God used this book by Clint Byars to help me identify who I loved, women and men who have experienced the heartbreak of abortion. To find it on Amazon, Click Here .
"...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead a spirit of despair." - Isaiah 61:3
Our Mission is to be a safe harbor for wounded hearts to be reconciled to the unconditional love of God through grace and faith.
Maria's greatest passion is to be used by God to bring healing to the broken-hearted and freedom for those silenced by shame and regret, particularly those wounded by the heartbreak of abortion. Maria desires to lead post-abortive men and women to the healing and freedom she has received through Christ.
Having owned several successful businesses throughout his lifetime, David brings years of business experience to the boardroom. Though not post-abortive himself, David is filled with the compassion of Jesus for the abortion-wounded. He and his wife Maria reside in beautiful Woodland Park, Colorado.
After 16 years of struggling with the emotional and physical effects of abortion, Theresa found powerful healing from God. This inspired her to serve as a peer counselor at a Crisis Pregnancy Center for 17 years, guiding and supporting women in finding healing from guilt and shame. Theresa looks forward to continuing this work at Grace Place, helping both men and women find liberation from the emotional chains of abortion.
Angelina brings over 20 years of dedicated experience working with and advocating for children and families, both in professional capacities and through various ministry roles. Her passion for this ministry stems from witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by individuals grappling with post-abortive wounds, affecting both men and women within her own family circle. Driven by compassion and a deep-seated commitment, Angelina is fervently dedicated to supporting ministries and organizations aimed at providing holistic healing and support to those in need.
For 17 years, I worked in management, growing as a leader, while also volunteering for 9 years with Youth for Christ, mentoring incarcerated youth and teen parents in Nebraska and Colorado. In 2018, I moved to Woodland Park to attend Charis Bible College, earning an associate's degree in biblical studies and completing the 3rd Year Practical Government program. I interned for Truth & Liberty Coalition, where I now serve as State Director of Field Operations, helping Hispanic pastors and communities engage in local civic government. I also founded Destiny Walkers (2018-2021), a nonprofit that assisted schools by meeting community needs. My work involves connecting citizens and organizations across Colorado, building relationships with pastors, government, and marketplace leaders. I have also been honored to visit Washington, D.C., where I’ve developed connections with influential Christian organizations and am part of the Hispanic Division Nationwide in D.C.
Originally from Youngstown, Ohio, Craig Medicus is married to his wife Christine. Together, they have raised three children and are now blessed with five beautiful grandchildren. Pastor Craig Medicus is currently serving as the Executive Pastor at River Rock Church, bringing nearly five decades of ministry experience to the role. His diverse background includes serving as the Minister of Music in the United Methodist Church and as CFO at Journey Church. Craig holds degrees in Education, Math, Music, and Finance, which he utilized for more than 30 years in various educational settings and school systems. He is the President for Shine Ministry, a missions based organization founded by him and his wife. As a graduate of Charis Bible College, Craig served as the 1st and 2nd Year Education Operation Administrator. Alongside his wife Christine, he has been actively involved in short-term missionary work in Central America, including training for dental missions in Guatemala and Honduras.
Originally from Girard, Ohio, Christne is married to Pastor Craig Medicus. Together, they have raised three children and are now blessed with five beautiful grandchildren. Christine has a background in Secondary Education, holding degrees in Comprehensive Social Studies, Special Education, and English. She is the treasurer for Shine Ministry, a missions based organization founded by her and her husband. As a 2020 graduate of Charis Bible College, having completed the 3rd Year World Outreach Global Training program, she moved to Woodland Park, Colorado, to continue following God's will. Christine served two years in an administrative role before resigning to attend and graduate from the Film & Production School’s Children’s Media track in 2023. She is currently serving as the Children's Lead in the Film and Production track at Charis Bible College. Christine continues to fulfill her love for short-term missions by developing and leading teams as the Missions Director at River Rock Church.
Before learning about Andrew and Charis Bible College I experienced a certain amount of freedom and healing. But somehow I could not find the Sabbath rest within my own heart where Jesus resides. I found Him! Words cannot express the difference you have made in my life and in my marriage.
To my 3rd Year Ministry School team, thank you for the hours you selflessly poured into helping get Grace Place off the ground. May God reward you richly.
Forever bonded by our love for Jesus and our divine connection at Charis Bible College. Susan, Beverly, Faith, Carole, I love you ladies to the moon and back!
Maria Carpenter’s life mission is to lead others into the freedom she has experienced through the grace and faith found in the gospel. After enduring deep traumas, Maria found herself trapped in depression and battling suicidal thoughts. The emotional wounds from her past, including the pain of abortion, drove her into a dark and isolating place. But everything changed when she encountered Jesus. Desperate for healing, she surrendered to God, allowing Him to remove everything in her life that was not aligned with His will. Though the process was painful at times, Maria trusted that the outcome would be nothing short of transformative. Today, she walks in a freedom she never thought possible, continually inviting God to refine and heal her heart whenever necessary.
Moved by a passion to bring freedom to others (Isaiah 61:1-3), Maria responded to God's call to establish Grace Place Restoration Center—a sanctuary for broken hearts to experience God’s unconditional love through grace and faith. The center provides free post-abortion support for both men and women, offering 8-week healing classes and 3-day retreats designed to restore hope and wholeness. Maria’s husband, David, fully supports and actively participates in the ministry, though he himself is not post-abortive.