The Farmingdale United Methodist Church is hosting a very special program this evening, Friday, August 20. Called "Singing in Baghdad," the program features Cameron Powers and Kristina Sophia, founders of Musical Missions for Peace. This powerful and heartwarming presentation includes slides and stories from their recent travels in Middle Eastern countries and live music by these two very talented musicians. Cameron plays a favorite musical instrument of the Arabs called the Oud and he and Kristina both sing in Arabic.

Cameron and Kristina founded Musical Missions for Peace as their own way to contribute to world peace. When traveling in the Arab world, they are musical ambassadors with a message of common humanity, friendship and peace. When traveling in the US, they are a cultural bridge bringing back the messages of beauty, generosity and hospitality from the Arab people they have met. Everywhere, they fight fear with music.

Throughout the presentation, Cameron and Kristina address questions such as: "Are Americans hated in the Arab World? Is it dangerous to travel there? What's it like for women there? What are the hopes and dreams of average Middle Eastern families?" Because the program provides information about the Arab World from a very unique angle, it breaks through stereotypes and paints a picture of these ancient cultures of which few Americans are aware.

Cameron and Kristina have visited Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Jordan and the West Bank since 2000. They were singing on the streets of Baghdad just after US troops arrived there last year and so, this presentation is titled "Singing in Baghdad."

On their travels, Cameron and Kristina don't attempt to make a political statement, but rather try to bring people together across cultural boundaries through the power of music. "Singing in Baghdad" has been on the road in the US for a year now. In that time, they have driven more than 30,000 miles all over the country. They have done their program and workshops before more than 120 different audiences, Democrats and Republicans alike, trying to reach as many Americans as possible.

Everyone is welcome to attend "Singing in Baghdad" on Friday, Aug. 20 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Farmingdale United Methodist Church, located on the corner of Main Street and Grant Avenue. A free-will offering will be received. After the program, there will be light refreshments and Cameron and Kristina will have books, music CDs and cultural items from the Middle East such as scarves and flutes available for sale.

For more information about their work, visit www.musicalmissions.com. For more information about the program or to reserve a seat, call Violet Simpson at 249-0866.