TESTIMONIES

girls academy struggling I never want to miss out on an opportunity to brag about this place and what it means to me. I can remember how I was the very first time that I met Bro. Bud and Mrs. Debbie. I was a lost and confused 16 yr. old girl that needed help. Not only was I rebellious, but I also needed Jesus Christ in my life. Looking back, I truly don't know where I would be or what I would be like, but I do know that I am a better person because of Refuge of Grace. They helped me more than I could possibly put into words, and I am forever grateful to them for the help that they provided. I am also thankful for Jesus' love and mercy. I am now 27 yrs. old, married with 2 kids. I have a wonderful life and family, and I believe that this place helped me achieve that. Thank you Bro. Bud and Mrs. Debbie. I love you.
Rebecca Cox, Mocksville, NC-Former Student

girls school parent help Bro Bud and Miss Debbie were two of the many different tools God used in my life to help make me the person I am today. It was because of their love for God and determination that I am now a student at Pensacola Christian College. My life was an absolute mess, I was making many choices that would soon lead to my destruction. When I first arrived at Refuge of Grace Academy in November, 2009, I was not very enthusiastic about being there. I was bitter against my family, the school, Brother Bud and Miss Debbie, but most of all, I was bitter against God. I watched their every move to see if they really did have the happier, more peaceful life that they promised Salvation would bring. It was Brother Bud and Miss Debbie's persistence that led me to God and help put my life back on track.
Morgan Krause-Former Student

Refuge of Grace Academy provided our daughter with a safe, highly structured, Christian environment. Our family was in desperate situation as our daughter could no longer live at home due to her out-of-control behavior. We had been through extensive counseling which sadly had not been effective and were relieved to find this school. While attending our daughter was able to study at her own pace, learn Biblical truths and gain self control. We will always be grateful to Refuge of Grace for helping restore hope to our family.
Rick & Pam Hemmerling of Seattle-Parents

	Bud Martin, Founder: Bud has done construction most of his life. In 1994, he saw the need, quit his job and gave all he had to God to start a school for troubled youth. He is the administrator of this school as well as in charge of all building projects, maintenance, lawn care, etc.
	Debbie Martin, Co-founder: Prior to starting the Refuge of Grace Academy, Debbie taught school for 6 years while going to night school and raising a family and then went on to work for Lockheed Martin with a top security clearance at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, TN. At present, she is finishing her BA Certification in Counseling.
	Frank Burton, Pastor: Mr. Burton became our Pastor in 2003 when our ministry moved to Stockton and joined the Agape Baptisit Church where he has been the preacher since 1992. He came from Boeke Road Baptist Church in Evansville, Indiana, where he has served as an assistant pastor for ten years. He has also served as a pastor or assistant pastor in six other churches. He graduated from Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri with a Bachelor's degree in Theology. He has his Master's degree in Education and a Doctor of Education degree from Carolina University of Theology. Pastor Burton has over forty years of ministry experience.
	Melissa Martin, Program Staff: Melissa grew up always being part of the Refuge of Grace Ministries. After completing high school herself in the same academy, she felt the Lord wanted her to continue to stay with the ministry as a full time staff member. Since Melissa grew up around the ministry, she was familiar with every aspect of the program. Today Melissa is in charge of meal preparation as well as helping with supervision of the residents in the program.
	Melody Binzel, Program Staff: Melody is a missionary kid from Puerto Rico and Honduras. She came back to the United States to go to college. In May of 2011, Melody graduated from Pensacola Christian College with a degree in Bachelor of Arts in Missions. She worked with teens while in college and felt the Lord called her to serve at the Refuge of Grace Girls Academy. Melody helps in various areas of the program throughout the day.
	Vern Sorensen, Program Volunteer Vern is a big help to our academic program. He has earned several degrees which include a degree in Philosophy & Theology at Boston College, a Bachelor of Science in accounting at University of Massachusettes, and a Masters in Banking & Finance from Golden Gate University in San Francisco. He has almost completed another degree in Secondary Education through correspondence courses at Landmark Baptist College. Vern helps in our academic department with upper math and science courses. He also helps with the ACT test preparation.
	Sharilyn Wilkie, Program Volunteer Sharilyn has been volunteering at the Refuge of Grace Girls Academy since 2005. She is known to all as "Grandma". She helps in various areas of the program. She helps with transporting girls to the doctor or airport, works in the learning center, in charge of sewing, crafts and also helps with various other activities. Sharilyn also makes our uniforms. She loves just being a help to the young ladies and the school.