Deeper Still is a Christ-centered ministry devoted to helping men and women find emotional, spiritual and relational healing after the trauma of abortion.
At the heart of the ministry is the understanding that while forgiveness through Jesus Christ is available to all, many people continue to carry deep wounds of guilt, shame, regret and loss long after the event itself. Deeper Still provides a safe, confidential and compassionate environment where participants can begin a journey toward restoration, reconciliation and lasting freedom.
The need for this ministry is far greater than many people realize.
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According to the Guttmacher Institute, approximately 1 in 4 women will have had an abortion by the age of 45 here in the United States. A Lifeway study reveals that 70% of women that have an abortion identify as Christian. This means that there are wounded women sitting in the pews of every church across America. Not only is this woman emotionally, mentally and spiritually wounded, the man that helped create that life — and others involved in the decision — are also carrying wounds.
Deeper Still’s founder, Karen Ellison, has shared that she believed she was a committed Christian when she experienced abortion herself — an experience that eventually led her to establish the ministry.
‘Sitting in shame’
“It is a silent mission field,” said Jim Lewis, former president of the board for Deeper Still Central Arkansas. “So many … are sitting in shame and silence, believing it is a sin Jesus cannot forgive, and a secret they can never share.”
Lewis’ involvement with Deeper Still is deeply personal.
His wife, Susanne, had an abortion at age 16, long before the couple met in college. For more than four decades, she carried the pain and secrecy of that experience.
“She kept her deep dark secret stuffed for over 46 years until she attended a Deeper Still retreat in Tennessee - because we had no chapter active in Arkansas,” Lewis said.
‘Profound’ change
The change was immediate and profound.
“When she returned, I saw a tremendous change in her and a healing I could not believe,” he said. “She went from not being able to say the word ‘abortion,’ to sharing her personal testimony of healing to our entire church congregation.”
After witnessing that transformation, Lewis agreed to serve as president of the board when the Arkansas chapter launched in 2019. He later completed volunteer training and participated in the chapter’s first retreat that November.
“Serving with my wife in this ministry has forever changed my life, and our marriage as well. I have never been part of any ministry, or mission trip, or organization where I have felt the palpable presence of the Holy Spirit and seen Jesus perform amazing miracles of healing with my own eyes as with Deeper Still Arkansas,” Lewis said.
Since 2019, Deeper Still Central Arkansas has been part of a nationwide network of almost 40 chapters across the United States. Through confidential and free weekend retreats, specialized resources and trained ministry teams, the ministry creates a safe space where participants can step away from everyday life and focus entirely on healing.
Lewis has now served at more than a dozen retreats and says the transformation he witnesses never ceases to amaze him.
“I have seen women, and men, come to the retreat on Friday, with heads down, unable to look the volunteers in the face, and afraid of having to finally reveal the worst secret of their lives, but leave on Sunday literally beaming with joy and freedom, transformed by the presence of Christ, with the shackles of shame, pain and guilt forged by Satan himself laying on the ground, forgiven and set free knowing their Debt has been paid in full and they are Sons and Daughters of the King,” Lewis said.
Participants rediscover their identity in Christ and often leave with renewed hope and purpose. Some begin a personal relationship with Jesus during the retreat.
“They leave with a new-found voice, and many cannot wait to share their story with family and friends,” Lewis said. “Some participants leave as new Christians, having asked Jesus into their hearts as Savior. I have been part of 13 different retreats since 2019 and always say this upcoming retreat cannot beat the last one, but each one seems to get better because God always shows up.”
Growing ministry
The ministry continues to grow in Arkansas. In addition to the Central Arkansas chapter, a new chapter — Deeper Still of Northwest Arkansas and the Ozarks — has recently launched, expanding access to healing resources across the region.
Lewis is also working to introduce the ministry to pastors and churches across the state so that congregations know help is available.
“Most pastors, and church members, have never heard of Deeper Still and have no idea it is available for women, and men, at absolutely no cost,” he said.
The work has been strengthened through partnerships with churches and ministry leaders across Arkansas, including support from the Arkansas Baptists, which provided facilities for a training event on Saturday, Feb. 28.
Through compassion, faith and a growing network of volunteers, Deeper Still continues to offer what many participants once believed was impossible: healing from the hidden wounds of abortion and the assurance that no one has to walk that journey alone.
“All glory and honor go to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit,” Lewis said.
For more information on Deeper Still Central Arkansas visit deeperstillcentralarkansas.org and for the national ministry visit deeperstill.org.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Mary Alford and originally published by Arkansas Baptist News.
