Our Story

“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’” –JESUS

All praise to our God! We are CELEBRATING 20 YEARS of ministry!

It was the summer of 2005 when God made it clear to us that 313 Hall Ct. Noblesville, IN, was HIS house. The house was meant for His PURPOSE, to LAVISHLY LOVE on those who serve Him. It speaks in ways that words cannot because it is so big, so over the top, so beautiful, so inviting! When guests walk in the door, their first word is almost always, “WOW!” And when they leave, they often tell us that they felt the sacredness of God’s Presence. We have come to see this  place as His basin and towel, washing the feet of His people. And to those he has called to take His message to the world, He whispers, "I see you, and this place is just a tiny glimpse of the reward I have in

store for you.”

 

We literally felt like bystanders in the beginning, as God brought His people together to carry out HIS PLANS. It was September 10, 2005 when 313 Hall Ct. was purchased by some of our dear friends.  How that came to be is a story in itself but they generously gave over the keys and said, "Shunem Ministries can use it and take care of it.” The previous owners of the house gave most all of their furniture and a gift of $10,000 to help get the ministry started and to renovate the basement into a private apartment.
An attorney who attended our church, helped us apply for a 501c3, and the mission agency, Global Partners, helped us to accept donations until we received our status less than 6 months later. God hand picked a talented and vision minded board of directors, offering incredible leadership. Jim and Jeanette Vermilya moved into the house in mid November as hosts and ministry directors and things were quickly
underway. Our hearts were stirred by what God was doing and we dedicated the house and ministry to Him with a small worship service in March of 2006. Many of those who attended were missionaries or had been at one time. What a privilege to be a part of such an endeavor!!

Over the years God has miraculously gathered His people together to serve and donate, stirring us through His Biblical call to hospitality and generosity. Because of this “gathering,” donations have been made by missionaries, friends, churches, pastors, and family members. But it was the generosity of a modern day Shunem couple, Harriet and her late husband, Don, that we were finally able to obtain ownership of the property in 

August of 2013. (This too, is itself a story!) We operate primarily through the help of volunteers, some who have been with us from the beginning, and we work very hard to keep our costs low so that we can operate on a  donation basis. There are always challenges, but God has consistently provided. It is among our deepest joys to

be a part of this great Kingdom of God, this collective of individuals, all of us called to serve those who serve.