Called to Help Make Mission Trips Move Smoothly

May 30, 2026April 28, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

Whether its sending people on trips across the globe or gallivanting throughout the United States, Laura Heidt has spent more than 23 years helping make travel dreams come true. Owner and operator of LH Custom Travel Insurance Services, Heidt has spent her time considering the safety of her clients as they go on their own adventures.

“The policies that I offer have primary medical with no deductibles,” Heidt said. “If anything occurs while they are on a trip, they will be able to go to a clinic or hospital, which they can then file and not be out additional money on the trip.” Having spent plenty of time working alongside several professionals in the travel industry, Heidt developed her company with the desire to aid groups participating in mission work. Working alongside several friends within Birmingham and Atlanta’s Christian communities, she has created a steady clientele of people who want to make a positive difference in areas like Africa and South America. “I know that the individuals who are volunteering and contributing to mission don’t even think about this stuff usually because their calling is to go and help people,” Heidt said. “This helps them have more comfort in doing that.”

Offering a variety of post-departure insurance coverages, pricing is determined within just around six hours by the age and location of each client rather than the size of the mission groups themselves, which typically range up to around 25 people. Although there can be full-group coverage, it is not a requirement that everyone must purchase it for themselves. Those who choose to purchase Heidt’s travel insurance plans are offered a checklist of necessary travel instructions and 24-hour emergency assistance contact number. “I try to highlight what their coverage is so they can address these things if they were to come up,” Heidt said. “It’s probably the simple things that people think ‘oh, that’s not going to happen!’”

“It’s peace of mind since they are really volunteering their time. It not only gives that travel peace of mind, but the church peace of mind as well,” Heidt adds. For more information on how to work with LH Custom Travel Insurance Service, contact Laura Heidt at [email protected] or visit www.lhcustomtravelinsuranceservices.com.

-Nicholas Wetzel

May 30, 2026April 27, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Healthy Living

Brought to you by: Community Partner Still Waters Counseling & Education Center, www.mystillwaters.org

This spring, the first two development interns for Still Waters Counseling and Education Center will graduate from Samford University. Madeline Solis and Milly Criswell are leaving their internships with lessons and experience that they will carry with them into their future endeavors.

Hands-On Experience. “My role as a Community Development Intern at Still Waters allowed me to gain invaluable insight into the specific mental health needs of our community, as well as how to create practical solutions to meet these needs,” Criswell said. Solis adds, “Beverly Ward has been a wonderful mentor, especially in teaching me how to represent a counseling practice on social media. I learned about many specific rules and guidelines I was previously unaware of, and working hands-on under Beverly’s coaching was a great experience.”

Prepared for the Future. “In the future, I can use what I’ve learned with Still Waters to view every interaction I have as a chance to minister to those around me, as well as care for people as the hands and feet of Christ. I love that Still Waters keeps this mindset at the forefront of its mission, and I hope to continue in this pursuit, no matter what my surroundings may be,” Criswell says. Solis felt that the prof

Madeline Solis (left) and Milly Criswell (right) served as the first development interns with Still Waters Counseling and Education Center.

Milly Criswell — Both Criswell and Solis graduate from Samford University this spring.

essional feedback she received helped her realize the importance of setting aside her personal aesthetic preferences. “Initially, I created graphics based on my own aesthetic preferences or current trends. After receiving feedback from Beverly, I realized the importance of designing for the therapists, prospective patients, and the overall mission of the practice. Moving forward, I will continue to prioritize the organization’s identity and goals over my personal preferences.”

Investing in the Next Generation. When asked why Still Waters Counseling and Education Center chooses to welcome interns to the team each semester, owner Beverly Ward said, “I choose to invest in the next generation because someone once invested in me, and that support helped shape both who I am and how I lead today. I believe Jesus calls us to train up and pour into the next generation, helping them grow into the gifts and purpose God has for their lives. Development interns bring fresh ideas, energy, and creativity, and it’s a joy to mentor and encourage them as they grow in confidence, skills, and calling so they can make a meaningful difference in our world.”

Still Waters Counseling and Education Center provides quality mental health counseling from a Christian perspective in person in Mountain Brook, Madison, and Dothan, Ala., as well as online anywhere in the state. Areas of service include anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, grief, and more. To learn more, visit www.mystillwaters.org, email [email protected], or call 205-825-1423.

-Melissa Armstrong

May 30, 2026April 27, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Mission Makers

The Foundry Ministries recently received a $1 million Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant to construct an 11,400 square foot multipurpose building at The Foundry Farm in Cullman County, Ala. The new building will enable The Foundry to expand its ability to serve individuals battling substance abuse toward lasting life change by increasing capacity and key services.

The Foundry expects to enroll 30 additional participants in its first year of opening. The building will include a new classroom, office spaces, a commercial kitchen, and counseling rooms, creating improved opportunities for education, support, and job training. These additions will strengthen The Foundry’s employment-readiness programming for in-demand jobs across Cullman County. The impact of this work is already being seen locally, with over 20 Foundry Farm graduates already employed by Cullman County.

The ARC grant will be matched by $1 million in local funding, demonstrating strong community support for The Foundry Farm’s continued growth and impact. CEO of The Foundry Ministries Micah Andrews says, “This investment is about more than a building. It’s about creating spaces where life change can take place. We’re grateful for partners like Appalachian Regional Commission, ADECA, the City of Cullman, and Congressman Aderholt who believe what’s possible when people are given an opportunity to rebuild their lives.”

The Foundry Farmhouse Rendering — Here is an artist rendering of the exterior of the future farmhouse at The Foundry Farm.

The Foundry Farm Key Facts

9-month low-to-no-cost program
70 participants living on campus
Produces over 15,000 eggs per month
Supplies fresh produce to local farmers’ market and restaurants
Partners with local businesses to create pathways to employment.

To learn more about The Foundry Farm, visit www.foundryministries.com. †

May 30, 2026April 27, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Miracle Moments

Brought to you by: Community Partner Molly Maid of Birmingham, www.mollymaid.com/birmingham

“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

Big Oak Ranch provides children in need of a chance with solid, loving Christian homes and an opportunity to discover God’s purpose for their lives. Here’s Chad’s story.

After Chad’s time at ASCEND, he plans to attend Jefferson State Community College and the University of Alabama at Birmingham to pursue a degree in web design.

When I was five years old, I came to Big Oak Ranch. I had a lot of anger because of my life circumstances and had a difficult time controlling it. During my preteen and teenage years, my second house pop, Eric Morrison, became a major support, especially when I was at my lowest point in life. He never judged me. Instead, he gave me tools to work through my anger, so I didn’t have to face it alone. My houseparents stuck by me every step and taught me how to redirect my anger. They showed me that my thoughts lead to my actions, my actions affect others, and I have the power to control them.

Through an opportunity with Big Oak Ranch, I experienced a life-changing trip to Idaho with On River Time. During devotions around the campfire, we wrote down our biggest fears. Our youth leader told us that Jesus replaces our fears with love and stability and told us to throw our fears into the fire. As the fire died down, I stood up to throw mine in. The leader said that even when things die down, someone can always step up to lead. At that moment, I understood what my houseparents had been teaching me. I could be a leader and had the ability to make a difference in other people’s lives.

Big Oak Ranch has changed my life in so many ways. As a senior in high school, I am grateful for the opportunity to attend Big Oak Ranch’s program, ASCEND, which guides residents through higher education opportunities. ASCEND will provide me with life skills training, stability, and help me step into adulthood successfully. I plan to attend Jefferson State and then transfer to UAB. At UAB, I plan to pursue web design so I can create something meaningful to help people, just like Big Oak Ranch helped me. As I prepare for this next big step, I’m nervous, but also confident. The unconditional love and guidance I’ve received at Big Oak Ranch have prepared me for the real world and helped me see the future I can have.

-Chad

May 30, 2026April 27, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

When most people think of conflict in the church, they think of something to avoid. But what if conflict—handled well—is actually essential for a healthy, thriving congregation?

In While Every Congregation Needs a Little Conflict… What Happened to Yours?, church leadership expert George W. Bullard Jr. offers a refreshing and much-needed perspective: conflict isn’t the enemy. In fact, a lack of healthy conflict may leave churches unprepared for the real challenges they will inevitably face.

While Every Congregation Needs a Little Conflict cover — *While Every Congregation Needs a Little Conflict…* is available for preorder at shop.ironstreammedia.com.

Drawing from more than fifty years of experience working with more than one thousand congregations across a wide range of denominations, Bullard brings both wisdom and practical insight to one of the most pressing issues facing today’s churches. His work introduces the concept of “seven intensities of conflict,” helping leaders and congregations better understand what they’re experiencing and how to respond appropriately.

Rather than reacting out of fear or frustration, Bullard encourages churches to become proactive—learning when to engage, when to step back, and how to navigate difficult situations with clarity and grace. He also emphasizes the importance of being trauma-informed, recognizing that personal struggles and past experiences often shape how individuals respond during conflict.

This message is especially timely as churches today face increasing cultural pressures and internal tensions. For pastors, ministry leaders, and even church members, this book offers a practical road map for turning moments of disagreement into opportunities for growth, unity, and deeper faith. Healthy conflict, when approached with wisdom and intentionality, can strengthen relationships, clarify mission, and ultimately help a congregation flourish. In a time when many churches are struggling to navigate division, Bullard’s message is clear: don’t fear conflict—learn from it.

While Every Congregation Needs a Little Conflict… releases on May 12, 2026. Visit shop.ironstreammedia.com to learn more. †

May 30, 2026April 27, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

If you’ve attended a burial service for a United States veteran, you have likely heard the military bugle call “Taps” being played. This special tradition, with its Civil War roots, is given as a final tribute to honor the veteran’s service to the nation. Unfortunately, the number of buglers who perform Taps in the state of Alabama has significantly decreased over the years. Birmingham’s Dr. Matthew Burford, founder of Tactical Faith and dedicated bugler for 25 years, hopes to change that.

Buglers from a distance — The “30 Days of Real Taps” campaign goal is to recruit 30 new Taps volunteers in 30 days.

“Twenty-five years ago, I was asked to play “Taps” at a veteran’s funeral when no one else was available. That moment left a deep impression on me,” Dr. Burford reflects, adding, “I realized the profound silence and meaning in those 24 notes, and how they spoke for a nation when words could not. That led me to volunteer with Bugles Across America.” Dr. Burford explains that over the years, he has seen a growing need for buglers in the state. This need led him to start the Real Taps for Real Heroes initiative. “We’re losing both the musicians and the tradition. I want to raise awareness and invite a new generation – especially students and young trumpet players – to carry this tradition forward.”

Matt Burford playing bugle — If you’re interested in volunteering to keep this sacred tradition going, click here.

30 Days of Real Taps. This September, you can be a part of “30 Days of Real Taps.” This campaign’s mission is “to recruit 30 new Taps volunteers in 30 days with a special focus on high school and college trumpet players. Their participation will help develop the next generation of volunteer buglers and foster a lifelong appreciation for veterans and the tradition of musical service.” Volunteers are asked to commit to play Taps at 4:30 p.m. one day (or more!) in the month of September at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo. “Your performance will ensure that these heroes, and their families, receive the dignity and respect of a real bugler playing in the moment it matters most. Even a single day of service makes a meaningful difference in preserving this sacred military tradition right here in our own backyard.” No professional experience is required to participate. Volunteers simply need to be able to play “Taps” confidently and reverently. All necessary training, support, and coordination will be provided. “Our mission is simple- to ensure every veteran receives a live performance of “Taps.” We aim to recruit, train, and inspire more volunteer buglers while educating the public about the meaning behind the call. It’s about honoring service, preserving tradition, and making sure the last goodbye is personal, reverent, and real,” Dr. Burford says. Whether you are a student or a seasoned musician, there is a spot for you in this campaign! Visit www.realtapsforrealheroes.com/30-days-of-taps for more details.

-Melissa Armstrong

May 30, 2026April 27, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Parenting Points

As kids grow up, their friendships play a vital role in their development and overall well-being. Healthy friendships can provide support, foster social skills, and create a sense of belonging. As parents, it’s essential to guide children in cultivating and maintaining friendships that reflect Christian values and have a positive influence on their lives.

Friendship begins by teaching our kids to be a good friend to others first. Traits such as kindness, loyalty, honesty, and respect should be emphasized. Use age-appropriate stories or parables from the Bible, like the friendship between David and Jonathan, to illustrate these important qualities. Discuss how true friends support one another, uplift each other during difficult times, and rejoice in shared successes. Another important lesson is teaching children how to set healthy boundaries. Help them understand that it’s okay to say “no” to certain behaviors that compromise their values or well-being. Reinforce that a good friend respects those boundaries and encourages wise choices. Encourage open discussions about peer pressure, emphasizing that true friendships do not involve compromising one’s beliefs or principles.

It’s crucial to model healthy friendships in your own life as well. Kids often learn by observing their parents. Demonstrate how to be a supportive friend through your own actions – showing kindness, being honest, and resolving conflicts peacefully. Share stories of both the joys and challenges of friendships you have experienced and how your faith guides your relationships.

Encouraging social interactions that promote inclusivity can also foster healthy friendships. Encourage your children to reach out to classmates and neighbors, especially those who may feel isolated. Teach them the importance of empathy and compassion, showing that a small act of kindness can have a significant impact on someone’s life. These are qualities that will make your kid a good friend to all. In addition, guide your kids in recognizing the influence of their friendships on their faith. Discuss how friends can encourage or challenge their beliefs and values, and encourage them to choose friends who uplift their walk with Christ. This can lead to deeper conversations about spiritual growth and empower them to seek out friendships that encourage their faith.

Finally, be there to listen and support your kids as they navigate friendships. Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings about their friendships, helping them assess whether these relationships are healthy. By fostering open communication, you can help them develop the skills needed to form and maintain healthy, supportive friendships throughout their lives.

–Dr. Ben Birdsong

Director of European Expansion for First Priority Global Ministries

www.benbirdsong.com

May 30, 2026April 27, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

You are ready to enjoy your favorite dish. You take a bite, and Ugh! No seasoning? In an instant, you think, “Should I chew or spew?” You can expect disappointment when certain foods lack flavor. Add salt or a tasty condiment, and your dish becomes palatable and even enjoyable. The same is true in marriage. Relationships, at times, may lack flavor, but they do not have to stay that way. Have you given up on shared activities? A desirable marriage is achievable with a healthy mix of selfless love, thoughtfulness, and pleasant communication.

Create Flavor. Mark 9:50 states, “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again?” Salt is a preservative. It adds flavor and enhances taste. Like cooking, marriages are improved with adjustments. Is it a priority to esteem your mate and put their needs above yours? When a mindset of mutual appreciation and consideration is present, contentment will follow. You can revive your relationship and honor God in the process. As “the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13), you must also influence your home by sprinkling it with faith and pleasure. A marriage devoid of satisfaction, kindness, and good behavior becomes dull. Scripture commands, “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor” (Romans 12:10 ESV). Webster defines outdo this way: “To go beyond in action or performance.” This action is intentional. Do all you can to show kindness, care, and respect. You are serving God when you live this way. These expressions are basic virtues of followers of Christ.

Six Seasonings to Add.

Live to please Christ.
Read the greatest book (The Holy Bible) together.
Avoid things that draw you away from your spouse.
Make home a place you both are excited about.
Seek to understand each other.
Work non-stop to make your marriage better.

Often, couples miss opportunities to enhance their marriage. Instead of exploring life together, they settle for boredom and isolation. They neglect to consider their spouse or find a creative solution to improve their relationship. A marriage well-seasoned with love, consideration, and optimism is worth the time and effort. Incorporate these ingredients and delight in a marriage that is appealing, delectable, and full of flavor.

-Vanessa M. Jones

Vice President & Co-founder of Biblical Marriage Institute

BiblicalMarriageInstitute.org

@biblicalmarriageinstitute

March 31, 2026March 30, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

26 Scholarship finalist Alexis Lancaster

Alexis Lancaster Cahaba Academy — Trussville, Ala. resident Alexis Lancaster attends Cahaba Academy.

My Christian faith shapes how I see both my future and my purpose in pursuing higher education. I grew up in church, spending many Sundays sitting “criss cross applesauce” on the floor with young children, reading Bible stories and helping teach basic truths about God’s love. These moments planted and nurtured something in me. I discovered that I loved working with children, helping them learn and grow.

I continued volunteering with preschool and elementary-aged children at church as I got older, and began to notice how much I enjoyed connecting with each child’s unique personality and needs. During my junior year of high school, I began to think about how I could find a career that uses my ability and love of working with children. I researched different career options and spoke to family and friends who are currently in careers or jobs that work with children. Several family friends suggested I look into Speech-Language Pathology. This field offers the chance to work one-on-one with children, building personal connections with each child and working with them to overcome their learning problems and/or disabilities. I believe the desire to serve children in this way is a gift God has placed in my life.

My faith is also why I feel called to attend a university where spiritual growth is valued alongside academic learning. I want my college years to be a time where my relationship with Christ deepens while I prepare for a career that allows me to serve others. In the fall, I will be attending Samford University as a Communication Sciences and Disorders major with the goal to become a speech pathologist.

Ultimately, my decision to go to college is rooted in my faith. I believe God has given each person unique gifts and opportunities, and higher education will help equip me to use mine well. My hope is to use the education and skills I gain to serve children, support families, and reflect Christ’s love in the work I do every day.

Thank you to our sponsors: Alabama Credit Union, ALFA Farmers, American Village, The Center, and Vulcan Termite and Pest Control.

April 9, 2026March 30, 2026 by Laurie Stroud

Haley McAdams Hayden High School — Warrior, Ala. resident Haley McAdams attends Hayden High School.

My Christian faith is the foundation of my decision to go to college. I was born prematurely at 30 weeks, measuring the size of a 24-week baby. Doctors diagnosed me with sensory neural hearing loss and told my parents I might never walk, run, talk, or even cry. In those fragile first days of my life, my parents had to pray a prayer no parent should ever have to pray — that God’s will be done, whether that meant keeping me here on earth or welcoming me into heaven.
God chose to let me stay.

I believe with my whole heart that the Lord spared my life for a purpose. Every milestone I have reached has been a testimony of His faithfulness. When doctors said I would not walk, I learned to run. Today, I am a cross country runner. When they questioned if I would speak, I found my voice. My life is proof that God’s plans are greater than any medical report.

My parents’ unwavering faith shaped me. They trusted the Lord before they saw the miracle. They taught me that obstacles are not dead ends — they are opportunities for God to show His power. Watching their strength and love has inspired me to live boldly and gratefully.

Going to college is not just about earning a degree; it is about stepping into the calling God has placed on my life. I want to use the abilities He gave me to make an impact, especially for others who feel limited by diagnoses or circumstances. I know what it feels like to have the odds stacked against you, and I want to be living proof that limitations do not define you — God does.

College is my next act of obedience and faith. It is my way of saying, “Lord, I trust the purpose You saved me for.” I am going to college to honor Him, to honor my parents’ prayers, and to prove that I am able — not because of my own strength alone, but because of the strength Christ has given me.

Thank you to our Sponsors: Alabama Credit Union, ALFA Farmers, American Village, The Center, and Vulcan Termite and Pest Control.

Called to Help Make Mission Trips Move Smoothly

Subscribe FREE and be the first to get our good news - delivered right to your inbox.

Connect on Social Media