John Gibson - Executive Director
John Gibson has served as Executive Director of Serving You since 2013. In 2016, Serving You was gifted a building in the East Lake Community, allowing better access for the people we serve. God increased our support over this time, and we have over 40 partnering churches and businesses. During this time, SYM has teamed up with East Lake Initiative (ELI) and started a Thrive program to meet the long-term needs and goals of families. We walk with these families over the course of 3 years to help them get from a point of crisis to thriving. ELI uses certified coaches (social workers) to break down barriers that include career advancement, affordable housing, reliable transportation, and child development. At the end of 2024, The Grace Place in Bessemer merged with Serving You to establish our second location and together we are moving forward this year to assist move of our neighbors in crisis.
John holds a M.S. and Ed.S degree in Leadership from the University of Alabama. Previously, he was an educator and coach for the Trussville City School System. He is married and he and his wife Mary have 4 children: Kenley, Katie Ann, Molly, and Drew and one son-in-law Thomas.
Favorite verse: "He must increase, and I must Decrease." John 3:30
"I am passionate about getting people to serve God and believe we are all called to take care of our neighbor as yourself."
Stephen Shelton - Director of Operations in Ministry
Stephen has served as Director of Operations in Ministry of Serving You since January 2014. Previously, he served in ministry in the local church for over 20 years and also served as a missionary internationally for three years. He is married to Lora and has three active boys, Harrison, Nathan, and Andrew. He holds a Doctorate in Christian Education Ministry from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
Favorite verse: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
"I am passionate about people hearing the simple Gospel and following our One True God through discipleship and missions."
Lehua Lewis - Site Director
Lehua joined Serving You Ministries as the Intake Coordinator in June of 2018.
Previously, she graduated from Hope Inspired Ministries job development program in January of 2017. She then went on to be their Volunteer Coordinator. She is looking forward to becoming the future wife of Antion Drakes and is a mother of 4 amazing boys and 1 beautiful girl. She has had the pleasure of serving the Woodlawn Community alongside, The Church Of The Highlands and Hope Street Christian Ministries since 2016.
Favorite Verse “Don’t Forget to show hospitality to strangers for someone who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it.” Hebrews 13:2
I am passionate about serving the community and others with the Love of Christ in my heart through acts of service and kindness.
Geovanny Valverde - Hispanic Director/Warehouse Manager
Geovanny started working at SYM in September 2023. Before joining Serving You, he worked for the Trussville Fire Department and the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. He and his wife also served as house parents at a children’s ranch for a year. Originally from Ecuador, Geovanny has lived in the United States for eight years. During this time, he and his wife, Kayla, founded the nonprofit ministry KINGDOM ACTS, an international mission dedicated to bringing the gospel to remote communities. Through this ministry, they have led mission trips to the Ecuadorian jungle, sharing God’s Word, distributing Bibles, and organizing discipleship, evangelism, and outreach activities.
Geovanny is currently studying Theology at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, equipping himself to better serve in his ministry calling.
Geovanny and Kayla have four children: Lucas, Eliana, Franchesca, and Bella Zion, who was born prematurely and is now growing strong at home.
“I am passionate about serving in obedience to the Great Commission.”
Favorite Verse:
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”
— Matthew 28:18-20