Testimonials

real life hope

Lives Being Renewed Through Soul Care

Every pastor, leader, and couple who comes to Soul Care Matters brings a unique story—yet so many share the same struggles of weariness, burnout, and soul neglect. By God’s grace, these stories are being rewritten with hope, rest, and renewal. Here are some of the ways people have experienced healing, deeper connection with Jesus, and the joy of leading from a healthy soul.

My wife Sarah and I have hosted several marriage enrichment retreats over the years and have had a variety of different facilitators contribute. By far, Merle and Karen Mees were our most effective and impactful facilitators, providing highly valuable resources, teaching and impactful equipping. If you’re considering a winning resource to enrich marriages in a powerful and profound manner, look no further than the Soul Care Matters team!

Drew Hiss
Founder & Chairman
Acumen Impact

For over 20 years, Merle has been a vital part of my ministry and has helped me care for my soul. Now through Soul Care Matters, Merle and Karen create space for real rest, healing, and a fresh connection with Jesus. This is something every pastor and leader needs. Their kindness, wisdom, and Spirit-led guidance help leaders slow down, breathe again, and remember that ministry flows best out of a soul that’s been cared for. Those who are part of their ministry walk away encouraged, refreshed, and ready to keep serving with joy.

Dr. Eric Smith
Lead Pastor
Hope City Church, Bonita Springs, FL

Merle Mees has a unique ability to minister not just to the minds of leaders, but to their souls. When he joined us for a staff retreat, it wasn’t just helpful—it was healing. His teaching on sacred rhythms, Sabbath, and soul care created space for our team to exhale, reflect, and reconnect with God in a deeply personal way. Years later, it’s still the most talked-about retreat we’ve had. If your team is weary or simply ready to be poured into, Merle will leave them feeling seen, cared for, and spiritually refreshed. I can’t recommend him highly enough.

Aaron Lundberg
Senior Executive Director of Grace Ministries
Grace Church, Erie, PA

Merle and Karen Mees led a soul care retreat for our small group, and its impact - years later - continues to be a spiritual marker in my journey with God and others. Merle and Karen shared from their own journey in such a way that made my husband and I feel known and understood. We felt immediately that we were in a safe space to explore where we were with God and with one another. Every detail had been thought of, from the food to the cozy rooms, and of course the soul care content. But what I really carry with me is both of their ability to truly see each attendee and give them permission to be honest about their own spiritual journey. That retreat gave me space to tend to my soul and really notice God in my story. I still use the tools they shared with me and it continues to be a pivotal moment in my life.

Whitney Putnam
VP of Marketing & Communications
Global Leadership Network

Shaping the soul to flourish in life and lead with wholeness.

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