Newsletter June 2019

It’s been 10 years!

More than 240 people gathered this spring to celebrate God’s goodness as The Ravines celebrated 10 years of ministry. Highlights of the evening were stories by couples who traveled to share how God began a good work in their lives and marriages through their time at The Ravines.

Scott and Kaylie came from Minnesota to share their story of desperation . . .

“Nothing was working. We were distant and broken. Our finances were a mess and we could not get on the same page on any issue. Feeling desperate and trapped, we had no hope and talked about divorce. Then we found The Ravines.

“We put the whole trip on our credit card, knowing this was our last hope. We were loved, supported and never felt judged. We began to feel the hope that everyone else seemed to have for us. We left there changed people with new freedom and released from past hurts. But it was scary to go home. Would it ‘stick?’

“God has changed everything – our finances, parenting and relationships with extended families. Because of our time at The Ravines, God has ignited a passion in us to spread a message of hope for other couples.”

Dave and Loni from Ohio shared how their marriage and thus their world had fallen apart and they saw no hope for the future. God led them to The Ravines where their marriage was transformed. . .

It began with a tear-filled phone call, and 12 days later they drove up to The Ravines, both very frightened of what was to come.

“At The Ravines my wife knelt with me as I re-dedicated my life and our marriage to God. We declared that a ‘new marriage’ began that weekend, and we celebrated our three-year new anniversary on May 14.” Scholarship funds

Because of the generous support of those who cared for the expenses of the banquet, all funds raised that evening are helping couples come to The Ravines. Consistently, one-half of our couples need financial support. So far, $90,621 was raised toward the goal of $100,000 for 2019 assistance. If you would like to be part of the ongoing help, please consider a gift through our secure website. Click the “Donate Now” button to the right.

We appreciate your partnership!

God places people in our lives for a reason

From the outside Joe and Cindy looked like the perfect couple – involved in church and ministry, a happy family from all appearances. But inside the walls of their home things didn’t look so perfect. Once they were home, all communication ceased. Their relationship was almost non-existent. But they had learned to put on a good face in public.

Joe and Cindy couldn’t find their way out of the mess they had created. Someone suggested a trip to The Ravines. Through God’s grace and a gifted counselor, Joe and Cindy worked hard to put their marriage back on track. Now the view from the outside and the inside are closer to reality – and the picture is much healthier. Their kids see a difference and their co-workers have noticed, too.

Fast-forward a couple of years, Sean, a co-worker, talked to Joe about his own crumbling marriage. “The Ravines” is Joe’s answer as he shares what God did while they were at The Ravines. READ MORE

Ten-Year Stats

Since opening in 2009, 451 couples have come to The Ravines from 44 states and 6 different countries.

In 2018 alone, because their parents came to The Ravines, more than 200 children are now growing up in homes that are healthier than before.

Because of generous giving to last year’s “Wish List” campaign, we were able to do some much-needed updating at the property (among others, kitchen and bath upgrades, refreshing the bedrooms and a new roof on the barn). Above is a picture of the new counter tops, sink, and backsplash in the kitchen. Our plan is to put in a walking path this summer. This is a frequent request from our couples.

Please join us in praying for:

Couples who are considering coming to The Ravines. Often one spouse is more willing than the other. Pray for God to soften hearts.
Couples at The Ravines need consistent prayer for them to hear and act on the necessary steps to heal their broken relationships.
Host couples play a critical role in the overall experience. Pray for their physical and emotional strength as they serve our couples in so many ways.
The Ravines team has been stretched in recent months with an abundance of calls. Pray for God to guide in each marriage, in each phone call, and in every aspect of the ministry.

5 Ways to Ignite Change in Your Marriage Today!

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