Open Hearts grew out of a response to the pain of sexual abuse that surfaced in 1988 after the presentation of Dr. Dan Allender's "Wounded Heart Seminar" in Kalamazoo, MI. Groups formed and stories of abuse, long hidden, were brought to light. The learning curve was high in those early years as a Biblically based curriculum was developed and group leaders gained experience. Soon others were asking for training so that they could take this ministry to their communities.
The Journey was birthed in response to this need in 1993. Originally focusing on women, the men's program was added in 1997. By 1998, organizational needs had grown to a point that a charitable 501 (c) 3 was established and Open Hearts Ministry grew rapidly to include men and women with a focus on recovery and restoration from all kinds of soul harming experiences. Today a network of leaders scattered around the world offer Journey Groups to their communities. Training and curriculum resources are offered for starting groups, continuing groups and for couples who want to extend what they are learning as individuals to their marriages and families.