Testimonials of Pastors

Appanoose County is small in population, but there is great spiritual need in this area. Many people are struggling with life's problems, feeling like they are all alone. New Hope Counseling Center has brought hope in Christ and has brought Christian people together in a way we haven't experienced in this part of Iowa. But New Hope has gone well beyond Centerville, IA and has had phenomenal success. It is easy material to grasp and powerful in its effect because it is based on Scripture, lots of Scripture. Counselees who have completed the program are changed by God’s power. We are talking about people who have had serious emotional, relational, and/or mental problems. — Pastor Lloyd Johnston, First Baptist Centerville

I was so impressed with the materials New Hope has put together that I am seeking to use it to develop training centers in the Assembly of God churches in Iowa. People from other evangelical church backgrounds are also seeing the value in this Biblical Counseling program and are wanting to use the material as well. I have been in ministry for 50 years, and these materials have been life-changing for me. — Rev. Norm Wenig, Executive Presbyter, Iowa District

I’ve been trained in a number of different models of counseling and been frustrated by them all… finding a low degree of success. Jesus Christ called me to see the captives set free. In our counseling program now, using these materials, we have a waiting list. We are seeing tremendous results. There are incredible moments of deliverance that happens in people’s lives as they go through this. We are also using this program in our church as Basic Leadership 101. Every leader in my church has to go through this course. Some awesome benefits of this program we are seeing is that it is drawing people into ministry. People who’ve been Christians for 25-30 years are beginning to discover new ministry gifts that they never thought they had before. To sum it all up, this is what I see: 1) I see true discipleship, 2) I see people being called into ministry and using their ministry gifts, 3) I see the power of the Gospel really working. — Pastor Paul Backhouse, Burlington Assembly of God

What this has meant to me personally¾ I just can’t begin to tell you what God has done in my life. If you could have walked with Jesus personally, would you want to? Would you have liked to have been His disciple? Would you like to have known what it was like? You all have the opportunity through this course. You will see it. The things you learn will become a life experience, not just things written on a page. The first thing you will learn from this is that the people who come to you for this will have an improved self-image. The “Who God Says I Am” bookmark list will start to change their thinking. They will start seeing themselves in a different light. Then you will see the lies of the devil exposed. Next you will see them have an intimate relationship with God. You will also see interpersonal relationships grow within your church in the Seminar setting. So many things happen in that room because of what we are sharing with them. It is a powerful thing to see someone change right before your very eyes. — Pastor Rod Reynoldson, Ottumwa Assembly of God

Not only am I involved at New Hope as a Counselor, but I use the same materials for people in my church. As a Counselor, as a Christian, and as a Pastor, it is very important to me when counseling someone that it must be saturated with Biblical Principles. The Word of God itself must be presented accurately. New Hope’s material is the best I’ve seen. And that may not mean much to you, but if you knew me¾ that means a lot. It’s powerful. It’s life-changing. — Pastor Mike Willis, People’s Baptist Church