Pastor Clay hosts this episode of the Dallas Metro Podcast with a timely reminder as we step into a new year: God’s promises are new every morning, and He has a plan for your life in 2026. Pastor Clay challenges listeners to slow down, open God’s Word, and pray a simple but powerful prayer—“Holy Spirit, speak to me.” He shares from personal experience why God doesn’t speak to us because of a title, but because we are His children, and how learning to listen can bring clarity, direction, and purpose for the year ahead. In this episode, Pastor Clay also sits down with Natalie Esparza, now part of the Esparza family legacy that spans three generations at Dallas Metro. Natalie shares how God brought her and her husband, Gino, together in 2022, revealing a series of connections that show God’s timing is never accidental. She opens up about her upbringing in Dallas, her close relationship with her mom, her experience at Trinidad Garza Early College at Mountain View, and the dreams she still carries for the future, trusting that God has placed her exactly where she needs to be in this season. The conversation also offers a powerful look inside Dallas Metro’s mission through the Saturday bus ministry and Metro Youth on Tuesday nights, where lives are being shaped week after week. As we look ahead to 2026, this episode points to the vision for a new facility—a true safe place where children and teens can encounter God, find belonging, and grow in faith. If the Lord puts it on your heart, join faith with us and consider partnering in this mission as we prepare to build and reach more lives than ever before. If this episode encourages you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share the Dallas Metro Podcast so you don’t miss future conversations.

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!