A New Season in Naples: A Call to Family Restoration

Dear beloved Grace Church family and friends,

As I sit down to write to you today, I can’t help but reflect on the journey that has led me from the rolling hills of the Midwest to the sun-kissed shores of Naples, Florida. It has been a journey filled with both heartache and hope—one that I believe was divinely orchestrated by our Lord.

Over the years, I watched with increasing sorrow as the very fabric of family values began to erode right before my eyes. Family traditions that had long been cherished were quietly dismissed in the face of modernity, and the sacredness of marriage was diluted to mere convenience. In such times, I often turned to Scripture for guidance and comfort. I was reminded of Genesis 2:24, where it is written, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” This beautiful picture of marriage and family was being threatened, and it deeply troubled my heart.

One day, as I prayed and sought God’s direction, I sensed His gentle yet firm call to relocate to Naples. The Lord impressed upon my heart that I was to establish a new ministry here—one that would serve as a beacon of hope and restoration for families. Ephesians 5:31-33 reminded me of the profound importance of nurturing the covenant of marriage and fostering the stability and love that families so desperately need.

It is with this vision in mind that I wholeheartedly dedicated myself to Grace Church Naples. I firmly believe that here, we can cultivate a community where family values are not just spoken of, but lived out day by day. I envision a haven where marriages are strengthened, children are guided with wisdom—as Proverbs 22:6 teaches us—and relationships are rooted in faithfulness and love.

Together, we can build a community that reflects Christ’s love in our homes and relationships. Our gatherings are not just meetings; they are sacred moments where we encourage one another, pray for one another, and bear each other's burdens. In each trial and triumph, we find comfort in knowing that God is our refuge and strength, as stated in Psalm 46:1.

As a grandfather of 14, the legacy of family is dear to my heart. I want to impart a legacy of faith to my grandchildren that they will carry into their own families. I hope you share this vision with me, understanding that our children are indeed our greatest legacy—let us guide them with grace and truth, for they are the future of our communities.

As we embark on this journey together at Grace Church Naples, let us commit ourselves to nurturing our families and strengthening our bonds. May our marriages be a testament to God's faithfulness, and may our homes be places of refuge and love. I invite you to join me as we seek to restore families in a world that so desperately needs it.

In Christ’s love and service,

Pastor David Kheeler