TGIW--October 2025 Update

OCTOBER 2025 UPDATE

Here is the latest news from TGIW (Teaching God's Infinite Wisdom) in the Greater KC Metro Area for OCTOBER 2025!!

Our TGIW--Lee's Summit group, meets every Tuesday (6:40 a.m.) on ZOOM only. On Wednesday's (6:40 a.m.) we meet in person at The New Stanley Event Space (308 SE Douglas; Lee's Summit, MO), with a ZOOM option going on simultaneously along with FACEBOOK LIVE. Between 135-165 men participate each week from all over the nation. The FACEBOOK LIVE is a brand new addition in February 2024 and it is a private group (with 150+ current members), so let us know if you want to be added. We will continue this identical meeting format indefinitely.

For those participating on ZOOM (Tuesday's or Wednesday's)--Rod, Greg, Chris Bell and others will be on the line by 6:30 a.m. The TGIW--Lee's Summit permanent meeting ID # is: 816 309 7122 and the password is: 031360. If you have a choice on your ZOOM day, please consider joining us on Tuesday's, as it will be less chaotic. You can also connect to us either day on your phone.

For those requesting it, a formal ZOOM invitation will be sent to you on every Monday for the foreseeable future from TGIW with link information.

TGIW--Lee's Summit lessons can be viewed on YouTube!! Over 290+ TGIW lessons/480 videos, Q&A discussion and outline notes (from March 25, 2020 to present) are there! Go to the link below and while there, subscribe to our channel. We currently have 432 subscribers. https://www.youtube.com/c/rodhandley

All of our TGIW groups are meeting face-to-face. Please contact your specific leaders to determine your plan, if not noted below.

Our North Kansas City group meets LIVE (along with a ZOOM option) at the Parkville YMCA. Please contact Vince Stephenson (e-mail address in the NKC info below) for details.

Our Blue Springs group meets via ZOOM on Wednesday mornings as part of the Lee's Summit gatherings. Contact Glen Nash if you are interested in more information. Glen joined the Character that Counts staff in September 2021 operating under the name of "GOOD NEWS COACHING & COUNSELING." Check out the CTC website for detailed information on Glen and his new ministry or at: www.GoodNewsCoaching.org Glen has been leading the TGIW--Blue Springs since they launched back in 2003.

If you want to hear the playback of Rod Handley, Sherman Smith & John Trent (author of "The Blessing") discussing "Turning a Father Wound Into A Father's Blessing" from November 17, 2021 go to https://www.hisdeal.org/meetings/the-father-wound

Also, if you want to hear Rod share his personal testimony at "The Fellowship--Seattle Chapter" from Thursday, February 3, 2022 or hear Sherman Smith (from "Show Me the Father" share on February 10, 2022...go to our YouTube Channel and look for the CTC logo: https://www.YouTube.com/c/rodhandley

UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Thursday, October 30, 2025

7:00 - 9:00 a.m.

Sherman Smith & Deland McCollough

NBC TODAY SHOW

3-Minute Segment

Saturday, November 15, 2025

NCMM Men's Conference

Keynote Speaker: Sherman Smith

15 Workshop Options from Men's Ministry Leaders nationwide

FBC - Blue Springs

8:30 a.m. - 2:55 p.m.

Independence, MO

Individual registrations $45. If you want to be part of a reduced price of $35 per person, contact Rod and he'll include you with our group registration (see info flyer below).

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23rd Annual Golf Tournament RECAP - September 22, 2025

Guest Speaker: Brenton Bell

Breakfast - MB3 Restoration (Brenton Bell & Marshall Kintzele). Lunch catered by Chick-fil-A (Dustin Andrews & Lance Spencer)

Ironhorse Golf Course; Leawood, KS

We had 27 sponsors for 2025 tournament....a big thanks to all who particpated including 111 golfers!!

GOLD SPONSORS:

*MB3 Restoration - Brenton Bell & Marshall Kintzele

*Triune Financial Partners - Jeff Jaworski, Geoff Huber, Bob Sparrow, Bob Crew -- Partners

SILVER SPONSORS:

*Martin Mechanical Engineering - Jim Rogers & Seth Rogers

*Moyer & Descombes - BJ Moyer

*Open Door Financial - Jason & Rona Batt

*Orthosport Rehabilitation - Scott Ridings

*Schnick Construction Inc - Ron Schnick

*Summit Pointe Insurance Advisors - Chris Bell

*United Heating & Cooling - Mark McWilliams & Joe Lambert

BRONZE SPONSORS:

*Derek's Automotive Service - Derek Sanders & Austin Sanders

*Fender Family Dentistry - Dr. Roger Fender

*Raymond James Financial Services - Steve Heggs

*Stewardship Capital - Ron Finke

*Tom & Kari Lipscomb

*Friend of the Ministry - Anonymous

HOLE SPONSORS:

*Advocare - Cynthia Olson

*Beyond Wealth Advisors - John Kliewer

*Chick-fil-A - Lance Spencer (Lee's Summit) & Dustin Andrews (Overland Park)

*Foster Marketing Group - Stephen White

*God's Bucket Brigade - John Higginbotham

*Jim Hubbard Insurance - Jim Hubbard

*Midwest Ministers Fellowship - Howard Cordell

*Strother Fabrication - Tyler Schloss

*TK Roofing - Tom Knotts

*True Griff Printing - Kyle Griffin

*ZONE Coach - Dennis Bacon

*Friend of the Ministry - Anonymous

TGIW-Lee's Summit Locations & Speaker OCTOBER Line-Up

Tuesdays & Wednesday's. Zoom meeting starts @ 6:30 a.m.; announcements @ 6:40 a.m.; and teaching @ 6:45 a.m. Discussion time following!!

OCTOBER 1 (LIVE/ZOOM combo on Sept 1)

Greg Griffin "LOVE--The Mark of a Christian (1 John 3:11-18)

OCTOBER 7 & 8 (ZOOM only on Oct 7; LIVE/ZOOM combo on Oct 8)

Rod Handley "PRAY: The Results of Prayer"

OCTOBER 14 & 15 (ZOOM only on Oct 14; LIVE/ZOOM combo on Oct 15)

Byron Shepherd "The Difference"

OCTOBER 21 & 22 (ZOOM only on Oct 21; LIVE/ZOOM combo on Oct 22)

Neil Getzlow "Restoring Mental Health Through The Word"

OCTOBER 28 & 29 (ZOOM only on Oct 28; LIVE/ZOOM combo on Oct 29)

Rod Handley "Prayer & Fasting"

ABUNDANT LIFE "Men's Base Camp"

Every Tuesday night from September 16 through December 16, Rod Handley and Andy Gennarelli will teach lessons based on Jim Ramos book "Dialed In." There are 11 other options available at the Lee's Summit campus.

PRAYING FOR THE UNBORN....on the first & third Wednesday of every month @ 2:00 p.m. at Resource Health (formerly Rachel House); 1240 NE Windsor Drive; Lee's Summit, MO 64086. Contact Gary Janicke for more details: janickeg@gmail.com

Derek Handley joined the CTC staff in June 2023. Along with being part of our teaching rotation, Derek is primarily connecting with young men in their 20's & 30's. Derek and his wife Mikala, Rowan (3), and Briar (17 months) live in Lee's Summit. Derek is the football chaplain for the Lee's Summit West Titans and one of KC Wolf backups.

Derek and Miles Serig launched "STRATIA" every other Tuesday in January 2025 for young men (ages 20-40). They meet every other Tuesday (6:30 a.m.) at The Stanley in Lee's Summit. Their September speakers are: October 14 (Derek Handley) and October 28 (Mike DeBacker).

TGIW-KC Metro Group Locations & Speaker Line-Up (check with leaders for meeting status in month of October)

Downtown Kansas City-Contact: Tony Totta or Troy Campbell for details!! Tony's Cell (816) 305-7129 or Troy's Cell (816) 421-7729.

Downtown Kansas City (City Union Mission)

Contact Bob Magan at: bobmagan@icloud.com or 816-674-8870

Blue Springs, MO-Contact Glen Nash (816-229-7311) for more details. They are doing ZOOM only meetings every Wednesday morning as a follow-up to the weekly Lee's Summit gatherings.

Kansas City North, MO- This group is meeting face-to-face on Wednesday's @ 6:30 a.m. at the Parkville YMCA. Contact Vince Stephenson: pvstephenson3232@gmail.com or Paul Masao: pmasao@shelterkc.org

OCTOBER 2025 Speakers: 10/1 David Blackburn; 10/8 Charlie Roberts; 10/15 Dennis Wiens; 10/22 Wayne Penner; 10/29 Dave Bean

Overland Park/Olathe, KS- This group is meeting face-to-face and they are located in Lenexa, KS

Adrian's Cafe 16201 W 95th St; Lenexa, KS (In CoreFirst Bank building) . Contact Mike Bayly 913-461-7743 mbayly@baylypresentations.com or Joe Panegasser

joe@travel-trendsltd.com

913-707-4938 for more details. OCTOBER 2025 Speakers: 10/1 Mark Schmid; 10/8 Rick Dillon; 10/15 Rick Boxx; 10/22 Mike Abare; 10/29 Dennis Wiens

Raymore, MO -- Contact Bob Holman (816-805-1219) for details.

Damion Cooper (Collektive Company) joined the CTC staff in July 2021. Damion and The Collektive Company team have successfully completed their own 501(c)(3) paperwork and they were approved by the IRS in June 2025. We are excited for the entire Collektive Co ministry.

Damion has served as the football chaplain for the Lee's Summit North Broncos. Damion spoke on April 6-7 at a number of school and church events in Beloit, KS and hosted a "BEHOLD WEEKEND" at Kings Church from April 24--26.

Damion and his wife Krista have four children (ages 6, 4 2 and two months). They bought their first home at the end of August 2024, one block from Summit Christian Academy.

Damion last spoke at TGIW--Lee's Summit on September 9 & 10, 2025. Their GALA event is on November 8 at the Gamber Center in Lee's Summit. Check out complete speaking & show schedule at: www.collektiveco.com

ERIK BRAKE MAILING ADDRESS...LETTERS WELCOME!!

Erik has been imprisoned for 33 months and has 7 months left before he will be released to a halfway house in May 2026. Let’s shower him with lots of encouraging words. The complete address, including his prison #, must be on the envelope.

Erik Allen Brake – 34747045

FCI Forrest City Law

Federal Correctional Institution

PO Box 9000

Forrest City, AR 72336

MASCOT ON A MISSION (updated book - May 2023)

With the Chiefs victory in Super Bowl LVII on February 12, 2023, Dan updated his Mascot on a Mission with additional photos and three chapters based on the Chiefs appearances in Super Bowl 54, 55 & 57. This new version of book is available now.

Both of Dan Meers books, MASCOT ON A MISSION & WOLVES CAN'T FLY , plus KC Wolf Coins are available at TGIW and through the Character that Counts website. Single book copies $12 each (30% off retail price). Quantity discounts available. Contact Rod Handley or Dan Meers for specifics.

On Thanksgiving Day (November 22, 2018), Dan's story was featured on the "700 Club" on the Christian Broadcasting Network. It is an amazing story. Here's the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ht_N7OJBff0

NOTE: See FACEBOOK page "Wolves Can't Fly" for upcoming speaking schedule and more: www.danmeers.org

NOTE: After 35 years, Dan Meers retired as the full-time KC Wolf on July 1. He will work part-time for the Chiefs as a Wolf backup, along with working for Character that Counts speaking nationwide.

Dan's bride of almost 32 years (Cam) passed away from a courageous battle with leukemia on May 31, 2025. Cam's Celebration of Life Service was held on June 6. Dan's father (Ken Meers) passed on July 1, 2025 in St. Louis. His celebration service was on July 12.

Published by Broadstreet. Retails for $14.99. Available through Character that Counts for $12.00 (plus shipping).

NOTE: There is also a free 5-day devotional through U-Version to help you get a feel for the book.

HOW TO DISCIPLE MEN

45 Proven Strategies From the World's Foremost Experts on Ministry to Men. Rod Handley is one of the contributing authors of this book on setting up and establishing authentic accountability groups.

This is a practical resource for anyone who ministers to men. It's short, stand-alone chapters address top challenges and opportunities, and share ministry strategies and essentials that will lead to a successful outreach to men in your church and community.

Each chapter includes keen insights and wisdom gained from years of experiences, including how to: *Grow and sustain a successful men's ministry

*Minister to men in crisis

*Teach the male brain

*Market effectively for successful men's events

*Mentor effectively and set up practical, authentic accountability

*Find, recruit, equip and empower male leaders

This resource will help men's ministry leaders expand and improve their outreach as they hear the wisdom, resources, and experience of over 40 seasoned leaders like Josh McDowell, Kenny Luck, David Murrow, Tierce Green, Jim Grassi, and more.

TEAM BIBLE STUDY BOOKS (see cover picture below).

Rod Handley's latest book(s) in FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT series are available now available at TGIW--Lee's Summit: "Love ", "Joy", "Peace", "Patience", "Kindness", "Goodness", "Faithfulness", "Gentleness", "Self-Control". Single copies = $12; 3 copies = $30; 9 copies = $80 (plus shipping). Each chapter includes a Kingdom Minute QR Code narrated by Coach Ron Brown (University of Nebraska football).

TEAM STUDIES ON CHARACTER (including "100%, Let's Go!, Strong, ONE, RISE" and limited copies of Volumes 2, 3, 4, 6 & 7)

Ask Rod for details. Copies of all books can be purchased at TGIW--Lee's Summit meetings.

PRAISE THE LORD!! The Naismith Project (major motion picture film on the life and legacy of Dr. James Naismith), is still being spearheaded by Dan Gerdes with a brand new twist. Dan was hired in August 2021 by Grand Canyon University Athletic Department as the Director of Mental Performance. Dan works with over 400 athletes and coaches on campus. If you want to participate in the Naismith Project, contact Dan at: dangerdes43@gmail.com or (cell) 660-441-4134

METRO VOICE news (through Dwight & Anita Widaman) is now found exclusively on the web at: www.metrovoicenews.com

Regular sections include local, national and world news, the persecuted church, missions, opinion, family features, travel, entertainment and reviews, interactive community calendar, and classified ads. Metro Voice partners closely with area non-profits and organizations that serve the "least of these" working to strengthen our communities.

FREE Events Calendar: Available to organizations and churches to inform the community of their activities.

FREE Weekly E-Zine: Subscribe to our FREE weekly E-Zine with uplifting faith articles, movie and music reviews, plus so much more!!

Their award-winning news and features website averages over 150,000 page views per month.

Thanks for your prayerful and financial support of TGIW (Greg), Character That Counts (Rod & Derek), Collektive Company (Damion), Good News Coaching & Counseling (Glen) & Grand Slam Ministries (Mark). If you're interested in assisting us in any way, there are many ways to get involved and participate. Please feel free to contact any one of us.

Rod Handley & Derek Handley & Dan Meers

Character that Counts

512 NE Victoria Drive

Lee's Summit, MO 64086

816-525-6339 (Rod work)

816-309-7122 (Rod cell)

816-876-7151 (Derek cell)

rodhandley@gmail.com (NEW)

derekhandley95@gmail.com

dan@danmeers.org

Greg Griffin

TGIW

816-885-1306 (cell)

ggriff60@gmail.com

Damion Cooper

Collektive Company

785-342-0008 (cell)

damioncooper3@gmail.com

Glen Nash

Good News Coaching & Counseling

816-722-3060 (cell)

Glen@GoodNewsCoaching.org

Mark Martinez

Grand Slam Ministries

913-274-0335 (cell)

micah68man@gmail.com

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Thank you for your generosity and support of TGIW, CTC, Collektive Company, Grand Slam Ministries and Good News Coaching & Counseling.

For credit / debit card gifts to CTC, TGIW, Collektive Company, Grand Slam Ministries, Good News Coaching & Counseling, contact Rod.

God Bless,

Rod Handley & Greg Griffin

Character that Counts/TGIW

www.characterthatcounts.org