Against The Grain

The Kendall’s had made it. They had achieved the American Dream. They were both self-employed with two six-figure incomes and had the life they had always hoped for. All of that changed in January of 2002 when Meredith had a nagging feeling that their lives lacked significance. After a series of arguments, Rob committed to close his business and spend a sabbatical year searching for their purpose in life…the quest began on April 1, 2002.
During that year Rob learned that the vast majority of services offered to people in poverty do not reflect a Biblical model for ministry. Through his study he found that God had established very specific standards for serving in ways that required action out of those needing the help. The Israelite's were told to leave the edges of their fields and not go over their crops twice, so the poor could come and gather what was left. The poor were always provided for, but large donation programs did not exist. The poor had to show up and do the work. As the year came to an end, they developed a relationship with a 23-year-old single mother in poverty.
She was a third generation unwed mother who had dropped out of High School in 10th grade because she was pregnant. She had little education, job skills or hope. The Kendall’s committed to assist this young lady as she fought to break free from the government systems. By May this young lady had 8 friends who desired the same training and support system and the Kendall’s agreed to help.
That young single mother grew into an incredible woman and professed faith in Christ. As she began a new spiritual life, her personal life improved as well. She returned to school, graduated and began running a family medical practice. After a few years she accepted a job with a national healthcare company and soon became a supervisor. She got married, had another child and is now a stay-at-home mother raising her children.
The ministry continued to grow and Advancing the Gospel was incorporated and received a 501(c)(3) non-profit status on August 4, 2003 as a faith-based, social change organization. AtG continued to serve more individuals every year through volunteers and partnerships and in 2010 the Kendall’s were asked to begin teaching other organizations to use The 180 Program and a restorative model of ministry.
Today, AtG continues to serve in Middle Tennessee and is reaching thousands of others on an annual basis through partnerships with churches who are trained and equipped to offer the same life-giving services in their own communities.
For more information on partnership opportunities or how to bring Advancing the Gospel and The 180 Program to your community, contact Meredith Kendall – Meredith@