I have known Val Norton since I was 18 years old. We met at a homeschool curriculum fair where we both happened to volunteer. She had heard through the grape vine that I had cancer and she felt lead to pray for me. I was currently recovering from major surgery of having an extremely rare cancerous tumor removed. We got to know each other online until she introduced me to a girl whom she considered her niece. I became best friends with the girl and started hanging out at the Norton's house. Because of having bad health my entire teenage years I didn't have the life experience of a normal teenager. At age 20 I had to catch up in life experience and emotionally. Val was highly instrumental in that process and helped me through many difficult times including parental issues and problems with boyfriends.

The Norton's house has always been a great place to hangout. They have an "open door policy". Their house is usually filled with their children's friends and other teenagers and young adults. If people are hungry they are allowed to get in the fridge and cupboards to fix food, if they are dirty they can shower, if they need to talk they are listened to, advised and prayed with, if they need a place to crash for a while because of certain situations they are given a bed. For example, my husband Matt, was allowed to move in for a year before we got married because of an unstable dysfunctional home life with his dad that was becoming increasingly volatile. They found him a job and John even bought him a car. When that car died he quickly found him another cheaply and allowed him to pay them back over time. It was at their house that we met for the first time. It was a God thing! At their home they have rules that are strictly enforced. I have witnessed many things over the years at their house. I have seen hurting people helped and spiritual walks nurtured.

The change in Nicole, the girl they have taken in, is extremely dramatic! Both my husband and I have been around her since the beginning of the Norton's influence in her life. We used to attend the same church too, where the Norton's and Nicole attended prior to Resurrection Life in Richland. For a time my husband and I worked with the youth group under the Norton's. All their interactions with the teens were nothing more than full of integrity; supportive, encouraging (spiritually, emotionally, etc). There is no question that their heart lies with seeing hurt and wounded teens and their families healed by Jesus with the help of counseling and training. In their home there is a certain atmosphere there that attracts people. It's because God lives there and hurting people are welcomed, loved and spiritual uprightness is upheld.

I am now 32. Val and John have done a lot for my husband and me. They have been great friends, mentors and are Matt's surrogate parents. To us they are family in every sense of the word, and so to our three daughters they are grandparents. We are in full support of the S.W. Michigan House of Hope. We know the hearts of Val & John Norton, and their passion for reaching hurting teens (and their families). Since working with teens from very early on, it's obvious that God has been preparing them for this nearly their whole lives. I encourage everyone to support this ministry in prayer, and monetary support and every other way as God leads. Thank you!