"The time we've spent in India has built many cultural and religious bridges in our hearts and minds - a gift and lesson to last a lifetime."

In 2003, Pilar and Fredric Griffin, from Washington State, quit their jobs and set out for Asia to join IofC's 9-month-long Action for Life (AFL) program. AFL is a global leadership development program with about 40 participants and leaders from 19 countries.

The Griffins describe their first months in India, "Wherever we've gone in India, people share their ideas, values and dreams. This builds a bridge that is the basis of friendship. Another powerful bridge is learning about other religions from families who practice them. This has replaced our fears and stereotypes with respect and appreciation."

AFL is mobilizing a new generation of change-makers equipped with integrity, faith and commitment, and dedicated to bringing transformation, healing and development in Asia and the world.

"AFL is a journey in itself," the Griffins conclude. "It is a geographic, academic, and emotional trip from place to place and from experience to experience. We are connecting with students, teachers, youth, elderly, managers, villagers, and more. We are learning about NGOs,
industries, unions and schools. This is a journey of personal transformation, but on our path we are engaging others!"