A Heart to Give: How One Couple’s Journey Led Them to House of Cherith
When Rose and John got married 25 years ago, they brought together their two families—each with six children—for a new beginning built on faith, resilience, and grace. As Rose puts it, “We were two broken people the Lord put together. He’s given us peace ever since.”
Their journey has not been without trials. When John was diagnosed with cancer, it became a turning point. “The Lord started working on our hearts to do more for our community,” Rose shared. And it was during that season that God began stirring a deep desire in her heart to serve women and children impacted by sex trafficking.
It wasn’t just compassion—it was personal. Years ago, Rose found herself homeless with her children after leaving a previous marriage. “I know what it’s like to have nothing,” she said. “To be afraid, to feel alone. That experience never left me.”
Then came the moment everything changed: after watching the film Sound of Freedom, Rose knew it was time to act. “I told John, we are going to get involved. Somehow, somewhere.” She began researching sex trafficking in Atlanta and discovered House of Cherith.
A meeting with House of Cherith’s team—and a tour of the campus—confirmed it: this was the place. “I was blown away. The facilities, the heart behind the mission, the dignity given to the women—it was unlike anything I’d seen.” She couldn’t wait to bring John to see it too. “When he came, we both knew—our hearts were fully in. We wanted to support this ministry however we could.”
What began with a check and a few conversations quickly turned into something beautiful. During the COVID-19 lockdown, Rose picked up a longtime hobby: remaking and selling clothes. But soon, God placed something new on her heart.
“I kept thinking about Dorcas from Acts 9,” she said. “When she died, all the women showed the disciples the clothes she had made. It stuck with me. I felt like God was saying, ‘Do what she did—use what you have to bless others.’”
And so she did. Rose began creating and collecting clothing in a variety of sizes—new, stylish, and full of love—and bringing them to House of Cherith every three months. What started small has now grown as others have joined in donating. “It’s a blessing now to be able to purchase things in bulk—nice things—for women and children who deserve the best.”
Her favorite moment? That first visit. “It was so peaceful and beautiful. You think of a ministry sometimes as secondhand, but House of Cherith gives women dignity. Everything is clean, new, and thoughtful. It touched a chord with me. These women need to know they are cherished and loved by the Father.”
For Rose and John, giving to House of Cherith is not a one-time gesture—it’s a calling. “Everyone can do something,” Rose says. “We started with small things—just a check, just a few clothes—and now it’s grown into something bigger. Our hearts are there. We’re ready to do more.”
And to anyone considering getting involved?
“Visit. See it for yourself. Once you do, the Lord will speak to your heart. Once you see the need, and the heart that House of Cherith has, you’ll want to do something. You’ll realize that no act of love is too small when God is in it.”