Charita

Program Alumni Spotlight: Christen Populus

Every journey of faith begins with a desire for something deeper. Following a season of profound grief and searching, one educator joined our nine-month program to truly discover who Jesus is and who she was created to be.

What started as a search for answers ignited a complete transformation. As a proud graduate of our 2022 class, Christen steps boldly in her God-given identity—using her rooted biblical foundation to launch a children’s Bible study and inspire the next generation. Read her powerful story of faith, identity and purpose.

Why did you join The S.A.L.T. Connection program?

I joined The S.A.L.T. Connection in Fall of 2021 after speaking with my aunt about wanting to dive deeper in my knowledge of the Bible. Growing up, I attended church, but only routinely. In 2014 after losing my brother, I wanted to know more about who Jesus is, who I am, and what the word says about coming to the Lord. It was then I was introduced to SALT and decided this program was exactly what my heart was yearning for.

What challenges did our program help you with?

I struggled with my past identity, identifying as others knew me and not knowing my true calling. During the nine months of the program, I remember feeling a light being lit within me, the burning desire I felt was ignited. Upon graduating in Spring of 2022, I truly knew what being SALT was and still is.

My knowledge of who I am in God has truly turned my life around for the better. The word says “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1 John 3:1 I can now boldly walk in my new GOD given identity as a child of the most high.”

How has our program helped you pour into others?

I have been in education for the past six years, pouring into the children I teach inside the classroom. My love for kids has grown, and I felt if I am leading them in a classroom, why not lead them in the word as well. My experience in the classroom only helped me formulate this children’s bible study.

I have two young daughters of my own, and my prayer for them daily is to have a loving fear of God, to know who they are in Christ and to walk in his will. With this children’s bible study class, my goal is to plant a seed, teach them to pray, show them what the Bible says about our identity and teach them the truth of who God is. The world will influence and pour what it wants into our children. It is our job to teach them the biblical truth and lead them to the light, teaching them to be the light!

A key scripture in my life in regard to children and my desire to pour into them comes from Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

What is one main reason you would encourage another woman to join our program? 

I would encourage all women who want to dive deeper into their God given identity to join, whether you are a newborn Christian or a seasoned Christian. This class helps to open your eyes to the world around you as well as the spiritual world. I would say, before the SALT class I was blind, only hearing what the word says.

Now, I am able to walk boldly, both seeing and hearing the word. Now that my biblical knowledge is rooted, I am able to walk out what God has called me to do through His son, Christ. 

Interested in sharing your alumni story? Email us below!

Program Alumni Spotlight: Sheila Spikes

When an individual finds their true identity and purpose, the ripple effect can transform an entire community. As a proud graduate of the The S.A.L.T. Connection’s pioneering Alpha Class of 2016, alumna Sheila Spikes reflects on a decade of profound personal healing, active local outreach and a lifelong calling to uplift and empower women.

Why did you join The S.A.L.T. Connection program?

There are several reasons why I decided to join the S.A.L.T. Connection. For a long time, I felt like something was missing in my life, and after trying many different ways to fill that void with no lasting success, I met the founder of the program.

While spending time with her, I realized that I needed a relationship with God. I knew the only way to build that relationship was to truly get to know Him and understand who I was to Him. Guided by this realization, I applied to the program and was accepted. It has been the best life decision I could have ever made.

What challenges did our program help you with?

Through the program, I learned how to study the Bible, which has helped me overcome many personal challenges.

Learning who God is and understanding my identity in Him helped me realize that I am loved unconditionally and eternally. Knowing this freed me from the fear of failure, the guilt of feeling inadequate, and the opinions of others. Ultimately, it has helped me overcome low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness.

How has our program helped you pour into others?

Having been a member of The S.A.L.T. Connection for 10 years, I have had many wonderful opportunities to serve and support others. Through my church’s Outreach Ministry—including our Food Pantry, Community Garden, and work at the Our Daily Bread Homeless Shelter—I am able to demonstrate Christ’s love by meeting tangible needs, offering encouragement, and building meaningful relationships.

These experiences allow me to walk alongside other women, sharing the Word of God and helping them recognize their own strengths and potential. I am excited that two of my church members will be a part of the new class starting this month.

Additionally, my time with S.A.L.T. inspired me to join the board of “Crossing Jordan The Next Steps,” a nonprofit maternity home for women in crisis pregnancies. God has truly blessed our work, and in partnership with S.A.L.T., we will open our first home on October 1, 2026, in The Colony, Texas, to address vital needs within our community.

What is one main reason you would encourage another woman to join our program? 

I would encourage other women to join the SALT so they would be able to learn how to study the Bible and know who God is and the importance of having a relationship with Him. Also, they would learn Scripture and be able to apply it to their own lives for victorious living and to impact other women’s lives.

Interested in sharing your alumni story? Email us below!

Program Alumni Spotlight: Tracey Williams

Sometimes, life’s most painful moments are exactly where we find our true purpose. For SALT Connection alumna Tracey Williams, hitting rock bottom wasn’t the end of her story—it was the beginning of a profound spiritual awakening. In our latest spotlight feature, Tracey shares how a timely knock on her door and a deeply rooted community helped her transform her deepest pain into a powerful passion for helping others.

Why did you join The S.A.L.T. Connection program?

I initially avoided the program because I was intimidated by what it might require from me. I wasn’t for sure if I was ready to be challenged or vulnerable in that way. The Holy Spirit told Charita to come and get me, and I am forever grateful for her obedience. I eventually realized that the very reasons I was resisting were the exact reasons I needed it.

What challenges did our program help you with?

When I started the program, I was in the middle of a life-changing season. It helped me understand why I was going through what I was experiencing at that time and brought clarity, healing and spiritual growth. I was surrounded by a group of women who walked with me through that season, so I never felt like I was going through it alone.

How has our program helped you pour into others?

The program has strengthened my relationship with the Lord, deepening my understanding of his word and equipping me to encourage, support and pray for those around me with greater wisdom and compassion. It has also given me structure and the confidence to challenge myself rather than remain in my comfort zone.                                

What is one main reason you would encourage another woman to join our program? 

I encourage anyone seeking a deeper, more intimate relationship with the Lord to join this program. It provides a supportive environment where you can grow in your faith without having to navigate the journey alone. 

Interested in sharing your alumni story? Email us below!

Program Alumni Spotlight: Danica Harris

We’re proud of our program graduates and praise God for their continued growth and mentoring of others to grow their faith and walk in Jesus! For this month, we’re highlighting Danica’s journey to overcoming her lifelong insecurities to becoming a pillar for the organization, a spiritual counselor to mentor others and beyond.

Why did you join The S.A.L.T. Connection program?

I wanted to find an intimate setting to learn how to really read and study the bible with other believers. Charita was the only teacher when I started the nine-month program. I knew she was very intentional and passionate about learning, teaching and applying God’s Word to daily life. When I started the program, I wasn’t an early believer, but I had not fully learned or understood how to build my personal relationship with God.

What challenges did our program help you with?

As a child through my teenage years, I often felt “different.” I mostly grew up in church and always had a strong conviction of what’s right and wrong. Far from perfect, but I wasn’t into many things my peers were into. I’ve often felt like an outsider being viewed by others as being “Ms. Goody Two Shoes”, no fun, etc.

The S.A.L.T. Connection helped me accept my spiritual gifts, understanding that God created each of us for His purpose. Through studying, discussing and discovering I began to comfortably and fully grasp who I am in God’s eyes. 

How has our program helped you pour into others?

Since graduating from the inaugural 2016 class, I’ve volunteered for The SALT Connection in many ways. I currently serve as the treasurer of the board of directors, but have also served as the secretary and president of the board in the past.

I’m on planning committees and teams throughout the organization. I’ve also worked with other women’s groups. My husband and I became certified spiritual counselors and lead the marriage ministry in our previous church. Lastly, we informally but intentionally mentor family members and the community.                                  

What is one main reason you would encourage another woman to join our program? 

The S.A.L.T. Connection transforms lives. It’s building God’s Kingdom, making disciples and creating lifelong memories and friendships. 

Interested in sharing your alumni story? Email us below!