WHO WE ARE
Literacy Connexus exist to help churches help people with literacy needs. We accomplish this mission by training volunteers, partnering with churches and community based organizations, and developing programs which serve adults, children and families to promote literacy, English language education, cross-cultural engagement and service, and economic empowerment.
Our work is rooted in Christian hospitality—the belief that every person is created in the image of God and has gifts, experiences, and stories worth sharing. We seek to build communities where people are welcomed, valued, and empowered to learn and contribute.
Matthew Johnston
Executive Director
Matthew Johnston has served as the Executive Director since January 2026. He brings over a decade of experience in ESL instruction, curriculum development, and community engagement. His background spans teaching roles overseas in China, at colleges and universities, and with local nonprofits throughout the Dallas-Fort-Worth area. A longtime advocate for refugee and immigrant communities, Matthew also serves through his church and neighborhood outreach.
His journey with Literacy ConneXus began in 2012 as an intern while completing his Master’s in Global Leadership with an emphasis in TESOL from Dallas Baptist University. He returned around 2020 as a volunteer to train ESL teachers and develop and improve online materials and videos. In addition to leading the organization, he enjoys updating ESL training resources, leading Teaching English ConneXus (TECs) workshops, and equipping churches and nonprofits to expand their literacy ministries. Known for his creativity, warmth, and leadership, Matthew is passionate about building bridges across cultures and empowering others to grow, connect, and thrive through language.
Lester Meriwether
Executive Director, Emeritus
Lester Meriwether faithfully served as the Executive Director of Literacy Connexus since its founding in May 2004 until his retirement in 2025.
Under his leadership, the organization developed innovative programs that have equipped thousands of volunteers to teach English, tutor adults in basic literacy, support refugee families, and promote children’s literacy through church and community partnerships.
A nationally respected advocate for adult literacy and English language learning, Dr. Meriwether has trained volunteers, consulted with churches and literacy organizations across Texas and beyond, led bookcase building and book distribution across the state, and served in leadership roles with state literacy initiatives, including as helping to establish Literacy Texas and as a member of the Texas Interagency Literacy Council. He also co-developed the Teaching English ConneXus (formerly TEX) teacher training model, which has equipped churches to establish effective ESL ministries for more than two decades.
Dr. Meriwether holds a D. Min. from Southwestern Seminary and has devoted his career to helping churches use literacy as a bridge to education, community engagement, and compassionate service. As Executive Director Emeritus, and through a new coaching initiative helping organizations with succession planning, he continues to encourage, mentor, and support churches and ministries as they serve others with literacy needs.
Karen Peiser
ESL Coordinator
Karen is the volunteer ESL Coordinator at Literacy Connexus and the Director of ESL Ministry at Southland Baptist Church in San Angelo. There she teaches ESL classes and tutors students to get their Citizenship. Karen has 25 years of ESL teaching under her belt and has 3 of her own workshops. Before she taught ESL she was a Missionary in New York City and studied French in Paris, France in 1961. In 2010 Karen was awarded volunteer of the year by Literacy Texas.
