Peace in Community: What Our Relationship With Nelle Thomas Taught Us About the Heart of Abundance

When Abundance by AC talks about “living from abundance,” we’re not talking about excess or accumulation — we’re talking about a biblical posture. A way of showing up in the world that reflects God’s character: generous, relational, rooted in hope, and committed to lifting others.

And few relationships have illustrated that calling more beautifully than our relationship with Nelle Thomas, the Executive Director of Hope Academy for Kids.

Recently, The News-Enterprise reached out to Karri to share more about how our lives intersected with Nelle’s story. It felt like a sacred opportunity, because this relationship is one of those places where God’s abundance has shown itself again and again.

Nelle’s Work: Hope With Its Sleeves Rolled Up

At Hope Academy for Kids, the mission is simple, bold, and deeply aligned with the heartbeat of Scripture:

“To nurture and restore hope to underserved children by providing educational, emotional, physical and spiritual support so they can reach their potential and find their purpose in life — as one community locks arms and works together.”

This is the Gospel lived slowly and faithfully. This is what “peace in community” looks like in real time.

Not a quiet peace. But a restoring peace.

A peace that feeds bellies, tutors children, prays over families, and stands in the gap.

A peace that says, “You don’t have to do this alone.”

Nelle leads with that kind of peace — steady, humble, and anchored in purpose.

How Abundance Stepped In: Our Gifts as Our Offering

Before Abundance by AC had a name, before our brand voice solidified, before the Garden Collection ever existed — we were simply The Alchemy Collaborative with hearts that wanted to serve.

When we met Nelle, we felt immediately called to come alongside her as bountiful harvesters — a phrase we now hold dear. It means showing up with whatever is in our hands: creativity, storytelling, design, strategy, social media, encouragement.

And offering it freely, the way Scripture teaches:

• “Freely you have received; freely give.”

• “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.”

• “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

So we stepped in to support Hope Academy’s social media presence. Not as consultants.Not as contractors.Not for recognition. But as an expression of abundance.....the belief that when God gives you something, you use it to build His Kingdom, not your platform.

Why This Matters for Abundance by AC

Nelle’s story reminded us that ministry is rarely loud — it is steady, faithful, and relational. And Abundance by AC wants to embody that same spirit.

We want to create, design, write, and serve from a place that reflects:

• Biblical generosity

• Purpose-driven community

• Compassion without conditions

• Excellence as worship

• Hope as a discipline

• Peace as a way of moving in the world

  
  

Our work is not separate from our faith, it flows from it. Our creativity is not for applause, it’s for service. Our partnerships aren’t business transactions — they are Kingdom collaborations.

Nelle’s ministry helped remind us who we’re called to be.

A Closing Word: Peace Multiplies When We Live From Abundance

When we live with a scarcity mindset, every need feels like pressure. When we live from abundance, every need feels like an invitation.

Nelle invited us in.

Hope Academy welcomed us.

And God showed us...again...that peace is something we build together.

This is the kind of community we’re pursuing at Abundance.

This is the kind of peace we want to cultivate.

This is the work we believe honors God.

Here’s to more stories like this.

More partnerships like this.

More peace like this.

peace in community, lived out one obedient yes at a time.