Join us for conversation with Isabella and Pastor Clay. Isabella is a remarkable young woman who shares her journey of overcoming challenges to achieve her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher. In this episode, Isabella opens up about her family, her cherished memories of her great-grandparents, and the lessons that shaped her perspective on life and perseverance. From her childhood experiences to her recent accomplishments, Isabella's story is a testament to resilience and faith.

Elizabeth reflects on her upbringing as an only child, raised by her parents and surrounded by her two beloved dogs, Pinky and Fonzie. She shares heartwarming stories of her great-grandmother, Granny, a talented seamstress and crocheter who made everything from Barbie doll dresses to Christmas outfits for the family. Isabella also recalls her great-grandfather Paul’s hardworking nature and their simple yet fulfilling life, which taught her the value of contentment and community. These memories provide a touching backdrop to her personal growth and determination.

The episode delves into Isabella’s pursuit of her dream to become a teacher, sparked by the stability and support she found in her first-grade classroom during a difficult time in her family’s life. Despite financial obstacles and a prolonged educational journey through Tarrant County College and Dallas Baptist University, Isabella’s persistence paid off when she landed her dream job teaching fourth-grade math and science at Bell Manor Elementary. Her story is a powerful reminder to never give up on your dreams, lean on your support system, and trust in divine timing. Tune in to hear Isabella’s advice for those feeling stuck or discouraged, and learn how Dallas Metro is working to create a safe haven for the community.

For more information on how you can support Dallas Metro’s mission to build a safe haven, visit dallasmetro.org and explore the “All In” initiative. Subscribe for more uplifting stories and updates on our community efforts. Never miss a Dallas Metro Podcast. Be sure to like and subscribe!

In this episode, Pastor Clay welcomes Bri Peoples, a dedicated staff member at Dallas Metro whose passion for ministry has touched numerous lives. Since relocating to Texas in 2006, Bri connected with Dallas Metro through a mutual friend and has remained a vital part of their mission. Married to her husband, Kelvin, Bri is a devoted mother to their seven-month-old daughter, Brielle, and helps raise three bonus boys and her nephew following her sister’s passing. Her commitment to family and faith shines through as she shares her journey and the personal connections that make her work with Dallas Metro so impactful.Bri and the host delve into the pressing needs of the families served by Dallas Metro, focusing on the brokenness and lack of direction many children face in their homes. Through building relationships in neighborhoods, Bri reveals the stark realities of poverty and food insecurity, emphasizing the power of personal connections over programmatic approaches. By engaging directly with families—whether on their front porch or in their community—Dallas Metro becomes a beacon of hope, sharing the gospel and addressing critical needs in a meaningful way.The episode highlights an upcoming event on October 28th at 6:30 p.m., where Dallas Metro is partnering with a nonprofit to host live dinners across Texas. These dinners offer city hosts a chance to invite friends, family, and colleagues to learn about Dallas Metro’s vision and support a new 30,000-square-foot facility, featuring a warehouse for household goods, a ministry center for kids, and spaces for bus ministry and church services. Be sure to like and subscribe so you'll never miss another Dallas Metro Podcast. Listeners are encouraged to become city hosts or contribute to the “All In” campaign by visiting dallasmetro.org or emailing Bri at BPeoples@dallasmetro.org.

n this episode of the Dallas Metro Church Podcast Pastor Clay hosts Dennis Jenkins, a longtime friend and dedicated servant of God. Dennis, married to his wife Tawana for nearly 50 years, is a proud father to his daughter Lisa and grandfather to five grandchildren who live next door. With a rich history in ministry, Dennis served as a youth pastor at the Lighthouse Church for five-and-a-half years, where he and Tawana stepped into a vibrant, prayer-centered community that shaped their early years in faith. His journey reflects a deep commitment to God, family, and the transformative power of prayer.Dennis shares memories of his time at the Lighthouse, where he felt like a “little fish in a big pond” but saw God move powerfully through a culture of prayer. He recounts how the church’s prayer room, wrapping halfway around the sanctuary, taught him the importance of seeking God continually. Drawing from historical examples like Charles Finney and Daniel Nash, Dennis emphasizes that prayer is learned by doing, rooted in a relationship with God as Father. His insights reveal a life shaped by trusting God through prayer, even amidst personal and societal challenges.The conversation turns to the challenges of today’s world, from societal unrest to personal trials like unexpected illnesses. Dennis encourages listeners to trust God as a loving Father who desires to meet their needs, urging them to move beyond asking “why” and instead seek His peace through prayer and worship. He shares how focusing on God’s presence brings joy and stability, no matter the storm, and offers practical advice for cultivating a prayer life that transforms hearts and perspectives.Pastor Clay and Dennis discuss Dallas Metro’s vision to build a debt-free facility to equip the next generation for ministry. Dennis passionately calls listeners to join this mission through prayer and financial support, believing that focusing on this need will unlock God’s blessings in their own lives. Visit dallasmetro.org, click “All In,” and consider joining the prayer team or making a donation to help shape the future of Dallas Metro. Subscribe to the Dallas Metro Church Podcast for more inspiring conversations, and join us next week. Be sure to like and subscribe and never miss another Dallas Metro Podcast episode!