Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott and Vanessa Martindale.
Hi Scott and Vanessa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In the Summer of 2017, we found ourselves in one of the toughest challenges of our lives both spiritually and physically. One morning we opened the door to a man who handed us legal papers that began a long journey of walking in what we call the “wilderness.” We had entered into litigation with Vanessa’s former spouse over the custody of their son.
Over the course of that year, we dealt with a lot of fear, shame, false accusations, depositions, and sleepless nights. We felt like we were walking in the fire alone and the hardest part was watching the toll it was taking on our son in the midst of it all. We were weary and weak and desperately wanted a resolution, but as day after day and month after month passed, we just didn’t see a way out of our situation.
After reaching out to our local church, in hopes of finding biblically based classes and curriculum for blended families (stepfamilies) that would help us in our situation, we discovered that there wasn’t one class specifically for blended families and that resources were limited. Little did we know that God would use us to help fill this void in the church and blended families. After a year of walking through the fire, God performed a miracle in our situation, and we were able to settle in mediation with Vanessa’s former spouse. We now have a good relationship with our son’s biological father that allows all of us to coparent peacefully and in unity. But most importantly our son is thriving in life.
Blended Kingdom Families was birthed out of God’s given desire to help couples in remarriage and cultivate community among blended families. Living blended our entire lives, we know first-hand both the joys and difficulties that can come along with it. The redemption and restoration that God has brought into our life, is a testament to His faithfulness and goodness, as we’ve experienced Him take the losses of our past and turn them into our greatest gains.
BKF exists to break the generational cycle of divorce, equip marriages, and unite blended families with the truth of God’s word. The vision of the ministry is to provide every blended family with a local church or community group to receive equipping and support both spiritually and physically. After interviewing almost 60 couples from all over the world (Australia, UK, South Africa, Canada and all across the US) and having them complete a survey form and interview via zoom with Scott and Vanessa, they took all of the data, research, and stories and wrote Blended & Redeemed: The Go-To-Field Guide for the modern stepfamily. Our hope is that God would use this resource to minister to marriages and blended families all across the world for His Kingdom. We pray that anyone who reads it would know that they are not alone and that there is hope.
To Him be the glory forever and ever, for nothing is impossible for God.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
As mentioned before, we went through a yearlong season of litigation over the custody of our son. There were 12 years prior to that of disunity in Vanessa and her former spouses coparenting relationship. It was difficult to parent our son well and we experienced the negative effects what pride and anger will do to relationships. This season made it difficult for Scott and Vanessa to enjoy their growing family and newborn sons.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Blended Kingdom Families?
BKF is a stepfamily ministry that works to equip and unite marriages and blended families with the truth of God’s Word and break the generational cycle of divorce. There are very few biblical resources for blended families available. We want to come alongside these families to support and encourage them in their journey to overcome generational cycles and create kingdom legacy for their children and the generations to come. BKF partners with local churches, pastors, and ministry leaders to provide resources in order that they can better equip stepfamilies within their congregations, organizations, and communities.
brand wise we are known for giving hope- We can thrive in our blended families and not just try to “survive” it. The branding is bright and lively to give hope and joy.
How we serve blended families:
-Blended & Redeemed book + companion guides (study guide and pastoral guide)
-Blended Couples Conference
-Weekly audio and video podcast
-online teaching and video curriculum
-Blogs, PDF downloads
-Groups, Classes, Community
-Speaking engagements
-Partnership events, conferences, and seminars
-Teen’s program (coming soon)
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Every Thanksgiving we would set up the Christmas tree on Thanksgiving Day and watch the movie It’s A Wonderful Life. As a little girl it was something I could always look forward to.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blendedkingdomfamilies.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blendedkingdomfamilies/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blendedkingdomfamilies
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlendedKingdom
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3euYWdd6dgR0g48zuUuEGQ
- Other: https://www.blendedkingdomfamilies.com/blended-and-redeemed/
Image Credits
Meshali Mitchell
