We are proud to bring you the first episode of  Among The People, with an incredibly impactful interview with Maryknoll Brother, John Beeching. 

In this Episode, Brother John shares:

• His time with Mother Theresa, a story we're sure you've never heard. 
• His War experiences in Beirut and Yemen.
• Managing the trauma of war.
• His selfless work with the Mon refugees of Myanmar and Thailand.
• Christian love and Buddhist compassion.

About Brother John:
Much of Brother Beeching's work in Thailand has involved accompanying Mon refugees and monks, who have taken shelter at Wat Prok, a Buddhist temple in Bangkok.  

The Mon are indigenous Burmese people, who have been brutalized by the ruling military regime of Burma (Myanmar, as the military government now refers to the country). 

Brother Beeching joins the Mon and other Burmese ethnic groups in demonstrating in front of the Myanmar embassy in Bangkok, helps them secure visas and passports, and assists them in getting supplies to some of the refugee camps along with the Burmese/Thai border.  

He writes: "Despite differences in belief, these fellow refugees and I have grown through the experience of service as a shared sense of community. Together we break the bread of compassion. Together we sit in silence trying to be present to the gift of the moment, and are drawn ever deeper into the ineffable mystery of God."

Prior to Bangkok, Brother John served first in Chile and then in the Middle East, working in Egypt, Yemen and Lebanon. In war-ravaged Beirut he experienced numerous narrow escapes with mortar attacks and terrorist bombings. It was also a time when he became involved in interfaith dialogue, an interest that has grown within the old walls of Wat Prok, Thailand. 

For him, Christian love and Buddhist compassion comprise the same call to action. Buddhists say you are a brother to the mosquito you slapped on your wrist. The tree, the water-it's all part of what is happening in you. It's a brotherhood that embraces all life."

Episode 1. Brother John Beeching, His experience with Mother Theresa, Burmese Refugees and War.

Episode 2: Father John Dear, Working For A New Culture of Non-Violence

In this episode, Megan and Father Joe interview Kevin Foy,&nbsp; National Team Leader of Teacher and Catechist Outreach at Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers. They discuss Kevin's experiences as a former teacher working with youth, his life as a catechist and a lay person who is helping to promote and transform the church in the US among young people.&nbsp; Kevin has more than fifteen years experience ministering to and with ethnically and economically diverse communities across the United States, has worked as a middle school teacher and curriculum consultant in multiple dioceses, and has led mission immersion experiences in North, Central, and South America. Episode Notes You can reach Kevin Foy at:&nbsp;KFoy@Maryknoll.org Discover Your Neighbor: Classroom education program. &nbsp;

Episode 4, Bringing Young People to Global Mission, with Kevin Foy

Today, we’re joined in the studio by award winning Author and recent speaker at Maryknoll, Jana Laiz. As you will hear in this interview, Jana’s mission is to change the world, one book at a time. You will hear how the topics she is so passionate about such as climate change, the global refugee crisis, equal rights are woven into her stories; stories that are not only take her readers on a captivating journey, but also speak to critical issues of our time… You may even learn a thing or two about faeries.

Episode 5. Jana Laiz, Getting Outside the Comfort Zone

Hello everyone, it's Father Daniel Kim here. Thank you so much for your questions. According to this list, it seems like the most common question is, surprise, surprise, why do we give up things for Lent? Well, I'll give you the short answer. It's because Christians, we are called to imitate the life of Christ, and that involves the time he spent in the desert, where for 40 days he was not only tempted by the Devil, but through self denial prepared himself for the ministry, the very public ministry that lay ahead. As baptized faithful, we do believe that God has a specific calling for each and every one of us. By not indulging in the things that we normally do, helps us reexamine our spiritual lives, the quality of our spiritual lives, and to really get closer to Christ, which is basically what we are all called to do, ultimately. One Lent I remember, I gave up meat. Not just on Fridays, but for 40 days. It was tough, but during the process, especially when I got cravings, I was like, 'If Christ could give up not eating for 40 days, I think I can give up not eating meat". You know, through that self denial, it really connected me closer to Christ. It was a pretty meaningful Lenten season, and Easter was awesome too, because ... You know what? I actually remember it right now. Some of the funny things that I found that people gave up, this is according to The Daily Express, it's a U.K. Magazine. The most common things were chocolate, social networking, alcohol, Twitter, Facebook, school ... Okay ... Meat, sweets, coffee, and soda. The funny thing is, it says social media here. One of my Lenten observances this year is to actually engage in social media, and I ended up creating an Instagram and Twitter account to connect with all of you. Yeah, I guess it could kind of go both ways. It depends on what leads you into getting closer to Christ. Anyway, that's kind of my answer for why do we give up things for Lent. For next week, I was thinking we could do something fun. I just listed the many things that people gave up, were the popular things that people gave up for Lent. Why don't we share that amongst ourselves? I'll create a poll following this post, and in it you could share what you have given up, and if you're successful this far. I'll share the results with you next week. Thanks again for listening, and have a wonderful rest of the Lenten season. God bless.

Fr. Daniel Kim offers a Special Lenten Message

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Welcome to Among The People, a Foreign Mission podcast brought to you by the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers. 

Every episode we bring you the people and their impactful stories of life long mission, serving the poor, sick and marginalized in the most needed and extreme parts of the world. 

We are so happy to have you with us, and know you will enjoy every unique reflection of mission.