Stories of the Hope

Most stories of success come with a backdrop of real struggle—Ziyanna Carr’s journey is no different. From taking on caregiving duties for her grandfather at just 12 years old to navigating the financial hurdles of college, she’s discovered how resilience and community support can turn obstacles into stepping stones. Now a freshman in a pre-nursing program, her unwavering determination and heartfe...

Most scholarships focus on academic achievement, but Doris Moreland reveals how Mission of Hope’s program prioritizes stories, needs, and heartfelt mentorship — and how this approach transforms lives in rural Appalachia. If you're passionate about making a real difference for underserved youth, this episode uncovers what it truly takes to empower students through faith, community, and personal...

Ever wondered how a food pantry can transform lives? Here's the surprising journey of Compassion Ministries! Share this with someone who needs to hear this inspiring story. Compassion Ministries started 16 years ago with a simple idea: helping those in need. When an elderly church member approached me about starting a food pantry, I was hesitant. I didn't want to ask for money or burden ot...

In a world where opportunities can often seem out of reach, the inspiring story of Chesnie and Lexie Barnes shines as a beacon of hope. These twin sisters, both recipients of the Mission of Hope Scholarship, have navigated their educational journey with resilience and determination. In this blog post, we explore their experiences, the significance of the Mission of Hope, and how it has shaped thei...

Title: Spreading Hope in the Heart of Appalachia: The Inspiring Story of Alma Eversole Introduction: In the snowy valleys of Kentucky, where the cold winds often mirror the struggles of the community, Alma Eversole stands as a beacon of hope. Through her dedicated service with Team Alma Ministries, she provides much-needed support and resources to families facing hardship in the Appalachian region...

In this heartfelt episode of Stories of the Hope , host Benson Gregory sits down with Ray Perry, Executive Director of Pinnacle Resource Center in Huntsville, Tennessee. Ray shares the inspiring story of how he rose from a childhood in poverty to lead a nonprofit that's transforming lives in one of Tennessee's most impoverished counties. Discover the realities of rural Scott County, the in...

🎙️  Stories of the Hope Guest:  Rob Harlamert Title:  Lead Pastor Organization:  Elevate Christian Church Location:  Lexington, Kentucky Why We Keep Showing Up — Rob Harlamert on Generosity, Consistency, and Mission of Hope In this episode of  Stories of the Hope , host  Benson Gregory  is joined by  Rob Harlamert , Lead Pastor of  Elevate Christian Church in Lexington, Kentucky , to talk about wh...

Guest:   Bob Lofsted – Mission of Hope Volunteer, Knoxville TN Host:   Benson Gregory This episode features volunteer driver and warehouse team member  Bob Lofsted , who shares how retirement didn’t slow him down — it redirected him. A former educator with a love for hands-on work, Bob now spends his time driving Mission of Hope’s 26-foot box truck deep into eastern Kentucky, delivering supplies,...

🎧 Stories of the Hope – Serving Appalachia with Henderson Settlement Guest:  John D. Newman, Executive Director of Henderson Settlement Host:  Benson Gregory Organization:  Mission of Hope In this episode of  Stories of the Hope , we welcome  John D. Newman , Executive Director of  Henderson Settlement  in Frakes, Kentucky. Nestled deep in the mountains near the Kentucky–Tennessee border, Henders...

👤  Guest: Sheila Fuson Title:  Coordinator – Family Resource and Youth Services Center (FRYSC) Organization:  Lone Jack School Center, Bell County, Kentucky In this deeply emotional episode, host  Benson Gregory  sits down with  Sheila Fuson , FRYSC Coordinator at Lone Jack School in Bell County, Kentucky — a woman whose persistence and compassion have literally changed lives. Sheila shares her 3...

🎙️  Stories of the Hope – August 2025 Episode Title:   Mentorship That Changes Lives: John Koch & Connor Blevins Host:  Benson Gregory Guests:  John Koch (Mentor) and Connor Blevins (Scholar) Episode Summary: In this powerful episode of  Stories of the Hope , host Benson Gregory sits down with mentor John Koch and scholar Connor Blevins to explore the life-changing impact of Mission of Hope’s...

🔊  Show Notes : In this powerful and deeply personal episode of  Stories of the Hope , host Benson Gregory sits down with  Madison Mullins , the  100th graduate of the Mission of Hope Scholarship Program . Madison shares her inspiring journey growing up in Claiborne County, Tennessee, overcoming family hardship, and how Mission of Hope helped change the trajectory of her life. She reflects on rec...

Stories of Hope Podcast: Alice Lloyd College & Mission of Hope 🎙  Host:  Benson Gregory 🎙  Guest:  Dr. Allison Southard, VP of Institutional Advancement at Alice Lloyd College Episode Summary: In this episode of  Stories of Hope , we explore the remarkable history and mission of  Alice Lloyd College  in Pippa Passes, Kentucky. For over 100 years, this unique institution has been providing  tui...

Podcast Show Notes – Interview with Emmette Thompson Host:  Benson Gregory Guest:  Emmette Thompson In this heartfelt episode, Benson Gregory sits down with longtime friend and servant leader  Emmette Thompson , Executive Director Emeritus of  Mission of Hope . Emmette shares his inspiring journey from a corporate career to leading a life of ministry, his personal battle with addiction, and his un...

In this inspiring episode of  Stories of the Hope , host Benson Gregory sits down with Valerie Franklin, the dedicated Volunteer Coordinator for Mission of Hope. Valerie shares her incredible journey of faith, from feeling a lifelong call to serve the children of Appalachia to uprooting her life in Texas and moving to Tennessee to fulfill that mission. She also provides a behind-the-scenes look at...

🎙 Stories of Hope Podcast: The Full Circle Impact of Mission of Hope 🎙  Host:  Benson Gregory 🎙  Guest:  Jonathan Defevers, Director of Special Education, Bell County Board of Education Episode Summary: In this heartwarming episode of  Stories of Hope , we welcome  Jonathan Defevers , a former  Mission of Hope  recipient who has come full circle—now serving as an  educator, administrator, and pare...

🎙 Stories of Hope Podcast: A Conversation with David Heatherly 🎙  Host:  Benson Gregory 🎙  Guest:  David Heatherly, Executive Director of Mission of Hope Episode Summary: In this special episode of  Stories of Hope , we sit down with  David Heatherly , the  Executive Director of Mission of Hope , to reflect on the past year, discuss the organization’s impact, and look ahead to the future. From  di...