The Mentor's Table

The five years at The Mentor’s Table, immersed in Reverend Hadland’s Transformational Grace poems, have been a source of profound comfort. Each year, a heightened sense of the Lord’s presence through these daily lessons has been witnessed. This past year, facing personal losses, God’s love and faithfulness shone brightly, His comforting hand was felt powerfully, as guidance was sought through pain. For me, the Table provided unwavering encouragement and upliftment where poignant testimonies revealed God’s continuous guidance toward His perfect will. Despite years of engagement, the poems consistently sparked unique and deeply impactful discussions for which I gained increased insight. The Vision Board and Rose bush discussions particularly resonated within me, prompting introspection about alignment with God’s will. What I have learned this year is despite the storms and the waves in my life, my faith and trust in the Lord is growing stronger each, and every day. I am guided by the Lord’s perfect will for my life. God’s love reflects everywhere around me. During our weekly discussions at the Mentor’s Table, God’s illuminating perfect love and his divine guidance, and strength help me to overcome any personal struggles. Through every struggle, God grants me assurance of His glory, triumph, and a peace that surpasses all understanding. I find in Him a knowing that all is well with me, no matter what I face. My journey to The Mentor’s Table was undeniably guided by God, who continuously provides me with invaluable preparation for my life and fosters a profound encounter with His unconditional love, giving me direction. This transformative experience deepens my understanding of faith and has instilled a holistic appreciation for life’s complexities. This year, I now know I can stand resolute, prepared to embrace my calling, no matter what I am facing, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”, Philippians 4:13. Reverend Hadland’s insightful declaration, “We are being trained as Navy Seals for the Lord Army,” perfectly encapsulates the dedication and spiritual rigor of The Mentor’s Table. To God be the glory, I am grateful to God Almighty for bestowing upon Reverend Hadland the vision and spiritual guidance that makes The Mentor’s Table’s sessions so profoundly impactful. “Jesus, You are worthy to be praised.”

Reflecting on my fifth year as a member of The Mentor’s Table, I am deeply grateful for the continued growth and insight gained from Reverend Hadland’s teachings. The consistent themes through the poems, year after year, have resonated with my journey. This year’s third “Boot Camp” was particularly impactful for me. During that session, I experienced a powerful spiritual revelation, which clarified a significant direction for my future endeavors. I am profoundly thankful for the guidance. Reverend Hadland’s unwavering commitment to these principles, focusing on spiritual grounding and perspective has been invaluable. The Table has provided significant support to my mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. I have made considerable progress in disengaging from unproductive conversations, a personal milestone I appreciate greatly. The poems each year consistently offer insightful reflections relevant to my life, and the importance of maintaining a strong connection to my spiritual foundation and cultivating a positive outlook. Thank you, Sister Julie, whose exceptional leadership in the breakout sessions kept us focused and engaged. Thank you, Reverend Hadland, for your continued guidance and inspirational teachings.

“If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31b, NKJV). This year, this scripture became more real to me than it had ever been as I witnessed God’s omnipotence toward His children. He roars like a mighty lion to defend and wage war against any foe and knows how to strategically place warriors to help. And so, the entire team from the Mentor’s Table and special mention of Rev. Hadland and the prayer intercessory sisters who went beyond to battle for me to escape a dark pit of despair, aimlessness, and heart rebellion against God. If not for them, perhaps I would have missed the flavorful, appetizing platter prepared for me by my heavenly Father this year. One that is called ‘Having the Right Perspective through the Eyes of God,’ 2025 theme. An unsuspecting, deadly storm had hovered over me through the fourth quarter of the year 2024 (Oct-Nov) and into early 2025. This raging storm had me blown away, miles and miles away from my heavenly love. I was not only violently tossed miles away, but I was cold, naked, and trapped in this mighty, wicked wind. I told the Lord that following Him was too difficult. I had enough and did not want Him anymore. It was too much, no breakthrough, and I was stuck as a poor orphan. In real time, in my heart-hardened state, Rev. Hadland’s calls were repeatedly turned down, and my wretched self’s refusal to speak to her kept me buried beneath the rubble. It was serious! Yet, she did not give up on me and persisted. Even to the point that she kindly ensured I went through the 2025 online registration process. At that time, I did not understand that it was God’s endless love towards me. Though Rev. Hadland was right in alluding to “Liz, this is God’s way of reaching out to you.” And so, it was! God’s bountiful love, care, mercy, and grace. But He did not just leave me there. My Lord ensured that He had prepared a warm, cozy heater for my heart, clothed me with necessary provisions and heavenly delicacies to eat by viewing my life challenges through His lens. What a blessing it is to begin to perceive things from God’s point of view! From a miserable state of mind to a steadily stronger and clearer mind of freedom and growth. Though, I must admit that I am still being stretched and shaped as we speak, like a piece of clay in my Potter’s hand. Under my Good Shepherd, I own that I am a walking and yielded sheep. In contrast, I can say, where I was lost, I am found; where I had doubts, I have answers; and where I had no hope, there is Hope. That is God’s working power, isn’t it? In fact, a sweet taste of His power came through again with a long-awaited job. This was an answered prayer. This time, I knew better than to seek a job in my own strength. As much as I wanted an easy way out, I chose to submit to His guidance and will.

This year I arrived at the Mentor’s Table with a restless spirit. I kept hearing God speak “Be still and know,” over and over. I could not find that peace, that center where God dwelled. I had taken my eyes away from God’s will for my life. As 2025 progressed, I found myself confronted with one challenge after another. Each one tested my will until I found my life beyond my control. And all I experienced was profound silence. And from that silence I hear that still, small voice. “…not your will my child. It is My will.” I am moving forward now, surrounded by God’s loving embrace. My affirmation is this. “I trust the next chapter because I know the Author.”

In the last few months as I look in the mirror and see myself transform and ascend into Queen Reginias Lawan Davis, I give Thanks and Praise to GOD and GOD alone for HE has done, is doing, and will continually do great things in my life. GOD has given me the strength to deal with the Homegoing of my mother, aunts, uncles, cousins, and other loved ones. GOD has taught me to appreciate each day of life. Teaching me that each day I am given, is to strive to be more like HIM and to teach my son Thurston and others that HE places in my life, to allow GOD to blossom us to our full potential. I look forward to what is yet to come. “For GOD is not through with me yet.” Exodus 9:16, ‘But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you My power and that My Name might be proclaimed in all the earth.’

I was invited to the Mentor’s Table in April 2025. While at the table regular discussions and are encouraged to have a meaningful relationship with Christ. My experience is that Reverend Hadland’s, sharing the lessons from her book is ensuring that a true commitment to Christ is manifested through our relationship with each other by developing good sisterhood, and by sharing with the community. The consistency of the teachings through the table, is to bring out the best in us, and to ensure a right relationship with Christ that is stronger and more enforced. Personally, I have been able to feel a closer sisterhood with the members who communicate in the group and also realize that we have a shared vision of helping youth, disenfranchised families and neighbors in our personal communities, but through a better relationship with Christ and continuing to keep the commission of Christ alive that is “love one another as He has loved us.”

Being on The Mentor’s Table for me means a life of continued transformation. Day after day, week after week, month after month, each poem, each lecture, and each discussion have truly been transformational, maturing me into the woman God had purposed me to be. Each lecture and each discussion have been transformational, and I am being constantly challenged to lift-up a standard to God, by living a life of truth and purpose. The theme for this year has been “A Right Perspective,” in order words, it is learning to see things, people, and situations through the eyes of God, (God’s perspective) and not from my own carnal nature. This concept has been mind-altering for me. I have grown spiritually over the last several years since being on The Mentor’s Table, and more so this year. I find myself at times being stretched by the truth of God to the point where it sometimes hurt. Each week I come to the table with great expectancy, looking forward to the meal that God has been preparing for me, the learning and each week I leave the table filled and a bit more transformed. On The Mentor’s Table each week the word of God is being taught, the truth of God is being preached. I have learned so much and I am daily being transformed in order to share my experience. -Miracle of the Dock- “Suddenly our physical eyes are replaced with spiritual eyes. Our understanding is enlightened, and we can see.”

2025 has been a transforming year. Testimonies, challenges, questions, building trust, God has been healing the sick and setting captives free; following where God leads, 2025 represents the overhaul of my attitude as my perspective has shifted. I learned that it is not my will, but God’s will that must be done. Decision making, prioritizing, saying ‘no’ all got sharpened. I put God first, no matter what else is competing. Transparency was embraced. I got more intimate and sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s voice, I sought confirmation. The Boot Camp teaching was ‘next level’ with the addition of the spiritual laws portion in 2025. I was particularly blessed to share these precious moments with my childhood friend Janice, and three of her aunts who joined the table in her third year. In my fifth year at the table, I developed my spiritual muscles, being built up daily by God’s grace. God disciplined me and continues to bring me into alignment. The chorus from the 2025 theme song by Babbie Mason sums it up: “When you don’t understand, When you can’t see His plan, When you can’t trace His hand, Trust His Heart.”

I want to thank Rev. Hadland for having me at The Mentor’s Table. I also thank my niece Janice, for inviting my siblings and me. Oh yes! Rev. Hadland’s teaching has been a real transformation in my Christian walk. I have grown stronger in faith. Looking more to God who is my Source, more sensitive to the Holy Spirit and wanting to always trust God, instead of leaning to my own understanding. I just realized that I do not need to be in a ‘Mega Church’ to grow in God’s teachings, I must just pay attention to Rev. Hadland’s godly teachings, and keep trusting God, who is my Source and gives me the Right Perspective. I praise God for Rev. Hadland and all at the Mentor’s Table. Amen!

The Mentor’s Table is a rewarding experience shared with unique individuals who allow you to grow, and to develop a powerful relationship with GOD. Last year, when I joined the Mentor’s Table I did not fully understand how privileged I was to be in this amazing group. All the women of all walks of life help with my questions, and help me with personal experiences, to shape my life decisions.

This is my third year with the Mentor’s Table. Each year, I grow spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. Each year, my faith grew more and more, as the tests of life got harder. With a supportive group of friends/family members at the Mentor’s table, we learnt more biblically as we shared in our small groups which gave me new strength to press on, in my Christian Walk.

Through God’s grace and His mercy, I came to the Mentor’s Table in 2021 in recovery from verbal, emotional and mental abuse in my marriage. These sessions at the Mentor’s Table are teaching me to believe in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not unto my own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct my path.” There is transformation taking place in my life where I am learning, though it may be difficult, I must forgive those who have hurt me. In doing this, I feel relieved.

Three years ago, I joined the Mentor’s Table seeking to deepen my relationship with God. Rev. Hadland’s unapologetic insistence for us to surrender to God, her ability to call a spade a spade, while being grounded in God’s word fosters thought provoking and frank discussions. Through the discussions, the honest conversations among the sisters have caused me to look deep inside and face the thorns that are impacting my relationship with God. This has helped me to the extent that I can see better how to I live my life and become more sensitive to hearing God’s voice and to uncovering His purpose for my life. Trust and peace are not easy to have in this chaotic world, but I am learning that it is possible to have both, while going through the storm and into the deep.

Over the past five years at the Mentor’s Table, I have gained a better understanding of the scriptures and walking in obedience. I have truly found it to be a safe place where transparency is encouraged. Each week I see growth in my faith and walk with Christ. I am better able to recognize the lies and deception of the enemy by being intentional in declaring God’s promises over my life. The poems of “Transformational Grace” gave me hope, I felt comfort when I would cry out to God, in the midst of my despair, as I know I was not alone. “A Cry for Help” Hear my prayer, O Lord; let my cry for help come to you. Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress. Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly. Psalm 102:1-2. Each week, I was amazed at how Rev. Hadland delivered the lectures – so simple, clear and easy to digest, yet deeply impactful. I am extremely grateful for the three boot camps this year. ‘The Source, The Fullness- My Real Identity, The Healing River. However, My Real Identity led me to deep introspection, at this time I was confused and undecided about several things that needed my attention. I had to make a choice and say to God, “Let your perfect will be done.” I have benefited significantly from the projects given each year. The Rose Bush, The Attributes of God, The Credo Statement and The Vision Board. “Who am I?” Then God said, “Let us make man (humankind) in our image, in our likeness.” Genesis 1:26. I am intentionally looking to The Source, striving to remain aligned with God’s word and to put Him first in every area of my life. I have come to realize that living a life worthy of a disciple of Jesus requires discipline, and that is exactly what I aspire to embody each day. Thank you, Rev. Hadland, for your commitment and dedication to helping others. Being at The Mentor’s Table has profoundly changed my life. I will continue to encourage others to come, taste and see that the Lord is good.

My experiences on the Mentor’s Table made me realize that, despite my Christian beliefs and upbringing, I was not praying enough, and I did not completely leave everything up God and trust that He would take care of everything. The Mentor’s Table has given me a new perspective which I will continue to embrace. I realize that speaking to the Lord daily must be an integral part of my life and of my very being and I have now resolved to practice daily conversations with the Lord. As a result of the Christian based coaching of Reverend Hadland and our entire group, I now just leave everything up to the Lord and this has alleviated my anxiety and unnecessary worry and has helped me to be more centered in the Lord. Thank you, Rev. Hadland for your leadership and grace, and thanks to the entire group for your insights and for sharing your experiences. I have learned so much this year and my life has been positively impacted. As Rev. frequently says, “Thanks be to God!”

All glory and honor due to my Mighty El Gibor!!! He is more than worthy to be praised. I am ever grateful for the mighty move through Reverand Sandra Hadland and the ministry of the Mentor’s Table. She has been a firm and loving light of the Father to help with the necessary pruning and stretching in the lives of His daughters. Many of us have reached out into the darkness for help, help we may have thought was not coming. However, Abba God is faithful!!! He has said, ‘He will never leave us nor forsake us’ and that ‘He goes before us’!! I believe that with every strand of my entire being! The Mentor’s Table has been a place for such a time as this, for the body of Christ. I am blessed by the love, community, and fellowship of the sisters of the Table – God’s Table! Praise the Lord!!!

To God be the glory, great things he has done and is doing in my life and my family’s life. All praise and honor go to God who is the Author and Finisher of my faith. I know that I have grown over these past thirty weeks. I have a natural hunger and thirst for God and the kingdom of God. I have watched my faith grow and grow through the questions each week and the deep, soul searching. Sometimes for the entire week, I am still thinking over the last week’s question. Praise God! He is revealing layers of my answer or layers of something that was said. He is healing past hurts which I did not even realize that I am holding on to. On the Table, I realize this is the place where God shines a light through the Holy Spirit and the Word, who is Jesus Christ. It is so reassuring to know that the Mentor’s Table is a safe place that can be called mine where I am being made whole and healed, as a result, the manifestation in demonstration of my growth through my actions towards others, through my thoughts, and by my words, my growth is being revealed. My family and our relationships have been changed through the Mentor’s Table. My household is enveloped on a Monday night and the family support at home and from the other members of the Mentor’s Table is just amazing. Bless the name of the Lord for such wisdom and bless the Lord for the vision that He gave the server, Rev. Hadland! Thank you, Lord, for hand-picking me to be a part of this great work. Amen.

Five years ago, when I first said yes to The Mentor’s Table and embarked on its yearly 30-week journey of spiritual growth, I had no idea what to expect. But not a week has gone by since then, when I have not felt or seen its impact. Initially, I entered with an open heart, curious about how deep the experience might go, and now, looking back, I can confidently say these five years have been the most transformative season of my life. Each week invited me into something richer: a new layer of understanding, a deeper revelation of God, His character, and a more honest look at myself. The interactive poems were not just words on a page; they were doorways. The pivotal shift came when I began to let go of my expectations. In that release, I found peace. I became more relaxed, less worried, because I began to see from a different perspective – God’s perspective, as Rev. Hadland often says. This year started with a heaviness, following the death of my father, which was compounded by a spiritual attack that left me both perplexed and saddened – but not shaken. I was prepared for the experience because of the growth I had experienced over the last five years at The Mentor’s Table. One lesson that has especially stood out this year is the idea that people respond to what is reflected in them- either it’s God or Satan. The question I have had to ask myself is: Am I reflecting God or Satan in my relationships and interactions? The work done at The Mentor’s Table has given me room to bring my full self to the process – my pain, my questions, and my limitations. One of my favorite poems, The Source, continues to echo in my heart. It has taught me not to move by my feelings, but by what God has said. Looking back over this five-year journey, I see it not as an end, but the beginning of a new way of living. I am more open to the support of community, more expectant of what God can do when I give Him space. I am incredibly grateful for The Mentor’s Table and so glad I said yes.

The Poem, Miracle of the Dock, really spoke to me and I saw myself right there. I am that DOCK! Weathered and battered and yet so very fastened to the Steel and Concrete Pillars, My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! He brought me through it and now like the debris after a storm the sediment that has been kicked up and out, purged from the very depths of my soul now must be dealt with. This year’s Mentor’s Table theme, “The Right Perspective” is right on time. Even though I was wrestling and slowly addressing my splinters and debris, I have learned not to be afraid, not to shy away with it, embrace it, work through it WITH God and respond to each situation through God’s lens. This has been a game-changer for me as I felt myself slipping into a depression. As I began doing the work of writing each of my emotions and going to the Bible to see and read God’s perspective on each feeling or thorn. I quickly realized, I cannot be a good steward, parent, employee, and business owner, if I am not sound in Jesus and must do the work until this is resolved. I slowly began to see God’s Grace working, permeating in all areas. During these moments, I heard, “CONFESS, CONFESS, TRANSPARENCY” with such conviction. I quickly began to see the changes in my family starting with forgiveness. My children are happier, filled with contentment and they are communicating with each other, there is no separation among us. Thank you Rev. Hadland, for your complete OBEDIENCE unto God and LIFTING UP HIS STANDARD. It is through you, your walk, that I see what Consistency, Discipleship, and Truth looks like, I SEE GOD. I am forever Grateful, and Deeply Honored to be seated at the Mentor’s Table.

God has been a constant in my life. I grew up in a Christian home. When I was twelve years old, I had my first significant encounter with God. My father needed surgery that had only a fifty percent chance of success. I believed that God answers prayers, so I prayed for my father’s healing every day leading up to the surgery. On the morning of the operation, the doctor told my father that he no longer needed surgery. God answered my prayers. This year, I learned about the Mentor’s Table and decided to join. I felt that being part of this fellowship would help me find answers to some of my life questions and also support others on their journeys of growth. So far, the Mentor’s Table has been a blessing to me. I have found answers to my questions during the weekly meetings. The poems and contributions from the attendees have given me new insights into so many areas of life. The icing on the cake has been when Rev. Hadland explains everything in detail and ends each session with sobering, thought-provoking questions. I genuinely appreciate the Mentor’s Table and the fellowship of everyone who is a part of it.

Reverend Hadland, thank you for taking time out to minister to us; we really appreciate it. I was introduced to the Mentor’s Table on January 7, 2025, by Janice. Two main things that are strengthening me are: 1. Increased faith in God. Before I joined, I would pray, but never deeply felt that anything would change. Through you, Rev. Hadland, I have developed a stronger faith that God is with us. He hears us and He will take us through our dark times. We must be patient. 2. I never gave much thought to the Holy Spirit. I never knew what His presence felt like. Now I am learning to experience the presence of the Holy Spirit when I am surrounded by Him, and act accordingly. Rev. Hadland, you have built up my hope and energy more than ever to serve God, and I will always make Jesus Christ the first place in my life. The bottom line is that we cannot do without God. To God be the glory! Amen.

As I prepare for disembarking the Seaworthy Vessel Mentoring Table year five, with captain, Reverend Sandra Hadland, I reflect on my first ever sixth month, nearly five years ago! The uncertainty, mostly because of my vulnerability to motion sickness and skepticism of being on the ocean for that length of time, created doubt! However, what an experience that awaited me! I am so incredibly grateful for the benefits that flowed while adapting to and following the rules of the cruise. Coming to the realization that I am wondrously and fearfully made, in the image and likeness of the Creator. Remembering my rosebush tree which infested with aphids, brown dead leaves, under grown roses with pencil size stems, I shuddered, thinking death was imminent. Look at me now, my rosebush shouts at me!! What a transformation, her leaves and lush, with the largest sweet-smelling amora of roses on large sturdy stems, large buds gracefully opening. Over time, the intense pruning did not destroy but strengthened and improved the stunted growth! And so, for me, my journey is compared to that of the rosebush tree. My years, of what I thought was punishment was only pruning for God’s glory!! The years of mentoring forced me to look within to take accountability, and to be responsible for my own actions. Systematically and intentionally layers and layers of masks were removed! “I, the Lord will do this swiftly, when the time is right.” Isaiah 60:22 (NIV).