A Ministry of Second Chances: From Divorce to Devotion

Divorce wasn’t the end of April Ferree’s story—it was the beginning of her ministry.

After 22 years of marriage, April found herself facing separation and what she describes as “imminent divorce.” In the middle of heartbreak and uncertainty, a former supervisor offered a lifeline—a DivorceCare group.

“She described it as a lifeline,” April recalls. “And I’ve come to learn that’s an absolutely excellent phrase to describe DivorceCare.”

That lifeline became more than a place of healing; it became a calling.

From brokenness to new beginnings

At first, April simply showed up. She jumped into a DivorceCare group partway through its 13-week cycle. Then she completed not one, but two full sessions. Through the group’s Christ-centered teaching, compassionate leaders, and caring community, April began to experience something she hadn’t felt in a long time: hope.

“It made me realize this isn’t over,” she says. “God’s not finished.”

With her heart healing and her faith reignited, April began to sense God calling her into something more. “After my first full session, I knew I was going to be leading one day,” she says. “If something is that valuable and impactful, why would you want to keep it to yourself?”

So, following the finalization of her divorce, April launched a new DivorceCare group in York County, Pennsylvania, at her childhood church.

“It was all just orchestrated by God,” she says. The church had just received the DivorceCare curriculum from a member who said, “We need this—but I can’t lead it.” At the same time, church staff were discussing starting a group and had even mentioned April’s name. “Only God could write that story,” she says.

Not disqualified

Many people carry a quiet lie in their hearts: Because of what I’ve been through, I’m disqualified from ministry.

April’s story proves the opposite. Not only did God bring healing to her own life—He gave her a new purpose and a growing ministry. Today, she’s in her second year of leading groups and mentoring others to do the same.

“Your life isn’t over. God sees you—and He still has a plan,” April says.

She’s watched former participants become leaders. She’s started a single social group that connects people for fun and a wholesome community. And she’s helping people rediscover their joy—something she fought hard to reclaim in her own journey.

“I didn’t carry joy for so long,” she says. “Joy is a choice. And I chose to go all in.”

God’s ministry

April is quick to point out: she’s not the hero of this story. “This is God’s ministry,” she says. “I’m just following His lead.”

What is her encouragement to others who sense that nudge to lead?

“Don’t ignore it,” she says. “The hardest thing you’ve gone through could be the thing God uses to bring a breakthrough to someone else.”

And April has seen the fruit—lives transformed, hearts softened, friendships restored, and even stories of forgiveness she never expected. “It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being willing. God redeems our time and uses every bit of our pain for His purpose.”

Want to help others heal like April?

You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need a theology degree. You just need a heart to help people—and the willingness to say yes.

April puts it this way: “If you feel God nudging you, don’t ignore that. Just do it.”

Turn your pain into purpose. Learn how to present DivorceCare to your pastor using this guide.