By LeRae Edwards Collins, Interim President & CEO
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” – Ephesians 3:20
Ephesians 3:20 has long been a guiding verse in my life. I tend to view the glass as half-full—a mindset rooted in hope and possibility. This verse takes that perspective even further. It reminds us that God doesn’t just meet our expectations, he exceeds them and does far more than we could ever ask or imagine. Whether we view life through the lens of abundance or scarcity, God is always at work within us, doing the unimaginable.
This powerful verse was also the theme of the Imagine No Malaria initiative, which was a mission opportunity to raise funds for and awareness of a preventable disease. I had the privilege of leading that effort in Holston many years ago, and I was continually amazed by the creative, faithful responses from individuals and churches across our conference. Holston stepped up and gave more than we could have ever dreamed.
As we approach World Malaria Day on Friday, April 25, I’ve found myself reflecting on the lessons that experience taught me—not just about malaria, but about hope, generosity, and the power of community and connection. Those lessons continue to shape my perspective now as I serve the Holston Foundation as interim President and CEO. I no longer see just a glass half-full—I see a future filled with the possibility of “more than we can ask or imagine.”
Here are just a few of those possibilities giving me hope today:
- This week, pastors and laity from the Holston Conference are traveling with Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett on a Wesleyan heritage tour of the United Kingdom. The Holston Foundation is honored to support 15 clergy as part of our three-year commitment to the Bishop’s Pilgrimage. We pray this journey renews their spirit and strengthens their call to serve.
- Grant applications have poured in from across the Holston Conference and beyond. Our grants committee is currently reviewing proposals, and we look forward to announcing recipients soon. These grants help fuel the work of our churches and ministries and turn faithful vision into real impact.
- A longtime church member, whose family were charter members and who has faithfully attended for over 50 years, recently established a fund to support the church’s present and future needs. Their act of generosity is a testament to a lasting legacy—one that will shape the ministry of their congregation for generations to come.
- Scholarship applications are now open for students pursuing higher education and seminary. These scholarships are made possible by the generosity of donors who believe in the power of education and have committed their legacies to supporting future leaders and pastors. Apply here until May 2
The Message paraphrases Ephesians 3:20 this way: “God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.”
As we move through this week, may we open our hearts to see the possibilities God places before us—possibilities of hope, gratitude, and generosity.
For questions or further information, please contact LeRae Edwards Collins at lcollins@holstonfoundation.org or 865-690-8124.