WHO WE ARE 
WHO WE
 WE  
 ARE 
Heart of the Matter Ministries International started over 15 years ago.  Our ministry is based out of Cincinnati, Ohio, and we are a Christian organization with a dedicated staff of volunteers.  We all have the same vision for equipping God’s people to grow as individuals and to develop healthy ministries, organizations, businesses, and families.  Over the years we have witnessed incredible healings and restoration in the lives of people who’ve grown tired of the status-quo.
The core of what we do is based on Romans 15:1-2, Amplified Bible
1We who are strong [in our convictions and of robust faith] ought to bear with the failings and the frailties and the tender scruples of the weak; [we ought to help carry the doubts and qualms of others] and not to please ourselves.2 Let each one of us make it a practice to please (make happy) his neighbour for his good and for his true welfare, to edify him [to strengthen him and build him up spiritually].

OUR MISSION & PURPOSE

We target organizations, churches, ministries, businesses, families and individuals who feel stuck and have grown tired of the status quo and are ready to go to the next level.
Our assignment is :
  • To equip, to encourage, to edify by providing customised life-transforming personal growth.
  • Development workshops, seminars, training conferences and retreat weekends that provide effective tools and skill sets that will not only promote wholeness but will also enable people to go to the next level both personally and professionally.
  MEET KAREN 
 KAREN 

 Founder

Karen Woods, fondly known as “Mama K” has a huge heart for building and developing people whatever stage of life people find themselves in. You don’t just simply meet Karen, you encounter her.  Karen’s authentic outpouring of love, acceptance, respect, and honor is so refreshing. She has such a unique sense of humour and joy that is so refreshing and contagious. People have commented, “you know when you have had an amazing encounter with Karen when you unconsciously start to mimic her and quote some of her hilarious sayings….”  Karen considers herself a “Global Citizen” with a heart for the nations. Her team admires her openness and transparency, her wisdom, great perspective and uncommon understanding of people’s  personal styles. Karen is an awe-inspiring, thought-provoking international speaker, trainer, consultant and retreat leader with over 25 years of equipping people. Karen is partially blind in both eyes since childhood. She has a powerful story of overcoming adversity to pursue your purpose in life. Her motto is: “What you do, does not determine who you are, who you are determines what you do….”

  OUR TEAM 
 TEAM 

Teri Henry

Personal assistant, intercessor, set up/prep and support team.

Teri’s Love for helping others is contagious. “What can I do” is the word she would use to jump in and help. Teri has an infectious laugh that fills the room. She is generous and giving. She is thoughtful and caring. She has a strong faith that strengthens our team. Teri is one of the personal assistants who travel with Karen Woods. She is a part of the amazing prep team and set- up. She along with Mary loves to Serve behind the scenes. She is also a part of the ministry team and loves to pray for people. Teri and Tabby have a special sensitivity for a broken people and she is a private intercessor for the ministry and for those who show up at our events.

Mary Barnabas

Board of Directors member, Partners coordinator, ministry leader/teacher and support team.

Mary Barnabas is from South India She is a vital part of our international ministry. She is a straightforward thinker with a heart of gold. Mary is known for her no-nonsense down to earth leadership style, and of course, there is much laughter and fun.  Having  Mary on our team brings honesty, compassion and commitment,  with an international perspective. She is generous and caring.  One of Mary’s many talents is excellent cooking of South Indian cuisine. She provides food for all of our events. Mary is passionate and shows compassion in sharing about India. She travels around the world and she has a heart for the nations. People are truly moved as Mary shares from a global outlook. She is honored to invite people to support financially in our partnership connection. She has an amazing partnership presentation where she shares openly and honestly. She often cries as she speaks out of her heart.  Mary is a serious student of the word of God. She is one of the speakers for our events.  She loves to serve behind the scenes. She is on our setup/ prep and support team. Mary has a strong desire for people to receive the word of truth, as well as showing love to people who are hurting.

  OUR BOARD 
 OUR
 BOARD 

Karen Woods

President

President visionary and strategic planner leader Karen has been a member of the board since 1999. She carries the vision and mission of the organization. She has foresight and insight as to where this organization can be most effective.

Pam Fields

Pam has an extraordinary history of helping people on the streets who are in distress due to drug addiction She has been known to literally assist someone who has almost overdosed on drugs. Pam is the good Samaritan who has amazing “caring power“ She has a heart for broken people as she has served in inner-city ministry in children’s ministry as well as provided theophoric inner healing prayer sessions for people who are in need of a listening ear and a touch from God.   She is an amazing listener and has a huge heart to see positive change in communities that are at risk as well as stand up and speak out for social justice.

A word from Pam Fields:

Hello, my name is Pam fields. I have been married to my husband Larry for forty-four years. We have two wonderful children and five beautiful grandchildren. I enjoy spending time outdoors and working in my flower garden. I have a passion for caring and loving people. I hate injustice and racism and I want to do my part in fighting for equality for everyone. I am honored to sit on the board of heart of the matter ministries because I have known Karen for twenty years and she is an amazing woman of God and she has a heart for helping others to get through difficult times in their life.

Mary Barnabas

Leads the “Partner- connections Mary has been a member of this board since 2008. She leads the “Partner- connections” of the organization. She provides in-depth information about our organization and offers an invitation for people to come and support financially.

Chris and Tabby Saylor

Support/ministry team leaders.

This couple is known for our ministry as “the dynamic dual” Chris Saylor is an amazing group leader, he has a wonderful sense of humour that will keep you laughing. His “sunny disposition” and positive outlook brings joy to whoever he comes in contact with. Chris has a huge heart for broken people and it shows up in the way he encourages. Tabby Saylor is a kind and sensitive leader and group leader.  Her heart is to love, support and build up. When you are around Tabby you can feel her commitment to providing care and honor. Tabby is also an assistant to Karen Woods. Chris and Tabby have a powerful testimony as a couple that will totally bring hope to couples everywhere. They are responsible for prayer and ministry to people. They are also a part of the training team for our workshops and seminars. When you meet this couple you will believe in love again. You will believe that nothing is impossible and you will be amazed at the amount of love, transparency, and wisdom they possess.

This board of dedicated, long-standing, committed leaders has been the reason for our success and accomplishments.