About Us

Rooted in Grace and Growing in Hope as We Live Out Our Mission

HOW IT ALL STARTED...

Empowering Lives Through Grace, Hope, and the Truth of God's Word

Grace and Hope New Life Ministries (GHNLM) is a registered 501(c)(3) organization headquartered in Ohio, faithfully serving communities since 2003. Our roots, however, reach back to the late 1970s, when Dr. Donald Fraser and Dr. Douglas A. Kossel, united their vision to equip and train leaders for Christ’s work around the globe.

Our Heritage

Originally founded as the Baptist International Leadership Development Ministry (BILDM) at Wyldewood Baptist Church in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, our ministry was established to integrate the BPS Publishing ministry, the Bible College, and the To Every Creature Campaigns under one mission. These foundational programs, alongside the Baptist International School of the Scriptures (BISOS), offered vital training and resources to local churches, missionaries, and individuals. Since the late 1970s, our teaching and support have impacted countless ministry leaders—answering Christ’s call to “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15, KJV).

Our Mission...

BISOS is where we currently have the primary emphasis, because the need is great for good fundamental materials and training. Training our current leaders and our upcoming leaders in the doctrinal foundations of the Word of God is necessary. To strengthen their foundations in the Word of God is our requirement, PS. 71:17-18. Churches are becoming more apostate every day, and many do not even understand what they are doing is wrong. The preaching and teaching of the whole Word of God has been dropped by the wayside years ago. The Bible is only partially taught in the churches today for fear of upsetting or offending someone. All the while there are thousands that die daily only to spend eternity in Hell. Very few Christians attend Bible School to become a missionary or any type of full-time worker. Many former Bible colleges are no more than liberal arts colleges today.

The ministry is also providing churches with training resources for their staff, including helps with solid adult Sunday School materials.

We will also be providing tax and accounting help to ministries as requested. Many churches are having problems with understanding the complexities of our tax system and the required filing requirements. We have been providing this help to churches in the tax areas for over 30 years.

EXPANDING THE VISION...

A New Focus: Mental Health and Recovery Ministries

Over the years, our ministry has adapted to meet emerging needs. When health limitations made extensive travel difficult, God redirected our focus toward local communities and the urgent challenges they face. In 2022, under God’s leading, Dr. Kossel pursued advanced training and certifications in critical areas such as mental health, PTSD, trauma care, stress management, biblical counseling, addictions, senior care, and suicide intervention and prevention.

In 2024, this journey led us to serve directly within an addiction recovery center—offering firsthand insight into the deep struggles faced by those living with addiction, many of whom have endured cycles of abuse and brokenness since childhood. Scripture reminds us, “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3, KJV). We are called not simply to see the need, but to meet it with Christlike compassion.

THE CHALLENGE AND THE CALL...

The present-day landscape of mental health and substance use in the United States presents a profound challenge for faith communities and organizations alike. According to data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health revealed that 48.7 million Americans aged 12 or older—representing nearly 17.3% of the population—were affected by substance use disorders in the year prior. Despite this immense need, only approximately 6.2% of those individuals received any form of treatment for their condition. The care gap is further widened by a shortage of trained professionals and high staff turnover in many treatment facilities, underscoring the critical demand for informed and compassionate intervention at the local level.

The crisis extends beyond substance use alone. The same 2024 survey reported that over 60 million American adults experienced a mental illness within the past year, with significant overlap between mental health struggles and substance abuse. Families, churches, and entire communities continue to feel the impact of these intertwined issues, as addiction and emotional distress disrupt lives and hinder spiritual growth.

In this urgent context, the local church is uniquely positioned to offer hope, support, and restorative care. As Scripture exhorts, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2, KJV). Grace and Hope New Life Ministries recognized the importance of equipping churches to address these critical needs through both scriptural truth and evidence-based practices.

To fulfill this calling, Grace and Hope New Life Ministries has strategically shifted their focus to helping churches develop robust Mental Health ministries and faith-based 12-step recovery programs. The ministry provides comprehensive guidance and training, including opportunities for certification in areas such as trauma-informed care, addiction counseling, stress management, suicide intervention, and biblical counseling. By partnering with pastors, church members, missionaries, and chaplains, GHNLM seeks to build the capacity of local congregations to minister to those living with addiction and mental health challenges.

Our faith-based approach is grounded in passages such as Psalm 147:3: “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” We believe genuine transformation comes as the church becomes a place of refuge, accountability, community, and spiritual renewal. Through biblically grounded 12-step programs, participants are encouraged to “confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed” (James 5:16, KJV). Each ministry is designed to strengthen the church’s ability to provide ongoing support and practical strategies for recovery.

SUMMARY OF THE MINISTRY'S RENEWED MISSION...

Strategic Focus: Grace and Hope New Life Ministries now gives primary attention to resourcing churches to develop Mental Health ministries and implement faith-based 12-step programs for addiction recovery, addressing the significant and growing needs highlighted by recent national surveys.

Training and Certification: The ministry offers structured training, certification, and continuing education for church leaders and ministry teams—preparing them to provide informed and compassionate care while integrating biblical wisdom and sound recovery practices.

Biblical Foundation: All programs are rooted in scriptural teaching, drawing from passages such as Galatians 6:2, Psalm 147:3, and James 5:16 to inspire hope and endurance through Christ-centered community.

Responding to the Crisis: With over 48 million Americans affected by substance use disorders and more than 60 million experiencing mental illness, GHNLM’s mission is both timely and essential. By empowering churches, the ministry aims to fill the care gap and foster transformative healing within the Body of Christ.

Comprehensive Support: GHNLM provides resources for program development, materials for faith-based recovery, and ongoing mentorship to ensure each church can become a beacon of hope, healing, and restoration.

In all these endeavors, we remember the gracious invitation of Christ: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, KJV). With diligence, faith, and an unwavering commitment to serve, Grace and Hope New Life Ministries strives to bring lasting change to individuals, families, and communities through the power of God’s Word and compassionate action.