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Stories from the inner city

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The Lord Lift Up His Countenance …

Sherry Hancock walked into the church with her husband, children, and a heavy heart. The new school year was days away, and her family’s ongoing financial struggles were weighing on

Photo courtesy of Nora Stephens.

Cleaning Out His Backpack

Sandwiched between Independence Day and the first bell of the new school year is an annual event that leaves JRay Stephens giddy as he scans the hundreds of colorful backpacks

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A Lesson in Sacrifice

JT was walking the cemetery grounds where tombstones listed the names of dozens and dozens of 19th- and 20th-century children, many younger than the high school freshman. When he and

Fernando is baptized at New Life Center in 2024 by his mentor, Pastor Isaac Huffman, and Jessica Quigley, director of The Vine.

Forging a Different Path

At an age when many young men focus on college or trade schools to prepare for their life’s work, Turner majored in earning street cred, not a degree or certificate.