At Stake Ministries is rooted in our deep burden for the increasing divorce rate with its devastating effects on relationships in the United States. We are called to minister in a proactive way to those who are thinking of getting married or those who desire to give their marriage a boost. We also minister to those who wonder if they should separate or divorce. Finally, we feel called to support those who have experienced the pain of divorce or damaged relationships. We know firsthand that “we are the product of our past but we don’t have to be prisoners of it” Rick Warren.
At Stake Ministries was born out of brokenness, not perfection. Norm and Jen co-owned a small business, had three children and from the outside it would appear that they had “the American dream”. The demands of running a business, parenting children, being involved in church and community soon found had them following separate paths and a division began to take root in their marriage. This impacted their relationship at home, at work and began to deeply impact their three children.
God began to use others to help them realize the need for counsel. Christian radio, sermons at church, and Christian friends who spoke truthfully and lovingly into their lives were all a part of showing them that they wanted more for their marriage and family. They decided to attend a three day intensive session geared toward bringing wholeness and healing into their marriage. During this intensive, the Holy Spirit through the counselor revealed what the true issues were and how they could come together and love each other in spite of them. They were able to identify the pains from our past, obtain freedom, break strongholds and find restoration in their marriage.
After restoring their marriage and elevating it to a height they had never experienced together, the Lord began to stir within them the desire to help others find restoration and healing in relationships as well. Thus, the birth of At Stake Ministries. Rick Warren once said: “Other people are going to find healing in your wounds. Your greatest life messages and your most effective ministry will come out of your deepest hurts.” While our journey has not always been easy we are grateful for how God is using it for His glory to minister to others.