In a world today where over 68 million people are forcible displaced due to conflict and compulsion, there is a distinct global cry for peace. This cry reaches the ear of God as a cry for peace which surpasses the simplicity of the absence of war and calls for the presence of something better in its place...Shalom. Considering the complexity of life in a broken world, Shalom ushers in wholeness, completeness, and restoration in every aspect of life; external and internal, public and private. Conflict in the world will always most heavily impact the most vulnerable people of our society, those living on the margins, those living in communities of poverty. However, conflict doesn't have to lead to brokenness; broken systems, broken laws, or broken relationships. Conflict can also lead to the transformation of a community, a people, a culture, a nation. I labor with my friends on the margins to build bridges that facilitate peace making with the goal of ushering in true Shalom.

As a member of InnerCHANGE, I live among and labor alongside my friends and neighbors in communities of poverty: (1) building bridges of communication for the purpose of reconciling relationships and restoring communities, (2) supporting local churches in efforts to seek Gospel centered transformation in their neighborhood, city, and nation through community action, and (3) creating space (both physical and emotional) for communities to collectively plan and embrace a narrative for their community which prioritizes Shalom for all members of the community. In pursuit of lasting ministry impact, I will: (1) facilitate gatherings between community members to decrease conflict by increasing dialogue by using proven peace building methods and (2) work with local churches to develop a biblical understanding of Shalom and an action plan engaging church and community members in peace building efforts.

"Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to Christ." -- 2 Corinthians 5:18-20