Al Amana Centre Newsletter 04/2026
Romans 8
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be arrogant, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 Instead, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink, for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Greetings from Oman where we feel safe and secure.
The same cannot be said of all our neighbors as the region is in the middle of a war. Even as I write this we are a day away from the threat of the US to “unleash all hell” and “blow Iran back to the stone age” even as Iran vows to retaliate in kind on Israel and select Gulf countries.
The words of Paul to the church in Rome have stuck with me this last month of the war. For most of us in the region, and even in the US, so much of what happens is outside of our control. However, that doesn’t mean that we can become apathetic or ignore what is happening. We need to keep paying attention and to weep with those who are weeping, in Iran, Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, and the Gulf. We need to keep associating with those who don’t share our power and our privilege. We need to keep looking for ways, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, to live peaceably with all.
What we do matters. While it may seem like the big things are out of our control, the small things add up too.
When this war is over, we will need to spend extra time, effort, and resources showing love to our one-time enemies. We will need to help feed and give water to those in Iran, Lebanon, and other places. If we don’t, the hatred and the violence we carry in our hearts will come out again one day soon in more violence, death and destruction.
Al Amana Centre has had to postpone all our spring programs until the air space fully opens and people feel able to travel again. That doesn’t mean we are inactive. We are working and preparing to meet the challenges that will face us when the war is over. We are working to highlight the voices of the weeping to those who will listen.
If you or your organization would like to set up an online engagement with me or other Al Amana Staff email us at programs@alamanacentre.org and we will set up a time to do a zoom session with your church, mosque, temple, school, or group.
Until peace comes, as far as it depends on you, try to live peaceably with all.
Rev. Justin Meyers
Executive Director
Reflections from participants
Al Amana Centre programs are developed with strong partnerships. Earlier this year we welcomed a group from Marble Collegiate Church, NY, a faithful and valued partner of ours for many years. We had a wonderful time together sharing and learning. One of our goals is that participants feel more equipped to engage in interfaith dialogue and peacebuilding at home.
Hear from the participants:
“I think I’ll be very anxious to learn more about my community’s different cultures and I’ve learned that it’s okay to ask questions, because people WANT to share their stories”
“Two ears, one mouth. I intend to listen better and more efficiently, also guiding conversations away from fear, worry and anger over to calm productivity whenever possible”
“I have a much greater awareness of this region of the world and of Islam. I had never been to an Arab nation before. When I meet someone who is Muslim, I will not see them as an Other but as someone with whom I have a connection.”
“While walking back to the hotel, I heard the Call to Prayer. It impressed me that the Muslim faith is faith-centered, steadfast, consistent, and fervent. I prayed in the moment that my faith would mirror these qualities.”
“It raises the need for relationships rather than theoretical approaches. Friendships between people have the power to reshape how we see and relate to others.”
“My time spent here learning and participating in discussions was very enlightening. Our association with the work of the Center is so very important.”
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