Today, we have an incredibly inspiring and eye-opening story for you. Jamie Sanchez, the owner of Drip Cafe, is joining us in Denver, Colorado. Jamie and his late wife started a ministry for the homeless over a decade ago. In 2023, he opened Drip Cafe with the mission of employing and providing discipleship to homeless individuals.

But opening this coffee shop wasn’t all smooth sailing. Jamie’s initiative was met with surprising and aggressive opposition, including protests from groups like the Denver Communists and Antifa, who falsely accused the cafe of various intolerant beliefs. Despite this, Jamie and his team have stood firm in their faith and mission, offering both practical and spiritual support to those in need.

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A few years ago, I spoke with legal expert Ken Starr about the evolving landscape of religious liberty in America. Starr discussed the landmark Supreme Court case where Catholic Social Services successfully challenged Philadelphia’s decision to revoke its license over non-traditional home placements, highlighting the ongoing cultural and legal debates around religious freedom. He also examined other key rulings, including one affirming religious institutions’ autonomy, and emphasizes the need to educate younger generations on the often-misunderstood separation of church and state.

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Today, we are joined by Eric Baxter, the Vice President and Senior Counsel at Beckett Fund, a law firm specializing in religious liberty cases. In this episode, Eric and I delve deep into two landmark cases, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship v. University of Iowa and Business Leaders in Christ v. University of Iowa, that underscore the vital importance of protecting religious groups' rights on campuses. We also discuss Eric's current fight against Montgomery County, Maryland schools over parental rights and religious freedom, and explore broader issues like religious discrimination in public funding and legal battles shaping the landscape of religious liberty in the United States today. Stay tuned as we unpack these critical topics and more.

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Today, we gain insight into Rick Warren's profound thoughts on Christian persecution. Many may not realize just how deep his concern and understanding of this critical issue runs. His teachings on persecution are incredibly enlightening and offer a unique and powerful perspective.

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We delve into the ongoing religious persecution in Nicaragua, focusing on the plight of imprisoned pastors and lawyers. John Brit and Audrey Hancock, leaders of the Mountain Gates ministry, share their personal experiences and insights into the challenges missionaries face in the region. They discuss their efforts to advocate for those unjustly detained and the profound impact these imprisonments have on families left behind. Join us as we explore the human stories behind this crisis and the critical role of faith in the fight for justice.

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In this episode of Faith Under Fire, Jeff King discusses the escalating persecution of Christians in India with their regional manager, Will Stark. They highlight the surge in persecution in India's Uttar Pradesh state, where at least 14 incidents have occurred leading to the arrest of 45 Christians. The conversation sheds light on the ongoing challenges faced by believers in the region under Modi's administration. Please note: this interview first aired in 2021.

To learn more about Christian persecution and the challenges facing the persecuted church, visit https://www.persecution.org/.

The persecution of Christians in India has been on the rise in recent years, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. This increase in persecution can be attributed to various factors, including the implementation of anti-conversion laws and the promotion of Hindu nationalist ideologies.

In Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state in India, there has been a notable surge in persecution since late June 2021, resulting in the arrest of 45 Christians in at least 14 documented incidents. The state holds significant importance in Hindu nationalism, with the Ganges River flowing through it, making it a sensitive area for Hindu nationalists who believe it needs protection from minority religions like Christianity and Islam.

Madhya Pradesh introduced an anti-conversion law in January 2021, mandating government permission for religious conversions and a 60-day notice period. Violating this law can lead to imprisonment and fines. The enforcement of such laws has led to a significant increase in persecution incidents in the state, with 48 documented cases in the six months following the law's enactment.

Surveys conducted among Christians in Madhya Pradesh have revealed high levels of concern for personal safety and attending worship services. The majority of respondents expressed fear and acknowledged that radical Hindu nationalists had become more aggressive towards Christians following the implementation of the anti-conversion law.

Perpetrators of persecution in India employ tactics such as false accusations of forced conversions, physical assaults, and arrests, often without facing consequences. In some cases, the police are complicit in the attacks or fail to hold the perpetrators accountable, fostering a sense of empowerment among those committing violence against Christians.

Victims of persecution in India, often rural and financially vulnerable individuals, encounter additional challenges even after being arrested. For instance, pastors may be required to travel long distances for bail check-ins, with some appointments deliberately scheduled during worship services to disrupt religious activities.

The discussion underscores the importance of raising awareness about the persecution faced by Christians in India, despite the country being a democracy with constitutional guarantees of religious freedom. It emphasizes the need to understand the complex factors contributing to the rise in persecution and the urgent requirement to address these issues to safeguard the rights and safety of religious minorities in the country.

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In this episode of Into the Deep, Jeff King interviews Hedieh Mirahmadi, a former devout Muslim turned Christian, who shares her journey from growing up in a secular Iranian-American family to working in counter-terror against radical Islam. They discuss her experiences with Islam, Christianity, life in Afghanistan, and insights on the Taliban. Listen in for a wide-ranging conversation touching on faith, culture, and personal transformation.

The episode highlights the importance of sharing the gospel with Afghan refugees coming to the United States, emphasizing the need for Christians to engage in discussions about faith journeys, even with Muslims. Mirahmadi shares a story of an Iraqi refugee in Germany who converted to Christianity after being welcomed to a neighborhood church event, showcasing the power of hospitality in reaching individuals from diverse faith backgrounds.

Listeners are encouraged not to be intimidated by someone's Muslim faith and to actively share the gospel with them, recognizing that many Afghans displaced by the Taliban are seeking spiritual fulfillment. By creating opportunities for the Holy Spirit to work through conversations about faith journeys, Christians can offer the love of Christ to those in need.

The episode also discusses the respectful view of Jesus in Islam, empowering Christians to engage in faith discussions with Afghans without fear of causing offense. Approaching these conversations with love, understanding, and personal faith experiences can have a significant impact on Afghan refugees seeking solace and spiritual guidance in their new environment.

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