Testimonies | Shepherds Heart Ministry

Testimonies

SHM helped us realize that this was not God’s idea. The tools we received and the healing that took place will allow us to have a better marriage and be better Pastors/Leaders in and for our congregation.

My life was slowly unraveling from the weight and pressures of ministry and the negativity we were experiencing. I anticipated leaving not only our church, but ministry altogether after 22 years. Our time at SHM has saved my ministry. The tools and healing have been nothing short of profound. I met the restoring power and love of my Savior afresh and anew. Partners and volunteers at SHM, your sacrifices and faithfulness have saved my ministry, and God willing, impacted the thousands of lives that we serve.

I literally had no one to talk to about my struggle with pornography. If we (I) had not turned to Shepherd’s Heart, it could have destroyed my marriage and ministry. I have been able to face my fears without condemnation. I never thought I would be able to conquer my addiction, but not only do I have the tools to overcome it, I have the marriage I have always wanted.

We had a misunderstanding the morning we were to arrive at our retreat center. My wife and I often misunderstood each other, but neither of us could discern the problem. After 4 ½ years of ministry in Africa, I was deeply discouraged and burned out. We needed healing. Our new journey began at SHM. We have forgiven each other and other people who have hurt us. We were taught and practiced marriage tools. We have received the help, healing, and encouragement we needed. Our marriage is better and we have peace beyond understanding. Praise God for Shepherd’s Heart Ministry!”

As a pastor and leader, it is very difficult to share deep hurts and struggles with others. I needed a safe place to bear my heart, my struggles, and fear without my love for Jesus or my wife being called into question. I was able to do this at SHM. We greatly appreciate the way our very sensitive topics were handled professionally, Biblically, and personally, yet without any sense of fear, worry or mishandling. It felt safe. I have felt tremendous freedom and weight lifted off my shoulders and given over to the Lord. WE felt well-loved, served, and cared-for while dealing with difficult and serious challenges. We highly recommend SHM.

I am speechless, awed, and grateful at the second chance Shepherd’s Heart has given us in our marriage and ministry. We had been destroyed by years of sexual addiction, leading to resentment, hurt, brokenness. Our sessions at SHM were tailored to our specific needs both individually and as a couple. With the tools we learned, the dynamics of our dysfunctional marriage can now change with Jesus’ help. We have learned how to reestablish intimacy with each other and how to deepen our intimacy with God. We have learned how to truly listen to Him. We now have hope that we can and will change after over 40 years of marriage. In faith we will step forward.”

I came to our Intensive broken, hurt, and in despair. For many years I had been trying to fix my actions and behaviors but failing every time. I was able to function as a pastor, ministering to many, caring for everyone else, but totally alone and sad inside. I have been driven by gods of performance, trying to see if by doing and achieving it would make me feel different. It never did. SHM helped me find the root of my pain and the why of my actions. I know I have a long road before me, nevertheless it becomes easier when you know what you are fighting. This is my new beginning.

I came to Shepherd’s Heart with very little hope because I just couldn’t see how our marriage could work anymore. Ministry had taken over our lives and I felt that she was my husband’s mistress. He gave her everything he couldn’t give me – his time, his heart, and his energy. SHM helped us realize that this was not God’s idea. The tools we received and the healing that took place will allow us to have a better marriage and be better Pastors/Leaders in and for our congregation.