The
Fresh Start Story - Meeting A Need
** This year 1.2 million people will
get divorce.
** The current divorce rate is just under
50%.
** In 1998, only 40% of children born
in the U.S. will spend their entire childhood
living with both natural parents.
Startling
facts, overwhelming once you realize no
one is immune to divorce.
In 1980,
a small group of people at Church of the
Saviour, Wayne, PA decided to explore
ways to help those who have suffered marital
breakdown and its related stresses. A
seminar was designed using community speakers
to address issues faced by the separated
and divorced. With limited publicity,
the first seminar had 50 participants.
When this
seminar was completed, the sponsors evaluated
its strengths and weaknesses. They began
to search out other programs and materials
available on the topic. This search discovered
little practical information. Therefore,
work was begun to develop and refine a
divorce recovery seminar. Over the past
twelve years, Fresh Start Seminars has
gone thru a process of presentation, evaluation
and modification. Fresh Start has involved
over 20,000 participants throughout the
U.S., Australia and England, and sold
materials to tens of thousands more. Fresh
Start has found that wherever the seminars
are held, they have a captive audience.
Individuals who are at such a low point
in their lives are open and anxious to
accept any type of help that is offered.
One significant modification to the Fresh
Start seminar has been its targeted population.
What started out as a ministry to Christians
has evolved into a real outreach ministry.
At a recent seminar at a local church,
a survey determined that 80% of the participants
did not attend that church and 60% did
not indicate a personal relationship with
Jesus Christ. Incorporated into each one
of the main talks is biblical principles
and emphasis on God's ability to heal
the broken hearted.
** We
know participants have trusted in Christ
as a result of the seminar.
** Some have been challenged to be reconciled
to their former spouses.
** Participants receive a message of hope
and healing.
In addition
to the Divorce Recovery seminar to adults,
there is also a Fresh Start for Children
of Divorce, ages 6-16. We have workbooks
and tapes for most of the topics presented.
Fresh
Start is a non-profit organization which
is supported by seminar fees and donations.
Alumni donations account for approximately
33% of its annual income which is remarkable
when one considers the financial situation
of many of the separated and divorced
persons. Fresh Start is also a member
of the United Way Donor's Choice Program.
