Made New
A Resurrection Story of Fatherhood and Faith
By: Jared Sloan | Director, Fatherhood Initiative
August 6, 2025
Easter. 6:14 p.m. A text message lights up my phone: “LeeLee and I got baptized today at Southland Christian Church.” A video followed. I watched through tears of joy, awe, and gratitude, as Chris and his daughter stepped into the water, a father and child made new.
You might remember Chris. He first walked into our lives with almost nothing. Thirty days sober. Homeless. No job. Little hope. But he had a desire for change and an openness to try to grow. He wanted a fresh start.
He was the only man who showed up to the first fatherhood class at the Shepherd’s House community center in downtown Nicholasville. He rode his bike. That’s how our journey began.
I remember it all. Shopping for work clothes. Sitting in the car while he got an eye exam. Helping him review benefits for a new job over breakfast. Grabbing burgers or chili at Waffle House. Helping him with small errands. Sacred moments, but often God-moments.
And then there’s LeeLee (Chris’ nickname for his daughter Phyllicia). So shy at first. Sweet. Quiet. She recently saw me at Walmart and made her way through the aisle just to say hello. That moment said everything. She was growing, not just in age, but in strength and in confidence, all because she had her dad.
We’ve shared Chris’ story before at our annual celebration. But this spring reminded me: his story is still being written. He, and LeeLee, are still being transformed. And that good news, was too good not to share.
Because of your support, our Fatherhood Initiative doesn’t just help men check boxes. It changes legacies. I’m reminded of Psalm 100:5, “For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”
Chris (right) and his daughter, LeeLee (middle), beind baptized at Southland Christian Church
Your presence could be the turning point in a father's story. Watch the video, and consider how you might join us in bringing hope, healing, and restoration to men who are ready for change.