Smells Like Smoke

Today on The Make, we sit down with Pastor Chris Hamlin for a heartfelt reflection on the cost of true worship and how we worship in both the highs and the lows. God desires more than what is easy, and when we choose to worship through our struggles, offering Him the very last of what we have, He meets us with His presence and blessing, knowing exactly what we are facing.

After the tragic loss of her daughter, Debbie Carlson faced heartbreak no parent should endure. In this moving episode, she shares how her faith in God, the power of forgiveness, and the support of her community helped her walk through unimaginable grief. A powerful story of hope, healing, and trusting God in the darkest of times.

In this episode, we sit down with David Miller, who serves and leads as an Elder at Pantano. Together, we explore what it means to encounter God through leadership, ministry, and a life of serving others. We also dive into how AI and digital tools are transforming the way we reach people, helping us expand our impact and share the love of Jesus more effectively in today’s world. Whether you're leading a church, volunteering behind the scenes, or looking to use your gifts for God's Kingdom, this conversation will inspire and equip you.

Show Notes & Resources:
Feel the Love Initiative: https://ritewayac.com/feelthelove/
Pantano God Behind Bars Interest Form: https://pantano.churchcenter.com/people/forms/528129
The Global Leadership Summit: https://pantano.church/gls/

This week, Trevor DeVage gets real about trust—not as a sermon point, but as a personal battle. In one of the hardest weeks of his life, with his father critically ill, Trevor preached on trust while wrestling with it in real time. This episode is raw, unfiltered, and deeply encouraging.

Through stories of hospital rooms, grief, and gut-level faith, Trevor invites us to take just one next faithful step, even when we can’t see the plan. Whether you’re in a season of uncertainty or trying to support someone who is, this message will meet you where you are and help you fall boldly into the hands of God.

This week on The Make, Trevor DeVage sits down with Pantano staff members Frank and Janell to talk about what it really means to be “plugged in” to God, especially in times of heartbreak and challenge. They reflect on the summer's powerful student camps, building life-giving culture, and navigating the tragic loss of a local teen. They also share how Pantano is addressing mental health in the next generation through a brand-new event: Stronger Together.

💡 Learn more or register for Stronger Together: pantano.church/stronger-together
🔗 Explore Pantano Church: pantano.church
📱 Follow us on Instagram: @wearepantano

What if stepping away from your screen could help you reconnect with your soul?

In this raw and powerful season premiere of The Make, Trevor sits down with Carlos Whittaker—best-selling author, speaker, and “hope dealer”—to talk about grief, therapy, midlife transformation, and the journey of truly seeing and being seen. Carlos opens up about losing his father, helping his mother find new purpose, and how seven weeks with monks and Amish farmers reshaped his entire life.

🎧 Why you need to listen:

• Learn how silence helped Carlos hear what really matters

• Discover how grief can become a launching pad for purpose

• Find out why being present is the new superpower

🔗 Explore more:📘 Carlos’ new book: Reconnected by Carlos Whittaker💬 Grief support: @ourhousegrief on Instagram

This episode is a wake-up call for anyone feeling burned out, lonely, or stuck in the scroll. Listen now and start reclaiming what it means to be fully human.

What does it mean when a Navy SEAL says the hardest—and most rewarding—thing he’s ever done is follow Jesus?

In this raw and powerful episode, Trevor sits down with Chester Henderson, a former Navy SEAL with over two decades of elite service, now leading in risk management and learning to lead spiritually at home. Chester shares his journey through combat, leadership failures, family redemption, and ultimately surrendering—not to an enemy—but to Jesus.

If you’ve ever questioned faith, leadership, or what real strength looks like, this episode will hit different. 🔥

Subscribe & Share:
🌐 pantano.church/themake
📲 Follow @wearepantano on Instagram
🔗 Join Rooted: pantano.church/rooted

Chapters include:

• SEAL Team Brotherhood & Hell Week

• The Cold Mist That Almost Broke Him

• Generosity & Leadership Lessons

• How His Daughter Led Him to Jesus

• Suffering With Christ: The Path of Real Strength

What happens when faith gets uncomfortable, language feels like a barrier, and God calls you into the unknown? In this powerful episode of The Make, Pastor Trevor talks with Norma and Liz—two passionate leaders behind Pantano Español and Rooted.

You’ll hear the raw, behind-the-scenes stories of resistance, risk, and radical trust in God's vision. From launching a fully Spanish service to the life-changing ripple effects of Rooted—including marriages saved, anxiety healed, and even cartel members coming to Christ—this is more than a podcast. It’s a revival story in real time.

👉 If you're curious about faith, looking for purpose, or wondering if you're too far gone—this one’s for you.

Learn more about This Is Joy - SHE Event

Learn more about Rooted

Have you ever hit rock bottom? In this episode, Queens-born Navy veteran Joseph opens up about breaking free from family trauma, overwhelming shame, and suicidal thoughts—only to discover lasting hope through faith, community, and the Rooted experience. Host Trevor Devage digs into the power of surrender and accountability, and Joseph leaves you with one challenge that could change every choice you make. Listen now to find out what it is.

Joseph Olazagasti's story video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2pRXJvhWAQ

In this episode of The Make, Trevor DeVage welcomes back guest John Cassetto—former Saddleback pastor, worship leader, and Kingdom builder—to talk about what happens when Jesus ruins your ordinary and invites you into extraordinary purpose. From preaching four services to spontaneous moments of worship and real conversations about revival, church culture, and the freedom found in following Jesus, this episode captures the heartbeat of Pantano and the power of surrender. Whether you're a seasoned believer or new to faith, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to keep asking: “What’s my next step?”

Instagram @johncassetto