Shawn and Saskia Derritt have been married since 1996.  Shawn holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Kansas.  Saskia holds the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree from Germany, her native country, and has completed required courses for a Master’s Degree in American Studies at the University of Kansas. 

For a great part of Shawn’s life he has struggled with same sex attraction and homosexuality.  Through God’s unconditional love he has learned how to walk away from a life of sin and destruction finding victory and peace in the arms of God.  Though Saskia knew of his struggles before they were married, she was not aware of the journey that she as a wife was about to endure.  She learned to trust God with her husband even amongst the pain and hurt of betrayal and the uncertainty of relief.  Through counseling and the ability to be Naked and Unashamed, their marriage has been rescued and brought to life by God.

A life and marriage that was on the path of destruction has been restored to a sense of peace and joy that seemed impossible.  By sharing how God transformed their marriage and lives they desire to help others learn how He can do the same for them through the inner healing that comes from Christ. 

Shawn & Saskia Derritt have written and published two powerful books that take a close look at the lives of individuals who struggle with homosexuality.  In the first book, Christ Inner Healing, Shawn shares how God set him free from the sin of homosexuality.  The second book, Naked and Unashamed, written by both Shawn and Saskia, gives the reader a close glimpse of a marriage that was headed for disaster but was restored by God’s grace and mercy.

Shawn & Saskia attend Sheffield Family Life Center in Kansas City, MO, where George Westlake III is the Senior Pastor.  Shawn served as a worship leader for 3 ½ years at Sheffield Family Life Center and then resigned to pursue God’s purpose and direction for Christ Inner Healing Ministries along with his wife Saskia. 

Shawn has over 15 years of experience as a worship leader and has written over 80 praise and worship songs. He is currently in the studio working on his second CD project of original praise and worship music, to be released early 2009. His first CD “Someone Like Me” was released April 2008.

Shawn has sung at many local and community events including Christian Family Day 2008 in Smithville, MO, was a featured artist at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Faith and Family day 2008, and a finalist for the Rock The Light Talent Search 2008 at Starlight Theater.

Shawn and Saskia Derritt have conducted marriage workshops at the “Relate in 2008 Married Life Conference” held at Sheffield Family Life Center and have been guests on “Living Answers for Today” with Dr. George W. Westlake II, a live call-in TV show, which was aired on WB-62 Kansas City, Time Warner Cable Public Access Channel 4, and on TBN St. Joseph, MO, KTAJ Channel 16.  Shawn has also been a guest on Shout!™, a Christian Talk Show for Men.  Copies of both programs are available for viewing on their website at www.christihm.com/ministries.html.

They have also appeared on the following radio programs:

1. 890 AM KGGN
2. 1030 AM The Light KCWJ
3. 1590 AM KPRT
4. Hot 103 Jamz FM KPRS
5. The JPEG Show Horizon Network

To listen to two of these, check out their website at www.christihm.com/resources.html.

Shawn and Saskia Derritt have been featured in such magazines as the Family Journal and the Kansas City Metro Voice.  In addition, they have also been featured in a front page interview in the August 2007 edition of the Kansas City Metro Voice.

Their books and Shawn’s CD are available on their website at www.christihm.com and in several local bookstores in the Greater Kansas City Area.

For booking of speaking or singing engagements, please call (913) 744-5928 or visit their website at www.christihm.com.