To those who do not know Marc and Julie, they appear to be the 'model' couple who have never experienced difficulties.

Many years ago both came to experience a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, God's son through repentance of their sins, after acknowledging that Jesus died for them on a cross 2000 years ago.

In 1995, Julie's father became ill, with a brain tumour. She saw a strong, healthy man, who, to her, lived a good life, deteriorate over a 15-month period and die. At that time their daughters were in their early teens and like most adolescents - rebellious. Julie, unaware of it, became depressed. She became angry with God and over a period of 4 years withdrew from church, her friends, and even her family.
For Marc, this was a difficult period. Stress in his job and in the home led him to seek someone to love - elsewhere. In 1998 he left Julie for another woman. Julie and Marc agreed that they had no common interest.
However this was the turning point for Julie. Realising that she had rejected so many people and more importantly, God was not at the centre of her life, she asked God for forgiveness, and over the next 3 months there was a radical change in her life.

Marc re-united with Julie in March 1999 and realised the errors of his ways and he too received God's forgiveness. Although at times their marriage has had its difficulties, their love for each other has been better than at any time before.
Two months later they said to each other "We must never let what has happened, happen again". So, after considering recreational activities, which they might be able to do together, God spoke powerfully to them.
On reading a Christian book, followed by prophecy, God confirmed His plan through a Bible verse: Acts 16 v 9 "Come over... and help us". These words have since been heard at times when Marc and Julie have sought God's direction - through the listening of Christian cassette tapes and Bible teaching. The Christian book background to "Come over... and help us" was concerning helping people with self-harm addictions.

In July 1999, when shopping in High Wycombe with their daughter Rachel, who was then 15, there was a man selling 'The Big Issue' magazine. Whilst Julie was in a shop, Rachel said to her dad "If I had loads of money I would buy a big warehouse, fill it with lots of beds, create a kitchen and invite every homeless person I could find to be there. Even if it was for only 2 or 3 days a week, at least they would be able to have wholesome food and a decent night's sleep for some of their week". Julie, later asked Marc what he and Rachel were so deep in conversation about. When Marc told her, she said, "We must do something".

Neither Marc or Julie had much time for homeless people and had certainly not done what has now become their way of life.

Three weeks later they went to Oxford one Saturday night with hot drinks and some food and met 11 men in need. They returned home with 'heavy hearts' and a desire to return 4 days later.