Our Story
Yolanda Kelty-Douthit, alongside her husband Monte Douthit, founded “The Sanctuary” in 2008, following the profound loss of her father, Reverend Marvin N. Kelty, and her aunt, Pastor Barbara J. Cameron. Their untimely passing, just four months apart, left Yolanda deeply grieving and searching for solace. Although she was a member of a local church and raised as a "PK" (preacher’s kid), the traditional church setting failed to provide the healing her soul desperately needed. She yearned for a space that could minister to her weary heart and provide comfort amidst her pain.
Unable to find such a place, Yolanda was inspired to create her own Sanctuary. Transforming a guest bedroom into a prayer closet, she found refuge there—praying, seeking God’s presence, and experiencing profound comfort and peace. This sacred space became the foundation for a renewed relationship with God, where Yolanda came to understand that her experiences and grief were part of a greater purpose and calling. From this revelation, The Sanctuary was born.
In 2011, Yolanda began hosting spa weekends at her home, inviting family and close friends to share in her newfound spiritual enlightenment. These intimate gatherings evolved into retreats held in her home and local venues. On January 14, 2012, Yolanda hosted three women in her home for a night of prayer, marking the first official meeting of The Sanctuary. This single gathering grew into weekly Friday Fellowship and Bible Study meetings, which began to transform lives.
As the impact of The Sanctuary expanded, Yolanda was invited to travel to other states, bringing her ministry into the homes of others. This initiative became “The Sanctuary Goes Mobile,” an unconventional ministry that fosters deep and meaningful relationships with God in personal and intimate settings.
Today, The Sanctuary offers an atmosphere where individuals are free to share their stories, find deliverance, and embrace healing. Through prayer, the Word of God, and practical life application tools, attendees are inspired and empowered to live in their God-given purpose. Whether in-person or virtual, The Sanctuary meets the needs of a connected, yet often disconnected, society.
To learn how you can join these life-transforming gatherings, please visit our Virtual Tabernacle for more details.
Unable to find such a place, Yolanda was inspired to create her own Sanctuary. Transforming a guest bedroom into a prayer closet, she found refuge there—praying, seeking God’s presence, and experiencing profound comfort and peace. This sacred space became the foundation for a renewed relationship with God, where Yolanda came to understand that her experiences and grief were part of a greater purpose and calling. From this revelation, The Sanctuary was born.
In 2011, Yolanda began hosting spa weekends at her home, inviting family and close friends to share in her newfound spiritual enlightenment. These intimate gatherings evolved into retreats held in her home and local venues. On January 14, 2012, Yolanda hosted three women in her home for a night of prayer, marking the first official meeting of The Sanctuary. This single gathering grew into weekly Friday Fellowship and Bible Study meetings, which began to transform lives.
As the impact of The Sanctuary expanded, Yolanda was invited to travel to other states, bringing her ministry into the homes of others. This initiative became “The Sanctuary Goes Mobile,” an unconventional ministry that fosters deep and meaningful relationships with God in personal and intimate settings.
Today, The Sanctuary offers an atmosphere where individuals are free to share their stories, find deliverance, and embrace healing. Through prayer, the Word of God, and practical life application tools, attendees are inspired and empowered to live in their God-given purpose. Whether in-person or virtual, The Sanctuary meets the needs of a connected, yet often disconnected, society.
To learn how you can join these life-transforming gatherings, please visit our Virtual Tabernacle for more details.