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What happens when global conflict suddenly becomes personal?

In this gripping episode of the Live Faith First Podcast, Elliot Sands sits down with Finny Abraham, Local Compassion Pastor at WestGate Church in Silicon Valley, to talk about a surreal moment: being on a commercial flight over Iranian airspace when bombs began dropping below.

What started as a routine flight quickly turned into a moment of reflection about fear, faith, and the fragile nature of our world.

Finny shares the emotional tension of that experience and what it revealed about trust in God when circumstances feel completely out of control. The conversation moves beyond the dramatic moment into a deeper discussion about compassion, faith in uncertain times, and how followers of Jesus can respond to global instability with courage and hope.

Finny also reflects on his work serving vulnerable communities in Silicon Valley and why compassion and action must remain central to the Christian life.

This episode is a powerful reminder that faith isn't just theoretical — it's forged in the moments when we realize we’re not in control.

What You'll Hear in This Episode

• The moment Finny realized something serious was happening beneath his flight

• What goes through your mind when geopolitical conflict suddenly becomes real

• How faith anchors us when circumstances feel unstable

• Why compassion is a necessary response to a broken world

• Lessons from serving vulnerable communities in Silicon Valley

• Finding peace when the world feels uncertain

Finny Abraham is the Local Compassion Pastor at Westgate Church in Silicon Valley and the Executive Director of Coalition Alleviating Poverty – Silicon Valley (CAP-SV), a faith-based initiative mobilizing churches and organizations to serve vulnerable communities. He has spent years building partnerships between churches, nonprofits, and local governments to address poverty and community needs in the Bay Area. Through large-scale service initiatives and collaborative outreach efforts, Finny works to mobilize the church to serve both locally and globally.

Finny holds a Master of Social Work from St. Joseph’s College in Bangalore, a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary, and a Master of Sacred Theology from Boston University.

He and his wife Susan live in Silicon Valley and are passionate about helping the church live out the compassion of Jesus in practical ways.

Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation. As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion.

Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table.

Connect with Finny Abraham

Westgate Church: ⁠https://www.westgatechurch.org⁠

Coalition Alleviating Poverty – Silicon Valley: ⁠https://capsv.org⁠

Connect with Live Faith First

Website: LiveFaithFirst.com

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YouTube: youtube.com/@livefaithfirst

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What if one of the strongest apologetics for the gospel is sitting right in front of us — and we’re missing it?

In this powerful conversation, Elliot sits down with pastor and author Bryan Loritts to talk about his vision for the “Offensive Church” — a church that plays offense in ethnic unity rather than lagging behind culture. Bryan makes a compelling case that ethnic unity is not a political issue — it’s a gospel issue.

From John 17 to Ephesians 2, from Acts 6 to Revelation 7, this episode explores:

• Why unity matters more than diversity

• The difference between race and ethnicity

• Why “colorblindness” isn’t biblical

• How leadership must own the vision

• What it looks like to cross divides in real life

• How discipleship includes both formation and deformation

If you care about church unity, leadership, or gospel witness in a divided culture, this episode is for you.

Bryan Loritts is the Teaching Pastor at The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. A respected pastor, author, and speaker, Bryan is widely known for his work on gospel-centered ethnic unity and leadership. Born in Pennsylvania and raised in Atlanta during the era of reverse migration, Bryan has spent decades helping churches think biblically about reconciliation, diversity, and discipleship.

Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation. As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table.

Connect with Bryan Loritts

Website: https://bryanloritts.com/

Website: https://summitchurch.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loritts/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bryan.loritts.2025

Connect with Live Faith First

Website: LiveFaithFirst.com

Instagram: @LiveFaithFirst

TikTok: @livefaithfirst

Facebook: facebook.com/LiveFaithFirst

YouTube: youtube.com/@livefaithfirst

Stay Connected-signup for our newsletter-https://www.livefaithfirst.org/contact

What if we stopped seeing life as either/or—and started living in the “and”? In this conversation with therapist and author Kelsey Blahnik, we explore how to hold complexity, live with grace, and cultivate what Kelsey calls a “clay mindset.”

From political tensions and family dynamics to parenting guilt and personal growth, this episode offers real tools to navigate a divided world. We talk peacemaking vs. peacekeeping, conflict at the dinner table, assertive communication, sleep, nutrition, exposure therapy, and the power of compassionate imagination.

Whether you’re walking through grief and joy at the same time, navigating tricky relationships, or just trying to be a better parent, partner, or friend—this episode will help you live the “and” way with grace and hope.

Kelsey Blahnik is a therapist, author, and speaker based in Austin, Texas. With a Master’s in Social Work and over a decade of experience, she works at the intersection of mental health, relationships, and social impact. Kelsey is the founder of The And Way Therapy, where she provides virtual therapy with a focus on anxiety, trauma, and relational healing.

She’s also the author of The And Way: Assertive Peacemaking in a Divided World, a practical and deeply personal guide to navigating complexity, conflict, and connection in today’s polarized culture. Her signature “clay mindset” helps individuals embrace growth, hold tension, and practice compassion with themselves and others.

Elliot Sands is the host of the Live Faith First podcast—a dynamic space where faith meets real-world challenges. With a rich background as a pastor, school principal, health-tech co-founder, and now Executive Director of Faith First, Elliot brings deep wisdom and practical insight to every conversation. As a husband, father, and grandfather, he weaves personal experience with thoughtful discussion, tackling tough topics with clarity and compassion. Live Faith First is all about bridging divides—whether in society or the church—encouraging listeners to step beyond echo chambers and build real, meaningful relationships across the aisle, the street, or the table.

Connect with Kelsey Blahnik

Website: https://theandwaypress.com/

Website: https://www.theandwaytherapy.com/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theandway/

Connect with Live Faith First

Website: LiveFaithFirst.com

Instagram: @LiveFaithFirst

TikTok: @livefaithfirst

Facebook: facebook.com/LiveFaithFirst

YouTube: youtube.com/@livefaithfirst