-provoking questions posed by Anne Snyder in a recent Comment Magazine article, our conversation centers on two pivotal questions: "Church, where are you?" and "Church, where am I in you?" These questions serve as catalysts, prompting us to explore the profound role the Church plays in people's lives and communities.
A seasoned public servant, Maria, has over two decades of experience, and has dedicated her career to creating positive change for the most vulnerable communities throughout the country; from the halls of the White House to the office of the Governor of Arizona. Most recently she served as Director of Arizona Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family. She understands the unique impact the Faith community and the Church can have.
Together, we'll unravel the layers of these questions, exploring how they inspire a deeper connection and engagement personally and collectively with the transformative mission of the Church.