In a powerful testament to faith and resilience, the congregation of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Darlington County, South Carolina, gathered under tents for Sunday worship, just one day after a devastating fire consumed their historic church building. This act of devotion underscores the unyielding spirit of a community rooted in Christian values, demonstrating that the true essence of the church lies not in its physical structure, but in the hearts and souls of its believers.

“You can have church anywhere,” said churchgoer Tinika Reeves, capturing the sentiment of a congregation that refuses to be defined by loss. The church, led by the Rev. Eugene Thomas, has been a cornerstone of faith since its founding in 1869 and has stood as a beacon of hope and fellowship in the Back Swamp/Pocket Road community for over a century.

The fire, which engulfed the church on Saturday afternoon, prompted a swift response from multiple fire departments. Despite their efforts, the building, constructed in 1910, could not be saved. The Darlington County Sheriff’s Office and fire officials expressed their solidarity, stating, “Our thoughts and prayers are with Reverend Eugene Thomas and the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church family.”

Brian Gandy, director of the Darlington County Historical Commission and Museum, lamented the loss of one of the county’s oldest African American churches, yet he remained hopeful. “This congregation is one of the oldest organized African American churches in Darlington County and has a very rich history… This will be a blow, but with the members that I know at Pleasant Grove, they will rise above this and continue their legacy of serving God and their community.”

Rev. Thomas, reflecting on the aftermath, shared that his initial plan was to hold services at a nearby church. However, his congregation’s desire to worship on their own grounds prevailed. “All of a sudden, so many members came to me and said, ‘we want to be on our ground tomorrow.’ And I said, ‘yes, that’s it. That’s perfect. That’s just where we need to be at this time,’” he recounted.

The sight of the destroyed church was a heart-wrenching moment for many, including Reeves, who noted, “Once we pulled into the driveway, it was real. We felt it. And we just saw our building being totally destroyed.”

Yet, even in the face of such adversity, the congregation’s faith remains unshaken. Rev. Thomas, though initially broken by the sight of the destruction, found solace in the reminder that “the church is one thing, and it’s not a building. It’s the people.”

This poignant gathering underlines the enduring power of faith, family, and community—a testament to the strength found in unity and a shared belief in God’s providence. As Pleasant Grove Baptist Church moves forward, it serves as a reminder of the resilience that defines the American spirit and the unwavering commitment to uphold traditional values and freedoms.

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In the heart of Denver’s vibrant Art District, a remarkable story of faith, compassion, and resilience unfolds. Jamie Sanchez, a devoted Christian and the owner of The Drip Café, stands as a beacon of hope and service amidst a storm of unwarranted criticism and protest. His mission, deeply rooted in Christian values, is to uplift the homeless and provide them with a path to redemption and self-sufficiency.

Jamie Sanchez’s journey began with a calling he felt as a child—a calling to serve those less fortunate. This calling led him to establish “Recycle God’s Love” in 2012, alongside his late wife, Carolyn. What started as a modest effort to offer Bible studies and meals to the homeless has blossomed into a powerful community initiative. With the support of churches, local businesses, and dedicated volunteers, Sanchez’s ministry now provides essential services, from haircuts to housing, to hundreds in need.

“Over the years, it has just grown into just an amazing community of believers and people who really have a heart to help people who are in need and to do it selflessly,” Sanchez shared.

In 2022, Sanchez expanded his ministry with “Project Revive,” a faith-based program designed to help homeless individuals rebuild their lives. This initiative offers housing, transportation, addiction counseling, and job opportunities—all grounded in Christian discipleship. The Drip Café, opened in 2023, serves as both a coffee shop and a place of mentorship for those who have completed the program and are ready to reintegrate into society.

“We’ve had a few people go through the project so far, and it’s been very successful,” Sanchez noted.

However, Sanchez’s noble efforts have not been without challenges. Even before The Drip Café opened its doors, it faced protests organized by a group known as the Denver Communists. These protesters accused the café of being anti-gay, solely based on its Christian beliefs. Sanchez was taken aback by the hostility.

“I was in shock,” he recalled. “Our whole purpose opening the café was to serve the homeless community and help people get off the street, change their lives. And here we got a group who just hates us because we’re doing that, and we’re Christian.”

Despite the protests, Sanchez has remained steadfast in his commitment to his faith and mission. He views the backlash as part of a larger spiritual battle and responds with love and grace. “I love them even though they don’t believe me and I’ve never shown anything but love to them and that’s why the only pictures they have of me is praying for them,” he expressed.

The protests have not deterred Sanchez from his mission. Instead, he and his team have chosen to hold live worship music in the café every first Friday to “drown out” the noise of opposition. Sanchez’s unwavering faith and dedication to serving others shine through, even in the face of adversity.

“The communists have told me I’m not welcome, told me to kill myself, and my response is, ‘I love you, and you are welcome to come in peacefully.’ We have offered them free coffee and food on cold days,” Sanchez stated.

In a world where division and hostility often overshadow compassion and understanding, Jamie Sanchez’s story is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith, love, and service. His unwavering commitment to traditional values and his dedication to uplifting those in need exemplify the true spirit of Christian charity and patriotism.

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In a significant move to uphold the values of truth and integrity, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently hosted a workshop to address the growing concerns surrounding “gender-affirming care.” This event brought together a diverse group of experts and detransitioners, shedding light on the potential misleading claims associated with these procedures. The workshop was a critical step in defending the rights of families and ensuring that American children are protected from harmful practices.

Chad Mizelle, the U.S. Justice Department’s Chief of Staff, announced that the agency has taken decisive action by issuing over 20 subpoenas against clinics involved in transgender medical procedures on minors. This bold move underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding the well-being of our children and holding accountable those who may exploit vulnerable individuals for profit.

One of the most poignant moments of the workshop came during the panel titled “A Conversation with Parents and Survivors,” moderated by FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson. Simon Amaya Price shared his harrowing experience of being encouraged to embrace a transgender identity during his teenage years. He recounted how a pediatrician pressured his father with the chilling ultimatum: “Would you like a dead son or a living daughter?” Price expressed gratitude for not undergoing irreversible procedures, stating, “I’m one of the lucky ones. I only socially transitioned. I only lost a couple years of my life. I didn’t lose any body parts.”

Gareth Amaya Price, Simon’s father, provided a heartfelt perspective on his son’s struggles, attributing much of the confusion to his son’s autism and the intense bullying he faced. Gareth condemned the emotional manipulation by medical professionals, describing it as “emotional blackmail and, in my opinion, malpractice.”

Elvira Syed, another panelist, shared the tragic story of her daughter, who took her own life amid gender confusion. “They treated her ideology, not her illness,” she lamented, highlighting the failure of medical professionals to address the root causes of her daughter’s distress.

Dr. Patrick Lappert, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, spoke candidly about the deception within the transgender treatment industry. He asserted that these procedures are often mislabeled as reconstructive rather than cosmetic, leading to fraudulent insurance claims and financial exploitation of families. “The transgender treatment industry actually operates in the American medical system through the use of deceptive labeling and deceptive practices,” he explained.

Dr. Eithan Haim, known for his courageous whistleblowing on unethical practices at Texas Children’s Hospital, emphasized the culture of silence that pervades the medical profession. He warned of the consequences faced by those who dare to speak out against the prevailing narrative. “There is a code of silence that exists among physicians and professionals today,” he stated, highlighting the left-wing institutional capture of the medical field.

Brandon Showalter, a Christian Post opinion writer, delivered a powerful message during the panel “How Can the FTC Protect Families from Harm?” He argued that the ideology of transgenderism is fundamentally flawed and incompatible with truth. “Because it is based on an irretrievably flawed premise that it’s actually possible to be born in the wrong body, any medical treatment toward that end is going to do damage, guaranteed, full stop, because it starts with a lie,” Showalter declared.

As we reflect on the insights shared during this workshop, it becomes clear that the protection of our children and the preservation of our values are paramount. The FTC’s efforts to investigate and address these concerns are a testament to the enduring importance of faith, family, and freedom in our society. Let us continue to champion truth and uphold the principles that have long defined our great nation.

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