Transforming Discipleship for Modern Families: Tools, Tech, and Real Relationships

Key Takeaways

• Utilize technology to enhance discipleship efforts.
• Engage in small, intimate groups for deeper connections.
• Incorporate hobbies and interests into faith practices.
• Embrace both physical and digital (phygital) methods for discipleship.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Leveraging Technology for Discipleship
• Forming Micro-Communities
• Integrating Hobbies with Faith
• Embracing Phygital Discipleship
• Prioritizing Relational Discipleship
• Engaging in Creative Small Groups
• Fostering Discipleship Online
• Conclusion

In an era where daily life moves at an unprecedented pace, fostering authentic spiritual growth demands a thoughtful blend of innovation and tradition. Modern discipleship isn’t limited to church pews or Sunday services; it extends to every facet of life, inviting people to deepen their faith in relevant and sustainable ways. Leveraging resources like a Bible study curriculum for kids can empower families and communities to nurture spiritual conversations and learning at home, engaging children and adults alike in a journey of faith that fits their context. As technology connects people across continents and interests influence how communities form, new approaches to discipleship open doors to lasting spiritual development. By incorporating creative strategies—whether through innovative small groups, interactive digital platforms, or hobby-based gatherings—modern believers can strengthen their walk with God and each other in practical, meaningful ways.

Leveraging Technology for Discipleship

Digital technology has transformed the landscape of discipleship, offering new ways for believers to stay connected and deepen their spiritual walk, regardless of location or schedule. Online Bible study platforms, devotional apps, and streaming services provide instant access to scripture, guided reflections, and teaching resources for individuals and families alike. Social media channels serve as vibrant spaces for sharing testimonies, discussing spiritual topics, and building faith-based communities across distances. Podcasts, video teachings, and faith-centered content hubs allow believers to learn and grow at their own pace. Interactive tools such as digital journals, scripture memorization apps, and mobile prayer reminders help make spiritual formation more engaging and consistent. For parents and ministry leaders, these resources offer valuable support in nurturing faith development at home and in group settings. As technology continues to evolve, it opens up powerful opportunities to personalize discipleship and reach hearts in real time.

Forming Micro-Communities

Micro-communities—small groups of three to five people—provide a safe and focused environment for genuine conversations, accountability, and spiritual growth. In these intimate settings, members can regularly engage in scripture reading, prayer, and honest reflection, fostering deep connections rooted in faith. The close-knit nature of these groups encourages vulnerability and mutual support, creating space for discipleship that is both personal and transformative. Modeled after the way Jesus invested in a few to impact many, micro-communities offer a scalable and sustainable approach to spiritual formation. They can be shaped around shared life stages, interests, or schedules, allowing participants to grow together in authentic and relevant ways. Whether meeting in person or staying connected digitally, these small gatherings help cultivate strong discipleship relationships beyond formal church settings.

Integrating Hobbies with Faith

Finding common ground in shared interests makes discipleship both enjoyable and sustainable. When believers gather for activities like hiking, knitting, gardening, or painting, and integrate spiritual practices such as scripture meditation or prayer, they create a natural environment for spiritual conversations. For example, a group of artists may explore biblical themes through creative projects, or a running club might dedicate time for prayer at the start or finish line. This approach helps faith become an everyday part of life, rather than a separate activity, nurturing both community and growth.

Embracing Phygital Discipleship

The fusion of physical and digital—known as “phygital”—discipleship provides greater flexibility for diverse lives. Groups might meet face-to-face occasionally for meals, service projects, or retreats, while connecting online for regular study sessions or group chats throughout the week. This hybrid method bridges the gap for busy families, travel schedules, and those unable to attend in person, ensuring continued support, learning, and cooperation. Utilizing group texts, online forums, or virtual meeting spaces helps maintain genuine connection and momentum between physical gatherings.

Prioritizing Relational Discipleship

At the core of effective discipleship is an authentic relationship. Jesus modeled this by engaging deeply with a few, sharing daily life, conversations, and even struggles. Modern discipleship flourishes in environments where people care for one another, share challenges, and encourage growth, in person or online. Prioritizing people over programs transforms discipleship into an ongoing journey, rather than an event or lesson, emphasizing actions that reflect selfless love and genuine concern for others’ well-being.

Engaging in Creative Small Groups

Innovative small groups breathe new life into discipleship. For instance, a faith-based book club can encourage thought-provoking discussion, while a community choir nurtures both talent and fellowship by exploring spiritual themes through music. Organizing service-oriented events, such as a sports marathon fundraiser or neighborhood clean-up, unites participants around a common goal and creates opportunities for shared spiritual experiences. These creative formats invite a wide range of people to participate in discipleship at their comfort level and interest.

Fostering Discipleship Online

The digital landscape presents powerful opportunities to reach individuals who may never engage with a traditional faith community. Through virtual churches, online Bible studies, and interactive prayer groups, believers can experience meaningful fellowship and spiritual growth from anywhere in the world. These digital spaces provide a lifeline for the homebound, those frequently on the move, and people living in areas with limited access to in-person gatherings. Online discipleship platforms create welcoming environments where seekers and believers can explore faith, ask questions, and build lasting connections. By harnessing the reach of technology, churches and ministries can extend their mission beyond physical walls and cultivate thriving spiritual communities in the digital realm. This inclusive and flexible approach ensures that discipleship remains accessible to all, regardless of circumstance or location.

Conclusion

Discipleship in today’s world thrives when tradition and innovation work together. By embracing technology, nurturing close relationships, incorporating hobbies, and creating flexible spaces for growth, the church can reach hearts in every generation. Creative discipleship strategies not only strengthen individual faith journeys but also foster resilient, united communities prepared to navigate the complexities of modern life together.

Disclaimer: I, Jamie Tomkins, own and operate TigerStrypes Blog located at www.tigerstrypes.com. From time to time you’ll hear about my real life experiences with products and/or services from companies and individuals. Let it be known that I have an affiliation with these said companies, and have received compensation for reviewing their service/product. A portion of the product/service was given to me by the company or any agents of the company. The review that I give regarding the product/service is based off my own personal experience; I do not guarantee that your experience will be the same.

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I got an email from Momentum Influencers about the new Divine Influencer movie coming out on Pure Flix.  Watching a preview, it looked so much like what the world is focused on, I just had to watch it all.  The story was great, and it made you realize what is most important in life, and what we should be focused on.  This 20 minutes of fame culture is kind of making the world a crazy place.  I don’t really care how many followers you have.  Are you making a difference in just one person’s life?  That’s what we should be more focused on.  Divine Influencer has a great story, and can be watched by many ages.  It might be something to watch with your pre-teens or teens to help them know what is most important in life.

The movie itself was great.  Fun actors that felt like friends you knew, great life lessons and something I’d definitely recommend that you watch!  Find out more below, and let me know if you think you’re going to watch, in the comments!

Join Pure Flix now and watch Divine Influencer exclusively on Pure Flix starting July 21st!  There’s a free 7-day trial for new members!

About Divine Influencer:

Divine Influencer is such a timely movie as the world of social media expands at a rapid pace. The message of this film is a reflection on how easy it is to live for the likes, the shares and the comments instead of living our lives for God or to serve others.

When an entitled influencer loses everything, she must humbly trust God to understand what the meaning of true influence is. Desperate, she takes a job at a homeless shelter only so she has a place to lay her head and quickly realizes the joy and purpose that comes from serving others.

“But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows.

From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one

who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. – Luke 12:48 (NIV)”

Cast List:

Directed by Shari Rigby
Produced by Shawn Boskie
Lara Silva, Olivia (The Chosen)
Jason Burkey, Ryan (FEARLESS FAITH)
Jesse Metcalfe, Andrew (GOD’S NOT DEAD 2, ON A WING AND A PRAYER)
Micah Lynn Hanson, Tara (OVERCOMER)
Rebecca Koon, Flora
Joseph Curtis Callender, Charles

Find out more over at Pure Flix.

Check out Divine Influencer on @PureFlix Great new movie on what's most important in life! #DivineInfluencerMIN #PureFlix #PureFlixVIPAmbassador #MomentumInfluencerNetwork #StreamClean #ChristianEntertainment #MomentumFAM Find out more…
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About Momentum Influencer Network:

Momentum Influencers Network offers faith and family-based products for review in exchange for free giveaways on your blog or site. There are several opportunities each month to review movies, books, children’s resources, music, and more. If you are a blogger and are interested in joining these types of reviews or if you have a product you’d like to feature on our network, please contact them. They look forward to getting to know you and are excited to have you be a part of their growing network! #MomentumFAM

The MIN is also a part of the Collide Media Group. Elevating media that inspires a deeper relationship with Christ. Collide Media Group is a Nashville-based marketing agency that specializes in faith based, family entertainment.

About Pure Flix:

You’ll get access to the largest variety of wholesome movies, series and kids’ content every week at one low monthly price. Experience the difference that positive, encouraging entertainment can have in your home. You also have access to a team of technical support professionals, if you ever have questions.

Pure Flix is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Pictures Entertainment, alongside AFFIRM Films.

The monthly plan costs $7.99. Alternatively, you can sign up for the annual plan that costs $69.99 per year or $5.84 per month. Become a member with a 7-day free trial!!

Discover more at www.pureflix.com

Your Home for Wholesome Faith & Family Streaming
Pure Family. Pure Fun and Pure Faith.

Whatever is pure … what is admirable … think about such things – Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

Connect With Them:

Disclaimer: I, Jamie Tomkins, own and operate TigerStrypes Blog located at www.tigerstrypes.com. From time to time you’ll hear about my real life experiences with products and/or services from companies and individuals. Let it be known that I have an affiliation with these said companies, and have received compensation for reviewing their service/product. The service/product was given to me by the company or any agents of the company. The review that I give regarding the product/service is based off my own personal experience; I do not guarantee that your experience will be the same.  Some details used from Liberty.edu, IMDb and Pure Flix. 1Info taken from the Pure Flix website at https://tinyurl.com/5fypfwxh

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Thank you Ravu, Buzzplant & PhotoMamas for partnering with me on this blog post & the great deal for my readers!
Improve Your Photography Skills with PhotoMamas

beautiful photos of the masterpiece. My husband and son also race UTV’s, so being able to take photos of those high spped activities make it extra fun to look back on. I think that no matter how long you’ve been taking photos, you always love to learn 

One thing that can make a photo great is having a different perspective than others on what you see. PhotoMamas can teach you to look at your everyday life from a different perspective and at new angles. We are usually not taking pictures of our dirty dishes – unless you’re a blogger like me, and have to for a cleaning product. We are usually taking photos of things that we are thankful for! For me, that’s family, the mountains that I live in here in Arizona, and the fun that we get to have in them. By learning how to take a better photo, you’ll be able to learn how to see things from that new perspective, and will be able to have some fun while you’re capturing the memories.

The purpose of PhotoMamas is to help remove the fear from taking those important photos. Also, to create a community of others that do the same thing to give encouragement, and not comparison or competition. The PhotoMamas Masterclass offers easy to understand tips on creative and technical aspects of photography, so that after you watch the series, you’ll have the necessary tools to capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments with confidence and skill. We all still need to make appointments for those professional photos once in awhile, but it’s best for YOU to be the one taking the pictures in your everyday life. PhotoMamas can show you how! The course that is available comes with Creative, Technical, and bonus videos that help to teach you to capture photos of the ones you love.

Here’s one of the great tip sheets that she shares:

If this sounds like something that you would enjoy, my readers are able to get a $50 off coupon at sign up – use code TIGERSTRYPES50!

Learn 2 take gr8 #photos w/ @EvinPhotography of #PhotoMamas + get $50 off. Find out more at
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Disclaimer: I, Jamie Tomkins, own and operate TigerStrypes Blog located at www.tigerstrypes.com. From time to time you’ll hear about my real life experiences with products and/or services from companies and individuals. Let it be known that I have an affiliation with these said companies, and have received free access for reviewing their service/product. The service/product was given to me by the company or any agents of the company. The review that I give regarding the product/service is based off my own personal experience; I do not guarantee that your experience will be the same.

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Amazon Prime Photos Family Vault

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Amazon has launched an all-new Amazon Prime Photos experience with Family Vault. Now, Prime members can share their benefit of unlimited photo storage with family sharing for up to five family members or friends at no additional cost. Prime Photos is free for Prime members and makes it easy for family members to safely store and share all their favorite photos. It also allows you to free up space on your phone, and you know that’s important!

Additional new features include: Image Search, People view and Places view. And Prime members can now order photo prints, cards, photo books, and calendars directly from their Prime Photos account. Download the new Prime Photos app here: www.tinyurl.com/PrimePhotos

Download the @Amazon #PrimePhotos #FamilyVault app to save & share your photos. #AmazonSpokesperson
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Disclaimer: I, Jamie Tomkins, own and operate TigerStrypes Blog located at www.tigerstrypes.com. From time to time you’ll hear about my real life experiences with products and/or services from companies and individuals. Let it be known that I have no affiliation with these said companies, and have not received compensation for reviewing their service/product. The service/product was purchased by me with monetary means, points, or coupons. No portion of the product/service was given to me by the company or any agents of the company. The review that I give regarding the product/service is based off my own personal experience; I do not guarantee that your experience will be the same.

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Thank you Mom’s Meet for partnering with me on this Udemy blog post & the great giveaway!

Further Your Education Online with Udemy
#MomsUseUdemy #MomsMeet #Ad #Sponsored

I recently got an email from Mom’s Meet about being able to help let my readers know about the Udemy site. If you haven’t heard of Udemy, they are the world’s best online learning marketplace, where 10 million+ students are taking courses in everything from programming to yoga to photography–and much, much more!! Each of their 40,000+ courses is taught by an expert instructor, and every course is available on-demand, so students can learn at their own pace, on their own time, and on any device.

I chose to take the “Brain Science: Improve Your Memory & Boost Your Memory” course, and thought that it had a lot of great information! I had brain surgery about 12 years ago and one of the side effects that I was warned about, due to where the surgery happened, was memory loss. I’m pretty good at remembering things from long ago, and of course songs from the 80’s, but something you told me yesterday, or last week – not so much.

The “Brain Science: Improve Your Memory & Boost Your Memory” course teaches you new ways to remember lists, or important objects, in ways that aren’t normally taught. Using acronyms or acrostics can really help boost your memory. Meeting someone and repeating their name, could help when you meet them again. You’ll most likely remember their face, but not their name, if you don’t.

The class overall had a lot of great tips, and even resources that they allowed you to download to further study the teaching, or try new things to help boost your memory. The one thing that was hard for me, was the voice of the instructor. She was obviously from England, or something like that, so there were times that I didn’t understand things she was saying. I wish there could have been subtitles to help with that. Otherwise, the course was very easy to take, the questions helped to make the teaching sink in even more and the resources will continue to help for years to come.

I thought it was great, after the course to receive this, too! Something I can put with my other training certificates and/or display on my office wall:

I would definitely recommend using Udemy for any type of training that you need to be a part of. There are many different topics and class duration to pick from, so saying you don’t have time, won’t cut it. You can always bookmark where you are and come back later to continue, which really helps when you’re working, or a parent – or both!

Check out what is offered at Udemy and if you use this link http://bit.ly/2dvdBv0, you can enjoy this course at 75% off, as well as many other courses that are available.

About Udemy:

We’re the world’s online learning marketplace, where 10 million+ students are taking courses in everything from programming to yoga to photography–and much, much more. Each of our 40,000+ courses is taught by an expert instructor, and every course is available on-demand, so students can learn at their own pace, on their own time, and on any device.

Find out what U can learn at @Udemy - 40K+ courses! #MomsUseUdemy #MomsMeet #ad #Sponsored
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Disclaimer: I, Jamie Tomkins, own and operate TigerStrypes Blog located at www.tigerstrypes.com. From time to time you’ll hear about my real life experiences with products and/or services from companies and individuals. Let it be known that I have an affiliation with these said companies, and have received compensation for reviewing their service/product. The service/product was given to me by the company or any agents of the company. The review that I give regarding the product/service is based off my own personal experience; I do not guarantee that your experience will be the same.

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Happiness Happens In Life – Don’t Miss It!

I recently heard about the #HappinessHappens campaign that Shari’s Berries is doing, and was so excited to be a part of it. For one, I’ve been blessed to enjoy the products from Shari’s Berries in the past, and absolutely love them. Their customer service was (and is) amazing, their products are of great quality, and they are always coming out with great new gift ideas. Living in the mountains of AZ, you sometimes don’t have the option of getting things like fruit, etc. shipped and able to still be used. Shari’s Berries always ships their products quickly, packages them well, and the whole family loves them.

Looking into the #HappinessHappens online, I found so many other people who had had great experiences with the company, as well. I so love this #HappinessHappens campaign that they are doing. In today’s world, we sometimes forget to just sit still for a moment, and enjoy life. Our lives are so full of things to do, chores to finish and stress to deal with. Just taking a moment to breathe and look around at the great things that surround us, is something that we always have to remind ourselves to do.

One of my favorite things is spending time with family!  Living up in the mountains of Eastern Arizona at about 7000′, we don’t have a mall, we don’t have a lot of the things that many take for granted in their communities, but what we do have is the amazing beauty of God’s creation. Having our RzR and our son’s quad, we can just jump on them and hit the trail. There is a major forest road just back behind our house, that goes to many different areas in the beautiful White Mountains forest. Seeing the beautiful creation that we live in, reminds us to just take a breath. Being able to enjoy it with family, and teaching our son the way to live life really helps us to live full, as well. We’re a “tread lightly” family, who wants to see the forest respected and cared for. Like I always say, “the animals were here first, so we are to care for their land.” Too many people, mostly visitors, in our area think that it’s okay to just leave their trash, or not put their campfire out completely. They need to remember that these things cause major problems and can affect how we are able to enjoy the forest in the future.

Wherever you live, you need to make sure that #HappinessHappens!! In whatever way that is…helping a neighbor, enjoying the town, taking a day to clean up a park or forest trail. These little things can make such a big difference in the future. We don’t take a lot of time anymore to be “happy”, it seems, and that really leaves a mark on the world. Who remembers the days of sitting on the porch, and talking to the neighbors as the kids played in the neighborhood? There are so many in today’s world, that I’ve heard don’t even know their neighbors!! Let us, as this generation, make a change in that! Taking over a box of Shari’s Berries would gain a friend for life!! Thank you to them, for letting me know about this great #HappinessHappens event and getting to see what I can do to try and bring a little “happy” to someone’s life!!

About The Company:

As a premier gifting company delivering flowers, chocolates, gift baskets, and unique personalized gifts, Provide Commerce is more than just an e-commerce retailer. We strive to exceed our customers’ expectations and offer gift recipients something just as extraordinary. From gourmet, hand-dipped strawberries to unique, personalized merchandise, we deliver a “wow” experience to doorsteps across the country. Headquartered in San Diego, California, we offer a laid-back work atmosphere where collaboration and innovation reign supreme— and the capabilities are endless. By leveraging data and consumer insights, combined with creativity and ingenuity, Provide Commerce consistently anticipates and delivers what customers want next. Our robust technology platform, premium-quality products and top-notch customer service take the hassle out of gift-giving, while our vibrant team of talented folks put collaboration, passion and fun into, well, everything we do. Provide Commerce changed the way customers shopped for flowers when we created ProFlowers in 1998, bringing fresh flowers to customers from the field. Our disruptive innovation created an entirely new business model and value network for the floral industry. Since then, we have launched some of the finest gifting brands in the world, such as RedEnvelope, Shari’s Berries, Cherry Moon Farms, and Personal Creations. Our innovative mindset has helped us bring better quality, style and some of the best guarantees in e-commerce to each of our brands—all with an over-the-top customer experience for gift-givers and the people who matter to them most.

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         Be a Cyber-Survivor

Talking to your kids about online safety is the first step

Cyber-bullying is something that you hear so much about in today’s world.  When I grew up, it was the kids who stole your lunch money and did the wedgie on the playground.  Nowadays, things are so much different.  Myself having a teenager who will soon have his own cell phone, I worry.  What is out there, how can I keep him safe, when I’m not around?  There are so many people online that are able to make trouble in people’s lives and never get caught!! It’s just not fair.  I love that the  Boys & Girls Clubs of America & Mom’s Central have stepped up to put a stop to this.  Also, seeing the teens that are getting involved, just makes your heart melt.  What a difference they are making in people’s lives.  For kids to be able to talk to another person like them, instead of parents, etc. will mean so much.  My husband and I are honest and open with our son and let him know that he’s welcome to tell us everything, but knowing how I felt when I was little, that is not something you always do.  Being able to talk to your peers about things and not have them judge you, etc. is a big deal.  I’m so blessed to partner with Mom Central about this campaign and let my readers know that there’s something out there for them, or their children.

For those of you that aren’t familiar with this topic, Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place using electronic technology. Electronic technology includes devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers, and tablets as well as communication tools including social media sites, text messages, chat, and websites.  Examples of cyberbullying include mean text messages or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles.  Cell phones and computers themselves are not to blame for cyberbullying. Social media sites can be used for positive activities, like connecting kids with friends and family, helping students with school, and for entertainment. But these tools can also be used to hurt other people. Whether done in person or through technology, the effects of bullying are similar.

Kids who are cyberbullied are more likely to:

• Use alcohol and drugs
• Skip school
• Experience in-person bullying
• Be unwilling to attend school
• Receive poor grades
• Have lower self-esteem
• Have more health problems

Parents and kids can prevent cyberbullying:

• Together, they can explore safe ways to use technology.
• Be Aware of What Your Kids are Doing Online
• Establish Rules about Technology Use
• Understand School Rules

Be sure to establish rules about appropriate use of computers, cell phones, and other technology. For example, be clear about what sites they can visit and what they are permitted to do when they’re online. Show them how to be safe online.

Help them be smart about what they post or say. Tell them not to share anything that could hurt or embarrass themselves or others. Once something is posted, it is out of their control whether someone else will forward it.

Encourage kids to think about who they want to see the information and pictures they post online. Should complete strangers see it? Real friends only? Friends of friends? Think about how people who are not friends could use it.

Tell kids to keep their passwords safe and not share them with friends. Sharing passwords can compromise their control over their online identities and activities.

#Sponsored #MC #CyberTribe #CyberSafe

Find out more at:

http://www.bgca.org/cybersafe/Pages/default.aspx

If growing up in the digital age is tough, being a #cybersafe parent isn’t easy either. That’s why Boys & Girls Clubs of America, in partnership with Sprint, has assembled our CyberTribe of expert teens — to answer your questions on the issues facing kids online, like cyberbullying, mobile device safety, online privacy and personal data sharing, especially on social networks. Because every teen deserves a #cybersafe future.

Do you have questions about cyber-bullying?  There is a great resource on the site that lets you ask a question to the Cyber Tribe and get honest answers to help you either in your own life, or helping your kids in theirs.  Find out more here.

Take the Parent Test and see how you rate with your knowledge of this issue.  It let’s you know about great things, and helps you to be ready when the time comes for you to discuss this issue.  I took the test and got this (sure made me feel better) :

There’s also a great website for teens to find out more on their own – and being from the Boys & Girls Club, you can know that they are safe on the site.  Check it out here.

More about the Boys & Girls Club: Boys & Girls Clubs of America works hard every day to make a difference in the lives of youth in communities all over the world.  Our Clubs serve millions of boys and girls, with thousands of Clubs at locations in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands — and on domestic and international U.S. military installations.  Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of young people by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and pride.  Find them on Facebook & Twitter.

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