The Lost, The Found, and The Refuge w/ Steve & Brandyn Gipe

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

Some stories don’t begin with calling — they begin with survival.

In this deeply moving 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 6–18 and girls ages 6–10, two of the most overlooked demographics in the system.

Together, they trace the long road from broken beginnings to redemptive purpose.

Steve shares his journey from a rigid, legalistic upbringing, through rebellion, addiction, and a radical roadside encounter with God that redirected his life toward loving and shepherding at-risk youth. Brandyn opens up about growing up amid instability, domestic violence, abandonment, and emotional shutdown—and how God preserved her, healed her, and shaped her heart for vulnerable children.

This conversation explores:

What it means to be lost—and unseen

How people are found through love, presence, and obedience

Why some are called to become a refuge for others

The heartbreaking gaps in care for trafficked children in America

Why there are currently no residential homes for male trafficking victims and none for victims under 10

How Cedar Refuge is responding by building something that doesn’t yet exist

This is not a polished testimony episode.
It’s raw. Honest. Pastoral. And hopeful.

It’s about saying yes when God asks you to stand in the gap—especially when the cost is high and the work is heavy.

If you’ve ever wondered how personal pain can become purpose…
If you’ve ever felt burdened for the overlooked…
If you’ve ever asked what faith looks like when it moves toward suffering instead of away from it…

This episode is for you.

☕ Special Note:
To support Cedar Refuge, 100% of proceeds from coffee sales on release day and the following day are being donated directly to their mission.

Head over to www.theporchny.com for more info!

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