I have been a born again Christian since the age of 12. I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois and was fortunate to have a childhood where Christ was the center. I went to college, obtained my degree in Chemistry/Environmental Engineering, and after a couple of years, relocated to Oak Ridge Tennessee in 1989.

I began attending a large denominational church in Powell, Tennessee and became involved in the children's ministry. Needless to say, it was both fun and challenging. I was growing in Christ and seeking His will for my life, which was undergoing changes, some of which were extremely painful. Yet God began to show me how to take my mind off of my circumstances and look to Him in all things.

I attended a ladies retreat in 1997 in Gatlinburg, Tennessee for guidance, answers, and fellowship. It was there God released me from my pain, restored the joy, and showed Himself so real that I have never looked back. When I allowed Christ to become the prime focus of my life, the things and people around me changed. I had yielded everything to Him, and He subsequently blessed everything I set my mind to do - as long as it brought HIM glory! That was no problem because I loved (and still do love) Christ so completely, I couldn't think of anyone who deserved the glory.

It was at this time the Salvation Station Prayer Warriors was birthed. That was the name of the children's ministry I was a part of at that time. During that time, God kept showing me this was to be a worldwide ministry, and the name would have to be changed to more accurately reflect the children; hence, the name Innocent Heart Prayer Warriors.

It started with me just asking the children if they had any prayer requests. I was amazed at the sincerity and diligence of the children in their prayers for others (Something we adults could learn from :) ). God told me to have prayer request cards printed and have the children write their requests on the cards, exchange them with each other, and pray everyday for the requests. I was not aware of the power that would flow from this simple act of obedience both for myself and the children. Because of the power of the Holy Spirit, over 40 kids (ages 5-12) signed up to be prayer warriors!

I was also conducting a women's Bible study at a correctional facility in Knoxville at this time. The children were praying for their needs. When I told the ladies that the children were praying for them, they began to weep. The thought of children interceding on their behalf ministered to them! You see, it is sometimes so hard for us to realize that kids have the capacity to take on what seems to us so "BIG." But they can, and most of them want to. One warrior, age 5 at the time, took her commitment to pray so earnestly that during her play time, she had named her dolls after the women she was praying for as a reminder. Oh, what a blessing! Do we adults do anything as a reminder to intercede for someone else for at least 30 days?

The day came when God opened the door for the children to visit the inmates they had been praying for. I was so nervous because I wasn't certain if I had gone too far, and this would negatively impact the children. I remember telling them on the way to the facility not to be afraid; that people incarcerated may not have access to all of the grooming aids that we have, causing them to look differently. The kids just kept silent. I didn't know if they were terrified or just thought I was nuts. We arrived at the facility and the kids amazed me. They had a blast! They freely gave out the gifts they had made for the ladies, prayed for them and fought over who would get the most prayer requests! On the way home, they asked me if we could go back and have Bible study with the ladies. There is nothing more precious than the heart of a child. Isn't God good! Oh, to trust Him for everything.

It was then I knew God was serious about this vision of "letting the little children come unto Him". He told me to go all over the world and start chapters of Innocent Hearts! I may be stubborn at times, but not stupid. I said, "yes Lord, I will go". As a result, the request for chapters and presentations of Innocent Hearts are pouring in, and again I am amazed.

I pray you are moved to become a part of this powerful ministry in whatever way God leads you. Trust me, your life will never be the same.

Desperately Seeking His Face,

P.S. There is so much more to tell you, but you will just have to get the book (soon to be in print). Let me take this moment to say thanks to all the people in Knoxville who trusted me with their children, including Pastor Phil, who believed in me in an environment that at times was difficult for me. Thanks also to the precious workers of Salvation Station who offered support and prayers for the birthing of the ministry. It was not always easy, ministering to 50-100 children, but it was fun! You are deeply missed.

Now that I am in Indiana, God has surrounded me with precious people that have also caught and encouraged the vision. It is because of you and Pastor Jack that Innocent Hearts has continued. I am so blessed to be a part of the entire body of Christ!