Amplify Peace: Creating a Better Story Together

Dr. Samira Izadi Page is Founder and Executive Director of Gateway of Grace Ministries. She is also co-editor and contributor to No Longer Strangers. She was born and raised in Iran as a Muslim. A short while after arriving in the US as a refugee, Samira converted to Christianity and began her Christian education. Can you imagine having to flee your home, homeland, family, friends, and everything you have known on a moments’ notice due to political or religious persecution? You’ll hear one woman’s inspiring story of flight as a refugee seeking asylum in the US. What are the effects on women and how does displacement impact the family and community at large? It’s a story of hope and giving back to create a better future.

Jenny Yang is the Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Policy at World Relief where she provides oversight for all advocacy initiatives and policy positions for the organization. She represents the organization’s advocacy priorities to the U.S. government and leads mobilization efforts on advocacy campaigns. She has worked over a decade in refugee protection, immigration policy, and human rights protections and was on the active deployment roster for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Previous to World Relief, she worked at one of the largest political consulting companies in the DC area. Jenny is co-author of “Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion and Truth in the Immigration Debate" and contributing author to three other books. She’s a thought leader and incredible expert in her field, as you’ll hear, in combination with an incredible heart . As an advocate for immigrants and refugees, her vision of love includes a universal welcoming of the stranger.In this conversation,  you’ll find her perspectives very insightful in challenging us to all to think past what may be our current ideas on this topic, past the headline coverage or political positions… to think differently, to listen from a heart perspective, from God’s perspective.worldrelief.orgInterviewed by Lisa Jernigan, hosted by Julie Beanamplifypeace.com

This episode is powerful, Dr. Carolyn Woo gives us tools for respectfully entering into spaces  and being effective in promoting change.  If you missed Part 1 of this two part episode, don't forget to go back and listen!

This month is all about celebrating women! As you will hear in this conversation with Lisa Jernigan and Carolyn Woo, women are incredible, and the resiliency and strength of women all over the world is inspiring!Dr. Carolyn Woo is president and CEO of Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the official humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS was founded in 1943 by the Catholic Bishops of the United States to serve World War II survivors in Europe. Since then, it has expanded in size to reach more than 100 million people in nearly 100 countries on five continents. Dr. Woo, representing CRS, was featured in Foreign Policy (May/June, 2013) as one of the 500 Most Powerful people on the planet and one of only 33 in the category of "a force for good." Carolyn came to CRS after a distinguished academic career at her alma mater, Purdue University, as well as at the University of Notre Dame, where she served as business school dean. She was the first female dean to chair AACSB International and directed its initiative for Peace Through Commerce. She also was featured in Foreign Policy magazine in 2013 as one of the 500 most powerful people on the planet.Woo's service to humanity began early. She grew up in Hong Kong, where millions of people had fled the communist revolution. As early as fourth grade, she was translating documents such as utility bills and tax notifications for relatives who could not read English. Today, her reach expands much further—CRS touches more than 130 million people in nearly 100 countries.For more information on Catholic Relief Service, visit crs.orgHosted by Julie Beanamplifypeace.com

This conversation with Eugene Cho is a powerful tool to engaging in politics, as mature Christians seeking to give theological and Biblical framework that isn't bound to either political party. Eugene's latest book "Thou Shalt Not Be a Jerk: a Christian's Guide to Engaging Politics" is a must read, equipping us with the 10 commandments of conversations surrounding politics.For more information on Eugene and his works, visit eugenecho.orgInterviewed by Lisa Jernigan, hosted by Julie Beanamplifypeace.com

Rev. Eugene Cho’s many passions involve leadership, justice, the whole Gospel, and the pursuit of God’s Kingdom here on this earth. He travels throughout the world to encourage churches, non-profits, pastors, leaders, missionaries, and justice workers – whether this happens in churches, arenas, conferences, universities, or as a guest in underground churches or refugee camps.Eugene is the President/CEO of Bread for the World and Bread Institute, a prominent non-partisan Christian advocacy organization urging both national and global decision makers to help end hunger – both in the United States and around the world. Bread has been engaged in this critical discipleship of advocacy for the hungry and vulnerable since its inception in 1974.He is also the founder and visionary of One Day’s Wages (ODW) – a grassroots movement of people, stories, and actions to alleviate extreme global poverty. Since its launch in October 2009, ODW has raised over $8 million dollars for projects to empower those living in extreme global poverty. He is also the founder and former Senior Pastor of Quest Church.Eugene is the author of two acclaimed books, Thou Shalt Not Be a Jerk: A Christian’s Guide to Engaging Politics (2020) and Overrated: Are We More in Love with the Idea of Changing the World Than Actually Changing the World? (2014)Eugene and Minhee have been married for 23 years and have three children. Together, they live in Seattle, Washington.For more information, visit eugenecho.comInterviewed by Lisa Jernigan, hosted by Julie Bean.amplifypeace.com

Merry Christmas from the Amplify Peace Team!We have a special Christmas episode, brought to you directly from Bethlehem! Today we’re talking with an incredible woman - Vera Baboun, she’s a wonderful friend to us at Amplify Peace, and as you’ll hear, she’s an incredibly accomplished leader, an example to us all -  an example for the next generation of women ….AND also she’s an impactful peacemaker.  She believes that QUOTE “building peace is difficult, but living without peace is torment” and this is all about her mission and the reality that she lives. She lives in Bethlehem where she was born and raised . Vera is the 1st ever -  elected Woman Mayor of the City of Bethlehem  She’s a member of the Palestinian National Council and the Palestinian Womens Union.  Vera is a gender researcher and advocate and has an active role in the political empowerment of women in the Middle East. In 2018, she co-created the regional platform for promoting the role of Arab Women in the electoral process which is led by the Organization of Arab Electoral Management Bodies and officially launched in 2019  in Tunis. In 2018, she participated in UN Somalia JPLG program on inclusive governance to enhance the participation of women and youth in central and local governments in Somalia. In 2007, she joined GRACE research network for the empowerment of women in Africa and the Middle East. In 2012, Vera published her qualitative research entitled “Scheherazade’s of Today: Young Palestinian Women use Film, Radio and Platforms to Speak up and Create Change” in a book entitled Women and ICT in Africa and The Middle East; Changing Selves, Changing Societies which includes 27 gender researches by woman researchers from the MENA area. She’s also been a member of the Higher Presidential Committee for Churches’ Affairs/ The Palestine and the Presidential Committee for the Restoration of the Nativity Church.She is currently a member of the Board of Trustees of Bethlehem Development Foundation, the Yasser Arafat Foundation/Palestine, the International Impact Committee for Women Mayors Network, NDI, Washington, the Board of Trustees of Care-i-tas Baby Hospital in Bethlehem, and a member of the Guidance and Training Centre for Family and Children. She  holds a masters degree in literature from the Hebrew university of Jerusalem.  In her most recent book – FOR THE LOVE OF BETHLEHEM MY WALLED CITY - Vera delivers a powerful testimony to the reality of daily life in Bethlehem and Palestine. and offering us a path of freedom, hope and of veracity without compromise.Interviewed by Lisa JerniganHosted by Julie Beanamplifypeace.com

Marina is instantly likeable, with her sweet accent, endearing manner, and an impressive amount of knowledge and insight. Her perspective is unique and her desire to educate and unite is admirable. She is a dear friend of Amplify Peace, as we have traveled through Israel/ Palestine with her several times and have learned so much through her!Marina Klimchuk was born in Ukraine and lived in Germany since age 5, until moving to Israel in 2012. Until recently, she was leading trips for Christian communities in Israel/ Palestine for Telos, an organization that forms communities of American peacemakers across lines of difference. Marina is also specialized in Holocaust history from the memorial, Yad Vashem, in Jerusalem, where she is a guide.  She is also a journalist, writing about issues in Israel and Palestine. Currently, she is taking a year long break from the intensity of the Holy Land in Vienna where she goes on hikes, eats cake and studies Sociology.Interviewed by Lisa JerniganHosted by Julie Beanamplifypeace.com

This interview is a special treat for Lisa Jernigan, as she recently shared that Carolyn's song "Seize the Day" has had a lasting impact on her life! What started as a social media post about the importance of the message of "Seize the Day", has turned into this impactful and heart warming conversation.Carolyn Arends has released 12 albums and is the author of 3 critically-acclaimed books. 15 of Arends’ songs have become top 10 radio singles on the Canadian pop and US Christian charts. Arends has earned 2 Dove Awards, 3 Juno Nominations, and was recognized as the West Coast Music Awards’ Songwriter of the Year. Her prose has been recognized by The Word Guild, The Evangelical Press Association and The Canadian Church Press Awards.In addition to her busy touring and speaking schedule, Carolyn has been a regular columnist for Christianity Today , Faith Today , and CT Women , and has served as an adjunct professor at Trinity Western University, Regent College, ACTS Seminary, Pacific Life Bible College, Columbia Bible College, and Prairie Bible College. She has a degree in Psychology and English from Trinity Western University and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Regent College. She lives in Surrey, BC with her husband, Mark, and their young adult children Benjamin and Bethany.Carolyn is currently the Director of Education for Renovaré, a far-reaching organization that encourages and nurtures personal and spiritual renewal. She continues to be available on a select basis for speaking, retreat facilitation, concerts, worship leading, and songwriting and performance seminars.carolynarends.comamplifypeace.comHosted by Julie Bean

How do we create safe places for dialogue when there is so much division in our world, in our communities, in our families? Rachel Brown, a recognized expert in confronting hateful and dangerous rhetoric, gives incredible insight into recognizing and dealing with the root cause of division.Rachel is the Founder and Executive Director of Over Zero. Find more on Rachel and the organization at projectoverzero.orgInterviewed by Lisa JerniganHosted by Julie Bean

Shirin Taber is an international consultant, media producer and the author of Muslims Next Door(Zondervan/Harper Collins). With an Iranian Muslim father and an American Christian mother, she has lived in the United States, Europe and the Middle East. Currently, she is directing the Empower Women Media and Middle East Women’s Leadership Network, which help women create media for their mission. With a background in writing, non-profits and cross-cultural training, Shirin assists multiple organizations with media-based initiatives. The Los Angeles Times, Detroit Free Press, Fox News, Christianity Today and the NYTimes.com have featured her writing and work among Muslims and Christians alike. She has assisted the George Bush Institute Women’s Leadership Initiative and the United Nations Office for Genocide Prevention with media projects focused on women and peace building. Shirin is a graduate of the University of Washington and speaks English, Farsi and French. empower women.mediaInterviewed by Lisa Jernigan, hosted by Julie Bean@amplifypeace.com/podcast

DIANA OESTREICH IS A SOLDIER TURNED PEACEMAKER AND AUTHOR OF WAGING PEACE.She heard God’s call to love her enemies in the most unlikely place: on the battlefield of Iraq. Diana is an activist, veteran, sexual assault nurse, and the Key Relationships officer at Preemptive Love, a global relief organization working to end war. Speaking across the country she empowers us to identify our own rural, urban, political or religious divides to cross our own “enemy lines” in order to remake the world and heal all that’s tearing us apart.  She’s appeared on multiple podcasts and blogs discussing Justice, faith, peacemaking, refugees, anti-racism, activism with kids and how her posture of love shapes  how she parents and shows up for her neighbors.Diana, her partner Jake and their two sons, Bridger and Zelalem live along the shores of Lake Superior on  Ojibwe land. They are an Ethiopian-American family woven together through adoption and a shared love for bad jokes and competitive card games.Interviewed by Lisa Jernigan, hosted by Julie Bean.dianaoestreich.comamplifypeace.com/podcast@amplifypeace

Where are we coming from and where are we going? In her continued conversation with Lisa Jernigan, our guest Donna Winship shares powerful insight into false identity. Donna Winship left the American dream with her husband Jamie and their three boys and spent 25 years raising their family in Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, and Jerusalem. This is a journey that would forever change their worldview. She discovered the principles of the Kingdom of God as demonstrated by Jesus. When put to daily practice, these principles result in peace that surpasses understanding and truth that results in genuine freedom – even in a culture of war, terrorism, death, and conflict. Donna is the author of Knowing Rediscovered and loves to see people hear from God and live fearlessly in their true identity. To learn more about Donna and her work, visit identityexchange.comJamie & Donna also work in non-faith settings through the corporate arm of their company, Identity Method. For more information, visit our website identitymethod.com. To receive the latest updates and news about upcoming events, subscribe to our mailing lists. @thedonnawinship @identityexchange @identitymethodHosted by Julie Bean@amplifypeaceamplifypeace.comTo join our Global Book Club, visit amplifypeace.com/bookclub

What is true identity and how do we discover it? How does identity relate to the problems we are facing today?In her conversation with Lisa Jernigan, our guest Donna Winship shares powerful insight into our true identity and how it impacts everything we do. Donna Winship left the American dream with her husband Jamie and their three boys and spent 25 years raising their family in Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, and Jerusalem. This is a journey that would forever change their worldview. She discovered the principles of the Kingdom of God as demonstrated by Jesus. When put to daily practice, these principles result in peace that surpasses understanding and truth that results in genuine freedom – even in a culture of war, terrorism, death, and conflict. Donna is the author of Knowing Rediscovered and loves to see people hear from God and live fearlessly in their true identity. To learn more about Donna and her work, visit identityexchange.comJamie & Donna also work in non-faith settings through the corporate arm of their company, Identity Method. For more information, visit our website identitymethod.com. To receive the latest updates and news about upcoming events, subscribe to our mailing lists. @thedonnawinship @identityexchange @identitymethodHosted by Julie Bean@amplifypeaceamplifypeace.com

In this episode Charity Byers, Ph.D. gives valuable insight into the emotional challenges of the Covid pandemic, and subsequently, the interactions we have with one another. Dr. Charity Byers, a valued friend of Amplify Peace, is the Executive Director of Blessing Ranch Ministries and is the co-author of the upcoming book, Unhindered: Align the Story of Your Heart. Blessing Ranch Ministries is on the cutting edge of combining theology with psychology to provide counseling, coaching, and resources to Christian leaders, families, and churches. Engaging others in places of emotional challenges, ministry pain, marriage conflict, and more with a process of inside out transformation, Blessing Ranch offers deep hope and missional resilience. Charity is the mom of a young son, Bennett, who rarely stops moving or talking. She has been married to Todd for a decade and he has shown her what grace in action looks like. Charity loves simple time at home with her family as much as she loves a grand adventure. One of her daily commitments is to try to walk out the boldness God has called her to embrace and use her voice to bring out God’s best in those around her. blessingranch.orghttps://amplifypeace.com/podcast/@amplifypeaceHosted by Julie Bean

Interviewed by Lisa Jernigan, Sara Aziz is president and founder of Safe Kids Egypt. She is a master’s degree holder in psychotherapy and she is pursuing her second master’s degree in community psychology. She is a certified child abuse consultant and trainer with more than thirteen years of experience in implementing and leading projects related to child protection, sexual and gender-based violence and gender equality. She is also a member of the youth committee in the National Council for Women.safekidseg.org @safekidsegamplifypeace.com/podcast/ @amplifypeaceHosted by Julie Bean

Interviewed by Lisa Jernigan, Sara Aziz is president and founder of Safe Kids Egypt. She is a master’s degree holder in psychotherapy and she is pursuing her second master’s degree in community psychology. She is a certified child abuse consultant and trainer with more than thirteen years of experience in implementing and leading projects related to child protection, sexual and gender-based violence and gender equality. She is also a member of the youth committee in the National Council for Women.safekidseg.org @safekidsegamplifypeace.com/podcast/@amplifypeaceHosted by Julie Bean

Interviewed by Lisa Jernigan, co-founder of Amplify Peace, Dr. Jeff McGee offers incredible insight in present times. Dr. Jeff McGee is a published author and thought leader in using an asset-based approach to understand cross-cultural and leadership competencies. He is passionate about the kingdom of God and equipping church leaders and other Christian leaders with strategies, approaches and practices to lead effectively across diverse cultures. He has studied and witnessed barriers between diverse groups where issues of trust, decision-making, communication and roles are misunderstood. Dr. McGee has successfully trained, coached, and consulted with many leaders over the past 10 years that has resulted in positive outcomes by transforming organizational culture and cross-cultural relationship building efforts.www.jeffmcgee.comwww.amplifypeace.com/podcast/@amplifypeace

Lisa Jernigan and Danielle Strickland are friends and world changers, who in their mutual desire for peacemaking, founded Amplify Peace, a global movement for peacemaking. In this inaugural podcast hosted by Julie Bean, you'll learn how Amplify Peace came to be, how we desire to live differently, and how living as peacemakers allows us to create a better story together.Join us as a peacemaker https://amplifypeace.com/podcast/www.daniellestrickland.com@amplifypeace on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

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 MASJID12125 E Via Linda, Scottsdale, AZ 852592pm Saturday on Feb 3Salam Al-Marayatti is the Founder and President of MPAC (Muslim Public Affairs Council) www.MPAC.org