PEACEMAKERS

Rediscovering Humanity Through Storytelling with Filmmaker Ross Boothe. In this episode, we explore the power of storytelling and the arts in fostering empathy, understanding, and reconciliation across divides. Guest Ross Booth shares his journey as a filmmaker and musician dedicated to inspiring hope through authentic, human-centered narratives, especially within immigrant communities.

Key Topics:

• How Ross Booth’s upbringing influenced his passion for storytelling and arts
• The role of music and film in creating emotional, rhythmic storytelling
• The significance of authentic representation in films about immigration
• The impact of stories in shifting perspectives and fostering empathy
• The development and themes of the upcoming musical Brotherhood
• How art and storytelling can bridge divides and promote unity in divided America
• Ross Booth’s vision for portraying immigrant experiences with authenticity
• The importance of rediscovering shared humanity through narrative

Timestamps:

00:17 - Welcome to Peacemaker’s podcast and episode introduction
00:43 - Exploring the role of storytelling in healing divisions
01:07 - Ross Booth’s background and inspiration for his work
02:36 - Growing up in an environment rich in cultural appreciation and community service
04:55 - Ross’s journey from musician to filmmaker
06:12 - How film editing felt like music, and the merging of film and music worlds
08:00 - Ross’s life mission to increase hope, kindness, and empathy through arts
08:33 - Birth of the project Brotherhood and its focus on immigration stories
12:37 - Why Ross centered the story around a Mexican immigrant family
14:16 - Ross’s motivation in telling immigrant stories from personal experience
15:13 - The importance of authentic representation with input from cultural advisors
17:24 - Reflections on American identity and inclusivity
20:03 - The collaborative creative team behind Brotherhood and its cultural significance
21:25 - The desired audience takeaway: loving neighbors better
22:21 - Closing thoughts on heroism, shared journeys, and peacemaking through storytelling
23:33 - How listeners can engage with the Brotherhood project and film release

The turmoil in Minneapolis, and across the nation reminds us that genuine peace begins within. When injustice turns deadly and policies threaten human dignity, where is your heart? This reflection with Yonathan Moya, Executive Director of Border Perspective cuts through the noise to explore a quiet but powerful truth: real peace stems from inward reflection, humility, and honest repentance, not just external solutions.

In this new episode, host Yonathan Moya engages in a compelling dialogue with Rev. Dr. Robert Chao Romero about the church's vital role in addressing immigration and racial issues amid today’s challenges. Dr. Romero, a distinguished scholar in Chicano and Asian American studies, shares insights from his acclaimed book, The Brown Church, exploring five centuries of Latino and Latina social justice theology. Together, they discuss how faith communities can embody hope and solidarity, offering a timely and inspiring perspective on living out the gospel in a divided world.

In this episode of Peacemakers, host Yonathan Moya welcomes Kristel Acevedo, Spiritual Formation Director at Transformation Church. Kristel shares her journey from growing up in a diverse Miami community to embracing her faith and calling in ministry.

Together, they explore the themes of identity, spiritual formation, and the transformative power of community.

Tune in to discover how Kristel's experiences have shaped her understanding of faith and her mission to help others find God in the wilderness.

In this episode of the Peacemakers podcast, host Yonathan Moya speaks with Munatsi Monyandi, Executive Director of Dash Network, about his journey from Zimbabwe to the United States and his work supporting asylum seekers. Munatsi shares the challenges faced by those seeking asylum, the mission of Dash Network, and the importance of community support and radical hospitality. He emphasizes the need for dignity in the asylum process and the role of the church in providing assistance. The conversation also touches on coping with trauma and burnout in this vital work, as well as practical steps for individuals to engage in peacemaking efforts.

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:

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: