Our Founder & President

Mertice W. Fehringer

Mertice W. Fehringer clung to her locket of dreams while enduring tragedy after tragedy for more than two decades. Convinced that her way was best she held tightly to her high and lofty dreams until the Spirit nudged her to surrender to the Father’s plans. Step by step Mertice followed until she found herself in the ministry on a full time basis. It was then that she began to see His purpose and plan for her life and realized His way was truly best.

Mertice found the grace to embrace her past and her husband’s blindness, but struggled to accept her youngest daughter’s diagnosis of Cri-du-chat Syndrome. “Your daughter will be severely mentally retarded,” the doctor said. How could Mertice fulfill the dream to teach her little girl to be "just like Jesus"? The pain, disappointment and burdens that accompanied Connie’s condition were almost more than she could endure. Haunting questions bombarded her mind. Depression clouded her daily walk until she heard her Father say, "I had a plan too...my plan was to teach you to be like Jesus!" Knowing she could never have taught Connie (as the Father had taught her through Connie) she deliberately chose to pick up the pieces of her shattered dreams and trust them to God.

During those lonely years of care giving and isolation from her church body Mertice learned great patience and compassion at the feet of Jesus. It was at Connie’s death that she found the courage and tenacious determination to improve the quality of life for other children with disabilities. Unknowingly, her strong commitment to caring had become the foundation to build Circle of Friends Ministry, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides support, fellowship, and mentoring to special needs families.

Even now her Father’s plan continues to unfold as Mertice reaches out to minister to families with "spiritual disabilities". She shares her story in hopes of helping others to understand that in spite of their shortcomings and inabilities God has a perfect plan for their lives. Ultimately, His desire for all of His children is to “be just like Jesus”.

Mertice’s work has brought about the 1999 J.C. Penny Golden Rule Award and in 2000, the Eckerd 100 Salute to Women Award. In addition to Mertice’s ongoing work as Founder and Director of Circle of Friends Ministry, Inc., she is also a successful freelance writer whose work has been published in local newspapers as well as national magazines.

Mertice takes her story of spiritual strength, commitment and accomplishments on the road. Her uplifting talks are building awareness while inspiring the hearts and minds of audiences through out Central Florida. For booking arrangements, contact Mertice through the Circle of Friends office at 863-679-2507 or via mail at 105 E. Sturart Ave. Lake Wales, FL 33853.