When the needs in the world around us feel endless, most of us freeze. In this episode, Jill sits down with Dr. Terence Lester (Love Beyond Walls, The Dignity Museum) to reimagine a Jesus-shaped response to the hurting and vulnerable. Terence shares his story - from dropout to PhD - and why proximity, not performance, is where meaningful change begins. Together they explore practical rhythms of service (clear your plate to create margin, start with one hour a week, learn names, join what’s already working), and how a theology of dignity reframes everything. Instead of quick fixes or guilt, this is an invitation to steady, courageous presence - neighbors loving neighbors with justice and grace. They also talk about Dr. Lester’s new book From Dropout to Doctorate: Breaking the Chains of Educational Injustice releasing this week.  If you’ve felt helpless, cynical, or unsure where to start, this episode will help you take your first faithful step toward faith in action.

And as always, we start off the episode with what is bringing us joy and we know you will be so encouraged by this conversation. Listen free on Apple or Spotify, and join us on Patreon for an extended version of this episode as well as exclusive content!

You can connect with Dr. Terence Lester:

His website
Love Beyond Walls
Dignity Museum 
Instagram
Buy his book

Halfway to Sunday is a weekly conversation on life and faith with your friends. We are so glad you’re here!

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SHOW NOTES

• Scripture References:

Psalm 68:6 (God sets the lonely in families)
Micah 6:8

• Other Mentions:

Trauma informed care
 

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• Bible Resources:

Patreon

The Bible Project

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The Journaling Bible I use | Bible Highlighters | Annotating Tabs | **affiliate links

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• Other Episodes That May Be Helpful:

Episode #72 Bearing Witness to Brave Faith w/ Kurt Ver Beek

Episode #71 God, Where Are You in This?  w/ Raylynn Van Oort

Episode #59 Loyal in His Love: How Jesus Heals What People Break w/ Tabitha Panariso

Episode #53 Faith Isn’t Fragile w/ Erin Moon

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Halfway to Sunday is a weekly conversation on life and faith with your friends.

We're so glad you're here.