Let’s Start Talking (LST) — Organization Profile
Let’s Start Talking (LST) is a conversation-based outreach ministry that helps Christians build one-on-one English conversation friendships that naturally open the Bible. Since 1980, LST has connected volunteers and international participants through a simple, repeatable approach: meet regularly, practice conversational English, and use discussion-based workbooks built around biblical stories and themes.
LST is based in Hurst, Texas (Dallas–Fort Worth area) and serves international neighbors locally and “around the world” through multiple pathways. Some participants connect with LST online, some meet in local communities with newcomers and immigrants, and others travel to global sites where LST teams partner with long-term host ministries. Across all settings, LST emphasizes relationship, consistent conversation, and thoughtful questions rather than classroom-style teaching.
One of LST’s primary programs is FriendSpeak, which equips churches, campus ministries, and other groups to engage international neighbors through English, friendship, and Scripture-based discussion. FriendSpeak is designed for a one-to-one setting and is supported by training and a defined set of workbooks. LST encourages groups to pursue training before using the materials, aiming to help volunteers create welcoming, meaningful conversations and a sustainable local ministry structure.
LST also offers LST Connect, an online option that matches English-speaking volunteers (“Workers”) with international “Readers” for reading sessions through tools such as Zoom or WhatsApp. Participants use print or digital workbooks, and LST provides ongoing training and support so volunteers can feel equipped and Readers can practice English while exploring Bible-based conversations at a comfortable pace.
For those called to cross-cultural service in-person, LST International Projects send small, well-prepared teams to partner with host sites. LST describes these as “projects” (not traditional mission trips), with teams typically serving 2–6 weeks and focusing on one main task—building bridges into the community through English conversation practice. LST’s full-service model includes training, fundraising support, onsite support, and post-project debriefing, with options for families and special tracks like YoungFriends for youth groups and Christian high schools.
Training is central to how LST operates. The ministry offers recurring entry points like “Exploring LST,” along with core preparation such as Basic Training and additional components for project teams, including Gateway Training (pre-departure preparation) and EndMeetings (post-project debriefing). LST also provides monthly Advanced Training for experienced participants who want deeper understanding of the approach and more tools for meaningful conversations. People can engage with LST by volunteering, hosting or launching a FriendSpeak ministry, joining LST Connect, serving on a project team, attending training, and supporting the ministry financially.
Key Links
- Website: https://lst.org/
- About: https://lst.org/about-us/
- Staff & Board: https://lst.org/staff/
- FriendSpeak: https://lst.org/friendspeak/
- LST Connect: https://lst.org/connect/
- International Projects: https://lst.org/projects/
- Training Opportunities: https://lst.org/training/
- Resources: https://lst.org/resources/
- Donate: https://lst.org/donate/
- Events / Program Calendar: https://lst.org/events/
Contact Information
- Email: LS*@*ST.org
- Phone: 817-684-7578
- Mailing address: PO Box 55398, Hurst, TX 76054, United States of America
Socials
- https://www.facebook.com/LSTfan
- https://x.com/letstarttalking
- https://www.instagram.com/letstarttalking/
Leadership
- Craig Altrock — Executive Director
- Leslee Altrock — Program Director
- Ben Woodward — FriendSpeak Dir./ Strategic Dev. and Growth
- Donna Tucker — Business Office Administrator
- Julie Dancer — Program Support and Office Reception
- Mackayla Rodriguez — Recruiting Specialist
- Mark Woodward — Founder
- Sherrylee Woodward — Founder
- Dr. Philip Woodward — Board President
- John Osborne — Board Vice President
- Jamie Sweeney — Board Secretary
- Mike Bell — Board Member
- Diane Davis — Board Member
- Casey Williams — Volunteer – Special Projects; Board Member
