PEACEMAKERS

In this conversation, the Border Perspective team discusses the theme of peacemaking, emphasizing its importance in a divided world. They explore the biblical foundations of peacemaking, the challenges faced, and practical steps for individuals to engage in this vital work. The discussion highlights the role of faith, unity, and the call to restore relationships as central to the peacemaking process.

In this episode of Peacemakers, Yonathan Moya sits down with Megan and Roland Gonzalez, directors of Border Missions in Hidalgo, Texas. Megan's great-grandparents founded Border Missions in 1956 to share the gospel and meet the physical needs of those on the Texas-Mexico border. Megan and Roland share stories of their family's inspiring legacy, the evolution of the mission, and how partnerships continue to fuel their ministry work today. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about faith, resilience, and the transformative provision of God. Click here to learn more about Border Missions!

In this episode, Yonathan Moya of Border Perspective sits down with César Garduño, Coordinator of the Missions Department at Río Grande Bible College. Originally from Toluca, Mexico, César shares his inspiring journey into missions, fueled by his passion for God's global purpose. With a unique perspective shaped by his background in International Relations, Biblical Studies, and Migration and Refugee Care, César discusses the transformative work of mobilizing Latin-American students to reach the unreached. This conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities in mission work and the call for Latin America students to rise as a missionary force in today's world.

In this episode, we sit down with Kitti Murray, a remarkable community-builder who has dedicated her life to transforming neighborhoods through radical hospitality. Kitti shares her inspiring journey, how she and her husband Bob founded Refuge Coffee, and their mission to create a sense of belonging for refugees and immigrants in Clarkston, Georgia, one of the most diverse cities in the U.S. Through her work, Kitti shows us the importance of simple yet powerful acts of welcome in fostering community renewal. Tune in to hear her stories of how compassion and leadership can create spaces where everyone is valued and empowered. If you're passionate about community-building, or the refugee experience, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to make a difference right where you are. Resources: Refuge Coffee Co.

In our latest episode, Yonathan Moya and Julie Mirlicourtois tackle tough questions about immigration, faith, and the role of Christians on the front lines of the border crisis. Julie Mirlicourtois, producer of Maybe God podcast & The Cross documentary series, shares her powerful journey from a secular upbringing to a life transformed by faith. Hear how storytelling across borders opened her heart, and how God is working in unexpected places. Resources: Listen to Maybe God Podcast here. Learn more ACROSS DOCUMENTARY SERIES here.

In our latest episode, Yonathan Moya and Pastor Jeff Reams discuss the significance of cross-cultural partnerships, focusing on border-related ministry. Pastor Jeff highlights the transformative power of firsthand experiences and stresses the importance of intentional partnerships. This conversation emphasizes how the Church, through a gospel-centered approach, is called to bridge differences among divides. Learn more about DBC at dbc.org. Learn more about our service-learning trips.

In our latest episode, we dive deep into migration issues and the importance of advocacy within the evangelical community with special guest Steven Eng, Advocacy Director at the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE). Join host Yonathan Moya in a heartening conversation that provides valuable insights and emphasizes action beyond words for the evangelical community—and Church at large, as we touch on timely topics like immigration, and policy advocacy. Resources: For the Health of the Nation Publication In this Right Now Media series, Dr. Walter Kim, president of the National Association of Evangelicals, gathers Ed Stetzer, Eugene Cho, Nicole Martin, and Gabriel and Jeanette Salguero to explore how we can live out biblical values in tangible, practical ways that honor God and show love to our neighbors.

Our next guest is Bri Stensrud. Bri is a human dignity advocate and the Director of Women of Welcome. Her passion is to equip the Church to engage more consistently and tangibly in holistic human dignity issues. In this episode, we talk about Bri's work in the pro-life ministry space and about her journey to re-discover God's heart for the sojourner.  You can find more about Bri on Instagram @bri.stenz and learn more about her work on the Women of Welcome Facebook and Instagram. We encourage you to buy a copy of Bri's new book; Start with Welcome: The Journey Toward a Confident and Compassionate Immigration Conversation anywhere books are sold.

Our next guest is Daniel Montañez. Daniel is an adjunct instructor at Pentecostal Theological Seminary and the Latino and Global Ministries Program at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He is the founder and director of Mygration Christian Conference and leads the Church of God Migration Crisis Initiative. Daniel is dedicated to serving migrant communities through ministry, scholarship, and social engagement. In this episode, we talk about Daniel's vision for the Mygration Christian Conference and how he's cultivating spaces for healthier conversation around understanding immigration from a biblical perspective. We also highlight Daniel's new book, The Church and Migration: A Theological Vision for the People of God. The book seeks to transform the narrative of immigration by approaching it from the larger lens of human migration by exploring the theme of human migration throughout the grand narrative of Scripture. We encourage you to buy a copy of this book to better understand what the Bible says about God's heart towards people on the move and how these truths can be applied in our modern world.

Our next guest is Jacob Salguero. Jacob is a gen z advocate, a creative, and an author from Dallas TX. He's a designer that loves Jesus and uses his computer to change the world. In this episode, we talk about Jacob's love for his generation and the Church. We highlight the importance of discipleship and how we can best understand the "now" generation. You can find more about Jacob on Instagram @jacobsalguero. You can check out his website at Jacobmouse.com and make sure to order a copy of this book “For the love of Gen Z” today!

Our next guest is Caleb Paxton. Caleb is the founder of Liberatus, a community journal on wholeness in politics, giving us inspiration to overcome us vs them narratives and become Americans the next generation will love. Caleb is a former Congressional aide with a decade of experience working in American politics. He’s an entrepreneurial professional with a background in operations, policy, public speaking, and writing. In this episode, we talk about wholeness in politics and giving PEACE a voice in Washington. We end the conversation by highlighting Liberatus Vol. 1 Kickstarter and how you can help overcome us vs them narratives and become Americans the next generation will love. You can back the Kickstarter here: http://kck.st/3bUQniS Learn more about the peacemaking vision behind Liberatus here: https://www.liberatusdc.org/

Our next guest is Cesar Castillejos. Cesar is a ministry leader, speaker, and creative artist amongst many other things he's involved in. He lives in Richfield, MN with his wife Kate and two daughters. Cesar has been a youth worker with middle school and high school students for nearly 20 years. Some would say that he's a professional kid. He likes to say, that he's a teenager with 20+ years of experience. In this episode, we talk about Cesar's upbringing as an Asian American, what it's like living through the COVID-19 Pandemic. We end the conversation on how the labels and words we use to describe ourselves and others have the opportunity to unite us or the power to divide us. You can find more about Cesar here: https://www.liveupspeaklife.com/

Our next guest is Gena Thomas. Gena is a writer and a speaker who works in the nonprofit sector helping empower others through holistic development. Gena has served as a missionary in northern Mexico, holds a master's degree in international development from Eastern University, and is the author of two books, A Smoldering Wick: Igniting Missions Work with Sustainable Practices and her newest book, Separated by the Border: A Birth Mother, a Foster Mother, and a Migrant Child’s 3,000-Mile Journey. Gena lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with her husband, Andrew, and their two children. In this episode, we talk about immigration, our approach to missions and about Gena’s new book. Gena shares the story of Julia and her mother came to the United States, their immigration journey, and what it took to reunite them after being separated at the border. This conversation highlights the human face of the immigrant, the challenges of the immigration and foster care systems, and about putting our faith into action. A Smoldering Wick: Igniting Missions Work with Sustainable Practices Separated by the Border: A Birth Mother, a Foster Mother, and a Migrant Child’s 3,000-Mile Journey

Our next guest is Kellie Haddock. Kellie is a singer, songwriter, wife, and mom. A former widow, Kellie has lived through tragedy and found hope and joy on the other side. Her music draws from real-life stories of beauty, heartache, hope and the celebration of life. You might recognize her from The Thank You Project, a short film on finding gratitude after tragedy. This short film has over 150 million views and has been featured on The TODAY Show, and other national and international media outlets. As a full-time musician, Kellie has performed in Iraq, Israel, China and across the U.S., offering music that engages the soul in all of its beauty and vulnerability. In this episode, Kellie shares her heart and passion for music with us. We talk about the creative process of writing “Song For The Refugee” as a responded to the gravity of the heartbreaking situation migrant families are experiencing at our southern border. Kellie shares how Song For The Refugee can be a tool to further amplify our voice on behalf of those in need. Feel free to download and share this song with your friends and family as we stand in solidarity with the most vulnerable currently on the US and Mexico border. You can also check out Kellie's latest full-length album Peace on Earth, a 'socially conscious' Christmas album that speaks straight to the heart of our struggles. This music is infused with hope and longing to help bring peace on earth and to every heart that hears it. Pre-orders begin October 18th and it will be available everywhere November 1st.

Our next guest is Karen Gonzalez. Karen is a speaker, writer, immigrant advocate, and taco enthusiast. She is an immigrant from Guatemala, who lives in Baltimore, Maryland, where she enjoys writing, cooking Latin food, traveling, and watching baseball. Karen is a former public school teacher and attended Fuller Theological Seminary, where she studied theology and missiology. For the last 10 years, she has been a non-profit professional, currently working for an organization that serves immigrants and refugees. On this episode, Keren speaks about her new book titled: The God Who Sees: Immigrants, the Bible, and the Journey to Belong. She give insight on the many immigrants found in the Bible as she reflect on her own immigration story. You can follow Karen on Twitter & Instagram.

Welcome to Peacemakers, an interview style podcast that celebrates world changers and those who are bringing peace to those around them. Remember to tag @peacemakerspodcast in your instagram stories! PEACEMAKERS is made possible by BORDER PERSPECTIVE. Border Perspective partners with ministry leaders and organizations to host conversations on social and biblical issues that help equip the church to love our neighbor the way God intended. To learn more about how you can join border perspective’s peacemaking mission visit borderperspective.org