Al Amana Centre Newsletter 09/2025

Director’s corner

Not Alone

Al Amana Centre is more than just a place. It is a multitude of people and organizations in partnership with each other impacting the lives of both individuals and communities. 

In August 2025, our former Board Chair, Rev. Kenneth Bradsell, died in his home in Maine. Ken came to Oman to pastor the Protestant Church in Oman for a time after concluding decades of service to the Reformed Church in America as an executive within the denominational structure. Ken inherited the position of Board Chair during COVID-19 and a period of staffing changes at Al Amana. He guided the board and staff with grace, patience, and wisdom. We are saddened by his death, but also rejoice with the hope that he is at rest and in peace. Ken was a remarkable individual who influenced Al Amana and many around him.

Our current Board Chair, Rev. Dr. Jeff Japinga was recruited by Ken to join the board. Jeff first encountered Al Amana Centre in 2014 when he participated on a trip with other clergy and church members from the US. He has stated time and time again how much impact that trip made on him as a person, and on the ministries, he was a part of in the US. 

The relationships between these people and Al Amana, are just two of many examples.

Our current Board of Directors has people from North America, Asia, Europe, and Africa. We have Lutheran, Reformed, Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox board members. We have an Omani citizen (naturalized) on our board as well as Omani born staff members who attend our meetings.

Our partnerships range from churches, to higher educational institutions, to peacebuilding organizations, and foundations. Where appropriate, we work with (not for) governments and alongside secular NGOs for sustainable peace.

We are open to working with most anyone who aligns with our values and is willing to walk with us as we seek to help people of different religious traditions and cultures live peaceably with each other in justice and solidarity.

We offer an invitation for you to join us as well and to know we don’t do this work alone.

Justin Meyers

Executive Director

Reflections from participants

Musalaha is an Arabic word meaning reconciliation. Musalaha is an organization that works in Israel and Palestine to help bring people of different religions together for peace. We look forward to welcoming our second group of Muslims and Christians from Musalaha this Fall!

Two women from our first group of Musalaha participants reflected on their time at Al Amana Centre 3-6 months post program. Here is what they wrote: 

“Since visiting the Al Amana Centre, I have become more open-minded and understanding when engaging with people from different cultures and faiths. A memorable experience occurred recently during a conversation with my colleague. Previously, I might have avoided discussing religious differences due to concerns about misunderstandings or conflict. However, my time at the Al Amana Centre gave me more confidence to engage more openly and comfortably in these conversations.” – Aya

“Since my visit to Al Amana and the impact of sharing my experience in Oman, curiosity has sparked in everyone who hears about it. By sharing my journey with friends, I realize that even the smallest change can lead to a stronger, more vibrant community.” – Dima