HAVEN ‘26
SPEAKERS:
Kïrsten Christianson
Counselor
Speaker
Contributor to Caring for Families Caught in Domestic Abuse
Darby Strickland
CCEF Faculty Member
Counselor
Author of When It's Trauma
HAVEN 2025 Conference Speaker
Reflections from Previous Conferences
HAVEN of Mercy - You are doing the Lord's work and protecting and loving the wounded sheep of G0d. May God bless you in your ministry! I am so thankful for you.
-KS
I have known HAVEN for several years and cannot think of a more aptly named ministry than HAVEN of Mercy. Through advocacy, support groups, and education, HAVEN embodies Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble," for those who are oppressed. I highly recommend this ministry.
- Brad Hambrick
author of Navigating Destructive Relationships and Growing After Trauma. HAVEN '25 Conference Speaker
Thank you so much for making these recordings available!!! The information shared in these videos are some of the best that churches can use to become more aware and educated about the dynamics and impacts of intimate partner abuse.
-AR
Join us to better understand the lasting impact of suffering, and respond as God’s people with wisdom, compassion, and faithfulness.
Mark your calendars and plan to attend.
Learn from others' experiences.
Become a safe and caring community.
God has made known suffering in our midst. He calls us to draw near — to weep with those who weep —
and to gently walk with those who bear lasting wounds.
None of us does this perfectly, but as we grow in understanding, we learn to respond with greater wisdom and care.
Join us as we continue learning from those who have long walked with the wounded;
because caring well for those who suffer is part of who we are called to be.
Expert Kïrsten Christianson
gained survivors and church leaders trust with her theological clarity and specialized care for the suffering.
Her work is shaped by years of listening—both to Scripture and to people—and by a commitment to clarity, care, and courage.
It is her joy to help people draw near to God in the midst of growth, suffering, and the challenges of daily life.
She loves helping elders care well for their flocks as they face all kinds of crises and complex situations, including abuse and its long lasting wounds.
Expert Darby Strickland
drew out the abused as they recognized her careful use of Scripture, her godly compassion, and her humble and respectful love. As she continued in her work as a counselor and writer she saw the deep wounds, anguish, and suffering that often stayed hidden for years in those who have suffered abuse.
She also met Pastors, friends, and caregivers who want to respond well, but fear saying the wrong thing or unintentionally causing more harm.
Her writing and speaking gives voice to survivors, language and clarity to helpers, and makes the church a safer place to tell the truth—and to encounter the steady, restoring presence of Christ.
Faithful Together: Growing as a Caring Church Community
United in Compassion
Walking with the wounded with Christ-Like love and mercy.
Grounded in Scripture
Bringing the hope of the Gospel to those who suffer.
Called to be a Refuge
Coming alongside the brokenhearted with Christ's care in His Church.
Location
Hudsonville Reformed Church
Hudsonville, MI
Hudsonville Reformed Church
3950 Highland Drive
Hudsonville, MI 49426
Free Admission
Schedule
Friday November 6, 2026
7:00 PM
Part 1: Trauma and Exile:
The Desolation of Abuse
Darby Strickland
Part 2: Jesus and His Exiled Daughter:
Trauma's Embodied Story
Kïrsten Christianson
Part 3: Ruins and Rebuilding:
The Church's Response to Desolation
Darby Strickland and Kïrsten Christianson
Sponsor HAVEN '26
Your gift makes it possible for victims to not walk the long path of healing after abuse alone.
It makes educational events like HAVEN '26 to be held and livestreamed for the benefit of the Body of the Christ.
Without donations we cannot further education, victims will walk alone the path of disclosure and healing and those who want to help will have to find a way by themselves.
GIVE
Make this conference possible and help churches and family and friends to care well for those deeply impacted by the effects of abuse.
LEARN
Attend the conference and discover from scripture how to walk faithfully with those who are deeply scarred by abuse.
STRENGTHEN
Equip believers to understand the lasting effects of trauma on victims of abuse and the hope of Christ's restoring grace.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
For more information or answers to any other questions please email: info@havenofmercypr.org