Al Amana Centre Newsletter 01/2026
Happy New Year from Oman!
We at Al Amana Centre pray for peace in this coming year, even as many places in our world are not at peace. Yemen, Sudan, Palestine, and now Venezuela, just to name a few, have seen new and continued violence in their countries.
Al Amana isn’t the solution to a peaceful world, but we are part of the solution.
We aren’t political actors, we don’t have financial or military power, and we have no illusions of grandeur. We don’t have a strong advocacy presence, and we are not “justice warriors,” even though the world needs both.
However, what we are is a place to help each other remain curious about people who are different from us. We are a place to explore the role of religion in our lives and the place faith has in building peace. We are a place to see each other as humans, even as there is so much in our world that is dehumanizing.
We believe in the power of ordinary people, doing ordinary things, that can change their communities through knowledge and understanding. We believe that as communities change and grow in their love for each other, in love and understanding of people of different religions and cultures, that the world will become, more and more, the peaceful place that we all yearn for, for ourselves and our children.
We know that Al Amana Centre is not a quick fix, but we have hope that through our work together, we can help shape the world, person by person, toward peace in the places we call home.
Hopefully next year, the year will start with more people being happy and at peace. Until then we will be here, doing our part, doing what we can, to promote peace in our world.
Rev. Justin Meyers
Executive Director
The Board of Al Amana Centre met in Oman (and online) at the beginning of December.
Reflections from participants
There are definitely impactful moments shared by our program participants immediately following a program. Though sometimes, participants need to spend more time in reflection over the weeks that follow to fully capture how the new cultural and interfaith learnings will impact their lives and possibly their communities. Al Amana is intentional about reaching out to our participants not only immediately following our program, but again 3-6 months and 1 year later. We appreciate and are grateful to stay connected and hear about their journeys on a path from tolerance to mutual understanding, empathy toward respect and reconciliation that leads to Shalom/Salam.
In honor of one more calendar year of learning and growth, below are participant reflections on how they use what they have learned from AAC one year post-program.
- Yes, we hold Scriptural Reasoning and Photovoice sessions regularly at LCC International University. These have been invaluable tools for us as we interact with our diverse student body.
- I learned that some prejudices are subconscious. I think I will recognize these and then I bump into some situations where my prejudices surprises me. That is a very important experience because through that I will learn more about myself and become more conscious about different people and equality.
- As a high school teacher, I often see students who have been raised with hateful beliefs towards those of different faiths, with my experiences I’m able to have those conversations.
- Inspired by my experience at Al Amana Centre, I sought to reflect Oman’s spirit of peace and religious harmony within my community in Bethlehem. By engaging in dialogues about coexistence among different faiths, we fostered greater understanding, mutual respect, and hope for a more united future.
A Cultural & Spiritual Journey, March 16-24, 2026
Join us for a unique adventure to Oman, discovering the country’s rich history, vibrant culture, and spiritual traditions during the special seasons of Lent and Ramadan!Trip Highlights
- Participate in and learn about Eid celebrations while celebrating Eid in an Omani Village
- Cultural session exploring Omani history & customs
- Guided tour to religious sites: Grand Mosque, church campuses & more
- Learn about Ramadan and the Islamic practices of fasting
- Meet and connect with local Omanis and people from diverse backgrounds
- Attend traditional Iftar meals with Omani families and communities in Oman
- Overnight desert adventure: camel rides, sand dunes, and stargazing
- Excursion to the historical city of Nizwa
- Discover Omani Wadis and breathtaking natural spots
- Visit an Omani farmhouse and savor authentic homemade cuisine
- Lecture on the history of the American Mission in Oman
- …and more surprises along the journey!
What’s Included?
- All local transportation & guided tours
- Accommodation throughout the trip
- Daily meals, including special Iftar dinners
- All scheduled activities & workshops
- Entrance fees for all sites
Price: $2,500 (Double Occupancy, Flights Not Included)
Sign up deadline: is February 1, 2026
Ready for an unforgettable experience?
Reserve your spot today! Trip is limited to 14 people. Trip will be confirmed after 8 people have committed. Participants must be able to gain “visa on arrival.”
To sign up or for more information, questions regarding visa eligibility or cost for single occupancy, contact: programs@alamanacentre.org
Discover faith, friendship, and adventure in the heart of Oman. Celebrate Lent and Ramadan in a land of wonder!
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