Nov 14 - 16, 2025 - Weekends for Bereaved Parents
This is a weekend for bereaved couples and singles to spend some relaxed, unhurried time with other parents who understand the experience of losing a child. As we go through the weekend, we will learn from each other, pray for one another, encourage each other, and find out that we are not alone on this journey. Our goal at these retreats is to point grieving parents to our only true source of comfort, Jesus Christ. Anyone who has lost a child is welcome to come. You are welcome if your child has been in Heaven for thirty days or for thirty years. You are welcome if your child was stillborn and never took a single earthly breath, or if your child lived to be an adult and had a family of his or her own. Come, knowing you will be surrounded by people who care, who understand, and who will pray for you. This will be a safe place, a place where we can honestly discuss our struggles, knowing we will not be judged, because every one of us has been there at one time or another. We will also share our victories, and rejoice with each other as we move along the road toward healing. What will we do over the course of the weekend? We’ll talk about our kids in Heaven and we’ll pray for each other. We’ll explore the beauty of nature around us, enjoy delicious meals together, discuss God’s presence in our grief, and form lasting bonds of friendship. Our time will be informal, but structured. Certainly, we will cry together … but we will also laugh together. There is no cost to attend one of these special events.
Come, knowing you will be surrounded by people who care, who understand, and who will pray for you. This will be a safe place, a place where we can honestly discuss our struggles, knowing we will not be judged, because every one of us has been there at one time or another. We will also share our victories, and rejoice with each other as we move along the road toward healing.
Hosted in Indiana
Learn MoreIndiana
Our Indiana retreats are held at the Shunem House, a gorgeous, sprawling 11,000 square foot home in a lovely quiet neighborhood in the central Indiana community of Noblesville. Shunem House was created to be a place where missionaries and their families can stay during transition times as they spend time away from their field of service, and it also functions as a retreat and meeting space for church staff and Christian organizations. It is designed to be a haven where refreshment in the Lord can be found. The Indianapolis International Airport is about 50 minutes away. Lodging for this event will be provided at the Shunem House, with overflow guests staying at the nearby Courtyard by Marriott. Guests who live locally are welcome to stay in their own homes and commute to the venue if they prefer. All meals from Friday night through Sunday morning are provided, and there is no cost to attend this event. This event is open to both single parents and married couples. Please refer to our Purity Policy, found under the “About Us” tab.
Billy and Julie Melton
Billy and Julie have been married for 38 years and live in North Carolina. Billy retired from accounting; Julie has a professional background in social work and now serves in care ministry at their church. Billy and Julie lead a community group and are involved in other aspects of service in their local church. They enjoy being grandparents, spending time with family, and walking their golden retriever.
God blessed them with two wonderful daughters. Jessica, the youngest, is a joy and a delight, full of the light of the Lord. She and her husband are a blessing. Juliana, their eldest daughter, is now in heaven. She was married for 2 1/2 years. She worked in public service for a state representative after receiving her Master's degree in Government. During the second year of her marriage, Juliana was diagnosed with a brain tumor. After 16 months of treatment, she went to be with Jesus on Valentine's Day 2018. Juliana was passionate about life and sharing the love of Jesus. She showed her family and friends how to live well, love well, and finish well.
In 2021, Billy and Julie began a local ministry called Restoring Hope, a support group for parents of child loss. It is their desire to come alongside other grieving parents. They want others to experience the faithfulness and sovereignty of God while knowing the joyful hope in the glory of God. They feel blessed that God has opened up an opportunity for them to minister to bereaved parents through the While We're Waiting ministry.
Keith and Shawnda Freer
Keith and Shawnda have been married for 36 years and live north of Indianapolis, Indiana. Keith retired as a career firefighter and EMT, and he served in law enforcement for many years. Shawnda has a professional background in education and counseling and now serves in care ministry at their church.
They raised two wonderful children, Meghan & Andrew, who both love Jesus. Meghan was a junior in college, majoring in Christian Ministries and Spanish, when she went to Heaven in May of 2018, at the age of 21. Andrew is thriving as a young adult and is married to Anna.
Although the Christian faith has been an important aspect of all areas of their lives, child loss opened new areas of understanding about the character of God, the hope of Jesus, the truth of Scripture, and the pain of death. Keith and Shawnda now come alongside bereaved parents to grieve, grow, and learn together. Since 2021, they have served bereaved parents through their Christian retreat ministry, GriefHope, and now serve through While We're Waiting retreats and Our Hearts Are Home conferences.
Our Schedule for the Weekend (all times local)
Friday
4-5:15 PM Arrival time
5:30 pm Dinner
7:00 pm Sharing Our Stories (Part 1)
Saturday
8:00 am Breakfast
8:45 am Sharing Our Stories (Part 2)
12:00 PM Lunch
1:00 pm Sharing Our Stories (Part 3)
3:00 pm Free Time
5:30 pm Dinner
7:00 Pm Topic Time
Sunday
8:00 AM Breakfast
8:45 AM Worship and Closing Time
10:00 AM Goodbyes
Frequently Asked Questions
Our retreats are 100% free, though we do accept a voluntary donation at the close of the retreat.
While We're Waiting is a 501(c)3 non-profit that operates entirely off of generous donations.
Waiting List
This retreat is full, but you may complete the registration form to be added to our waiting list.