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Faith, Freedom, and the Fight Ahead — with Che Ahn

The CJ Moneyway Show, in association with the Bleav Network, is where vision meets discipline — and content becomes cultural IP. Hosted by CJ Moneyway, each episode documents the frameworks, unseen years, and mindset moves behind legacy builders, faith-driven leaders, and creators shaping the future. From conversations with pastors-turned-political candidates

Video Transcript:

Key Takeaways (Table of Contents)

How Did Ché Ahn’s Immigration Story Shape His “American Dream” and California Vision? (2:55)

Q: You mentioned immigrating from South Korea. Can you share your story and how it shapes what you want for California?

A: I immigrated from South Korea to the United States in 1960 when I was five. I became a U.S. citizen at 12. My dad was a Korean Baptist pastor, but he became a dental technician and eventually started a dental lab. My mom was an entrepreneur and encouraged investments—first business, then a restaurant, then real estate. That legacy shaped me, even as a pastor. It’s part of why I believe in opportunity, entrepreneurship, and building a climate where families can thrive.

How Did Ché Ahn Go From Rebellion and Drugs to Following Jesus? (6:54)

Q: Your testimony includes a radical turnaround. What happened when you were 17?

A: I was rebellious—doing drugs, selling drugs, expelled from school, and sent to juvenile detention at 15. My parents prayed for me relentlessly. In frustration I cried out to God, asking Him to show me the truth. Right after that prayer, God’s presence came over me—peace, love, and conviction about my sin. Over several days I decided to repent, and I heard the Holy Spirit tell me to throw away my drugs and follow Jesus. May 25, 1973 was the last day I did drugs. A few months later, I felt called into ministry.

Why Did Ché Ahn Move to California and Launch His Ministry Roots Here? (9:07)

Q: Why did you come to California, and how did your calling connect to Los Angeles?

A: I came to California for seminary and attended Fuller Seminary starting in 1984. But before moving, I had a prophetic dream (in 1982) telling me to come to Los Angeles because there would be a great harvest and revival. My wife and I prayed for confirmation, and we believed God confirmed the move. Over time, my family grew here, ministry grew here, and my burden for California grew as the state changed.

What Problems Does Ché Ahn Say Are Driving California’s Poverty, Cost of Living, and Homelessness Crisis? (10:30)

Q: When you look at California today, what breaks your heart the most—and what do you think is causing it?

A: California is incredibly wealthy, yet many people are struggling. We have high taxes, high gas prices, and high energy costs. We’re dealing with major homelessness and poverty, and the state feels less affordable for everyday people. I believe extreme policies have hurt the economy, and government has failed its duty to protect people and create an environment where they can prosper through work, responsibility, and opportunity.

Why Is Ché Ahn Running in the California Governor Election 2026—Even If It Feels “Impossible”? (13:06)

Q: Why would a pastor and conservative Republican run for governor in a Democrat-dominated state—what made you do it?

A: When God called me to run, my first response was “No—anything but this.” It felt impossible. I said it would take a miracle. But I sensed God tell me He’s a God of miracles and that He was asking me to run, not guaranteeing I would win. I felt it was a prophetic call—an invitation for believers to wake up, engage, and steward their citizenship. That’s why I’m running.

How Does Ché Ahn Plan to Mobilize Evangelical Voters, Prayer, Volunteers, and Media to Win? (14:42)

Q: Practically speaking, how do you plan to win—especially in a state as big as California?

A: I’m focused on mobilizing the church—registering people to vote and getting them to show up. I believe if believers engage, outcomes can change. I also believe prayer is essential because this requires supernatural help. Beyond that, we need volunteers for door knocking and calls. And we need media—podcasts, advertising, and communication—because you can’t reach 40 million people without it. I also shared that in the first Republican debate, I received strong support in the results shared.

Why Did Ché Ahn Leave the Democrat Party, and What Policies Does He Call “Extreme”? (21:09)

Q: I’m a Democrat, and I was skeptical at first. What changed for you, and why do you say the state has gone too far?

A: My family was Democrat, and I was Democrat. But I believe California politics shifted into extreme progressive ideology. I’m especially concerned about policies that I believe harm children and families—laws around sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and what I see as radical gender ideology in schools and public life. I’m drawing a line where I believe government should protect the vulnerable, especially kids. That’s why I say I didn’t leave the Democratic Party—the party left me.

How Has Ché Ahn Built Unity Across Racial and Political Division—And Why Does That Matter for Governor? (30:55)

Q: You lead a multicultural church. What have you learned about bridging deep racial and political division—something California desperately needs?

A: I have a history of reconciliation work, especially in Los Angeles. After the 1992 LA riots, I helped bring together Black church leaders and Korean church leaders for reconciliation. There were confessions, forgiveness, and practical steps that helped bring healing and unity. In my church we have many nationalities, and in my broader network we work across cultures and nations. That’s why I believe I can govern for everyone—not just one party. As a pastor, I’ve served Democrats and Republicans in the same congregation, and I intend to carry that mindset into leadership.

What Does Ché Ahn Promise Single Moms, Small Business Owners, and People Who Feel Unseen? (41:51)

Q: Speak directly to the single mom, the small business owner, the person who feels unseen—why should they believe better days are possible with you leading California?

A: I’m not a politician, and I fear God—so I don’t want to make promises I can’t keep. I believe integrity matters, and if I fail, I will own it and repent. On policy, I want to address affordability and housing by opening land for homes and bringing infrastructure. I want stronger public safety and enforcement against drug dealers and traffickers. I want to restore parental rights in California education—parents should be notified and involved. I want real solutions for homelessness: treatment for addiction and mental illness, and support for those who are simply impoverished. I also spoke about immigration with compassion—addressing lawlessness while creating a pathway for productive, non-criminal people to pursue the American dream.

What Final Message Does Ché Ahn Leave for Viewers About Faith and Salvation? (48:21)

Q: Before we go—what’s one thing God put on your heart today for the audience?

A: Jesus loves you. He died for your sins and rose again. Real belief means surrender—your life, future, finances, and everything. I invited people to pray and surrender to Jesus, then get connected to a Bible-believing church, grow, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.