Today we’d like to introduce you to Tennyson & Meka Smith.
Tennyson & Meka, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Vital 2 Life Ministries. a 501 (c) 3, non-profit organization, was birthed in the Fall of 2019 out of a deep personal tragedy. Our family faced the unimaginable when our eldest daughter was sexually assaulted by an acquaintance. We knew she would need extensive therapy, but the high cost of counseling in Katy left us feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. In a remarkable act of kindness, someone from our local church offered to counsel our daughter for free, and for as long as she needed. During this time God laid a calling on Tennyson’s heart to launch a counseling ministry; one that would increase accessibility, affordability, and breakdown the stigma surrounding mental health in the body of Christ. What begin with a few clients on Fridays quickly flourished.
Then, just as were gaining momentum, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. But, to God be the glory, we embraced the power of the pivot. We transitioned to virtual sessions, ensuring our clients continued receiving the care they needed. To our surprise the pandemic spiked our client roster. About a year later Vital 2 Life Counseling became a hub for the National Christian Counselors Association and started welcoming students aspiring to become Licensed Pastoral Counselors. Our client roster grew steadily, as did our reputation in Katy, Brookshire, and Fulshear.
By our second year, we expanded our services to include a Single Moms and Widows Ministry(now called Sisters in Strength); hosting back to school events, holiday grants, Mother’s Day outings and even small home improvement projects. By year three we added additional counselors enabling us to serve a larger demographic and even more families. For three wonderful years our little office inside of a house off of FM 1463 in Katy became a sanctuary where we could serve clients and provide community outreach. We relocated to our current location in Fulshear in Spring 2024.
Our guiding scripture has always been inspired by Matthew 18:12, “Chasing After the One!” We have never turned anyone away regardless of their ability to pay. We would not have been able to do that without the longstanding commitment and dedication of our partners that keep this ministry afloat.
Within the last year Vital 2 Life Ministries embarked on an exciting new chapter with the soft launch of our church. Today we are thriving and growing as a multi-faceted organization: a counseling ministry, a church, and a school dedicated to serving and uplifting our community through faith. hope, and the love of Jesus Christ. We could not be more honored and humbled at how God has built this ministry.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, the journey has not been smooth by far, but it has been profoundly worth it. From the very beginning, we faced challenges such as finding a location, growing our client roster, and figuring out how to get our name out into the community. Partnering with those who shared our vision was not always easy, and then the pandemic hit creating obstacles we could never have imagined.
One of the deepest struggles has been the emotional weight of seeing people in some of the roughest seasons of their lives and feeling like we couldn’t do enough for them. We have run ourselves thin, tirelessly connecting clients to other community resources, praying over each need, and holding space for their pain, all while longing to see God’s people truly free. The desire to serve fully, yet being limited by human capacity, has been both a spiritual blessing and a burden.
Through it all we’ve learned what it truly means to “Chase After the One”, to love people sacrificially and to give of ourselves the sake of others. The road has been difficult, but every struggle has strengthened our ministry, our resolve, and deepened our faith and confirm that pursuing God’s heart for His people is always worth it.
Our day-to-day challenge lies in the area of finances. As our ministry has grown, so have the needs of those we serve. Yet, since our launch in 2019, we have intentionally chosen not to increase our counseling fees in order to remain accessible to those in need. During that same time, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, consumer prices have risen by nearly 25%. This reality means our ministry relies heavily on the generosity of our community, particularly through our annual fall fundraiser, to help us meet our yearly budget and continue providing care and support without financial barriers. Our upcoming fundraiser; Black & White Gala will commence in Katy on Saturday, November 1st at the Courtyard at Katy Mills.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Vital 2 Life Ministries, our work is rooted in service and guided by God’s heart. Tennyson, who came from Corporate America, felt called over 10 years ago to step into full time ministry. I have a 25-year background in health care to include nursing and respiratory therapy, bringing a wealth of experience and compassion to the ministry. Pastor Tennyson focuses on marriage and family counseling, group therapy, as well as individuals. My focus is on Crisis and Trauma counseling, individuals, and marriage counseling. Together we focus on building the kingdom, community outreach, faith-based support, while helping people navigate life’s most challenging moments.
We are most proud of what God has done through this ministry that was literally built from the ground up. We became a 501 (c) 3 organization during global pandemic when most government offices were closed. That was truly God’s providence. Each client we serve, each program we launch, each soul added to the kingdom, and each life touched is a testament to His guidance and the faithful people He has sent to further this vision.
What sets us apart is that we do this work as unto the Lord. We love people right where they are, but we also care deeply about helping them see God within themselves and take the steps toward freedom and healing. We are committed to getting into the trenches with those we serve, walking along beside them and helping them experience true salvation and restoration. At the heart of it all, we are servants; driven not by recognition, but by faith, love, and obedience to God’s calling.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
My favorite thing about living in the Katy/Fulshear/Brookshire area is the incredible diversity and sense of community. This is an incredible place to raise a family! I love seeing the growth that has already taken place and continues to unfold. There’s always something happening, family events, local activities, and opportunities to gather. That energy makes the area feel vibrant and welcoming. I also value the safety and peace of mind that comes with living in this area.
If I were to suggest one area of improvement, it would be the long, drawn-out construction projects that impact traffic. But I understand that though inconvenient at times, these projects are part of making our city better for everyone. Please keep giving us great restaurants and activities and we won’t need to go into Houston at all!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vital2life.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onechasers/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chasingafterthe1/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOClm0ZPgWPl3S25QL5cuog
