Church Meeting in Detroit, Michigan

“Faith in the Journey: Kendra’s Leap of Entrepreneurship”

Sunday School Leader: Amara Johnson
Date: July 7, 2024

Welcome & Opening Prayer
Good morning, everyone! It is such a blessing to be together this Sunday as we explore how faith and perseverance shape our lives. Today, we will learn from the incredible story of Kendra, a young entrepreneur from Detroit, who trusted in God’s strength through life’s challenges.

Let’s begin with prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing us together this morning. As we study Your Word and reflect on Kendra’s journey, help us to trust in Your strength and run with perseverance the race You have set before us. Open our hearts to Your wisdom and guidance. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Kendra’s Entrepreneurial Leap
Kendra had always been a creative thinker, but she wasn’t sure if she had what it took to run a business. Despite her doubts, she decided to take a leap of faith and start her own marketing agency. With the support of her family, she worked hard to build her business from the ground up.

After months of dedication and persistence, she finally landed her first major client. It was a moment of joy and confirmation that she was on the right path.

This reminds us of an important truth:

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13

Kendra knew that her abilities alone weren’t enough—she needed God’s strength to sustain her.

A Difficult Setback
Just as her business was beginning to take off, Kendra faced an unexpected challenge—a serious health crisis. She was forced to step back from the business she had worked so hard to build. At first, she felt frustrated and discouraged. Had she made the wrong decision? Would everything she had built come crashing down?

Instead of giving up, Kendra adapted. She hired a small team to help with daily operations and reorganized her workflow to manage her responsibilities in a way that prioritized her health. This required patience and trust in God’s plan.

The Bible reminds us:

“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” – Hebrews 12:1

Kendra’s story teaches us that perseverance doesn’t mean never facing hardships; it means continuing to trust in God even when challenges arise.

A New Calling
As her business grew, Kendra began mentoring young entrepreneurs, sharing her experiences and guiding them in their own journeys. Through this, she realized that her true passion was not just in marketing but in helping others find their purpose.

At the end of the year, Kendra received an unexpected invitation to speak at a national business conference. As she prepared her speech, she felt God calling her to something even greater. The real surprise came when she made a bold decision—she sold her company and committed herself fully to working for the church.

This decision shocked many, but Kendra knew it was the right step. Her journey had always been about faith, and now she was using her gifts to serve God’s kingdom in a new way.

Discussion & Reflection
Let’s take a moment to reflect and discuss:

Have you ever faced a challenge that made you question whether you were on the right path?
How do you rely on God’s strength when you feel overwhelmed?
What does perseverance look like in your life right now?

Closing Thoughts & Prayer
Kendra’s story is a reminder that God equips us for the race He has set before us. Whether in business, ministry, or daily life, we can trust that He will strengthen us for the journey ahead.

If you’re interested in learning more about business and leadership, I recommend visiting Forbes.com for valuable insights.

Let’s close in prayer:

Father, thank You for reminding us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Help us to persevere through challenges and trust in Your perfect plan. May we use our gifts to serve You and others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thank you all for being here today. May you go forth encouraged and ready to run your race with faith!

Blessings,
Amara Johnson

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Bible Study on Mackinac Island, Michigan

“Faith and Hospitality: A Bible Study on Trusting God’s Plan”

Bible Study Leader: Julia Thompson
Date: June 12, 2024

Welcome & Opening Prayer
Good evening, everyone! It is such a joy to gather here on beautiful Mackinac Island for this special Bible study. Tonight, we will dive into the themes of faith, perseverance, and the power of doing everything in love. We will explore these lessons through the inspiring story of Jenna, a hospitality expert who trusted God’s plan even when her circumstances seemed uncertain.

Let’s begin with an opening prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing us together tonight. As we study Your Word and reflect on Jenna’s journey, help us to trust in Your plans, even when the road ahead seems unclear. May we be reminded that everything we do should be done in love, just as You have loved us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Jenna’s Dream and a Difficult Start
Jenna had always dreamed of running her own boutique hotel on Mackinac Island. With her background in hospitality, she believed she had the skills and passion to create a unique and welcoming space for visitors. But after she opened her doors, reality set in—business was slow, and financial struggles loomed over her. Jenna feared she had made a mistake and began questioning if her dream had been misguided.

Have you ever felt this way? Have you ever pursued something you felt called to do, only to face roadblocks that made you question everything? In these moments, it’s easy to doubt, but God reminds us:

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

Jenna held on to this promise. Instead of giving in to fear, she turned to prayer, seeking God’s guidance on how to move forward.

Stepping Out in Faith
Jenna realized that in order to stand out, she needed to offer something more than just a place to stay. She began personalizing guest experiences, offering historical tours, and sharing the rich heritage of Mackinac Island. As she poured her heart into these experiences, something amazing happened—people started talking about her hotel.

A well-known travel blogger visited and shared a glowing review. Soon, word spread, and more guests started booking stays. The hotel that once sat nearly empty began to fill with visitors eager for Jenna’s warm hospitality and unique offerings. Her hard work and faith were beginning to bear fruit.

This reminds us of an important biblical truth:

“Do everything in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14

When we serve others with love and passion, God blesses our efforts. Jenna didn’t just focus on making a profit; she focused on creating meaningful experiences for her guests, and in doing so, she honored God’s calling in her life.

An Unexpected Blessing
Just when Jenna thought things couldn’t get any better, she received a surprise—her hotel was ranked as one of the best in the country by a major travel magazine. What started as a struggling business had now become a top destination!

Jenna’s journey is a beautiful reminder that when we trust God’s plan, He does more than we can ask or imagine. Her story challenges us to reflect on our own lives:

Are we trusting God’s plan, even when things don’t go as expected?
Are we doing our work with love and dedication?
Are we remaining faithful, even when faced with uncertainty?

Discussion & Reflection
Let’s take a few moments to discuss and reflect:

Can you think of a time when you faced setbacks but later realized that God was working behind the scenes?
How can we apply the principles of faith and love in our own work or personal dreams?
In what ways can we serve others with love, just as Jenna did with her guests?

Closing Thoughts & Prayer
Jenna’s story teaches us that God’s plans are always greater than our own. He calls us to trust Him, to work diligently, and to love others in all that we do. If you’re looking for inspiration in the world of travel and hospitality, I recommend visiting TravelAndLeisure.com, where you can see how passion and excellence shape incredible experiences.

Let’s close in prayer:

Father, thank You for reminding us that Your plans are always good. Help us to trust in You, even in difficult seasons. Give us hearts that serve with love, just as Jenna did in her work. May we walk in faith, knowing that You are guiding our steps. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thank you all for being here tonight. May you go forth encouraged and inspired to trust in God’s plan and to do everything in love!

Blessings,
Julia Thompson

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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

Motivation Posts and Books

Free Motivation Book

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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.

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