Why all people and societies should care deeply about religious freedom

A number of recent studies indicate that religious freedom improves economies, undermines religious-related terrorism, and promotes the long-term stability and civility of society, among other things.  Regarding the first point, one recent article estimated the contribution of religion to the US economy to be $2.1 trillion per year.  Sadly, though, there has been a dramatic downturn in these freedoms globally; and even in the United States – founded largely on such freedoms – we have seen an erosion of them.  Since 84% of people worldwide follow a religion, and three-quarters of the world’s population – 5.1 billion people – live in countries with significant religious hostilities or restrictions, it’s important to consider this issue.

Today we’ll be examining the benefits of religious freedom and challenge our listeners to seriously consider supporting it.  We’ll be talking about this with Tom Farr, the President of the Religious Freedom Institute.  Tom also directs Georgetown University's Religious Freedom Research Project, and is an Associate Professor at Georgetown's Edmund Walsh School of Foreign Service. 

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

We all want answers to questions like why am I here and is there something responsible for me being here.  Protecting the freedom to pursue the answers to these questions is our "first duty" in the United States. 

Why should predominantly Muslim societies protect Christian freedoms, or any society protect religious freedom?

FULL TOM FARR INTERVIEW

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Life’s central purpose and the state of Christianity in America

Today we’re joined by Os Guinness, a well-known Christian scholar and social philosopher, and descendant of Arthur Guinness, the Dublin brewer.  Os was born in China in 1941, the son of medical missionaries.  While there his family lived through a period of great turbulence and famine during which two of his brothers died and the Chinese revolution reached its climax.  He returned to England at age nine while his parents remained under house arrest in China, and went on to study at the Universities of London and Oxford.  Os has written extensively about religious faith and its role in society, having authored over 25 books, and has served in a number of roles including Guest Scholar at the Woodrow Wilson Center and a Visiting Fellow at the Brookings Institution. Os joins us to talk about higher calling and the current state of Christianity in America. 

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

The Christian faith provides the roots for human dignity, freedom, equality, and many other great things in western civilization.

Conditions in America today are nearing the seriousness of those prior to the Civil War.

The importance of being faithful to our callings.

FULL OS GUINNESS INTERVIEW

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For more information:  Os Guinness' Website 

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Opening and closing music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough

Why so many people are unhappy at work, and what we can do about it

According to Gallup, a “staggering” 87% of employees worldwide are unhappy with their work.  In America, the number is 70% – which, although better, is still bad.  Even worse, these numbers have remained fairly steady over the past 16 years that Gallup has measured them, leading Gallup to call the situation “an employee engagement crisis.”  So what’s wrong, and is it possible for employees to gain a sense of higher purpose and genuine satisfaction from their work, regardless of circumstances?  Tonight we’re joined by Hugh Whelchel, a former high-tech executive; current Executive Director at The Institute of Faith, Work, and Economics; and author of the book How Then Should We Work?  Hugh joins us to talk about how focusing on the true meaning of our work, and working to contribute to the flourishing of society, leads to genuine fulfillment and satisfaction.

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

It's not what you do, it's the way you think about what you do.

A message for millennials.

Work for the peace and prosperity of your business, family, church, and community.

FULL INTERVIEW WITH HUGH WHELCHEL

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For more information:  The Institute for Faith, Work, and Economics;  How Then Should We Work? 

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Opening and closing music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough

Preparing college students to build businesses for good

We’re talking about business for good today.  It’s no longer enough to simply build a profitable business.  People are increasingly demanding that the companies they buy from provide great products and services while also making a positive impact on society.  As a result, companies are focusing on things like corporate social responsibility, fair trade, and conscious capitalism.  Just as important, our universities are now teaching their students how to build businesses that create social value.  Today, we’re joined by Lisa Gring-Pemble, an Associate Professor of Business and Director of Social Entrepreneurship and Global Impact at George Mason University (Mason); and Vijay Venkateswaran, CEO of Viventum - a local strategy and management consulting firm - and Mason alum who is assisting the university with industry engagement.  We’ll be talking about how Mason prepares its students for this new world of business and the things that make Mason a truly unique school. 

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

Helping students identify their passion.

There is a lack of passion in too many business leaders.

A call to join with Mason and work with their amazing students.

FULL INTERVIEW WITH LISA GRING-PEMBLE AND VIJAY VENKATESWARAN

For more information:  The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE)

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Opening and closing music:  Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough

Unimaginable forgiveness in the face of murder

“This man’s grandson killed this man’s son.”  This is how our guest, Azim Khamisa, is often introduced when he appears before groups gathered to hear him speak.  His story begins back in 1995 when his only son, Tariq – a 20-year-old student – was shot and killed while delivering pizzas in San Diego. His killer, Tony Hicks, became the first 14-year-old to stand trial as an adult in the state of California.  Tony received a 25-year-to-life prison sentence.  Not long after his son’s death, Azim founded the Tariq Khamisa Foundation – an organization committed to stopping children from killing children.  He also invited Tony’s grandfather and guardian, Ples Felix, to join him in this cause, and the two of them have since been sitting side-by-side on stages across the country sharing the power of forgiveness.  Azim has also forgiven Tony, lobbied for his release from prison, and plans to hire him at the Tariq Khamisa Foundation when he is freed. 

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

An eye for an eye, and soon the whole world is blind. 

Forgiveness displaces resentment and guilt, and leads to a fuller and more peaceful life.

An Eastern Muslim and Southern Baptist team up to promote forgiveness and nonviolence.

FULL AZIM KHAMISA INTERVIEW

For more information:   Tariq Khamisa Foundation;  Azim Khamisa's Website 

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Opening and closing music:  Crowder, Forgiven 

Cancer and the biology of hope and forgiveness

Tonight we’re talking about hope in the face of cancer.  According to the latest statistics from the American Cancer Society, the risk of developing cancer in women is over 37%, and in men it’s over 42%.  Cancer has been called one of the most significant challenges in human history and will affect every one of us at one time or another.  The good news is that we’re on a path towards more rational treatments, including a better understanding of the importance of a more holistic approach that acknowledges the role of spirituality, hope, and forgiveness in healing.  Today, we’re joined by Reverend Dr. Michael Barry, the former Director of Pastoral Care at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Philadelphia, and the author of four books, including A Reason for Hope and The Forgiveness Project, all of which attempt to address the spiritual needs of cancer patients at a time when their faith is both challenged and critically important.  Michael joins us to talk about his experiences and what’s truly important at such a difficult time in someone’s life. 

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

Advice for all cancer patients.

Advice for Christians facing cancer.

The biology of unforgiveness.

True hope has proven to be more important than medication or surgery (See The Anatomy of Hope by Harvard Medical School Professor Jerome Groopman). 

FULL INTERVIEW WITH MICHAEL BARRY

For more information:  A Reason for Hope;  The Forgiveness Project;  A Season for Hope;  The Art of Caregiving   

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Opening and closing music:  Leah Mari, Bethel Music, Healer

A black man befriends KKK members in his quest to tear down racial barriers

Tonight we return to the topic of racial reconciliation.  Our guest is Daryl Davis, a local musician, author, and black man who is on a mission to tear down some of the most extreme barriers between whites and blacks in our country.  For the past 30 years, Daryl has been seeking out and befriending members of the KKK, and watching them radically transform when they came to know him.  Some of these transformations have been so remarkable that a number of Klan members have rescinded their beliefs and given their hoods and robes to Daryl for a museum he plans to create.  Daryl joins us to talk about the power of crossing the divide, truly listening to people who are radically different from us, and building relationships.  He’ll also talk about what he learned performing with people like Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Bo Diddley.   

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

How can you hate me if you don't even know me? 

The power of giving your adversary a platform, genuinely listening to him or her, and talking with them and not at them.

The power of rock and roll.

FULL INTERVIEW WITH DARYL DAVIS

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For more information:  Daryl Davis Website;  Daryl's Steve Harvey Show Appearance;  Accidental Courtesy - Daryl Davis, Race & America documentary;  Klan-Destine Relationships: A Black Man's Odyssey in the Ku Klux Klan

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Opening music:  Daryl Davis, Y2K Boogie

Closing music:  Daryl Davis, Double "D" Blues

Remembering and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country

Tonight we continue with military month on Grace in 30 by hosting Ethan Morse, a former Tomb Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery, and filmmaker who recently produced a documentary about the Tomb and its guards.  Ethan joins us to talk about how he was drawn to serve as a Tomb Guard, the demands and privileges of doing so, and his higher calling to work as a filmmaker. 

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

Tomb Guards pursue perfection in order to point the country to the sacrifices that have been made for our freedom.

There are times when a Tomb Guard is the only person in the country guarding the fallen. 

There are ways to participate in Memorial Day on days other than the observed holiday.  

Ethan explains why he and his co-producer made the documentary.

FULL INTERVIEW WITH ETHAN MORSE

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For more information:  The Unknowns documentary trailer 

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Opening and closing music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough

Providing housing solutions to disabled American Veterans

Tonight we continue military month on Grace in 30 with Purple Heart Homes, founded by disabled veterans John Gallina and Dale Beatty.  After being injured together in Iraq in 2004, they returned to their communities where they received both appreciation for their service and help adjusting to life with their injuries.  They began to question why all Veterans didn’t get the same levels of support and assistance from society.  Dale and John decided do something about this and started Purple Heart Homes to provide housing solutions for service connected disabled veterans.   

The surprising difference in treatment of Iraq and Vietnam Vets.

Purple Heart Homes is on a mission to change our thinking about and treatment of our Veterans.

Being close to death changes your outlook on life.

Full interview with John Gallina and Dale Beatty, the Co-Founders of Purple Heart Homes.  (This may take 30 seconds or so to load.)

For more information:  Purple Heart Homes Website

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Opening and closing music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough

A Purple Heart recipient, mom, and Marine reservist works to provide housing for veterans wounded in action

Tonight we continue military month on Grace in 30 with a focus on moms in the military and a special organization that helps provide housing to veterans who were disabled while serving our country.  Samantha Christopher served two tours of duty in Afghanistan at the same time as her future husband, Benjamin.  Both of them were injured in IED attacks and awarded Purple Hearts.  After returning home, marrying, and starting a family, they came across Purple Heart Homes as they searched for a place of their own.  The help that Purple Heart Homes provided to them made such an impact that Sam joined them as a Board member and is committed to the work of “veterans helping veterans.”  Sam joins us to talk about her experiences in Afghanistan, being a mom in the Marines, and her work with Purple Heart Homes. 

If you are connected in any way with a veteran who is struggling, offer your ear and support.

Being a mom and a Marine strengthens your commitment to your fellow Marines.

Who is Purple Heart Homes?

Full interview with Samantha Christopher from Purple Heart Homes.  (This may take 30 seconds or so to load.)

For more information:  Purple Heart Homes Website

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Opening and closing music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough

The Army’s first Chief Technology Officer boldly walks by faith

Rick Pina was the first US-born member of his Dominican Republic family.  He grew up in Brooklyn in the 1970s, a place characterized by poverty, drugs and violence, and he joined the Army partly to escape this environment.  In August of 1995, he heard the gospel in a military chapel in Kuwait and asked God to reveal His truth to him and save him – and his life changed forever.  Rick taught his first Bible study just five months after giving his life to Christ, preached his first sermon before the end of his Kuwait deployment, and has been preaching ever since including thousands of Web devotionals.  Rick’s identity as a man of God never wavered as he rose to become the Army’s first Chief Technology Officer (CTO).  Rick joins us to talk about how he unabashedly walked by faith throughout his 25-year military career and his post-retirement ministry with his wife, Isabella. 

The closer you get to God, the less you think of yourself, and the less you look down on others.

Rick is a man of God first who just happened to be in the Army and honored to serve.

Take advantage of the opportunities the military gives you.

Full interview with Rick Pina, former Army Chief Technology Officer and the Co-Founder of Rick and Isabella Pina Ministries.  (This may take 30 seconds or so to load.)

For more information:  Rick and Isabella Pina Ministries Website;  Rick's Today's Word Blog

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Opening and closing music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough

Providing free medical care to those who desperately need it in remote and low income areas

Back in 1985, Stan Brock, the original “crocodile hunter,” founded Remote Area Medical (RAM) after suffering an injury in an isolated area of South America and also seeing the devastating impact that easy-to-treat illnesses and injuries can cause to people in hard-to-reach locations.  More than 30 years later, RAM has provided over $112M in free healthcare services to over 700,000 people around the globe.  Over time, RAM has increasingly focused on providing services in poor and rural areas of the United States, and today this work makes up more than 90% of their services.  Tonight we’re joined by Dr. Vicki Weiss, an Optometrist, serial volunteer, and President of the Board of Directors for RAM Virginia.  This year, RAM Virginia will run eight mobile clinics in locations of great need like Smyth, Warsaw, and Emporia Virginia, and they plan to expand to 12 clinics next year.  In 2016, 4,850 RAM volunteers provided free care to 5,134 Virginians valued at over $3M dollars.  Vicki joins us to talk about her experiences working with RAM and other volunteer groups, and some of the people she has served over the past 25+ years.

It's more than just physical services.  It's showing people that others care about them.

There are lots of people right here in Virginia that need medical care but can't afford and/or access it.

RAM Virginia's greatest need is for dentists, hygienists, optometrists, opticians, and doctors of all kinds.  They also need other volunteers and assistance.  Please feel free to reach out to their Director of Community Engagement, Marcus Adkins, to see how you might help.  His coordinates are: marcusVA@ramusa.org, 276-870-6299, www.ramusa.org/Virginia, and P.O. Box 38, Norton, VA24273.     

Full interview with Dr. Vicki Weiss, President of the Board of Directors for Remote Area Medical Virginia.  (This may take 30 seconds or so to load.)

Building an effective partnership between a church and public schools

Can a church build an effective relationship with public schools – one based on mutual trust, serving the community, and satisfying the school’s needs?  Sharon Hoover joins us to talk about how her church, Centreville Presbyterian Church (CPC), has done just that with three Fairfax County public schools in their community.  Sharon discusses how CPC has come alongside these schools and worked with them to address a number of challenges including helping at-risk teens, supporting teachers, and even holding a prayer/support vigil in the face of tragedy.  Sharon also discusses her work with the Redbud Writer’s Guild (a collection of Christian women from North America and Canada who are working to influence faith and culture through writing and speaking) and her current and forthcoming books.

There's a school near you that could use your help.

If a church is genuine in its desire to help public schools, its volunteers will be welcome. 

Advice for churches looking to work with public schools.

Full interview with Sharon Hoover from Centreville Presbyterian Church.  (This may take 30 seconds or so to load.)

For more information:  Centreville Presbyterian Church Website;  The Redbud Writer's Guild;  Soul Motive to Pray book  

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Opening and closing music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough

An Easter Redux of Vanishing Grace - An interview with Philip Yancey

About 20 years ago, I (Ed) was adrift in my Christian faith.  I had stopped attending the legalistic church I had been part of for many years, I was chasing the big payday in the high-tech startup world, and I had recently become a father.  All the while, though, something kept gnawing at me, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it.  As I wandered through Barnes and Noble, as I often did in those days, I kept passing a book entitled What’s So Amazing About Grace?  At first I thought, that’s a catchy title.  Then I started to think more and more deeply about the question until I finally said to myself, “What is so amazing about grace?!” So I purchased the book and read it, and it changed my life.  Today, we’re joined by Philip Yancey, the author of that book and 20 others (four written with Dr. Paul Brand), many of them award winning.  Philip’s most recent book is entitled Vanishing Grace, Whatever Happened to the Good News?  In it, he revisits the topic of grace noting that his original question has only grown more urgent in recent years.

Christians should be characterized by their joy, love, unity, generosity, and how well they get along with people no one else can get along with. 

A near-death experience leads to a greater awareness of grace.

We need to replace anger, divisiveness, judgement, and condemnation with the Spirit of grace demonstrated by Jesus.

Full Philip Yancey interview.  (This may take 30 seconds or so to open.)

For more information:  Philip Yancey's Website  

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Opening and closing music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough

Working at the intersection of faith, farming, and feeding the poor

It's a challenge to eat healthy, especially for people with limited income.  Unhealthy food is far more readily available and less expensive than nutritious food.  Today’s guest is working to address this challenge.  Sebastian Wilbern is the founder of Brickwater Abbey, a self-described “green think tank” that is working to make healthy foods available to the poor, and do so in a way that combines faith and farming.  In its first year, his Chantilly garden produced 750 pounds of food that provided hundreds of meals for people at New Hope Fellowship, a church serving the poor and homeless in Fairfax, VA.  Sebastian joins us to talk about how he arrived at the intersection of faith, farming, and serving the less fortunate, and his plans for the future. 

A call to start a neighborhood garden, visit your local farmers market, and make your neighborhood a real neighborhood.

Everybody feels good after an hour in "God's garden." 

The impact of serving as an EMT/firefighter at a young age. 

Full interview with Sebastian Wilbern from Brickwater Abbey.  (This may take 30 seconds or so to download.)

For more information:  Brickwater Abbey Website

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Opening and closing music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough

A Christian lawyer defends a Somali Muslim accused of piracy

When is a pirate not a pirate?  That’s the question posed in a November 2013 article in the LA Times about the arrest and trial of Ali Mohamed Ali, an accused Somali pirate.  Mr. Ali, as he’s known, was recruited by Somali pirates to negotiate the payment of a ransom and the release of hostages when the cargo vessel CEC Future was hijacked in the Gulf of Aden in 2008.  After successfully serving as a mediator, Mr. Ali was lured into the US by US authorities with a bogus invitation to attend an education conference, and arrested and detained for 30 months leading up to his 2013 trial.   What makes the case even more fascinating is that Mr. Ali, a Muslim, was represented pro bono by Matt Peed, a Christian attorney from Clinton Brook & Peed in Washington, DC.  Matt joins us to talk about the case and share insights he gained over three years defending Mr. Ali.

A call for us to get out of our comfort zone and meet people who are different from us.

Finding a passion for defending those who need a voice and in turn advancing God's Kingdom.

Full interview with Matt Peed from Clinton Brook & Peed.  (This may take 30 seconds or so to load.)

For more information:  Clinton Brook & Peed Website

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Opening and closing music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough

Retired Congressman Frank Wolf’s fight for human rights and religious freedom around the world

Today we’re hosting former Congressman Frank Wolf, who left Congress in 2014 after serving 17 terms (34 years) to focus full-time on his passions of human rights and religious freedom.  Congressman Wolf currently serves as a Distinguished Senior Fellow at the 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative where their mission is to “create a world where religious freedom is recognized by nations across the globe as a fundamental human right.”  Congressman Wolf joins us to talk about his time in Congress, the work he’s doing today (including the development of a Congressional scorecard), and what keeps him driven after so many years of public service. 

The Western Christian church is failing on the issue of religious freedom in many ways including being silent too often in the face of injustice. 

A new scorecard that tracks the votes of Members of Congress on key issues of international religious freedom, and also reveals the silence of their constituents and faith communities. 

The profound threat from Nigeria that no one seems to be talking about. 

If you pray with someone, and pray for them, and break bread with them, it becomes hard to attack each other.

Full interview with Congressman Frank Wolf.  (This may take 30 seconds or so to load.)

For more information:  21st Century Wilberforce Initiative;  International Religious Freedom Congressional Scorecard

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Opening and closing music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough

A method to produce genuine and lasting racial, political, and religious reconciliation

We live in a country and world characterized by division.  We desperately need a method for reconciliation that tears down the racial, political, religious, and many other walls of division that separate us.  Today, we’re hosting John Slye, Senior Pastor of Grace Community Church in Arlington and Falls Church – a church for people who don’t go to church.  John joins us to talk about the keys to genuine/lasting reconciliation, including an honest assessment of ourselves, proximity to those who differ from us, intellectual effort, and prayer.    

We are wired for comfort, and comfort corrupts.  We need Christ to help us turn outward from ourselves.

A black man becomes the godfather to Klan members' children. 

When faced with aggression, the best option is neither fight nor flight, but standing our ground in peace.  The non-violent approach taught by Jesus has produced major changes like the abolition of slavery and the civil rights movement. 

Christianity doesn't crush cultures, it lifts them up and promotes multiculturalism. 

CALL TO ACTION:  Go, cross the divide, and be with someone who is different from you.  One way is to host a gathering over a meal where people from differing backgrounds and points-of-view get together, break bread, and share their experiences.  Here's an example focused on racial reconciliation.   

Full interview with John Slye, Senior Pastor at Grace Community Church.  (This may take 30 seconds or so to load.)

For more information:  Grace Community Church Website;  Tables for 8

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Opening and closing music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough

Reconnecting homeless people with their loved ones via video messages and social media

Ask yourself, where would you be without family and friends?  The answer, too often, is homeless and possibly on the streets.  Miracle Messages helps people experiencing homelessness to record short videos for their long-lost relatives.  They use social media and volunteers to locate their loved ones and try to deliver the messages as a way of reuniting families.  Restoring those relationships at the beginning of a recovery process is the goal, and they hope to unite 1% of the world’s homeless population with their relatives by 2021.  How cool would it be to use our cell phones not only for texting and selfies but also as a tool to help end homelessness and help our neighbors in need.  Today we’re joined by Kevin Adler, the Founder and CEO of Miracle Messages.  Kevin joins us to share how this idea came about, some stories of family reunions, and how they plan to reach their audacious goal. 

Don't be afraid to engage your neighbors.

Look at the homeless as someone's brother or sister or mother or father, not as people who don't have housing. 

The story is the same over and over again.  The homeless don't realize they are homeless when they lose their housing but rather when they lose the family and friends that can help them.   

Full interview with Kevin Adler, the Founder and CEO of Miracle Messages.  (This may take 30 seconds or so to download.)

For more information:  Miracle Messages; Messages from Janette, Jeffrey, and Eddie; Reunion videos

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Opening and closing music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough

Dramatically improving the lives of prisoners and their families - Part 2

Our criminal justice system is broken.  We lock up way too many people in awful conditions; we generally don’t help them rehabilitate and heal; our prisons seem to drain the life out of inmates and train them in new forms of criminal behavior; and the majority of those released commit more crimes and return to prison.  James Ackerman, the President and CEO of Prison Fellowship, joins us to continue our conversation about improving the lives and futures of prisoners, former prisoners, and their families.  Prison Fellowship is active in 449 U.S. prisons and jails, and offers intensive year-long programs in 76 of those facilities across 23 states.  The non-profit estimates that it serves 25,000 prisoners each month, and impacts 200,000 unique inmates per year.  Prison Fellowship also operates the Angel Tree program where volunteers purchase and deliver Christmas gifts on behalf of parents who are incarcerated, providing gifts to 291,000 children last year alone.

Consider being a church that welcomes people coming out of prison and helps them integrate back into the community. 

When a man or woman goes to prison it often has a devastating impact on their family.

The warden at a Supermax prison takes the time to get to know his prisoners.

Incarceration should be restorative in nature.  Here's a program that improves prison culture while preparing people to return to society. 

Part two of the full interview with James Ackerman, Prison Fellowship's President and CEO.  (This may take 30 seconds or so to load.)