Leadership Transition 2025 – 2026
A Season of Transition:
Honoring the Past, Looking to the Future
For more than 20 years, Lester Meriwether has faithfully led Literacy ConneXus with wisdom, humility, and a heart for serving those in need. Under his leadership, the organization has grown into a trusted partner for churches, nonprofits, and volunteers across Texas—equipping them to meet literacy needs while sharing the hope of Christ. Lester’s steady guidance, collaborative spirit, and passion for empowering others have left a lasting legacy that will continue to bless countless lives for years to come. We are deeply grateful for his vision and tireless service.
As we look to the future, we are excited to welcome Matthew Johnston as the new Executive Director of Literacy ConneXus. Matthew brings a wealth of experience in ESL education, nonprofit leadership, curriculum development, and church partnerships. He has devoted his career to helping refugees, immigrants, and those in need through literacy, English instruction, and Christ-centered service. Matthew is eager to build on the strong foundation Lester has laid, and to lead Literacy ConneXus into its next season of growth and impact. Learn more about Matthew below.
But we cannot do this work alone—we need your help!
As part of this leadership transition, we invite you to join us through prayer and support. You can do this through the North Texas Giving Day campaign or directly through our giving link. Your generosity will help us expand our reach, empower volunteers, and connect more churches and communities with the tools they need to share both the practical and spiritual hope of the Gospel. Together, we can make a lasting difference in literacy and lives in 2026 and beyond.
Thank you for standing with us in this exciting new chapter!
Dr. Lester Meriwether “passing the baton” to Matthew Johnston, Incoming Executive Director. This baton is of special significance, as it is the “Robin’s Relay for ESL” baton, a race which raised money in honor of Robin Feistel, long-time leader and ESL trainer for Literacy ConneXus, who went to be with the Lord in 2014. We are indebted to her and many others who laid the foundation for literacy missions in Texas and beyond.
Dr. Lester Meriwether accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Literacy Texas Annual Conference, with friends from Literacy Texas and Literacy ConneXus.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we enter this new season of leadership, Literacy ConneXus is filled with anticipation for what God will do through our ministry in 2026. We will be expanding our Teaching English ConneXus training program to more than 20 locations across Texas, equipping hundreds of volunteers to teach English with excellence and compassion. One hope is to serve rural and smaller churches – those who have the passion to help their community through literacy, but might not have the resources to get started. These trainings—offered both in person and online—will also strengthen church-based ESL ministries, providing learners with critical language skills while creating opportunities for connection, belonging, and hope.
We are also excited to see growth across our other initiatives. Ready for School! will continue preparing refugee and immigrant children for kindergarten, building bridges with families in low-income apartment communities. What’s for Lunch? will expand its book distributions and literacy-rich activities, helping children overcome the “summer reading slide” and develop a lifelong love of reading. L.E.A.R.N. for Life will work to expand one-on-one tutoring for adults whose reading levels are below fifth grade, opening new doors of opportunity and dignity. We are looking for volunteers who are willing to serve or lead initiatives like these in their communities!
We look forward to deepening our partnerships with churches, nonprofits, and community leaders across Texas. As traditional programs face new restrictions or budget reductions, local congregations have a unique opportunity to welcome and serve those who may be excluded elsewhere – they are the “least of these” from the world’s eyes – and Christ calls us to love and serve. Literacy ConneXus is committed to equipping and walking alongside you and others like you with a passion to serve—helping you empower others through literacy, language, and Christlike love.
Meet Our Incoming Executive Director:
Matthew Graham Johnston
Literacy ConneXus is excited to welcome Matthew Johnston as our new Executive Director, beginning as co-director now along with Lester to ensure a smooth transition, then fully in place by January 2026. Matthew has devoted his career to serving refugees, immigrants, and those in need through English as a Second Language (ESL) education, literacy, and Christ-centered service.
With more than a decade of experience in ESL Teaching, nonprofit service, curriculum development, and cross-cultural ministry, Matthew brings both expertise and passion to this role. He has taught ESL in contexts ranging from Dallas College and Catholic Charities to university classrooms in China, equipping learners from many different backgrounds. In addition, he has led teacher training events, developed curriculum resources, and built partnerships that empower churches and nonprofits to launch and grow ESL ministries.
Most recently, Matthew served as ESL and Outreach Catalyst with Forefront Experience and as ESL Support Coordinator at Literacy ConneXus. He co-authored and edited the Teaching English ConneXus Training Manual and has presented at conferences across Texas on best practices in ESL ministry, literacy outreach, and cross-cultural engagement.
Matthew holds a Master of Arts in Global Leadership with an Advanced ESL Certificate from Dallas Baptist University and a Bachelor of Arts in Religion with an English minor from Wayland Baptist University.
Passionate about learning about people from other cultures, meeting practical needs through literacy, and sharing the hope he found in Christ—Matthew is eager to lead Literacy ConneXus into its next chapter. He believes that through partnerships, training, and community engagement, God can use literacy to break down barriers, build bridges, and transform lives.
Matthew with a First Draft of the Teaching English ConneXus Training Manual
Oliver (7), Adelaide (8), Elizabeth, Archer (5) and Matthew enjoying an Afghan meal at a friend’s house.
