Hope at the Door

How a faith-based recovery ministry is providing security and second chances at GC Session.

The ultimate goal is to offer people in difficult situations a path forward.

A small group of women working security at the 2025 General Conference Session have a story that goes beyond badge checks and bag screenings.

Website to convention: https://www.gcsession.org/

The team, all participants in a faith-based recovery program called Oneway Restoration, traveled from Mobile, Alabama, United States, to work at the convention center this week. They’re serving as part of a broader effort coordinated through Kingdom Promotions and Andy Frain Services to provide staffing support for major events across the U.S.

“We’ve been here since last week,” said Natalie Hord, one of the team members. “We get here at 5 a.m., and while the first few days were long—17-hour shifts—it’s slowed down now. We’re working regular eight-hour days.”

The women are part of a nine-month residential program designed to help individuals struggling with addiction, abuse, homelessness, and other life challenges. The program is provided at no cost to participants and is funded entirely through donations and work opportunities like this one.

Hord said she was referred to the program by a social worker after a period of unstable housing. “I told her I didn’t have permanent housing, and she gave me the number for Oneway Restoration,” she said. “She told me, ‘This is the one that's really going to help you get your life together the most.’”

Participants live in a dorm-style home, attend daily Bible studies, and receive ministry training with an emphasis on the writings of Paul and the apostles. After completing the program, many stay involved in ministry, while others are supported in finding employment and housing.

During the GC Session, the women are responsible for morning security shifts. Another team from a local St. Louis ministry, which has partnered with GC Session in previous years, takes over in the afternoon.

Hord said attendees have been respectful and kind. “People thank us for keeping them safe. Some bring pins or souvenirs. Someone even brought a big box of cookies yesterday!” she said.

While language barriers sometimes pose a challenge, Hord said guests often use their phones to translate, or other attendees step in to interpret.

The security assignment also supports practical needs. “The money we earn goes back to the ministry,” Hord said. “It covers our food, housing, and even medical care. I just got to see an eye doctor and get glasses for the first time in years.”

Amber Duncan, another member of the team, explained how the arrangement works. “Kingdom Promotions contacts us about events, and we work through Andy Frain,” she said. “We’ve worked for state fairs, the Professional Golfers Association (PGA), and National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR), to name a few. It helps fund the ministry.”

Both Duncan and Hord said the ultimate goal is to offer people in difficult situations a path forward.

“Give Jesus a chance,” Hord said. “You never know what God has in store for you. So just give Him a chance, be obedient, work hard for the Lord, and He’ll work things out.”