Our Story

Seeing the need

In 2015, we faced the realities of the refugee crisis in Greece, and the startling number of women traveling alone and vulnerable to trafficking and abuse. This birthed the dream to see our women equipped with gospel-centered training to enter into the hard places. All of us on the Restore team developed a passion for ministry to women at risk through our own stories and the ministry God called us to.

Forming a foundation

In 2017, it was proposed to the Destinations International Board that they oversee a subcommittee of women focused on proactive solutions to the problem of trafficking and sexual trauma. This developed into a committee of women who compiled outsourced materials from experienced professionals to provide a multi-faceted, holistic approach to caring for the abused.

Training is launched

In 2020, our training was launched! We envision an alumni of trained women who will network with existing anti-trafficking initiatives, and commit long term to the fight for freedom and restoration.

About Restore Training

We are a 501c3 Non-Profit Christian Mission Organization that is under the leadership of DestiNations International (DNI). We subscribe to the Anabaptist perspectives of the Christian faith.

Statement of Faith

Our Passion

Jeremiah 30:17 says, “ For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds, because you are called an outcast.”

We are all accustomed to hearing bad news and sad statistics. One of the most alarming statistics I’ve heard is that only 1% of women thrive long term in a safe environment after working prostitution. Globally the problem of sexual exploitation and trafficking keeps surfacing, and as followers of Jesus, we keep facing it.

I faced it in 2015 at the height of the refugee crisis in Greece. This birthed in many of us the passion to see Anabaptist women discipled and trained to face trauma with the overcoming power of the gospel in their local communities and around the world.

Restore training is a trauma-based training committed to equipping our women to facilitate the restoration of women in hard places. Trainees will be paired with a personal coach and receive in-depth mentorship and accountability. Training will include outsourced certificate programs including a certificate in trauma and crisis care and six weeks in New York City for general missions training.

Above all, our vision is to see Anabaptist women receiving the healing and redemption of Jesus and then moving with Jesus’ power into the stories of women at risk. We envision a network of women who practice obedience, faithfulness, and sacrifice by moving into the darkness with the light of the gospel.

In order to see statistics change, we must act in faith, believing that God holds the power to redeem every story and has the power to enable us to act courageously in the face of overwhelming statistics.

by Kate Kleinsasser

Oversight Committee

Donna Kauffman

For four decades, Donna has loved her involvement in teaching women, inviting them deeper into the gentle, healing heart of Jesus.

Kate Kleinsasser

Kate Kleinsasser lives with her husband Eric in Athens, Greece, where she works with refugee women at risk.

Starla Schlabach

Starla is honored and blessed to be involved in ministry with her husband, Mark, mentoring and teaching women.

Administrative Team

Renita Petersheim

Team Director

Renita Petersheim and her husband Daryl live with their six children in Fredericksburg, PA, and pastor Family Harvest Mennonite Church.

Deborah Blank

Interview Coordinator

Deborah is passionate about assisting her husband Henry with the work of Destinations International, as well as mentoring women and girls around the world.

Anne Brubaker

Office Manager & Financial Coordinator

Anne enjoys encouraging other women through teaching, Bible studies, and coffee dates. She is a wife to her loving husband Dean, secretary 20+ years for her husband’s company, and a mother of 4, with the addition of 2 wonderful daughters-in-law, and 2 precious granddaughters.

Sharon Miller

Coach Coordinator

Sharon enjoys working alongside her husband Norm and four daughters as they lead Northern Youth Programs. Serving the First Nations people and many other women is dear to her heart.