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 wellTimestamps:00:00 Welcome & opening conversation15:15 Introducing Chelsy18:00 Beginnings of CIAC20:10 Chelsy’s story: law school, missions & calling24:24 Loving the local community29:40 Understanding refugees, asylum seekers & immigration pathways35:20 Process of CIAC Advocacy 37:00 Stories of families searching for belonging and safety41:20 Compassion & fear 47:45 What Christians are actually responsible for52:50 The temptation to oversimplify immigration52:50 Weaving Faith with Advocacy 01:01:50 Practical ways to support immigrants and refugees01:03:21 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 [email protected]👉 Follow Alan Hannah: @alan_hannah👉 Follow Spencer Sweeting: @spencersweeting