A Mother-Son Faith Conference
We are inviting young men (13yrs+) and mothers to join us in a day filled with Biblical truth, inspiration, and growth. Our evening will consist of dynamic speakers, testimonies, live music, raffle prizes, delicious food and more. This conference is like no other in the region.
Fortitude Ministries is on a mission to strengthen families, guide youth, and provide faith-based education to help them navigate today’s challenges with confidence and truth. Through our conferences, podcast, speaking engagements, and community initiatives, we create safe spaces where youth and parents can learn, grow, and stand firm in their faith.
We are so excited to build connection and community with you while Fortifying our foundation in Biblical Truth and Christ centered love.
Fortitude Ministries is on a mission to strengthen families, guide youth, and provide faith-based education to help them navigate today’s challenges with confidence and truth. Through our conferences, podcast, speaking engagements, and community initiatives, we create safe spaces where youth and parents can learn, grow, and stand firm in their faith.
We are so excited to build connection and community with you while Fortifying our foundation in Biblical Truth and Christ centered love.
Location
Ransom Church - Downtown Sioux Falls
700 North Main Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
700 North Main Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
Date & Time
June 12, 2025, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Schedule
5:00 PM - CHECK IN + DINNER
5:15 PM - Worship Time
5:30 PM - WELCOME + LIVE DJ MUSIC
SPEAKER SESSIONS
BREAK + DOOR PRIZES
LIVE DJ MUSIC
9:00 PM - END OF EVENT
Speakers
Meet the speakers for our conference below.
If you have further questions about the speaking topics, please reach out to Heather Kittelson.
If you have further questions about the speaking topics, please reach out to Heather Kittelson.
Jon Setzer
Presentation Topic: Mindset • Pride • Pornography
Founder of Setzer Elite
bio
Jon Setzer is a dynamic speaker, coach, and former professional athlete with a passion for helping others reach their full potential. As the founder of Setzer Elite, he draws on his experience as a professional football player to deliver powerful messages on faith, leadership, resilience, and personal growth.
Known for his engaging storytelling and high-energy style, Jon inspires audiences from youth events to corporate teams and faith-based organizations. His mission is simple: to challenge and equip individuals to pursue excellence—in sports, faith, and life.
Known for his engaging storytelling and high-energy style, Jon inspires audiences from youth events to corporate teams and faith-based organizations. His mission is simple: to challenge and equip individuals to pursue excellence—in sports, faith, and life.
Benson Langat
Presentation Topic: Gratitude
Founder of Bensane Run Coaching and Sports Consulting
bio
Benson is a former competitive runner, passionate coach, and mentor. Growing up in Kenya, he was actively involved in sports, particularly rugby and handball, before discovering his love for running, which earned him a scholarship to run at Butler Community College and the University of South Dakota. Benson continued to compete at a high level, winning local and regional races, and was named an Honorable Mention for the Boston Marathon in 2020. Benson is the founder of Bensane Run Coaching and Sports Consulting, where he blends mental performance coaching with physical training to help athletes unlock their full potential.
Brian Freeouf
Presentation Topic: Social Media & Internet Safety
South Dakota DCI Special Agent
bio
Brian began his law enforcement career in 2005 with the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, serving in various roles including Patrol Deputy, School Resource Officer, and Criminal Investigator. Now a Special Agent with the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigations, he leads the Digital Forensic Unit and serves as Alternate Commander for the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Highly trained in online crime detection and digital forensics, Brian has testified as an expert in Federal Court and received the William J. Janklow Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award in 2016.
Outside of work, Brian is a dedicated youth leader at Fountain Springs Church in Rapid City, where he has volunteered for over 10 years, participating in mission trips to Alaska, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic. He lives in Rapid City with his wife and two children.
Outside of work, Brian is a dedicated youth leader at Fountain Springs Church in Rapid City, where he has volunteered for over 10 years, participating in mission trips to Alaska, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic. He lives in Rapid City with his wife and two children.
DeVonte Garcia
EmCee
Mission Development Lead at tre Ministries
BIO
Born and raised in Tacoma, Washington. I was raised by a single mother as an only child. I found my way to South Dakota in effort of pursuing a dream of playing college football, where I was recruited by Dakota State University. I met my wife (Emily) of nine years during the one-year I attended DSU. After transferring from Dakota State, I graduated from the University of Washington with my Bachelor's degree in Politics and Philosophy before receiving my Master's degree in International Studies. Today Emily and I have two beautiful children, Eliana (7) and David (4), with a third child set to arrive in June.
Mother Son Story - Fortitude in Tragedy
Speaker Session
Imagine being a young man in your senior year of high school, looking forward to graduation and a promising future. And then, in an instant, everything changes. That's what happened to our guest speaker, Trenton Bass. When he was 18 years old, he was involved in a freak football accident that left him paralyzed. Trenton's story is one of resilience, hope, and determination. In the years since his accident, he has gone on to graduate from college, started a full-time career in engineering and assists with their non-profit organization - Game Plan 4 Hope. Trenton has also become an advocate/speaker sharing his story around the region.
Trenton's story is an inspiration to us all. It shows us that anything is possible, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. Trenton is a living example of the power of the human spirit and faith in Jesus Christ.
Trenton's story is an inspiration to us all. It shows us that anything is possible, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. Trenton is a living example of the power of the human spirit and faith in Jesus Christ.
Music Entertainment by
Bobby Lloyd Peacock
Bobby’s life has been marked by incredible resilience and faith. After enduring a childhood filled with instability—ten foster homes, three different children’s facilities, and two failed adoptions. At age 12 he found his last foster home. Bobby Is now a father of one, captures video at Collision Ministries, and is the host of the Father Built Podcast. Bobby loves music and DJs to help lead people to a deeper relationship with the Lord. Fun fact Bobby uses his own journey—and even a gospel-sharing tattoo—to point others to Jesus.
About Fortitude Ministries
Fortitude was founded and created by Amos & Heather Kittelson in October 2022.
It all started when they launched Fortitude Podcast spotlighting individual stories of overcoming adversity and pain with Fortitude & Christ…one story at a time. Their personal journey is a true testament that it is possible to find hope through the darkest of times because when you experience pain and adversity with Fortitude - that's where healing begins.
After years of hard work, obedience in Christ and intentional restoration; Amos and Heather are on a mission to help strengthen families, equip youth, and provide faith-based education to help God's son's and daughters navigate today’s challenges with confidence, intentionality and Biblical Truth.
Through conferences, Fortitude podcast, speaking engagements, discipleship and community initiatives; they create safe spaces where youth and families can learn, grow, and fortify their foundation together while being surrounded by a supportive community.
It all started when they launched Fortitude Podcast spotlighting individual stories of overcoming adversity and pain with Fortitude & Christ…one story at a time. Their personal journey is a true testament that it is possible to find hope through the darkest of times because when you experience pain and adversity with Fortitude - that's where healing begins.
After years of hard work, obedience in Christ and intentional restoration; Amos and Heather are on a mission to help strengthen families, equip youth, and provide faith-based education to help God's son's and daughters navigate today’s challenges with confidence, intentionality and Biblical Truth.
Through conferences, Fortitude podcast, speaking engagements, discipleship and community initiatives; they create safe spaces where youth and families can learn, grow, and fortify their foundation together while being surrounded by a supportive community.
Ministry Partners
We are beyond thankful for the partnership and generosity from our ministry partners. Together we are creating positive change and bringing hope & community to the lost and searching.
Thank you for restoring individuals and families, one story at a time!
Thank you for restoring individuals and families, one story at a time!
Individual Ministry Partners
John & Jenna Barker
Paul DeJong
Jeff & Michelle Thue
Adam & Diane Cox
Tony & Brenda Nour
Paul DeJong
Jeff & Michelle Thue
Adam & Diane Cox
Tony & Brenda Nour
Corporate Ministry Partners
