stories
Jordan & Austin Hiatt
How a Meal Became a Ministry of Love
When our second son, Cody, was born, life was beautifully full—and honestly, a little chaotic. Between recovering from childbirth, adjusting to a newborn’s needs, and caring for our toddler, Davy, the simplest daily tasks like getting dinner on the table suddenly felt overwhelming.
That’s when Living Hope’s Meal Train Ministry showed up.
I’ll never forget opening the door to several warm meal deliveries with a kind smile, or finding dinner waiting on our porch with a note of encouragement. These moments weren’t just practical help—they were reminders that we weren’t alone. Each meal felt like a little piece of grace, reminding us that our church family was surrounding us with love during one of the most tender seasons of our lives.
It wasn’t just the food (though that was such a gift). It was the ministry of presence, even from afar. Knowing people had taken time from their own lives to care for ours made us feel deeply seen and cared for.
The Mercy Team, through the Meal Train Ministry, met a need we didn’t even know how to ask for. They created space for rest, recovery, and togetherness in our home. And in doing so, they reflected the heart of Christ tender, compassionate, and near.
We are so grateful for the quiet but powerful way this ministry served us. It left a lasting impact on our family, and it continues to inspire us to look for ways we can serve others with that same intentional love.
Mike & Denise Reeves
We’ve been members of Living Hope since 2023. In January 2024, I had knee replacement surgery. Before the surgery, Steve Wisner came and prayed with us and encouraged us. He then followed up via phone and text after the surgery to insure all was going well. At first it seemed as though the recovery would be a breeze, but during the recovery I developed a pulmonary edema and thus began a journey that, over the next few months, would result in 18 days in the hospital and quadruple bypass.
During that time, Steve regularly visited and prayed with me and my wife. He visited us before and after
surgery and several times during stays in the hospital. We also received encouragement from brothers
and sisters as well as the pastoral staff. In Matthew 25:36 it says, “...I was sick and you visited me...”. The
New Living Translation says it like this, “...I was sick, and you cared for me...”. Because of the care and
support of Steve and others, my time in the hospital passed quickly and I never felt alone. Denise was
also comforted and encouraged as she had to make daily round trips to the hospital. God’s presence
gave us security and peace. The prayers and encouragement of Steve and the church family greatly
strengthened that feeling.
Following the bypass surgery, everything in my system was out of whack. My thyroid, kidneys, pancreas,
and liver weren’t functioning correctly, and I was having regular instances of Afib. But when Steve would
come to visit and pray with us, I felt encouraged, strengthened, and at peace. In James 5:16 the Word
tells us, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.
The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” By the time I was discharged, all my
organs were functioning normally and I’d had no instances of Afib for nearly two days. The prayer of
righteous men like Steve, as well as the Mercy team and our brothers and sisters at Living Hope, “has
great power as it is working.” I’m a living testament to that fact.
Last fall, they found my sternum had not healed correctly and in January 2025, I had another surgery to
fix that issue. Once again, Steve Wisner along with Freddie Albaugh rallied around us in prayer and
support. It’s such a blessing and comfort to know our brothers and sisters are there to not only pray for
us, but to care for us when we experience hardship. Somehow, we knew, even before the surgery,
everything would be alright.
May God richly bless Steve Wisner, Freddie Albaugh, the Pastors, the Mercy team, and all of our brothers
and sisters at Living Hope who lifted us up during those difficult times.
YMCA Food Drive
It has been my joy to serve as a volunteer these past two weeks at the YMCA Food Distribution at Living Hope. As always, I go with the intention of serving, but leave having received unexpected spiritual blessings from our precious Lord—meeting new sisters from LH and enjoying sweet fellowship with dear friends. It was also a blessing to work alongside volunteers from the Hope Center, who served with kindness and eagerness.
Those who came received not only physical food for their children but also spiritual nourishment, as the Lord is always ready to give both. Everyone was greeted with a smile and welcomed with the unconditional love of Christ. After receiving their food, they were offered prayer for any needs they might have. Many received prayer with joy and tears. Some shared that they had no church home and were warmly invited to attend Living Hope.
- Carla Thompson
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.