Pastor’s Response To 'Mom In Need' During TikTok Experiment Goes Viral

November 13, 2025

It all started with a TikTok experiment and one pastor’s willingness to help a stranger.

A small church in Somerset, Kentucky, is gaining worldwide attention after their pastor’s heartfelt response to what he thought was a mother in need — a moment that’s now inspiring thousands to give back.

Johnny Dunbar / FOX 56 News

TikToker Nikalie Monroe began an experiment to highlight genuine compassion in action — and to reward kind pastors who step up to help those in need. Pretending to be a struggling mother seeking baby formula for her two-month-old after her SNAP benefits were paused, Monroe called churches across the country to see how they would respond.

When she called Heritage Hope Church of God, Pastor Johnny Dunbar answered — and his immediate kindness touched the hearts of millions.

“What exactly are you needing? So how much do you need?” he asked. When Monroe replied, he didn’t hesitate: “We can do this. Tell me what it is in case I have to go get it. I’m a great-grandpa. What’s it called?”

That’s when Monroe revealed the truth: she wasn’t actually in need — she was looking for pastors who lead with love so she could recognize and reward them.

“I just want you to know that you are an amazing person,” she told him, her voice filled with emotion.

Since the video went viral, donations have poured into the church’s food pantry from all over the world — even from people outside the faith community.

“This lesbian atheist just donated $100 to their food pantry,” one viewer wrote. “This is what God intended for us to do. This is the body of Christ I want to be a part of,” another shared.

Before the video, the church had just 14 Google reviews. Now, it has over 500 five-star reviews and a growing wave of kindness that shows no signs of stopping.

For Pastor Dunbar, the experience is a reminder of how powerful one simple “yes” can be. “It started with two people from very different backgrounds,” he said, “and the courage to just say yes.”