How do we raise kids who look beyond themselves and become true agents of generosity in a self-centered world? In this heart-stirring episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, Catherine welcomes an extraordinary guest whose story proves that one small act of service can ignite a global movement. Luke Mickelson—founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace—shares how a simple urge to meet a need in his own community became a mission to ensure that “no kid sleeps on the floor in my town.” What began as a Chris...
How do we raise kids who look beyond themselves and become true agents of generosity in a self-centered world?
In this heart-stirring episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, Catherine welcomes an extraordinary guest whose story proves that one small act of service can ignite a global movement. Luke Mickelson—founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace—shares how a simple urge to meet a need in his own community became a mission to ensure that “no kid sleeps on the floor in my town.”
What began as a Christmas service project in his garage alongside his children and Boy Scout group has since grown into a national nonprofit providing hundreds of thousands of beds—literal safe havens—for children in need.
Luke Mickelson’s journey began in a small Idaho town with an ordinary Saturday, a crisis of faith, and the realization that kids in his own community were literally sleeping on the floor. Instead of writing a check, Luke rolled up his sleeves, gathered some tools, and invited his own children—and a group of energetic Boy Scouts—to build a bed from scratch. That humble act of service didn’t just meet an immediate need, it filled a void in Luke’s life and eventually sparked a nationwide movement that has provided over 300,000 beds to kids in need.
Key insights and moments from this episode include:
- How parents can teach their kids generosity by modeling it and making service hands-on and family-focused
- The importance of taking ownership for the brokenness in our own communities—and the power of the motto, “No kid sleeps on the floor in my town”
- The surprising scope of child bedlessness in America—and why so few people are even aware this need exists
- What it feels like to step out in faith and put everything on the line for a God-inspired calling
- Why meaningful service is the antidote to the emptiness that so many parents and children feel
- How ordinary community members (including retirees, families, and youth groups) can get involved in building and delivering beds—or even start a Sleep in Heavenly Peace chapter
- Practical ways to help, from raising awareness, volunteering, donating, or simply showing up for one kid in your town
Luke's credentials as CNN’s Top 10 Hero, as well as his features on NBC News, PBS, and Mike Rowe’s Returning the Favor, uniquely position him to speak to the transformative power of hands-on generosity. His story is a forceful reminder that “God’s hands are your hands”—and that taking action, not just dreaming, is what transforms lives. Whether building beds, delivering hope, or finding creative ways for your family to serve, this conversation will equip and inspire you to become the hands and feet of Christ in your neighborhood.
Guest Bio: Luke Mickelson is the founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP), a nonprofit that builds and delivers beds to children in need. What started in his garage as a holiday project in 2012 has grown into a global movement, with over 350 chapters in four countries and more than 250,000 beds delivered. As the cause kept growing, Luke left an 18-year career to devote himself fully to the cause. SHP now has volunteers devoting 550,000 hours on average every year. Built on the belief that giving a bed is about more than comfort — it’s about dignity, purpose, and connection.
Key Links:
- Learn more and get involved: shpbeds.org
- DONATE to SHP
- Watch Sleep in Heavenly Peace on Mike Rowe’s “Returning the Favor”
- Free parenting resources: catherine@catherinesegars.com
Takeaway:
You don’t need to change the world—just meet a need around you with your kids by your side. Faith comes alive when paired with action, and generous families don’t just bless others…they find the fullness of life God intends.
Don’t miss this motivating and deeply practical conversation—perfect for families who want to model Christ’s love in real, tangible ways.
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