Finding Hope in a Hopeless Time

Hope is recognizing that sometimes there is more beyond what we can see. Join us as we discover how to find hope during hopeless moments. Yass, Jesus! is hosted by Danny Franzese and Azariah Southworth. Our producer is Ross Murray. Sound, music, and post production by Chris Heckman. Special thanks to Sophie Serrano, Meredith Paulley, and Sam Isfan. Yass, Jesus! is brought to you by Audity. Audity execs are Ryann Lauckner, Steve Michaels, and Jessica Bustillos. Get to know us better: Daniel Franzese https://whatsupdanny.com/ Twitter Instagram Facebook Azariah Southworth https://azariahspeaks.com/ Instagram Facebook Ross Murray The Naming Project GLAAD Twitter The Rev. A. Stephen Pieters, M.Div., M.A., D.Min. (Hon.) The Rev. Dr. A. Stephen Pieters received a Bachelor of Science in Speech at Northwestern University in 1974, a Master of Divinity Degree from McCormick Theological Seminary in 1979, an honorary Doctor of Ministry Degree from Samaritan College in 1989, and a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in 2003. Rev. Pieters is one of the longest-surviving people with AIDS in the world, having first been diagnosed with GRID (what they were then calling AIDS) in April, 1982. He was told he had 8 months to live in April, 1984 when diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma and AIDS (again). His two cancers went into remission in 1985 while he was taking the first antiviral tried against HIV, a chemotherapy called suramin. By 1987, he recovered completely from the toxic side effects that ended the trial. That year, he was appointed Field Director of AIDS Ministry for the MCC denomination, and traveled to churches all over the world, where he shared his testimony of hope in the face of all the hopelessness of that time. Rev. Pieters has served on the boards of directors of local and national AIDS organizations and non-profits. He has been interviewed many times on television, including by Tammy Faye Bakker, and Jane Pauley, as well as in print media all over the world, and has received many awards for his AIDS ministry. Reverend Pieters is currently retired, and serves as Staff Clergy at Founders Metropolitan Community Church. He has been singing with the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles since 1994.Yass, Jesus! thanks our incredible sponsors: Imperfect Foods Imperfect, delicious produce delivered to your doorstep for up to 30% less than the grocery store. Use the coupon code YASSJESUS for $10 off your first box! Cann Social Tonic The future of social drinking is here!