In this episode, Pastor Wayne Walker, CEO of OurCalling, interviews Zac Whitley, the Director of City Engagement at Watermark Community Church. They delve into the church's strategic approach to engaging with local nonprofits in sectors such as education, incarceration, poverty alleviation, and homelessness. Whitley shares insights on creating effective partnerships by aligning missions, finding the partnership sweet spot, and mobilizing volunteers for shared discipleship opportunities. The discussion also touches on the significance of relationship-driven approaches to volunteering, emphasizing deep personal involvement and strategic volunteer integration to enhance community impact.
***************

- **Zac Whitley's Role** (00:50): Zac Whitley is the Director of City Engagement at Watermark Community Church.

- **Focus Areas of Engagement at Watermark** (01:01-01:24): The church focuses on local missions in various sectors including schools, prisons, poverty alleviation, and homelessness, working with 20 nonprofit partners.

- **Key Strategies for Successful Partnerships** (03:22-04:35): Whitley discusses three main strategies for creating effective church-nonprofit partnerships: being on mission together, finding a partnership sweet spot between biblical commands and community needs, and mobilizing volunteers for mutual discipleship opportunities.

- **Watermark’s Partnership Perspective** (04:57-06:36): The church seeks alignment where its mission coincides with nonprofit missions, emphasizing mutual discipleship among both the homeless and the volunteers.

- **Exclusivity in Partnerships** (06:36-07:21): Watermark chooses not to partner with organizations that don’t share a focus on evangelism or allow volunteers to share the gospel.

- **Practical Impact of Partnerships** (10:28-11:34): Emphasis is placed on engaging in partnerships that align with Watermark's values, such as relationship and discipleship, and development over relief.

- **Adaptation to Nonprofit Needs** (12:08-13:09): Whitley emphasizes adapting to the nonprofit’s operational rhythm and not over-imposing, ensuring meaningful contributions without creating burdens for the partner.

- **Church’s Role in Addressing Social Issues** (16:20-17:45): Highlighting personal connection and pastoral care even in organizational relationships, reflecting the deep personal involvement required to address social issues effectively.

- **Volunteer Mobilization and Impact** (35:05-36:02): Whitley articulates the importance of ensuring volunteer activities are impactful, avoiding redundant or unhelpful contributions that do not align with the host organization's strategic needs.

- **Fostering Deep Community Engagement** (42:06-44:22): How personal connections within the church can catalyze powerful partnerships and engagements with nonprofits, demonstrated by proactive engagement from both individual church members and church leadership.

- **Scaling Impact Through Strategic Volunteer Integration** (50:43-50:46): Whitley suggests nonprofits encourage church members who are already volunteering to advocate within their churches to institutionalize support and partnership.

These points gravitate around the practices and philosophies that underpin successful, transformative partnerships between religious organizations and nonprofits, focusing on shared missions, strategic integration, and mutual respect for each organization's capabilities and needs.

In this episode, Pastor Wayne Walker, CEO of OurCalling interviews Leon Byrd, who shares his transformative journey from construction work to a life dedicated to faith and serving the needy. Byrd details his personal conversion and ongoing battle with old habits, his commitment to helping the homeless inspired by impactful encounters, and the evolution of his ministry, which includes regular large-scale food distributions and full church services for the homeless featuring multiple preachers and bands. He discusses overcoming logistical challenges and highlights the diverse community attending his services, from street prostitutes to affluent individuals, all united by their spiritual needs. The conversation also touches on the support from local businesses that has been crucial in facilitating his outreach efforts in stable locations.
***************

- **00:46-03:52:** Leon Byrd discusses his transformative personal journey, which began with a life-changing conversation about Jesus with a friend while doing construction work, leading to his decision to pursue a life of faith and service.

- **04:14-04:28:** After his personal conversion, Byrd discusses continuing to beat old habits while attending a Promise Keepers event, highlighting the profound positive change he experienced.

- **05:26-05:56:** Byrd shares the impactful encounter that spurred his dedication to serving the homeless, beginning with assisting a disabled man, which led him to feed the homeless regularly.

- **07:22-07:52:** He recounts an inspirational story of a man with severe brain surgeries who continued to feed the homeless despite his disabilities, influencing Leon to continue his work.

- **08:26-09:21:** Byrd begins to help other individuals directly involved in homelessness service, illustrating the start of a service-driven community and his own deeper engagement.

- **10:16-10:41:** His commitment expands as he organizes more structured assistance for the needy by delegating responsibilities to sustain the outreach efforts.

- **11:18-12:02:** Leon Byrd reflects on the realization that his challenges growing up were preparation for his calling to serve those in need, thus accepting and embracing his life’s purpose.

- **12:11-12:48:** Byrd discusses the growth of his ministry, emphasizing regular large-scale food distribution to various congregations and continuous personal involvement in direct aid and mentorship.

- **14:10-17:21:** He details the progression from handing out food and beverages from the back of a truck to hosting full church services for the homeless, involving multiple preachers and musical bands to create an enriching spiritual environment.

- **18:04-20:47:** Byrd highlights the diverse community that gathers at the church service, from street prostitutes to affluent individuals, all finding common ground in their spiritual needs and expressions.

- **22:20-23:51:** Discusses the logistical challenges and location changes of his ministry over the years, including interactions with authorities and community members due to legal constraints around feeding the homeless.

- **25:28-28:21:** Leon narrates a supportive anecdote involving a business owner who provided space for Soul Church services and other aid activities, fostering a long-term partnership that enabled continued service delivery in a stable location.

In this episode, Pastor Wayne Walker, CEO of OurCalling, interviews Dr. David Woody, who has significantly impacted The Bridge as its President and CEO, steering its evolution through challenging times, particularly post-pandemic. They delve into the role of The Bridge as a critical low barrier shelter offering comprehensive services and facing a critical need for expanded capacity due to the disparity between day and night shelter capabilities. The discussion also covers the intricacies of care management, the high success rates of those housed, and the urgency for more shelters and actionable housing solutions. Furthermore, they explore the importance of data in strategic planning, community education, and collaboration with faith-based organizations to enhance the support system for the homeless.
***************

- **Dr. David Woody's Background** [01:31]
- President and CEO of The Bridge for 6 years, involved for 9 years.
- Significant growth and activity noticed on campus since the pandemic.

- **Role of The Bridge** [02:10, 02:43]
- A low barrier shelter helping single adults aged 18 and older.
- Provides comprehensive day and night services including food, showers, and canine kennels.

- **Capacity and Demand Issues** [03:36]
- Current facilities face a large disparity between day (700) and night (approx. 400) shelter capacities, resulting in many unsheltered individuals.

- **Evolution of Services at The Bridge** [08:56]
- Focus on recovery and crafting individualized care and housing plans based on the specific needs (health, mental health, substance use) of the guests.

- **Care Management and Success Rates** [11:57, 12:42]
- Emphasis on diverse care management teams assisting with recovery, intensive needs, and sustaining housing post-placement.
- High success rate with 93% of housed individuals remaining in housing at 6 months.

- **Importance of More Shelter Beds and Housing** [05:54, 16:24]
- Urgent need for more shelters to accommodate growing numbers, and a push for actionable resources to turn funding into housing solutions.

- **Complexities of Housing Vouchers and Collaboration with Landlords** [16:53]
- Challenges with finding adequate and accepting housing options for guests with ready-to-use vouchers.

- **Data Integration and Utilization** [29:10, 29:48]
- Importance of improving data analysis and accuracy beyond point-in-time counts to better support strategic planning and resource allocation.

- **Racial and Community Equity** [30:17, 32:09, 33:12]
- Discusses the disproportion of African American guests at The Bridge and the need to address upstream barriers and inequities in community resources.

- **Collaboration with Faith-Based Organizations** [39:17]
- The Bridge values partnerships with faith groups to address spiritual needs as part of comprehensive care for guests.

- **Individual Stories of Impact** [41:11]
- Highlighting personal transformations and ongoing connections that illustrate the profound effect of The Bridge's services on individuals' lives.

- **Community and Public Education** [34:26]
- Importance of educating the public on effective strategies to support the homeless, maximizing the impact of resources.

In this episode, Pastor Wayne Walker, CEO of OurCalling interviews Chase Cappo about leveraging technology and AI to enhance solutions for the homeless and spiritual engagement. They delve into the innovative Bible Chat app, a generative AI tool designed to interact in the diction of Jesus, and discuss both the benefits and the ethical concerns of using AI in religious contexts. The episode highlights how AI can refine service recommendations for individuals based on specific needs, and extend the reach and depth of Christian teachings and support networks. Through a thoughtful integration of technology, Chase and Wayne explore how AI can support both ministry efforts and provide meaningful assistance to marginalized communities.

https://biblechat.ai/
https://www.ourcalling.org/
***************

- **Technology Integration in Homelessness Assistance** (00:01): Host Wayne introduces the topic of leveraging technology and AI to assist the homeless community, mentioning his nonprofit, Our Calling, which aims to serve homeless individuals with dignity and intentionality.

- **Bible Chat App Explanation** (00:56): Guest Chase Cappo describes the Bible Chat app as a generative AI application that allows users to engage with a highly knowledgeable "Bible robot" that mimics the diction of Jesus, available on major app stores.

- **Generative AI Function** (01:54): Chase explains the concept of generative AI, comparing it to a hyper-informed librarian that can amalgamate information from various sources to answer queries comprehensively and uniquely.

- **Challenges with Mainstream AI Tools** (03:57-04:36): Chase details the issues with building religious tools on platforms like ChatGPT, which often reflect secular values. This challenge led to the development of Christian-specific AI tools like Christian GPT, to uphold Christian values consistently in digital interactions.

- **Bible Chat's Impact and Usage** (12:48-15:46): Chase discusses how Bible Chat is utilized by individuals in isolation, including the homeless, offering a private space for them to explore spiritual questions deeply and without judgment. He highlights the global reach of the app and its effectiveness in offering Bible-based responses to personal and profound inquiries.

- **AI and Data Privacy Concerns** (28:25): Discussing the potential misuse of AI, Chase emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations, such as handling user data responsibly and avoiding exploitative advertising practices, especially when dealing with sensitive personal issues.

- **Christian Engagement with Technology** (29:46): There's a discussion on why Christian organizations often lag in adopting new technologies, attributed to budget constraints, lack of expertise, and a conservative approach to innovation due to fear of misalignment with Christian values.

- **Potential of AI in Christian Contexts** (31:51): Chase asserts that AI can be a powerful tool for kingdom work, helping to efficiently address complex and urgent needs within Christian ministries by answering theological questions and connecting individuals to human mentors or communities.

- **Bible Chat as a Ministry Tool** (34:37): The conversation covers how Bible Chat not only provides immediate answers but also encourages users to seek human connections within their spiritual journeys, illustrating the app's role in nurturing faith as well as providing information.

- **Using AI to Enhance Homelessness Services** (41:28): Wayne talks about integrating AI into Our Calling’s services to refine recommendations for homeless individuals based on their specific situations, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the assistance provided.

- **Broader Implications for Outreach and Ministry** (42:24): In closing, the integration of advanced technologies in ministry and outreach strategies is discussed as not only a method for broadening the reach but also for deepening the impact of Christian teachings and support networks.

In this episode, Pastor Wayne Walker, CEO of OurCalling interviews Obi Bussey, who discusses his journey from addiction and homelessness to becoming the executive director at the Gatehouse and later working with the Adult Rehabilitation Ministry (ARM). Obi shares his personal struggles with addiction, his multiple recoveries, and how his faith played a critical role in his ultimate recovery and decision to dedicate his life to helping others. He highlights the specific structure and policies of ARM, such as allowing clients unlimited returns to the program and focusing on recovery without work distractions in the initial months. The episode delves into the importance of compassion, spiritual guidance, and strong community support in recovery programs, and emphasizes the role of leadership and comprehensive services in ensuring effective rehabilitation.

https://www.armdallas.org/
https://www.ourcalling.org/
***************

- **00:56 & 01:14** Obi Bussey discusses his own struggle with addiction, homelessness, and initial quick recovery. He attributes his successful recovery to being introduced to Christ and the recovery process after multiple relapses.

- **02:42 & 03:12** Obi Bussey explains his progression from a client at the Gatehouse, to an aide, then assistant director, and finally, becoming the executive director for 27 years. He emphasizes his dedication to giving back to others what was given to him freely, driven by a sense of lifelong indebtedness and gratitude.

- **04:03 & 04:12** Details about the Adult Rehabilitation Ministry (ARM) where Obi worked after retirement. He explains the structure of the program which includes long-term treatment phases and relapse intervention, highlighting its emphasis on not working in initial months to focus on recovery.

- **05:33** Discussion about ARM's policy of allowing clients unlimited returns to the program, which contrasts with other recovery programs which may not permit returns or limit the number of returns.

- **06:42 & 07:04** Obi stresses the importance of love, acceptance, and spiritual guidance in recovery programs to exemplify Christ-like forgiveness and provide a genuine sense of belonging, arguing against recovery models that lack these aspects.

- **07:55** The transcript covers the value of allowing people to return to recovery programs after a relapse, highlighting that such policies can be critical for true recovery.

- **10:13** The transcript addresses the inspirational impact of having program alumni return to motivate current participants by demonstrating successful recovery and normal life progression.

- **14:40** Analysis of effective and ineffective recovery programs, emphasizing the importance of strong leadership, comprehensive programming that includes clinical, spiritual, and practical support to address the needs of individuals holistically.

- **19:35 & 24:50** Challenges and missteps in integrating housing as part of recovery programs are discussed, noting the problems like lack of adequate supervision and the pitfalls of high expectations without support.

- **25:26** The list of needs for someone entering housing is discussed including the need for community support, adequate resources, and continued access to recovery and support services.

- **31:38 & 32:46** The importance of pausing other aspects of life to focus solely on recovery, the significance of having participants contribute financially to their recovery process, and the role of appropriate representation in recovery programs based on racial and cultural identities.

- **44:48 & 45:22** The value of sharing personal recovery stories to inspire and guide those still struggling with addiction, emphasizing the importance of peer support and relatability in the recovery process.

In this episode, Pastor Wayne Walker, CEO of OurCalling, interviews Rodney Lara, Ed Johnson, and Tori Thompson on crucial social issues. They delve into the complexities of homelessness and race in community settings, examining the disproportionate impact on black, particularly older men, and discussing the role of systemic issues, personal choices, and educational disparities. The speakers also explore historical and cultural dynamics, including the effects of segregation, the influence of family structures, and systemic challenges faced by individuals reintegrating from prison. Throughout, they emphasize the necessity of addressing both personal responsibility and systemic injustices to foster equitable opportunities and strengthen community support.

https://www.ourcalling.org/

***************

- **Rodney Lara and ED Johnson on Homelessness and Race in the Community (00:00-23:23, 36:26-44:02)**
- Observed a disproportionate number of black homeless individuals, particularly older men, which is shocking and pulls at the heartstrings.
- Noticed the impact of systemic issues and personal choices on homelessness, emphasizing the need for accountability and better life decisions.
- Disparities in education and job opportunities between northern and southern Dallas, affecting exposure and prospects for youth in these communities.
- Talked about generational changes and the decay of community and familial structures that once provided support and guidance.

- **Tori Thompson on Economic and Social Disparities (06:04-07:22, 08:01-09:36)**
- Highlighted the lack of educational and economic opportunities in South Dallas compared to the North, influencing the futures of younger generations.
- Discussed the role of family and upbringing in shaping life choices and opportunities, highlighting the differences in available resources and community support.

- **Discussion on Family Influence and Systemic Challenges (14:49-21:45)**
- Explored how family structures, or the lack thereof, influence individuals’ paths towards or away from homelessness.
- Discussed systemic racism and injustices, including challenges faced by individuals returning from prison who are unable to reintegrate successfully due to ongoing discrimination.

- **Cultural and Historical Insights on Race and Community (31:07-39:43)**
- Examined the historical context of racial segregation and the role of the church in both supporting and undermining racial equality.
- Analyzed the ongoing effects of policies like redlining and educational disparities on African American communities.

The speakers underscored the interconnectedness of personal responsibility, systemic injustice, and community support in addressing homelessness and fostering equitable opportunities.

In this episode, Pastor Wayne Walker, CEO of OurCalling, interviews Rodney Lara, Ed Johnson, and Tori Thompson on crucial social issues. They delve into the complexities of homelessness and race in community settings, examining the disproportionate impact on black, particularly older men, and discussing the role of systemic issues, personal choices, and educational disparities. The speakers also explore historical and cultural dynamics, including the effects of segregation, the influence of family structures, and systemic challenges faced by individuals reintegrating from prison. Throughout, they emphasize the necessity of addressing both personal responsibility and systemic injustices to foster equitable opportunities and strengthen community support.

https://www.ourcalling.org/

***************

- **Rodney Lara and ED Johnson on Homelessness and Race in the Community (00:00-23:23, 36:26-44:02)**
- Observed a disproportionate number of black homeless individuals, particularly older men, which is shocking and pulls at the heartstrings.
- Noticed the impact of systemic issues and personal choices on homelessness, emphasizing the need for accountability and better life decisions.
- Disparities in education and job opportunities between northern and southern Dallas, affecting exposure and prospects for youth in these communities.
- Talked about generational changes and the decay of community and familial structures that once provided support and guidance.

- **Tori Thompson on Economic and Social Disparities (06:04-07:22, 08:01-09:36)**
- Highlighted the lack of educational and economic opportunities in South Dallas compared to the North, influencing the futures of younger generations.
- Discussed the role of family and upbringing in shaping life choices and opportunities, highlighting the differences in available resources and community support.

- **Discussion on Family Influence and Systemic Challenges (14:49-21:45)**
- Explored how family structures, or the lack thereof, influence individuals’ paths towards or away from homelessness.
- Discussed systemic racism and injustices, including challenges faced by individuals returning from prison who are unable to reintegrate successfully due to ongoing discrimination.

- **Cultural and Historical Insights on Race and Community (31:07-39:43)**
- Examined the historical context of racial segregation and the role of the church in both supporting and undermining racial equality.
- Analyzed the ongoing effects of policies like redlining and educational disparities on African American communities.

The speakers underscored the interconnectedness of personal responsibility, systemic injustice, and community support in addressing homelessness and fostering equitable opportunities.

In this episode, Pastor Wayne Walker, CEO of OurCalling, interviews Lee Jaggers, who shares his journey and insights on the complex emotional and spiritual challenges faced by those in ministry. Lee highlights the importance of counseling for ministry leaders, who often neglect their mental health to maintain an appearance of strength and spiritual sufficiency. He discusses the critical issues of over-identification with pastoral roles, the fear of appearing inadequate, and the risks of burnout. This conversation underscores the necessity of early intervention, continuous personal counseling, and emotional self-care to sustain the well-being and effectiveness of those dedicated to ministry.

https://www.ourcalling.org/
***************

- **Experience of Transitioning into Counseling** (02:36-05:35): Lee Jaggers, initially unfamiliar with counseling basics, unexpectedly started his career in this field and discovered a profound sense of fulfillment from intensely focused sessions, which led him into a long-term career, evolving into completing a PhD in Counseling.

- **Focused on Supporting People in Ministry** (06:03-10:45): Lee emphasizes the therapeutic importance of supporting leaders in ministry due to their potential for widespread influence. These individuals often face challenges such as over-identifying with their pastoral role, leading to neglect in other critical areas of life, including family and personal spirituality.

- **Challenges of Ministry** (07:30-10:45): People in ministry often risk their health by overcommitting to their work identity and projecting a flawless personal image, which can prevent them from seeking emotional support or acknowledging personal struggles.

- **Initiation into Counseling** (10:36-11:59): People in ministry might avoid counseling because they associate it with emotional vulnerability, which contradicts their desire to appear strong and fully reliant on scriptural answers.

- **Perception of Inadequacy and Failure** (12:11-12:36): Ministers might resist counseling due to fear of appearing inadequate. Leaders see their personal failures (in themselves or their relatives) as a disappointment to their spiritual responsibility.

- **Depletion and the Need for Counseling** (18:36-20:37): Lee notes the tendency of ministry leaders to ignore signs of mental and spiritual depletion until they reach a critical stage of burnout, emphasizing early intervention as crucial.

- **Understanding Personal and Ministry Trajectories** (20:45-22:34): Discussing the importance of recognizing one's limitations and the value of continuous personal counseling for professionals in ministry who engage deeply in the emotional and spiritual lives of others.

- **Role of Emotions in Counseling** (25:19-26:00): Lee stresses understanding that emotions signal deeper issues that need attention, much like a car's dashboard lights indicate maintenance needs.

- **Self-care in Ministry** (36:25-43:51): People serving in intense ministry settings need to evaluate unresolved childhood issues and maintain relationships with confidants who provide honest feedback about their life balance and emotional state.

- **View on Rules vs. Love** (43:05-43:34): Illustrating a story where rigid adherence to rules compromised the expression of love, Lee emphasizes the importance of prioritizing compassionate responses over strict protocol. 

These insights underline the complex emotional and spiritual challenges faced by those in ministry and underscore the importance of counseling for sustaining their well-being and effectiveness.

In this episode, Pastor Wayne Walker, CEO of OurCalling, interviews Carolyn(wife and co-founder), the Chief People Officer, who plays a crucial role in managing staff, volunteers, and certain IT functions within the organization. They delve into the mission of leading individuals to Christ and aiding them in transitioning from life on the streets into stable, community-oriented environments. The discussion emphasizes treating all individuals with dignity, focusing on both their spiritual and physical well-being, and highlights the significant contribution of over 3,000 volunteers in 2023. Through genuine donor engagements and supportive staff initiatives, the organization strives to maintain a community of integrity and measure their impact and outreach effectiveness on the homeless population.

https://www.ourcalling.org/
***************

- **Carolyn's Role (01:08)**: As the Chief People Officer, Carolyn is responsible for staff, volunteers, and some IT aspects.

- **Mission Statement (01:48)**: The mission is to glorify God by leading people to Christ and making disciples on the streets.

- **Focus on Eternal and Physical Addresses (02:06)**: Emphasis on improving both the spiritual and physical circumstances of the homeless.

- **Volunteer Engagement (02:50)**: In 2023, over 3,000 unique volunteers participated, receiving orientation and learning about the organization’s methods.

- **Caring with Dignity (04:12)**: Carolyn emphasizes treating everyone with respect and honor, recognizing their inherent worth as creations of God.

- **Importance of Volunteers (06:14)**: Volunteers are treated with kindness and patience, acknowledging their journey into the organization's environment.

- **Donor Relationships (07:22)**: Engagements with donors are genuine, focusing on their personhood rather than their financial contributions.

- **Staff Support (08:39)**: The organization has staff chaplains available to support their coworkers confidentially, providing a necessary outlet for those facing professional and personal challenges.

- **Connecting with Intentionality (12:50)**: Every action and service offered is infused with the intention of aligning with the organization’s overarching goal of leading people to Christ and aiding them off the streets.

- **Community of Integrity (16:56)**: The ultimate aim is not just to provide housing, but to usher individuals into a stable, healthy, and supportive community.

- **Report on Organization Impact (43:46)**: The frequency of interactions and services rendered to new and existing clients is used to measure the organizational impact and outreach effectiveness.

- **Entire Organization Goal (48:58)**: The primary goal remains to help individuals establish a relationship with Jesus and assist them in transitioning away from street life into more stable and supportive environments.

In this episode, Pastor Wayne Walker, CEO of OurCalling, interviews Carolyn Walker(wife and co-founder) as they delve into the compelling story behind founding OurCalling, a mission borne out of a clear directive from God to serve the homeless in Dallas. Together, they discuss the initial gaps in spiritual care outside of shelters and how personal experiences with trauma and homelessness fuelled their commitment. They highlight the challenges and adjustments faced while transitioning from planned international missions to focusing entirely on local needs, evolving their services beyond mere food provision to address deeper issues of autonomy and identity. Through reflective narratives and personal anecdotes, the Walkers emphasize the importance of dignity, autonomy, and the balancing act between their intense professional commitments and maintaining a healthy personal life.

https://www.ourcalling.org/

- **Carolyn Walker Introduction** (Time 01:15): Carolyn shares her background, mentioning she’s from Arlington, Texas, the youngest of 7 kids, and has worked in Dallas for most of her marriage.

- **Purpose of Our Calling** (Time 02:55): Carolyn explains that founding Our Calling felt like the only option – a clear direction from God for their lives.

- **Filling a Void** (Time 03:14): Initially, there was a significant void in spiritual care for the homeless outside of shelters, which led to the creation of Our Calling.

- **Background and Motivation** (Time 05:09): Both Wayne and Carolyn had early experiences with trauma, homelessness, and witnessing the needs of others, which motivated their current mission.

- **Shift from Planned Careers to Founding Our Calling** (Time 09:13): The couple originally planned to serve abroad, but meeting needs in Dallas redirected their path, confirmed by advice from a mission agency.

- **Challenges and Adjustments** (Time 14:56): Living full-time serving the homeless community in Dallas presented challenges, including ignorance from others about the homelessness situation in the city.

- **Incorporating Our Calling (2009) and Full Time Service (2010)** (Time 24:15): The couple describes how they established Our Calling officially and moved into missionary work in Dallas full-time, highlighting some obstacles, such as city regulations against food services and extensive relief efforts during Hurricane Katrina.

- **Expanding Services and Understanding Needs** (Time 30:55): Starting with a small facility, they realized the broad and intensive needs of the homeless, which wasn't just about providing food but also addressing deeper issues of autonomy and identity.

- **Personal Reflections and Learning Through Service** (Time 31:19): Carolyn recalls her learning experiences through direct interactions, particularly with a woman named Yvonne who taught her about resilience and hope amidst suffering.

- **Maintaining Focus and Expanding Impact** (Time 35:49): The approach to homeless ministry evolves, focusing on respecting the autonomy of those served, emphasizing that personal choices are paramount, and advocating for engaging human dignity at each step.

- **Balancing Professional and Personal Life** (Time 38:52): Carolyn and Wayne underline the complexities and rewards of working together in such intense ministry settings while maintaining their marriage and personal lives.

- **Lessons and Future Directions** (Time 39:14): Concluding, they mention the upcoming episode will continue discussing the operational aspects and impacts of Our Calling.