Dallas Metro Podcast

As we move into the week after Christmas, it’s natural to ask, “What’s next?” Drawing from Isaiah 43:19, this episode looks ahead to 2026 and the promise that God is already doing something new—making pathways through wilderness seasons and bringing hope where things feel dry. It’s a reminder to pause before the year ends and ask what God wants to do in us and through us as we step into a new beginning. In this episode, we sit down with Kevin, a 17-year-old senior at Pinkston High School in West Dallas. Kevin shares honestly about growing up in a large family, carrying responsibility at a young age, and watching his mother model hard work and selflessness through real struggle. He talks about his move from Flint, Michigan to Texas, the challenges of high school, and the dreams he carries for a better future—for himself and for the family he hopes to have one day. Kevin also opens up about how Dallas Metro became a turning point in his life. What began as reluctance turned into connection, mentorship, and renewed direction during a season when he felt off track. As he looks toward graduation, Kevin shares his hopes of pursuing automotive training while staying involved in marching band, and why he believes God still has a plan—even when faith feels hard. His story is a powerful reminder of why the mission of Dallas Metro matters and how a safe, consistent community can help people find their way forward again. Be sure to like and subscribe for more amazing Dallas Metro Podcasts!

In this week’s Dallas Metro conversation, we look at what it really means to put Christ first as we head into Christmas. Clay sits down with Abner, a 16-year-old student from Oak Cliff who shares how a simple invitation from a friend changed the direction of his life.Abner talks about growing up in a Christian home, finding community at Dallas Metro, serving at summer camp, and discovering his calling as he prays about college and his future. His story is a reminder that God gives every young person a purpose, long before they see it for themselves.If you’ve ever wondered what our youth camps, DMY nights, or weekly outreach mean to the students we serve, this conversation says it better than we can.During this Christmas season, would you consider supporting the work of Dallas Metro? Your gift helps us reach more kids and teens who need hope and a place to belong.Be sure to like and subscribe for more exciting Dallas Metro Podcasts!

This week, Pastor Clay continues our Advent journey in Luke chapter 2, reflecting on the moments Mary and Joseph never planned for, and the ways God still works through the unexpected. From a manger with no room to spare to the hurried questions racing through Joseph’s mind, we’re reminded that even in a busy season, the real invitation is to pause and ask Jesus, “What’s Your plan for today?”Clay is joined by Elisha, a sophomore from the West Dallas area and a member of the Sunset High School varsity drill team. She shares how her neighborhood shaped her, what her school means to her, and how dance gave her new confidence and community. Elisha talks about her dream of becoming a dance teacher, the family she’s found through Dallas Metro Youth, and how God changed her life at summer camp. Her story highlights the impact of mentors like Karina, Tito, and her directors at school who helped her grow and believe in her future.Clay closes by sharing the heart behind the new Dallas Metro facilities and why the vision isn’t about buildings — it’s about building lives. As the city works through the permit process and phase one approaches, he invites listeners to partner in helping the ministry expand and reach more families across Dallas. To learn more or give toward the All-In campaign, visit dallasmetro.org. Be sure to like and subscribe for more Dallas Metro Podcasts!

In this first Advent episode of the season, Pastor Clay opens the by reminding us what Christmas is truly about. Beyond the noise, the gifts, and the stories we all grew up with, Advent points us back to the coming of Jesus. It’s a simple message, but one worth slowing down for—Christ left heaven to step into our world, and that changes everything.Today’s conversation features Miya Rivera, a student from West Dallas who has been connected to Dallas Metro since she was in fourth grade. She talks about growing up in Villa Creek, moving schools, and the first day her family heard the music from Sidewalk Sunday School echoing through the apartments. What began as curiosity has become a steady walk of faith. Miya shares how she prays now, reads her Bible every day, feels called to serve others, and hopes to pursue nursing after graduation. Her story is honest, grounded, and a reminder of the quiet ways God works through simple faithfulness.As we look toward the future of Dallas Metro, Pastor Clay shares about the new building project and the opportunity it creates to reach even more kids just like Miya. If you’d like to see the vision, visit dallasmetro.org and click on “All In.” Your support helps us move one step closer to breaking ground and doubling our impact in West Dallas. Thanks for spending part of your Advent season with us. Be sure to like and subscribe so you never miss a Dallas Metro podcast!

As we step into the Thanksgiving season, Pastor Clay sits down with Pastor Gordon Butler and James Musyoki for a special milestone episode — the 100th Dallas Metro podcast. Instead of waiting until the end, this one starts with an encouraging word built around Colossians 3:15 and the reminder to let peace rule in our hearts. Clay shares honestly about years when holiday pressures felt overwhelming, how the Lord confronted his attitude, and how gratitude reshaped his perspective.From there, the conversation turns into a look back and a look forward. Clay and James revisit the early challenges of forming Dallas Metro as a standalone ministry — lack of resources, distrust in the neighborhoods, mistakes made, lessons learned, and surprising moments when God opened doors they didn’t even know to knock on. They walk through their turning points, from church partnerships to Toys for Tots, to raising up leaders from within the neighborhoods they serve. James also shares how his multicultural background and strong church upbringing shaped the way he ministers today, and why he hopes the next executive director comes from the very kids growing up in the program.The episode closes with honest talk about current challenges, leadership, mission drift, the future ministry center, and the heart behind the “all in” campaign. Clay and James share their hopes for the next generation, what they would change if they were launching the ministry today, and why visiting families every week remains their core. As Dallas Metro prepares for the next season, Clay invites listeners to pray, partner, and help position the next generation to win. Catch the full conversation and celebrate 100 episodes with us! Be sure to like and subscribe for more Dallas Metro Podcasts!

Pastor Clay and Lawrence trade stories about children’s ministry that wasn’t “babysitting” but the real presence of God—what they learned from mentors like Richard and Dottie, what a move of the Spirit looks like in a room full of kids, and why commitment still beats convenience. Lawrence also speaks plainly about today’s culture, the gaps between age groups, and the simple ways a local church can bridge them: pray, open the Word, show up, and expect God to move.Lawrence and Pastor Clay talk about Dallas Metro’s next step: a new facility next to Lighthouse. Be sure to like and subscribe for more Dallas Metro Podcasts!

Pastor Gary Meek joins Pastor Clay for a candid, hope-filled conversation on calling, pressure, and the real cost of ministry. From grandkids and trout in South Fork to shepherding in Irving, he shares how God kept meeting him “already at the fire” and how a late-in-life step into pastoring reshaped his definition of success—less about size, more about stewarding the capacity God put in you.They get honest about the numbers behind pastoral fatigue, the family toll, and the “busyness gospel.” You’ll hear practical wisdom from Exodus 18 (Jethro’s advice), why meaningful time in the Word and prayer must come first, and how raising up new leaders—including teens and young adults—can lift the load. Post-COVID lessons, avoiding secular scorecards, and putting your spouse and kids first all take center stage.If you’re at a crossroads, this episode will steady your hands: stop chasing someone else’s blueprint, ask the Father what He’s calling you to build, and walk with Him daily. To support community outreach and the new facilities vision, visit dallasmetro.org and click “What’s All In.” Your seed matters—every gift helps us serve more families and raise up the next generation of leaders.Be sure to like and subscribe so you never miss a Dallas Metro Podcast!

In this episode Pastor Clay is joined by special guest Dr. Dan Langston for a warm, story-filled conversation about faith, teaching, and the next generation. Together they look back on their shared history in Arlington, their time at Bethel Assembly, and the people who helped shape their ministries. Dr. Dan recalls the early days, funny staff memories, and the lessons that have stayed with him through decades of ministry and teaching. He also shares about his lifelong love for Arlington’s Fourth of July parade, his journey from youth pastor to professor at Nelson University, and why he believes teaching remains one of the most powerful ways to shape lives for eternity.They talk about his book, Future Without Fear: Celebrating Victory in Revelation, and the surprising way it came together—with encouragement from fellow pastors and support from churches that believed in making Scripture accessible and hopeful. Dr. Dan describes the deep joy of seeing students grasp grace for the first time, including the story of a Navy veteran who came to Christ in his class and now pastors a church in Oregon.As the conversation turns toward the future, Pastor Clay invites listeners to partner in the mission of equipping the next generation through Dallas Metro. You can be part of what God is doing by visiting dallasmetro.org, clicking on All In, and selecting What is All In to see the vision for new facilities that will double the ministry’s weekly impact. Through faith, partnership, and prayer, this miracle will become a reality—empowering tomorrow’s leaders to reach their city for Christ.Subscribe to the Dallas Metro Podcast for more real conversations with people who are living out their faith in practical ways. Like, share, and join us as we continue to build hope in the heart of Dallas. Be sure to like and subscribe for more Dallas Metro Podcasts!

In this episode Pastor Clay is joined by special guest Jeremy Moss from Lighthouse, a longtime partner in ministry with Dallas Metro. Jeremy shares about his family, his years of service at Lighthouse, and the lessons he’s learned through seasons of change and faith. Together they talk about staying rooted, trusting God’s timing, and keeping your eyes fixed on Christ when life feels uncertain.You’ll hear stories about family, ministry, and the deep history of the Lighthouse Church—from reel-to-reel radio editing to generations of prayer shaping a community. Jeremy reflects on what it means to serve faithfully for the long haul, and Pastor Clay reminds listeners that our help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.If you’ve ever felt stuck between seasons or wondered what’s next, this conversation will encourage you to stay the course, stay in community, and trust God’s plan.Learn more or support the mission at www.dallasmetro.orgLike this episode? Subscribe, share, and help us spread hope across the Dallas Metro community.

In this episode Pastor Clay is joined by special guest Alexis, a joyful worshipper, devoted mom to Joshua Elijah, and manager of three Matt Burke Music Studio locations in North Texas. She shares about her journey from a casual churchgoer to encountering Christ at 15 when a friend invited her to youth group. That moment sparked a passion for worship, a heart for mentoring teens, and a deep commitment to serving with Dallas Metro Kids.The conversation explores how worship became Alexis’s most authentic connection with God when prayer felt difficult and why guarding joy is so vital. Pastor Clay and Alexis discuss how the enemy tries to discourage believers, particularly worship leaders, by stealing joy and shifting focus from God to self. They emphasize the difference between talent and anointing, the dangers of pride on stage, and the importance of mentorship, accountability, and humility in order to keep worship pure and Spirit-led. Together they highlight biblical reminders from Psalm 42 and Proverbs 4:23 about guarding the heart and staying focused on the true purpose of worship.Alexis also shares her experience working with Dallas Metro Kids and the long-term impact of reaching children and teens through mentorship and consistent presence in their communities. She recalls stories of lives transformed and explains how a permanent facility would relieve weekly setup burdens and create new opportunities for midweek gatherings, outreach, and discipleship. Pastor Clay closes by inviting listeners to join the All In vision for a debt-free building that will expand the mission to raise faith in the next generation.Like the episode and subscribe for more Dallas Metro Podcasts.

Join Pastor Clay on the Dallas Metro Podcast for a heartfelt discussion with special guest Pastor Lane Hastie. Lane, married to his best friend Jennifer for 28 years, is a devoted family man with three children spread across the globe: a son and daughter-in-law in Denver, a daughter teaching special needs in Nixa, Missouri, and his youngest, a missionary associate in Liverpool. With a background in business, Lane was called to ministry, planting a church in Northwest Arkansas for 17 years before serving in Kaufman, Texas, for the past five years. His life has been deeply shaped by mentors like Pastor Bill Wilson, whose faithfulness and commitment to ministry continue to inspire Lane’s work.In this episode, Pastor Lane shares stories of God’s providence, from his daughter’s missionary calling in Liverpool, where she’s part of Heart Liverpool’s church-planting and cafe outreach, to his own journey of planting a church in Rogers, Arkansas. He and Pastor Clay reflect on the importance of perseverance, drawing from Pastor Bill’s example of never quitting, even in the toughest seasons. Lane recounts how re-digging spiritual wells, as inspired by Genesis 26:18-19, brought fresh water to his faith, encouraging listeners to return to God’s Word for personal renewal, regardless of their role as pastors or laypeople.The conversation also highlights Dallas Metro’s mission to raise up new leaders and build a debt-free facility to serve as a safe haven for discipleship. Lane emphasizes the transformative power of this vision, describing the new building as a tool to reach those estranged from God, fulfilling 2 Samuel 14:14. Pastor Clay calls listeners to partner with Dallas Metro by visiting dallasmetro.org and clicking on All In to support this life-changing initiative. Tune in to hear how faithfulness and community can make an eternal impact. Be sure to like and subscribe so you will never miss another Dallas Metro Podcast.

Join us for Episode #92 of the Dallas Metro Podcast, featuring the inspiring Fred Lynch, a trailblazer in gospel hip hop and a dedicated community servant. Fred, a founding member of the pioneering gospel rap group PID (Preachers in Disguise), has been married for 34 years and is a proud father to two grown children, Asia and Jordan. With a journey that began as a youth pastor in Oak Cliff, South Dallas, at just 17, Fred has spent decades spreading the word of God through music, ministry, and mentorship. His career highlights include being among the first gospel rap groups signed nationally in 1988, alongside legends like Stephen Wiley and Michael Peace, and his lifelong commitment to connecting with youth and families through faith and art.In this heartfelt conversation, Pastor Clay reconnects with Fred, reminiscing about their shared history with Dallas Metro and their early days working together in street outreach. Fred shares how his passion for hip hop, sparked by memorizing “Rapper’s Delight” as a kid, evolved into PID’s mission to reach youth through rap infused with gospel messages. He discusses the group’s recent comeback, signing with a label to release new singles like “Take Him to Church,” “Favor,” and “Cross the Bear,” available on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music under “Hey Preachers.” Fred also opens up about his “tent-making” job as an Uber and Lyft driver, where he uses his rides as a mobile pulpit to listen, pray, and share faith with passengers, offering profound stories of connection, like the retired minister who felt seen during a ride to dialysis.The episode dives deeper as Fred shares his latest venture, the Proverbs Daily podcast, inspired by his 40-year practice of reading a chapter of Proverbs daily. This five-minute daily show unpacks one verse with life lessons, prayer, and cultural insights, centered around his theme verse, Proverbs 4:23—“Above all else, guard your heart.” Fred and Clay discuss the importance of staying on the path of faith, course-correcting through life’s challenges, and finishing strong as leaders with growing influence. Fred also champions Dallas Metro’s mission to build a debt-free facility to double their community impact, urging listeners to support the “All In” campaign at dallasmetro.org. Tune in for a powerful blend of nostalgia, faith, and vision for the future. Be sure to like and subscribe for more exciting Dallas Metro Podcasts!

Join Pastor Clay on Episode #91 of the Dallas Metro Podcast as he welcomes Julie Kline, a dedicated volunteer and passionate advocate for community outreach. Julie brings a wealth of enthusiasm for ministry and service. Married to her first and only love, Julie's commitment to her faith and values shines through, shaped by her experiences growing up in Grand Prairie, Texas, and her long-standing involvement with Dallas Metro. Her heart for helping others, inspired by her family's legacy of service, has made her a vital part of the nonprofit's mission to impact lives through compassion and outreach.In this heartfelt conversation, Julie shares her journey of faith, reflecting on her choice to wait for marriage before fully committing to her spouse, a decision rooted in her desire to honor God and avoid the pain of her parents' divorce. She and Pastor Clay discuss the importance of commitment in relationships, challenging the modern notion of "trial runs" in marriage and emphasizing the value of steadfast love and responsibility. Julie's perspective, shaped by her own standards and experiences, offers listeners a refreshing take on building meaningful, God-centered relationships, while Pastor Clay underscores the pitfalls of starting families without true commitment, drawing from their shared convictions.The episode also delves into Julie's deep connection with Dallas Metro, from her early days volunteering at a small church in Grand Prairie to her current involvement in initiatives like the Christmas store and golf tournaments. She highlights the transformative power of volunteering, sharing stories of children and families touched by the ministry's outreach, such as Sidewalk Sunday School, and the joy of teaching kids simple yet meaningful skills. Julie emphasizes the importance of family traditions in creating lasting memories and stability, encouraging listeners to get involved with Dallas Metro's mission. Pastor Clay closes by urging the audience to support the ministry's new facility project, a legacy-building effort to expand their reach, inviting everyone to show up faithfully and invest in a future that changes lives for generations. Be sure to like and subscribe for more Dallas Metro Podcast episodes.

Dallas Metro Podcast Episode #90: A Conversation with Pastor Tommy BarnettJoin us for an inspiring Episode #90 of the Dallas Metro Podcast, where Pastor Clay sits down with the remarkable Pastor Tommy Barnett, a trailblazer in American Pentecostalism whose ministry has left an indelible mark on Phoenix, Arizona, and beyond. With a career spanning over seven decades, Pastor Tommy’s innovative leadership, passion for outreach, and commitment to serving the underserved have made him a revered figure in the Assemblies of God and a global influence through the Dream Center movement.Pastor Tommy Barnett’s journey in ministry began at the age of sixteen, preaching the gospel with a fervor that would define his life’s work. Before arriving in Phoenix in 1979, he pastored Westside Assembly of God in Davenport, Iowa, growing the congregation from 76 to over 4,000 members, showcasing his early knack for church growth. In Phoenix, he took the helm of Phoenix First Assembly, now Dream City Church, transforming it into one of the largest Assemblies of God congregations in the United States. His 33-year tenure was marked by creative ministry approaches, including large-scale illustrated sermons and theatrical productions, which attracted diverse audiences and fostered a vibrant church community. Beyond numerical growth, Barnett’s vision for practical compassion led to the founding of the Dream Center movement in 1994 alongside his son Matthew, starting in Los Angeles and expanding to the Phoenix Dream Center in 2002. The Phoenix Dream Center has become a cornerstone of community outreach, serving tens of thousands monthly with food distribution, addiction recovery programs, and support for those facing homelessness, human trafficking, and poverty. Even after transitioning leadership to his son Luke in 2011, Pastor Tommy remains active as a co-pastor, Chancellor of Southeastern University, and a global speaker, continuing to inspire through his books, such as Multiplication and What If?, and his involvement in the Dream Center Global Network.In this special episode, Pastor Clay reflects on meeting Pastor Tommy in the 1980s at a conference and attending his pastor school in Phoenix, where innovative outreach methods like bus ministries left a lasting impression. Pastor Tommy shares stories of his early days, recalling how he grew Phoenix First Assembly by filling buses with “unsaved people” who packed the church, leading to hundreds giving their hearts to Christ. He discusses his best-selling book, The Miracle in the House, and how Pastor Clay himself was a “miracle” in the audience, inspired to reach children in Dallas through Metro Ministries. At 87, Pastor Tommy’s passion for dreaming big remains unshaken. His book What If? captures his philosophy of stepping out in faith, asking, “What if I try this?”—a mindset that led to buying buses, founding Dream Centers, and pursuing God-given opportunities despite uncertainty.The conversation delves into Pastor Tommy’s reflections on his life, where he shares two things he’d do differently: dream bigger and take bigger risks, as every God-given dream he pursued exceeded his expectations. His latest dream is to help others achieve theirs, a mission that fuels his role at Southeastern University and his global ministry efforts. He emphasizes the power of prayer, recounting how Prayer Mountain at Dream City Church became a reality after years of persistence, inspired by a visit to Dr. Cho’s prayer-centric church in South Korea. Pastor Tommy also shares insights on three revivals he’s witnessed— the Voice of Healing, the Charismatic Renewal, and the current “relevant revival”—urging churches to stay focused on soul-winning to sustain God’s movement.For those feeling discouraged, Pastor Tommy offers encouragement: hold onto your dream for at least five years, stay faithful where God has placed you, and trust that God will bring it to pass if it’s His will. He and Pastor Clay discuss the importance...

Join us for another inspiring episode of the Dallas Metro Podcast, featuring special guest David Garza and our host, Pastor Clay. David, a Fort Worth native, shares his remarkable journey of faith and resilience. Born in Louisville but raised in the 817 area, David spent his early years in Grapevine and South Lake, Texas, overcoming challenges like the loss of his father at age seven. Now a devoted husband to Lucia and father to daughters Ariana (15) and Eva (6), David lives near Northeast Mall in Fort Worth. His career as a retail development manager for T-Mobile spans over two decades, and he recently launched Trinity Roast, a coffee roasting side hustle with his wife, reflecting his entrepreneurial spirit and love for community.In this episode, David recounts his path from a single-parent household to becoming a pillar of strength, guided by his Christian upbringing and the lessons from his parents. He shares fond memories of his father playing the accordion during church services and how his faith has been a cornerstone throughout his life. Introduced to Dallas Metro through his friend Vince at Abundant Life church, David spent years volunteering, particularly with youth in South Dallas. He describes the transformative impact of Dallas Metro, a ministry that offers a safe haven and spreads love and faith to children in the community, emphasizing its vital role in changing lives for the better.David’s story is a testament to breaking cycles and embracing personal responsibility, even in the face of adversity. He offers heartfelt advice to young people from single-parent homes, encouraging them to stay strong in their faith and take action to forge a better path. David also shares a moving prayer in Spanish for those seeking guidance. Pastor Clay and David discuss Dallas Metro’s vision to build a debt-free ministry center to empower the next generation, urging listeners to visit dallasmetro.org, explore the “All In” section, and consider a sacrificial gift to support this life-changing mission. Tune in for a conversation filled with hope, faith, and a call to action to make a difference in South Dallas.

Welcome to the Dallas Metro Podcast, hosted by Pastor Clay, a dedicated servant of God who has faithfully led Dallas Metro Ministries alongside his wife, Barbara, to serve the children and families of inner-city Dallas. With a heart for community and a calling to share God’s love, Pastor Clay brings warmth, humor, and spiritual insight to every episode. In this episode, he sits down with his brother-in-law, Chris Grimm, a man whose life story is a testament to resilience and faith. A Pennsylvania native and lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan, Chris has been married to Pastor Clay’s sister, Lisa, for 26 years. Together, they raised their daughter, Elizabeth, who is now living her dream as a fourth-grade math and science teacher. Chris’s journey, marked by significant health challenges from birth, offers a powerful backdrop to this heartfelt conversation.Chris Grimm shares his remarkable story of overcoming a congenital heart condition, Tetralogy of Fallot, diagnosed at birth when survival odds were slim. Born a “blue baby” in the 1960s, Chris underwent multiple surgeries, including aortic and pulmonary valve replacements with rare St. Jude’s mechanical valves in 1984. Despite living with only one functioning lung and navigating ongoing health challenges, including a current wait for a heart transplant due to a persistent infection, Chris’s faith remains unshaken. Now 60, he reflects on a life sustained by God’s grace, from his career as an electrical engineer working on movie and security systems across the U.S. and Canada to adapting to a “new normal” after a severe illness in 2008. His story is one of perseverance, humor, and trust in God’s plan, offering inspiration to anyone facing life-altering challenges.In this episode, Pastor Clay and Chris dive into themes of faith, resilience, and community impact. Chris encourages listeners facing limitations to stay strong in their faith, lean on God, and do what they can, trusting that God will handle the rest. The conversation also highlights Dallas Metro Ministries’ vision to build a new debt-free ministry center to serve future generations. Pastor Clay invites listeners to partner with this God-driven mission by visiting dallasmetro.org and contributing to the “All In” campaign. Be sure to like and subscribe for more Dallas Metro stories on the Dallas Metro Podcast.

Erika joins Pastor Clay as a special guest for the Dallas Metro Podcast. Erika, a dedicated volunteer and longtime participant in the Dallas Metro ministry, recently celebrated her 40th birthday. Born in El Salvador, she immigrated to the United States in 1986 with her mother and two older sisters, Anna and Jessica, later joined by younger sisters Maria and Cindy. Growing up in the diverse Apple Creek neighborhood in Dallas, Erika navigated a challenging environment marked by cultural barriers and community struggles, but found protection and guidance through her mother's vigilance and the ministry's outreach. Today, she is a loving mother to her 11-year-old son, RJ, who shares her passion for football and cheers for the Cowboys, while Erika continues to give back to the community that shaped her faith and resilience.In this heartfelt conversation with Pastor Clay, Erika reflects on her early encounters with the Dallas Metro truck that brought games, Bible teachings, and a sense of belonging to her neighborhood after school. She shares fond memories of summer camps at the Jacksonville campground, where primitive conditions did little to dampen the powerful spiritual experiences, and how her relationship with God deepened through consistent involvement. Erika also discusses overcoming initial hesitations from her protective mother, the pivotal role of volunteers like Barbara in building trust across language barriers, and her transition from participant to interpreter and youth volunteer, driven by a desire to pass on the support she received.The discussion highlights the transformative impact of faith in facing fear, drawing from Isaiah 41:10 as a guiding nugget, and emphasizes the need for extravagant generosity to fund a new ministry center debt-free. Erika urges viewers to consider sacrificial giving to propel Dallas Metro's mission forward, ensuring future generations benefit as she and her sisters did. Visit dallasmetro.org to learn more and contribute to this ongoing dream.

Join us for Episode #86 of the Dallas Metro Podcast, where we sit down with the inspiring Jayln "J" Sweet, a 14-year-old from West Dallas who has been part of the Dallas Metro community since he was six or seven. Growing up in the Colonial apartments, Jalyn has faced life's challenges with resilience, finding strength in his faith and involvement with Dallas Metro. A student at West Dallas Junior High School, he shares his journey of overcoming personal struggles and staying connected to his faith, making him a powerful voice for the youth in his community. In this episode, Jayln opens up about the role Dallas Metro has played in strengthening his relationship with God, helping him navigate the unfairness of life, and providing a sense of purpose and love. He reflects on the importance of prayer, his experiences at summer camp, and the impact of the church in keeping kids safe and grounded. Jalyn's heartfelt insights reveal how his faith has guided him through tough times, offering a message of hope for others facing similar challenges.Jalyn also shares why he believes in Dallas Metro’s mission to build new facilities for the youth of Dallas, emphasizing the sense of community and love it fosters. Listeners will be moved by his call to stay close to God and his encouragement to support Dallas Metro’s vision of creating a safe haven for young people. Visit dallasmetro.org to learn more about our "All In" initiative and how you can partner with us to make a difference for kids like Jayln. Tune in for an uplifting conversation that reminds us of the power of faith and community. Be sure to like and subscribe for more powerful Dallas Metro stories!

Join Pastor Clay for this inspiring episode of the Dallas Metro podcast as he sits down with special guest Ayunna McKnight, a vibrant 17-year-old senior at Carter High School in Dallas, Texas. Ayunna, who hails from the Oak Cliff neighborhood, shares her journey of growing up in a close-knit community where she’s lived her entire life, moving between apartments like Casa Hills and Westridge. With a family rooted in Paris, Texas, and Louisiana, Ayunna brings a unique perspective shaped by her Southern heritage, love for Cajun and soul food, and a childhood spent shuttling between Dallas and Paris with her cousins. Her infectious energy and candid storytelling reveal a young woman deeply connected to her roots and ready to embrace her future.Ayunna’s story is one of resilience and purpose. As the older sister to a 10-year-old brother, she’s navigated the challenges of family dynamics and a bustling high school environment at Carter, where she’s found her passion as a stage manager in theater, participating in UIL play competitions. Her involvement with Metro Church, sparked by friends Yasmine and DJ, has been transformative. Initially overwhelmed, Ayunna found a family-like community at Metro, where she now volunteers with the bus ministry and summer camps. Her experiences working with kids, including a poignant moment comforting a bullied child at camp, have solidified her dream of studying child psychology and theater in college to make a lasting impact on the next generation.Ayunna opens up about her aspirations and the profound influence Metro Church has had on her life. From her commitment to volunteering and investing in young lives to her trust in God’s plan for her future, Ayunna’s story is a testament to faith and determination. Pastor Clay highlights the importance of Metro’s mission, including their vision for new facilities to serve the community better. Listeners are invited to support this cause by visiting dallasmetro.org to learn more about the “All In” initiative. Tune in to hear Ayunna’s inspiring journey and discover how you can partner with Metro to make a difference in the lives of youth like her. Be sure to like and inscribe for more inspiring Dallas Metro stories!

Join us for conversation with Isabella and Pastor Clay. Isabella is a remarkable young woman who shares her journey of overcoming challenges to achieve her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher. In this episode, Isabella opens up about her family, her cherished memories of her great-grandparents, and the lessons that shaped her perspective on life and perseverance. From her childhood experiences to her recent accomplishments, Isabella's story is a testament to resilience and faith.Elizabeth reflects on her upbringing as an only child, raised by her parents and surrounded by her two beloved dogs, Pinky and Fonzie. She shares heartwarming stories of her great-grandmother, Granny, a talented seamstress and crocheter who made everything from Barbie doll dresses to Christmas outfits for the family. Isabella also recalls her great-grandfather Paul’s hardworking nature and their simple yet fulfilling life, which taught her the value of contentment and community. These memories provide a touching backdrop to her personal growth and determination.The episode delves into Isabella’s pursuit of her dream to become a teacher, sparked by the stability and support she found in her first-grade classroom during a difficult time in her family’s life. Despite financial obstacles and a prolonged educational journey through Tarrant County College and Dallas Baptist University, Isabella’s persistence paid off when she landed her dream job teaching fourth-grade math and science at Bell Manor Elementary. Her story is a powerful reminder to never give up on your dreams, lean on your support system, and trust in divine timing. Tune in to hear Isabella’s advice for those feeling stuck or discouraged, and learn how Dallas Metro is working to create a safe haven for the community.For more information on how you can support Dallas Metro’s mission to build a safe haven, visit dallasmetro.org and explore the “All In” initiative. Subscribe for more uplifting stories and updates on our community efforts. Never miss a Dallas Metro Podcast. Be sure to like and subscribe!