"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid." – John 14:27 (NRSV)
PeaceGrooves: Inspiring a New Generation of Peacemakers
In a world increasingly shaped by conflict, division, and violence, it has become more important than ever to reimagine the stories we tell, the games we play, and the heroes we celebrate. PeaceGrooves is a bold initiative designed to shift cultural paradigms by fostering peace and nonviolence through creativity, storytelling, and play.
We believe that children and young people—especially boys—deserve narratives that emphasize compassion, courage, and reconciliation as viable alternatives to violence. Play is not just a pastime; it is where stories are formed, character is built, and relationships are nurtured. At PeaceGrooves, we ask:
What if play could become a transformative tool for building peace?
What Is PeaceGrooves?
PeaceGrooves is a creative platform dedicated to designing stories, games, and activities that promote peace and nonviolence. From board games to role-playing adventures, music to animated storytelling, we aim to inspire children, youth, and adults to explore the power of empathy, conflict transformation, and relational healing.
Our mission is twofold:
1. To create fun, engaging, and alternative games, heroes, and stories that reflect the principles of nonviolence.
2. To provide spaces for people of all ages to collaborate, create, and contribute to these peacebuilding creations.
How We Will Use the Funds
Your support will help bring PeaceGrooves to life by funding:
Game Development and Testing: Designing and prototyping board games, digital games, and role-playing scenarios.
Creative Media Projects: Developing animated stories, interactive content, and peace-centered curricula.
Workshops and Outreach: Hosting events where young people and communities can engage with PeaceGrooves creations.
Technology and Tools: Equipping our team with the hardware, software, and resources needed to bring these ideas to fruition.
Marketing and Launch: Sharing our vision with the world through targeted campaigns and partnerships.
Our Story
PeaceGrooves was born from countless hours of brainstorming, creative play, and heart-to-heart conversations between two brothers. Together, we combined decades of experience in game design, youth ministry, and conflict transformation to create a project that reflects our deepest passions and values.
Meet the Team
Brent Lyndaker
Brent is an avid gamer with over 30 years of experience in a variety of game media, including card, board, strategy, video, and computer games. As a designer of several original role-playing and card games, he brings a wealth of creativity and hands-on expertise to PeaceGrooves. Brent is also a lifelong musician, having played percussion for most of his life. He is married and the proud father of two boys.
Keith Lyndaker Schlabach
Keith holds a BA in Youth Ministry and a Graduate Certification in Conflict Transformation in Education from the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding at Eastern Mennonite University. Keith is a pastor, artist, musician, actor, and writer. His Christian faith in the Mennonite Anabaptist tradition fuels his passion for the Prince of Peace and the way of nonviolence.
Both brothers credit their creativity and commitment to peace to their upbringing, particularly the day their family TV broke and their parents refused to buy another. This moment sparked a lifelong habit of imagination, storytelling, and play.
Why We Need Your Help
Starting a movement like PeaceGrooves requires resources and community support. Our $25,000 goal will allow us to launch the first wave of PeaceGrooves creations and build a foundation for sustained impact. Every dollar brings us closer to a world where peace is not just a dream but a reality taught, lived, and celebrated through play.
Join us in inspiring the next generation of peacemakers. Together, we can create a culture where peace truly leaves a lasting mark.
Thank you for believing in our vision. Let’s make peace playable!
Organizer
Keith Lyndaker
Organizer
Millersburg, OH