I decided to start a new thread for more testimonies, Rodney, please feel free to post your "statements" on a separate thread.

Psalm 40: 2-3 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

My pit was full of this world and all of its wickedness. All throughout my life I had been raised in a Christian home and regularly attending church. I even made a profession of faith many times but yet there had been no change in my life.
In my teen years I began rebelling and did things that I never thought I would do. My parents often tell me that while I was rebelling they looked into my eyes and it looked like I was dying inside and there was a small flicker left. They knew that there had to be a change in my life. They knew that God had to change my life around and not this world or man.
Then I arrived at H.H. As most girls, I struggled greatly and purposed in my heart that I would not change but just conform until my time was up. Well praise the Lord that He had different plans for my life than I did. After a few days God began to soften my heart and I began to conform to their ways. Conformance wouldn’t save me though and one night I saw my need for a Savior. We were watching a sermon tape, and I remember the preacher preaching on hell on how many rejected Him and regretted it. Inside I was uneasy and began to realize that I really wasn’t saved. I decided that I needed to do something about it and on that night Christ came into my heart.
After salvation everything changed. I began to have a thirst for the Word of God and His ways. My thinking process changed and I realized that I couldn’t do the things I used to because I was a “new creature in Christ.” I even began hating the things I used to enjoy, something I thought would never happen.
I am very thankful for H.H for many things but one is because they helped lead me in the right path. There was always counseling and there was always something to learn from God’s Word. Scripture always backed up whatever they did or taught us. I think that is why I am so appreciative of them because I could always go to God’s Word and see for myself why they do what they did and if I didn’t understand something they would always be willing to show me.
I am also very thankful for them because they taught me how to be a charactered young lady. Once again they showed me from Scripture how it was that God expected a young lady to act and portray herself. There was always continual teaching and guidance on this issue of which I am very grateful for.
I not only learned about the Christian life and character but I also learned how to rebuild relationships. As most rebellious teens my relationship with my parents wasn’t the greatest. But by work, forgiveness and love we were able to rebuild and have a happy family. It was a true joy being able to rebuild and have a closer relationship with my parents.
Lastly I am truly thankful that H.H was there for me and for many other girls. If I hadn’t of went to H.H my life would of went down a worse road then it had and I am thankful that He was able to soften my heart and show me my need. I am thankful that He gave me a sheltered environment in which I could grow. Of coarse after one leaves and deals with this wicked world one could only wish they would of done more to develop a deeper relationship with Him.
I was at H.H for over two years. Truly God has brought me up out of my horrible pit of sin and wickedness. He gave me His Spirit for my foundation and gave me His Word to guide me along the way. His Spirit also gave me my song and praise for His wonderful works. Now I pray that my testimony will be a light and that, “many shall see it and fear and shall trust in the Lord.”
Thank You Hephzibah House for all that you did

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Everyone wishes to have truth on his side, but it is not everyone that sincerely wishes to be on the side of truth. -Whately

who wrote this one?

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2 John 1:7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

Hmmm....

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~~Nancy

I am a former student of Hephzibah House. I was sent there at the age of 16. My parents brought me to Hephzibah House because of my rebellion towards them and the trouble I was getting into with my friends and at school. They felt like they had lost control of me, but cared enough for me to seek help. When I was brought to Hephzibah House, I was very resentful towards my parents and my authority. I was unhappy to be taken away from my surroundings. However, it did not take long for me to realize the Williams family and staff loved and cared for me and desired to help me to do right and to rebuild my relationship with my family and God. Through preaching, Bible reading and Godly counsel I realized how awful I had been to my family and those who really cared for me. At Hephzibah House, the busy schedule of church, work and school was exactly what I needed to get my mind off of my friends and on to thinking of others. Through all of this busy schedule I was always treated with fairness and respect. I was never subject to any kind of physical or mental abuse. The overall atmosphere of Hephzibah House was very uplifting and pleasant.

I can look back and know the Williams family and Hephzibah House staff always had the utmost love in their hearts for me and all the girls, although they had to be strict and firm with the rules that were in place.

In conclusion, I will always be thankful to the whole Hephzibah House ministry for giving me a second chance and helping me see my need of a Saviour and a new direction in my life. They cared enough for me and the other girls to give their whole life to such Godly, self-sacrificing ministry. The memories I have of Hephzibah House consist of how the Lord got a hold of my heart through a family and ministry that has been greatly used to help girls across the country like me. When I came back home, it was a wonderful reunion with my family and church. A year later, the Lord gave me a wonderful husband and now I have four children. I can truly say I would not have had such a wonderful life serving the Lord with my husband if it were not for Hephzibah House. The people there will always have such a special place in my heart.

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Everyone wishes to have truth on his side, but it is not everyone that sincerely wishes to be on the side of truth. -Whately

I am writing this message on behalf of Hephzibah House located in Winona Lake, IN. I was a former student at the facility. I am currently married and have one child.
The function of Hephzibah House was a healing one. By no means can an individual be repaired--both physically and mentally--in a time period as short as fifteen months. What Hephzibah House did do was teach us how to be better individuals--being able to make appropriate decisions in the midst of life's challenges and stressors. In my clinical opinion, some of the reported circumstances have been glamorized. The rules and regulations were set in place to protect us and other fellow students. Hephzibah House did no more than an inpatient juvenile psychiatric facility would do for their clients. Unlike a psychiatric facility, the environment at Hephzibah was a Christian one and those caring for the girls did so with little pay or reward. I highly commend the Williams (and staff) for selflessly giving of their time, energy, and resources to help girls change and lead productive lives.
I am very grateful to have had a place that was willing to help both my parents and I at a very crucial time in my adolescence. I have since told Dr. Williams that I believe that my stay there was a turning point in my life. I give much credit to that ministry for contributing to who I am today. The truth of the matter is that the Williams loved each of the girls like their own and clearly remember each one--which is amazing. I look at the Williams as my second family and have kept in contact with them over the years. If the Williams (and staff) were so abusive and the accommodations so terrible, I don't think that I would have had much to do with them today.
For whoever may be reading this message, please understand that the Williams (and staff) are missionaries who have given so much for a worthy cause. They have received little compensation for their time and efforts.

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Everyone wishes to have truth on his side, but it is not everyone that sincerely wishes to be on the side of truth. -Whately

I came to Hephzibah House when I was 16, and stayed until I graduated from high school, three months after my 18th birthday. During my stay, I was treated with care and kindness. I was never mistreated in any way, nor did I observe the mistreatment of any other student. All students were well fed, received adequate sleep, and lived in comfortable rooms. We continued our education through the ministry school and received Biblical training through regular Bible study and church services.

After attending Hephzibah House, I went to one year of college, met my husband and got married. I now have 4 wonderful children and am working to finish my degree in elementary education. My family and I attend church regularly, and we are very involved in our church’s ministries.

Hephzibah House has meant a lot to me. The staff gave of their time to help me get through a very rough time in my life. I know that if I had not attended Hephzibah House, I would not be living the happy life that I now live. I am very glad for the ministry and staff, and I feel privileged to have been there. I learned many life lessons that have helped me make good decisions as an adult, and I look back at my stay with fond memories.

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Everyone wishes to have truth on his side, but it is not everyone that sincerely wishes to be on the side of truth. -Whately

why do none of these have names,

hmmm I could write one up but that means nothing. Unless they are willing to put their name on it it could be anyone making stuff up

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I attended and resided at Hephzibah House in Winona Lake, Indiana, and during my three and a half year stay I was never abused physically, mentally, or in any other way. I neither saw, knew of, was a part to, or believe that any other students were subjected to any abuse or mistreatment.

I was taught many things at Hephzibah House, mainly about the Bible and how to live a Christian life. We also learned things such as cooking and food preparation, gardening, sewing, crocheting, cleaning, and many other valuable skills that have changed and enhanced my life, and now my job as a wife and mother.

For me, Hephzibah House was a loving family with boundaries that taught me how to repair my relationship with my own family (while I was there and even now- more than a decade later).

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Everyone wishes to have truth on his side, but it is not everyone that sincerely wishes to be on the side of truth. -Whately

I found security and safety in placing myself under the Williams’ care. I stayed at Hephzibah House for three and a half years even past the age of 18 by my own choice.

Pastor Williams and family were always kind to the students. I never heard Pastor Ron Williams raise his voice. I always respected his knowledge and wisdom as a man of God. After taking long trips to churches and being on the road for days on end, he would always take time to counsel with the students in between tips. He would teach us from God’s Word.

I always admired the Williams family, the close-knit large family they have is a heart-warming testimony. We live in a day when the marriage covenant is easily broken and a description of what constitutes a “family” cannot even be agreed upon.

People are ruled by their emotions. When someone who has an authority problem feels that they have been wronged, they will stop at nothing to get their way. Psychologists and pop-culture have taught us not to take responsibility for our actions. For a fee, anyone can go to a doctor or psychologist and get a diagnosis on which to blame a lack of character. In my experience being lied to is commonplace. Many grossly exaggerate circumstances in order to prove a point or get what they want. No one has to be taught how to lie. Disgruntled people, who have never learned to bring themselves under authority, will try to get others on their side by lying and complaining to them. People love to complain about their jobs, spouses, house, car, etc..

We live in a day and age when people look out for #1, themselves. People don’t do things for one another unless there is something in it for them, fame, recognition, attention, money, etc.. A consequence for breaking a rule at Hephzibah House was a demerit. I was never physically harmed or felt threatened that I would be.

The Williams family is one of the most giving families I’ve known. It’s been several years now since I moved on. Looking back, I remember all the good times I had there. I remember campfires, games, lots of music, volleyball, snow forts, birthday parties, Friday night fun times, encouragement from the Williams’, the academic and Spiritual focus from school and church. I thrived in that environment; the Williams family spent a lot of time with us. They would spend there holidays with us; we would be made special meals. One of the Williams’ daughters spent hours decorating and making the home lovely and cozy for us. I enjoyed being a part of a ministry that would send Scriptures to many foreign countries.

The Williams family helped me Spiritually and emotionally. I learned how to work hard, which has helped me be successful in anything I’ve determined to do. I have a testimony wherever I go of being a hard worker. I attribute that to my time at Hephzibah House.

After graduating from college, I learned that the Williams’ had secretly been sending in an amount of money to my college every month. They had already done so much for me, and still they continued to help me by applying money to my school bill. Pastor and Mrs. Don Williams came from out of state to my college graduation. That was one of the kindest acts a non-family member has done for me. This act meant so such to me; they were willing to stand by my side showing how proud they were of me. I’m very happy to know the Williams family and thank God for people who still remain faithful to God despite those who oppose them and the God they serve.

As an example of their gracious care, I remember a time when a new student was throwing a temper tantrum like a two-year-old. I witnessed her screaming and losing control of herself; Pastor Williams spoke calmly and gently to her. There was never once any physical contact. Again, I was overwhelmed by how loving they were. I’m not the only girl that the Williams’ have helped in this way, but I can only speak for myself.







The following are my experiences and views of Hephzibah House during my enrollment there. My intent in writing this is that it might be a testimony of my stay at Hephzibah House.

Upon my arrival, I was treated with utmost care and gentle words by all the staff and staff families. When I first walked through the doors I was totally unaware that boarding schools still existed and was in total shock when I found out that my parents intended to enroll me there for 15 months. The staff ladies knew of the complete shock I was going through and their compassion and encouraging smiles were a big help to me at that time.

I was used to spending a lot of time by myself at home and suddenly being surrounded by a bunch of girls was quite an adjustment for me. Here again the staff showed understanding by not requiring me at first to be involved in all the activities.

As any organization of this sort must have rules, Hephzibah House also has a set. Yet I was given a grace period in learning those, and was not held accountable for my beginning, unintentional errors.

The staff took into consideration the varying appetites of different girls. I never had a large appetite, and was allowed to stay on smaller portions. On the other hand the girls who required or desired more were allowed extra, above the regular portions dished out.

The food served had variety and was a well balanced diet. We were served healthy foods as well as being offered sweets that American teenagers love so well.

Schedule is a definite help and security for struggling children and teens. The Hephzibah House staff must have realized this as we were kept on a consistent schedule. It was designed in a way to fit our needs, yet not cause over exhaustion.

Part of the schedule also included many fun activities such as volleyball, kick ball. Ping-Pong, table games, movies, skits, singing around the fire and so forth. Holidays and birthdays were also special occasions. They were celebrated in such a way as to divert the girls’ attention from homesick feelings that threatened to surface at such times. Evenings of free time were also granted to us in which we could choose our own activities within certain guidelines.

I appreciated their confidentiality of medical issues among the students. I’m sure it was difficult in close proximity like that to maintain the privacy that they did.

We were also provided with private dressing rooms and showers- a luxury many public school students don’t even have.

During my 15 month stay there, I was never once treated or touched inappropriately or roughly. I also never saw any of my fellow students physically abused in any way.

A big effort was made by the staff to show equality among the students. I know this must have been very difficult as some of the students had incredibly rotten attitudes at times. Yes, when a student proved to be trustworthy, they were given more privileges. However, this was kept in balance, and prejudice was not an issue.

There is an incident I clearly remember in which I made a careless mistake and something was wasted because of it. I am so thankful that the staff must have detected my more sensitive nature, and one of the head staff ladies came to me quietly to tell me how it would be all straightened out. Love springs from my heart for that lady when I think of how she very graciously dealt with me and the situation.

Over all, I believe the staff did a remarkable job in dealing with rebel teenage girls. I am amazed at the clever incentives they came up with to encourage the girls to do right and to abide by the rules. A big one for me was not wanting to wear my school uniform to church services. Other incentives included no desserts, no extra activities, and no talking to fellow students, until the assigned sentences were completed. I remember the first time I exceeded the number of demerits, and was assigned my sentences to write. I was told in a quiet manner, as they knew it was a difficult, yet necessary thing to keep order among the students.

After my experience at Hephzibah House as a student, I would highly recommend it to parents for their struggling teenage girls. The effect it had on my life was very dramatic and completely positive. Not only do they give Spiritual aid, but they also help teach and encourage these girls to be responsible, productive citizens. I would say that if a girl goes through their program, comes out, and goes down hill Spiritually or in society, it is not a result of what she experienced at Hephzibah House. I fervently hope that, should I ever have daughters who need such a place as this, Hephzibah’s doors would still be open.

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Everyone wishes to have truth on his side, but it is not everyone that sincerely wishes to be on the side of truth. -Whately

I wanted to take a moment to reflect on my time at Hephzibah House. I stayed at the Girls Home for about 2 years and I would definitely say those years were the best times of my teenage years. I can state truthfully that I was never hit, spanked or abused during those years.
It is a home where girls go who need structure and individualized attention in their lives. We had daily routines for school, outside activities, chores, entertainment and sleep. There was always someone there if we were sad or troubled about anything. They never took away food from us. They never forced girls to over eat, in fact we had the choice to go on half or full portion depending on how much we wanted to eat. We were not mentally abused in any way.
Some of my memories from Hephzibah House include weekly evenings sitting around the fireplace while Naomi Williams (one of the Pastor’s daughters) read books to the group, Friday night game and movie nights, Individual birthday parties, crochet lessons, bi-weekly one on one meetings with Dr. Williams to talk about any concerns we might have.
Obviously, when you have that many teenage girls living under one roof, there has to be discipline and the only type of discipline that any of us ever received was demerits. After receiving more than 15 demerits in one week, which only happened if someone was refusing to follow rules all throughout the week, we would be assigned sentences that we had to write which took time out of our play time. Most average American homes would have harsher punishments than that and it is ludicrous for one to say that was abusive

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Everyone wishes to have truth on his side, but it is not everyone that sincerely wishes to be on the side of truth. -Whately