Waging peace through relationship building and a focus on social justice

Ask people how to wage war, and they will easily give you an answer.  Ask them how to wage peace, though, and they will probably pause to think.  Waging peace, it turns out, requires as much work and energy as waging war.  It also requires a local presence and familiarity, and the willingness to sit down with people on the “other side” and really listen to and get to know them.  Today we’re joined by Reverend Doctor Clement M. Aapengnuo and Tim Sample, the co-Founders of 72 Africa, an organization committed to waging peace throughout Africa.  They join us to talk about their recent success facilitating peaceful elections in Ghana, their plans to do the same in other African nations, and the peacekeeping principles they have learned which could easily be applied to tear down walls and build bridges in the United States. 

Focus on your local area, engaging people, and social justices issues.

Revealing data on the correlation between youth, unemployment, and conflict.

Active engagement at the local, grassroots level that gets people together to talk ensures a bright future.

The full interview with Reverend Doctor Clement M. Aapengnuo and Tim Sample.  (This could take 30 seconds or so to load.)

For more information:  72 Africa Website, Article on Shared Social Values in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

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Opening and closing music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough

A local firefighter continues to care for 240 children on Haiti's Forgotten Island

Most of us have seen pictures of the devastation that Hurricane Matthew brought on Haiti back in October of 2016.  This came less than 7 years after a catastrophic earthquake hit the country.  Today’s guest is Larry Thompson, a recently-retired 29-year veteran of Arlington County’s Fire Department, who's been traveling to Haiti several times a year since 2012.  Larry joined us last May to talk about his non-profit, The Least of These Foundation, that he established to feed and educate over 240 children on the Forgotten Island off the coast of Port au Prince.  Today he joins us to update us on post-hurricane conditions, and to tell us how the kids he works with are doing.  We're also joined by his teenage daughter, Avery, who first took a trip to Haiti with Larry when she was 13 years old, and has been there several times since.

A call to support children who don't know where their next meal is coming from and dedicated teachers accustomed to no pay.

Uncommon wisdom from a high school senior.

The shock of visiting the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, and appreciation for the experience. 

Full Larry and Avery Thompson interview.  (This could take 30 seconds or so to load.)

For more information: Least of These Haiti,

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Opening and closing music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough

A local mosque promotes unity, interfaith dialogue, and community service

On November 19, 2015 at 2:00 a.m., a man attempted to climb over the fence surrounding the Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center in Falls Church, Virginia and threw two smoke bombs and a Molotov cocktail.   What happened in the following months, though, may not be what you'd expect.  Despite the rising tide of anti-Muslim sentiment at that time and since, mosque representatives made the effort to find out more about the man discovering that he was a local homeless person with mental issues.  Driven by a sense of mercy for someone in their community, they eventually lobbied for the lightest sentence and best care possible for the perpetrator.  Today’s guest is Colin Christopher, the Deputy Head of Government Affairs at that mosque.  Colin joins us to talk about the lessons he and his fellow attendees learned from that experience, and to talk about his mosque’s goal to tear down the walls of ignorance surrounding the Islamic faith, and to establish strong relations with other faiths based on cooperation, tolerance, and mutual understanding. 

A call to get out of your comfort zone and meet people in a place you've never been.

In an environment of division, ignorance, and fear, the beauty of interfaith gestures of love.

It's not about democrats or republicans, or elites with fancy degrees.  It's about average people with a passion to get involved. 

The diversity of the Muslim American community.

Full interview.  (This may take 30 seconds or so to load.)

For more information:  Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center, VOICE (Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement) 

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Opening and closing music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough

Increasing awareness of human trafficking in Northern Virginia - A 12-year-old Fairfax girl's story

It's hard to believe, but human trafficking (especially teen sex trafficking) is a significant problem in Northern Virginia.  January happens to be National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month so we decided to focus on this issue today, on National Human Trafficking Awareness Day.  We're joined by Kay Duffield, Executive Director of the Northern Virginia Human Trafficking Initiative (NOVA HTI), a non-profit that is working to eradicate human trafficking in the local area.  We're also joined by Barbara Amaya, a survivor of human trafficking from age 12 through 21, who now works as a human rights advocate and is the author of the award winning book Nobody’s Girl, A Memoir of Lost Innocence, Modern Day Slavery and Transformation.  Barbara and Kay will share their stories with us and tell us how we can join them in working to eradicate this problem from our communities.

IF YOU'RE A VICTIM OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING, PLEASE CALL THE NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING HOTLINE AT 1-888-373-7888 FOR HELP.

We all need to recognize that human trafficking exists in our backyard.

Take the time and effort to consider the people around you.  If you feel like something is wrong with someone, it probably is. 

Red flags and signs to look for to identify possible human trafficking victims.

A higher purpose emerges from a prolonged and painful period of life.

Human trafficking is a horrific evil.

Full interview.  (This could take 30 seconds or so to load.)

For more information:  Northern Virginia Human Trafficking Initiative, Barbara Amaya's Website, Barbara's book: Nobody's Girl, The National Human Trafficking Hotline

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Intro and closing music:  Reston Bible Church Worship Band, This Cornerstone album, Father, Let Me Dedicate

Working to make Baltimore the Silicon Valley of social change

Baltimore City has fallen on hard times.  The city was built to house nearly a million people, yet today it is home to only 622,000, and it has seen an out-migration of people in their 20s and 30s in particular.  According to the city government, the number of abandoned houses and lots number 30,000, and higher estimates place this number at nearly 47,000 – 16% of the city’s residences.  In April 2015, after the arrest and death of Freddie Gray, the city erupted in violence, revealing the ongoing tension between the police and African American Community as well as a sense of hopelessness that many people feel in the low-income areas of the city.   In this environment, an organization called Baltimore Corps has emerged whose goal is to revitalize the city.  Today we’re joined by Jay Nwachu, the Director of Development and Communications for Baltimore Corps.  Jay joins us to talk about their mission to match highly talented, purpose-driven people with the right organizations for maximum social impact while promoting equity throughout Baltimore’s communities.

Advice for finding opportunities to serve. 

Repurposed food trucks to help the homeless do laundry and medication delivery to the elderly.

It's less about someone's resume and more about their passion and how they are living it.

How I got to Baltimore Corps.

Full Jay Nwachu interview.  (This could take 30 seconds or so to load.)

For more information:  Baltimore Corps.

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Opening and closing music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough

A holiday Redux of a church for people who don't go to church

Many people don't see the relevance of the Christian church to today's world, so they don't attend church services.  Others have been hurt by the church and wound up abandoning their Christian faith as a result.  What's needed for them is a new kind of church - one that extends grace and gives people the space and time they need to build a relationship with Jesus.  We are joined tonight by John Slye, Senior Pastor at Grace Community Church - a church for people who don't go to church. 

A call to model the grace, forgiveness, and servant heart of Jesus Christ.

The only religion in the world where the central act of its faith is the humiliation of its God.

What our world needs are people who are radically forgiving, kind, and patient.  Here's why.

Forgiveness always hurts and comes at a cost - but it's powerful enough to change the world.

Full interview.  (This could take 30 seconds or so to load.)

For more information:  Grace Community Church

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Opening and closing music from the Canadian Brass, Christmas with the Canadian Brass

Building businesses that integrate faith, work, and higher purpose

There is a lot of talk these days about building businesses that are successful while also creating social value, with organizations like Conscious Capitalism and the Shared Value Initiative leading the way.  A number of business leaders believe this is best accomplished by building what some call “kingdom businesses,” i.e., businesses that honor the Biblical doctrine of work and its higher purpose.  Today we’re joined by Kelly Leonard, the President and CEO of Taylor Leonard Corporation, a local, woman-owned training, business development, and IT consulting business.  She’s also the author of an e-book on networking; the host of the Small Business University TV program airing in Montgomery County; and a representative of Nehemiah Project Ministries, an organization dedicated to building and equipping kingdom businesses.  Kelly joins us to talk about her heart for promoting higher purpose in business and also for helping women and couples in their personal and professional lives. 

Are you operating in your higher purpose?

Looking beyond people, planet, and profitability. 

Work should be joyful, not a curse.

You can work with your spouse.

Full Kelly Leonard interview.  (This could take 30 seconds or so to load.)

For more information:  Taylor-Leonard Corp.;  Nehemiah Project International Ministries

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Opening and closing music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough

Striving to end homelessness in Arlington County

The holiday season is upon us, a time not only to give thanks but also to act and share with those in need.  Tonight, we're joined by representatives from the Arlington Street People's Assistance Network, also known as A-SPAN.  Simply put, A-SPAN's mission is to end homelessness in Arlington County.  They provide life-sustaining services and secure permanent housing for their clients through outreach, building trusting/respectful relationships, and a new, first-of-its-kind Homeless Service Center.  Among other things last year, A-SPAN served 50,000 meals, sheltered over 400 people, and enabled 300 medical visits to those in need.  We're pleased to welcome Scott Miller, A-SPAN's Senior Director of Development, and Amanda Holler, A-SPAN's Manager of Volunteer Programs and Special Events. 

No one aspires to be homeless.

The importance of a "housing first" approach and reconnecting with family.

Volunteer opportunities abound and can be tailored to match your skills and desires. 

Full Scott Miller and Amanda Holler interview.  (This could take 30 seconds or so to load.)

For more information:  A-SPAN Website

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Music at start and end of full interview:  Your Grace Is Enough, Chris Tomlin

A holiday Redux of our first interview - Redemption from homelessness and addiction

Milton Brown is a longtime DC resident who battled a heroin addiction for 37 years.  In the same year he overcame his addiction, he became homeless and remained so for four years.  Milton never knew his father, and his mother abandoned him and his brother when he was 9 years old.  He’s the father of two sons – one of whom was murdered over 20 years ago on the streets of Washington DC.  Since emerging from homelessness in 2012, Milton has committed himself to raising awareness of the plight of the homeless and addicted, and to sharing the source of power that helped him emerge from a life of anguish.

Love doesn't cost anything and the government can't tax it.  It's yours to use.

Despite decades of addiction and homelessness, the loss of his son, and many other hardships, Milton lives a life characterized by thankfulness.

When you look at the homeless, you're looking at yourself.

The pain of homelessness.

Full Milton Brown interview.  (This may take 30 seconds or so to load.)

Organizations that work with the homeless and less fortunate that Milton admires:  Little Lights;  SOME

Milton's Georgetown TEDx Talk

Honor and unity at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Millions of people visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery each year to pay their respects to those who have given their lives to protect the freedoms we enjoy in this country.  It’s a place where the full diversity and fabric of America is on display, and where division and hostility seem to naturally fade away as people come together to honor the fallen.  We’re privileged to be joined by Richard Azzaro, a guard at the Tomb from 1963 to 1965, and a member of the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  Richard talks about the critical need for healing and unity in America, and how the Society hopes to use the Centennial of the Tomb as a focal point that fosters unity across our country that transcends political, regional, and religious differences.

Breaking down the walls of hostility at a focal point where all of America comes together.

It's about our identity as Americans and our sacred duty to never forget those who served and sacrificed.

Building up to a National Salute on the centennial of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 

Full Richard Azzaro Interview.  (This may take 30 seconds or so to load.)

A worship album for people who don't listen to worship music

"Worship music should not be written for only the Christian mind.  It should draw those who are far from God.  All who are called to proclaim [the gospel] through music have a responsibility to exhort people – to remind people that we have a reason to sing."  These are the words of Christian Nuckels, Worship Pastor at Grace Community Church in Arlington, VA, and the creative influence behind the formation of the Grace Rising band, a music ministry within the church.  Christian joins us to talk about his journey of faith and higher purpose, and how it led him to the extremely satisfying roles he is serving in now. 

You need Jesus, even if you don't know you do.

Exhorting and inspiring people to let grace rise.

A song from the album.

Full interview with Christian Nuckels from Grace Rising.  (This may take 30 seconds or so to load.)

For more information:  http://www.gracerisingband.com/

Working to reverse the trend towards illiteracy and its negative impact on society

There is a great deal of research showing that children who are exposed to books at a young age go on to live better lives in a wide variety of ways.  The data suggest a strong connection between reading skills/activity and academic, work, economic, relationship, and other successes in life.  A recent study by the National Endowment for the Arts concluded that, “[the] decline in reading among teenage and adult Americans… [has had] demonstrable social, economic, cultural, and civic implications.”  Simply put, we need to develop a love for reading in our children and adults, and today’s guests are working to do just that.  Judy Hijikata is the Communications Director at The Reading Connection, and Kim Oates in one of their Read-Aloud volunteers.  Honored by a number of organizations as one of the best small charities in Washington, DC, The Reading Connection helps at-risk children improve their odds of success by helping them develop a love of reading. 

While we should justifiably be concerned with providing things like food, medicine, and shelter to families in need, developing good reading skills in these families can be as critically important to their future.

As usual, the volunteer gets more out of the experience than the people they serve.

Some U.S. statistics from the Literacy Project Foundation (http://literacyprojectfoundation.org/community/statistics/):

  • 50% of adults cannot read a book written at an eighth grade level.
  • Illiteracy costs American taxpayers an estimated $20 billion each year.
  • 3 out of 5 people in American prisons can’t read.
  • 3 out of 4 people on welfare can’t read.
  • School dropouts cost our nation $240 billion in social service expenditures and lost tax revenues.

Full Judy Hijikata and Kim Oates interview.

For more information:  http://thereadingconnection.org/home

2007 National Endowment for the Arts “To Read or Not to Read” research report:  https://www.arts.gov/sites/default/files/ToRead.pdf

Over 400 days of continual worship on the National Mall

Several years ago, Jason Hershey felt called to establish a place of continual, 24-by-7 worship and praise in Washington, DC.  He was inspired by King David, who 3,000 years ago pitched a tent near his palace and hired more than 4,000 worshipers to offer praise to the Lord continually throughout his 33 year reign, making worship central to his nation and bringing blessings to it as a result.  David’s Tent, as it’s known, has been operating continually for over one year now in the heart of Washington DC.  Jason joins us to talk about the purpose behind it, and to issue a call for our nation to turn to the only true source of strength and help in these difficult times. 

A call for local worship teams to come perform at the tent, and for everyone to encounter God there.

If Christianity is real, it has to be real.

There's something special about the experience in the tent in the middle of the night.

If you're willing to talk things out, be patient, and honor people, anything can happen.

Full interview with Jason Hershey from David's Tent.

For more information:  http://www.davidstentdc.org/

A volunteer program for retired people looking to develop a deeper faith while serving

Are you retired and looking for something to do that taps into your wealth of experience?  Are you searching for things that provide deeper meaning and fulfillment?  Maybe you're just bored and tired of the golf course or swimming pool.  If so, come listen to Joanie Coolidge, Regional Director for Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC), a faith-based organization that provides retired men and women with the opportunity to serve the poor, work for justice, and grow deeper in their Christian faith.  IVC provides a valuable service to non-profits by making people with lifetimes of expertise available to serve in a variety of areas.  Founded in 1995, IVC has grown to serve 17 regions in the US – including Washington, DC; Northern, VA; and Baltimore, MD.  In 2015, over 500 of their volunteers worked in more than 300 partner agencies serving over 90,000 people across the country.  

You get more when you give.

What do we learn when walking with those who are less fortunate?

Meeting Jesus each day in the people you serve.

Learning respect, compassion, and mutuality. 

Full interview:

Providing free medical care to cancer patients who can't afford it

A cancer diagnosis is a daunting thing to face.  Aside from the obvious physical and emotional tolls of the disease, there is a heavy and rising financial cost.  Today's guests are working to alleviate these costs for some of our Arlington neighbors.  Doctors Patricia Rodriguez and Neelima Denduluri work with Virginia Cancer Specialists, the recipient of the Governor's 2016 Volunteerism and Community Service Award for Small Business for their work with cancer patients at the Arlington Free Clinic.  The practice was honored in recognition of the care it has provided for 160 low-income, uninsured patients who most likely would not have received treatment without the compassion of its doctors.

It’s our responsibility to give back to the community.

Addressing the misconceptions about the people who use the Arlington Free Clinic.

You always leave the Arlington Free Clinic feeling better than when you went in.  You volunteer for yourself, not just for others. 

An uplifting example of the type of people served by the Arlington Free Clinic and Virginia Cancer Specialists. 

Full interview:

Providing affordable housing in Arlington and beyond along with life enriching services

The lack of affordable housing in Northern Virginia is a significant problem, particularly in affluent areas like Ballston and Alexandria.  Today's guests work with AHC (formerly known as the Arlington Housing Corporation), a 40-year-old organization that has developed 50 properties in Virginia and Maryland that provide more than 6,500 affordable homes.  AHC is the oldest and largest developer of affordable housing in Arlington, where 24 of their properties are located.  Realizing that it takes more than bricks and mortar to build successful communities, they also run a Resident Services program that provides a host of life-enriching services to residents of seven of their communities in Virginia, and six in Maryland.  We are joined by Jennifer Endo, the Director of Resident Services at AHC, and Chris Banks, a tutor at one of their community centers in the Arlington area. 

A rewarding life is one given to others.

AHC is a great place to get involved in your community.  Check for a resident services center near you (http://www.ahcinc.org/what-we-do/resident-services/community-centers/).  

Helping people figure out what excites and motivates them, and what their gifts are.

Providing safe, decent, and affordable housing options, and life-changing services to child, teen, adult, and senior residents.    

Full interview:

For more information:  http://www.ahcinc.org/

Empowering kids to change the world

Our children have tremendous potential to change the world if we would only empower them.  Today's guests work with Team Kids, a nonprofit organization founded 15 years ago to do just that by unleashing our kid's horsepower.  We are joined by Jacqueline Schaubach, a junior at Washington & Lee High School who has been serving with Team Kids since operating a lemonade stand over ten years ago to raise money for Haiti earthquake victims; and Julie Hudash, the Team Kids Founder and CEO, who has crafted a number of programs that engage and serve numerous stakeholders in Arlington, VA, Southern California, across our country, and around the world.      

Uncommon wisdom and insight from a high school sophomore.

Two ways to immediately help children who have lost parents serving in Iraq (https://www.teamkids.org/what-we-do/team-kids-lemonaid) and members of our military who are still there (https://www.teamkids.org/what-we-do/letters-from-home).

Working with kids makes us all better. 

A diverse group of teens stops in 14 cities across the country in 2 weeks to serve others, commemorate 9/11, and break down barriers (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEKkX7Xpd08). 

Full interview:

For more information:  https://www.teamkids.org/

Must watch video:  https://www.youtube.com/embed/_ncsYPPMU18

A mother of 11 fulfills a dream at Harvard University

Allyson Reneau started college at the University of Oklahoma back in 1979, but left school after her sophomore year to start a family. Eleven children and over 30 years later, she enrolled in Harvard University and commuted 2,000 miles each way for several years on route to receiving a Master's Degree in International Studies. Aly talks about never giving up on her dream and shares stories of the rewards of pursuing the illogical when you feel called to do so.

There’s always an opportunity for a second chance. 

You’re really nothing without your friends and family.

If you don’t feel afraid, you probably aren’t growing.

Where the idea to go to Harvard came from and how a mother of 11 paid for it. 

When God calls you to do the illogical, say yes and watch what happens. 

Full interview:

Providing a wealth of services to those in need across 21 Virginia counties

Catholic Charities is one of the largest charities in the US with a mission to serve those in need, promote social justice, and call the church and other people of good will to do the same.  There are more than 160 local Catholic Charities agencies nationwide that serve millions of people each year with a broad array of services - without regard to their religious, social, or economic backgrounds.  We are joined by Sally O'Dwyer, Director of Volunteers for the Arlington Diocese, and 20+ year veteran of work as a full-time servant.  Sally talks about what prompted her to begin doing this work; some of the many programs Catholic Charities offers; and some stories about the impact her organization has had.

A one-minute call to action.

The International House of Pancakes. 

The power of listening and being there for someone.  People need to be heard, recognized, and reminded that they matter.

A shout out to volunteers...

Full interview. 

For more information:  http://www.ccda.net/

Resolving conflict through shared origins, shared values, and healing historical memory

There is a good deal of ignorance about the world's dominant monotheistic religions, i.e., Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.  There are also some who seek to take advantage of this ignorance to stir up conflict and strife for selfish gain.  Today's guest believes that educating people on the shared origins and values of their religions leads them to work more effectively together towards peace.  He has seen the ease and enthusiasm with which Muslims, Christians, and Jews can work together when ignorance is removed, and he's working to apply these concepts to conflicts throughout our country and world.  Joseph Montville is a Director at the School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University.  He has had a long and distinguished career including serving 23 years as a diplomat with posts in the Middle East and North Africa; faculty appointments at the Harvard and University of Virginia Medical Schools; and serving as Chief of the State Department's Near East Division, and the Director of its Office of Global Issues. 

A call to provide a safe environment where people can listen to each other and learn.

A vision for a 24x7 center for conflict dialogue and healing in Virginia.

The legacy of the Civil War on race relations in the U.S.

Full interview. 

For more information:  http://scar.gmu.edu/