S11:E16 | Justin and Cheryl Martens

Cedarville Stories

The Glorious End to a Vicious Cycle: A Foster Care Journey

Justin and Cheryl Martens' journey as foster parents is a beautiful testament to the power of love, healing, and faith. They answered a call from God to break the cycle of generational sin, offering a haven of safety and hope for children in need.

Over six years, they welcomed 23 children into their home, providing not just shelter but a nurturing environment where broken hearts could begin to heal. Each child, whether staying for a single night or a year, found a place of peace under their care.

In September 2017, the Martens were presented with a life-changing opportunity. A 19-day-old baby girl from a family struggling with drug addiction, Arriyanna, needed a forever home. With prayerful hearts full of love, they chose to adopt her, but their compassion didn’t stop there. They also opened their hearts to Arriyanna’s biological father, an 18-year-old who had battled the same cycle of foster care and substance abuse that threatened to claim his future.

By becoming his support system and guiding him toward Christ, they helped him break free from the chains of addiction. The Martens didn’t just give Arriyanna a family; they became like parents to her biological father, offering him the love and stability he had never known. Their story is one of redemption and the extraordinary power of fostering not only children but relationships.

Through their faith and open hearts, the Martens have become a living example of how God’s grace can heal even the deepest wounds and bring new life to generations caught in cycles of despair. Their story inspires hope, showing that with love and compassion, anyone can be an instrument of God’s healing.

https://share.transistor.fm/s/51b42052
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGe3EG1cJeE