Andrew & Chantelle Garrigan

Project Name: The Well Project
Project # 167

The Well Project is our effort to make mature, healthy followers of Jesus on the Treasure Coast in South Florida. 

South Florida is one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States (Source: US Census Bureau), yet, statistically, its population is among the most unchurched and de-churched in the country (Source: Barna). Further, there is a growing mental health concern in the area (Source: KFF), and Christian options for crisis care or ongoing counseling are minimal. While many churches exist in the Treasure Coast area, and some have prioritized placing more campuses locally, the church at large has not grown at a pace that matches the increase or unique needs of the population.

Simply, the need in South Florida is great.

Through the Well Project, we desire to develop two main ministries that engage our community with Christ's compassion and care in such a way that they trust and follow Him (Matthew 9:2, 35-26, 14:14, 15:32; Mark 6:34, Luke 7:13, 34,19:41; John 11:35) and equip others to do the same (John 17:17, Ephesians 2:8-10, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, 2 Timothy 3:17). The first of these will be a church plant, The Well Church. The Well Church will be strategically focused on people over programs, with a vision for deep discipleship in the context of compassionate, caring relationships. The second ministry will be Well Counseling, a church-based ministry that will provide a distinctly Christian counseling alternative to the community. 

Our inspiration is the heart and ministry of Jesus. In John 5:6, Jesus asks a paralyzed man a question: “Do you want to be well?” In this question, we get a glimpse into His heart. Jesus recognizes brokenness, and extends an invitation to health and healing. Jesus not only heals the man’s physical state, but also implores him to consider the state of his soul. In another instance, Jesus gently and humbly invites all who are burdened and heavy to come to Him, that He might grant them rest (Matthew 11:28-30). Jesus is both serious about sin and moved by suffering. Thankfully, He is the solution to both!

Matthew 9:35-38

And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

As we look at our community, we see a crowd – the large population of the Treasure Coast that is statistically unreached, unhealthy, and desperately in need of Jesus – and our hearts break. We see people harassed and helpless in sin and suffering, and we recognize that this is a reality for the unchurched, de-churched, and churched alike. But we also believe true, lasting wholeness and wellness are possible through Jesus. He heals the wounds of sin and suffering (Isaiah 53:5, Jeremiah 30:17-22), and Scripture promises that those who trust in Him will be made well (Matthew 9:20-22, Luke 8:43-48). We are filled with compassion, and want to labor with and for Christ in an area where the harvest is great but the workers are few.

Project Update

In November 2024, we learned that our unborn son, Benjamin Thomas, has a rare, severe, and life-threatening heart defect. If born safely, he will require three major heart surgeries by age three, with two of these surgeries in his first six months. He may need additional surgeries throughout childhood, and a heart transplant before age 20.

Our missionary organization, MGF, has granted us Family Medical Leave and will support us as we seek the best care for Benjamin. Donations to our project now help us cover the significant financial burden we are facing. For the foreseeable future, these funds will be directed toward costs that insurance will not cover, as well as housing, food, and bills so we can put our focus solely on Benjamin until we can return to our church planting and counseling goals. All contributions remain tax-deductible.

Thank you for helping us as we fight for our son’s life.

Would you consider supporting us?

Blessings,

Andrew & Chantelle

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Contributions are solicited with the understanding that Missionary Gospel Fellowship (MGF) has complete discretion and control over the use of all donated funds. MGF will attempt to honor gifts preferenced to support particular workers, but the final decision on the use of all funds rests with the organization.