Lavish HOPE, a ministry of HOPE Network Ministries, cares for the spouses of ministers and ministry leaders. We are deeply grateful to the women below who helped found and lead Lavish HOPE, pouring their gifts of counseling, spiritual direction, hospitality, and encouragement into ministry families.
Dr. Heather Heflin Hodges
Original Founder
Heather was an original founder of Lavish HOPE. She is a wife, mother, visual and performing artist, inspirational speaker, and a follower of Christ. Heather holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication, a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy, and a Doctor of Ministry degree, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology.
She serves as Vice President of Organizational Development at Enhabit Home Health & Hospice and has been in ministry alongside her husband for over 25 years. Heather and her husband, Wade, live in the Dallas, Texas area and have two grown sons, Caleb and Elijah. She is passionate about art in worship and spiritual formation, and loves to inspire others to use their own creativity to the glory of God and the beauty of the church.
Karen Heflin
Former Caregiver
Karen serves as the donor relations director for an international nonprofit. She and her husband, Dr. Houston Heflin, worked in ministry for 12 years before moving to Abilene Christian University (ACU), where they equip future ministers. Houston and Karen are the parents of four teenage daughters and recently celebrated 25 years of marriage.
Karen is passionate about cross-cultural welcome, working with refugees and international students, and she enjoys encouraging college students and those who answer the call to serve in ministry. Her favorite things to do are travel with her husband and family, read great books, and visit with friends over a hot cup of tea.
Rhesa Higgins
Former Caregiver
Rhesa is one of the original founders of Lavish HOPE. She is a spiritual director and experienced retreat leader who served as the founding Director of eleven:28 ministries in Dallas, Texas, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the spiritual vitality of ministers.
She is married to Chad, and together they are raising their three kids. Rhesa loves good coffee, dark chocolate, baseball, theatre, and almost any good book.
Diane Packer
Former Caregiver
Diane holds a BS degree in Dietetics and served in church ministry with her husband, Barry, for almost 17 years. For the last 20 years she has lived in Dallas, Texas.
Being a mother and grandmother is the joy of her life, and spending time with others — listening to them and walking through life together — is important to her. Her heart’s desire is to seek after the Lord and spend time with Him, coming to know Him more each day.
Care for Ministry Spouses Continues
Lavish HOPE still walks alongside ministry spouses today. Find out how we can support you, or help us care for others.