About Us
My Father’s Arrows, Inc. is a faith-based ministry, community driven, public charity that specializes in restoration and orphan care. MFA was established in 2014 in efforts to do a greater work for the children in foster care by our founders who had 44 yrs. cumulative experience as foster-adoptive parents and in service with special needs children. Our founders recognized that instability in placements and lack of long-term connections for the children contributed to decreased school performance, increased negative behaviors, overall poor choices, and lack of support for them as young adults. A mighty vision for change was born, and My Father’s Arrows set out to work. We educate the community on the children’s needs, recruit more caregivers and advocates for the children, and procure child-specific resources to help them reach their maximum potential. Our Children’s Home is a safe, loving, trauma-informed Christian home. My Father’s Arrows is registered with The Florida Association of Christian Child Caring Agencies as a Type II child- caring agency under Florida Statue 409.176. MFA is a private placement children’s home for boys and girls ages 0-17 who have been abused, neglected, abandoned, rejected, or are otherwise struggling with the impact of their traumatic experiences. These children are often struggling with negative behaviors, rebellion, academic issues, and dysfunctional attachments. We provide the 24 hour supervision, high structure, and low relational pressure that the children of trauma need in order to thrive. We utilize the TBRI model of parenting with focus on faithfully meeting the needs behind behaviors. We provide consistency in responding to behaviors with correction based on Christian values while making the world small for the children in a comfortable, residential farmstead setting. We focus on educational excellence, spiritual growth, and a healthy lifestyle with an abundance of recreation. By targeting the high risk, high volume population of children impacted by trauma and the foster care system, and focusing on meeting this group’s most critical needs, MFA is creating systemic change that not only impacts the youth served, but also the community at large.
Sarah Ellis is the co-founder and Executive Director of My Father’s Arrows, a Christ-centered ministry devoted to restoring hope to children from hard places. She firmly believes that children are a heritage from the Lord and must be protected, nurtured, and guided with both truth and love. With nearly three decades of experience as a Registered Nurse, Sarah brings strong leadership, crisis response skills, and trauma-informed insight to the ministry. She is also a Licensed Christian Clinical Therapist, further equipping her to support the emotional and spiritual healing of children in care. Together, her medical background and biblical foundation help shape the structured, compassionate model of My Father’s Arrows. Sarah and her husband, Jason, have been married for 28 years and are the parents of a large family. Throughout their marriage, they have faithfully served as foster and adoptive parents, welcoming many children with significant trauma backgrounds into their home. Their understanding of trauma, attachment challenges, and long-term healing is not theoretical — it has been lived out around their own kitchen table.What began as their family’s “yes” to God grew into a multi-generational ministry. The Ellis children were raised in a home centered on service and faithfulness and now actively serve within the mission. My Father’s Arrows is not simply a program, but a family-rooted ministry where children experience stability, structure, discipleship, and genuine relationship. Sarah is known for steady leadership, maternal compassion, and unwavering faith that healing is possible when Christ remains at the center. Her heart’s desire is to see vulnerable children restored to health, identity, and purpose — and to see families, churches, and communities rise up to steward what God calls precious.
Jason Ellis serves as Director of Operations at My Father’s Arrows, providing steady leadership, spiritual guidance, and hands-on oversight for the daily life of the ministry. With 25 years of experience as a Registered Nurse, Jason brings calm discernment, practical wisdom, and a servant’s heart into every area of responsibility.But more than his credentials, Jason is known for who he is — a devoted husband, a protective father, and a shepherd to the children God has entrusted to My Father’s Arrows. Throughout 28 years of marriage and foster-adoptive parenting, Jason has faithfully helped lead a large family, welcoming children from hard places into the safety of their home. His leadership has been marked by consistency, strength, and quiet faithfulness. He understands the value of structure, accountability, and steady presence in a child’s life. At My Father’s Arrows, Jason oversees daily operations, campus care, maintenance, and building projects, ensuring that the environment remains safe, secure, and well-ordered. He believes children heal best in spaces that are both structured and peaceful — and he works diligently to create that foundation. Jason also serves as a spiritual leader within the ministry. He regularly teaches and disciples the children, sharing biblical truth with clarity and conviction. When traveling to churches, he ministers alongside his family, calling others to live out the Gospel through faithful stewardship of vulnerable children. An outdoorsman at heart, Jason can often be found hunting, fishing, practicing archery, or working the land — usually with one of his children at his side. He believes time, skill, and shared work build character and connection. Jason’s life reflects what My Father’s Arrows stands for: protection, provision, discipleship, and unwavering commitment to the next generation.
My name is Angela Kinder. I have been married to my husband, Joshua, for 21 years and we have eight wonderful children together. We are originally from Michigan but enjoy the slower pace and warm weather Florida provides. We enjoy rodeo, soccer and spending time as a family. I have always had a calling to work with children and it is a blessing to be doing what I do now.
Hey y’all, I’m Betty Melvin, I have been married to my husband Dan Melvin for 30 years. Dan and I love the Lord and love our 4 beautiful children and their families especially the grand babies and our 6 dogs. I have worked with MFA for over 7 years. I started out volunteering at the MFA thrift store and I loved the ministry so much, I’ve worked full time ever since. Due to the pandemic we had to close our store and God told me it was time to work with His children in need of spiritual, mental and physical healing. So here I am; doctor’s appointments, cooking meals, cutting hair and anything else that God needs me to do for these broken spirits. Children are a precious gift from God. “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these”. Matthew 19:13
Our medical director, Dr. Teresa Mahaffey's journey to pediatrics began at the University of Notre Dame as an undergraduate and then the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago. I completed my pediatric internship, residency and chief residency at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, Oakland , California. In 2015 and 2017, Dr. Mahaffey was recognized by Professional Research Consultants (PRC) as a "Five Star" healthcare provider who scored in the top 10% nationally on patient surveys where patients were asked to rate the care they received. Awards are based on how often patients gave their physician or provider a rating of excellent on the PRC survey question. PRC is a national healthcare marketing research firm that works directly with more than 2,000 hospitals and healthcare organizations. She specializes in autism and children with behaviors, and truly see the preciousness in every child she treats.
Saida Gilmore serves as Executive Assistant at My Father’s Arrows, bringing strength, clarity, and steady leadership to the daily life of the ministry. Having grown up alongside My Father’s Arrows from its earliest days, she carries a deep, firsthand understanding of its mission and culture. Saida plays a key role in supporting the ministry’s structure, accountability, and compliance. She oversees background clearances, human resources processes, licensing coordination, and essential administrative systems that ensure excellence behind the scenes. Her flexibility and comprehensive understanding of operations allow her to respond quickly and wisely as needs arise. Trained in TBRI, CPR, and behavior management, Saida is especially gifted in de-escalating children during difficult moments. Children often gravitate toward her because they sense both safety and strength. She listens well, maintains clear boundaries, and leads with confidence — fostering trust and stability. Alongside her husband, Aiden, Saida has served as the primary caregiver to little ones in My Father’s Arrows care, stepping in when immediate protection and nurture were needed. Her willingness to act decisively reflects the compassion and leadership that have marked her life from a young age. Saida enjoys the outdoors, horseback riding, barrel racing, and rodeo. As part of the next generation of leadership at My Father’s Arrows, she is committed to the long-term vision of seeing children restored and rooted in healthy, Christ-centered families.
Teagan Sapp serves as the Girls Program Manager at My Father’s Arrows, where she helps guide and mentor the girls in the program through daily structure, encouragement, and discipleship. She has been involved with the ministry since it began in 2014 and has watched it grow into a place where children can experience safety, stability, and the love of Christ. Much of Teagan’s experience comes from working closely with people and learning how to meet others where they are. Life itself has been one of her greatest teachers. Walking through difficult seasons and learning patience, compassion, and resilience has helped shape the way she approaches the children she serves. Teagan believes God led her to this role by opening doors and placing a calling on her heart to be part of something greater than just a job. She sees her work at My Father’s Arrows as an opportunity to serve others while reflecting the love and grace of Christ.She has always been passionate about helping children, believing that every child deserves to feel seen, safe, and valued. Many of the children who come to My Father’s Arrows have faced circumstances no child should endure, and Teagan is committed to walking alongside them as they find healing, encouragement, and hope for the future. At My Father’s Arrows, Teagan’s day-to-day role includes helping maintain structure, providing guidance, and supporting the girls through both joyful moments and challenging situations. Her goal is to be a steady and caring presence while helping them grow in faith and confidence. As the oldest of twelve siblings, Teagan learned early in life the importance of caring for and guiding others. She is married to the love of her life, and her family remains one of her greatest sources of joy and inspiration. Outside of work, Teagan enjoys spending time with the people she loves and finding moments to slow down and recharge. One of her hobbies is photography, where she enjoys capturing everyday moments and finding beauty in simple things. Her favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:28, which reminds her that God is always working through every circumstance for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Teagan believes My Father’s Arrows is a place where hope in Christ is alive. Though the work can be challenging, she believes it is deeply meaningful and that even the smallest acts of consistent care can make a lasting difference in a child’s life.
My name is Deneen Goforth I love the Lord and want to serve Him anyway I can. My husband Robbie and I have been married since 1983, we have 2 kids Seth (Shyanne)and Daniel (Haley), 2 grandkids Nathaniel and Blakelyn, and a foster son named Austin. I never thought I would go back to work after being a stay at home mom for 21 years, but when the Lord spoke to me I listened. My career before motherhood included jobs in sales, banking, working as an office manager in media/public relations. God knew way back then, that I would need to use those skills again 21 years later here I am living life and doing God’s work in a ministry that I love. I will add that one of my daughter in laws is in the ministry at MFA also serving in direct care.
Xavier Sapp serves as the Boys Program Manager at My Father’s Arrows, where he helps lead and mentor the boys in the program through daily structure, discipleship, and character development. He has formally served with the ministry since May of 2022, though he had been volunteering and involved with the mission for several years prior. Before joining My Father’s Arrows full time, Xavier spent time helping lead and serve in various ministries while also working in the marketplace. He believes that ministry is not simply something done within the walls of a church, but a lifestyle centered on sharing the love and truth of Jesus Christ with others. When Xavier was first introduced to My Father’s Arrows, he was deeply impacted by seeing children quoting Scripture and genuinely reaching out to God. Watching young lives respond to the Gospel and begin to experience healing strengthened his belief in the mission of the ministry and the power of Christ to restore what has been broken. Xavier has always had a heart for working with children. Having faced challenges in his own childhood, he understands how important it is for young people to have someone walk alongside them through difficult seasons. His desire is to help children find healing, purpose, and identity through a relationship with Jesus Christ. At My Father’s Arrows, Xavier’s primary role is teaching biblical truth and helping guide the boys in developing godly character. Through Scripture, mentorship, and daily life lessons, he works to help them grow in faith, discipline, and understanding of who God has called them to be. He believes that true healing and restoration ultimately come through Christ, and his heart is to see every child experience that transformation. One verse that guides Xavier’s life and leadership is Matthew 6:33, which reminds believers to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that everything else will follow according to His will.
Isaiah Ellis serves in Community Relations at My Father’s Arrows. As the second oldest son of the ministry’s founders, Sarah and Jason Ellis, he has had the opportunity to watch the ministry grow through its early years and develop into what it is today. Being closely connected to the mission has given him a deep passion for serving vulnerable children and sharing the heart behind My Father’s Arrows with others. Isaiah helps connect the ministry with the surrounding community by building relationships with churches, supporters, and local partners. Through outreach, events, and community involvement, he works to help others understand the vision of My Father’s Arrows and the importance of providing a safe, Christ-centered environment for children from hard places. Faith is the foundation of Isaiah’s life. He serves as a worship leader and piano player and enjoys using music to glorify God and encourage others in their walk with Christ. His desire is to live a life that reflects the love and truth of the Gospel in both word and action. Having witnessed many children come through the doors of My Father’s Arrows, Isaiah has been blessed to see firsthand the healing that can take place when children are surrounded by stability, structure, and the love of Christ. His heart is to continue supporting the mission of the ministry and helping others see the life-changing impact that faith, community, and compassion can have in a child’s life. Outside of the ministry, Isaiah enjoys being involved in the community, spending time around the rodeo world, and continuing to grow in his faith and calling to serve others.
Gabriella Turner serves in the Counseling Department at My Father’s Arrows, where she works directly with the children through both individual and group counseling. Her role focuses on helping children process emotions, build healthy coping skills, and grow in confidence and identity while walking through seasons of healing. Gabriella has been part of the My Father’s Arrows family since 2021. She first began serving in direct care before transitioning into the counseling department after completing her Bachelor of Social Work. During her time at My Father’s Arrows, she earned her Associate of Science degree from Coastal Alabama Community College and later completed her BSW through Troy University Online. She is now preparing to begin her Master of Social Work program at Troy University as she continues pursuing clinical licensure. Gabriella believes her journey to My Father’s Arrows was guided by the hand of God. What first seemed like an unexpected opportunity quickly became a calling. She is passionate about looking beyond behavior to see the deeper needs of the child and helping them understand that they are seen, valued, and deeply loved by God. Her heart is that every child who comes through My Father’s Arrows would experience the transforming love of Christ and discover that healing, restoration, and purpose are possible. Gabriella is recently married to her husband, Kearby, and they share their home with their beloved puppy, Bowser. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with family, kayaking, and investing in meaningful relationships. One of her favorite Bible verses is Romans 8:28, which reminds her that God faithfully works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
My Father’s Arrows (MFA) is an inter-denominational Christian ministry uniting believers who love Jesus Christ and desire to serve Him by providing compassionate care to orphans. We desire to remain united in the salvation and love of Christ, avoiding the dissension that may be caused by denominational distinctive. We hold to scripture mandate James 1:27; Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
