Enduring love in the face of alcoholism, jail, and terminal cancer

Tonight we feature a love story.  But it’s not your typical Valentine’s Day tale.  It’s a story of marriage, alcoholism, separation, jail, restoration, and terminal cancer – across the span of 30 years.  We’re joined by Lee Self, a former high tech executive who now facilitates CEO peer learning groups.  Lee joins us to talk about the effect of her husband’s alcoholism on her family, and the fundamental lessons she and her loved ones learned from it.

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

I can't, God can, so I think I'll let Him.

We were created for community.

The practical relevance of Jesus' sacrifice in our lives.

FULL LEE SELF INTERVIEW

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

For more information:  Al-Anon (support for people worried about someone with a drinking problem)          

______________________________

Opening music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough

One man’s heart for music and the gospel

Today’s guest, Will Herron, grew up in Northern Ireland and was an early member of the experimental Irish folk rock band known as the Rend Collective, which toured with folks like Chris Tomlin and Kari Jobe, and last year performed at Madison Square Garden and Red Rocks.  He left the group five years ago to become the worship leader at Holy Trinity Church in McLean VA.  Will’s story isn’t sensational like some of the “prodigal sons” we have featured on our program.  It’s more a story of the prodigal son’s brother who, while he stayed home, had a heart that was just as far from his Father as his brother’s.  Will joins us to talk about his life journey and the centrality of music and community to his faith and higher purpose. 

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

The cross of Jesus Christ reveals God's heart for humanity.

The gospel is an inclusive message for everyone.

In studio live performance.

FULL INTERVIEW

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

For more information:  Holy Trinity Church;  HTC Music;  Rend Collective Website (Scroll down for an excellent video called The Good News Story)

______________________________

Opening music:  Higher, Holy Trinity Church Music, I Will Follow album

Closing music:  Always, Holy Trinity Church Music, Everything We Have Is Yours album

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

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

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

Vanishing grace - Whatever happened to the Good News?

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.

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

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 INTERVIEW

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

For more information:  Philip Yancey's Website  

______________________________

Closing music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough

#GOSPEL – Sharing the Good News with Generation Z

According to tonight’s guest, in today’s information-saturated world we have five-to-ten seconds to persuade someone that what we have to say is worthy of their time and attention.  After that, a filter kicks in and people tune us out.  So how does this affect how we share the gospel; and what exactly is the gospel?  Daniel Rice is the author of #GOSPEL, and the founder of the Hashtag Gospel organization that works to present the gospel in a way that syncs with today’s culture and uniqueness.  Daniel joins us to talk about what led him to start this movement, how it’s affected others, and to share some “updated” takes on the gospel. 

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

Books, videos, and study guides are only tools.  The most important ingredient to discipleship is personal relationship. 

All to often, young people walk away from the church because they don't feel heard or listened to. 

You can't buy your way into God's good graces.

FULL DANIEL RICE INTERVIEW

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

For more information:  #GOSPEL Website;  #GOSPEL Book;  #GOSPEL Videos    

______________________________

Opening music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough

The Army’s first Chief Technology Officer walks boldly 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. 

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

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 RICK PINA INTERVIEW

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

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

______________________________

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

Providing hot food, clothing, warmth, and other services to local homeless people every Friday

Gene and Jeanie Cross have been getting up at 4:00 a.m. every Friday for the past 10 years to prepare hot meals and provide other services for the homeless population in Ballston, VA.  They join us to talk about how they were drawn to this type of volunteer work; and the benefits of doing so for them, the people they serve, and the folks they work alongside.  They also share stories about the people they have helped, and challenge us to step outside the walls of our homes and churches and get our hands dirty serving others. 

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

The fulfillment, happiness, and joy of serving others.

Don't just throw money over the wall.

Turn your church into a place of love and community engagement.

FULL GENE AND JEANIE CROSS INTERVIEW

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

For more information:  CUMC/A-SPAN Homeless Ministry;  Central United Methodist Church Website  

______________________________

Opening music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough

A Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient helps military family members grieve the loss of a loved one

Bonnie Carroll is a 2015 recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.  She’s a former White House West Wing staffer and Air Force Reserve Major whose life was forever changed when her husband, Brigadier General Tom Carroll, was killed in an Army C-12 plane crash in November 1992.  As Bonnie searched for support, she realized there was no organization dedicated to providing help to military families grieving the death of a loved one.  In 1994, she founded TAPS – Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors – a national support program that has offered hope and healing to 70,000 military family members, casualty officers, and caregivers.  Bonnie joins us to talk about the experience of losing her husband, her vision for TAPS, and some of the people they’ve been able to serve. 

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

We grieve because we love, and love endures forever.

The origin of TAPS and what they do.  (24/7 Hotline: 800-959-8277)

Here are some things you can do this holiday season and beyond for those who have suffered a loss.  (TAPS Website Volunteer Page and Wreaths Across America)

FULL BONNIE CARROLL INTERVIEW

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

For more information:  TAPS Website;  24/7 Hotline: 800-959-8277;  Wreaths Across America 

______________________________

Opening music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough

Life-changing Christmas gifts for children of prison inmates

Kevin Almestica was born in Rikers Island Prison 23 years ago.  Three days later, his mother handed him over to Mayra Alemar to raise until she was released from prison.  Mayra was working with Prison Fellowship when she first met Kevin’s pregnant mom.  Kevin’s biological parents and godfather were all dead by the time he was 12, and Mayra wound up raising Kevin to adulthood while also caring for five other children.  Kevin joins us to talk about his experiences growing up, and the profound impact that Mayra and Prison Fellowship's Angel Tree program had on him.  We’re also joined by Jim Forbes, the Director of Communications for Prison Fellowship, who will give us details on their Angel Tree program. 

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

How Angel Tree works and its impact.

Giving hope to children who are troubled and lost in the absence of a parent.

Over ten million gifts given.

FULL ANGEL TREE INTERVIEW

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

For more information:  Angel Tree Program Web Page;  Prison Fellowship Website

______________________________

Opening music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough

The importance of listening

The importance of listening is something that countless guests have shared with us on Grace in 30.  Yet it seems to be in short supply these days.  When we don’t have our heads buried in our mobile phones or connected to earbuds, we’re formulating the next thing we’re going to say while someone else is talking.  Even worse, our failure to truly listen leads us to miss out on the need, pain, and suffering of people all around us.  Today’s guest is Art Bennett, CEO and President of Catholic Charities of the Arlington Diocese, and the co-author of Tuned In: The Power of Pressing Pause and Listening.  Art joins us to talk about what listening really is, how to do it with purpose, and the benefits and joys of doing so.

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

Treat everyone you meet as a real person.

Listening is more than hearing.

A way to break our transactional nature.

FULL ART BENNETT INTERVIEW

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

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

______________________________

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

Getting people engaged in our communities and democracy

It was a beautiful thing to see the scenes of rescue and kindness during the recent hurricanes.  Nobody was asking people who they voted for or their position on confederate statues as they helped each other with patience and dignity.  This begs a question.  How do we get people treating each other like this and serving one another absent some form of tragedy?  Tonight we’re joined by Kristin Cambell, the Executive Director of PACE (Philanthropy for Active Civil Engagement), a learning collaborative of over 45 diverse philanthropies that invest in getting people engaged in our communities and democracy.  Some of their members include the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation, and the Case Foundation.  Kristin joins us to talk about this and other important questions, and how her organization is working to address them.

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

We all have a role to play in creating the communities we want to be part of. 

Helping people become active participants in building and strengthening their communities.

Stories put a human face on policies, investments, and interventions.

Faith values that significantly impact civic engagement. 

FULL KRISTEN CAMBELL INTERVIEW

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

For more information:  PACE Website;  Civic Engagement Primer Video

______________________________

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

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