Testimonies

 

Grace Harbor Counseling Ministries is a premiere training center in the Christian counseling movement. The following testimonials are from fellow Christians who have either received counseling and/or counselor training through GHCM.

 

Read Derek's Testimony regarding his Distant Education Training

 

Read a Pastor's response regarding the counseling of one of his members: One Family's Struggle

 

Let me add a few evidences of grace and turns of Providence that explain my presence [at Grace Covenant in Greenville]. Years ago, the founder and leader of Sovereign Grace Ministries, of which Grace Covenant is a part, C.J. Mahaney, came into my life and I into his. Then Jon Hagen, counselor here in Greenville, came into my life. And then C.J. Mahaney and Jon Hagen came into the life of this church. And that web of relationship causes me to give thanks for webs of relationships. It causes me to give thanks to the sovereign providence of God because the people you meet are, by and large, not choices of your own; they are ultimately God’s choice. And they shape our lives profoundly. So every time they are shaped for good our hearts should go to God in thanksgiving [from sermon preached 21 August 2005].

- John Piper, Pastor of Preaching, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, MN

 

We at Miracle Hill have had occasion to use Grace Harbor Counseling Ministries both for referrals for individuals in need of sound biblical counseling, for training with our staff, and as a resource for our employee assistance program. We recently asked Jon to lead a one day workshop for our 60 front line counselors and case managers. It was a great success! Jon did an excellent job in providing usable biblical theory and concepts to use with our clients. His ability to tie a sound biblical view with solid counseling principles made the day a solid and rewarding investment for Miracle Hill Ministries. He has greatly assisted us in further equipping our staff to continue to help change broken lives through the power of the Gospel of Christ and compassionate and wise counsel. Thanks Jon and thanks Grace Harbor Counseling Ministries.

- Ken Kelly, VP of Ministries, Miracle Hill Ministries

 

When Erin and I had our premarital counseling with you 3 years ago, you told us about relational debts and forgiveness. How we should not only say we are sorry, but ask for forgiveness as well. That really did not sink in until last night’s meeting with our parents. After almost 3 years of marriage, we say we are sorry and even ask for forgiveness, but it does not have near the effect as what it did last night. For 3 years Erin and I have responded in negative ways, just as on the sheet you gave us. We ALWAYS respond with our own explanation, and after back and forth and defense after defense, we may get around to the “I’m sorry’s” but it really doesn’t mean anything after showering them with defensive statements.

 

What I realized last night was that in humility we need to not just put our defensive explanation in the back of your mind, but throw it out the window. In humility I need to forget that I have a reason for my actions, and accept that I offended the person and offer my regrets and ask for forgiveness. Much like Erin did, when she said it was her pride that wanted her to explain or dig deeper into one of the issues. So if we want to act as Christ, we must forget that we have a reason for our actions, or forget trying to convince the other that we were justified, and just let it go. The focus needs to be on the offense itself, and not the reason or explanation of the offense. After 3 years, that sheet of paper and your actual coaching us through it really made all the difference in the world.

 

Thanks for your patience and hard work, it has been really helpful not just in our relationship with my parents, but in our marriage. We are challenged every time we meet with you no matter what the subject is we meet about. We always get something out of what you say that we want to apply toward our marriage. My only prayer is that the Lord is gracious enough not to let me stumble and mess up big time. We were so close to quitting early on in our marriage. Like you said last night, no one is safe from the worst outcome in marriage. I pray the Lord will protect me from that.

- Ben Cunningham

 

As for me….remember in my counseling....I sort of had this death wish.....that life was flat? The Lord has been opening my eyes. I have repented and the Lord has done wonderful things in my life. He has opened my blind eyes to even more of his glorious truth and grace. Jon, your counseling sessions were so good for me and the ones we had with my children. I am slow to understand but I remember many things that you counseled me on.....it might have taken awhile but the Lord used Grace Harbor and you to bring me up out of yet another 'pit' of darkness and confusion of sin that enslaved me. I know that the Lord is bestowing His grace on me. YOU were the one that taught me the true meaning of Grace and for that I will always be thankful that God used you to do that for me! Thanks for all the work you do in behalf of counseling others for the Glory of God.

- Judy Blanton

 

"Grace Harbor Ministries is aptly named. In this safe harbor, God’s mercifully-saving and powerfully-sustaining grace are proclaimed and taught in a useful, fruit-bearing way. God’s grace, courage, and strength have come to me through the counsel of Jon Hagen to preach the gospel to myself and to live in the joy of God’s salvation. The answers to your questions are found in the cross of Jesus."

- Betty Dodge

 

It has been more than a month since we were renewed and refreshed through your faithful, Christ-exalting, God-centered, Gospel-saturated teaching at Bethlehem’s marriage retreat. Not only was our marriage enriched, but I am confident others were as well. I am certain your labors saved us hours counseling some of the couples who were there. Just before the first session in the retreat you prayed that people would see Christ. On the Monday morning following the retreat, I received an e-mail which is a testimony that the Lord heard that prayer:

“. . . it was a truly blessed weekend. I would highly recommend this to anyone in any marital situation and believe we should have Jon Hagen back to do it again. Oh, how we need to be brought back again and again squarely to the real issue in our lives—our own heart. As for my wife and I, we maybe had a little blip the first evening (not too major) of the conference, but our communication became more and more open as the weekend progressed. The discussion we had on the way back to pick up the kids was probably the most open, honest talk we have had in I don’t know how long. So the retreat was really a gift to us and provides a real foundation to build upon. It encouraged me to forge ahead by faith, all the while looking at that great cross which has secured His many benefits for us.”

What has been especially encouraging to Sally and me is the fruit that we continue to see coming from your investment in us that weekend. The wife met with Sally this afternoon. She said she went to the retreat “kicking and screaming” and came away very glad she went. I spoke to one small group leader who said that one of the couples in his small group attended the retreat and there has been noticeable improvement in their marriage. Another small group leader said that three couples in their small group attended the retreat and the couple who probably needed it the most stayed home. This leader said that it has been a joy to see the couples using what they learned from you to challenge and encourage this other couple. He was also encouraged that the husbands are taking much more initiative in their marriages.

 

There is no doubt that the Lord’s hand was on your teaching and that we will be enjoying the fruit from your labors for many months and years to come.

- David Michael, Pastor for Parenting & Family Discipleship, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, MN

 

"Jon Hagen and Grace Harbor Ministries have been God’s means of help to me during this time of great need in my life. Through counseling times at Grace Harbor I began to see the path of God again. I was gently led back to God’s word and the salvation, repentance, and tender mercies that are daily mine in Christ Jesus. When, in my sorrow, I wanted to pull away, I was given wise counsel to stay under the protective authority of my local church and to remain connected to the family of God. This counsel has proved to be crucial to my walk with the Lord."

 

"Jon Hagen and Grace Harbor have equipped me from the resources of God’s word to be able to face my trials and go through them with a heart willing to learn of God and confident in His love for me and my husband. It is hope that I’ve been given—renewed hope in God, deeper trust in His word, and thankfulness for sound counsel through His faithful servant."

 

"I am very thankful to our great and wise God for allowing me to see GHCM for Christian counseling. [My counselor] has such a sensitive, compassionate, and humble nature that I was able to hear God's truth spoken in love. He is not out to make people feel better about themselves but to understand who God is, who we are in relationship to Him, and how we need to be living our lives. I was so bound up with fear and guilt and wasn't able to accept God's forgiveness and walk in grace. GHCM helped me to understand that my real bondage was to legalism, condemnation, and emotional thinking. Praise God for the freedom that I am now experiencing!"

- Sandy Scaringi

 

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Interview with Jennifer!

Jennifer attended a recent Counselor Training Conference conducted by GHCM.

 

Why did you attend this counselor training conference?

I have a burden for hurting people and "broken" families. I wanted to learn how to better serve these individuals.

 

In what ways did the conference meet/disappoint your expectations?

I'm not sure what I "expected", but it tremendously exceeded anything I could have imagined. I attended in hopes of helping others, but I was the one that was "helped". It was better than any "revival service". I have understood in a deeper way, my sinfulness, and have grown in a deeper and more meaningful relationship with my Savior.

 

What main point(s) from this conference will you take home with you?

People respond to their interpretations of the facts. God desires a relationship before obedience. Biblical counseling aims at the heart. Glorify God even in the mundane--every decision has an eternal significance.

 

What were the positive aspects of this counselor training course?

It was encouraging, convicting, insightful, warm and positive atmosphere; but best of all, it was TRUTH! I really appreciate how the "extra's" surrounded the truth, instead of truth surrounding the extra's.

 

Would you recommend this conference to a friend?

I would highly recommend this conference to anyone desiring to grow in their faith. It is a must for church leaders, as it will better equip them to serve others in truth and love.

 

In this ever-changing world, people are searching for a haven in which to find rest from their weariness and comfort in their trials. They need a refuge built on a solid foundation. GHCM is built on the solid foundation and exists to encourage and equip the body of Christ to better serve those in search of a haven of rest. GHCM is highly recommended for anyone serious about ministry.

Thank you GHCM!

- Jennifer