Our goal is to provide support, encouragement and share Christ with those who are hurting. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10) Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! For quite a few years, we have felt God leading us to begin an area of ministry but the timing just didn't
feel right. We feel God is saying "Now!" so we are moving forward! Ours is a very long story but the short of it is that we have dealt with alcohol and drug addiction problems with our children for many years. At times it was very severe and the thought of losing them was always present. We've seen healing through God's use of a program called Teen Challenge and have seen lives totally changed! We know God has a plan for their lives and continue to pray and claim Jeremiah 29:11 over them. Because of our own personal experience and our feelings of isolation and discouragement, we feel God is going to use us to help others who are hurting. As I said, we have felt this pull for a while now but God has impressed upon us both that the time is NOW. It's time to move forward and we're excited! Our thoughts are maybe something along the lines of a weekend spiritual retreat; something to uplift and encourage families while sharing Christ with them. We are at literally Step 1 in this. We don't have a location or any of the details figured out yet but are praying and seeking out advice from fellow Christians and people who may be able to help us move forward by sharing their ideas, connections, advice, etc. We ask you to please cover us in your prayers and ask God to open doors. We've had an overwhelming response from people who want to volunteer in some way and who think this is much needed. We know from our own experience that we would have greatly welcomed having a place to just sort of get away and experience a time of spiritual renewal and encouragement. Thank your for the time you have taken to read this. We're humbled by His calling and only want God to be glorified in this. If we can lead one person to Christ, give them hope to not give up...then it's worth it all ! In His Service,
Steve and Crystal Merritt
