Eleven years ago, before there was land, a building, or a single blueprint, there was a dream God placed in the heart of Alexa James, and a faith small enough to fit in the palm of a hand, yet strong enough to move mountains. James founded Blanket Fort Hope in 2015. The name traces back to the blanket forts her own children built as kids, and the safety they felt inside them. That image became the vision for a Gospel-centered refuge where children who have survived the unimaginable could feel that same safety, permanently.
Here is a peek inside Blanket Fort Hope’s now open Restoration Home that houses nine girls, ages 12-18.
Over the following decade, Blanket Fort Hope grew from an idea into a movement, training more than 20,000 foster families, educators, church members, and healthcare workers across Alabama. In 2021, it acquired 73 acres in Shelby County to build the Restoration Home, breaking ground in 2022. In 2024, it became licensed to train, license, and support foster families for trauma-informed homes, including families who care for male survivors of trafficking. The Restoration Home was completed, debt-free, in November 2025, a home with bedrooms and bathrooms for nine girls, ages 12 to 18. Blanket Fort Hope is now a licensed group home, able to house children in the officially open Restoration Home. This is more than a license. It’s the fulfillment of a calling and the answer to countless prayers, from donors, volunteers, churches, and supporters who believed in a vision bigger than themselves.
Within these walls, girls will find safety, healing, and more.
The Restoration Home is now a place where young female survivors will find safety, healing, trauma-informed care, education, stability, and people committed to walking beside them for as long as it takes. Blanket Fort Hope also offers a Girl Scout badge program teaching young women safety strategies. Most of all, it’s a place where they’ll be reminded they are loved, valued, and never beyond the reach of God’s redemption. This is only the beginning. The Restoration Home is the first piece of a larger campus vision that includes a trauma training center, additional homes, a chapel, a garden, and stables. James says this moment belongs to everyone who prayed, gave, volunteered, and believed in the vision from the beginning. “Christ is our foundation. Hope is our mission. The home is open, and the best is yet to come,” James said. You can learn more by visiting blanketforthope.org or email [email protected]. †
Brought to you by: Community Partner, Sawyer Solutions Technology with Care and Compassion • Outsourced I.T. Support • Cyber Security • Help Desk Solutions sawyersolutionsllc.com 844-448-7767
Indiana football’s 2025 national championship season captivated fans and made history. But according to award-winning sportswriter Del Duduit, the season’s greatest impact reaches far beyond the scoreboard.
In Indiana Believer: 30 Days of Devotions for the Hoosier Football Faithful, Duduit combines memorable moments from Indiana’s championship run with Biblical insights on faith, perseverance, leadership, and purpose. Each devotion highlights lessons that can inspire readers both on and off the field.
Indiana Believer is for devoted Hoosier fans, football enthusiasts, and anyone seeking encouragement in their faith walk. The book releases on August 4, 2026.
Drawing on his experience as a journalist for publications such as Sports Spectrum, Decision Magazine, and Athletes in Action, Duduit explores how the determination, teamwork, and resilience displayed throughout the season reflect timeless spiritual truths. More than a season recap, Indiana Believer invites readers to see how faith shapes character in moments of triumph and adversity. Whether you’re a devoted Hoosier fan, a football enthusiast, or someone seeking encouragement in your daily walk, the book offers practical inspiration rooted in both sports and Scripture.
As fans celebrate one of the most remarkable seasons in Indiana football history, Indiana Believer provides a meaningful way to relive the journey while discovering lessons that endure long after the final whistle. Indiana Believer releases on August 4, 2026 from Iron Stream Media. Learn more at shop.ironstreammedia.com.
Brought to you by: Community Partner Still Waters Counseling and Education Center, www.mystillwaters.org
Still Waters Counseling and Education Center provides professional counseling services that integrate clinical practice and Christian faith, in person in Mountain Brook, Madison, and Dothan, Ala., as well as online anywhere in the state. The team of professional therapists has one goal: to provide a safe, compassionate place where healing can begin.
Still Waters Intern Nic Jones is pursuing his Master of Social Work degree at the University of North Alabama and expects to graduate in December 2027.
Intern Nic Jones has joined the Still Waters team while pursuing his Master of Social Work degree at the University of North Alabama. “My interest in pursuing an internship through Still Waters is rooted from a place of deep interest in human flourishing, trauma recovery, faith, and the ways healing occurs within relationships and community,” Jones says, adding, “I really resonate with the Still Waters goal to help people move toward greater health, healing, wisdom, and wholeness.” During his internship, Jones will have the opportunity, under supervision, to develop clinical skills with clients as part of the therapeutic process. “I truly believe that each person holds a story with unique purposes. Oftentimes, the stories we hold involve pain and deep wounds. I find it a great privilege to sit with other image bearers to support them from a place of empathy, curiosity, and respect for each person’s unique story.” During his internship, Jones hopes to grow in his capacity to support people well. “I believe we were created to flourish, not just survive. I pray that this next season will be an opportunity to absorb wisdom from the Still Waters team, honor the clients who demonstrate significant courage by walking through the counseling office doors, and learn skills that I can integrate in my practice as a therapist in training.”
Most insurance plans are accepted at Still Waters. In addition, the practice offers a sliding scale to keep therapy accessible to individuals and families. Areas of service include stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, OCD, disordered eating, addictions, and more. To learn more, visit mystillwaters.org, email [email protected], or call 205-825-1423.
Watch the video interview below to learn more about Nic Jones and his passion for helping others flourish in life through counseling.
TO SAY THANK YOU for reading and supporting the businesses and organizations that advertise with Birmingham Christian Family(BCF) and make spreading Good News possible we have TWO GREAT GIVEAWAYS.
#1
4 Tickets to watch the Birmingham Barons play at Regions Field on Faith and Family Night, Friday August 14, 2026.
Enter on both Facebook & Instagram to double your chances!
Instagram. To enter, simply LIKE and COMMENT on the Giveaway Post on Birmingham Christian Family’s Instagram @cfpbirmingham.
Offer ends Tuesday 8/11/26. Winner announced 8/12/26 on Instagram and Facebook so be sure to FOLLOW our Instagram @cfpbirmingham and Facebook @BirminghamChristianFamily pages.
#2
4 Tickets to Alabama Adventure Amusement Park & Splash Adventure Water Park. Open on weekends through September 13, 2026.
Enter on both Facebook & Instagram to double your chances!
Instagram. To enter, simply LIKE and COMMENT on the Giveaway Post on Birmingham Christian Family’s Instagram @cfpbirmingham.
Offer ends Thursday 8/13/26, Winner announced 8/14/26 on Instagram and Facebook so be sure to FOLLOW our Instagram @cfpbirmingham and Facebook @BirminghamChristianFamily pages.
Strength for today. Hope for tomorrow.Fortify Christian Counseling provides professional counseling that integrates Christian faith and clinical expertise for individuals (age 5 and up), couples, and families.
Anxiety & Depression
Children’s Issues
Life Transitions
Marriage & Relationships
Stress & Burnout
Trauma & Grief
Fortify counselors are a team of Licensed Professional Counselors and Trauma-informed Biblical Counselors who accept BCBS Insurance. Services are available in-office in Hoover and via telehealth across Alabama. Get Started Today!
At Still Waters Counseling and Education Center, we provide compassionate, evidence-based counseling for individuals, couples, and families in our Mountain Brook, Madison, and Dothan offices, as well as secure online therapy for clients throughout Alabama. Whether you are facing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, or a difficult season of life, we are here to help you find healing, hope, and lasting change.
We believe every person has inherent worth, every story matters, and every individual deserves to be met with compassion, respect, and hope. We do not see problems. We see people. People with real stories, real struggles, and real courage simply for taking the first step and asking for help. We know reaching out is not easy. From the moment you walk through our doors or join a secure online session, we want you to feel safe. Safe to exhale. Safe to be honest. Safe to not have everything figured out.
Our therapists help clients better understand themselves and the experiences that have shaped their lives. Through evidence-based counseling, clients gain insight, develop healthier patterns, strengthen relationships, and experience lasting healing and growth. For clients who desire it, we also offer Christian counseling that thoughtfully integrates faith and biblical principles into the counseling process. Learn more at mystillwaters.org, email [email protected], or call 205-825-1423.
– DENTAL –
At Gooch Dental, we believe dentistry is about far more than healthy teeth—it’s about serving people with compassion, integrity, and excellence. Our faith is the foundation of everything we do, and each day begins with prayer and a team huddle as we prepare our hearts and minds to care for every patient who walks through our doors.
From the moment you arrive, you’ll experience the Gooch Dental difference. We strive to make every visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible by combining genuine compassion with the latest advancements in dental technology. To help patients relax during treatment, we offer a complimentary comfort menu featuring cozy blankets, protective sunglasses to reduce the bright dental light, earbuds for listening to music or podcasts, and a caring team dedicated to making your experience as pleasant as possible. Our highly trained clinical team continually pursues advanced education and the latest dental techniques to provide exceptional care. We are passionate about helping our patients achieve healthy mouths, confident smiles, and lasting oral health.
With five experienced doctors, Gooch Dental offers comprehensive care for the entire family under one roof. Our services include preventive and family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, veneers, dental implants, select oral surgery procedures, same-day crowns, clear aligners, and professional in-office whitening. We are especially proud to be recognized as a Platinum Invisalign Provider while offering some of the most competitive Invisalign pricing in the Birmingham area, making beautiful, healthy smiles more accessible than ever. To learn more, visit goochdental.com or call 205-583-1291.
– OB/GYN –
From your first visit as a pre-teen to your golden years, Henderson & Walton wants to be your healthcare provider of choice. We have been providing care for more than 50 years in the Birmingham and surrounding areas. Our experienced staff can guide you in making wise choices during every stage of your life as a woman. Our caring physicians and associates understand the challenges you will face and can walk with you as your needs change from year to year.
OBSTETRICS. Finding the right OB/GYN is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure that you and your baby stay healthy and enjoy the best experience of childbirth. Our physicians are committed to guiding their patients through all stages of pregnancy from prenatal care to delivery either by vaginal or cesarean section. We currently deliver babies at UAB/St Vincent’s in Birmingham.
GYNECOLOGY. We offer patients a range of services addressing basic reproductive health, as well as individual concerns such breast health, family planning, and more. Our providers work with women to address their specific healthcare needs and provide preventative care options to provide optimal healthcare for mothers and their daughters.
Our OB/GYN physicians are board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and see patients in Birmingham, Chelsea, Cullman, Rainbow City/Gadsden, Gardendale, Jasper, and Tuscaloosa. To learn more about our physicians and the services we provide, visit our website at hwwc.net.
– PHARMACY –
Double Oak Mountain Pharmacy opened 14 years ago with one goal – to provide compassionate, affordable pharmaceutical care to the surrounding community. The local pharmacy on Highway 280 offers a variety of services to their patients including free local delivery, compounding, drive-thru access, immunizations, private consultations, online supplement store, and compliance packaging. “Filling prescriptions quickly and accurately is just as important to us as assuring you have a positive experience every time you walk through our door,” explains Pharmacist Joseph Feick, adding, “As we serve you and your family in all your pharmacy needs, we look forward to also becoming your friend!” Feick received his Pharm.D. from McWhorter School of Pharmacy at Samford University with the ambition of opening his own pharmacy. He has a passion for helping people, and he knew that he wanted to help others with his profession. He chose pharmacy with that in mind, and he loves his job. His compassion for others and his vast pharmacology knowledge makes him the ideal independent pharmacist. He has worked at several independent and chain retail pharmacies and is certified in immunizations and experienced in compounding. Feick and his wife Jennifer grew up in the Oak Mountain area and enjoy giving back to the community they love and are proud to call home. Learn more by visiting DoubleOakMountRX.com, stopping by at 5510 Hwy 280 Suite 123 or calling 205-991-0800.
Pastor Hellmers and his wife Dee at a pizza night fundraiser for Project Hope. A native of New Orleans, Pastor Hellmers and his family made Birmingham their home 50 years ago when he accepted a call to serve as pastor of the Lutheran Church of Vestavia Hills.
Sunday August 16, 2026 the congregation at The Lutheran Church of Vestavia Hills(LCVH) will recognize Rev. Clifford Hellmers for 50 years of service at the church locally and abroad. Pastor Hellmers served as full time pastor of LCVH for 32 years and then over the course of the last 18 years, in active retirement, he has served as the coordinator of Project HOPE – the foreign mission ministry of LCVH. In addition, he has been actively involved in senior ministry and other areas of service which has richly blessed the church family. Rev. Michael Ahlemeyer, the lead pastor at LCVH, explains this will be a time of “thanking our Lord for the ministry and mission of Pastor Hellmers. This will be a day to celebrate the Gospel proclamation in our community and throughout the world!”
For 21 years Rev. Hellmers has led Project HOPE which he describes as “the heart and hands of Jesus for the ‘little ones’ in His kingdom around the world.” Learn more about the ministry and other ministries at LCVH here.
Pastor Hellmers founded Project HOPE in 2005. He shares, “It has worked to offer HOPE for a better tomorrow and for eternity through Christ in three third world countries, Kenya, Nicaragua and Uganda. The word HOPE is an acronym for the work it does: addresses the Health needs of people; provides Opportunity for income-producing projects; requires the Participation of those being served; and promotes the Education of children.”
Pastor Hellmers with some of the children at the Lutheran Church of Vestavia Hills who hosted a lemonade stand to raise money for Project Hope.
In Kenya HOPE, works with two members of the LCVH congregation, Arianna and David Shirk, who are medical missionaries at Kijabe Hospital in Kenya. Project HOPE provides funds for medical equipment and structures like new operating rooms, a chapel, and medical resident housing. Each year HOPE also sends teams of about 12 members to Nicaragua. Part of the team leads a Vacation Bible School ministry for children in five rural villages. The other part of the team works on the construction of a one room house for families who formerly lived in houses made of tree branches and plastic sheeting. HOPE also provides funds for after school activities and a meal for students. In Uganda, so far HOPE has worked with seven different rural villages purchasing land, funding the drilling of a bore hole well for clean water, constructing a Lutheran elementary school and dormitories, and providing funds for an income producing project to support the school.
The community is invited to join in honoring Pastor Hellmers. He will preach at the 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services re-telling the Lord’s goodness over the last 50 years. A reception will take place between services from 9:15 to 10:00 a.m. in the church fellowship hall. The church is located at 201 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills, 35216. †
Rev. Clifford Hellmers and Rev. Michael Ahlemeyer have served in ministry together for the last 16 years.
Each month, Birmingham Christian Family highlights a local church leader who is making a difference in our community. Pastor Justin Flores moved to Birmingham in 2023 to be the station manager at radio stations WDJC and WXJC. He had no idea the Lord would open an opportunity for him to pastor again.
Radio Station Manager and Pastor Justin Flores has been married to his wife Becki for 30 years. They have three grown children and several grandchildren.
1. What did your journey look like to your current position in ministry? I moved to Alabama from California, with my bride of 30 years, Becki, and our cat, Barnabus. I had pastored for about 10 years and been a part of a Calvary Chapel in California for 30 years, and also worked in radio. I was attempting to walk away from ministry to work in radio only, but my heart ached for what I knew I was called to do, and that is to simply teach the Bible. After a year of worshiping at Calvary Chapel Trussville, an hour drive from our home in Alabaster, our pastor, Tyler Warner, suggested I meet with a group of folks who had been praying for a new Calvary Chapel in Shelby County. After some prayer meetings it was determined that we would begin a journey teaching the Bible and officially formed Calvary Chapel Alabaster.
2.Is there a particular person or life experience that impacted your decision to be a minister? When I was ordained, Pastor Chuck Smith, the founder of the Calvary Chapel Movement, also called the Jesus Revolution, the same as the movie, told me to make anyone in my presence the most loved. “Go and make them the most loved in your county.” I have never forgotten that. At Calvary Chapel, we aim to teach the Bible. Not from it or about it, but simply teach the Bible simply. Jesus has taught me, in His Word, what I need to know about Him. He has never let me down.
Calvary Chapel Alabaster is located at 8919 Hwy 119, Suite 112, Alabaster, 35007. To learn more about the church, visit ccalabaster.com.
3. What is one thing you would like us to know about your congregation? We are waiting for Jesus to come get us at any moment, and because of that, we live to make Him known! Not sitting on our hands but being solid members of our families, community, and the best employees our employers have ever had. That’s our desire.
4. What can people expect when they come to worship at your church? We don’t have a lead worshiper yet, so I prepare a playlist on Spotify, and we sing to our God in that way. That’s how we start once I greet the church and share an announcement or two. I then get up and teach the Bible after worship. Usually a chapter at a time. We are currently going through Genesis on Sunday mornings, and Revelation on Wednesday nights. So, folks can expect to come and simply worship God and hear from His word. No frills.
Birmingham Christian Family(BCF) is celebrating more than 25 years of spreading Good News in our community- which is more than 300 monthly issues of the BCF magazine! Come celebrate with us at the 7th Annual Celebrate the Family Expo brought to you by White Lily. The event, packed with four hours of free activities for the whole family, is September 12, 2026 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Finley Center, Hoover Met Complex.
Free entertainment includes face painting, balloon twisting, inflatables, mascots, and live music. The ALFA Farmers Celebrity Chef Stage will once again feature an awesome line up of great cooks sharing recipes, tips and samples from 10am-2pm. The talent includes Lil Bougie’s Debbie Goldsmith, Rock House Farms Karah Skinner, Christo’s Confections Stephen Ritchey, Happiness is Homemade Y’all Danna Standridge and Brenda Gantt from Cooking with Brenda Gantt.
Other returning event favorites are Birthday Bingo with giveaways about every 15 minutes, the Chick-fil-A Herd, the Hoover Belles, and fury friends from Two by Two Rescue onsite to adopt.
Come Hungry! We will have food trucks on site including Lil Bougie Foodie serving delicious, affordable food. We will continue to add activities to the celebration so for the most up to date event details visit BirminghamChristian.com/Expo. If your business or organization has a resource to share with families, consider joining us as an Expo Sponsor, Exhibitor, or Merchandise Vendor, BirminghamChristian.com/registration.
TO SAY THANK YOU for reading and supporting the businesses and organizations that advertise with Birmingham Christian Family(BCF) and make spreading Good News possible we have TWO GREAT GIVEAWAYS.
1. TWO Family Four Packs of tickets to Alabama Adventure Amusement Park & Splash Adventure Water Park
Out for breakfast, Bay, my oldest daughter, and I discussed which was better… “the waffles or the biscuits.” We are bread people and for some reason, our pallet gravitates toward the bread on the plate. My biscuit was a “canned” biscuit- which is nearly blasphemy to some in our family- but Bay and I agreed that “we liked canned biscuits too.” My wife Hannah rolled her eyes in disapproval. “That bacon looks horrible,” Bay changed the subject slightly. “No, it’s really good. Very crispy and no grease. It’s almost like it was air fried.” My response did little to persuade her. And then we turned to the cheese grits and the rest of the table fair.
Walt is seen here with his old friend, David Bain.
Somewhere during our culinary conversation, a hand reached forth and touched my shoulder. Still looking at the food on Bay’s plate, I was aware that a dark headed figure now lurked at the open seat of our table of three and I abruptly turned, somewhat caught off guard, to see who had taken up the fourth spot at our four top table. My eyes met his, and though his facial hair worked as an aged disguise, it only took a second to recognize my old friend. “David?” Any casual observer could have heard the curious excitement in my voice. And then as if to introduce him to the rest of the table I said, “David Bain!” Hannah then recognized him too, and we jumped headlong into reminiscent conversations of old and new. David and I grew up together. From the third grade at Christ the King we were pals and schoolmates until our paths diverged at high school. Our friendship renewed as we ended up finding ourselves at college together at the University of Montevallo. And since we had hardly seen each other since graduation 20 years ago, there was much to catch up on. Stories flowed through the afternoon of skipping school and girl crushes. It was a fantastic walk down memory lane. We laughed and joked as if not one day had passed since we last met. Hours later, I turned to my old friend and told him farewell. The day has passed us too, and sleep was beckoning. He laughed and we made some joking remarks about ageism. He hugged me and told me “I love you, old friend.” I returned the sentiment, because I do. And I am thankful that we’ve shared so much through the years- so much so that not even a lapse of years could take away from the strength of our bond. He is a true friend. And I am thankful for him and his affections and loyalties.
But he is not my only true friend. In fact, there is another who is a better friend than David. His name is Jesus. There was a time in my life when I had not visited with my friend Jesus for several years. Bitter and angry, blinded by alcohol and fueled by ego, I didn’t have time for my old friend Jesus. His lifestyle conflicted with my own. And like David Bain, Jesus put His hand on my shoulder more times than I can remember, and He too called me by name. Most times though, I simply pulled away. Eventually though, at the depths of my own despair, I looked back upon His face with a smile and beckoned for him. As with only the best, old friends, Jesus was quick to embrace me. And He has never let me go. So, forgive me that I am not writing to you of a tale of adventure. Instead, I offer you a reminder of the greatest love story ever told. How God so loved you, that He gave His only begotten Son, so that because you believed in Him, you would have everlasting life. Jesus is still reaching out to you, to put His hand on your shoulder. No matter how far you think you’ve drifted. No matter how much you think He isn’t invested. He is. He is the best old friend anyone could ever ask for. He will overlook all our failures in the relationship just to tell us He loves us. So, turn your eyes to Him. Look out of the depression and despair and know that your old friend loves you more than you could ever understand. And so do I. God bless.
-Walt Merrell is a Christian Outdoorsman who writes of his adventures with his family, with the hope that others might be inspired and encouraged to embrace God’s tapestry, otherwise known as the great outdoors, as a means of finding Common Ground. You can follow him at Shepherding Outdoors on FB, YT and IG and at shepherdingoutdoors.com.
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