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Program Alumni Spotlight: Royetta Hutchins

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 Royetta’s journey to becoming a spiritual mentor and teacher, helping others grow in Christ.

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

I initially joined the nine-month program to participate in a small-group Bible study and deepen my understanding of God’s Word. 

What challenges did our program help you with?

One of the challenges The S.A.L.T. Connection program helped me with was my tendency to seek validation from others rather than from God. Before SALT, I often measured my worth by people’s opinions, approval, or expectations, which affected my confidence and decision-making.

Through the program, I learned to better understand my identity in Christ and to recognize that my value comes from who God says I am, not from external affirmation. The S.A.L.T. Connection helped me grow spiritually and a deepen my relationship with God. 

How has our program helped you pour into others?

The S.A.L.T. Connection has helped me gain confidence in sharing God’s Word and pouring into others. I’ve been able to continue serving as a teacher and spiritual mentor within the organization, as well as teach in other settings. The nonprofit’s program strengthened my faith and gave me the confidence to lead, encourage, and support others in their walk with Christ.                                     

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

I would encourage women to join The S.A.L.T. Connection program because it provides a positive, supportive environment with like-minded women who are growing in their faith and correctly dividing the Word of God. It’s a space where genuine relationships are built, many of which continue and grow even beyond the nine-month program.

Interested in sharing your alumni story? Email us below!

Program Alumni Spotlight: Shellram Calhoun

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 Shellram’s journey to becoming one of God’s faithful scribes.

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

In 2019, I embarked on a journey to forge a deeper connection with God. For seven consistent years, I had faithfully attended church and participated in a Wednesday and Thursday 6 am prayer call. I soon began to recognize a gift developed through seven years of consistent 6 am prayer calls: the ability to convert powerful messages into mini devotionals and share them weekly with over 50 people.

When the calls ended, my passion for writing persisted. I joined The S.A.L.T. Connection’s mentoring program, intending to become a better writer and author a devotional.

However, God used the program to strip away my selfish ambition and deepen my faith. My class instructor affirmed my calling, telling me I was “one of God’s best scribes,” but emphasized the program was for transformation, not personal agenda.

Ultimately, this program transformed my life and led me to a stronger connection with God.

What challenges did our program help you with?

The nine months, from September 2019 to May 2020, felt like a continuous passage through sickness and death. It began with the loss of my aunt in September 2019. Then, as 2020 began, the world seemed to stop: March brought the terrifying COVID shutdown.

April was the cruelest month. I lost my Dad right before I had to take my midterm. The pain was immense, but the losses kept coming. Just thirty days later, in May, my uncle passed away.

Facing three major losses in such a short time, especially the devastating grief of losing my dad, was nearly impossible. Honestly, the only thing that allowed me to persevere through that overwhelming pain and sadness was the unwavering love and encouragement of my sister bond.

How has our program helped you pour into others?

The program helped me to become a better writer that listens to the small voice of my Heavenly Father who speaks to me through prayer and reading devotionals.  For the last five years I have used my scribe gift as a spiritual blogger for The S.A.L.T. Connection ministry.  

I’m still waiting on a published devotional, but look at God, he’s definitely strengthening my writing skills and allowing me to share His word on a platform larger than 50 people. He always makes a way when you deny yourself, stay humble and draw closer to Him.                                       

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

Ladies, if you’re seeking a safe place to lay your burdens down without judgment, learn to study and apply the word of God in your life. If an experience of true fellowship with mentors and instructors who pray, encourage and provide spiritual guidance to you then The S.A.L.T. Connection is waiting for you. 

Interested in sharing your alumni story? Email us below!