Title: Healing in the Midst of Ukraine's War, Rebuilding Faith in Uzbekistan, and Advanced Religious Literacy Training in Kazakhstan

Host: Jessica Eturralde

Duration: 22 minutes

[00:00] Opening Segment

• Introduction to today’s topics: trauma therapy in Ukraine, rebuilding efforts in Uzbekistan, and groundbreaking training in Kazakhstan.
• Quick promo for the LYNC Interview video program.
• Related Link: LYNC INTERVIEW on YouTube

[02:18] Healing in the Midst of War: Trauma Therapy in Ukraine

• Overview of the Caring for Ukraine's Children through Trauma Healing, Hope, and Critical Care initiative.
• Key Metrics:
• 449 children and 81 adults reached across Ukraine and Germany.
• 39 group sessions conducted by 21 therapy teams in 16 cities.
• Stories of resilience:
• Matviy in Lviv overcame isolation to discover hope.
• Maksym in Zhmerinka found peace using “Safe Place” techniques.
• Sofia in Borodianka processed her trauma through art therapy.
• Recognition of Ukrainian partners, Krasy Maibutne, and their critical role.
• Read Full Report: https://lyncommunity.org/report/caring-for-ukraines-children-through-trauma-healing-hope-and-critical-care/

[09:22] Rebuilding Faith in Uzbekistan

• Spotlight on the Baptist community in Bukhara and their ongoing struggle to rebuild their church.
• Challenges faced:
• Legal and administrative barriers.
• Current alternative worship space requires significant renovations.
• Call to action:
• Goal: Raise $50,000 for renovations.
• Donate Now

[14:00] Advanced Religious Literacy Training in Kazakhstan

• Recap of the Cross-Cultural Religious Literacy Training held in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
• Highlights:
• Participation of 15 provincial heads of religious affairs.
• Hosted in collaboration with Caspian University and Straus Center for Dispute Resolution.
• Interactive sessions led by Dr. Chris Seiple, Dr. Attila Miklovits, and Dr. Sukhsimranjit Singh.
• Key moments:
• Roundtable discussions with Kazakhstani religious leaders representing Islam, Buddhism, and Christianity.
• Government officials’ heartfelt toasts reflecting on their learnings.
• Closing remarks from LYNC CEO Wade Kusack on the transformative nature of the program.
• Related Link: More on Cross-Cultural Religious Literacy

[21:00] Final Reflections and Closing Remarks

• Gratitude to the global LYNC community for their support throughout 2024.
• Teaser for the upcoming report on Kazakhstan's multi-faith engagement efforts.
• End with a moving excerpt of a Ukrainian Christmas carol

• Full Ukraine Trauma Therapy Report: Read Here
• Support Bukhara Church Rebuilding:

Episode Title: Multi-Faith Developments in Prague, Kazakhstan’s Progress, and Businesses as Agents of Peace

Host: Jessica Eturralde

[00:00] - Introduction

• Host Jessica Eturralde previews the episode, highlighting key topics:
• Multi-faith developments in Prague.
• Kazakhstan’s growing interreligious engagement.
• A feature interview with Dr. Eva Witesman on how businesses contribute to communities beyond financial support.

[02:10] - Prague Multi-Faith Conference Recap

• Coverage of the multi-faith conference held in Prague in partnership with Czech Ambassador Robert Rehak, LYNC, IRF Secretariat, and Templeton Religion Trust.

Notable details include:

• Program themes: peacebuilding, countering Islamophobia, and radical ideologies.
• Event highlights and key messages, such as fostering tolerance and promoting action.

[05:32] - Notable Speakers at the Prague Conference

• Highlights from key speakers:
• Mohamed Mosaad Abdelaziz Mohamed: Importance of dialogue, trust-building post-conflict, and engagement with radical perspectives.
• Hana Bendkowsky: Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) as a call for justice and compassion.
• Sheikh Al Mahfoudh Bin Bayyah: The role of the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi as an educational multi-faith space.

[13:08] - Greg Mitchell and Ambassador Rehak’s Reflections

• IRF CEO Greg Mitchell: Call for multi-faith collaboration, practical takeaways, and future plans to launch regional centers.
• Ambassador Robert Rehak: Appeal to attendees to foster dialogue and combat hatred beyond the event.

[17:57] - Kazakhstan’s Delegation and Multi-Faith Efforts

• Coverage of Kazakhstan’s delegation to Prague and its growing role in promoting interreligious dialogue.
• Details from discussions with Vice Minister Kanat Iskakov and other officials:
• Emphasis on religious freedom, addressing hate speech, and exploring AI solutions.
• Upcoming initiatives such as the cross-cultural religious literacy program at Caspian University.
• Quotes from Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of Culture and Information Kanat Iskakov on the country’s progress and LYNC CEO Wade Kusack on the broader impact of LYNC’s work in Central Asia.

[21:52] - Extended Interview: Dr. Eva Witesman

• Highlights from the conversation with Dr. Eva Witesman, professor at BYU’s Marriott School of Business:
• Corporations as public social spaces influencing religious freedom and social cohesion.
• The role of businesses in peacebuilding and addressing community challenges beyond philanthropy.
• Call for collaboration between civil society, governments, and businesses to foster sustainable development.
• Quote: “It’s not just about profit; businesses are key players in shaping public values and building peace.”
• WATCH THE EPISODE : https://youtu.be/ego-uOulSgg

[28:45] - Episode Wrap-Up

• Host Jessica Eturralde recaps the episode and encourages listeners to:
• Subscribe, like, and share the program.
• Tune in for the next episode, which will feature a detailed segment on Kazakhstan’s first ever Cross-Cultural Religious Literacy Program.

• Watch the

[00:00] Introduction:

Jessica previews today’s topics: insights from LYNC INTERVIEW with Dr. Dennis Hoover, highlights from a multi-faith retreat in Uzbekistan, and a recap of a Miami event exploring faith and politics.

[02:27] The Grand Bargain with Dr. Dennis Hoover:

• Discussion on balancing religious freedom and responsibility, drawing on Mennonite and Amish communities as examples.
• Key takeaway: Religious freedom thrives when both governments and faith groups uphold mutual respect and social responsibility.

Watch the full LYNC INTERVIEW with Dr. Dennis Hoover: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQ9XNfV88uQ

[08:16] Multi-Faith Retreat in Uzbekistan:

• Updates on the results of LYNC and MFNN's Train-the-Trainers program and its success in Central Asia.
• Local leaders Imam Shovkat Khamdumov and Pastor Oleg Vorojtsov lead a historic retreat aimed at fostering pluralistic virtues and cooperation.
• Micah Fries of Multi-Faith Neighbors Network shares insights on the importance of contextual ownership by local leaders.

[13:02] Faith and Politics in Miami:

• Recap of “The Trinity and Our Political Environment,” a discussion led by Carter Brown on balancing faith, political engagement, and empathy.
• Key takeaway: Participants explored seeing the humanity behind divisive political stances and emphasized respect and dignity in dialogue---using a divisive bill on the Florida ballot as an example to discuss.

[18:12] Call to Action:

• Jessica encourages listeners to support LYNC’s work by liking, subscribing, and sharing the program.
• Visit lyncommunity.org to learn more and give to initiatives like the Bukhara Church rebuild.

Support the Bukhara Church Rebuild: https://www.mightycause.com/story/Bukharachurch