Young girl smiling and relaxing in a hammock outdoors with trees in the background.

● About

Life at TMC

Together Ministry Center serves families and individuals across DeSoto and Marshall counties, providing support to meet practical, educational, and spiritual needs. We offer assistance to help stabilize households and provide a foundation for hope and growth.

Through learning opportunities and mentorship, children and youth are encouraged to thrive academically, socially, and spiritually. Our programs and gatherings foster community, connection, and transformation for people of all ages.

A man and a woman standing indoors, both smiling and looking at the camera. The man has a beard and is wearing a zip-up jacket. The woman has curly hair and is wearing a vest over a shirt.

● Founders

Karen & John Sudduth

My name is Karen Sudduth. Although trained and employed nearly all my life as a musician, breast cancer in 2007 changed my life direction. Out of that adversity came the opportunity to minister to cancer patients and their families, first as a volunteer and later on staff as a programs coordinator with Wings Cancer Foundation. The crucible of cancer opened my heart and taught me how to care for those who suffer.

My husband, John Sudduth, responded to a call to pastoral ministry decades ago. Vision loss from late-stage glaucoma shifted his focus, physically and spiritually, sharpening his spiritual vision even as his physical sight dimmed. In early 2014, God had our attention, and together we embraced a renewed calling to serve others and impact the lives of those in need.

The Staff & Volunteers

Our staff and volunteers serve with passion and purpose. Understanding the value of relationship, they offer their gifts in a variety of settings, investing their time, expertise, and talents in support of the individuals and families we have within our reach.

Every volunteer and board member shares TMC’s passion and compassion for our neighbors in need. No role is more important than another—we all work together to carry out TMC’s mission of sowing hope, giving help, and building community with those in our circle of influence in Marshall and DeSoto counties.

Get in Touch

● Our History

Back in January 2013, John, two praying friends, and I began making weekly visits to a nearby neighborhood. We started by knocking on doors—yes, out of our comfort zone, but we didn’t let that stop us.

We offered to pray for anyone, about anything, with no strings attached. We weren’t there to invite people to church; we simply wanted to be the church. After praying, we asked if there were practical needs we could help meet—repairs, groceries, whatever we could do.

We quickly realized the depth of brokenness around us—babies and toddlers to seniors, across many cultures and backgrounds. At the same time, we were amazed by God’s love and provision, and by the way even small acts of faith could transform lives. Those first steps, humble as they were, became life-changing for both us and the people we served. Doors opened, and we knew God was at work.

By 2014, John was still pastoring, and I was still working at a cancer clinic, but we had been wrestling in prayer over the call God had placed on our lives. Like the disciples in the storm, we felt the wind and waves pressing in—but just as Jesus walked toward them on the water and said, “Take courage. It is I; do not be afraid,” we heard Him speak to us.

Then, like Peter, we cried out, “Lord, if it is You, command us to come.” And He did. He said, “Come!” (Matthew 14:23-29).

So here we are, eyes fixed on Jesus and hearts full of gratitude for the journey He has called us to:

Together Ministry Center

● Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

  • TMC offers a variety of ways to get involved through church- and community-sponsored events throughout the year that bring hope and unity to those we serve at CandleLight. Volunteer opportunities include sponsoring or helping with special events (sporting activities, recreational events, cookouts, picnics, holiday gatherings, etc.), serving at VPEC, or being available to assist on an as-needed basis.

    If you’re interested in volunteering, please complete this form or email us at info@togetherministrycenter.org.

  • TMC has on-site locations in Olive Branch and Byhalia. We welcome individuals who would like to visit and learn more about what we do.

    To let us know if you’re interested in scheduling a visit to CandleLight (Olive Branch) or Hebron (Byhalia), please submit this form or email us at info@togetherministrycenter.org.

  • Fill out this form or email us at info@togetherministrycenter.org to provide details and schedule a time to drop off.