(2 minute read)

In 2007, our founder, Wendy Redroad volunteered at a monthly forgiveness class offered through a church program called Freedom Ministries. The class facilitator, one of many pastor’s on staff, opened with a question that would spark the formation of The Wilderness Initiative.

“Who is here tonight for the first time?”

In a room filled with at least seventy five folks, multiple hands raised to gesture “me!”

“Who is here tonight for the second time? (Again, hands raised.)

“Who has attended this class more than twice?” (Still, more hands.)

The '“winner” was there for the fifth time. Wendy couldn’t help but think - Why are we celebrating multiple attendances? What are these folks listening for that they have yet to hear on the topic of forgiveness?

On the drive home she prayed, “God, I know that I have forgiven the man who sexually abused me throughout my childhood. But the way you readied my heart doesn’t look or sound like the only way it’s taught in church. Please show me in the Bible what happened between us.”

Learn more.

“the way, way back”