Chosen Generation

Today, I had my first vendor (is that the right wording) event. DeAnna DeForest had a table at Power of 3 foundation back to school bash and family resource fair and my heart is so full. I never thought I would be here. I just wanted to have a little Bible study at the house and create a space for young people to be free to express their faith with one another. I never thought they’d be enough for people to care about. To sow into. To ask for us to be a vendor. We evolved to a wholistic youth ministry—going beyond the four walls of the church—building the bridge connecting the church, the home, and school.

We were able to not only talk about who we are but to engage with families. Y’all! My heart. Overflowing. I’m grateful for people that see me.

Extra shout out to Katie for stepping up and helping me!! I need the help and I’m grateful for those that can spare some time and share the vision.

DeAnna DeForest is excited to support the City of Cleveland’s 2026 All City Back to School FEST on August 8th at Cleveland Public Auditorium. Start the school year off right with free school supplies, free haircuts, free wellness checks, sports physicals, educational resources, and fun for the whole family! Open to all Cleveland families.

FAITH, is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen (Hebrews 11:1–Teen Life Application Study Bible).
My faith is being challenged daily. I am confident that I trust in God. Although, I may not see what’s ahead of me, I continue to take the next step. Today, was the reminder I needed.
Took my goddaughter to her first Cleveland Guardians game on behalf of College Now (my mentee couldn’t make it). We celebrated with Dippin' Dots ! Then we went to celebrate life with a friend from RayIsYP !! I’m so grateful to have known him for 27 years 😳 (the fact that we didn’t take a picture but talked about our last pic together is wild 🤦🏾‍♀️) My girl had her first deviled eggs & also put Mac & cheese on top (she doesn’t get that often either). We went to celebrate (again) Corradi’s Scoops Ice Cream Shop and won a mug!! We finished the evening at DeAnna DeForest both in person and virtually. Thank you 24-7 Prayer Cleveland for being a safe haven for 7pm Bible study and a place that children can love going to and growing in the Word.

Faith, can move mountains and I’m trusting God for that!

The power of pivoting.
This was supposed to be a youth weekend (see calendar). None of my veteran youth came to gospel skate, none responded in a timely manner about big bounce America, and my schedule changed and I got my hair done during teen bible study (due to lack of attendance). But God, told me to show up even with 5 mins left on our scheduled time and I prayed with the young ladies that showed up. 😭🙏🏾🙌🏾

Grateful for technology and obedience. One was headed for a nap and one on vacation—yet, they showed up. We were able to put their requests before the Lord and it truly blessed me.

Always being obedient and staying accountable for what God is calling me too.

📍24-7 Prayer Cleveland

To be completely honest, I didn’t have a great day. Being left alone, unknowingly, with 21 kids is wild—literally. Therefore, I needed to be at Gospel Skate. Yet, I didn’t bring any kids…and either did their parents. 😔 It’s hard all around for everyone, I get it. We will have another in August and I hope folks can come out. It’s another “earlier” one from 7pm-10pm. It will be an end of summer gospel skate. We will have school supplies if you have yet to get any by then. I’m grateful for the two people that showed up for us yesterday. There is value in friendship. ♥️ Don’t take folks for granted. The day is what you make it, it got significantly better. I’m thankful for all of it.

See you Friday AT 6:30pm!!

$15 at the door. Make sure you mention DeAnna DeForest !

When you run into one of your former youth (now young adult 🥹), while teaching your current youth/goddaughter how to ride a bike—you realize that the work you do, far extends what you can see, today. I remember before graduating seminary TEACHING Amber about the Lord. Thirteen years later I’m still doing the work and helping raise up another generation. 🙏🏾🙌🏾

Where some see bike riding and food, I see, emotional support/regulation, confidence building, breaking generational curses, and building trust in adults—as well as leadership skills. Teaching her how to ride today was an answer to a prayer from four years ago. lola was the first person I taught and I prayed for others to be bold enough to ask.

July is on its way! We have some new things on the horizon! If you’ve been wondering over the last 7 years when were we going to do something for adults…the time has finally come! This has never been the thought, but I need it for me! Adult Bible Study will be at the end of the month. We also have a bucket list for the summer. We’ll be starting a teen book club on July 9th. We have a fundraiser on July 10th. And The Big Bounce America is back!! Join us this July!!

If you’re new here, welcome!! Thank you for stopping by! Our hope is to continue to be consistent with sharing our calendar and what we have going on!

For those of you returning—thanks for still being on this ride with us!