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Welcome Home!
What We Believe
We believe in one God: Father, Son, & Holy Spirit, Creator of all things.
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We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, was crucified, died, was buried, was resurrected, ascended into heaven, and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father and is true God and true man.
We believe the Bible in its entirety to be the inspired Word of God and the infallible rule of faith and conduct.
We believe in the resurrection of the dead, the eternal happiness of the saved, and the eternal punishment of the lost.
We believe in personal salvation of believers through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.
We believe in sanctification through the Word of God and by the Holy Spirit, and we believe in personal holiness, purity of heart and life.
We believe in the Christian's hope: the soon-coming personal return of the Lord Jesus Christ.
DELIGHT IN HIM!
Meet the Founder
Hi Friend!!
I am SO glad you are here!
And I just know we are going to be besties!
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I met and fell in love with Jesus at the age of 11 at a summer church camp in the heart of Michigan. From a very early age I sensed the presence of the Lord, and have been known to say often, I KNOW that Jesus is real because I have seen His hand and felt His heart for nearly my entire life
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I was born and raised in a small southeastern town in Michigan, and as an only child, I have distinct fond memories of writing and performing for anyone who would listen.
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Writing has always been my dearest passion, and I’m so grateful that the Lord, in His goodness and in His ever-loving kindness, allows me to use that gift of writing and my love for words and speaking and teaching, to draw others into a deeper relationship with Him!
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In 2011, after serving in full-time ministry work in my church for 7 years, I felt a strong calling on my life to begin a women’s ministry. God would relentlessly chase after me - calling me to deeper waters with Him than I ever knew was possible!
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What began as a daily, hungry cry of my heart - “God, give me a PASSION for Your Word” - has led to countless hours weekly devoted to studying the Word, creating content for other women, developing Bible Study courses to help people dig deeper into the Word of God for themselves, and crafting video content that will encourage, inspire, and equip women to live lives of holiness, as we, together, eagerly await the return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
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I am passionate about serving Jesus - and I pray that you will discover this passion, and it will be contagious - inspiring you, motivating you, and challenging you to a more elevated perspective!
I have been married to my very best friend… my absolute better half… Trevor for just under 30 years, and together we have one daughter, Chloe, a son-in-law, Saiki, and three glorious grand boys, Roman (4), Finnley (3), and Benjamin (2).
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Again, FRIEND, I am SOOO glad you are here!
Look around at all there is to see here!
Our team is faithfully praying for you to seek Jesus with everything you have, and to fall more in love with Him every day!
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Welcome Home!
Stay Awake!
Luke 21:36, ESV, “But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
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LORD, GIVE ME A PASSION FOR YOUR WORD!
Meet the Team
Wendy Bender
Melissa Norman
"Hey y'all!! Welcome to Inspire Ministries! My name is Melissa Norman. I live in the DFW Metroplex, half-way between Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas. I've been Jeff's wife for 31 years and Jacob's mom for 26 years. I have walked with Jesus since 1979, and cannot imagine my life without Him. I am a retired Special Education teacher of 30 years. But school supplies are still my favorite! I am so happy you are here!
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I am Wendy's assistant. I am here to help with questions... getting them answered and or directed to the appropriate team member. I am Chief Editor... specializing in editing at lightning speed for Wendy (have you NOTICED all the content here??)
Welcome!"
Personal Assistant
Support Specialist
Jeri Stultz
"My name is Jeri. I have lived in the Midwest my entire life and currently live in Rural Missouri.
I have three grown children and six grandchildren who I am blessed to get to spend a lot of time with.
I love to travel. Beaches and mountains are my preferred destinations.
My love of Jesus is a blessing that was passed down to me from my paternal grandmother. I could have no greater joy than to know that I repeated this legacy with those I love.
Finding Inspire Ministries was a definite answer to prayer. Being on the team and walking with each of you on your journey with Jesus is both a blessing and a joy."
Navigation Specialist
Event Publicist
Hey there! My name is Wendy and I am the Founder/Ministry Director of Inspire Ministries.
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I have been writing biblical-based content for over 20 years and have a passion to see people fall in love with the Word of God. I am responsible for writing all published content for the ministry including Zoom Bible Studies, written long-form studies, and Devotions.
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I also produce and lead all of our teaching material, and lead our team of 8 wonderful women I get to also call my friends!
Ministry Director/CEO
Angie Godwin
"Hello dear friends. My name is Angie. I am from North Alabama and currently reside here. I am a simple southern girl who absolutely loves Jesus! I am happily married and have five children and thirteen grandchildren. I am blessed!
I was raised in church and gave my life to the Lord at a very early age. And I have seen Him work in some amazing ways throughout my life with Him!
I have been an RN for over 26 years and spent those years caring for others until the Lord called me to Christian counseling last year! Second only to my love for Jesus, is my love to serve women in and through faith.
I have been a part of Inspire Ministries for over four years and to now serve on this team is truly a gift! I believe in this ministry and what it stands for... the Truth of God's Word!
You are truly home here!
I look so forward to serving you all in any and every way needed.
We are so happy you are here!"
Community Care
& Compassion Coordinator
Mara Saunders
"Hi! I'm Mara Saunders. I'm God's daughter, Mark's wife, and Noelle's mom.
My daughter is an adult and we are "empty nesters."
I retired from teaching and instructional coaching several years ago. And it is the year I retired that I joined The Kitchen Table on FB. It was an answer to prayer to find a group of women who desire to deep dive into God's Word and walk out His truth in their daily lives. It has been transformational in my walk with Jesus.
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I'm so honored and blessed to be a part of this ministry team who love Jesus and are committed to studying His Word and encouraging others."
Research Specialist
Team Support & Development
Dawn Brugger
"Welcome!
My name is Dawn Brugger. I am a child of God. My "late" dad was a Lutheran minister for 50 years and my mom a retired Lutheran teacher. I am the oldest of four children and the only girl.
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I am the wife to Joe, a blessed momma to three children, and grandma "Nana" to seven, soon to be nine!
I am a registered nurse, though sadly, I am unable to work due to chronic illness. I still love helping anyone out that I can and spreading the Good News of Jesus, our risen Savior!
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I was led to The Kitchen Table in 2019 by my sweet, beautiful, late sister-in-law, Amanda. I live in lower Michigan, just north of the border to Ohio.
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I design, manage, and update the Inspire Ministries website and all its content. I work closely with Wendy and an amazing team of sisters in Christ! I am so thankful to be able to be a part of this ministry and use the blessings God has given to serve Him in this role."
Content Manager
& Design Coordinator
Nikki Kelly
Strategist
Visionary Advisor
"Hey y'all! I'm Nikki (aka Kikki to some!)
Serving as Strategist and Visionary Advisor here at Inspire Ministries!
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But my favorite titles are from the biggest blessings God has given me, "wifey" to Ben, and "mom" to Jaydn.
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Prior to landing here at Inspire Ministries in 2022, I have ministered within the bounds of my home church, from working with 4 & 5 year-olds and adolescent girls, I have also assisted the Youth Leader along with my husband, and did eventually lead in-person women's Bible Study.
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With all that being said, it is a joy to be here serving Jesus on this journey with you.
I am blessed to be my dad's sidekick tinkering in the garage. But my truest moments peace and joy are when it's just me and Jesus while I am mowing. Any fellow animal lovers out there? I have a mini zoo at my house!
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Welcome!"
Caroline Watts
"Welcome Home!
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I'm Caroline. I am from the south coast of England (Jane Austen country!). I've been happily married to my wonderful husband, Simon, since 1992. Together we've been blessed with two amazing daughters and three precious grandchildren who bring so much joy to our lives.
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Above all, I love Jesus and have a heart for encouraging others. Although I don't have formal theological training, I have been equipped to teach Sunday School, and simply enjoy walking alongside of people with kindness, compassion, and prayer.
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Whether you're looking for someone to pray with you, listen without judgment, or offer a little encouragement, I'd be delighted to hear from you.
My door is always open and the kettle is always on!"
Community Care
Navigation Assistant
Nilsa Crespo
"Hello there! I'm Nilsa and I am a follower of Christ.
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I am a wife, a mother to three adult children, and a grandma to six wonderful grandchildren.
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I have been a member of Inspire Ministries... and The Kitchen Table... for several years now and it has been a blessing. I am excited to be a part of this wonderful women's ministry, rooted in the Word of God.
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If you desire to grow, to be encouraged, and strengthened in your faith, and be rooted and grounded in the Word of God, then I invite you to walk alongside us as we grow together in community, being perfected and conformed to the image of Christ!
How wonderful is that?!"
Administrative Support
IT'S NOT ABOUT US. IT'S ALL ABOUT HIM!