We sit down with J.T. Olson—founder of Both Hands Ministry—to hear how one man turned the deepest pain of losing both parents at age 12 into a nationwide movement that has transformed the lives of thousands of orphans and widows.
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Have you ever felt called to make a difference, but wondered HOW you could truly help those in need? Do you want to know what real, faith-driven purpose looks like for Christian men in this generation? Are you eager to discover a practical, life-changing “adoption hack” that’s rewriting stories and reuniting families? THIS is the episode for you!
We get real about loss, grief, faith, and how a simple idea—fixing a widow’s house—has helped over 1,500 children find their forever homes while serving nearly 2,000 widows. Learn how J.T. Olson’s personal story and God-given passion became Both Hands, a ministry that allows ANYONE to roll up their sleeves and join the solution.
What You’ll Experience in This Episode:
From Tragedy to Transformation: How the worst day of J.T. Olson’s life became fuel for a ministry that’s helped over 1,500 kids find their forever families and served 1,800+ widows!
The “Golf Roast” That Sparked a Movement: Hear the hilarious and humbling story of how one friend’s honest jab about fundraising catalyzed the genius idea of Both Hands.
A Simple, Game-Changing Blueprint: Step-by-step, J.T. Olson walks us through how anyone can join a widow-serving, adoption-funding project—and why it’s THE alternative to bake sales or GoFundMes.
Healing, Hope & The Power of YES: Discover how God heals deep wounds and uses them—not just for your story, but for the rescue of others.
Why Your Group (or You Alone) Can Make a Difference: Whether you’re longing to serve, love building stuff, or just want to see “the Church in ACTion,” you’ll learn how to get involved—one Saturday at a time.
Spiritual Takeaway: The surprising freedom found in serving when there’s “nothing in it for you”—and why true faith is defined by showing up for orphans and widows.
🌟 EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:
Start your journey—How can I get involved?
https://bothhands.org/
Ready to volunteer or serve?
Click “Start a Project” at https://bothhands.org
Free resources to accelerate your growth:
https://standupdude.com/be-more
Get J.T. Olson’s book: The Orphan, The Widow, and Me: https://amzn.to/48wD4R8
Looking for matching funds or ways to multiply your impact? Explore Both Hands’ website—raise support for families and help more children & widows! https://bothhands.org
⚡️ Connect & Take Action:
Was this episode the breakthrough you needed? Drop your story or questions in the comments!
Like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs hope or practical wisdom for finding purpose.
Connect:
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Website: https://standupdude.com/
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#OrphanCare #AdoptionFundraising #BothHandsMinistry #BiblicalManhood #ServeWidows #ChristianPurpose #StandUpDudePodcast #FaithInAction #PurposeDrivenMen #James127 #AdoptionStories #VolunteerService #MissionXMission
Theme Music: Prodigal - by Arrows in Exile: https://open.spotify.com/track/0Qbpjwsb1Z9XuES9yqKQoz?si=8deed3f6cd2548cf
Timestamps:
00:00 "Adoption Hack: Transform Lives"
04:02 "Mom and Dad Are Dead"
07:41 "Grounded Essence for Children"
09:51 Adopting Four Moldovan Siblings
14:04 "Donations for Community Projects"
18:54 Finding Purpose Through Service
22:01 "Community Groups Making a Difference"
24:37 "True Faith Through Loving Action"
26:12 Faith, Growth, and Redemption
29:40 Ambitious Annual Project Goals
33:12 "The Orphan, Widow, and Me"
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