Program Information
What you need to know to get started
Potter's
House
This is the Potter’s House. It is the main home, the one they come to after their month at the Rebekah House. This home has about 5,000 square feet. The ladies spend four months here. It is very structured. The main focus is the Word of God. There are several exciting teaching sessions during the week; homework over the Bible; individual and group counseling; quiet times in the Word and in prayer; interpretive dance practice; chores; exercise; church on Sundays and Wednesdays; swimming at the pool; kayaking and swimming in High Falls Lake; and a host of other things.
What is the Potter’s House Like?
The Potter’s House provides a safe, loving, warm, peaceful, Godly environment. We laugh together, cry together, pray together, play together, and worship together. We minister to the whole person, helping our ladies become the well-rounded women of God that He originally intended for them to be. We also prepare them to become productive members of our society, as well as to become good mothers, wives, friends and citizens.
How long is the program?
Our program is seven months in duration. During that time, our ladies are not allowed to work, because our main focus is on the spiritual needs more so than on any other needs. We teach our ladies who they are in Christ and how to walk in victory over the world, the flesh and the devil. Our ministry is often referred to as a small Bible college. We are preparing our ladies to stand firm when they graduate and to be productive members of our society.
What is a day like at the P.H.?
Our day begins at 5:45 A.M. The first hour is spent alone with the Lord, being quiet before Him and developing an intimate relationship with Him. At 7:00, the ladies have devotions with the housemother. They share, cry, laugh… and begin their day with joy. From 8-11, the ladies eat breakfast, get their showers and get dressed, and do daily chores.
From 11:00 on, each day varies. Three days a week, from 2-4, Cherrie Burdeshaw, the founder, teaches a group session, including a Bible study, Bible videos, prayer and sharing life experiences. One day a week, Lisa Hensley teaches a Bible lesson, along with many props and life lessons learned through years of addiction. One day a week, the housemother, Deborah, teaches life lessons from the Bible and works with them on forgiveness and other vital areas in their lives. One day a week, April Dawn works with them on a program, called DISC, that teaches them about personalities and helps them understand, not only themselves, but others as well. And, on Sundays, we all go to church together and hear great sermons.
During the week, the girls walk as much as 3 miles. They go swimming often in the summer. They hike at High Falls, Indian Springs and Dauset Trails.
What are the requirements for entry?
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You must be between the ages of early 20's to 45.
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You must be broken, sick and tired of your old life and at the end of yourself.
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You cannot be on any mental health meds.
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You must have a good attitude and be willing to do whatever it takes to have a new life.
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You must be able to walk 3 miles 3 times a week and do other physical exercises and chores.
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You must be eager and anxious to learn the Word of God and to do Bible studies and homework.
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You cannot smoke while at the Potter’s House.
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You cannot have any contact with males, other than immediate family members. NO boyfriends!
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You must be submissive to authority and able to follow rules with a good attitude.
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You cannot have bulimia or anorexia.
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You cannot have any major health issues, as it takes paramedics at least 30 minutes to get to us.
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How do I get into the Potter’s House?
You must set up a face-to-face interview. You must make the call; a family member cannot set up the interview for you. To set up an interview, call Cherrie Burdeshaw at 678-409-7213 or Lisa Hensley at 678-899-5141. Please do not come high, as that would endanger your chances of acceptance. You are subject to drug testing at the time of the interview.
What is the cost of the Program?
We ask for a 200 dollar a month donation. This is a donation, not a requirement. We do not turn anyone away because of a lack of funds. However, we cannot operate without donations. Most people are willing to donate to help their loved one have a complete life change. Some get their churches or Sunday School classes to help with this.
Is there a waiting list?
Yes, we do have a waiting list. However, that can change from day to day. Some ladies change their minds, some get into other programs, and some go back to their old ways, so our waiting list is always changing. It could be from a few days to a few months. It is best to call for an interview; if we cannot take you, we will give you a list of other programs.
Is there any professional help available?
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We have two dentists that offer their services free of charge, after a lady has been here for a few months, has maintained a good attitude, has proven herself and has been approved by the Potter’s House leadership.
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We have a professional hair stylist who has studied and taught facial structures and how to fit the hair to the shape of the face.
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We have a Free Clinic at Rock Springs for anyone without medical insurance. Our ladies can see a doctor at the Clinic on Thursdays.
How is the P.H. funded?
We have no state or federal funding and no grants. We operate totally by faith. We have never had a fundraiser. We have always prayed in all our needs and God has faithfully supplied everything since 2000. Our funds come mostly from dedicated Christian’s who want to be a part of a ministry in which God is transforming lives. A small portion of our funds come from family members. Most of it comes through churches and women’s groups that are involved with us and give very generously and unselfishly to meet the needs at the Potter’s House. When the Lord started this ministry through me, He put on my heart that God’s people should take care of God’s business….and they have! Praise Him for it all!
What is the success rate at the Potter’s House?
The success rate is unbelievable. None of our girls want to leave. In fact, many of them stay involved on an ongoing basis. The ladies will all tell you that this is their new family, one that they want to be a part of for the rest of their lives. We develop such close bonds and see such awesome moves of God that everyone wants to remain as part of the ministry. We see our ladies get their GED’s, good jobs, vehicles, and stable homes. We have a lot of ladies that go to college or technical school after graduating from the Potter’s House.
Needs of the ministry:
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Food donations: sugar, coffee, creamer, meats, veggies, fruits, etc.
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Cleaning products: windex, washing powder, soft scrub, pledge, Clorox, etc.
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Household use items: toilet paper, paper towels, tin foil, cling wrap, kitchen garbage bags, batteries, etc.
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Items for ladies to use: CD players, journals, pens, note cards.
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Monetary donations
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People with specialties…making quilts, jewelry, scrap-booking, makeup, etc.
If you would like to donate anything, you can contact us at either of the phone numbers below, at the post office address, or by e-mail. Or you can donate financially online on the Donate page.