Vol. 17, Issue 2
A Foundation of Hope
I am filled with gratitude as I share with you the exciting progress we are making on our new Haven of Hope Ministry Center. What started as a dream to expand our ability to minister to hurting individuals and families is now becoming a reality—brick by brick, prayer by prayer.
This new facility is more than just a building—it is a beacon of hope. With added mentoring rooms, conference space, and the ability to host community-wide events, we are stepping into a season of greater capacity and deeper influence. This expansion means we will be able to serve more couples in crisis, train more mentors, and hold healing-focused gatherings under one roof. God is enlarging our tent, and we are responding in faith and obedience.
Our plans are to move into the main floor in early August, allowing us to begin mentoring sessions in the new space even as construction continues. The basement and conference center remain unfinished, but work will carry on through the fall and winter months. We are building in stages and trusting God for the provision and strength to complete each phase.
Over the years, we have seen countless lives restored, marriages rebuilt, families reconciled, and freedom found in Christ. However, the need is growing. Every week, we receive more requests than we can currently handle. This building is our faithful response to God’s call to “enlarge the place of your tent . . . stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back” (Isaiah 54:2). It is our way of saying yes—to more healing, hope, and lives transformed by the love of Jesus.
We could not do this without you. Your prayers, your giving, and your volunteer hours are the unseen beams that support this work. Thank you for believing in this vision and for walking with us. Whether you have swung a hammer, shared your resources, or lifted us up in prayer—we see you, and we are deeply grateful.
Please continue to pray for safety and provision as construction continues. We look forward to welcoming you into the new space and sharing stories of lives changed in this new Haven of Hope.
May this building always be a sanctuary—for those who need rest, restoration, and a renewed hope in Christ.
-Steve & AprilSwartz
HOH Founder / Executive Director
Connection Groups for Couples
Have you completed a week-long intensive or a Two Hearts One Flame Marriage Retreat and long for more? Join an in-person or virtual BBFR Connection Group. Opportunities are available weekly.
Contact Brian Smith at brian@havenofhopes.com or click the link below for more information .
Give Monthly. Get Your Shirt!
Community changes lives, and community is part of our mission here at HOH. We are building a community where couples find hope and restoration.
While most marriage ministries charge upward of $4000-$8000 a week, at HOH we provide our mentoring services free of charge. Our desire is that cost will never prohibit those who are hurting and in need of help. We can only offer these services free because of faithful investors like you.
When you partner with us through a monthly gift, you become part of our Hope Giver Community. For a gift of just $19 or more a month, we will send you one of our Hope Giver Better Together T-shirts. Simply click here to sign up now.
Your partnership makes us Better Together! Thank you.
Pray With Us
You’re invited to join our ministry prayer team by Zoom on Aug. 12 & Sept. 9 at 7 pm.
To register, please click the button below to join or call 616-693-2925.
Seeing Marriage Through the Lens God Intended
RAY & EVA MILLER
“We first heard about Haven of Hope (HOH) through our church, Gospel Haven. Since several couples from Gospel Haven have received help at HOH, it was suggested when we were ordained that all of us in leadership attend a weeklong intensive with the ministry. We had a great marriage, but we recognized that during life’s challenges and difficulties, we had sometimes struggled to stay connected emotionally. We desired to understand why we had disconnected during these difficult times.
“During our week of mentoring at HOH, we learned the tools needed to understand each other’s hearts and to stay connected in life’s challenges. The Journey of My Heart tool allowed us to see each other’s hearts, and we came to understand why we had reacted in certain ways when we had stepped on each other’s pain points. During our mentoring, we were pointed to Jesus as our Healer and the Redeemer of our pain. This new understanding allows us to resolve pain as it arises. His healing has brought emotional connection to our two broken hearts.
“As a result of our mentoring experience, we have gained a passion for marriages in all stages–broken, strong, and everything in between. With Christ as our foundation, we now lead other couples in Connection Groups using the HOH Building Blocks for Relationship curriculum. Our desire is to foster a community where couples continue to find healing and emotional connection.”
Upcoming Events
If you are interested in registering for one of the events, simply click the picture for the event you wish to attend.
