An haute couture fashion designer reveals God’s beauty

In the early 90s, a young haute couture fashion designer named Aleona Isakova became a finalist in the prestigious Nina Ricci fashion competition in Moscow.  She also became the public face and designer for a Russian company, and she appeared to be on top of the world.  But she soon found herself thinking, “Is this all there is, simply living and designing clothes?”  She would eventually have a vision of a collection of haute couture dresses that represent the story of the Bible, and a businessman she barely knew would give her a half-million dollars to bring her vision to life.  Her Beauty by God collection has since been shown in London, Jerusalem, Moscow, Australia, and America.  Aleona and her husband now live in the United States and she recently launched the Leonard Charitable Foundation, Inc. in honor of the gentlemen who so graciously funded her collection.  Aleona joins us to talk about her experiences in Russia, her personal transformation, and a fashion design competition her foundation is sponsoring to motivate talented fashion designers to create God-inspired designs to be revealed at DC Fashion Week in Washington in September 2018.  We’re also joined by Annabel Foery, the foundation’s Treasurer. 

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

An amazing vision during lean times, and an unexpected benefactor.

Stirring young designers to use the Bible for inspiration. 

What exactly is haute couture?

Please pray for resources, wisdom, and everyone involved in the competition - especially the designers.

FULL INTERVIEW WITH ALEONA ISAKOVA AND ANNABEL FOERY FROM THE LEONARD CHARITABLE FOUNDATION, INC.

(This may take 20 seconds or so to download.)

Retired Congressman Frank Wolf fights for human rights and religious freedom

Former Congressman Frank Wolf left Congress in 2014 after serving 17 terms (34 years) to focus full-time on his passions of human rights and religious freedom.  He 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 as a fundamental human right.  Congressman Wolf joins us to talk about the current state of these rights and freedoms across the globe, his time in Congress, and the work he is doing today including the development of a Congressional scorecard that encourages and commends congressional action on these issues. 

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

The Western Christian church is failing on the issue of religious freedom by 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 break bread with them, it becomes hard to attack each other.

FULL CONGRESSMAN FRANK WOLF INTERVIEW

(This may take 20 seconds or so to load.)

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

______________________________

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

The radical prison transformation of a violent white supremacist

Russ Kloskin grew up in a family marked by violence, drug use, and poverty.  At age seven his mom got him high on marijuana, and at age 11 she took him with her to perform a burglary.  At age 12 he was arrested for the first time, and at age 15 he was arrested for armed robbery and tried and convicted as an adult.  Russ would spend 27 of the next 35 years in prison where he became a member of the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas, one of the most violent white supremacist prison gangs in the U.S., briefly rising to the level of President during the late 90s.  During a 7-year stint in solitary confinement, Russ began to see the anger and rage that had come to fill his heart and radically changed his life.  He joins us to talk about his experiences and the work he is now doing to help prisoners successfully re-integrate with society when they are released.

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

A mom's unimaginable cruelty and its lasting impression.

No matter who you are or what you've done, Jesus can heal you.

God wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. (1 Timothy 2:3-4)

FULL RUSS KLOSKIN INTERVIEW

(This may take 20 seconds or so to load.)

For more information:  Alone in a Steel Box with a Bible;  Prison Fellowship Re-Entry Program

______________________________

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

Transforming prisons into places of economic, social, and spiritual flourishing

There are over 2.2 million prisoners in the United States.  Wouldn’t it be great if we could harness their potential, give them meaningful work, and pay fair wages that they could use to help their families outside of prison?  Well tonight’s guest has done just that.  Since 2010, Pete Ochs, CEO of Capital III (“3”), has run businesses inside the maximum and medium security prisons at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility in Kansas.  Pete joins us to talk about how these businesses came about, the profound effect they have had on everyone involved, and the lessons he’s learned over his 40+ year career.    

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

Our impact is limited when we have one foot in worldly success and one foot in surrender. 

Prisons are deserts of human flourishing, but when you offer economic opportunities and treat inmates with dignity the doors to flourishing fling open. 

Success, significance, and surrender.

FULL PETE OCHS INTERVIEW

(This may take 20 seconds or so to load.)

For more information:  Capital III Website;  Documentary Trailer for Prison-Based Seat King Business (Scroll down for video)

______________________________

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

A thriving local software company promotes compassion, dignity and excellence

Today we’re joined by David DeWolf, the founder and CEO of 3Pillar Global, a local software development firm that has been named an Inc. 5000 fastest growing company in seven of the past eight years.   3Pillar was also recently named a Washington Post Top Workplace for the 3rd consecutive year.  David joins us to talk about the keys to balancing a thriving business, large family, and numerous other responsibilities, all while expressing compassion and honoring the dignity of all.

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

Operating at the intersection of your passions and what you're good at.

Keys to good leadership.

In an increasingly divisive world, we need to transform things from the ground up.

FULL DAVID DEWOLF INTERVIEW

(This may take 20 seconds or so to download.)

For more information:  3Pillar Global Website;  David DeWolf Blog and Podcast

______________________________

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

A preview of the new Museum of the Bible in downtown DC

The Bible is a book unlike any other.  Its contents were written over the course of 1,500 years by 40 different people (from a fisherman to kings); on three different continents; in three different languages; in dramatically different settings (from prison to palaces); and in a wide range of tones including despair, joy, admonishment, and instruction.  And yet its core message and teachings are unified and consistent throughout.

Despite the fact that over 6 billion Bibles have been printed, though, ignorance about its content, history, and impact abounds.  A new museum opening in Washington D.C. on November 17th has been designed to address this.  The Museum of the Bible is a brand new, 430,000-square-foot facility just two blocks from the National Mall and three blocks from the U.S. Capitol.  Today we’re hosting Dr. William Guice, Director of Church Engagement for the museum, who joins us to talk about this one-of-a-kind facility, the amazing book behind it, and why it’s important.   

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

The most important event of the past 1,000 years.

Everybody is welcome and admission is free.

We have wanted something like this for decades - and it's here.

FULL DR. WILLIAM GUICE INTERVIEW

(This may take 20 seconds or so to load.)

Helping teen moms build a better future

At age 17, just a week before she was scheduled to leave for college with a full-ride volleyball scholarship, Autumn Williams discovered she was 24 weeks pregnant.  At age 20, Cynthia Wood, a high-school dropout living from day-to-day, also discovered she was pregnant.  The two met and became friends, and when Autumn decided to form a non-profit called Two Percent Project that helps teen moms build a better future, Cynthia couldn’t resist joining her.  Both women now have two children, work full-time jobs, and spend about as much time on their non-profit as they do on their work.  They join us to talk about the initial shock of finding out they were pregnant, the unique challenges faced by teen moms, and the hope they offer young women in similar situations.

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

Advice on how to treat teen moms.

The meaning of the name "Two Percent Project."

It takes two to tango.

FULL INTERVIEW WITH AUTUMN WILLIAMS AND CYNTHIA WOOD

(This may take 20 seconds or so to load.)

For more information:  Two Percent Project on Facebook;  Two Percent Project Website

______________________________

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

A method to produce genuine and lasting racial reconciliation

We live in a country and world characterized by racial, political, economic, and religious division.  We desperately need reconciliation, i.e., to tear down the walls that separate us.  But how do we do that?  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 and lasting reconciliation, and to challenge us to get out of our comfort zone and take on the task.  (This is a replay of a program that aired on March 15, 2017.)

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

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 JOHN SLYE INTERVIEW

(This may take 20 seconds or so to load.)

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

______________________________

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

A 12-year-old Fairfax girl's story of human trafficking

It's hard to believe, but human trafficking (especially teen sex trafficking) is a significant problem in Northern Virginia.  This past January was National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month so we decided to focus on the issue back then.  We were joined on January 11 by Barbara Amaya, a survivor of human trafficking from age 12 through 21, who now works as a human rights advocate and is the author of the award winning book Nobody’s Girl, A Memoir of Lost Innocence, Modern Day Slavery and Transformation.  We were also joined by Kay Duffield, Executive Director of the Northern Virginia Human Trafficking Initiative (NOVA HTI), a non-profit that is working to eradicate human trafficking in the local area.  Barbara and Kay shared their stories with us and told us how we can join them in working to eliminate this problem from our communities.

IF YOU'RE A VICTIM OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING, PLEASE CALL THE NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING HOTLINE AT 1-888-373-7888 FOR HELP.

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

We all need to recognize that human trafficking exists in our backyard.

Take the time and effort to consider the people around you.  If you feel like something is wrong with someone, it probably is. 

Red flags and signs to look for to identify possible human trafficking victims.

A higher purpose emerges from a prolonged and painful period of life.

Human trafficking is a horrific evil.

FULL INTERVIEW

(This could take 20 seconds or so to load.)

For more information:  Northern Virginia Human Trafficking Initiative, Barbara Amaya's Website, Barbara's book: Nobody's Girl, The National Human Trafficking Hotline

______________________________

Intro and closing music:  Reston Bible Church Worship Band, This Cornerstone album, Father, Let Me Dedicate

Millennials walk across America promoting a Culture of Life

Back in 1993 on World Youth Day, Saint Pope John Paul II challenged young people to hit the road and get out on the highways and byways to spread the Gospel of Life.  A young man named Steve Sanborn heard that call and decided to do something.  In the summer of 1995, Steve and some of his fellow students at Franciscan University of Steubenville organized a pro-life walk across America covering 3,200 miles in 11 weeks.  Seeing the overwhelming support they received on their mission, Steve founded a non-profit – Crossroads – which has been organizing walks each summer ever since.  As of today, over 1,000 young people have witnessed to millions of Americans as they crossed the country in dedication to this cause.  Tonight, we’re joined by two walkers who finished their cross-country trek today.  Emily Ouillette and Cliff Hearn join us to talk about their experiences this summer, the people they encountered, and the mood of the country towards this issue.   

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

The overwhelming mood of the country might surprise you.

Each person has something to offer that no one else in the world can offer.

The biggest lessons from a trek across the country.

FULL EMILY OUILLETTE AND CLIFF HEARN INTERVIEW

(This may take 30 seconds or so to load.)

For more information:  Crossroads Website

______________________________

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

A blind man’s vision of advocating for the disabled

Two years ago, tonight’s guest, Brandon Charles, packed all his stuff in a duffle bag, boarded a Greyhound bus on a snowy evening, and traveled overnight from Pittsburgh to DC.  When he arrived, he hopped on the metro – something he had never done before – and then took a cab to his temporary new home.  What makes this story compelling is that Brandon was born blind, and his bold move followed a string of challenges he had experienced over several years.  The move turned out to be a major turning point in his life and a great thing for Arlington residents.  Brandon has since begun producing and hosting the Breaking Boundaries program on WERA-LP, an advocacy program for the disabled.  The show airs on Mondays at 4:00 p.m. on 96.7 FM and is in its second year.  Brandon joins us to share his story of self-discovery and higher purpose, and to challenge us in how we see, interact with, and serve the disabled.  

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

A challenge to listen to the disabled, honor their input, and respect their intelligence. 

Faith in Christ leads to an understanding of forgiveness and a desire to be a change agent.

The joy of giving the disabled a voice. 

FULL INTERVIEW WITH BRANDON CHARLES

(This may take 30 seconds or so to load.)

For more information:  Breaking Boundaries on Mixcloud

______________________________

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

A non-partisan organization operating across faith, racial, and economic boundaries fights for social justice

Wouldn’t it be great if there was a non-partisan organization that operates across faith, racial, and economic boundaries while fighting for social justice in Northern Virginia?  The sort of organization that works its way into government official's offices and the CEO suites of Fortune 50 companies to fight for things like affordable housing, criminal justice reform, school equality, and immigrant rights.  Well today we’re joined by just such a group.  Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement (VOICE) is a “citizens power organization” that has been fighting for the rights of low and medium income residents in Northern Virginia for nearly a decade.  We’ll be talking to Robert Buckman, a leader with VOICE since its formation in 2008.  Robert will be telling us about a number of VOICE’s social justice initiatives and the importance of civic involvement to the health of our communities and country.   

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

Jews, Muslims, Christians, and Universalists taking their shared values into the public arena. 

VOICE listens to the community.

A disappointment with Arlington.

FULL INTERVIEW WITH ROBERT BUCKMAN

(This may take 30 seconds or so to load.)

For more information:  VOICE Website;  Industrial Areas Foundation Website

______________________________

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

Distributing nearly a million pounds of food each year to our food insecure neighbors

Over 18,000 people in Arlington County are “food insecure,” meaning they don't have reliable access to a sufficient quantity of food at affordable prices.  That’s more than 8% of the population of a county that is consistently ranked among the best places to live in America.  That number skyrockets to over 200,000 when you consider the 21-county area covered by the Catholic Diocese of Arlington.  Thankfully, Catholic Charities and their Saint Lucy Food Project are on the case, offering help to anyone who needs it and flexible volunteer programs to anyone who wants to serve – both regardless of beliefs.  Today’s guest, Vince Cannava, is the Program Director and Food Source Developer at Saint Lucy.  Vince is here to share his experiences distributing food to 53 parishes across the Diocese and how you can join in on your own terms and help your neighbors in need. 

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

Providing opportunities for people to volunteer on their own terms. 

A new program that harvests food from local farms (see video). 

A challenge to increase your awareness, help children who are missing meals because they are on summer break from school, and consider partnering with Saint Lucy's Food Project.  Please call 703-479-2975 if you're looking for opportunities to help.

FULL VINCE CANNAVA INTERVIEW

(This may take 30 seconds or so to load.)

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

(This could take 30 seconds or so to load.)

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

(This may take 30 seconds or so to load.)

For more information:  Os Guinness' Website 

______________________________

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

(This may take 30 seconds or so to load.)

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

______________________________

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)

______________________________

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 

______________________________

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   

______________________________

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

(This may take 30 seconds or so to load.)

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

______________________________

Opening music:  Daryl Davis, Y2K Boogie

Closing music:  Daryl Davis, Double "D" Blues