Abuse Impacts Generations: One Mother’s Story of Escaping Domestic Abuse With Her Children
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Abuse Impacts Generations: One Mother’s Story of Escaping Domestic Abuse With Her Children

As told by “Monica,” written by Lauren Rose From the outside, we looked like the perfect Christian family. My husband and I met while serving in ministry. After we married, we continued serving together. We even provided marriage counseling to other couples. We had four beautiful children and appeared to be building a life centered…

I Thought It Was Faithfulness: A Pastor’s Wife’s Story of Emotional Abuse
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I Thought It Was Faithfulness: A Pastor’s Wife’s Story of Emotional Abuse

From Pastor’s Daughter to Pastor’s Wife: When Abuse Was Mistaken for Faithfulness As told by “Colleen”, written by Lauren Rose  I didn’t recognize the abuse in my marriage because, in many ways, I had been raised . My dad was a pastor when I was young, and emotional and verbal abuse were part of the…

The Words I Couldn’t Find: What Happens After Leaving an Abusive Relationship
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The Words I Couldn’t Find: What Happens After Leaving an Abusive Relationship

Written by Julie Vilaboy* When you have spent years surviving, you can’t imagine what peace looks like. Then you meet someone who has walked the same road, found healing, and reached back to help you take your next step. I quietly prepared for my escape. Then the day came. I walked out with a suitcase….

You Are Not an Unloved Ruin: Healing After Domestic Abuse
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You Are Not an Unloved Ruin: Healing After Domestic Abuse

By Jen L Pirkle, CTPM Development & Marketing Coordinator  The minibus wound through the misty green hills of the Scottish Highlands as Juliet, our tour guide, shared stories of ancient clan wars, political intrigue, and family feuds. As we approached Loch Awe, she pointed to the ruins of Castle Kilchurn. “That’s known as the unloved…

“I Thought the Problem Was Me”: How Recognizing Abuse Changed Everything
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“I Thought the Problem Was Me”: How Recognizing Abuse Changed Everything

As told by Diana, written by Lauren Rose  For years, I thought the problem in my marriage was me. I had read the marriage books. I knew the verses. I wanted to honor God, love my husband well, and be the wife I believed Scripture called me to be. So when things in my marriage…

“God is the Strength of my Heart”: Survivor Stories from the 2026 Women’s Retreat
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“God is the Strength of my Heart”: Survivor Stories from the 2026 Women’s Retreat

At our 2026 He Makes All Things New Women’s Retreat, themed “God is the Strength of My Heart,” more than 430 survivors gathered to experience God’s restoring love and healing presence. Throughout the weekend, women found courage, healing, and freedom in a safe and compassionate space. We invite you to read the powerful stories shared…

A Refuge in the Storm: How the Emergency Fund Helped Addison Find Safety

A Refuge in the Storm: How the Emergency Fund Helped Addison Find Safety

As told by “Addison,” written by Lauren Rose When I look back on my dating relationship with my husband, I can see now that the volatility we experienced was an early warning sign. But at the time, I didn’t recognize it as emotional or verbal abuse. It was the only model of marriage I had…

From Survival to Stability: Sandra’s Journey to Healing with Called to Peace Ministries

From Survival to Stability: Sandra’s Journey to Healing with Called to Peace Ministries

As told by Sandra, written by Lauren Rose I entered my marriage because I wanted to provide a stable home for my son. I married a man whom I saw as  a devoted Christian, who needed support raising his five children because his former wife left them because of her addiction. Very quickly after we…

How Sarah found clarity, courage, and healing through Called to Peace Ministries

How Sarah found clarity, courage, and healing through Called to Peace Ministries

Sarah is on the front cover of our 2025 Annual Report. We invite you to take a moment to read the story behind her photo – and the healing journey it represents. As told by Sarah, written by Lauren Rose  In the beginning, my marriage looked beautiful. My husband was charming, attentive, and talked often…

Seen, Heard, and Healed at the Women’s Retreat – Because Someone Gave

Seen, Heard, and Healed at the Women’s Retreat – Because Someone Gave

As told by “Georgia,” written by Lauren Rose  At the time of the He Makes All Things New Women’s Retreat, I had been single for six years after leaving an abusive marriage. I was raising two girls on my own, just trying to make it as a single mom. I had experienced emotional, psychological, and…