Monthly Archives: March 2025

Church Conference in Kalamazoo, Michigan

“Brewing Success: Sophie’s Journey of Faith and Perseverance”

Speaker: Parker Williams
Date: May 20, 2024

Introduction
Good morning, everyone! What an incredible blessing it is to gather here in Kalamazoo for this powerful church conference. Today, I have the privilege of sharing a story that will inspire and encourage each of us in our journey of faith.

This is the story of Sophie—a young woman from right here in Kalamazoo—who, through faith, hard work, and God’s provision, turned her small dream into an extraordinary success. Her story is a testimony to perseverance, divine favor, and the rewards of trusting in the Lord.

A Dream Begins
Sophie had a deep love for coffee. Working as a barista, she often dreamed of owning her own café. But with limited finances and no business experience, the idea seemed almost impossible. However, instead of giving up, Sophie decided to start small.

She purchased a coffee cart with what little savings she had and set up shop in local markets and events. Each morning, she prayed over her cart, asking God to bless her work and lead her steps.

“She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.” – Proverbs 31:17

Sophie worked tirelessly, waking up before dawn to brew coffee and serve her customers. Yet, despite her efforts, business was slow. There were days when she barely made enough to cover costs. It would have been easy to give up—but she held on to her faith, trusting that God had a plan.

A Social Media Miracle
One day, a well-known food blogger happened to stop by her cart. Impressed by Sophie’s passion and the quality of her coffee, he shared a glowing review on social media. Within days, her small business went viral.

Suddenly, people from all over Kalamazoo—and beyond—wanted to try Sophie’s coffee. Lines formed around her cart, and she struggled to keep up with the demand.

She was overwhelmed, but she also saw God’s hand at work.

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” – Psalm 34:8

Sophie’s brand had taken off, but with growth came new challenges. The rapid success put a financial strain on her business. She needed more equipment, employees, and a larger space—but she didn’t have the funds to expand.

God’s Provision
Just when it seemed like her dream was slipping away, an unexpected investor stepped forward. A Christian business owner who had been following her journey felt led to support her vision. He provided the funding she needed to open her first brick-and-mortar café.

With this support, Sophie’s small coffee cart transformed into a full-fledged coffee shop—and eventually, a chain of cafés across Michigan! What started as a simple dream turned into a thriving business, all because Sophie remained faithful and trusted in God’s plan.

A Message for Us All
Sophie’s story is a reminder that when God places a dream in our hearts, He will also provide the means to fulfill it. There will be obstacles, but if we remain faithful, work diligently, and trust in His timing, He will open doors we never imagined.

Maybe today, you’re feeling discouraged about a dream God has placed in your heart. Maybe you’ve started something but are struggling to see progress. Let Sophie’s story be a reminder that God is faithful.

If you’re passionate about coffee and entrepreneurship, I encourage you to visit PerfectDailyGrind.com, a great resource for learning more about the coffee industry.

Let us continue to work diligently, trust in the Lord’s goodness, and step boldly into the plans He has for us. Amen!

Blessings,
Parker Williams

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Church Newsletter in Flint, Michigan

“Faith in Action: Rachel’s Mission for Clean Water”

Writer: Hadley Thompson
Date: April 15, 2024

Dear Church Family,
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! As we step into a new season, I am excited to share an inspiring story of faith, perseverance, and the power of God’s divine guidance. This month, we highlight the incredible journey of Rachel, a chemist from right here in Flint, Michigan, whose passion for clean water transformed lives and communities.

A Vision for Change
Rachel had always been deeply troubled by the water crisis in Flint. As a chemist, she knew that science could offer a solution, but she also knew that change would require persistence, faith, and the right resources. After countless hours in her small lab, she developed a cutting-edge water filtration system designed to remove contaminants and make water safe for consumption.

However, having an invention and bringing it to the world are two different things. Rachel lacked the funding and connections to scale her system. It was a discouraging time, but she clung to the promises of Scripture:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5

Rachel refused to let obstacles define her journey. Instead, she leaned into prayer, trusting that God would open doors.

Breakthroughs and Battles
With determination, Rachel reached out to local leaders and organizations. She attended town meetings, spoke to city officials, and even knocked on doors to share her vision. Her unwavering faith and persistence paid off—she secured funding to launch a pilot program, bringing her filtration system to families in need.

As word spread, national media picked up her story. Rachel’s work was making a real impact, and it seemed like nothing could stop her.

But then came opposition. A large corporate competitor, threatened by her success, attempted to shut her down. They claimed her methods were flawed and sought to undermine her credibility. It was a moment that tested her resolve.

“Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9

Rachel could have given in to fear, but instead, she chose to stand firm in her calling. She reached out to nonprofits and faith-based organizations, forging powerful partnerships that allowed her to continue her work. Together, they ensured that thousands of people had access to clean water, regardless of the opposition.

An Unexpected Turn of Events
Then, something incredible happened. The very corporation that once sought to shut her down came back—not with another attack, but with an offer. They saw the effectiveness of her system and, rather than fighting against her, they wanted her expertise to improve their own filtration processes. What had once been a battle had turned into a partnership.

God’s ways are higher than our ways. He takes what the enemy meant for harm and turns it for good.

Lessons for Us All
Rachel’s story is a testament to what happens when we trust in God’s plan, remain steadfast in doing good, and refuse to give up in the face of adversity. Each of us has a calling—whether it’s in ministry, business, community service, or our own homes. And like Rachel, we may face setbacks, opposition, and moments of doubt. But we serve a faithful God who honors perseverance and faith.

I encourage each of you to consider: What mission has God placed on your heart? Are you allowing fear or doubt to hold you back? Let Rachel’s story be a reminder that in due season, we will reap if we do not give up.

If you’re looking for ways to learn more about water crises and how you can help, I recommend visiting Water.org, a great resource dedicated to providing clean water solutions worldwide.

Church family, let us continue to trust in the Lord, to press forward in faith, and to be vessels of His love and transformation in the world. May we never grow weary in doing good!

Blessings, Hadley Thompson

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Sermon on Finances in Lansing, Michigan

“Stepping Into God’s Plan: Hannah’s Journey of Faith and Success”

Speaker: Rylee Thompson
Date: March 10, 2024

Good morning, church! What a blessing it is to stand before you today in the heart of Lansing, Michigan. I believe that God has brought us together for a reason, and I am thrilled to share a message that will encourage you in your faith journey. The Lord has put it on my heart to talk about divine direction, perseverance, and the blessings that come when we trust Him fully.

Today, I want to share with you the story of a woman named Hannah. No, not the Hannah from the Old Testament, but a modern-day Hannah—right here in our very own Lansing. Her journey of faith, struggle, and ultimate victory is one that speaks to us all.

The Struggle: Stepping Out in Faith
Hannah was an accountant by profession. She had spent years working in corporate America, climbing the ranks, and proving her expertise. But despite her success, she felt unfulfilled. She was exhausted by the politics, the long hours, and the lack of true purpose. Have you ever felt that way? Have you ever known that God was calling you to something greater, yet fear held you back?

One day, after much prayer and seeking God’s direction, Hannah took a bold step of faith—she left her corporate job and started her own accounting firm right here in Lansing. It wasn’t easy. She struggled to find clients. She questioned whether she had made the right decision. But then, she remembered the Word of God:

“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” – Psalm 37:23

God was in every detail. He had not led her out of corporate life just to abandon her. He had a plan!

The Battle: Facing Opposition
Hannah knew she had to do something different, so she began offering free financial workshops at local community centers. She poured her heart into serving others, teaching them how to manage their finances, pay off debt, and invest wisely. Slowly, people started noticing her work. Clients began to trickle in, and her business grew.

But, as often happens when we step into God’s calling, the enemy launched an attack. Her former employer—bitter that she had left—spread false rumors about her integrity. Have you ever had your character questioned? Have you ever had someone try to destroy what God was building in you?

Hannah was devastated, but she refused to let fear or bitterness take root. Instead, she clung to God’s promises. She continued to serve with excellence and integrity, trusting that God would fight her battles.

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” – Luke 16:10

Hannah knew that if she remained faithful in the small things, God would bless her with greater opportunities. And church, He did just that!

The Victory: God’s Favor and Divine Opportunities
One day, as Hannah was working late in her small office, she received an unexpected phone call. A well-known local entrepreneur had heard about her financial workshops and wanted to meet. She was skeptical at first, but when she sat across the table from him, she realized God had orchestrated this moment.

This man was impressed with her knowledge and integrity. He had been searching for someone to manage the finances of his growing company, and he believed Hannah was the perfect fit. This was the breakthrough she had been waiting for! Landing this high-profile client not only gave her financial stability, but it also established her firm’s credibility.

But church, that’s not the end of the story. God had something even greater in store!

A few months later, a major accounting firm reached out to her with an offer to merge with her company. This was an opportunity beyond anything she had imagined. She would have the resources, team, and influence to help more people than ever before. Hannah had started with nothing, but through faith, perseverance, and God’s guidance, she had built something incredible.

Application: Trusting God in Our Own Lives
Hannah’s story is a testimony to all of us. When we step out in faith, we may face opposition. There may be moments when we wonder if we made a mistake. But God is faithful. He delights in the details of our lives, and He rewards those who trust Him.

Maybe today, you’re standing at the edge of a big decision. Maybe you feel God calling you to something greater, but fear is holding you back. Let me remind you that when God directs your steps, He will not let you fall.

I encourage you to remain faithful, even in the small things. Whether you’re a business owner, an employee, a student, or a parent, trust that God is watching how you handle the little opportunities He gives you. Be diligent. Be excellent. And above all, be faithful.

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” – Luke 16:10

Conclusion: A Call to Action
As we close, I want to challenge you. What is God calling you to step into? What fears have been holding you back? It’s time to surrender those fears and walk boldly into His plan.

And if you need wisdom on financial stewardship or business decisions, I encourage you to seek out resources that align with godly principles. One helpful resource is Investopedia.com, where you can find financial guidance that supports wise and ethical decision-making.

Church, let’s step into God’s plan with boldness, just as Hannah did. Let’s trust that He delights in every detail of our lives. And let’s remain faithful, knowing that greater blessings are on the way!

God bless you all!

Motivation Posts and Books

Free Motivation Book

A short encouragement to motivate you for free.

New Level of Motivation

Would you like to go to a new level of motivation?

A Book about Success

A longer book to explore your inner potential.

Back to Home Page