Al Amana Centre Newsletter 12/2025

Director’s corner

Dear Friends,

Did you know that fewer than one in one hundred people have ever spent meaningful time with someone of another faith? That simple fact reveals one of the biggest barriers to peace in our world today. Without real relationships across divides, we cannot move from fear and misunderstanding toward empathy, reconciliation, and salam/shalom.

At the Al Amana Centre, we make those relationships possible. We create safe and immersive experiences that bring people of different faiths and cultures together, often for the first time, to listen, learn, and build peace.

A lot of people cannot afford to take part in these life-changing experiences on their own. This is why your partnership is so important. Your gift is an investment that makes it possible for people from around the world to participate in these transformative encounters that lead to lasting peace, whether monthly or one-time gift.

As one participant shared:

“My time in Oman taught me the value of kindness, respect, and genuine hospitality. I was especially inspired by how people of different religions and backgrounds live together in harmony. Seeing a Buddhist and a Hindu temple in the heart of Muscat — a Muslim country — showed me the true meaning of tolerance and acceptance. When I return to my community, I’ll carry those lessons with me by being more open, respectful, and understanding toward others.”

In 2026, our goal is to open the doors for more individuals and groups to experience Al Amana and bring the spirit of peace back to their communities.

This is your opportunity to help bring more peace, understanding, and salam/shalom to our world.

Give Now to help build the world we are all seeking. Help us move Together Toward Peace.

With gratitude,

Rev. Justin Meyers

Executive Director

Reflections from participants

In November a group of 13 participants visited AAC from Holland, Michigan, USA. A huge thank you to Hope Church, a long-term supporter of AAC, who helped organize the visit. The group had a full and impactful week exploring the beauty of Oman, learning about the culture and the religious diversity, all while building relationships along the way- including reuniting with Omani’s who visited Hope Church in the summer of 2024! 

“I am eager to go back and have my new understanding of this part of the world. My mind has expanded, I realize how isolated I am in my little bubble. I am impressed how all faiths can learn to get along, how Al Amana Centre is making a tremendous difference in the effort.” Joellen Hoogerwerf

“I will absolutely talk more about the Gulf region and Oman. I have better language to talk about Islam. But, probably more importantly, I will look for ways to join interfaith groups/conversations and look for bridge building opportunities.” Participant 

“Visit to the Grand Mosque. Seeing the prayer/worship space, the impressive architecture and grounds, the insightful comments from Mohammed and others, all helped to give me a new respect and appreciation of Omani culture and Islam.” Participant 

“It is a safe and welcoming environment to get rid of pre-conceived beliefs about Muslims and to learn all that we have in common.  The landscape of the country is so beautiful.  Most importantly for me were the Omani people we met, both new acquaintances and old.  I loved our dinner outside at the center with our young friends who visited Holland as well as our dinner at the date farm with Mohammed’s family.  It gives one hope for a better future for peace in our world.” Jean Norden

We all at Al Amana Centre like to thank all of you who supported us this past year, in so many different ways. We are thankful for 2025, for all the participants, supporters, new and old friends. Together we have learned, experienced and worked Together Toward Peace. We are eager and excited to continue this work together in 2026.