Here We Go Podcast

From Hindu to Christian: Hearing God’s Voice & Becoming a Voice for those with Down Syndrome (with K

In this episode of HERE WE GO, Pastors Alan Hannah and Spencer Sweeting sit down with pediatrician, speaker, and ministry leader Dr. Kishore Vellody to explore a remarkable journey from Hinduism to atheism to faith in Jesus Christ. Raised in a Hindu home outside Chicago, Kishore shares how his father's cancer diagnosis led him to question everything he believed, how science and medicine ultimately pointed him toward a Creator, and how reading Scripture with his future wife transformed his life forever. Along the way, he opens about the profound impact of his brother with Down syndrome, his calling to medicine, and his passion for helping families discover the dignity, value, and joy found in every human life. In This Episode: • Growing up in a Hindu family and wrestling with faith • How a cancer diagnosis led to atheism and deep questions about God • Discovering evidence of a Creator through medicine and science • Meeting Jesus through the Gospel of Matthew • Navigating family relationships after converting to Christianity • The lifelong impact of having a brother with Down syndrome • What people with Down syndrome teach us about love and dignity • Leading the Down Syndrome Center at Children's Hospital Pittsburgh • Common misconceptions surrounding Down syndrome diagnoses • Why families need information, hope, and community—not fear • Using medicine, ministry, and storytelling to point people toward Jesus • Finding God's purpose in suffering, uncertainty, and unanswered questions Timestamps: 00:27 Welcome 08:46 Kishore Intro 10:33 Upbringing and Navigating a Hindu Home 13:44 College Life, Questions, and Unexpected Christian Friendships 15:42 How an Anatomy Lab Changed Everything 17:06 Reading Scripture to Disprove Christianity 20:00 Telling His Family He Had Become a Christian 33:28 Lessons Learned from a Brother 36:50 A Calling to Care for Children and Families 42:49 Addressing Misconceptions About Down Syndrome 47:07 Supporting Families Facing a Prenatal Diagnosis 53:57 Final Encouragement & Closing Thoughts 👋 If this episode encouraged you: -Share it with a friend! -Leave a like! -Follow/subscribe wherever you listen 👉 Subscribe, share, and send us your feedback at herewego@acac.net [herewego@acac.net] 👉 Follow Alan Hannah: @alan_hannah 👉 Follow Spencer Sweeting: @spencersweeting

Brokenness, Humanity, and the Neighbor Next Door (with Jerrel Gilliam)

In this episode , Pastors Alan Hannah and Spencer Sweeting sit down with Jerrel Gilliam Executive Director of Light of Life Rescue Mission, for an honest and deeply challenging conversation about homelessness, dignity, justice, and seeing people through the eyes of Jesus. From growing up in Pittsburgh during seasons of racial tension to discovering a lifelong calling to urban ministry, Jerrel shares the experiences, faith, and family legacy that shaped his heart for serving others. Together, the conversation explores the realities behind homelessness, the myths and assumptions we often carry, and why simply seeing people matters more than we realize. In This Episode: • Jerrel Gilliam’s upbringing in Pittsburgh and his family’s story of faith • The influence of his father’s radical transformation through Jesus • Growing up between cultures and navigating racial tension • The journey that led Jerrel into urban ministry and service • The mission and heart behind Light of Life Rescue Mission • Common myths and misconceptions about homelessness • Why empathy and “seeing people” matters so deeply • Practical ways Christians can respond with compassion and wisdom • The difference between charity, dignity, and true neighboring • How Jesus consistently broke through cultural and social “boxes” • Why the Church must contend for both justice and compassion Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome 10:06 Jerrel Intro 12:00 Growing Up In Pittsburgh During Racial Tension 17:50 Family, Competition & Growing Up 28:20 Discovering A Calling To Urban Ministry 34:32 The “Boxes” We Put People In 40:45 Myths & Misconceptions About Homelessness 50:00 Why Being Seen Matters So Much 53:17 Practical Ways To Help People Experiencing Homelessness 58:30 Deconstruction of The “Deserving VS Undeserving Poor” Concept 1:10:30 The Mission & Future Of Light Of Life Rescue Mission 1:24:40 Final Reflections & Encouragement 👋 If this episode encouraged you: -Share it with a friend! -Leave a like! -Follow/subscribe wherever you listen 👉 Subscribe, share, and send us your feedback at herewego@acac.net [herewego@acac.net] 👉 Follow Alan Hannah: @alan_hannah 👉 Follow Spencer Sweeting: @spencersweeting

Immigration, Advocacy, and the Call to Love (With Chelsy Gevas)

In this episode, Pastors Alan Hannah and Spencer Sweeting sit down with attorney Chelsy Gevas from the Christian Immigration Advocacy Center to have an honest and thoughtful conversation about immigration, neighboring, and the heart of Jesus. While immigration is often treated as a political issue, this episode focuses on the people behind the headlines — refugees, asylum seekers, families, and neighbors navigating incredibly complex realities. Chelsy shares the story behind CIAC, how the ministry was born out of simply asking a local refugee community what they needed, and how God continues to use compassion and faithful presence to impact lives across Pittsburgh. In This Episode: • The origin story behind the Christian Immigration Advocacy Center • Why immigration conversations become so polarized • What Scripture says about loving the foreigner • The difference between refugees, asylum seekers, and immigration pathways • Stories of families navigating immigration challenges and separation • How fear and politics shape the way we see people • The role of the Church in caring for immigrants and refugees • Gospel as a framework for understanding Immigration • Practical ways ordinary people can love their neighbors well Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome & opening conversation 15:15 Introducing Chelsy 18:00 Beginnings of CIAC 20:10 Chelsy’s story: law school, missions & calling 24:24 Loving the local community 29:40 Understanding refugees, asylum seekers & immigration pathways 35:20 Process of CIAC Advocacy 37:00 Stories of families searching for belonging and safety 41:20 Compassion & fear 47:45 What Christians are actually responsible for 52:50 The temptation to oversimplify immigration 52:50 Weaving Faith with Advocacy 01:01:50 Practical ways to support immigrants and refugees 01:03:21 Final reflections & encouragement 👋 If this episode encouraged you: -Share it with a friend! -Leave a like! -Follow/subscribe wherever you listen 👉 Subscribe, share, and send us your feedback at herewego@acac.net [herewego@acac.net] 👉 Follow Alan Hannah: @alan_hannah 👉 Follow Spencer Sweeting: @spencersweeting

Humility, Confidence, and the Weight of Revival (with Zach Meerkreebs Pt.2)

In this episode, Pastors Alan Hannah and Spencer Sweeting welcome back pastor, author, and friend Zach Meerkreebs for a powerful conversation about the Asbury Outpouring, revival culture, radical humility, and what it really looks like when God moves. More than a conversation about revival, this episode wrestles with the tension between authentic moves of God and manufactured hype—and why humility, curiosity, and surrender matter more than labels. In This Episode: • The story behind the Asbury Outpouring • Why Zach refuses to casually use the word “revival” • The role of humility and hunger in spiritual awakening • Powerful stories of confession, healing, and freedom • The hilarious and chaotic soccer team story • How discernment matters in moments of spiritual intensity • The difference between outpouring, revival, and awakening • The danger of hype, emotionalism, and spiritual branding • Why childlike faith still matters • Consecrated confidence vs pride • Zach’s book Lower and the call to radical humility • The heart behind Barnabas Collective and redeeming evangelism • How leaders can pursue renewal without losing heart Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome Back & Introducing Part Two 4:26 What Actually Happened At Asbury 11:25 The Presence of God & Stories of Transformation 16:30 The Soccer Team Story 22:00 Revival Is Messy 30:00 Revival vs Outpouring vs Awakening 38:10 Radical Humility & Zach’s Book Lower 45:00 Consecrated Confidence & Social Media Culture 52:30 Barnabas Collective & Encouraging Leaders 57:30 Worship Music, Friendship, and Final Thoughts 👉 Subscribe, share, and send us your feedback at herewego@acac.net [http://acac.net] 👉 Follow Alan Hannah: @alan_hannah 👉 Follow Spencer Sweeting: @spencersweeting 👉 Follow Zach Meerkreebs: @zachmeerkreebs

Grief, Friends, and the Stories That Shape It All (with Zach Meerkreebs Pt.1)

In this two-part special episode, Pastors Alan Hannah and Spencer Sweeting sit down with pastor, author, and friend Zach Meerkreebs to explore the story behind the story. While many know Zach from the Asbury outpouring, this conversation goes deeper—into the formation, faith, and suffering that shaped his life long before that moment. This episode is raw, honest, and deeply encouraging—a reminder that God often does His greatest work in the hidden places of our lives. In This Episode: • Zach’s upbringing in a Jewish home and coming to faith in Jesus • How godly fathers and friendship drew him toward Christ • His early passion for evangelism and ministry • Walking through grief after loss • Wrestling with faith, prayer, and the character of God in suffering • What it means to stay close to God instead of withdrawing • The power of presence, friendship, and sitting with people in pain • Why you shouldn’t skip the story before the “moment” Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome & Introducing Zach Meerkreebs 07:05 Zach Is Here! 11:40 Zach’s Story: Growing Up In A Jewish Home 16:46 Early Evangelism & Calling To Ministry 22:30 Esther’s Story: Diagnosis And Difficult News 28:00 Choosing Faith In The Midst Of Uncertainty 32:00 Learning To Sit With God Instead Of Striving 35:30 What It Means To Rejoice In The Lord Always 41:00 How To Walk With Others In Suffering 45:00 Friendship, Presence, And Practical Care 👋 If this episode encouraged you: -Share it with a friend! -Leave a like! -Follow/subscribe wherever you listen 👉 Subscribe, share, and send us your feedback at herewego@acac.net [herewego@acac.net] 👉 Follow Alan Hannah: @alan_hannah 👉 Follow Spencer Sweeting: @spencersweeting