Today we’re talking about what to do when the needs around us feel too big to touch. Our guest, Dr. Terence Lester, invites us to move from performative charity to faith in action, the kind shaped by proximity, presence, and the belief that every person carries God-given dignity. His new book From Dropout to Doctorate: Breaking the Chains of Educational Injustice is out this week! This conversation is a practical, hopeful path for anyone who feels overwhelmed by poverty or stuck not knowing where to start. No shame - just next steps toward justice, courage, and love for our neighbors.
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
Psalm 68:6 (God sets the lonely in families)
Micah 6:8
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The Bible Project
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The Journaling Bible I use | Bible Highlighters | Annotating Tabs | **affiliate links
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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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