A story of the power of showing up.

Timothy Thomas’s story begins long before he ever held a fishing rod at Lakeview Camp.

“I don’t remember a time when Dallas Metro Kids wasn’t part of my life,” Timothy said.

At just two years old, Timothy was introduced to the ministry by his cousins. As his family moved across different neighborhoods in Dallas, Dallas Metro Kids remained a constant presence. Leaders like Clay and Barbra Wallace, founders of Dallas Metro Kids, didn’t simply run programs, they built relationships, walking alongside kids and families through everyday life.

The Kind of Place you Carry With You

Dallas Metro Kids eventually led Timothy to Lakeview Camp.

“Attending Lakeview, it was always, ‘Oh my gosh, that was fun,’” Timothy said.

What stands out most in his memory are the simple joys of camp life: swimming, games, and being busy 24/7—but in the best way.

Timothy still remembers Clay calling out, “How do you feel?” and campers shouting back, “Oh, we feel so good!”

Beyond the fun, Lakeview became a place of real encounter with Jesus.

One year while at camp, Timothy’s family was facing eviction, and his mom didn’t have a clear plan. During a service, Timothy went to the altar to pray.

“That was a breakthrough moment for me,” Timothy said. “I went to the altar asking the Lord for peace.”

Barbra sat beside him and prayed with him.

“I remember feeling this assurance that everything was going to be okay,” he said. “And it really was. The Lord was always there.”

That moment strengthened a faith that had been gently introduced through Dallas Metro Kids over many years. Timothy recalls feeling peace not only during that service, but every time they drove up to camp.

“There was just a peace when we arrived,” he said. “Heaven was there.”

Camp only lasted four days, but its impact stretched far beyond that.

“I’d be asking about camp eight months in advance,” Timothy said with a chuckle. “I just wanted to get back.”

Lessons at the Dock  

Fishing quickly became another one of Timothy’s favorite activities at camp and one of the most relational.

“Fishing was where a lot of real conversation happened,” Timothy said.

Each year, a small group of campers would be selected to go fishing with Clay and other staff members. For many kids, including Timothy, it was their first time holding a fishing rod. What started as nervous curiosity quickly became excitement, learning, and friendly competition.

Over time, the fishing dock became a place where Clay and Timothy’s relationship deepened.

As Timothy grew older, he began to recognize the same environments that shaped him were now places where he felt called to invest in others. “I realized God had been shaping me for this long before I understood it.” He spoke.

Today, Timothy serves as the lead pastor of Dallas Metro Church, he is a husband and a father to three little girls, with a baby boy on the way.

“I get to tell families that I was one of those kids,” Timothy said. “That this ministry and this camp really mattered.”

Even now, Timothy and Clay still fish together, often returning to the same dock.

This Christmas, Timothy’s story reminds us that faith grows through relationships and consistency. From a young camper to a pastor serving the next generation, his life points to the power of faithful people and a ministry that never stopped showing up. 

Learn more about Dallas Metro Church and how to support its mission at dallasmetro.church