2015
Lauren’s Story: My Journey from Bipolar to Freedom
Part 1: The First Step
July 25th, 2015
It was a warm evening in Redding, California, and I could see the church on the hill in the distance. It was bigger than I had imagined, and my heart began to race. This wasn’t just a church visit; this was the place my friend had been telling me about for months—the place where miracles were said to happen, where people experienced the supernatural presence of God. I had come here with one hope: healing.I was battling bipolar disorder, something I had struggled with for six years, maybe even longer. My diagnosis had come after years of feeling misunderstood and trapped in a whirlwind of mania and depression. The thought of walking into a space of healing made me both hopeful and terrified. What if nothing happened? What if God didn’t heal me?But my friend had convinced me to come. He kept saying, "Jesus is bigger than this. This isn’t the life Jesus intended for you. Let's just go and see what happens." I didn’t expect much, but I also didn’t want to live in this battle anymore.As we parked and walked toward the Prayer House, I could feel the peace in the air. People were coming in and out, some laughing, some crying, all with a sense of calmness that felt so foreign to me in my chaotic state. We found a spot near the building, and soon a woman approached us. She asked if she could pray for us, and without hesitation, I said yes. Her presence felt like a balm to my anxious soul.She began praying, and after a few sentences, she paused, almost as if listening to something. Then she looked at me with deep, knowing eyes and said, "I have a word for you from the Lord: The Lord is going to provide something for you in the next month that will greatly prosper your future."At the time, I thought she was talking about a move I was planning to make to Portland. Little did I know, that word was far bigger than I could have imagined.That night, I lay in bed with her words echoing in my mind. Was this just a fleeting moment, or was it the beginning of something life-changing?Part 2: The Worship Experience
July 26th, 2015
The next morning, we attended a worship service at the church. The room was filled with people, and I sat near the back, not ready to jump in but quietly observing. My friend stood at the front, arms raised in worship, while I remained seated, hesitant but hopeful.The worship began, and the music washed over me. The lyrics seemed to speak directly to my heart:“Let our praise be our welcome, Let our songs be a sign, We are here for You…”I closed my eyes, trying to prepare my heart. "Jesus, could this be the day? Could You heal me today?" The music grew louder, and suddenly, I felt transported. In my mind’s eye, I was standing before the throne of God, surrounded by worshippers. Jesus walked toward me, His eyes full of love. My heart pounded in my chest as He approached.He smiled at me and said, “Are you ready for this?”I wasn’t sure. But then He showed me something incredible. I saw the inside of my brain—a chaotic mess of colors and strands, representing the imbalance and turmoil I had been living with. It was like my brain was a tangled web, each part pulling in different directions.Then Jesus began to gently untangle the mess. He worked quickly, braiding the strands together, forming new connections. The chaos slowly began to dissipate, replaced by peace. I could feel the healing happening, not in a dramatic physical way, but in a deep, internal shift. My mind began to feel clearer, more ordered. The feeling of chaos that had ruled my thoughts for so long started to fade.When the vision ended, I opened my eyes. I didn’t know what to think. Was I healed? I didn’t feel any different—yet something inside me had changed. I was filled with a sense of peace and hope like never before.Part 3: A Personal Encounter
August 15th, 2015
A few weeks later, I was back in Eugene, Oregon, feeling the weight of doubt pressing down on me. I had been through so much—therapy, medications, and numerous hospital stays—and nothing had felt permanent. My friend had been persistent in inviting me to a prayer meeting with a Bethel prayer team, but I was tired of hoping for something that always seemed just out of reach. What was the point of trying again?
Yet, after some encouragement, I reluctantly decided to go. When I arrived, the room was filled with warmth. People were laughing, praying, and worshipping together, and despite my feelings of resistance, I felt a little stir of curiosity.Then I met John and his wife, who were calm, patient, and unbothered by my doubts. John shared with me that he had seen many people with bipolar disorder healed, but he emphasized something I had never heard before: true healing comes when we address both the spiritual and the practical sides of mental health.John and his angel, Asaph, helped guide me through a process of forgiveness and breaking off old agreements with my illness. I found myself standing before Jesus in a vision, surrounded by people I had to forgive. One by one, I released them, and then I saw the spirits of Suicide, Depression, and Bipolar enter the room, each carrying a scroll with the torment they had caused me. Jesus tore those scrolls in half, and they disappeared.But the healing didn’t stop there. We cast out the spirit of Bipolar, and as it left, I felt an overwhelming sense of lightness. For the first time in years, I felt free from the cycles of mania and depression.A Dual Approach to Healing
In the years since that experience, my perspective on mental health has evolved. I still believe that Jesus is in the business of miracles and that He can heal in an instant, just as He did for me. But I’ve also learned that mental health healing is often a journey that involves both the miraculous and the practical.I still see a therapist regularly. I’ve found tools and coping mechanisms that help me manage my thoughts and emotions. Medication, while no longer necessary for me, was an important part of my healing process, especially in the earlier years. And community has been essential—finding people who support me, pray for me, and walk alongside me on this journey.Healing, I’ve learned, isn’t just about a single moment of breakthrough. It’s about the combination of God’s miraculous power and the wisdom of seeking help in the practical ways—through therapy, medication when needed, and a strong community. Mental health is complex, and for many of us, it requires a blend of spiritual, emotional, and practical care.Today, I am medication-free, and I’ve not experienced a single episode of bipolar disorder since that night of healing. But it’s not just the absence of illness that defines my journey. It’s the peace, the wholeness, and the hope I now carry with me. I’ve come to see that healing doesn’t always look like we expect it to, but it’s always worth seeking, whether through divine intervention, practical tools, or a combination of both.If you’re struggling, know this: healing is possible. It may come through a miracle. It may come through therapy. It may come through community. Whatever the path, don’t give up. There’s always hope.2018
In 2018, Speak Out began with a clear and powerful mission: to "love the church" back towards health when it comes to mental health conversations. This was our first year, and we were driven by a passion to make mental health support more accessible, especially within faith communities where these conversations are often underexplored or even avoided.Our team was made up of a diverse group of professionals, including therapists, psychologists, and pastors, all united by a common cause: to bridge the gap between mental health and faith. We understood that mental health is not just a personal struggle, but a communal one, and the church, as a community, could offer healing, support, and understanding.Laying the Foundation Through Workshops
Recognizing the importance of prayer in the church community, we held weekly prayer meetings focused specifically on mental health. These meetings served as a time of intercession for those who were struggling, for those in leadership positions, and for the broader church body to open their hearts to the reality of mental health challenges. Prayer became a central part of our healing process, as we sought to invite God's peace and understanding into spaces that were often filled with shame or silence surrounding mental health.
Recognizing the importance of prayer in the church community, we held weekly prayer meetings focused specifically on mental health. These meetings served as a time of intercession for those who were struggling, for those in leadership positions, and for the broader church body to open their hearts to the reality of mental health challenges. Prayer became a central part of our healing process, as we sought to invite God's peace and understanding into spaces that were often filled with shame or silence surrounding mental health.
The interns also played a pivotal role in our first fundraiser, an event we called the "Art Collective." This fundraiser was a creative and meaningful way to raise awareness for mental health issues while raising funds to support our growing initiatives. The Art Collective brought together local artists, church members, and supporters for an evening of art, music, and conversation. It was a powerful way to connect with the community and highlight how mental health is intertwined with creativity, self-expression, and healing. Our interns not only helped with the logistics of the event but also contributed to the vision, ensuring the night was a success.By the end of 2018, Speak Out had laid a strong foundation for our mission. We had begun to open the door for more honest conversations around mental health within the church, and had already seen the fruit of our efforts through the trainings, the prayer meetings, the outreach efforts, and the support of our dedicated interns. But we knew this was only the beginning.We were deeply encouraged by the progress we made in our first year, but we also recognized that the journey ahead would take time, persistence, and continual dedication to the cause. The stigma surrounding mental health in the church is deeply entrenched, but we were hopeful that the seeds planted in 2018 would grow into a more widespread culture of understanding and support for mental health.By the end of 2018, Speak Out had laid a strong foundation for our mission. We had begun to open the door for more honest conversations around mental health within the church, and had already seen the fruit of our efforts through the trainings, the prayer meetings, the outreach efforts, and the support of our dedicated interns. But we knew this was only the beginning.We were deeply encouraged by the progress we made in our first year, but we also recognized that the journey ahead would take time, persistence, and continual dedication to the cause. The stigma surrounding mental health in the church is deeply entrenched, but we were hopeful that the seeds planted in 2018 would grow into a more widespread culture of understanding and support for mental health.Continuing the Art Collective
In our first year, we knew that the foundation of our work would be education. We started with trauma training, a crucial step in helping those in the church recognize the signs of trauma and better understand how to approach mental health with empathy and care. This training wasn't just for professionals, but for anyone involved in ministry—because everyone in the church can be a support to someone who is struggling.It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest.
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2021
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest.
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2022
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest.
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Weekly Prayer Meetings
Building Relationships with Church Leaders & Youth Organizations
In addition to the Art Collective, a major priority for Speak Out in 2019 was building relationships with key leaders in the local church community. We reached out to youth pastors, justice pastors, and organizations like Youth Life and Youth for Christ—all of whom were working directly with young people who often faced significant mental health challenges. Through these connections, we gained insight into the specific needs of their communities and began offering tailored mental health resources to support their ongoing work.These partnerships were crucial not only for raising awareness about mental health but also for positioning Speak Out as a trusted ally for pastors and leaders eager to address mental health in their ministries. While mental health was not yet a mainstream topic in many churches, we began to see a growing openness—especially among leaders working closely with youth.Building Relationships with Church Leaders & Youth Organizations
2019 was a year of quiet strength for Speak Out. While we may not have seen large-scale public recognition or widespread visibility, we were laying the important groundwork for future growth. Every conversation we had with local pastors, every relationship we built with leaders in the mental health and church communities, and every resource we offered helped to establish our reputation as a trusted, thoughtful, and compassionate organization.As we continued to define our identity and refine our approach, we recognized that growth was a process that required patience. We weren’t looking for immediate results but were focused on long-term impact. The work we did in 2019 helped us clarify our mission, align our team, and create a strong foundation upon which we could build in the coming years.Preparing for the Future
Looking back, 2019 was a pivotal year for Speak Out. It wasn’t flashy or filled with big public wins, but it was a time of preparation. We were setting the stage for the larger work to come, ensuring that when we were ready to expand our efforts, we had the necessary foundation in place.We continued to experiment with resources to offer and find new ways to engage the church community around mental health. But more than anything, 2019 was about becoming clear on our vision, strengthening our team, and building the relationships that would propel us forward in the years to come.By the end of the year, Speak Out was ready to take the next step. With a clearer sense of who we were and what we stood for, we were prepared to move beyond the foundational work of 2019 and look ahead to greater opportunities for impact in the church and in the broader community.
Lauren, our founder, had the opportunity to speak at various events throughout the year, expanding the reach of Speak Out and furthering the mission of integrating mental health into church conversations. She spoke at several college events, where she shared insights on mental health within faith communities and the importance of breaking down stigma. These talks were well-received and marked the beginning of our outreach into university campuses, where mental health challenges are often prevalent but not always acknowledged.
Additionally, Lauren spoke at a camp for mental health first aid, providing both practical skills and emotional support to leaders who would go on to impact others in their own communities. This was a pivotal moment for Speak Out, as it showed that our work was resonating not just with individuals, but with the broader church community as well.
2019
One of the key highlights of 2019 was the continuation of our Art Collective, an event that had become a significant way for us to engage the community around mental health. The Art Collective wasn’t just a fundraiser; it was an opportunity to use creativity as a tool for healing and self-expression, encouraging open conversations about mental health in a way that felt approachable and meaningful. By bringing together local artists, church members, and the broader community, we created an environment where mental health could be discussed freely and without stigma.Continuing the Art Collective
One of the most exciting opportunities for Speak Out in 2019 came when Jarin Oda, a good friend and the youth pastor at Bridgetown Church, invited us to speak at Bridgetown Youth’s Winter Camp. This invitation was a significant milestone for us, as it gave us the chance to speak directly to a group of young people, many of whom were navigating their own mental health struggles. Speaking at the camp allowed us to meaningfully engage with youth, youth leaders, and parents, offering resources and insights into mental health in a way that was both accessible and deeply relevant.Lauren has always had a deep heart for students who are struggling—especially when it comes to equipping them with both the language and tools to integrate psychoeducation with spiritual formation. Our time at camp reflected that passion. We ended the weekend by giving students practical ways to recognize the emotional and mental weights they had been carrying, as well as language for how to advocate for themselves when they needed extra support. The impact of this time extended far beyond the camp itself; in the years that followed, several of those same students went on to intern with us or even chose to do their senior projects on “mental health and the church.”
We also launched Community Group Leaders Training, aimed at equipping leaders with the tools and language to discuss mental health in a way that was informed, compassionate, and sensitive. These leaders are often on the front lines, providing support and care to their groups, so it was vital that they felt prepared to handle mental health conversations when they arose. We wanted them to be equipped not just with knowledge, but also with the confidence to speak into these issues with love and grace.Outreach and Expanding the Reach
A Dedicated Team of Interns
2020
By the end of 2018, Speak Out had laid a strong foundation for our mission. We had begun to open the door for more honest conversations around mental health within the church, and had already seen the fruit of our efforts through the trainings, the prayer meetings, the outreach efforts, and the support of our dedicated interns. But we knew this was only the beginning.We were deeply encouraged by the progress we made in our first year, but we also recognized that the journey ahead would take time, persistence, and continual dedication to the cause. The stigma surrounding mental health in the church is deeply entrenched, but we were hopeful that the seeds planted in 2018 would grow into a more widespread culture of understanding and support for mental health.2020
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest.
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$100
/monthly
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest.
Feature 1
Feature 2
Feature 3
Feature 4
$70
/monthly
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest.
Feature 1
Feature 2
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Feature 4
$40
/monthly