Marilyn Lebowitz served for many years as the director of membership services and director of women's ministry at Calvary Baptist Church in New York City. A native New Yorker and Jewish, Marilyn set off as a college student on a quest to find God. She went down many paths in search of Him, and finally, many years later and quite to her surprise, God revealed Himself to her as the Messiah of Israel. It's been a challenging spiritual journey, but through it all, Jesus is her refuge, her fortress, and the solid rock upon which she stands.

Marilyn earned her bachelor of arts degree from Brooklyn College. Prior to her serving in ministry, she worked for many years in the entertainment industry as an assistant to talent and literary agents, as well as theatrical and movie producers. Marilyn has a vision to set up a healing center of hope someday called "Sheltering Arms" where women who are living with emotional and physical realities like domestic violence, sexual abuse, addictions, grief, etc., can be welcomed, delivered, and set free.