We thought it might be of benefit to remind those of you who know us, and some who may not know us, why The Plantings exists as a ministry.

   The Plantings is simply a place set aside for God to work in the hearts and souls of those (individuals or groups) whom He sends, as they recognize a need for time with Him in a quiet place. The need can range from a desire to fellowship with God in celebration of Joy; to desiring someone to listen and to join in prayer about God's direction in their life(ves); to sharing about difficulties in family and marriage and seeking the intervention of the Holy Spirit. Our part is to be sensitive to the Joys shared or the needs expressed, search God's word and seek the leadership and healing power of our loving Father in Heaven as He does His work through the Holy Spirit. We find great blessings in the times that others, who are struggling with their own ministry direction, allow us to share with them in that struggle. Our faith is strengthened as we share and remember those who have ministered to, and do minister, to us in our own times of need.

   Our hope is that The Plantings can be used to help Churches to show Jesus to their congregations and communities. It is our hope that we will always remember the words of Jesus, "I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5) Isaiah 61, verses one through three has always been the basis that The Plantings ministry was built upon. These verses speak to each of us to "preach good tidings unto the meek", "to bind up the brokenhearted", "to comfort all who mourn", "that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified". Our purpose in life is to provide a place where couples can find renewal,  discipleship and inspiration. A place where good marriages can become better. Where couples can "retreat" to enjoy time together in studying God's word together---away form the everyday hustle and bustle of life!  The Plantings is also a place where church groups, teens, support groups, church staff and many others can come to grow in their relationship with God.

   God has truly blessed our ministry at The Plantings! This is such a wonderful place to have Marriage retreats. The main burden placed on our hearts in 1973, when God started giving us the vision of a family retreat ministry, was to help other couples in building strong Christian marriages that can withstand anything that Satan can throw at them. Not only does it affect our own immediate lives but, equally or more importantly, how our  marriage functions is a pattern that affects the future marriages of our children. Children are the real casualties of broken relationships. As others have said, "The best gift I can give my children is to love their Mother (or Father)." Through the love and forgiving power of Jesus Christ, we can learn to build such a marriage relationship. Our marriage has survived the stresses of this life only because of our dependency upon a loving and forgiving Heavenly Father. The words "separation" and "divorce" are NOT permitted into our discussions of differences or disagreements. Our lifetime commitment is to God and to one another....no way out, so we must forgive and receive forgiveness!  The result is a wonderful and fulfilling three-way relationship with God as the senior partner.