stories
Equip: Growing in Godly Parenthood
On Saturday, we had the great privilege of hearing from Dr. Jim Coffield, an expert in child development and communication, as he shared invaluable insights on the art of having difficult conversations with children and grandchildren. His presentation was not only informative but also deeply engaging, as he masterfully combined both broad concepts and specific examples to guide the audience through challenging parenting situations. Dr. Coffield’s approach was warm and gentle, making complex topics accessible and relatable for everyone in the room.
Throughout the session, Dr. Coffield provided practical advice on how parents and grandparents can approach difficult subjects with children in a way that fosters understanding, empathy, and emotional growth. He emphasized the importance of creating an open and safe environment where children feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings. This, he explained, is essential to navigating sensitive conversations, whether they relate to personal issues, societal challenges, or family dynamics. Dr. Coffield encouraged us to approach such conversations with patience, listening attentively, and offering clear, honest responses
One of the key takeaways from Dr. Coffield’s talk was the idea that every conversation with a child or grandchild is an opportunity to teach them valuable life skills such as emotional intelligence, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. He spoke about how these conversations, though often uncomfortable, can help children build resilience and learn to manage their emotions in healthy ways. He also shared specific strategies for dealing with difficult topics, such as how to talk about sensitive issues like bullying, mental health, or even complex family matters. His advice was rooted in years of experience working with families and children of all ages, making his guidance both practical and highly relevant to the audience.
Dr. Coffield also addressed the unique challenges that come with parenting in today’s world, particularly in the context of rapidly changing technology and the impact of social media on children’s lives. He provided thoughtful insights on how to talk to children about the dangers and benefits of technology, while also encouraging them to use these tools in responsible ways. His message was clear: the goal is not to shield children from the world but to equip them with the tools they need to navigate it confidently and safely.
The audience was deeply appreciative of Dr. Coffield’s expertise and the care with which he delivered his message. His presentation was not only informative but also inspiring, leaving everyone in attendance feeling more equipped and confident in their ability to have difficult but necessary conversations with their children and grandchildren. Many expressed gratitude for the practical tools and strategies they could immediately apply in their own lives. Dr. Coffield’s insights resonated on a personal level, reminding all of us of the critical role that communication plays in fostering strong, healthy relationships within families.
We are incredibly thankful to Dr. Coffield for his time, his dedication to helping parents and grandparents, and his unwavering commitment to improving the way we connect with and support the next generation. His talk was a true gift, and we left the conference feeling better prepared to love and parent well, with greater understanding and compassion.
Orphans & Widows
Growing up, I didn’t clearly comprehend what orphans and widows looked like in the present-day United States. Movies depicted orphanages of an age gone by. I was taught about the destitution of orphans and widows in Bible times, but didn’t really wonder what that looked like in my time and place. Then, as God called me to a career in mental health for kids and families, I started to learn. While in graduate school in Atlanta, I mentored a boy through Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. At his young age, he simply stated he had no dad. Seeing this boy, who mostly lived and breathed video games, learn to love walking in the woods and wading in the river, was a joy. But I, who had mostly lived and breathed families with both parents, learned to love what God can do in the lives of a single mother and fatherless son. To my amazement, God led his mother to my church and she started following Jesus. A couple years after that, I mentored a younger teenage boy and later older teenage boy with Youth Villages in Memphis. Both had their mother and father’s rights terminated. They were orphans, living in a residential behavioral health treatment facility. They loved doing simple things with me, like throwing football and eating snacks on the grass by their campus. Or going roller skating, bowling, or to church, parks, and restaurants. Most things we did were free and only cost some time but were invaluable to me and to them. Having counseled adolescents like them for years as my job, sometimes I wonder if my most personal and profound impact was when I was a volunteer mentor. They were curious, open, appreciative, challenging, and inspiring. God was an easy and regular topic of conversation, as were all the most important things in life. When need is high and relational and material resources low, it’s less awkward and more freeing to talk about what really matters. Sometimes I wonder if God used me the most when I was a mentor. There was no formula to follow or complicated plan of how to share the Gospel. With mentoring through an organization like Youth Villages (Youth Mentoring Programs | Youth Villages), the opportunity was wide open from the onset to listen, connect, and give relationally and spiritually. Orphans and widows live in the houses and apartments next door in our neighborhoods. Orphans fill the residential facilities down the road in our communities. Ask God if He wants you to mentor today.
- Neal Martin
Brittany Harlow
When you join a community group, you join a family. The people in your group become people who you share your heart with and share your life with. They pray for you and love you and truly care about you. I would not be where I am today without these prayers.
When you’re in a community group you get to see all of the amazing things God is doing in your life and in the lives of others in your group. I have watched my family grow and be changed through these prayers. When I started my first small group (community group) it was just myself and my 3 month old. My husband did not come. Fast forward 10 years and now my husband and I have opened our home to be the host for our community group together. My husband not only became part of the group but he also got saved and was baptized 2 years ago. I have also seen broken marriages put back together and broken hearts be healed and find new love. Joyce and John literally got remarried after being divorce. We were praying for Joyce and we were pray for John but we had no idea that God would restore their marriage and put their family back together.
Being a part of a Community group means having a group you meet with regularly that you can tell about your life. Community group was the first time I really shared a lot of my testimony with a group of people. It allowed me to be vulnerable and share things I may not be proud of but not feel judged because God can use my story to help others. By sharing my story it has made me more comfortable with my story. It has shown me that I need to share so others can see God’s love and Grace.
Community group is so important because sometimes life is normal hard and sometimes life is really hard. We need others to be there during both. I lost my sister when she was 29 and I was 31. These things are not supposed to happen but they do. Not everyday is that hard but a lot of days are hard. Whether it’s a normal hard day or a really hard day, we all need people who will stop everything and pray for us or feed us or pick up a kid. Whatever it is I have no doubt that anyone in my group would be there when I ask or even if I don’t ask.
CARE Center
My husband, Don, and I are long time Living Hope members. I want to introduce you to the CARE Center located in Southaven, MS. The name profoundly describes this amazing place. I volunteer there and when I leave at the end of my day my heart always praises the Lord for allowing me to be there.
I was an office admin pretty much my whole life. Now I am in scrubs and taking blood pressure and medical history. The best part is that I get to know the precious clients who come to the CARE Center. Each one has a story, and anyone who enters the Center is loved and cared for individually. It’s amazing how often God uses stories in my life that are so perfect in touching their lives. We have the freedom to share our faith and pray when the opportunity arises.
The volunteers at the CARE Center are there to attend to women, encourage, love and help them, and always point them to life for their baby. If they cannot get a Dr., they can come every month for a checkup and receive ultrasounds as needed. Services are free. Each new client receives a Bible bag with a full size Bible and personal care items. If their pregnancy test is positive, they will receive a large bag with baby items, blankets, diapers, clothes and toys. The Center has a large resource room with clothing for babies and siblings, formula, diapers, wipes, food, blankets, baby seats, etc. These are all donated items.
I have seen clients change their minds from wanting an abortion to choosing life! It is always such a huge celebration! The CARE Center is comprised of all volunteers! The only one that gets a stipend is the medical Sonographer who does the ultrasounds. When I think of the CARE Center, I think of God’s love and care being on display. We can always use volunteers!
- Carol Rodemeyer
Eli & Bailey Walden
At first, Bailey and I were skeptical about joining a small group. We weren’t sure what to expect or if it would be a meaningful investment of our time. I certainly had reservations about opening up to people I didn’t know well and wondered if I would truly connect with anyone on a meaningful level. But despite our doubts, we decided to give it a try. It turned out to be one of the better decisions we’ve made in a while.
To our surprise, being part of a small group quickly turned into a rewarding experience in each of our lives. Twice a month, we find ourselves looking forward to gathering with people who share comparable beliefs and values, and who are in similar life phases as we are. It is also reassuring to know that our group leaders, Robert and Shannon Shearon, have been through a lot of what we are going through as new parents. The sense of community has provided us with a strong foundation and a place where we feel truly understood and accepted. It’s amazing how much comfort and encouragement we receive just by being surrounded by these wonderful individuals.
Through our group discussions, and prayer, we both have gained a deeper understanding of our faith and its practical application in daily life. The insights and perspectives shared by group members help us grow spiritually and develop a stronger relationship with God. We regularly support each other through life's journeys whether it is celebrating each other's successes, lending a listening ear during difficult times, or simply enjoying each other's company, these connections enrich our lives in countless ways. We have learned the importance of intentional relationships and the impact they can have on our personal growth and well-being. Looking back, we are incredibly grateful that we overcame our initial skepticism and joined this community that has had such a positive influence in our lives.
YARDS Ministry
There is a new ministry at Living Hope. YARDS…Yard Army of Redeemed Dudes, is a group of Living Hopers who recognize the need for yard care among our members unable to mow grass, trim driveways, rake leaves, clear small tree branches and do general cleanup. We have 10 volunteers who have offered to help on their off days and weekends. In addition, Hope Center Ministries has provided us “ground troops” from their clients. With rakes, blowers, mowers and willing hands, YARDS teams look to draw us even closer as a church, caring for those without the means to do a lot of heavy duty lawn care. So far, we’ve completed 2 yards and my, my…they looked good after the army left. Are you buried under Fall leaves? Are you physically unable to rake and cleanup your yard? Are you limited in your options? YARDS can help. Typically, 4 to 6 of us can get the job done. So far this month, Gib has encouraged us to show up and be distinct as we approach life as disciples of Jesus, joined together as a Living Hope of His life and love in us. We joyfully give what we have to the needs of our Believer family.
We would love to enlist anyone that can help. In the Spring and Summer, we will need a pickup or trailer to transport lawn mowers. For now, all you need is a willing heart, 2 hours to give periodically, gloves and a smile. If you have a leaf blower and sturdy rake, bring it. YARDS will provide much of the same type equipment. Please call or email me if you want to enlist in YARDS, have a need or are aware of a yard that may need our army.
Zack Taylor - 901-268-1857, drzacktaylor1@me.com
Everyday Faithfulness - John & Janice Bogott
In March 2024 we were invited to attend a meeting introducing the leadership of Refugee Memphis and their need for “language partners” for the many recent refugees that had come to the Memphis area. We have donated to that cause in the past, but frankly I had no interest in attending a sales pitch of another benevolent organization… Janice talked me into going. The meeting started as most do, with snacks and small talk—information about the mission of RM, personnel introductions, several speakers who had already been in the role of a language partner, and proceeded to the distribution of a notebook with “resumes” of refugees that are in the Memphis area and in need of help. We looked through the book, most were single individuals, but one page jumped out to us. The resume was a page for a young man that had only recently made it to Memphis. It detailed a little of his background, and let us know he was engaged to a young lady. Bingo! For some reason, a young couple soon to be married struck a chord for both of us, AND we still did not know what we were getting ourselves into.
It took several weeks for us to actually meet over coffee, at which Josh (from RM) hosted and made introductions. We discussed a few basic goals—they were very simple—primarily the new couple (Paul and Anastasiia) need help with conversational English. If that means sentence structure and proper diction—we are in trouble… but here we go. We decided to set our expectations gently, so our first meeting was a picnic lunch at Shelby Farms. We sat by the lake and talked about their journey that culminated in landing in Memphis. It was an amazing story, and it took a while to flesh out all the details. They didn’t know us or what they were getting into, but we were all excited to start this effort together. We decided that we would begin with a lot of questions about the meanings of American sayings. We had no idea we have so many sayings that make ZERO sense. How do you explain the meaning of “what’s up”, “hang in there”, or “raining cats and dogs?” American English is truly weird and we named the sessions Idioms From Idiots. We also did a lot of work with tenses. We met on Saturday mornings for coffee almost every week, and we usually started with questions about sayings and their meaning/use. We were amazed how helpful that was for them, and the longer we met the more proficient at English they became.
Our friendship developed rapidly, and we were invited to their wedding in June. It was so much fun to see the gleam in their eyes for each other, and they reached out to us for a lot of information and help. They told us about their honeymoon plans—going to Miami and renting a car to see south Florida. But they didn’t know that car rentals can be expensive and are not friendly toward couples under 25. We were able to give them some valuable guidance on what to expect and it turned out it was good and accurate information. We introduced them to good old American hot dogs and hamburgers on the 4th of July—complete with instructions on how to build a proper hamburger. They joined us for our family Thanksgiving feast and really enjoyed it. Prior to our meal, we spent quite a bit of time explaining the origin of Thanksgiving in America.
As our time together increased so did our relationship. We shared stories about the Smoky Mountains, Lake Pickwick and many other places. We talked about hunting one time and they both lit up about wanting to try “shoot guns” (rifles). We told Paul that if he would get his hunter safety certification, we would buy him a hunting license and take him deer hunting. Little did we know how excited and enthused he was. He got the certificate, we went hunting and he harvested a nice buck on his first hunt. We suspected the deer hunt was more than just an outing—it fed their entire extended family and is a vivid reminder of a close knit family that shares and helps one another.
As we have already said—we had no idea what we were getting into when this started last March. We thought this would be a strenuous effort to help someone learn some English. Not so. We have gotten to see a young couple marry, adapt and grow. They have given us more than we could ever imagine, and have become more like adopted family. This was supposed to be few months of teaching/learning, but it has turned into a genuine relationship that we will continue to enjoy for years to come.
LH Kids Christmas Craft
Keep an eye out in the hallways for new artwork created by our very own students in LH Kids! This vibrant display of creativity is the result of a special project designed to bring elementary-aged children together to create something meaningful and memorable. The initiative began with the idea of uniting kids through art while celebrating the spirit of the Christmas season. As part of the project, students gathered to listen to Christmas music and hear the story of the birth of Jesus, immersing themselves in the true meaning of Christmas while engaging in a hands-on creative process.
The event was much more than just an art activity; it was an opportunity for both parents and children to connect in a unique way. In a world where we often find ourselves rushing through our daily routines, this event allowed families to slow down and enjoy the holiday season in a different manner—through artistic expression. Rather than just attending church services or Christmas programs, parents and students were invited to participate together in creating something that would leave a lasting impression in the church hallways. This type of engagement fosters a sense of community and helps families bond over a shared activity that emphasizes the Christmas story.
For this particular project, students were given the creative challenge of illustrating different scenes from the nativity story. The children worked together to paint panels that depicted key elements of the Christmas narrative: a shepherd watching over his flock, the nativity scene with baby Jesus in the manger, and the wise men bringing their gifts to honor the newborn King. These images not only reflected the heart of the Christmas story but also allowed the children to engage with it in a personal and artistic way. Each panel was a unique expression of the children’s understanding of the nativity, showing how their own gifts and perspectives could bring the story to life in colorful, imaginative ways.
It was truly heartwarming to see how each child’s creativity shone through as they worked to capture the essence of the Christmas story. Whether they were carefully painting the faces of the wise men or adding the final touches to the scene with the shepherd, it was evident that every child poured a little bit of themselves into the project. This artistic endeavor became a visual representation of their connection to the Christmas narrative, bringing it to life in a way that was accessible and meaningful to them.
But perhaps the most exciting aspect of this project is how it also served as a catalyst for building and deepening relationships among the students and their families. While the art was a focal point, the real magic happened in the moments of connection between parents and children, and among the students themselves. It created an opportunity for parents to engage with their kids outside of the classroom and church service, encouraging conversations about art, creativity, and faith. It also provided a space for students to build friendships as they worked side by side, united by the shared purpose of honoring the Christmas story through their artistic talents.
In this way, the project not only brought a festive and beautiful new display to the church but also helped strengthen the bonds of friendship and faith within the LH Kids community. It was a reminder that art can be more than just a creative outlet—it can be a powerful way to engage, connect, and reflect on the deeper meanings of the season. So, next time you're in the hallways, be sure to stop by and take a look at the artwork on display. It’s a reflection of the students’ hard work, creativity, and a shared celebration of Christmas, and it’s a beautiful way to connect with the heart of the holiday season.
Resurrection Greenville
Johnathan Davis was part of Leaders Collective’s eighth church planter cohort (2021-2022). He serves as the pastor of Resurrection Presbyterian Church in Greenville, SC.
We planted Resurrection on the eastern-edge of downtown Greenville, South Carolina in April of 2021. Our heart was to see God do a new work at the crossroads of a few very different neighborhoods, each of which had a distinct and historic identity, yet never crossed paths with each other. We believed the gospel of Jesus Christ could bring these different people and neighborhoods together.
We had no idea if this was possible or what it would look like, but three years in, God has given us a glimpse of the power of the gospel through Steve and Alex.
Steve grew up in a well-off but broken home. Addiction and divorce plagued his family. He tried to escape the pain through the party scene in college, but it didn’t do the trick. He was a promising accounting student who got recruited to a top accounting firm in Greenville by one of our church members, Kevin. Kevin took Steve under his wing both at work and socially. Soon enough, Steve began attending worship at Resurrection in the gym of the community center. Over the course of the next year, through Kevin’s friendship, the welcome of our church family, and the preaching of the Word, Steve came to faith in Christ. It has been an unspeakable joy to watch the Lord transform Steve’s life. Today, Steve serves on our music team and helps out with our youth group.
Alex arrived at Resurrection in a very different way. In his early 50s, in and out of prison and homelessness, Alex was walking by the community center one Sunday before worship when one of our more bold church members called out to him and invited him to join us for church. Surprisingly, Alex agreed. His first Sunday he sat in the back of the gym. We were able to chat briefly after the service. I was sure I’d never see him again, but he came back the next week…and the next week. Alex continued to sit in the back of the gym, so I told him (insisted) one day, “sit up here with the rest of us, you’re a part of us.” This began a beautiful and complicated relationship with Alex that has included giving him a Bible and spiritual counsel, providing funds to help meet practical needs, serving as references to get him off the street and into an apartment, and most recently, weekly visits to his jail cell. While we’ve seen the Holy Spirit doing good work in Alex, he continues to find himself in and out of trouble. And maybe most interestingly, some of God’s most pointed work yet has happened during these past three months of his incarceration. During our visits he talks about how he’s never read the Bible or prayed like he has recently, that he’s never been humbled like this, and that he can’t wait to get back to his church family when he gets out of jail.
To have Steve and Alex sitting in the same row of foldout chairs in the gym for worship each Sunday is the reason we planted Resurrection. Praise God for his kindness in allowing us to be a part of the new work he’s doing here. Please pray that God continues to do this work in our surrounding neighborhoods. Pray that we’d be faithful to minister to both the up-and-coming and the down-and-out.
Ajay Thomas - Advance Initiative
Ajay Thomas was part of Leaders Collective’s twentieth lead pastor cohort (2023-2024). He served as pastor at Seven Mile Road Church in Philadelphia until 2023 and is now the full-time executive director of the Advance Initiative. This is a bit of his story.
About twenty-five years ago, I was attending a worship service on a Sunday morning at Loudonville Community Church in Albany, NY. Only, I couldn’t sing. I was at my favorite church in college, about to hear my favorite preacher, and I couldn’t open my mouth. I stood overwhelmed as I thought about my South Asian peers. I was burdened by these questions: When are they going to get to sing the songs that I’m singing? When are they going to hear the gospel I’m about to hear?
I wouldn’t have known what to call that burden or that moment then, but looking back, I think it was the seedling of my calling. Over time, God nurtured that seedling and in 2009, it blossomed into planting Seven Mile Road Church in Philadelphia. Our dream was to plant a church that could reach South Asians and yet be multiethnic at the same time. Today, we celebrate that God made that dream a reality. But it was just the start.
The reality is that every fourth person on the planet is South Asian. Yet as the least reached peoples, more than anyone else, South Asians have missed out on the good news of Jesus Christ. But, South Asians are also the largest diaspora group in the world. That means that God has sovereignly scattered the least reached to places like Nairobi and New York, Dubai and Dallas, Melbourne and Memphis, where they can be reached, and in turn, reach others as well. Imagine the impact if South Asians were reached with the love of Christ and became a global missional force!
We believe that God has a role for South Asians to play in the global advance of the gospel and so we launched The Advance Initiative (advanceinitiative.org). Our mission is “to catalyze a global movement of gospel-centered, multiethnic churches planted by or among South Asians.” Let me tell you what that means and why that matters by telling you about Boto.
Boto Joseph planted Jackson Heights Community Church (JHCC) in Queens, NY. The New York Times once described Jackson Heights as the world’s most diverse neighborhood. For example, if you go to the local Wendy’s, you’ll find that the menu is not written in English, but in four South Asian languages. But if you go to Jackson Heights, every Sunday you’ll also find JHCC gathering on the third floor of a Muslim-owned restaurant named Kebab King.
JHCC has baptized former Hindus, Muslims, and Buddhists, among others. What’s amazing to me about JHCC and Boto is that Boto’s family came to faith generations ago because missionaries from New York came to Nagaland, his home state in India. And now, in God’s unfolding story, it’s a missionary from Nagaland that is reaching people in New York!
It’s not just Boto. I could tell you about my friend Jason who planted New Hope Church in Harlem, NY, or about Isaac planting Center Church in Dubai. I could tell you about Sujith who immigrated from India to the US pursuing the American dream, only to leave it all and go back to plant Cornerstone Church in Mumbai pursuing an even better dream. It’s for stories like these, and to see countless more, that Advance exists.
So our work is to expose people to the gospel opportunity among South Asians, provide spaces for believers to explore their sense of calling, equip leaders to plant as or among South Asians, and empower pioneers to plant. And all of that is ultimately to advance the gospel, by planting churches, all around the world!
To that end, we would love for you to partner and pray with us. Would you pray Luke 10:2 and Psalm 90:17 for us? We need the Lord of the harvest to raise up more laborers, specifically even for Him to raise up South Asian church planters all around the world. And please intercede for us that God would have favor on our ministry and establish the work of our hands!
Learn more at advanceinitiative.org
Operation Christmas Child
For the second year in a row, LH Kids families built boxes for Operation Christmas Child on Build-A-Box Day. The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to provide children in need around the world with gifts and the Good News of Jesus Christ. This is a very tangible way that the children of Living Hope get to be mission-focused by providing love and encouragement to children in need at home and abroad. In addition, it encourages parents to disciple their children, teaching them about loving, serving, and praying for others.