The Arc Benders: Young People Leading the Way in Creating a Just and Peaceful World (A Beloved Community Modeled After the Teaching of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr) with the Director of "Alive Fort Wayne" Rev. Angelo Mante and student members

Bishop Julius C. Trimble is the Resident Bishop of the Indiana Area of the United Methodist Church.

Bishop Trimble has the personal mission to encourage all people with the love of Jesus Christ to rise to their highest potential. It is his commitment to his personal mission that led Bishop Trimble to create the “To Be Encouraged” Podcast along with co-host Rev.Dr. Brad Miller.

Bishop Trimble says, “I am compelled by Jesus to share with you an encouraging word or two about Jesus, theology, the Bible, the pandemic, the environment, racism, voting rights, human sexuality, and the state of the United Methodist Church.”

To Be Encouraged with Bishop Julius C. Trimble is to be published weekly and is available at www.tobeencouraged.com and all the podcast directories.

https://www.inumc.org/bishop/office-of-the-bishop/

The Arc Benders: Young People Leading the Way in Creating a Just and Peaceful World

In episode 065 of "To Be Encouraged," host Bishop Julius C. Trimble and co-host Rev.Dr. Brad Miller are joined by the Director of "Alive Fort Wayne (www.alivefw.org) Rev. Angelo Mante and by members of that organizations summer youth leadership training program Peacemaker Academy Timothy Poindexter and Samantha Morris,

The episode explores the power of forgiveness, the significance of peacemaking, and the transformative impact of intentional community. Here are three key takeaways from the episode:

1. Forgiveness is a Healing Process:

The episode emphasizes that forgiveness is not about condoning the harmful actions of others, but rather an act of self-liberation. Unforgiveness is compared to drinking poison and expecting the enemy to suffer. The process of forgiveness includes telling one's story, naming the harm, considering forgiveness, and either renewing or releasing the relationship. Telling one's story and naming the harm is essential in moving towards forgiveness and healing.

2. Peacemaking: Creating Positive Change:

The episode highlights the remarkable work being done through the Peacemaker Academy, a three-week program that focuses on teaching nonviolence and addressing trauma. The program, spearheaded by Rev. Angelo Mante, has exceeded expectations, positively impacting students in Southside High School in Fort Wayne. The academy includes activities such as guest speakers, field trips, and peace circles, where students can share personal experiences and bond with each other. The program's success has caught the attention of the district for potential expansion to other schools.

3. Beloved Community and Intentional Relationships:

The episode emphasizes the importance of creating intentional communities, known as beloved communities. By embracing the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the speakers recognize that peace is not merely the absence of tension but the presence of justice. They discuss the need to work towards a world where everyone is seen as God's children and can come together to create peace, unity, and understanding. The power of intentional relationships and smaller clusters fosters a sense of belonging and promotes a positive and peaceful future.

Conclusion:

This episode of "To Be Encouraged" highlights the transformative power of forgiveness, the significance of peacemaking, and the importance of intentional community. Listeners are encouraged to embrace forgiveness as a healing process, actively participate in creating positive change through peacemaking initiatives, and work towards the establishment of beloved communities. By doing so, individuals can contribute to a more peaceful, just, and inclusive world.

For More Information on Alive Ft Wayne and Rev. Angelo Mante and the Peacemaker Academy go to (www.alivefw.org)

Episode Time Stamps

timestamped

00:01:36 Moved from Atlanta to Fort Wayne in 2009. Cousin's murder in 2016 prompted move back. Started Peacemaker Academy in 2017.

00:08:22 Empowered to lead by confronting inner trauma.

00:10:13 Intense summer program expands; peacemakers making impact.

00:14:06 Nonviolence education: principles, curriculum, and student learning.

00:16:46 Dr. King's principles and steps for nonviolence.

00:20:03 Intervention program for troubled student yields success.

00:24:07 "Church sometimes misunderstands peace; peacemaking essential."

00:26:09 Beloved community cuts through divisions in world.

00:33:09 Process of forgiveness: story, harm, release.

00:34:42 Forgiveness creates freedom from anger and resentment.

00:39:18 Appeal to share podcast, create peace, pray.

00:41:24 Encouraging podcast with Bishop Trimble. Join us.