What 30 Days Can Do

While we often protect the identities of those in our care for their safety, we never want to hide what God is doing within their hearts and homes. In just 30 days at Onehope Refuge, transformation unfolds right before our eyes—sometimes quietly, sometimes in ways that take our breath away.

One little one came to us expressionless—eyes dull, body limp, completely disengaged. For days, we weren’t sure if they could even hear. But then, someone sang. And their lips curled into a smile. Slowly, the spark grew. Today, this child is running from room to room, laughing, talking non-stop, full of life. Even their cry now has volume. The sullen silence has been replaced with sound, with joy, with presence. It reminds me of when I first adopted my son from Russia—trauma may write the opening chapters, but it doesn’t have to write the end.

Another woman arrived knowing Scripture—raised in the church—but the truth had been twisted, just slightly, over time. It led her down a path of new age teachings masked in religious language. The Word of God had been bent just enough to feel good, but not enough to set her free. As we walked together through truth—not opinion, not performance, but the Word—she began to say, “I’ve never seen it this way before. I’m learning so much.” And she is.

Another guest grew up in a Jewish home, deeply familiar with the Torah. But to her, Jesus was just a man. Today, she’s asking hard questions. She’s opening her heart. And she’s beginning to wonder if maybe, just maybe, the Messiah she’s long waited for is the very One we proclaim.

In just 30 days, we see hearts soften, bodies rest, eyes brighten, and souls begin to grasp the beauty of hope. We see the Lord draw near. We see chains break. And we see the beginnings of generational transformation—not just for the women and children in our care, but for their children’s children.

It is a sacred joy and an undeserved honor to witness these stories unfold. Thank you for walking alongside us. Your prayers, your support, and your faith help make this refuge possible. To God be the glory.

On July 3rd, we sent out our newsletter with a simple and honest update: we had one month of funding left. It wasn’t fear—it was just truth. A fact. And I’ve learned that when we share truth with open hands, God moves His people. That’s exactly what He did.

Just seven days later, on July 10th, I received a message from a foundation—a check was on the way. Only God.

And then you responded. I want to sincerely thank every single one of you who gave. From the bottom of my heart—thank you. To those who stepped up with one-time gifts, to the defendHERs who answered the call once again, and to those of you who give every single month, quietly, faithfully, generously—you are the backbone of this work. We notice. We give thanks for you. And we want you to know your giving is making a real difference in the lives of women and children every single day.

God is continuing to teach us that He gives slowly sometimes—but always right on time. Just enough to keep us trusting. Just enough to remind us to steward well. And always, always with the reminder that this is His ministry, not ours. He owns it all.

And now—we get to celebrate what He’s doing!

We are beyond excited to welcome Jasmine Grace Marino—Overcomer, Speaker, Author, and Onehope Refuge Advisory Board Member—as our keynote speaker. Her story is powerful and her heart beats with the same passion we carry every day at Onehope: to see hope restored, lives rebuilt, and the love of Jesus made known.

Join us for a special night as we gather in support of women and children on their journey from trauma to transformation. Through stories of redemption, you’ll see how God is using Onehope Refuge to bring healing, dignity, and lasting change.

Date: Friday, October 3, 2025

Location: The Graham at the Cotton Gin, Wake Forest, NC

Time: 6 p.m.