Welcome to Manna for the Movement, short devotionals from the CCDA community to encourage you to meet with God today, wherever you find yourself on your journey. This series focuses on the theme of Shalom—a concept encompassing wholeness, well-being, justice, development, and harmony. It speaks to a state of right relationship with God, with one another, and with creation, where nothing is missing and nothing is broken.

In this episode, Marie Moy leads us in meditating on Jeremiah 6:13-16b through the practice of Lectio Divina.

Marie Moy serves as the Director of Operations, and is a member of the Restorative Practices training and implementation team at Erie County Restorative Justice Coalition (ECRJC). ECRJC’s mission is to promote racial and social justice through Restorative Practices providing training, coaching, consulting, and restorative responses, including Restorative Justice Conferencing in lieu of traditional punitive measures. Marie grew up in a small town in northern Indiana, where her parents owned a Chinese-American restaurant. As children, she and her sisters attended an independent Baptist church. Marie first learned of Christian Community Development while attending Renovation Church in Buffalo in 2010. She participated in CCDA’s El Camino del Inmigrante in 2016 with approximately 70 others to bring attention to the plight of immigrants. Marie is a graduate of Northeastern Seminary at Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, NY with MA in Theology & Social Justice from, and of Indiana University, Bloomington with a BS in Biochemistry. Marie integrates her background in science and theology to bring just practices to the operations of organizations, and is particularly interested in creating spaces without traditional hierarchy that are inclusive and supportive of marginalized communities. As a second-generation Asian American, Marie is passionate about immigration reform in addition to her work with ECRJC to end mass incarceration, and restore relationships and communities Marie is married with two adult children, and a small Cavalier King Charles/poodle mix named Chani. She is a member of the CCDA Board and Leadership Cohort 8, and the John R. Oishei Foundation Karen Lee Spalding Oishei Fellows for Leaders of Color. She is embarking on sabbatical to spend time with God, and exploration of embodied restorative practices after a long season in nonprofit work.

Learn more about CCDA and how you can get involved at ccda.org [http://ccda.org/]. Connect with CCDA on Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/iamccda], Twitter [http://www.twitter.com/iamccda], Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/iamccda], and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/christian-community-development-association-ccda-/]. Follow CCDA on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/user/iamccda].

Manna for the Movement: Jeremiah 6:13-16b

Lynette McIntosh-Madrigal is joined by James Harrison, Crystal Heilig, and Marcia C. Wilson to discuss how their churches are doing ministry with their communities. They are all members of different AME Zion churches in North Carolina who are also part of CCDA’s Flourishing Congregations Initiative. They share about their experience with the program, how they are listening to their communities, and how they are partnering with their neighbors.

Learn more about CCDA’s Flourishing Congregations Initiative at ccda.org/fci [http://ccda.org/fci].

Learn more about CCDA and how you can get involved at ccda.org [http://ccda.org/]. Connect with CCDA on Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/iamccda], Twitter [http://www.twitter.com/iamccda], Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/iamccda], and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/christian-community-development-association-ccda-/]. Follow CCDA on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/user/iamccda].

Flourishing Congregations in North Carolina

Welcome to Manna for the Movement, short devotionals from the CCDA community to encourage you to meet with God today, wherever you find yourself on your journey. For the next two weeks, every Thursday, this series will focus on the theme of Shalom—a concept encompassing wholeness, well-being, justice, development, and harmony. It speaks to a state of right relationship with God, with one another, and with creation, where nothing is missing and nothing is broken.

In this episode, Gabrielle Piceno leads us in meditating on Isaiah 65:17-25 through the practice of Lectio Divina.

Gabrielle Piceno was born in Fresno, California, grew up and went to college in Southern California, and moved back to Fresno in 2014. She has since made Fresno her home alongside her husband, Jordan, and their son. She is the Executive Assistant for Every Neighborhood Partnership, a Fresno-based nonprofit dedicated to transforming underserved neighborhoods through school support, leadership development, and community empowerment.

Learn more about CCDA and how you can get involved at ccda.org [http://ccda.org/]. Connect with CCDA on Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/iamccda], Twitter [http://www.twitter.com/iamccda], Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/iamccda], and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/christian-community-development-association-ccda-/]. Follow CCDA on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/user/iamccda].

Manna for the Movement: Isaiah 65:17-25

Welcome to Manna for the Movement, short devotionals from the CCDA community to encourage you to meet with God today, wherever you find yourself on your journey. For the next three weeks, every Thursday, this series will focus on the theme of Shalom—a concept encompassing wholeness, well-being, justice, development, and harmony. It speaks to a state of right relationship with God, with one another, and with creation, where nothing is missing and nothing is broken.

In this episode, Lyndal Bedford leads us in meditating on Psalm 125 through the practice of Lectio Divina.

Lyndal is a licensed clinical social worker for the state of Florida and the Founder, CEO, and Clinical Director of Community Bridge Counseling and Outreach Services. Along with working at CBCOS, he also serves as an Assistant Professor of Social Work at Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in sociology and a Master of Social Work degree from Southeastern University. Lyndal has experience working in the mental health field, including areas such as the school system, medical settings, and private practice. Before getting into social work, Lyndal spent his time working as a licensed minister and a U.S. missionary. He is passionate about Christian community development and helping others to thrive in their communities. He currently co-leads the behavioral health network for the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA) and works to provide mental health services and support for local church members, local schools, and other organizations. In his free time, he loves to spend time with his friends/family, play pickleball, play board games, and go to the movies.

Learn more about CCDA and how you can get involved at ccda.org [http://ccda.org/]. Connect with CCDA on Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/iamccda], Twitter [http://www.twitter.com/iamccda], Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/iamccda], and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/christian-community-development-association-ccda-/]. Follow CCDA on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/user/iamccda].

Manna for the Movement: Psalm 125

John Hull is joined by Dr. Terence Lester to discuss their work with people experiencing homelessness. They share stories about the unhoused population, highlight the importance of proximity and listening to the community, and share practical ways we can love our neighbors who don’t have an address.

Learn more about Dr. Lester’s new book, From Dropout to Doctorate at ivpress.com/from-dropout-to-doctorate [https://www.ivpress.com/from-dropout-to-doctorate]. And make plans to join us at the CCDA Conference this November at ccda.org/conference [http://ccda.org/conference].

Terence Lester (PhD, Union Institute and University) is a storyteller, public scholar, speaker, community activist, and author. He is the founder and executive director of Love Beyond Walls, a nonprofit organization focused on raising awareness about poverty, homelessness, and on community mobilization. He also serves as the director of public policy and social change and as a professor at Simmons College of Kentucky (HBCU). He is the author of I See You, When We Stand, and All God's Children, and he coauthored with his daughter, Zion, the children's book, Zion Learns to See. He and his family live in Atlanta.

John Hull serves as CEO of Everett Gospel Mission, Snohomish County’s largest Christ-centered organization serving people experiencing homelessness and poverty. Since joining the Mission in 2006, John has held leadership roles across development, shelter operations, and strategic initiatives before becoming CEO in July 2024. Known for his innovative, relationship-based leadership, John has championed low-demand stabilizing shelter models, expanded holistic support services, and spearheaded initiatives like the Faith and Finances program and the Transformational Bed System “StepUp Beds”, now used by shelters nationwide. He co-leads EGM’s Poverty 101 workshop to challenge stereotypes and strengthen community understanding of how to help without hurting. At the heart of his leadership is an unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. John is committed to declaring and demonstrating God’s love through every aspect of the Mission’s work. His vision is clear: “Together, we can alleviate poverty, impact people’s lives, and share God’s love.”

Connect with CCDA on Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/iamccda], Twitter [http://www.twitter.com/iamccda], Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/iamccda], and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/christian-community-development-association-ccda-/]. Follow CCDA on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/user/iamccda].

Loving our Unhoused Neighbor

Welcome to Manna for the Movement, short devotionals from the CCDA community to encourage you to meet with God today, wherever you find yourself on your journey. For the next four weeks, every Thursday, this series will focus on the theme of Shalom—a concept encompassing wholeness, well-being, justice, development, and harmony. It speaks to a state of right relationship with God, with one another, and with creation, where nothing is missing and nothing is broken.

In this episode, Breana van Velzen leads us in meditating on Isaiah 61:8-11 through the practice of Lectio Divina.

The Rev. Breana van Velzen is an ordained Baptist minister. Breana holds a Master of Divinity (M.Div) from Duke Divinity School, a Master of Social Work (M.S.W) from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and a Bachelor in English Education with Secondary Licensure and a Minor in Creative Writing from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Breana is a certified spiritual director and a non-profit consultant experienced in non-profit leadership, diversity, equity, and inclusion change-making, and theo-ethical praxis for parachurch ministry and faith-based institutions. In addition to the role of Executive Director for Durham Congregations in Action (DCIA), Breana serves on the board of Innovative Space for Asian American Christianity and is part of Baptist Women in Ministry NC and the Religious Coalition for a Nonviolent Durham (RCND). Breana’s passions include advocacy at the intersections of racial, economic, and environmental justice, education, and writing. When not volunteering or traveling, Breana enjoys slam poetry, science fiction, and baking for family and friends.

Learn more about CCDA and how you can get involved at ccda.org [http://ccda.org/]. Connect with CCDA on Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/iamccda], Twitter [http://www.twitter.com/iamccda], Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/iamccda], and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/christian-community-development-association-ccda-/]. Follow CCDA on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/user/iamccda].

Manna for the Movement: Isaiah 61:8-11

Welcome to Manna for the Movement, short devotionals from the CCDA community to encourage you to meet with God today, wherever you find yourself on your journey. For the next five weeks, every Thursday, this series will focus on the theme of Shalom—a concept encompassing wholeness, well-being, justice, development, and harmony. It speaks to a state of right relationship with God, with one another, and with creation, where nothing is missing and nothing is broken.

In this episode, Dr. Lorenzo A. Watson leads us in meditating on John 17:20-24 through the practice of Lectio Divina.

Lorenzo A. Watson serves as the CEO/President for the Christian Community Development Association, headquartered in Chicago, IL. He is an experienced community development professional; a leader, teacher, and scholar who has long centered his work at the intersections of wholeness, education, and Biblical justice.

Lorenzo holds a BS from North Carolina State University in Computer Engineering, an MDiv from Shaw University Divinity School, and a PhD in Educational Research and Policy Analysis from NCSU. He and his spouse of 18 years, Natarsha P. Sanders, reside and serve as “community pastors” in the Doyle community of Kerrville, Texas. Lorenzo’s proven skills in multi-ethnic organizational leadership, management, and coaching, as well as his pastoral giftings and scholarship, have helped create environments of inclusion and belonging in every space to which he has been called.

Learn more about CCDA and how you can get involved at ccda.org [http://ccda.org/]. Connect with CCDA on Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/iamccda], Twitter [http://www.twitter.com/iamccda], Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/iamccda], and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/christian-community-development-association-ccda-/]. Follow CCDA on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/user/iamccda]. If you’re looking for more devotionals, check out Donna Barber’s book, Bread for the Resistance [https://www.ivpress.com/bread-for-the-resistance].

Manna for the Movement: John 17:20-24

Sandra Maria Van Opstal is joined by Pastor Julio Hernández to share stories from the ground in Chicago and Washington, DC. They also discuss ways that the church and Christians can be good neighbors and work together toward collective liberation.

Want to have more conversations like this with other CCD practitioners? Check out CCDA’s Immigration Network [https://ccda.org/justice-initiatives/immigration/] and listen to our conversation with Pastor Carlos Rincon of LA [https://zencastr.com/z/AlpY4sw9], wherever you get your podcasts! Make plans to join us at the CCDA Conference this November at ccda.org/conference [http://ccda.org/conference].

Sandra Maria Van Opstal, a second-generation Latina, is Co-Founder and Executive Director of Chasing Justice, a movement led by people of color to mobilize a lifestyle of faith and justice. She is an international speaker, author, and activist, recognized for her courageous work in pursuing justice and disrupting oppressive systems within the church. As a global prophetic voice and an active community member on the west side of Chicago, Sandra’s initiatives in holistic justice equip communities around the world to practice biblical solidarity and mutuality within various social and cultural locations.

The Congregation Action Network (CAN) is a grassroots coalition of faith communities committed to defending the rights and dignity of immigrants and refugees through collective action for housing, healthcare, education, food, and legal protections. Rev. Julio Hernández, Executive Director of CAN, is a Baptist pastor with over 20 years of ministry experience in cross-cultural missions and outreach. A son of Salvadoran immigrants, his faith and heritage ground his passion for justice and his commitment to ensuring all people are treated with dignity and compassion.

Connect with CCDA on Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/iamccda], Twitter [http://www.twitter.com/iamccda], Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/iamccda], and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/christian-community-development-association-ccda-/]. Follow CCDA on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/user/iamccda].

Organizations and resources mentioned in the episodes:

 * Faith Over Fear Event [https://www.instagram.com/p/DOY6bKuEX_G/]
 * Unsettling Truths: The Ongoing, Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery [https://www.ivpress.com/unsettling-truths?srsltid=AfmBOoo8Ry0-KIcceEK0pBwoLnnSRcJe_R00yMZEvF7ESTKJ4oUmzY7g] by Mark Charles and Soong-Chan Rah
 * Bring Kilmar Home - October 6, 2025 [https://secure.everyaction.com/aw-hL2fExk618ZNOc1OorQ2]
 * United We Dream [https://unitedwedream.org/]
 * National Immigration Project [https://nipnlg.org/]
 * Detention Watch [https://www.detentionwatchnetwork.org/]
 * Borderlands Ministry [https://presbyterianborder.org/]
 * American Immigration Council [https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/]

Neighboring in Militarized Communities

Elizabeth Cronlund is joined by Marie Moy to confront some common narratives about Asian American and Pacific Islander populations. They take a look at some of the history of AAPI in the United States, and reflect on the ways that history informs where we find ourselves today. They also share some ways we can build coalitions and stand in solidarity so we are able to move forward together.

Learn more about CCDA’s AAPI Network at ccda.org/aapi [http://ccda.org/aapi]. And make plans to join us at the CCDA Conference this November at ccda.org/conference [http://ccda.org/conference].

Marie Moy serves as the Director of Operations and is a member of the Restorative Practices training and implementation team at Erie County Restorative Justice Coalition (ECRJC). ECRJC’s mission is to promote racial and social justice through Restorative Practices, providing training, coaching, consulting, and restorative responses, including Restorative Justice Conferencing in lieu of traditional punitive measures. Marie grew up in a small town in northern Indiana, where her parents owned a Chinese-American restaurant. As children, she and her sisters attended an independent Baptist church. Marie first learned of Christian Community Development while attending Renovation Church in Buffalo in 2010. She participated in CCDA’s El Camino del Inmigrante in 2016 with approximately 70 others to bring attention to the plight of immigrants. Marie is a graduate of Northeastern Seminary at Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, NY, with an MA in Theology & Social Justice from Indiana University, Bloomington, with a BS in Biochemistry. Marie integrates her background in science and theology to bring just practices to the operations of organizations, and is particularly interested in creating spaces without traditional hierarchy that are inclusive and supportive of marginalized communities. As a second-generation Asian American, Marie is passionate about immigration reform in addition to her work with ECRJC to end mass incarceration and restore relationships and communities. Marie is married with two adult children and a small Cavalier King Charles/poodle mix named Chani. She is a member of the CCDA Board and Leadership Cohort 8, and the John R. Oishei Foundation Karen Lee Spalding Oishei Fellows for Leaders of Color. She is embarking on a sabbatical to spend time with God and an exploration of embodied restorative practices after a long season in nonprofit work.

Based in Orlando, FL, Elizabeth Cronlund is the Partnership Development Manager with UNDIVDED, an organization that is activating communities for racial healing and justice. She has more than 15 years of experience in congregational ministry as a Christian Community Developer. Within CCDA, she helps lead the AAPI Network and is a contributing writer for CCDA’s Education Equity Handbook. Elizabeth is a Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) and attends Northern Seminary.

Connect with CCDA on Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/iamccda], Twitter [http://www.twitter.com/iamccda], Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/iamccda], and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/christian-community-development-association-ccda-/]. Follow CCDA on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/user/iamccda].

Confronting Narratives about AAPI People

Ethan Daly is joined by Ryan Waalkes and Christy Carlin Knetsch to share about how God is moving in their city of Grand Rapids. They reflect on the history of Grand Rapids, what it means to pursue peace and belonging instead of mere civility or niceness, and the power of reconciliation in action. 

Learn more about the CCDA Conference and make plans to join us in Grand Rapids this November at ccda.org/conference [http://ccda.org/conference]. And discover ways to connect with like-minded people through CCDA’s local and affinity networks at ccda.org/connect [http://ccda.org/connect]. 

With over two decades of experience as a social entrepreneur, Ethan Daly has dedicated his career to empowering community leaders and building ecosystems of opportunity. As co-founder of Sunshine Enterprises in Chicago, he helped grow an entrepreneur support organization that equips hundreds of emerging entrepreneurs each year with the tools to launch and scale businesses. He also served as U.S. Regional Director for Partners Worldwide, a global NGO focused on ending poverty through business. In 2022, Ethan joined Stand Together Foundation, where he currently serves as Senior Director of Bridging Divides. In this role, Ethan leads collaborative initiatives that bring together ideologically diverse leaders to solve community challenges, reduce toxic polarization, and promote a shared American identity. His work reflects a deep commitment to inclusive economic development, civic dialogue, and the transformative power of local leadership.

Ryan is the founder and executive director of Bridge Street Ministries, a Christ-centered, urban youth development organization in Grand Rapids, MI.  He and his wife have five beautiful children and have been living out CCD principles for over 20 years.  Ryan is a part of the CCDA national leadership cohort 8, serves on the Local Advisory Team for the 2025 CCDA national conference, and serves as one of the Grand Rapids local network connectors.

Inspiring others to know that in Christ, the past does not have to determine the future is the mission statement that has guided the career of Christy Carlin Knetsch (Kah-Net-Ch). Originally from the Pittsburgh area, where she was raised to cheer like a maniac for the Steelers, Christy started her career as a social worker and then spent 18 years as a youth pastor and community organizer at Madison Church, where one of her favorite things was driving a 12-passenger van filled with teenagers. After wrapping up six years of service as an Executive Director at New City Kids, she now serves in Philanthropy as a Program Officer at a local foundation. She is passionate about empowering leaders of all ages, promoting equity, and shaping the systems that influence the trajectory of a young person’s life. She lives in Grand Rapids with her husband Brad and their wild and wonderful kiddos, Isaiah, Solomon, and Simone. A graduate of Calvin University with a BA in Psychology/English/Gender Studies, she also holds a Masters Degree in Organizational Leadership from Cornerstone Seminary’s Urban Cohort Program.  

Connect with CCDA on Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/iamccda], Twitter [http://www.twitter.com/iamccda], Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/iamccda], and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/christian-community-development-association-ccda-/]. Follow CCDA on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/user/iamccda]. 

Building Bridges in Grand Rapids

Christian Community Development Association (CCDA) is a network of Christians committed to seeing people and communities experience God’s shalom. This podcast features teaching from our annual conference, interviews, and training courses.

CCDA Podcast