Weave & Cleave

Karen Cheong was seeking trauma healing when her husband, Robert, began asking the question, "Where does Jesus make a difference in brokenness?" Decades later, Gospel Care Ministries was born, a ministry that equips church leaders and church members with answers to that question. As the Cheongs put it, "The church should be the first place people go for help." 

Using the framework of the gospel, they're creating churches invested in discipleship, counseling, and trauma healing. Their commitment is abiding in Christ, the One who is real and near, the One who loves us and cares for us. Their work is heartwork, the only kind of work that outweighs harm.

Join us as the Cheongs share their journey, their ministry, and what it's like to live together and work together. This is an encouraging episode for anyone wondering if love can truly overshadow suffering.  

Want to hear Robert and Karen speak? Be sure to attend the 2nd Annual Weave & Cleave conference in Arizona on May 2, 2024. The event is completely free, thanks to funding by the Maricopa County Department of Public Health. Register here.

Learn more about Gospel Care Ministries at gospel.care.

Check out Robert's books where you buy books: Restoration Story: Why Jesus Matters in a Broken World, Restore: Changing How We Live and Love, and God Redeeming His Bride: A Handbook for Church Discipline.

Gabby Avalos was an ASU student when she joined an internship that connected her with Pastor Yoo and his diverse community of servant leaders. She thought it'd be a short-term connection. She thought she'd pursue social work after getting her degree. God had other plans, and forturnately for Gabby (and the world), she listened.

This captivating interview covers it all - mental health and its ability to cloud identity, the healing power of unconditional belonging, and art's ability to communicate rich, colorful faith. If you need a dose of freedom over fear, this episode is for you.

To view Gabby's work, check out her website!

A fifty-five year old book sparks a lively conversation between Pastor Yoo and Michelle. What could be relevant about words penned so many decades ago? Francis Schaeffer's 'The God Who is There' explores themes of compassion and patience, the fight against argument and perfection, and the supreme generosity and joy of knowing the God who is there. Schaeffer's book reinforces the need for a lifestyle that models Jesus - one that is authentic. In these quick, digital times where 'current' is outdated within a day, it's reassuring to know the truth will always be timeless. Truth extends across decades, integrates holistic facets, and continues to make an invisible God visible. Enjoy this discussion, and if you're intrigued, pick up a copy of 'The God Who is There', by Francis Schaeffer.

At Sunshine Acres Children's Home, children ages four to eighteen-plus live together in homes with house parents. Much of their schooling and programming is at Sunshine Acres, creating a sense of community and family. Staff members, Joe, Fred, and Rob discuss what its like to create a trauma-informed culture in an organization with a seventy history, and how its helped them create a clearer vision for the next seventy years. They also share their discoveries along the way: less reaction and more intention, less fixing and more listening, less disconnect and more attunement. This interview offer a realistic picture of trauma-informed applications in a setting where trauma is diverse, tension can be high, and cross-sector cooperation is paramount. Ever wonder if trauma-informed care is actually working in your place of ministry or business? This episode is for you!

Weave & Cleave's podcast co-host, Michelle Stiffler, shares a little about her passion for physical movement, and the launch of Sincerity Method - an approach to integration that blends strength training, mind-body disciplines, and somatic coaching. She also shares the struggles of being multi-faceted in a society that would prefer you pick one path and do one thing. (If you know about suppressing a pursuit or passion because you're perceived as being 'too much', you'll feel understood during this episode!)

Dr. Yoo announces the launch of the Weave & Cleave Movement, a movement that is diverse, fearless, synergistic, and integrated. No need to do more, know more, or have more to be a part of this movement! The Weave & Cleave Movement believes a healthy person is one step closer to a healthy society. Listen in!

Derek Sessom, LPC and the Trauma-informed Care Coordinator at Trinitas Church in Phoenix, AZ, has been committed to trauma-informed living for nearly a decade. Listen in as he talks about the solution to loneliness, the key elements of acceptance, and all that can take place when you live in your created design. If you need permission to courageously take hold of your God-given passion, this episode's for you.!

(Looking for season 1? You'll find it under 'Journey On: Faith Communities, Resilience & Agents of Change'.)

Welcome to 2024, and season 3 of Weave & Cleave! Dr. Sanghoon Yoo and Michelle Stiffler chat about the disciplines they keep year in and year out, how they begin a new year, and how they each commit to their spiritual relationship and spiritual growth. The conversation turns to salvation and what it means to 'work out' one's salvation. This first episode of the year is one you don't want to miss!

(Looking for season 1? You'll find it under 'Journey On: Faith Communities, Resilience & Agents of Change'.)

Maybe, if we really consider faith, faithfulness, and trauma-informed compassion for others and ourselves, everything can be simplified into two words: Only YOU. Only God. Pastor Yoo and Michelle reflect on the specific attributes of Father, Son, and Spirit, sharing personal glimpses and understandings of God's unending care. As we wrap up the season, we want to thank you, our listener, for getting to know us, our work, and the movement. We're preparing for another great season, so plan to make Weave & Cleave a part of your 2024!

Kathleen Welcher was brand new in her role as Care and Connections Pastor at First Christian Church (Phoenix, AZ), when she took Pastor Yoo's trauma-informed care training, and to her surprise, got triggered. Four years later, Kathleen is amazed to see how First Christian Church has applied the trauma-informed lens to their ministries, their community, and their unity as a team. We're grateful for Kathleen's guest spot on this episode and for her courage to share a piece of her story. (**Brief discussion of heavier topics.)

If Life and Hope are evidence of fruit in a Christ follower, so are Cross and Glory. No question, cross is a familiar, but difficult word. But perhaps, in bending to take up our own cross and carry it each day, this is where we begin to understand true glory. Not ours, not glory of our own knowledge, hands, or will, but the inexpressible glory of God. Listen in.