Dallas Metro Podcast (Episode#78) Featuring Special Guest Der-Lonzo Hudson.

n this episode of the Dallas Metro Podcast, Pastor Clay sits down with Der-Lonzo, a young man who has been part of the Dallas Metro community for over a decade. Growing up in Dallas, Der-Lonzo first connected with the church through its bus ministry as a child, an experience that ignited his lifelong commitment. Now nearing his 19th birthday, he reflects on his journey from riding the church bus to volunteering as a teenager and now working at Ross while staying active in the church. Der-Lonzo’s story is one of faith, resilience, and the profound impact of a supportive community that helped him navigate the challenges of growing up in the city.Der-Lonzo shares vivid memories of his early days at Dallas Metro, from summer camps at the “big old church” to the lively, sometimes chaotic youth events that made faith engaging. He recalls volunteering as a young teen, helping with tasks like loading supplies alongside mentors like Abi, a missionary from Nigeria whose quiet wisdom left a deep mark. Der-Lonzo’s high school years at Carter brought lifelong friendships but also the pain of losing peers to the city’s struggles, shaping his understanding of life and the importance of a faith-based foundation.The heart of this episode is Der-Lonzo’s testimony of how Dallas Metro became a safe haven, offering guidance and a spiritual foundation that countered negative influences. He speaks passionately about the church’s unique mission, reaching kids across Dallas to teach them about God in a way few others do. Der-Lonzo’s story highlights the transformative power of Dallas Metro’s commitment to fostering spiritual growth and protecting young people from harmful paths.Pastor Clay and Der-Lonzo discuss the church’s vision to build a debt-free facility to serve future generations, inviting listeners to join this mission. Visit dallasmetro.org and click “All In” to learn how you can support this work with a one-time or monthly donation. Subscribe to the Dallas Metro Church Podcast and join us next week for more stories of faith and impact. Be sure to like and subscribe for more Dallas Metro podcast content!