For the last year, the Maki family has tried to heal. After losing three of their four children in a house fire in January of 2016, they've taken things one day at a time.
"They've been really taking some time together to pray," said Jeff Jaeger, a friend of the Maki's and senior pastor at Crossroads Community Church.
But now, Chris and Kristi Macki are ready to share their story with their church family at Crossroads Community Church.
"They really sensed a call from God that this was the right time for them to share with their church family," said Jaeger. "We took it very seriously. We wanted to make sure that this would only be something that would help them in their healing process, not hurt them."
The Maki's lost their three children Natalie Martin, 11, Ben Martin, 10, and Carter Maki, 7, tragically in that house fire. Their daughter Jenna Martin, 9, survived.
On Sunday, the Maki's will speak about their loss to members of their church during services at Lake Country Academy. It's the first time they will speak publicly about what happened.
"They continue to cling to their faith in Christ, and because of that I think that's why their story on Sunday is one of hope and encouragement for people who have gone through some pretty painful times in their life as well," Jaeger said.
The Maki's are doing more this year on their journey to heal. They donated the lot where their house stood to Habitat for Humanity.
"We'd like to bring the whole community together as an opportunity to provide that new home for a family in need, but also as a way of healing from that tragedy," said Jon Hoffman, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Lakeside.
They hope to complete construction on that new home this year, Hoffman said.
The Maki's will speak at services at 9 and 10:45 a.m. on Sunday at Lake Country Academy. Everyone is invited to attend, and they will also livestream services on crossroadssheboygan.org.
