Jenny Waltman

Wayne Shepherd talks with Jenny Waltman, Founder, CEO, and Chairman of Grace Klein Community in Birmingham, Alabama. (click for more) A ministry dedicated to serving underprivileged and disadvantaged people, rooted in biblical principles. Website: https://gracekleincommunity.com Jenny's Book: God Chose the Wrong Person can be found here. Jenny and her husband lost their construction business (approx. $400,000). Moved into a high-value house zoned for an inner-city school. Their daughter attended, exposing them to stark poverty. A birthday party experience highlighted contrasts in wealth and living conditions, deeply impacting them. Convicted of being “frauds” for not living out their faith in service. Within 24 hours, others confirmed God’s call to begin feeding food-insecure families. 2009 launch: started serving 58 families. Today: 20,000 people served weekly. Mission & Ministry Grace Klein = “little gift from God”; community = koinonia (deep fellowship). Primary work: food support. Broader care: Bible studies, diapers, school supplies, Christmas outreach, community gatherings. Operates in 32 of 67 Alabama counties; goal: statewide, replicable model. Collaborative approach: businesses, churches, nonprofits, schools, municipalities. Scale & Growth Budget in 2010: $14,000. Budget in 2025: $34 million (cash + in-kind). 1,013 partner organizations (Jan–July 2025). ~40 staff, thousands of volunteers (saving ~$3M in wage dollars annually). Facilities: 10 locations, 300+ distribution partners, 7 drive-throughs. Food turns over within 24 hours. Approach Collaboration: everyone brings something to the table. Recipients are also contributors, reflecting biblical sharing (Acts, Corinthians). Theme 2025: “It’s not about us.” Focus on Jesus, love, forgiveness, unity. Works to shift Birmingham’s global reputation from hate (civil rights era) to love. Global Connection Partnering with Beats and Books in South Africa. Building unity across races and cultures, learning from each other. Exchange of teams between South Africa and Alabama. Birmingham’s “Stronger Award” extended internationally. Replication & Education Uses Food Rescue US app: mobilizes volunteers for daily food pickup (6 a.m.–11 p.m.). Donors protected under the Emerson Act (Good Samaritan law). U.S. food waste (40%) can be redirected to food-insecure (1 in 4 Alabamians). Teaches others how to replicate the model in their communities. Impact Story Woman from Colombia, initially angry and facing custody issues. Grace Klein invested in her spiritually and practically. Over five years, she softened, grew in intimacy with Christ, and now impacts her community. Jenny’s Perspective Wrote book: God Chose the Wrong Person. Believes God uses the “wrong” people to fulfill His purposes. Emphasizes surrender and reliance on Jesus. Prayer Requests For staff and volunteers to remain focused on Jesus. To not “grow weary in doing good.” NEXT WEEK: Jonathon Seidl, Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic Send your support for FIRST PERSON to the Far East Broadcasting Company: FEBC National Processing Center Far East Broadcasting Company P.O. Box 6020 Albert Lea, MN 56007 Please mention FIRST PERSON when you give. Thank you!