Meet the Founders

Stacey’s Story

In 2013, I had the opportunity to visit a girls' home in central India.  It housed one hundred girls, ranging in age from 4 to 18.  Near the street, I witnessed girls with buckets struggling to get water from an open cistern for their daily needs.  How can 100 girls live in a building with no running water?  They can't shower, flush a commode - and they certainly can't drink a clean glass of water.  How is this possible?  Unfortunately, this is common in children's homes throughout India, where poor hygiene, little food, and contaminated water are prevalent.  

 I have been back many times since that first visit; I go with our Ministry Partner - and Pastor.  His ministry sends social workers to this place often.  They deliver clothing, food, and items for personal hygiene.  They check to make sure the girls are healthy and accounted for. 

 During one particular visit in 2015 something was different.  I could see conditions had worsened, and we spoke of the general state of these homes.  He told us about finding girls sleeping side by side on urine-soaked mattresses.  Their heads full of lice.  No soap with which to bathe.   

 That day, we left weary and heartsick.  We needed to get out of the city and away from the madness.  Go somewhere and clear our minds.  We drove to a small community in the 

countryside.  Our ministry partner had lost funding for a project - it sat abandoned for years - and he wanted us to visit.  Should they sell the property or repurpose it?  Do we have any ideas or suggestions? 

 We arrived at a 13-acre campus, a quiet oasis in the madness that is India.  It was complete with a dormitory and dining hall.  A place for a library and a clinic.  With buildings that someone could turn into classrooms.  With room for planting vegetables and raising chickens and goats.  It was an idyllic, clean, quiet, and serene oasis.  

 In God's perfect timing, He placed a burden on our hearts and, very quickly and very clearly, answered our fervent prayers.  

 We knew instantly - and without hesitation - that this abandoned project was it.  This is a place where we could help them.  Where we could house them and educate them.   We could keep them safe, out of the clutches of human traffickers.  This is where they would learn about the 

grace of a living and loving God.  

 This was to be Grace House. 

Craig’s Story

It was my first time to visit a children's home in India.  I couldn't believe what I was seeing and the stories of other facilities I was hearing.  It was heartbreaking.  

 That was a long car ride, leaving that place and moving on to our next location.  We were full of prayer and fear, wondering what was next for these girls.  And we found our answer: on that 13-acre campus.  Full of fruit trees and space for vegetable gardens.  Room to run and play.  A quiet place to heal.  It was as if God had put us in this situation to stir our hearts and then – just as quickly – provide the solution.  This abandoned campus that would become Grace House. 

 I'm not one to hear from God In my dreams.  I can't recall a time I ever had, but that night – after we began to consider whether this was our mission – I heard loud and clear that this was precisely where we were supposed to be and what we should be doing. 

 I went to bed that night, just like any other – but this night, I very clearly heard the voice of God.  I was dreaming about this abandoned facility, but now everything was different.  Everything was new.  Girls were running around laughing, playing, singing, and smiling; it was beautiful.  I heard God say, "I will open this door; you just have to walk through it.” I woke to find myself standing in an open doorway.  I was startled and stood there for a moment, the realization of what I was experiencing becoming clearer.  I committed right then: I will walk through the door if this is what You want. 

 I slowly and quietly closed the door to avoid disturbing the others sleeping and got back in bed.  I woke the following morning thinking about what had happened the night before, eager for Stacey to wake up so I could share it with her.  And, as the morning light began to fill the room, wouldn't you know?  The door I had closed during the night was again wide open.  I was certain that God had confirmed to me that this was to be our project.  He left no doubt, and I am grateful for that. 

 We looked forward to the arrival of the girls God would select for us to nurture.  To develop a relationship with a loving God.  To their educations and graduations.  To their marriages and children.  To watching them step out to become all they can become through the grace and the power of a God whose love knows no bounds.  A God who knew these girls before they were born.  Who has incredible plans for each and every one of them. 

 We've opened the door for you to join us in making a difference in each of our girls’ lives. Click here to Meet the Girls.