The Pearl House Podcast

On this final episode of 2023 - Courtney & Steve want to say thank you for helping to make this dream from the Lord possible. As we continue to give HOPE in Ghana, we want to continually express our thanks for your support in making this work a reality. We could not do it without you! If you feel led to give, visit thepearlhouse.org/donate to find out how you can get involved and help change lives. 

On this episode we're talking about a precious Pearl with a smile that lights up a room - Eunice! And if you're interested in helping The Pearl House continue changing lives and giving HOPE - visit thepearlhouse.org and sign up for one of our events or donate now to help us continue this mission. 

This month's episode we're talking about one of our original 20 Pearls - Olivia. Listen to the ways this precious girl has captured our hearts over the past 10 years. 

My, oh my - this is precious! Clara sits down with 3 of the Pearls to talk about the past 10 years and all that God has done. Rhoda, Olivia, and Mercy - 3 of our original 20 Pearls came to The Pearl House on July 13, 2013 - share about their lives when they first came to The Pearl House and how their futures are brighter because of the opportunities they've been given. Girls, we are so honored to watch you grow and help share the love of Jesus with you. You are inspiring us all to shine bright! 

For this very special episode - all of our founders are together in Ghana celebrating our 10th Anniversary! The Courtneys & Steve sit down and share about some of the incredible moments from the weekend and think back on all that God has done over the past decade. We are grateful to get to do this work and look forward to the next decade to come! 

Today is officially our 10 year anniversary! And while this podcast was recorded in advance so we could get it edited in time, we are so excited to be celebrating in Ghana all that God has done at The Pearl House. Look at our social media pages for live updates from the festivities and celebrate with us! If you would like to be a part of helping us continue for the next 10 years, please consider giving $10, $100, $1000, or whatever you are able to help continue giving hope! Click here to help us reach our goal as we celebrate a decade of work in Ghana. 

This month's episode we are talking about our team that makes this work happen day in and day out. Over the past 10 years it's incredible to see how it's grown. We are beyond grateful! Listen to Clara, Courtney and Steve visit about some of our team. Oh, and that noise was Steve. 

We're celebrating 10 years at The Pearl House this year! In honor of a decade of this amazing work we get to be a part of we're sharing stories from some of our Pearls and how their lives look different because of the opportunities they've been given.This month, we're talking about one of our original pearls - Lawrencia. Her smile and laugh are contagious. And as she's studying for the next chapter in her life, we're excited to see how God is going to use her to change her world!Click here to see the video she did the voiceover on!

This episode we're talking about one of our Pearls who embodies what it means to seize the opportunity she's given. She's driven and motivated to learn and grow. We are excited to see all the doors she will run through in this life! 

This episode Steve, Courtney & Clara sit down to talk about another precious Pearl's story. Rhoda is one of the original 20 Pearls to come to The Pearl House 10 years ago, and she has brightened that house with her smile since day 1! To see her grow and thrive has been a blessing to be a part of...and we cannot wait to see what opportunities God has for her in the future! Click here to see young Rhoda and hear more about the opportunities the Pearl House helps to create: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=gNM0znyR_CI

We're kicking off a new series this season celebrating 10 years of The Pearl House! We're reflecting back on all that God has done and the lives He's continuing to transform in this work. Listen to stories from the Pearls and get a glimpse what it was like when they first arrived at TPH. We're celebrating God's faithfulness then and now on the 13th of each month (our anniversary!). Will you celebrate with us? Join us on the 13th of each month for a time of prayer and fasting. Here's to the next 10 years!

On this episode of The Pearl House Podcast, Steve and Courtney sit down and talk about one of the questions we get asked a lot: "Where does the money go?"People often question how much of their donation is really making a difference going directly to "the work" a non-profit is committed to. We believe it is a part of our calling to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to us. Our aim is to keep our budgets as transparent as possible. We regularly bring in third parties to audit our finances to help ensure financial integrity. While we do have overhead costs, we strive to keep those balanced and fair, while putting as much money as possible to the immediate needs. If you have questions about our finances, reach out to Steve and he'd be happy to connect with you. 

New Years always brings thoughts about resolutions for the year to come and reflection on the past. Courtney sits down with Steve and talk about their thoughts on resolutions. Are they helpful? Is it even worth trying? Well, something is better than nothing. You can do it! Get your friends and some sort of accountability, and keep moving forward. Even if it's baby steps, you're still heading in the right direction.The Bullard's share their resolution words for the year and we want to know yours. Tell us New Years Resolutions that changed your life and share your word of the year. 

What's your word for 2023? Courtney chooses a word as a theme or focus for each new year, so what's yours?On this week's story, Shastin shares about her time at The Pearl House Academy and the way serving impacted her.If you are interested in going to The Pearl House, let us know at info@thepearlhouse.org.

Merry Christmas everyone! Courtney shares an encouraging word with us this week about being present this week as we celebrate this season, and shares a story from one of our buds - Ryan (AKA Abs) and how he joined the story of The Pearl House. Their story of sponsorship is precious! We are so thankful for each of our sponsors - we could not do this work without you!If you're interested in becoming a sponsor, we have a few girls who still need sponsors! Please let us know you want to sponsor a Pearl at info@thepearlhouse.org. 

This is a treat! Clara and Steve sat down to talk with two of our board members who recently visited The Pearl House! Eric & Bob share about their time there, how the Pearls joy is contagious, and talk about how sponsoring Pearls is making a difference not only in the lives of these girls, but also in their own lives. If you're interested in learning more about becoming a sponsor or how you can help make a difference, visit thepearlhouse.org or email us at info@thepearlhouse.org. 

Courtney shares a story from Diana and how she was inspired by what God was doing in Ghana and wanted to join Him in this work! 

Big things happening this week on the podcast! First, this story comes from Melissa. She shares about how her family has graciously opened their hearts to sponsoring a Pearl and gaining another daughter. This work would not be possible without our sponsors! Thank you for your generosity and for making a difference in these precious lives!Today's Gala Day! We are so excited for you to join us and hear all about what God is doing at The Pearl House and how you can be a part of this work! Claim your free online ticket at thepearlhousegala.org and we'll see you tonight!

This week Courtney shares a story from Vicki about her trip to Ghana just days after the first group of Pearls arrived in the home. Listen to how God instantly connected her with the Pearls and forever changed her and her family's life. We are so thankful for Vicki and our supporters who want to be a part of the story!2

This week Courtney shares about Sarah's visit to Ghana to meet the Pearls. Sarah talks about the impact of seeing their overwhelming kindness and the power of communal prayer. If you are interested in taking a life-changing trip, reach out to us at info@thepearlhouse.org for more information. 

Courtney and Clara are buzzing with excitement for our fast approaching Memphis and Tulsa fundraisers...it may be because they're chomping on espresso beans or the pure joy from being part of The Pearl House story, but whatever it is - we're here for it. Today's story comes from our videographer Ben. He's been to The Pearl House each year to bring the story of what God is doing in Ghana around the world. Because of his videos, so many are introduced to this work and can see with their own eyes the beautiful Pearls God has entrusted us with. We are so thankful for you, Ben! If you'd like to see the newest updates (courtesy of Ben's mad skills) about what's been happening in Ghana, come to one of our events! If you're in the Memphis area, we'll be there for Boots & Pearls on November 17th (visit thepearlhouse.org/events for more info and to sign up). If you're in the Tulsa area, we'd love to see you at our Gala on November 29th - however we're also livestreaming that event if you're out of town! So sign up today at thepearlhousegala.org and help us continue this work for years to come! 

This week our story comes from Lauren Anderson, who shares about her trip to Ghana. 

This week's episode features one of our precious Pearls - Eunice! She is one of our original Pearls, a joy to be around and shines so brightly. Hear about when she first came to The Pearl House and a little bit about her. Have we mentioned how much our Pearls love their Auntie Clara? Well, you can hear some more about it in this story! Mark your calendars for our Memphis Boots & Pearls event November 17th and our annual Gala November 29th. Sign up for one or both today at thepearlhouse.org/events

This week's episode is a little different. last month, Courtney had the opportunity to speak at Jenks Church & share about The Pearl House there. This message is a wonderful reminder that our God can be trusted and that His plans for us are good. 

Courtney shares a story this week from Jana Baccus. Jana shares how God's call on her life knows no bounds and is still being written day by day. She shares about her trip to Ghana and how the Pearls have impacted her life. Do you have a story about The Pearl House you'd like to share? We'd love to hear it! Send your story in to info@thepearlhouse.org. 

We are so excited about this episode! Courtney visits with Abi Dare. If you haven't read her book, check it out now. It is a powerful perspective for young girls finding their louding voice and place in this world. Abi talks about her inspiration and process in writing this book and heart behind it. We can't recommend this book enough!  Here's more about The Girl With The Louding Voice: The unforgettable, inspiring story of a teenage girl growing up in a rural Nigerian village who longs to get an education so that she can find her “louding voice” and speak up for herself, The Girl with the Louding Voice is a simultaneously heartbreaking and triumphant tale about the power of fighting for your dreams.  Despite the seemingly insurmountable obstacles in her path, Adunni never loses sight of her goal of escaping the life of poverty she was born into so that she can build the future she chooses for herself – and help other girls like her do the same.  Her spirited determination to find joy and hope in even the most difficult circumstances imaginable will “break your heart and then put it back together again” (Jenna Bush Hager on The Today Show) even as Adunni shows us how one courageous young girl can inspire us all to reach for our dreams…and maybe even change the world. Shop through Amazon Smile to buy The Girl With The Louding Voice and Amazon will make a donation to The Pearl House: https://smile.amazon.com/

This is wonderful! Clara just got back from Ghana last week, and she's brought back stories from some of our Pearls! This week, we get to hear from Comfort about her journey to The Pearl House. Listen to this to be encouraged that the little things make a big difference. Tune in next week to hear another story. 

This week, Courtney shares a story from Felicia. She's a long-time supporter of The Pearl House and has been able to visit Ghana. In this story, she shares how the connect she felt with one of the Pearls has changed both of their lives. We are so thankful we can share precious stories like these! 

This week's story is from our friend Jennifer. She's been a long-time supporter of The Pearl House and this is a perfect example of how God has carefully woven each thread of this tapestry together before we could ever see it. You must hear this, and grab the tissues! 

Our story today comes from Melissa. She's been a friend of Courtney G.'s for a long time and has supported The Pearl House from the beginning. Melissa shares one of the ways she's been impacted most by this work is hearing the Pearls prayers. Listen to this prayer and be reminded of who God is - not only for the Pearls in Ghana - but for you, wherever you may be listening. 

Courtney shares a story from one of our friends in Tulsa, Sarah. She grew up in Steve's youth group (bless her heart

If you've heard the story of how the Pearl House got started, you know it was totally a God thing. But this story from Jim H. takes it one step further in laying the foundation of this work. Every time we hear these perspectives, our faith is encouraged and our hearts are challenged to keep up this work we're blessed to be a part of! 

My, oh my. This is cool. Courtney is fresh off her recent trip to Ghana, and in addition to her glowing tan, she's beaming about what God has done/is doing/will do in and through The Pearl House. She and Clara talk about her time at The Pearl House, and how God is in every detail, including disinfecting your area of the plane. Listen and you'll know why. For more information about the Courtney's birthday fundraiser, visit thepearlhouse.org/donate. 

On today's episode, Courtney talks with her youngest, Charlotte, about the difference the Pearls have made in her life and the difference she is making in her friends lives. No matter your age, you are impacting people around you. 

This week Courtney talks with her oldest daughter, Francesca about becoming a teenager, The Pearl House, and how her sisters have changed her life. 

Courrtney & Clara sit down with Hailey and talk about how she's using her gifts, however small they may seem, to serve others in a big way. She is a wonderful volunteer and we are so thankful she's a part of The Pearl House story. 

Today Court & Clara share a story from one of our wonderful sponsors, Britni. She shares about how her family joined the story of The Pearl House, the joy of sponsoring, and how this story continues to change lives around the world - lives of the Pearls and the lives of supporters - because of how great our God is. He is still changing things. He is still providing. He is still faithful. 

This week Clara gets double the fun while Courtney is away with Emily helping host and Steve telling the stories from The Pearl House. If you've been on this journey with us for a while,  this is an encouraging reminder of the work we get to be a part of in the lives of the Pearls. 

On this episode of TPH Podcast, we've got a double surprise. First, Clara's co-host is the other Bullard (to clarify - Steve) and the shenanigans never cease. Our other surprise is that Teacher Tiff might have commandeered our podcast to make it her own about education. We're kidding. But for real, her perspective and insight from her time at The Pearl House Academy are incredible reminders that just because you'd do something differently doesn't make your way better. She talks about the incredible growth of the Academy and the challenges that brings, but the awesome blessing it is to be a part of this story. If you or someone you know is an educator or interested in learning more about international education, listen to this episode! 

As Clara tries to get the taste of some bad protein bars out of her mouth, Courtney shares about her first trip to meet the Pearls. She talks about the awesome and awkward moments of The Pearl House dedication, and that through it all, we find ourselves in the middle of what God is doing in Ghana. 

This week's episode is like sitting around with your besties and reminiscing about good times. Emily's story reminds us of the value in 'being the fly on the wall'  and taking in every moment when you get the chance to be a part of something big God is doing.

This may be one of our favorite podcast episodes because this is one of our favorite Pearl House people. By now, you've probably heard the story of how The Pearl House began. But this week's episode is a story from Kathy. She and Courtney have been like PB&J long before The Pearl House chapter started. Kathy has been along for the journey from the first step, and if you know her, you know that she's one of the most amazing people to have in your corner. Her heart for Jesus and the way she serves is a bar that's set high for many of us who see how she keeps our crew pointed in the right direction. Not to mention, she's got some major scooter skills. What? Y'all don't ride? 

If you want to hear Clara tease Courtney about old tech, this episode has some of that. It also has a wonderful story from Allison about her time with the Pearls in Ghana. We are loving hearing from you all, so keep your stories coming! Send them to info@thepearlhouse.org and we'll share them on a future episode of the podcast! 

Courtney and Clara talk about back in 2013 when we first began this journey. As TPH's first intern, Clara shares a blog post she wrote when the girls were first starting school & learning English. We hope this episode blesses you bigly big and that your this is that by this. (Listen and you'll get it.)If you are interested in interning at The Pearl House, visit thepearlhouse.org/get-involved

Courtney & Clara share about our summer excitement and VBS! Then we hear a wonderful story about the slower pace in Ghana and bread day at TPH from former intern Jamie.  If your church is interested in partnering with us for VBS or another event, contact us at info@thepearlhouse.org

Courtney & Clara are ready for summer and the pool, so if you have one we can use, holla. But the real story is from former intern Oakley. This will definitely make you smile as she shares about how the most random moments can make the most cherished memories. 

Courtney & Clara drool over a Pearl House specialty and we hear another story from former intern Midge. If you know Midge, this story conveys her heart so beautifully and it's no wonder our Pearls connected with her so deeply. If you are interested in becoming an intern at The Pearl House, visit thepearlhouse.org and click "Get Connected". 

Clara and Court are back from Texas and have experienced the wonder that is Buccee's (IYKYK). Clara shares a story about the first time she returned to The Pearl House and the wonderful welcome she received from the Pearls. They do love their people well. 

This week Court & Clara are recovering from a very busy April and looking forward to a little roadtrip coming up. We hear a story from former intern Breckin about her time at the Pearl House & how the simple things we often take for granted become a huge blessing when our perspective is focused on our Provider. 

Courtney & Clara share stories from former intern Jacqui and how the maybe "regular" days that shaped and molded her during her time in Ghana. The value of doing life together in community with other believers grows us in likeness to Jesus and one another. “The often unseen and unsung ways we spend our time are what form us.” - Tish WarrenJacqui, thank you for giving part of your heart to The Pearl House and for serving so selflessly. We are so thankful that you are a part of our story!If you or someone you know might be interested in interning at The Pearl House, visit thepearlhouse.org to get involved. 

Clara and Courtney share a story from former Pearl House intern Oakley and how her time in Ghana changed her life. We are so thankful for our interns who serve and love these Pearls so well! Thank you for being a part of The Pearl House story. If you have a story you'd like to share about TPH, send it to info@thepearlhouse.org.