Sacred & Strange - Podcast

⚠️ Content Warning:
This episode includes discussion of domestic violence, child abuse, and human trafficking. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode of Sacred & Strange, Jay sits down with Steve and Brandyn Gipe, longtime friends and the founders of Cedar Refuge, a nonprofit building safe, long-term homes for young survivors of human trafficking - specifically boys ages 12–18 and children under 12, two of the most overlooked demographics in the system.

**Time Stamps Below.

00:00 Introduction to the Episode and Guests

00:39 Fundraising for Cedar Refuge

02:41 Welcome to Sacred and Strange

03:10 Steve and Brandyn's Backgrounds

07:29 Steve's Early Life and Challenges

09:01 Moving to Ohio and New Beginnings

22:15 Steve's Encounter with the Lord

30:39 Starting a Nonprofit and Youth Work

36:45 Pursuing a Purpose Beyond College

37:09 Empathy for the Shooters

37:58 A Calling to Help At-Risk Youth

39:14 Journey to California

41:53 A Life-Changing Encounter at the Border

45:11 Starting a New Job and Meeting Erin

49:45 Brandyn's Early Life and Family Struggles

01:04:41 Moving to Arkansas and Experiencing Racism

01:10:06 Returning to California and Finding Stability

01:15:20 Joining the Choir and Finding a Team

01:16:25 Introduction to Movies and Choir

01:17:30 Science Class Confrontation

01:18:48 Youth Group and Mission Trips

01:19:46 Miraculous Healing Stories

01:23:05 Life-Changing Uganda Trip

01:29:04 Discovering Human Trafficking

01:32:36 Founding Cedar Refuge

01:39:34 Vision and Future Plans

01:47:11 Call to Action and Conclusion