Community Highlights: Meet Maria Grissom of Raising Timothys

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Grissom.

Hi Maria, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In February 2023, I was preparing to welcome my third baby in three years. I had just moved to a new city, away from family and friends, and felt lonely. I deeply longed for a group of moms to pray with—a community where we could lift up our children in prayer together. More than that, I dreamed of gathering with my close friends, to pray for our kids.

At first, I hesitated. I thought about starting something on Zoom but dismissed it, thinking, Everyone’s over Zoom after 2020. I doubted anyone else would want this as much as I did. I told myself, They don’t need this; they have friends and family close by. But the Lord kept putting it on my heart.

In February 2024, I finally took a leap of faith and texted three close friends. To my excitement, they said yes! We began meeting virtually, and it was exactly what my heart needed—to see their faces, catch up, and most importantly, pray for our children together.

That’s when I realized this wasn’t just for me. I wanted to offer this opportunity to other moms who were looking for a community, friends, or family to pray with. My vision grew: a space where moms everywhere could gather, no matter the distance, to pray for their children. What started as a small group has now grown into a community of moms from multiple states across the country, gathering monthly to lift up their kids in prayer. It’s been incredible to witness how encouraging and life-giving these moments have become for everyone involved.

In the fall of 2024, my husband Jon and I officially co-founded Raising Timothys as a nonprofit ministry, responding in faith to what God was already growing. Seeing others come alongside us in this mission has been such an encouragement, and we have been continually amazed as we watch the Lord work.

I found inspiration in 2 Timothy 1:5, which speaks of the faith passed down from Timothy’s grandmother, Lois, to his mother, Eunice, and then to him. This legacy of faith through prayer deeply resonated with me. My hope was to see not only mothers but grandmothers joining these gatherings, praying together for the future generations of faithful believers. In March of 2025 we hosted our first annual women’s prayer retreat where moms, grandmothers and spiritual mothers gathered to pray for the next generation. It was a beautiful time of intergenerational prayer, growth and community.

Our vision is to grow and expand to include dads, grandmothers, and grandfathers, uniting families in prayer. Together, we’ll seek to pass down a legacy of faith to the next generation, equipping them to know and share Christ boldly. Whether you’re a parent or grandparent, your prayers can shape the future. Join us as we cover our children and grandchildren in prayer and build a community committed to raising the next generation of faithful believers.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has been about as smooth as it can be. I have truly seen the Lord’s hand on this ministry every step of the way. There have been many moments when I felt unsure of the next steps or tempted to wait until everything felt perfect in my own eyes, but the Lord has been faithful to lead and guide us forward—often through simple nudges and the encouragement of people willing to say yes and move forward with us. As with any ministry, there have been challenges along the way, yet each one has ultimately drawn both me and our board of directors closer to the Lord. Rather than discouraging us, those moments have encouraged us to slow down, seek Him more intentionally, and trust His timing.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Raising Timothys exists to support families in nurturing their children and grandchildren in Christian faith, inspired by 2 Timothy 1:5 and the legacy of sincere faith passed from one generation to the next. Through prayer and intentional guidance, our heart is to equip families to cultivate faith at home and encourage the next generation to live out—and share—the gospel with conviction.

We are best known for encouraging prayer, particularly topical and Scripture-based prayer. Our desire is that whenever someone attends a Raising Timothys event or hears about what we are doing, Christ would be glorified and hearts would be stirred to pray. Prayer is at the center of everything we do.

Raising Timothys began very simply—with a topical prayer journal I created for myself and one of my children. It was a way to pray Scripture over specific topics in their lives while also inviting them into prayer alongside me, giving them space to learn how to pray at a young age. That simple practice became the foundation for this ministry and continues to shape our organization today.

What sets Raising Timothys apart is our focus on generational faith and communal prayer. We don’t believe prayer has to be complicated or intimidating; it’s something that can be learned, practiced, and shared together—within families, friendships, and communities. Brand-wise, I am most proud of how accessible and Christ-centered this ministry remains, always pointing back to Him.

If you are looking for a place to grow in Christ, to be encouraged in prayer, or to learn how to pray—whether on your own or alongside your children—we invite you to join us with your family or a group of friends. Our hope is that through Raising Timothys, families would grow in faith together and pass on a lasting legacy rooted in prayer and the gospel.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
There have been so many important lessons along the way, both practical and spiritual. On a logistical level, I’ve learned everything from how to start a nonprofit and build a website to planning retreats and creating resources. Each step has stretched me in new ways. Spiritually, I’ve been reminded just how much room there is to grow in my own prayer life. This journey has deepened my dependence on the Lord and my understanding of prayer as a daily, ongoing conversation with Him. Above all, it has been a joy to watch the Lord reveal Himself more clearly to me and to see how faithfully He continues to grow and shape me through this work.

Pricing:

• Raising Timothys Prayer Journals for parents: $12.00
• Becoming Timothys Prayer Journals for kids ( $12.00)
• Generations of Faith Prayer Guide coming soon: Spring 2026
• Annual Retreats: Based on location

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.raisingtimothys.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisingtimothys_215
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567056385932
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/6QFLpBppT1UKa2YYV67agP