Faith On Film examines who is shaping the hearts of the next generation in an age ruled by screens. Peter Vazquez speaks with Abraham Hernandez about cultural decay, empty pews, and the power of storytelling. From Abe’s personal transformation to his work with Faith On Film TV, the discussion confronts how faith-based media pushes back against violence, numbness, and moral drift by restoring stories rooted in God, family, and responsibility.
Religious Freedom is on the calendar, but the culture is clawing it back in real time. Peter Vazquez and Abe Hernandez trace two parallel journeys: a nation drifting as faith is pushed from schools and screens disciple children into numbness, and Abe’s own rise from 400 pounds to purpose. Faith on Film TV emerges as a counterstrike, reclaiming storytelling before algorithms finish what empty pews started.
Promote your brand on the Next Steps Show, airing on WYSL1040.com's AM 1040, FM 92.1, and FM 95.5 West stations. Discover more at nextstepsroc.com/advertise-with-us or dial (585) 346-3000 to get in touch with the WYSL team.
Have you ever dreamt of sharing your unique voice, stories, or expertise with the world through a podcast? Perhaps you're bubbling with ideas but uncertain about where to begin? The journey from idea to launch can be daunting, but that's where we come in. Dive Into the World of Podcasting with Next Steps Radio PODCAST Network! Visit NextStepsRoc.com or call Peter at (585) 880-7580.
Peter Vazquez opens the program on National Religious Freedom Day by grounding the discussion in the First Amendment and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. He frames religious liberty as foundational, not ceremonial, and warns that it is being hollowed out culturally even as it remains protected on paper.
The conversation introduces Abraham “Abe” Hernandez, a Bronx native, business leader, and faith advocate. Abe recounts his upbringing in a strong Christian household and his early involvement in ministry through John 3:16 Ministries, one of the largest Hispanic churches in the country. His professional journey spans corporate America, including work with IBM, Martin Marietta, and financial institutions, experiences that later shaped his approach to faith-based media.
Peter and Abe discuss the erosion of moral formation in children through entertainment and digital media. Abe describes witnessing children casually engaging in violent video games and the desensitization that follows. Both argue that culture does not merely entertain but trains, especially when faith and moral instruction are removed from schools and public life.
Peter introduces the concept of cultural distraction, comparing current societal debates to historical collapses where populations were diverted from foundational issues. He argues that confusion over identity, truth, and authority fractures societies and weakens resistance to cultural decay.
Abe shares his personal transformation, recounting his rise to over 400 pounds during years of corporate travel and excess, followed by a deliberate reclaiming of discipline, health, and purpose. He frames this physical journey as inseparable from spiritual renewal and responsibility.
The discussion turns to Faith on Film TV, founded by Abe and his brother-in-law Isaac Hernandez. Abe explains that Faith on Film exists to spotlight high-quality faith-based films and television that are often ignored or suppressed by mainstream media. He details Isaac’s decades-long commitment to Christian broadcasting and the sacrifices made to keep faith-centered storytelling alive.
They explore the global reach of faith-based media, citing filmmakers and producers working under threat in countries where Christianity is persecuted. Abe recounts encounters with creators from the Middle East, Asia, and Europe who rely on film and television as one of the only remaining ways to share the Gospel.
Callers raise concerns about declining church attendance, empty pews, and the difference between institutional religion and personal faith. Abe responds by emphasizing that faith must leave the church walls and enter culture, media, and daily life to remain alive.
Peter and Abe examine the power of storytelling, referencing films such as The Passion of the Christ, The Chosen, and I Can Only Imagine. They argue that stories shape imagination, values, and courage, particularly for children who now spend hours each day immersed in screens.
Statistics are discussed showing increased screen time among children and rising self-censorship among students. Peter challenges listeners to consider who is forming the moral compass of the next generation when parents, churches, and communities withdraw.
The program concludes with a call to action. Faith is not meant to retreat from public life. If the church abandons storytelling, culture will gladly fill the void. Peter urges parents, pastors, and believers to actively support faith-based media, engage their communities, and reclaim their role as moral leaders.
End of cleaned transcript.
Faith-Based Media Advocate
Abraham Hernandez is a builder of counterculture in an age that has outsourced the soul. Raised in faith, seasoned in corporate America, and refined through personal transformation, he understands that culture is not neutral and stories are never harmless. After reclaiming his own life through discipline, faith, and responsibility, Abraham turned outward, committing his work to restoring what modern entertainment has hollowed out.
Through Faith On Film TV, Abraham elevates films that speak to God, Country, and Family, creating space for evangelism, courage, and moral clarity where noise once ruled. He stands at the intersection of faith and storytelling, pushing back against a culture that disciples through screens and reminding audiences that truth still has a voice when people are willing to carry it.
