Grace at the Fray

Serge
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The gospel is a profound paradox – God's grace shines brightest not in our moments of strength, but in our darkest struggles and weaknesses. Join Pastor Jim Lovelady for conversations with missionaries and ministry leaders from the US and abroad, as they share moving stories and teaching about God's grace working at the frayed edges of life. Be encouraged by their personal stories of how God uses weak and grace-resistant individuals, renewing them, and leading them to a life on mission. Whether you are interested in global missions or longing to experience the transformative power of God's grace in your own life – we invite you to join us for Grace at the Fray!

  1. S7:E3 False Intimacy and True Covering: Sex, Shame, and the Gospel

    FEB 17

    S7:E3 False Intimacy and True Covering: Sex, Shame, and the Gospel

    Shame tells us to hide. The gospel tells us we are already covered. In this powerful episode, Ruth Ann Batstone invites us into the tender pursuit of a God who sees our deepest exposure and responds not with rejection, but with mercy. Drawing from Genesis, the Psalms, and the cross of Christ, she shows how shame distorts intimacy, fuels false substitutes for love, and keeps us running from God and one another. But Jesus enters our hiding places, bears our shame, and clothes us with His righteousness—freeing us to live radiant, known, and deeply loved. In this episode, they discuss… Intimacy Beyond Sex (8:57)Addictions and Empty Cisterns (15:25)The Birth of Shame (25:46)Defining Shame and Its Faces (33:16)Marriage as Exposure and Vulnerability (38:02)The Cost of Contempt (47:15)Thank you for listening! If you found this conversation helpful, please share this it or leave us a review—it really helps! Referenced in this episode: Read Mike Mason’s 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘨𝘦, Ed Welch’s 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘶𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘥, and Dan Allender’s 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘈𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘴Check out our blog post: Grace for the Second Fall Sign up for Mentored Sonship Read Ruth Ann Batstone’s book 𝘔𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘖𝘯: 𝘉𝘦𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘵Bible references: Gen 1-3:1, Romans 1:25, Malachi 2:3, Hebrews 12:2, Psalm 34:4-5Credits: Our guest for this episode was author and educator Ruth Ann Batstone, who joined Serge in 1990 and devoted decades to gospel renewal. This episode was hosted by Jim Lovelady. Production by Evan Mader, Anna Madsen, and Grace Chang. Music by Tommy L. 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕 is produced by SERGE, an international missions agency that sends and cares for missionaries and develops gospel-centered programs and resources for ongoing spiritual renewal. Learn more and get involved at serge.org. Connect with us! Instagram: @graceatthefray Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergeglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceAtTheFray Tik Tok: @graceatthefray LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serge/ Sign up here to get notified when new episodes are released: https://serge.org/podcast/#subscribe Questions or comments? Reach out to us anytime at podcast@serge.org.

    54 min
  2. S7:E2 A Safe Place for Struggling Teens: Mental Health and the Mercy of Christ

    FEB 3

    S7:E2 A Safe Place for Struggling Teens: Mental Health and the Mercy of Christ

    When someone you love is hurting, knowing what to say can feel impossible. We invited authors Monica Kim and Danny Kwon to help us find a way forward that combines deep gospel hope with practical, compassionate care for teenagers dealing with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, trauma, and more. Their wisdom comes from decades in youth ministry and clinical counseling, and our hope is that it reaches where your family truly lives: messy bedrooms, late-night texts, school meetings, and the everyday moments where fear and grace meet. In this episode, they discuss… Gospel Foundation Meets Psychology (09:37)How Churches Act as First Responders (18:40)Compassionate Care Over Quick Fixes (23:45)Peer Support and Youth Leadership (31:10)Exercises for Anxiety and Presence (39:20)Identity, Scars, and Resurrection Hope (44:10)Thank you for listening! If you found this conversation encouraging, please share this episode or leave us a review—it really helps! Referenced in this episode: Read Danny and Monica's book Revisit Debbie Harrell’s podcast episodeWatch Debbie Harrell’s free webinarRead 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘰𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘭-𝘊𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘓𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘛𝘦𝘦𝘯𝘴, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘰𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘭-𝘊𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵Visit our blog: Four Steps for Parenting by Grace, 3 Ways to Become a Praying ParentBible references: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Psalm 47:1-6Credits: Our guests for this episode were Monica Kim and Danny Kwon, co-authors of Teenagers and Mental Health: A Handbook for Parents, Pastors, and Youth Leaders. This episode was hosted by Jim Lovelady. Production by Evan Mader, Anna Madsen, and Grace Chang. Music by Tommy L.  𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕 is produced by SERGE, an international missions agency that sends and cares for missionaries and develops gospel-centered programs and resources for ongoing spiritual renewal. Learn more and get involved at serge.org. Connect with us! Instagram: @graceatthefray Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergeglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceAtTheFray Tik Tok: @graceatthefray LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serge/ Sign up here to get notified when new episodes are released: https://serge.org/podcast/#subscribe Questions or comments? Reach out to us anytime at podcast@serge.org.

    56 min
  3. S7:E1 Disenchantment to Delight: How the Gospel Restores Weary Hearts

    JAN 20

    S7:E1 Disenchantment to Delight: How the Gospel Restores Weary Hearts

    Disenchantment runs deep—for weary believers, pastors, and churches alike. In this conversation with Pastor Jerry Fourroux, we explore how the gospel restores wonder by turning our eyes again to the kindness of God in Christ. Drawing from Scripture, story, and lived experience, this episode reframes repentance not as dreary self-improvement but as a joyful return to grace. When God’s kindness leads the way, repentance becomes an invitation into beauty, freedom, and renewed imagination. If your faith feels tired, flattened, or disenchanted, this episode offers a hopeful reminder: Christ is still at work, tenderly drawing weary hearts from disenchantment to delight. In this episode, they discuss… A Life of Repentance (16:10)Repentance as Running Toward Joy (26:45)Vivification, Sacraments, and Beauty (32:55)Revelation Pulls Back the Curtain (39:12)Beyond Deconstruction to Re-Enchantment (45:20)Providence, Politics, and Humility (51:20)Thank you for listening! If you found this conversation encouraging or helpful, please share this episode with your friends and loved ones. Or please leave us a review—it really helps! Referenced in this episode: Read 𝘙𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯: 𝘏𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 by Scotty Smith and 𝘚𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦: 𝘈 𝘋𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘋𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 & 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦: 𝘈 𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘊𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘰 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 by Jack MillerDownload our free e-book 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘑𝘰𝘺Revisit The Life-Giving Power of Christian Mentoring with Scotty SmithExplore more at serge.org/renewalExplore all that we have to offer and how you can participate at serge.orgBible references: Romans 2:4, Hebrews 13:2Credits: Our guest for this episode was Jerry Fourroux, pastor of Lycoming Centre Presbyterian Church (ECO) in Williamsport, PA. This episode was hosted by Jim Lovelady. Production by Evan Mader, Anna Madsen, and Grace Chang. Music by Tommy L. 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕 is produced by SERGE, an international missions agency that sends and cares for missionaries and develops gospel-centered programs and resources for ongoing spiritual renewal. Learn more and get involved at serge.org. Connect with us! Instagram: @graceatthefray Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergeglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceAtTheFray Tik Tok: @graceatthefray LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serge/ Sign up here to get notified when new episodes are released: https://serge.org/podcast/#subscribe Questions or comments? Reach out to us anytime at podcast@serge.org.

    1h 3m
  4. S6:E11 The Brightest Welcome: Radical Grace for Grumblers and Prodigals

    12/23/2025

    S6:E11 The Brightest Welcome: Radical Grace for Grumblers and Prodigals

    In this season finale, Jim Lovelady invites us to listen again to the hum of God’s radical grace—a grace that refuses to be earned and meets us in both rebellion and self-righteous striving. Preaching from Luke 15, Jim explores why we love grace, why we resist it, and how Jesus tells these parables to unsettle proud hearts and tenderize weary ones. This episode proclaims the shocking good news that the Father runs toward prodigals of every kind, covers our shame at great cost to Himself, and invites us into the joy of the Kingdom—where grace reigns, and the party is already underway. In this episode, they discuss… Writer’s Block and Grace Anxiety (02:28)When Grace Sounds Cliché (09:48)Jesus Welcomes the "Losers" (13:15)Why We Hate Grace (18:31)Troubled Hearts and Humility (24:05)Communion as Weekly Celebration (35:05) Thank you for listening! If you found this conversation encouraging or helpful, please share this episode with your friends and loved ones. Or please leave us a review—it really helps! Referenced in this episode: Read 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘰𝘯: 𝘈 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘏𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨Give to Missionary Care and get your gift doubled until December 31stListen to or watch Rose Marie Miller Podcast: What Kingdom Centered Prayer Looks Like & Rose Marie Miller Podcast: A Hundred Years of Grace: Celebrating Rose Marie MillerBible references: Luke 15, Deuteronomy 21:18-21 Credits: Our host for this episode was Jim Lovelady, pastor, musician, and program leader on Serge’s Renewal team. Production by Evan Mader, Anna Madsen, and Grace Chang. Music by Tommy L. 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕 is produced by SERGE, an international missions agency that sends and cares for missionaries and develops gospel-centered programs and resources for ongoing spiritual renewal. Learn more and get involved at serge.org. Connect with us! Instagram: @graceatthefray Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergeglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceAtTheFray Tik Tok: @graceatthefray LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serge/ Sign up here to get notified when new episodes are released: https://serge.org/podcast/#subscribe Questions or comments? Reach out to us anytime at podcast@serge.org.

    38 min
  5. S6:E10 The Constant Hum: Anxiety and the Tenderness of Christ

    12/09/2025

    S6:E10 The Constant Hum: Anxiety and the Tenderness of Christ

    Anxiety can feel like a constant hum—an undercurrent of dread that steals joy and whispers disqualification. In this honest conversation, counselor and former Serge field worker Danielle Martinelli-Taylor shares how Christ meets us right in that noise with radical, tender grace. In this episode, we explore the difference between worry and anxiety, why so many missionaries feel overwhelmed, and how Jesus draws near not after we “fix ourselves,” but in our weakness. If you’ve ever feared you’re too anxious, too broken, or too much of a burden, this episode will help you hear the louder song of Christ’s love for you. In this episode, they discuss… True Member Care (09:01)Stress Versus Anxiety (19:18)Body Signals and Shame (26:20)Performance Pressure and Pastoral Anxiety (35:02)Coping Behaviors and Deeper Wounds (43:25)Trauma, Boundaries, and Finding Help (50:16) Thank you for listening! If you found this conversation encouraging or helpful, please share this episode with your friends and loved ones. Or please leave us a review—it really helps! Referenced in this episode: Give to 𝘔𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘦 todayRead 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘏𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦, 𝘛𝘳𝘺 𝘚𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳, & 𝘙𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯 𝘌𝘮𝘱𝘵𝘺Explore a Serge ApprenticeshipBible references: 2 Corinthians 1:8-10, 1 John 3:20, Zephaniah 3:17 Credits: Our guest for this episode was Danielle Martinelli-Taylor, a licensed clinical counselor and the founder of Animo C&C LLC. She has also been with Serge since 2012 and currently serves as the Counseling Coordinator and Home Assignment Specialist. This episode was hosted by Jim Lovelady. Production by Evan Mader, Anna Madsen, and Grace Chang. Music by Tommy L. 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕 is produced by SERGE, an international missions agency that sends and cares for missionaries and develops gospel-centered programs and resources for ongoing spiritual renewal. Learn more and get involved at serge.org. Connect with us! Instagram: @graceatthefray Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergeglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceAtTheFray Tik Tok: @graceatthefray LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serge/ Sign up here to get notified when new episodes are released: https://serge.org/podcast/#subscribe Questions or comments? Reach out to us anytime at podcast@serge.org.

    1 hr
  6. S6:E9 Scandalous Grace for the Global Church

    11/25/2025

    S6:E9 Scandalous Grace for the Global Church

    The global church is exploding with growth—and at the center of it all is God’s scandalous grace. In this episode, Jim talks with Serge field worker and theologian Stephanie Black about how the gospel is transforming lives across Africa, Asia, and beyond. Come be encouraged: the Kingdom is advancing, Christ is at work, and His grace is far more powerful and global than we imagine. In this episode, they discuss… Africa as the Center of Christian Growth (18:30)Contextualizing Scripture (25:26)Idols, Food, and Hospitality (38:12)Sonship: Legalism to Radical Grace (45:20)Thank you for listening! Please share this episode with your loved ones or leave us a review—it really helps! Referenced in this episode: Learn more about Theologianswithoutborders.orgStudy the Cross ChartOpt in for our Advent devotionalsDonate to our Matching Gift CampaignRead 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘗𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘰𝘯, 𝘔𝘪𝘴𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘚𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘱𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘞𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯 𝘌𝘺𝘦𝘴, 𝘈𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵 𝘗𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘴Watch Stephanie's WebinarBible references: Colossians 1-2, Matthew 21-22, Romans 7, Luke 10:38-42, Luke 15, Luke 7:18-35Credits:  Our guest for this episode was Serge missionary and seminary professor Stephanie Black. This episode was hosted by Jim Lovelady. Production by Evan Mader, Anna Madsen, and Grace Chang. Music by Tommy L. 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕 is produced by SERGE, an international missions agency that sends and cares for missionaries and develops gospel-centered programs and resources for ongoing spiritual renewal. Learn more and get involved at serge.org. Connect with us! Instagram: @graceatthefray Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergeglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceAtTheFray Tik Tok: @graceatthefray LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serge/ Sign up here to get notified when new episodes are released: https://serge.org/podcast/#subscribe Questions or comments? Reach out to us anytime at podcast@serge.org.

    1h 6m
  7. S6:E8 Joy and Rest for Those Who Serve

    11/11/2025

    S6:E8 Joy and Rest for Those Who Serve

    What does it mean to serve God out of grace rather than striving? In this episode, Jim Lovelady talks with Joel Hylton about how the gospel frees us from self-reliance and sends us into the world as priests of God’s Kingdom. Together, they explore the mystery of belonging to Christ, holding joy and sorrow in tension, and finding rest in the One who loves us and has set us free by His blood. This is a conversation about hope, calling, and the beautiful freedom of serving from grace—not for it. In this episode, they discuss… Conversion, Medicine, and Marriage (06:09)Stepping into Leadership at Serge (11:27)Kingdom Priests in a Broken World (18:00)Trusting the Spirit’s Work (27:31)Holding Joy and Lament Together (38:43)Grace for Whole-Person Leadership (41:55) Thank you for listening! If you found this conversation encouraging or helpful, please share this episode with your friends and loved ones. Or please leave us a review—it really helps! Referenced in this episode: Read Freedom from the Seven Deadly Sins by Billy GrahamExplore your options for a Serge ApprenticeshipSign up for our Leadership LabBible references: Revelation 1, 2 Corinthians 4:7-9, Psalm 84:10 Credits:  Our guest for this episode was Joel Hylton, Senior Director of Mission at Serge. He left his career in medicine in 2004 to join the work God was doing through Serge. In 2009, Joel and his wife Cindy moved to London to begin and lead the Serge Apprenticeship Program. They jointly held the role of Area Director of Leadership Development and Apprenticeships from both London and Prague before returning to the Home Office in 2022. This episode was hosted by Jim Lovelady. Production by Evan Mader, Anna Madsen, and Grace Chang. Music by Tommy L.  𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕 is produced by SERGE, an international missions agency that sends and cares for missionaries and develops gospel-centered programs and resources for ongoing spiritual renewal. Learn more and get involved at serge.org. Connect with us! Instagram: @graceatthefray Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergeglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceAtTheFray Tik Tok: @graceatthefray LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serge/ Sign up here to get notified when new episodes are released: https://serge.org/podcast/#subscribe Questions or comments? Reach out to us anytime at podcast@serge.org.

    54 min
  8. S6:E7 A Bigger Gospel for a Weary Faith

    10/28/2025

    S6:E7 A Bigger Gospel for a Weary Faith

    Feeling weary in your walk with Jesus? Maybe what you need isn’t more effort—but a bigger gospel. Jim talks with longtime fieldworker Bob H. about the breathtaking scope of God’s Kingdom and the radical grace that transforms everything it touches. From Psalm 2 to the streets of London, they explore how renewal begins with repentance, how belonging can precede believing, and how the gospel reaches as far as the curse is found—healing wounds of injustice and unbelief. This conversation invites you to see the good news again in all its glory: Jesus is Lord—and His gospel is bigger than you think. In this episode, they discuss…  Good News of the Kingdom (31:00)Radical Grace (34:20)A Radical Community (38:10)A Sent People (42:20)Incarnational Presence (45:20)Kingdom-Centered Prayer (49:10)Self-Sacrificial Love (52:10) Thank you for listening! If you found this conversation encouraging or helpful, please share this episode with your friends and loved ones. Or please leave us a review—it really helps! Referenced in this episode: Sign up for Mentored SonshipExplore options for a Serge ApprenticeshipCheck out our new video series Inside OutBible references: Isaiah 11, Mark 1:14-15, John 17, Revelation 21:5 , Psalm 2, John 15:1-17 Credits:  Our guest for this episode was Bob H., who has served with his wife, Keren, since Serge’s beginnings. This episode was hosted by Jim Lovelady. Production by Evan Mader, Anna Madsen, and Grace Chang. Music by Tommy L.  𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕 is produced by SERGE, an international missions agency that sends and cares for missionaries and develops gospel-centered programs and resources for ongoing spiritual renewal. Learn more and get involved at serge.org. Connect with us! Instagram: @graceatthefray Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergeglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceAtTheFray Tik Tok: @graceatthefray LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serge/ Sign up here to get notified when new episodes are released: https://serge.org/podcast/#subscribe Questions or comments? Reach out to us anytime at podcast@serge.org.

    58 min
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4.8
out of 5
45 Ratings

About

The gospel is a profound paradox – God's grace shines brightest not in our moments of strength, but in our darkest struggles and weaknesses. Join Pastor Jim Lovelady for conversations with missionaries and ministry leaders from the US and abroad, as they share moving stories and teaching about God's grace working at the frayed edges of life. Be encouraged by their personal stories of how God uses weak and grace-resistant individuals, renewing them, and leading them to a life on mission. Whether you are interested in global missions or longing to experience the transformative power of God's grace in your own life – we invite you to join us for Grace at the Fray!

Information

  • Creator
    Serge
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    74
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Grace at the Fray
  • Show Website
    Grace at the Fray

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