Haven For The Heart: October 2014

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

I wish it were possible for each of you to sit in on a Haven retreat, somehow preserving confidentiality, so that you could see the incredible things Jesus does as we gather with various couples in our living room. I know that this is impossible, but Mike and I walk away from times like we have had over the past weeks filled with joy, hope and awe. As couples walk out of our front door we so often look at each other and say, "What just happened?" It truly isn't us, it is God at work! It is so exciting! We just wish we could share it with you in more detailed ways.

Last week we had a couple in who were about as broken and hurting as we have seen in a long time. The pain from this individuals past was so intense and had been hidden for so long. Holding a position of leadership in the church unfortunately added to his feelings of isolation. The wonderful part was knowing there was another pastor in his church that knew the pain he was experiencing and cared enough about this couple to find help for them. They felt safe to share their story and explore ways to help bring restoration and hope to their lives and ministry.

This week we had a couple participate in a one day marriage retreat. This couple felt little hope and was ready to say goodbye to each other and their marriage. To be honest, during the first hour of their time with us, I truly wondered if there was hope. The anger and walls seemed too great and nearly impossible to break down. I believe a miracle truly happened this week!! Jesus, in His gentle yet powerful way, began to soften their hearts and by the end of the day this couple was committed and even excited to move forward. There was still fear and apprehension, but a strong desire to really make this marriage something more than it has ever been.

Along with the couples we have had in our home over the past couple weeks, Mike has had a steady schedule of visiting churches and working with their leadership teams. Two weeks ago he was in Virginia, last weekend he was Indiana where he will return this weekend. The following weekend he will be in Massachusetts and then enjoy a mens retreat with guys from our home church. Whew!!! Those are exhausting weekends for Mike, but exactly what God created from him to do!!!

Thank you so much for your partnering with us in this journey. Please continue to pray for us. We need that more than you know!!

Please pray for emotional, physical and spiritual health as Mike continues his travels through mid-October.
Pray for God's protection of our marriage as this is the evil one's prime target as we move forward boldly.
Continued financial support, help in the areas of bookkeeping/accounting, technical help, website update, help in maintaining The Haven as needed.
Pray that the word would continue to spread about what is offered through Haven for the Heart.

A little bit about Mike and Pam...

Mike and Pam share a passion for pouring into the lives of others and pointing them toward a deeper relationship with Jesus. Mike has an extensive background in the areas of church ministry and biblical counseling. He has a Doctorate of Philosophy in Religion and Society, Masters Degree in Biblical Counseling. He is an ordained pastor. In both large church settings and small house church families, he has faithfully pastored various church communities. He also served at the university level for 17 years at Philadelphia Biblical University. Pam has her Masters Degree in Biblical Counseling. She enjoys the opportunity to care for women and partner with Mike in the pursuit of healthy marriages as well as strong ministry teams. Mike and Pam find great joy pursuing these passions alongside a wonderful family that share in this desire to love and serve others through the grace of Jesus Christ. The Dittmans currently reside in Commerce, Michigan.

Partner With Us

There will be three ways you can invest in Haven for the Heart:

Prayer – Your prayer for us, and those we serve impacts everything! I can’t over emphasize this! Apart from God working in us and through us, nothing beneficial will be accomplished. We will spend specific prayer requests out on a regular basis to those on our Prayer Advisory Support Team (PAST). If you are interested in being a part of this please let us know.

Advise – We need ongoing encouragement and wisdom for our own lives and those we serve. Please share your thoughts with us.

Support – We highly value those who help us with technology, mechanical, Haven maintenance, business and administrative needs, etc. Your financial support is also vital to the ongoing ministry of Haven for the Heart. We are so grateful to our generous financial supporters. A sincere thank you to all who have given in any of these capacities in 2014. Please pray about and consider how you can partner with us in 2015.