To the one reading this,

 

I do not know what brought you here or what you may be carrying right now, but I want you to know this first: you are welcome here.

More importantly, I want you to know that God wants you.

Not the perfected version of you.
Not the version that has everything figured out.
You, right now.

 

I experienced the love, truth, and presence of God in a way that changed my life, and from that encounter came a deep burden in my heart to share what He has placed on my heart for people — a place where people can encounter Jesus, heal, rebuild, grow, and walk with others in authenticity, not perfection.

So many people are silently carrying addiction, grief, trauma, fear, shame, loneliness, disappointment, mental exhaustion, and the weight of trying to survive life while feeling unseen. A lot of people are not looking for another performance or another place to pretend they are okay. They are looking for somewhere safe enough to breathe again. Somewhere real. Somewhere they can finally feel at home.

That is the heart behind Refuge of the Rising.

 

We believe healing is possible. We believe people can change. We believe no one is too far gone for God to rebuild. And we believe transformation happens when people encounter the love, truth, and presence of Jesus in a real way.

At the center of this mission is discipleship — to be disciples and make disciples. We believe your story matters. The pain you survived can become strength for someone else. Your testimony can help another person find hope, healing, freedom, and ultimately bring glory to God.

 

More than anything, my prayer is that people do not just feel welcomed by us, but that they encounter the heart of God and realize they have a home with Him.

Whether you are searching for healing, support, purpose, community, or simply a place to begin again… there is a place for you here.

 

— April Marie
Founder, Refuge of the Rising