5.22.25 Putin’s strategy, Afghan refugees seek asylum, and living in the inner city

Summary

The World and Everything In It – May 22, 2025: Putin’s Strategy, Afghan Refugees Seek Asylum, and Living in the Inner City

Released on May 22, 2025 by WORLD Radio

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Introduction

In this episode of "The World and Everything In It," hosted by Mary Reichert and Myrna Brown, WORLD Radio delves into pressing global and domestic issues. From geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine to the humanitarian crisis facing Afghan refugees in the United States, and an inspiring story of inner-city ministry, this episode offers a comprehensive overview of current events shaped by faith and resilience.

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Key News Stories

Israeli Embassy Shooting in Washington, D.C.

[00:57 – 02:04]

Kent Covington reports a tragic incident where two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington were fatally shot outside the Capitol Jewish Museum.

• Police Chief Pamela Smith provided details:

  "Prior to the shooting, the suspect was observed pacing back and forth outside of the museum. He approached a group of four people, produced a handgun and opened fire, striking both of our decedents." [01:15]

The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, was apprehended after entering the museum post-shooting, where event security intervened. Rodriguez was heard shouting, "Free, Free Palestine," during his arrest. This incident raises concerns about escalating tensions and the safety of diplomatic personnel.

President Trump Accepts Qatar’s Gifted Boeing 747 as Air Force One

[02:04 – 03:11]

President Trump announced the reception of a gifted Boeing 747 from Qatar to serve as the new Air Force One, a move he hails as economically beneficial for U.S. taxpayers.

• Ivana Stradner comments on the President’s rationale:

  "A jet, okay, and it's a great thing." [02:01]

Despite ongoing developments in Boeing’s next-generation aircraft projects for Air Force One facing delays and budget issues, critics argue that accepting a foreign gift might breach legal prohibitions. The Pentagon rebuffs these claims, asserting compliance with federal regulations.

Trump’s Confrontation with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa Over White Farmers’ Persecution

[03:11 – 04:19]

During a White House meeting, President Trump criticized South Africa for violence against white farmers, labeling it as genocide. However, President Ramaphosa counters, stating that the violence affects both white and black farmers and that those advocating for the deaths represent a minority.

• Cal Thomas highlights the severity:

  "People are fleeing South Africa for their own safety, their land is being confiscated and in many cases they're being killed." [03:19]

This discussion ties into the expedited approval of refugee status for approximately 60 white South African farmers, amidst broader legislative efforts by Trump to pass comprehensive bills addressing his priorities.

Passing of Congressman Gerry Connally

[04:19 – 04:47]

The nation mourns the loss of Congressman Gerry Connally, a longtime Virginia Democrat and influential member of the House Oversight Committee, who succumbed to esophageal cancer at 75.

DOJ Sues Troy, Idaho Over Religious Liberty

[04:47 – 05:35]

The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Troy, Idaho, alleging religious discrimination by denying a church’s request to use a downtown building for worship services.

• Ben Eicher explains:

  "The DOJ says that's because some residents didn't agree with the church's beliefs." [04:54]

The city contends the denial was due to concerns over traffic rather than religious bias. The case highlights ongoing tensions between local zoning laws and federal protections for religious freedom.

Hong Kong Journalists Targeted by Tax Authorities

[05:35 – 07:01]

A group from the Hong Kong Journalists Association, led by Selena Cheng, alleges that the Chinese-controlled tax authorities are using audits as a tool to suppress free speech and target journalists.

• Selena Cheng states:

  "If a number of media outlets or journalists are coming under financial duress created by unwarranted audits, then it affects their ability to work continually." [05:48]

This tactic is part of a broader crackdown on dissent following Beijing’s tighter control over Hong Kong since 2020.

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In-Depth Discussions

Putin’s Strategy in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

[07:07 – 14:00]

Mary Reichert and Myrna Brown engage in a detailed discussion with Ivana Stradner, a research fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, regarding the recent breakthrough in Russia-Ukraine negotiations.

• White House Announcement: Russia and Ukraine have agreed to commence negotiations following a prisoner exchange in Turkey. President Trump expresses optimism for peace and Russia’s reintegration into the global economy, though European leaders remain skeptical.

• Ivana Stradner's Analysis:

  "Putin is just buying more time and trying to portray himself as a leader who is on par with the United States." [08:18]

  Stradner argues that Putin’s refusal to engage directly with President Zelenskyy underscores his strategy to prolong the conflict, reposition military assets, and undermine Western resolve through economic sanctions rather than genuine peace efforts.

  Regarding territorial concessions, she asserts:

  "President Zelensky is not ready to give up Ukrainian territory and he's absolutely right about this because Putin is not going to stop." [09:48]

  Stradner also highlights Russia’s use of hybrid warfare tactics, including the abduction of nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children, to erode Ukrainian identity and utilize these children in sabotage operations.

  In conclusion, she remains pessimistic about imminent peace, emphasizing the need for sustained Western and European sanctions and military support to counteract Putin’s ambitions.

Afghan Refugees Facing Deportation from the U.S.

[14:07 – 19:23]

Myrna Brown introduces a heart-wrenching segment on Afghan refugees who are at risk of deportation following the Trump administration’s termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for thousands fleeing the Taliban regime.

• Josh Schumacher presents the story of Nashi Nas, a 25-year-old Afghan Christian living in Raleigh, North Carolina, who faces forced departure and potential persecution if returned to Afghanistan.

  "It is like I am signing my suicide mission." [16:06] — Nashi Nas

  Denied the continuation of humanitarian parole, Nas and others like him are caught in a dire predicament. The administration cites improvements in Afghanistan’s economic and security conditions, but experts like Daniel Salazar of Global Refuge Policy argue these metrics mask ongoing human rights abuses and targeted violence against specific groups, including Christians and former U.S. allies.

  Shawn Vandiver, president of Afghan Evac, emphasizes:

  "They should have a solid argument, right? It's not safe to go to Afghanistan. If they get sent back, they're dead." [18:18]

  The report underscores the precariousness of asylum claims and the vulnerability of refugees awaiting approval, amidst fears of premature deportations despite ongoing threats in their homeland.

Harvard Law School’s Priceless Magna Carta Discovery

[19:59 – 20:53]

An unexpected historical revelation captivates listeners as Mary Reichert shares the discovery of a rare Magna Carta copy at Harvard Law School.

• David Carpenter, medieval historian at King’s College London, identifies the manuscript as one of only seven surviving originals from King Edward I’s reign, significantly enhancing Harvard's legal collection.

  "It turned out to be one of just seven surviving originals from King Edward I's reign 810 years ago." [20:23]

  This artifact underscores the enduring legacy of the Magna Carta in shaping constitutional law and the principle that even monarchs are subject to the law.

Inner City Ministry: The Story of Pastor’s Daughter Kyla Lang

[21:22 – 26:42]

Anna Johansen Brown narrates an inspiring account of Kyla Lang, a 23-year-old pastor’s daughter from Lynn, Massachusetts, whose upbringing in an inner-city ministry has profoundly shaped her worldview and commitment to community service.

• Kyla’s Mother, Jen Lang, shares the challenges faced by their church:

  "We did not do any funerals that were of natural causes. They were all overdose-related funerals." [22:25]

  Moving to Lynn to serve the marginalized, the Lang family established a ministry focused on recovery and support, navigating misconceptions about the city’s safety and battling entrenched stereotypes.

  Kyla Lang discusses the emotional toll and fulfillment found in ministry work:

  "I get to be for a lot of women, their first job out of prison and I just get to say yes." [25:27]

  Her dedication led her to pursue higher education in global ministry, yet she remains deeply rooted in Lynn, preparing to join her church's staff and continue her family's mission of offering hope and transformation amidst adversity.

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Additional Features

WORLD Features: Harvards' Hidden Gem

Mary Reichert highlights the historical significance of Harvard Law School acquiring an original Magna Carta, emphasizing its foundational role in legal systems and governance.

Upcoming Segments

• Cal Thomas will critique the Trump administration’s handling of former President Joe Biden’s health, drawing parallels to historical instances of presidential cover-ups.
• Anna Johansen Brown will explore the nuances of inner-city ministry and its impact on community resilience.
• Future episodes will include cultural reviews, including Disney’s latest live-action remakes, and listener feedback segments.

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Closing Thoughts

This episode of "The World and Everything In It" weaves together critical international developments, domestic humanitarian issues, and personal stories of faith and perseverance. By incorporating expert analyses, firsthand accounts, and inspiring narratives, WORLD Radio provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of the complexities shaping our world today.

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For more in-depth stories and updates, tune in to future episodes of "The World and Everything In It" on Apple Podcasts and support WORLD Radio’s mission of delivering biblically grounded, listener-supported journalism.

Transcript

[Mary Reichert]

Good morning. A glimmer of hope in a brutal war. Russia and Ukraine agree to talk. What are the odds for peace?

[Myrna Brown]

Also today, thousands of Afghan refugees lose legal protection and face deportation and possible persecution. And God's faithfulness in life's difficult places.

[Mary Reichert]

We started our church 23 years ago and probably the first 10 years of our existence. We did not do any faith that were of natural causes.

[Myrna Brown]

And world commentator Cal Thomas says presidential cover ups are nothing new, but we need ANSWERS.

[Mary Reichert]

It's Thursday, May 22nd. This is the world and everything in it from listener supported World Radio. I'm Mary Reichert.

[Myrna Brown]

And I'm Myrna Brown. Good morning.

[Mary Reichert]

Time now for the News with Kent Covington.

[Kent Covington]

Two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington were shot and killed last night. A suspect gunned them down as they were leaving an event at a Jewish Museum. Washington, D.C. metro Police Chief Pamela Smith.

[Pamela Smith]

Prior to the shooting, the suspect was.

[Mary Reichert]

Observed pacing back and forth outside of the museum. He approached a group of four people, produced a handgun and opened fire, striking both of our decedents. After the shooting, the suspect then entered.

[Pamela Smith]

The museum and was detained by event security.

[Kent Covington]

Police say the suspect, identified as 30 year old Elias Rodriguez, yelled Free, Free Palestine after he was arrested. The two victims, a man and a woman, were leaving an event at the Capitol Jewish Museum. The Pentagon says Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has accepted a gifted Boeing 747 from Qatar to be used as Air Force One for the President. President Trump says accepting the jet is a no brainer, adding it will save money for U.S. taxpayers.

[Mary Reichert]

They're giving the United States Air Force.

[Ivana Stradner]

A jet, okay, and it' great thing.

[Kent Covington]

Trump says the US Helps to protect Qatar and he sees this as a token of appreciation. Boeing is working on two new next generation replacement aircraft to serve as Air Force One, but the program has faced delays and cost overruns. Critics have raised concerns about accepting the aircraft, saying it may be a violation of a legal prohibition on accepting foreign gifts. But a Pentagon spokesman says the jet is being accepted in accordance with all federal rules and regulations. At the White House on Wednesday, the president hosted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and pressed him about violence against white farmers in his country, which Trump called genocide.

[Cal Thomas]

People are fleeing South Africa for their own safety, their land is being confiscated and in many cases they're being killed.

[Kent Covington]

Trump played videos during the meeting that he said depicted the racially driven persecution of those farmers. Ramaphosa, though, told Trump that the victims of violence are both white and black, and he added that those calling for the deaths of white farmers represent a minority political group and that does not reflect the views of his government.

[Ivana Stradner]

Our government policy is completely, completely against what he was saying.

[Kent Covington]

The meeting came after the White House expedited the approval of refugee Status for roughly 60 white South African farmers. The president also met with Republican lawmakers at the White House yesterday, looking to sway holdouts in the push to pass what Trump calls his one big beautiful bill, a single piece of legislation to cover his top priorities. Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters that was a very productive meeting at the White House. It was a collection of leaders from the House and most of them Freedom Caucus leaders, and we had a good discussion. The White House also said the meeting was productive and that it moved the ball in the right direction. Several conservative members are looking for more savings to lower the deficit as part of any reconciliation bill. Speaker Johnson said he still plans to hold a final vote this week. Congressman Gerry Connally has died. The longtime Virginia Democrat joined the US House in 2009, eventually serving as ranking member of the powerful House Oversight Committee. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries really was.

[Mary Reichert]

A member's member, someone who conducted himself with the highest degree of intellect, brilliance.

[Kent Covington]

Resilience, integrity, humor and wit. Connolly last year announced an esophageal cancer diagnosis. His family says he died at home Wednesday, surrounded by family members. He was 75 years old. The Department of Justice is suing the city of Troy, Idaho, in a religious liberty case. World's Benjamin Eicher has more.

[Josh Schumacher]

The DOJ says the city unfairly blocked a church from holding services in a downtown building. Christchurch had planned to use a former bank building for Sunday worship, and while the city allows similar uses like clubs, art galleries and museums, it denied the church's request. The DOJ says that's because some residents didn't agree with the church's beliefs. If true, that could violate federal law protecting religious groups from being treated differently under local zoning rules. The DOJ is asking the court to require Troy to approve the permit and to provide training for city officials on religious freedom laws. But Troy City Attorney Todd Richardson told World that locals voiced concerns about traffic flow from the building and not the Chur Church's beliefs. For World, I'm Benjamin Eicher, a media.

[Kent Covington]

Group in Hong Kong says tax authorities in the territory, which is now under the thumb of the Chinese Communist government, are weaponizing the tax system against free speech. Selena Cheng chairs the Hong Kong Journalists Association.

[Selena Cheng]

In the current case, if a number of media outlets or journalists are coming under financial duress created by unwarranted audits, then it does affect their ability to be able to work continually.

[Kent Covington]

The group says tax authorities have targeted at least 20 people, including journalists, current or former heads of media organizations and their families, with audits without sufficient evidence. Authorities in Hong Kong have taken a number of steps to crack down on criticism of the government since Beijing effectively seized control of the territory in 2020. I'm Kent Cuffington. And straight ahead, President Trump unveils plans for a missile defense system. Plus, what's next for Afghan refugees after losing their temporary protected status? This is the WORLD and EVERYTHING in it.

[Mary Reichert]

It's Thursday, the 22nd of May. Thanks for listening to World Radio. Good morning. I'm Mary Reichert.

[Myrna Brown]

And I'm Myrna Brown. First up on the WORLD and Everything in it steps towards peace between Russia and Ukraine. The White House announced on Monday that both sides have agreed to begin negotiations that follows last week's prisoner exchange brokered in Turkey. Encouraging as that is, no formal truce was made.

[Mary Reichert]

President Trump is optimistic Russia will make a deal in order to end the war and rejoin the global economy. But European leaders are skeptical. On Tuesday, the EU And UK Imposed fresh sanctions on Russia's illicit oil trade.

[Myrna Brown]

Joining us now to talk about it is Ivana Stratner. She researches Russia for the foundation for Defense of Democracies.

[Mary Reichert]

Ivana, good morning.

[Ivana Stradner]

Good morning. Thank you very much for inviting me.

[Mary Reichert]

Appreciate you making the time. Well, last week, President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky tried to set up a meeting with Russia's Vladimir Putin in Turkey, but he didn't show up. So then we had a meeting between Russian and Ukrainian officials. That was the first time the nations have had direct talks since the war began. Ivana, what do you make of that meeting?

[Ivana Stradner]

I'm absolutely not surprised that Putin didn't show up because this is typical Putin's KGB game where he's just buying more time and trying to portray himself as a leader who is par and par with the United States. So he actually did not want to have a direct conversation with Zelenskyy. And make no mistake, Putin is just buying more time. He emphasized that the ultimate goal is to go back to the root of the problem of the conflict. And for him, it actually means subjugating Ukraine, number one. And second thing is Putin is also buying more time to make sure that he can reposition his military and to continue with his goal. And the third point is that Vladimir Putin also wants wants to exhaust Washington. So the President Trump eventually gives up. And because Europe is not as strong as the United States and they have imposed certain sanctions, but they do not have enough military power and will to punish Russia militarily. And Putin knows this. So he actually needs this ceasefire and buying more time to accomplish his larger objectives.

[Mary Reichert]

Ivana, have the countries moved at all in what they are willing to give up in order to achieve peace? And let's start with Ukraine.

[Ivana Stradner]

So President Zelensky is not ready to give up Ukrainian territory and he's absolutely right about this because Putin is not going to stop. Putin has certainly no control with Russia occupying territories and Crimea. And it has been this war going on for more than a decade. On the other hand, people in the west like to talk about Russia keeping Crimea so Putin can save his face. I actually disagree with that because Putin is a dictator and he absolutely controls the information space. So he can spin any information in any direction that he wants. So he does not really need to save his face in front of his own people. And my last point is, if you talk to people in the Baltic states, there are many, many concerns and right concerns that Putin is not going to stop at Ukraine. So we have to understand this war through Putin's perspective. Peace through trade never worked. It will not work this time either. The only thing that Putin understands is the language of power. More sanctions, more military support because Ukraine doesn't need flags all over Brussels and cheap talk. Ukraine needs weapons and much harsher sanctions on Russia.

[Mary Reichert]

So you say Ukraine is not yet willing to give up anything at this point. What about Russia?

[Ivana Stradner]

Putin is also not willing to give up on his ambition, which is to subjugate Ukraine. All he really needs to do and the game that he's playing right now is to buy more time to make sure that there is a ceasefire so he can reposition his military and to continue with his imperialistic ambition. So I don't actually think that Putin is willing to give up any of the current territories that he holds.

[Mary Reichert]

Another big concern about Russia is the nearly 20,000 children taken from Ukraine by Russia during this war. On Wednesday, seven leading senators from both parties in the US introduced a resolution calling on Russia to release those children. It is a non binding resolution, but shows, you know, great concern people have. What do we know about these missing kids?

[Ivana Stradner]

Indeed, as negotiations between Russia and Ukraine continue, even President Zelensky has been pushing for the return of thousands of kidnapped Ukrainian children. And this is the part of Russia's hybrid war where there are more than 19,000 cases where kids are missing, missing. Because Vladimir Putin's goal is not just to size the territory. His war is against Ukrainian identity itself. And not only that, Russia has been also weaponizing those children in a far more literal way. According to the Ukrainian intel security services, there have been several cases so far in which miners carried out sabotage operations on behalf of Russia. So this is truly Russian state, a textbook example of hybrid war wrapping up here.

[Mary Reichert]

Ivana, what do you see as the likely outcome of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in these next few weeks?

[Ivana Stradner]

I'm not very optimistic that negotiations will end in peace and ceasefire anytime soon. I actually think that ceasefire will be just used as a pause for Vladimir Putin to reposition his military and to continue with his imperialistic goals until the West. Specifically, we need more European sanctions and more European support, but also US Sanctions to work. So whoever believes that Putin cares about economy and business and that peace through trade will work is thoroughly mistaken.

[Mary Reichert]

Ivana Stradner is a research fellow at the foundation for Defense of Democracies. Ivana, thank you so much for your time.

[Ivana Stradner]

Thank you very much for your kind invitation.

[Myrna Brown]

Up next, Afghan refugees in the US Face deportation. The Trump administration last week ended temporary protected status known as tps, for thousands who fled the Taliban. That designation allowed them to stay in the US Legally. The administration is also moving to shut down other parole programs that offered a lifeline to Afghan refugees.

[Mary Reichert]

And now many Afghans who could face persecution back home may be forced to leave the US as soon as this summer. World reporter Josh Schumacher has the story.

[Josh Schumacher]

Nashi nas is a 25 year old Christian from Afghanistan who lives in Raleigh, North Carolina.

[Ivana Stradner]

I was in danger.

[Kent Covington]

I ran out of Afghanistan because of my life.

[Josh Schumacher]

Nashi Nas spoke to World under a pseudonym to protect the identities of his family members who were still in Afghanistan. Before moving to Raleigh, Nashina says he spent time in a Taliban prison because of his faith.

[Mary Reichert]

They tortured me physically.

[Ivana Stradner]

They beat me with the cables.

[Josh Schumacher]

The guards at the prison made sure his stint behind bars was difficult.

[Kent Covington]

They beat me with the hands and feet and they use electric shock and.

[Ivana Stradner]

They locked me inside of the cage and pour on me cold water during the nighttime.

[Kent Covington]

It was not good at all.

[Josh Schumacher]

He says. He was finally released from prison in early 2022, and a few months later he fled the country. Nashinas made his way to Brazil and then eventually made his way to North Carolina. In December 2023, he obtained a temporary visa and a work permit and began working construction, food delivery and power washing jobs. But last month, the Trump administration told Nainas he had seven days to leave the country. It said the humanitarian parole program that led him into the country had been revoked If I go back to Afghanistan.

[Kent Covington]

It is like I am signing my suicide mission.

[Josh Schumacher]

Nashinas is still in the country, but he and thousands of other Afghans, including hundreds of other Afghan Christians, may not be here for much longer. The administration claims that conditions in Afghanistan have improved and so temporary protection is no longer necessary. The Department of Homeland security says Afghanistan's GDP has increased by roughly 3%, armed conflict inside the country has decreased, and humanitarian support is improving. There's data behind each of those claims, but experts say they obscure the facts on the ground. Global Refuge policy advisor Daniel Salazar says Afghanistan has made some gains.

[Kent Covington]

However, I think it pales in comparison to the flight of capital that occurred after the withdrawal of the US and the NATO coalition.

[Josh Schumacher]

He says claims about humanitarian improvements have less to do with quality of life and more to do with a drop in the number of people in need of aid.

[Kent Covington]

Some of the data points are a little, I think, misplaced in the Federal Register. Notice it refers to an eased humanitarian situation because only 23.7 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance and that's down from 29 million the year before.

[Josh Schumacher]

As for the administration's claims about how conflict has abated, and I think that's.

[Kent Covington]

Probably a reference to how there isn't a strong or like widespread resistance to the Taliban authorities in the form of an organized opposition. So you're not seeing like a full scale conflict like you're seeing in other states that are going through civil wars, such as Sudan or Burma, that have kind of more large scale conflict with, with multiple sides. So I think that's probably what they're referencing.

[Josh Schumacher]

But that doesn't mean it's safe for refugees to go back to Afghanistan. Many refugees were allies of US Forces deployed to the region. Many are women and girls, and some are Christians. All of those labels mean they will face violence and oppression upon returning home. The administration encourages Christians to apply for asylum and many other Afghans might have a good argument for obtaining asylum as well. Shawn Vandiver is the president of the non profit advocacy group Afghan Evac.

[Kent Covington]

They should have a solid argument, right? It's not safe to go to Afghanistan. If they get sent back, they're dead.

[Josh Schumacher]

Those seeking asylum in the United States should be safe from deportation while their applications are being reviewed. But Vandiver says it's possible officials could deport them before the approval process is complete.

[Kent Covington]

The administration hasn't really followed all the.

[Josh Schumacher]

Rules, so we just don't know if.

[Ivana Stradner]

They'Re going to do that.

[Cal Thomas]

Right.

[Kent Covington]

Like they've deported people they weren't supposed to be allowed to.

[Josh Schumacher]

I asked both DHS and the White House if Afghan Christians applying for asylum would be safe from deportation while their applications are being reviewed. Neither responded. Nashi Nas is currently working his way through the asylum process. He's optimistic that he'll get it.

[Ivana Stradner]

I know some people, even they they.

[Kent Covington]

Were not in real threat or real danger in Afghanistan.

[Ivana Stradner]

They got approved their asylum. So if they get their asylum get approved, why not me?

[Josh Schumacher]

Reporting for World, I'm Josh Schumacher.

[Kent Covington]

Additional support comes from Water's Edge Kingdom Investments, personal investments that build churches 4.75% APY on a six month term water and from Dort University, whose online MBA and MPA programs prepare leaders for lasting impact. Dort University until all is made new.

[Mary Reichert]

A priceless treasure's been hiding in plain sight at Harvard Law School of all places. See, back in 1946, Harvard bought what it thought was a faded copy of the Magna Carta for $27.50. But recently, medieval historian David Carpenter of King's College London spotted something unusual and told cnn, I hardly believe my eyes.

[Cal Thomas]

It seemed to be an absolutely stone.

[Kent Covington]

Cold sober original of the 13th Magna Carta.

[Mary Reichert]

Yeah, that copy turned out to be one of just seven surviving originals from King Edward I's reign 810 years ago. The Magna Carta, of course, laid the foundation for constitutional law, the first formal assertion that even kings have to obey the laws.

[Kent Covington]

I think I might say that I.

[Mary Reichert]

Think it's absolutely right that Harvard Law.

[Cal Thomas]

School should have its own original of Magna Carta.

[Mary Reichert]

Harvard has one of the world's most important legal documents. For less than the price of a parking ticket. It's the world and everything in it. Today is Thursday, May 22nd. Thank you for turning to World Radio to help start your day. Good morning, I'm Mary Reichert.

[Myrna Brown]

And I'm Myrna Brown. Coming next on the World and everything in it. Ministry in the inner city. Being a pastor's kid is seldom easy. But growing up in a church surrounded by hardship and brokenness brings its own challenges.

[Mary Reichert]

World's Anna Johansen Brown brings us the story of one pastor's daughter whose inner city upbringing shaped how she sees the world.

[Pamela Smith]

For 23 year old Kyla Lang, Sundays are the best day of the week.

[Selena Cheng]

If you go to my church and you hear the way my people worship, there is nothing like it. It feels like there is a desperation and a deep sense of like no one but Jesus and like Jesus alone has the power to change my life and to set me free. And that's why we're all here.

[Pamela Smith]

As a pastor's kid, she grew up on the front lines of a ministry that that serves the poor and marginalized. Here's her mom, Jen.

[Mary Reichert]

A majority of people in our church are in recovery. We started our church 23 years ago and probably the first 10 years of our existence. We did not do any funerals that were of natural causes. They were all overdose related funerals and that was even within families like Jen.

[Pamela Smith]

Was pregnant with Kyla when she and her husband Kurt started their church in Lynn, Massachusetts. They moved to the inner city to live alongside the people they would be serving. Kurt Lang says they made the choice gladly, but others struggled to understand it.

[Kent Covington]

There are people in all the surrounding cities that do everything they can not to come into Lynn because they think of it as unsafe.

[Pamela Smith]

Lynn has a reputation of low income and high crime. Today it sits just above the national average for violent crimes. And that's after two decades of improvement. The city is entrenched in bad stereotypes and has been for generations. There's even an old rhyme about Lynn that locals always quote. Audio here from NBC Boston.

[Cal Thomas]

Lin Lin City of sin Lin Lynn.

[Mary Reichert]

City of sin Come out the way you went in.

[Cal Thomas]

Never come all the way you went in.

[Selena Cheng]

You never go out the way you come in.

[Pamela Smith]

Despite growing up amid city noises and sirens, Kyla loved her upbringing and her family's ministry.

[Myrna Brown]

We're gonna take back all that the.

[Selena Cheng]

I would see people find family and find freedom just by being present with them and by being willing to say yes, like I'm dedicated to you because no one else is but Jesus is.

[Pamela Smith]

Recovery ministry requires grit. It takes patience to give second, third, fourth or endless chances. As people struggle, many get clean, then relapse, then get clean again. Lange has seen friends experience God's healing. Other situations don't turn out as well.

[Selena Cheng]

And I've also had the front row seat to see the hardest moments, our kind of work. There's a lot of loss in our work. A lot of people die, a lot of people go away or move away.

[Pamela Smith]

On top of those challenges, it's sometimes difficult to even explain her family's calling.

[Selena Cheng]

It's hard to tell people because they're not going to understand or they're maybe going to say something, maybe a little ignorant about the work you do.

[Pamela Smith]

These misunderstandings hit Lange hardest. When she went to college, she had seen substance abuse firsthand, so some things that seemed normal to her peers felt more serious for her.

[Selena Cheng]

The idea of like my friend just casually drinking alcohol is actually really, really Hard for me to wrap my brain around just because of the kind of work we do. It's evil, like it's killing people.

[Pamela Smith]

Lang carries heartbreak from growing up in this type of ministry. But she says her joy over witnessing freedom is even deeper.

[Selena Cheng]

I think that's where the love comes from of the ministry, is that my whole life I've had a front row seat to see our ministry in its most beautiful, most successful, most miraculous moment.

[Pamela Smith]

She loves calling the city of Lynn home and working alongside her parents. Three years ago, she and her mom founded a thrift boutique. It provides low cost clothing and employs disadvantaged women. Here's Kyla's mom, Jen.

[Mary Reichert]

So I get to be for a lot of women, their first job out of prison and I just get to say yes. I don't care if they have like their id. A lot of them lose everything. So sometimes they don't have an id. They have to apply for that and whatnot. Or they have an ankle bracelet and that might not be okay at every job and or their background check and I just get to say yes.

[Pamela Smith]

Kyla recently graduated college and finished a master's degree in global ministry. She had to decide where she would use her passions and skills. Ultimately, she feels called right back to live.

[Selena Cheng]

It would feel wrong to leave the city because I've dedicated myself from like a really young age to the peace and prosperity of the city without even realizing that.

[Pamela Smith]

It might seem a simple choice to return home to the work she's always known. But the decision wasn't necessarily easy.

[Selena Cheng]

That heart feeling of like not a lot of people are going to say yes when we're going to say yes. It's a little isolating.

[Pamela Smith]

Still, she's preparing to join her church on staff.

[Selena Cheng]

But because I've been doing that my whole life and because I do feel like I'm on a team with my family and on a team with our pastor pastoral staff, I feel like the yes is a lot easier and for.

[Pamela Smith]

The foreseeable future, Kyla says she's all in for Lynn. For world I'm Anna Johansen Brown.

[Myrna Brown]

Today is Thursday, May 22nd. Good morning. This is the World and everything in it. From listener supported. Welcome to World Radio. I'm Myrna Brown.

[Mary Reichert]

And I'm Mary Reichardt. Up next, world commentator Cal Thomas says questions about former President Joe Biden's health problems while in office need answers.

[Cal Thomas]

The massive cover up of Joe Biden's mental and physical decline reminds me of a similar event more than a century ago. President Woodrow Wilson suffered a stroke on October 2, 1919. It left him barely able to work. First lady Edith Wilson moved quickly to shield her husband's condition from the press and public. Historians say she took on so many of his responsibilities that she functioned like a president. Edith Wilson went so far in her scheming that she covered Wilson's left side with a blanket to hide his paralysis. Even Wilson's doctor was part of the COVID up, as described in Rebecca Boggs Roberts book Untold the Fascinating and Complex Legacy of Edith Wilson. Members of Congress were frustrated when they were prevented from seeing the President. The Senate formed a delegation and informed a top White House aide they were coming to the White House to see Wilson that very day. Edith and some of Wilson's staff staged a dress rehearsal before the meeting that they hoped would allow the President to seem articulate and engaged. There was even talk of propping him up in a beach chair, but they settled on elevating him in bed. The publicist for the Democratic Party was brought in to help stage the charade. Fortunately for the conspirators, Wilson was having one of his so called good days. When the senators arrived, he engaged with the visitors, even indulging in humor. When one of them said, we've been praying for you, Mr. President, Wilson replied, which way? Edith Wilson, in essence, if not in fact, became the first female President of the United States. She controlled access to her incapacitated husband, made decisions on matters of sexual state, and essentially ran the executive branch for almost two years. Employing euphemisms that might resonate today with Biden, Edith claimed she did not make decisions for her husband, but that she was only, in her words, a steward. If this sounds familiar in a modern context, it should. With a few changes. It resembles the script used for the COVID up of Joe Biden's mental and physical decline, the conspiracy by some of his top staff members who helped orchestrate it, and the denial by the helpful media that there was anything seriously wrong with the President. They all promoted the fiction that Biden was sharp as a tack and fully engaged. Democrats now realize they're caught in a trap of their own making. Their response is to tell reporters they don't want to talk about the past, but move on toward the future. Republicans should not allow that to happen. Democrats wouldn't if the roles were reversed. And indeed, Democrats impeached Donald Trump twice during his previous administration over what amounted to nothing. The House Oversight and Accountability Committee has announced it will hold hearings on the suspected cover up. Co conspirators must be called to testify about what they knew, when they knew it and forced to admit why they lied. This should include former First Lady Jill Biden, who could be called the Edith Wilson of our time. Under oath, they will be required to tell the truth or suffer the penalties that go with perjury. Why the 25th Amendment was not employed to remove Biden from office might be one of the questions asked. The public deserves to hear the truth and not just read books from some of those in the media who were part of the COVID up and who are now trying to wash the state of deceit from what reputations they have left. I'm Cal Thomas.

[Mary Reichert]

Tomorrow on Culture Friday, John Stonestreet takes questions from World Journalism Institute students. Also, Colin Garbarino reviews Disney's newest live action remake and an action packed thriller that's been decades in the making. Plus your listener feedback. That and more tomorrow. I'm Mary Reichert.

[Myrna Brown]

And I'm Myrna Brown. World Associate correspondent Ann Shearer reported and wrote today's feature on inner city ministry. The world and everything in it comes to you from World Radio. World's mission is biblically objective journalism that informs, educates and inspires. The Bible says, for by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing. It is the gift of God, not a result of works so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship created in in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Verses 8 through 10 of Ephesians, chapter 2 go now in grace and peace.