Responding to the rise of the “nones”

We’re hearing a lot these days about the rise of the “nones,” i.e., people who check “none” on survey questions about their religious affiliation.  The “nones” are particularly prevalent among young people, with 36% of Millennials identifying as such.  Should we care about this phenomenon or just let “you do you”? 

Tonight, we’re joined by Dr. Matt Nelson, the Assistant Director of the Word on Fire Institute, an organization formed by Bishop Robert Barron to respond to the rise of the “nones” in our culture. Matt is a Doctor of Chiropractic who lives and works in Canada with his family and the author of the book Just Whatever: How to Help the Spiritually Indifferent Find Beliefs That Really Matter. Matt joins us to talk about the spiritual indifference that is increasingly prevalent in society as well as the importance of what we believe, who and what we worship, and the source of truth and authority.

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

Beauty is a place where all people can meet.

Evangelizing is about building relationships.

The importance of life’s big questions.

FULL MATT NELSON INTERVIEW

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For more information: Word on Fire; Word on Fire Institute

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Opening music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough  

One couple's experience treating pancreatic cancer

In July 2016, Diane Melick discovered she had a mass in her pancreas that was later diagnosed as pancreatic cancer.  This kicked off a 21-month journey where she and her ex-husband, Ed, considered various treatments from conventional medicine, alternative care, and the realm of supernatural healing.  Ed joins us to talk about some of their experiences and share some advice for people facing a similar diagnosis. 

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

Recommendations for people who have recently been diagnosed with cancer.

Stop trying to impose your will on others and learn to serve them and offer advice in a graceful way.

Adjusting our view of healing.

FULL ED MELICK INTERVIEW

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Opening music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough  

The death of a daughter drives home the reality and power of the Gospel

Back in 2008, tonight’s guest pulled up to his house after a day at work and was greeted by his 10-year-old daughter, Irene, who asked if she could go swimming at a friend’s house.  Two hours later, Irene was pronounced dead at a local hospital.  Later that evening, he called his mother in Africa and told her what had happened, and her reaction was something few people could imagine. 

Tonight, we’re talking to Cyrus Mad-Bondo, the Executive Pastor of Global Impact at McLean Bible Church, and Irene’s dad.  Cyrus joins us to talk about what he learned from his daughter’s death as well as from his work around the world in challenging environments. 

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

What will people say about you when you die?

An opportunity to truly rely on God.

A shocking example of grace and forgiveness in Rwanda.

FULL CYRUS MAD-BONDO INTERVIEW

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For more information: As We Forgive Documentary

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Opening music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough 

Insights from a data analysis of healing in the Bible

Are you or someone you know fighting a life-threatening illness?  Have you been looking for answers that go beyond conventional medicine?  Has someone’s illness driven you more deeply into your faith or even caused you to question your faith?  Have you wondered, What does the Bible really say about healing, health and wellness?  If you answered yes to any of these questions, you’ll find tonight’s program of particular interest.  Sal D’Itri will be interviewing his Grace in 30 co-cost, Ed Melick, about his journey walking alongside his ex-wife as she battled pancreatic cancer.  They talk about a number of interesting things Ed learned including the results of a deep-dive data analysis of healing in the Bible that he performed. 

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

A key attribute of grace.

A message for non-Christians.

A message for Christians.

FULL ED MELICK INTERVIEW

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Opening music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough  

Divorce, cancer, grace and healing

In April 2008, Ed Melick’s wife, Diane, told him she wanted a divorce following 22.5 years of marriage.  What happened three weeks later gave him a glimpse into the realness, power, practicality, and beauty of God’s grace, and became the biggest turning point of his life.  Ed joins us to talk about the restoration of his relationship with Diane over ten years and his journey alongside her as she battled pancreatic cancer. 

The realness, power, practicality and beauty of God’s grace.

A challenge to extend radical grace.

Grace is unearned, undeserved, and unwavering.

FULL ED MELICK INTERVIEW

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Opening music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough  

A Messianic Jew and a Christian team up to promote unity in the church

America is divided on many fronts – racially, politically, socioeconomically…  There is a lot of pain, hate, anger, and polarization in our country.  We have heard many times on Grace in 30 about the importance of proximity and listening to tearing down the walls that separate us.  Tonight, we’re joined by two very different men – a Jewish man who grew up the son of hippies and went on to work as a civil servant, and a Christian man who grew up as a military brat and went on to work in education and the food service industry.  They have joined forces to provide an example of how to eliminate the barriers that separate us, starting with the age-old barrier between Jew and Gentile.  Eric Teitelman and Jed Robyn talk about the importance of intentionally bringing people of differing beliefs together and encouraging them to empathize with and love one another. 

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

Countering division and strife inside and outside of the church.

The Gospel has no place for disunity of any form.

The pride of putting ourselves in God’s place.

FULL INTERVIEW

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For more information: House of David Ministries

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Opening music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough  

Challenging underserved youths to dream big at the Southeast DC Dream Center

Back in 1996, two men launched a mentoring program in an underserved Southeast DC neighborhood where far too many youths grow up without appropriate role models.  Twenty years later, the Dream Center opened a new facility just behind its original home in the Southeast White House with the goal of encouraging local children and adults to dream big while receiving a range of services designed to help them honor their God-given potential.

Today we’re joined by Ernest Clover, the Director of both the Dream Center and Southeast White House.  Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Ernest began volunteering at the Southeast White House in 2007 while serving as an intern on Capitol Hill.  His experience left such an impression on him that he decided to return as a mentor after completing his master’s degree seven years ago, and he has been there ever since.  Ernest joins us to talk about the Dream Center’s approach of letting the community inform what services they provide, and the new facility they opened in 2016.   

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

Earning the right to be heard through serving.

We’re looking for committed people who feel called to serve in an inner city setting.

FULL ERNEST CLOVER INTERVIEW

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For more information: DC Dream Center Website

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Opening music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough  

A story of extreme middle school bullying gives hope to other victims

My guess is that most of our listeners have heard about the sexual assault case involving junior varsity football players at Damascus Senior High – an assault that one prosecutor described as “astonishingly cruel.”  While it’s easy to dismiss such occurrences as extreme and rare, it does beg the question, is this evidence of a much broader culture of abuse and bullying in our schools? 

Tonight’s guest is here to answer that question.  Just a few years ago, Knott Kavanaugh was the target of never-ending abuse at the hands of fellow students at a Fairfax County middle school.  The bullying got so bad, and the teacher apathy so persistent, that he attempted suicide at age 13.  After Knott’s mom pulled him out of the school and became a home schooler, Knott wrote a book about his experiences as part of a class assignment.  When he saw the affect his story had on other bullied children and their unaware parents, he knew he could make a difference by sharing it with people – and he’s here to do that tonight.  We’re also joined by Knott’s mom who will give us a parent’s perspective on bullying. 

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

Comfort for victims and advice for parents.

We need to stop accepting defiance, anger, and bullying as normal teen behavior.

Bullying is a serious, widespread problem that needs to be addressed in community.

FULL KNOTT KAVANAUGH INTERVIEW

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For more information: Bullied Broken Redeemed book

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Opening music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough 

Surfing North Korea, and other stories from inside the DPRK

Tonight’s guest, Gabe Segoine, was born in Maui and grew up in California.  At age 19, he moved back to Maui to live what he calls the dream surfer life, but he realized after six years that he was miserable.  Following a series of life-changing events, Gabe found himself in North Korea where he was working to bring clean water, heating coal, medicine, and other necessities to its people.  When he saw some waves he asked about surfing and the rest, as they say, is history.  Gabe has been to North Korea 18 times since that original trip and founded Love North Korea Ministries, a faith-based nonprofit dedicated to helping the people of North Korea improve their lives – and surf!  He recently published a book about his experiences entitled, Surfing North Korea: And Other Stories from Inside.  Gabe joins us to talk about the love he’s developed for the people of North Korea, the challenges Westerners face working in their country, and misconceptions about North Koreans, their government, and its relationship with the West. 

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

The impact of bringing clean water to people.

North Koreans are open to engagement with the West.

A challenge to pray for Kim Jong-un, Donald Trump, and Moon Jae-in.

FULL GABE SEGOINE INTERVIEW

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Navigating the false choices in today’s highly partisan environment

Tonight’s guest is well-versed in the false dichotomies between the political right and left – the lie that we must choose one side at the expense of the other when addressing issues like the rights of the unborn and the rights of women, domestic job security and immigration, and systematic racism and supporting our servicemen.  He points out that Christians have allowed themselves to be divided by the ideologies of men instead of uniting under the banner of being made in the image of God.

Moses Lee is an ordained minister who works as the Director of OneU DC, the college ministry of Redeemer Church of Arlington, focused on serving the students at American University.  Moses joins us to talk about the origin of these false choices, what we can do to take away their power, and what he has learned working to serve and share the gospel with college students. 

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

Building relationships before discussing divisive issues.

A challenge for Asian Americans to study civil rights history.

Get to know the people you are told to fear.

FULL MOSES LEE INTERVIEW

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For more information: OneU DC Website; OneU American University Website               

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Opening music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough

A Messianic Jew works to tear down boundaries between Christian denominations

Tonight’s guest, Eric Teitelman, grew up in a Jewish family in the 1960s and 70s.  His parents were hippies who lived in places like Berkeley, California and Bat Yam, Israel, and were no strangers to communes, nudist colonies, and kibbutzes.  He also watched his parents struggle through issues like mental illness, unfaithfulness, and abandonment.  Through all of the craziness, though, Eric had a vision of God as a loving father, and that knowledge made him determined to live a different kind of life than his parents.  Thirty-plus years later, Eric is a happily married family man who works as an Engineering Chief in the Fairfax County Department of Transportation.  He also volunteers his time with various local ministries including OneHeartDC, a group working to tear down the barriers that separate DC Metro area churches.  He joins us to talk about his experiences growing up, how he was able to avoid the mistakes his parents made, and OneHeartDC’s upcoming Washington Prayer Gathering on the National Mall on Saturday, September 22nd. 

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

The mission and focus of OneHeartDC.

September 22nd Washington Prayer Gathering 2018.

A ministry focused on the importance of Israel and the Jewish people to the Christian faith.

FULL ERIC TEITELMAN INTERVIEW

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For more information:  National Prayer Gathering 2018; OneHeartDC Website; House of David Ministries website                

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Opening music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough

An eco-warrior works at the intersection of law enforcement and conservationism

Between 2009 and 2016, nearly 600 park rangers were killed in the line of duty in Africa by men poaching elephant tusks and rhino horns.  In Namibia, where poaching was seen as the only way some families could stay fed, the government instituted a program in the 1980s where they began to convert poachers into “game guards.”  It was a novel idea, and as the program matured the government began forming community conservancies where communities were given the rights to the animals on their land in exchange for agreeing to look after them.  Today the program is seen as a huge success with the populations of cheetahs, black rhinos, and elephants all increasing dramatically.   

This is the sort of project that today’s guest, crime-fighting conservationist Jessica Graham, works on.  Jessica spent the past ten years working first at the US State Department where she created an environmental crime program; and most recently at INTERPOL, the world’s largest international police organization.  Jessica recently returned to the U.S. from France to start a consulting business focused on environmental and international security issues.  She joins us to talk about the intersection of conservation and law enforcement work, and to share insights she has gained traveling to over 40 countries. 

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

Instead of holding people accountable, inspire them.

The impact of a single person.

Never underestimate the impact of a simple act on a young person.

FULL JESSICA GRAHAM INTERVIEW

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For more information:  JG Global Advisory Website                 

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Opening music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough

Back to school advice from a passionate educator

Another school year is upon us.  This is a time of excitement, hope, and new beginnings for some; and a time of stress, uncertainty, and even depression for others.  How can parents help their children navigate this time of year; and what’s the best approach for students?  Today, we’re joined by Vincent Spadoni, the principal at St. Elizabeth Catholic School in Rockville, Maryland where they educate preschool to eighth-grade students.  The Archdiocese of Washington's 2012 Principal of the Year joins us to share his advice for parents, students and educators as the school year kicks off; his passion for the academic, emotional, and spiritual well-being of his students; and how applying the teachings of the Gospel propelled St. Elizabeth towards recognition as a Blue-Ribbon School of Excellence.

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

Enjoy the first days of school...

The ongoing theme at St. Elizabeth.

The importance of providing a safe place for children.

FULL VINCENT SPADONI INTERVIEW

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For more information: St. Elizabeth Catholic School Website               

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Opening music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough

Hope and candor at the Museum of the Bible

Back in the early 1800s, there were slaveholders in America who gave edited versions of the Bible to their slaves.  These Bibles omitted versus, stories, and books from the Bible that are focused on freedom; and kept stories and books with themes of obedience and submission.  A version of the “slave Bible,” as it’s come to be known, is on display at the Museum of the Bible in downtown Washington, DC., and visitor reaction to it inspired the museum to plan a larger exhibit which opens in about six weeks. 

Today we’re joined by Ryan Smith, the Assistant to the President at the museum, and William Guice, a member of the museum’s development team.  They join us to talk about the importance of this and other exhibits at the museum, and the typical reactions of visitors. 

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

The surprising reactions to the museum and its namesake.

Both a beautiful and ugly example of the use of the Bible. 

Presenting both sides of controversial issues.

A call to action to support the museum.

FULL RYAN SMITH AND WILLIAM GUICE INTERVIEW

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For more information:  Museum of the Bible Website             

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Opening music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough

Creating a culture of grace

All of us have our fair share of challenges at work, including working with people we don’t get along with and perhaps don’t like.  What would you do if you found out that one of your coworkers was actively trying to get you fired?  Would you mount a counter campaign and maybe even try to get them fired?  Or would you take the high road and ignore them, letting your work speak for itself?  Is there another option?  What would you say to the idea of actively trying to make that person’s day better every day without regard to how they react – perhaps even working to get them promoted?  Does this sound ridiculous?

Today we’re joined by John McGowan, the Lead Pastor at Restoration City Church in Arlington – a four-year-old church that meets in Gunston Middle School.  John joins us to talk about the prevalence of un-grace, the importance of countering it, and what grace looks like in its most powerful form. 

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

Treating people well precisely when they don't deserve it.

Grace makes it safe to slow down.

Get yourself in an environment characterized by grace.

FULL JOHN MCGOWAN INTERVIEW

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For more information:   Restoration City Church Website            

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Opening music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough

 

 

 

Helping ex-offenders stay out of prison and succeed

The U.S. prison system is broken and badly in need of reform.  One case in point is the recidivism rate – the percentage of prisoners who return to the prison population after their release.  Despite the fact that one of the primary goals of the system is rehabilitation, one study showed that over half of the people released from prison returned within one year; two-thirds returned after three years; and three-quarters returned within five years. 

Today we’re talking to Rickey Brown, the Founder and CEO of Transitional Associates, a non-profit he established in 2014 to provide services to men, women and juveniles entering and exiting the prison system.  Rickey joins us to talk about his passion for prison reform, what he has learned working both inside and outside of the system, and his perspective on why things are broken – and how he’s working to improve them. 

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

The U.S. prison system is more complex than most people realize and should be dealt with accordingly.

A group of men chooses Bibles over weapons in violent Lorton prison.

How you can help Transitional Associates give ex-offenders a second chance.

FULL RICKEY BROWN INTERVIEW

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For more information:  Transitional Associates Website          

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Opening music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough

Serving victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse

One in three women worldwide (and one in four men) will be the victim of intimate partner violence in their lifetime.  In America, someone is sexually assaulted every 98 seconds.  Arlington County residents are not immune to these issues.  Today we’re hosting Samantha Clarke and Christina Cole from Doorways for Women and Families, an Arlington-based non-profit that has provided a pathway out of violence and homelessness to thousands of our neighbors over the past 40 years.  Sam and Christy join us to talk about the services Doorways provide on behalf of Arlington County, and the impact the program has had on both its clients and volunteers. 

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

Victims of domestic violence and sexual assault are our neighbors. 

Success working with victims takes time and a respect for each person's journey and choices.

The rewards of serving with Doorways.

FULL DOORWAYS INTERVIEW

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For more information:  Doorways Website     

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Opening music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough

The importance of honesty in the workplace and beyond

Everybody lies.  Dishonesty is major problem that effects every area of our lives including our families, workplaces, communities, and world.  Today’s guest is an authority on honesty who has helped numerous businesses dramatically improve performance through open, honest communications.  Steven Gaffney joins us to talk about the most significant form of dishonesty, the path to improving communications, and how to sustain a change for the better.    

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

The number one problem is not what people say but rather what they don't say.

The majority of workplace problems are due to dishonesty.

Employee engagement is not enough.  Companies need to proactively build open and honest relationships with their people. 

FULL STEVEN GAFFNEY INTERVIEW

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For more information:  Just Be Honest Website     

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Opening music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough

Chef Johnny and the Mission Kitchen

Chef Johnny Scott loves to teach young people the importance of developing workforce skills, an entrepreneurial spirit, and overcoming the shame of their past.  Johnny honed his cooking skills working by his mother’s side in the kitchen; preparing food for fellow inmates in jail; and while touring the globe with his Air Force wife.  In addition to running his Mission Kitchen catering business, Johnny can be found helping at-risk youth at the DC Juvenile Detention Center, The DC Dream Center, and The Boys Probation House in Fairfax County, as well as teaching healthy cooking classes at the USO Warrior and Family Center at Fort Belvoir.  Join us as Johnny shares highlights and lessons learned from a life serving delicious food to others. 

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

The importance of remembering the context of often-quoted scriptures, and of releasing the shame of our past.

Some advice for entrepreneurs. 

A plug for the Mission Kitchen and Norma Deli. 

FULL CHEF JOHNNY INTERVIEW

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For more information:  Mission Kitchen Website                  

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Opening music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough

Intentionally developing genuine community among neighbors

About two years ago, I [Ed] experienced a major flood in my condo after a contractor triggered a sprinkler head.  As I feverishly worked to stem the flow of water and save my belongings, I was struck by the fact that only two people dove in uninvited to help – a couple from Costa Rica.  I was initially upset by this.  Then I realized I hardly knew my neighbors and, even worse, I hadn’t made the effort to get to know them.  I asked myself, would I have immediately dived in and helped one of them if they were going through the same thing?  The unfortunate answer is, probably not. 

Tonight’s guests are working to address this issue.  Mike and Michele Husfelt are part of a ministry called Apartment Life that works to develop deep relationships and a sense of community and service among neighbors in apartment complexes.  Mike is doing this in addition to his work as an Air Force Chaplain, including assignments in Afghanistan and at Arlington Cemetery.  Michele is doing it after raising five children and volunteering on military bases around the world, and while currently working at Northstar Church Network.  They join us to talk about the importance and joy of knowing and helping our neighbors. 

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

A simple thing that can make a big difference.

Be willing to adjust your plans so God can use you.

Building community, improving the bottom line, and providing a way to express the love of Christ.

FULL APARTMENT LIFE INTERVIEW

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For more information:  Apartment Life Website;  The Art of Neighboring book        

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Opening music by Chris Tomlin, Your Grace Is Enough