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Session on Abuse and Healing Draws Large Crowd
BETHEL, AK (April 17, 2002) - "I need to speak out. There are too many secrets,"
stated an Eskimo woman in her thirties. She was one of approximately 300
who attended the "War on Abuse" conference hosted by the Evangelical
Covenant Church of Alaska (ECCAK) as part of its conference annual meeting.
Anchorage therapist Dr. Larry Severson taught four sessions on helping
pastors, youth workers and lay counselors more effectively serve victims of
sexual abuse. Included were candid stories of how many have been injured by
those in the "helping" professions. Severson suggested to attendees that
the faith-based community needs to work cooperatively with government and
other programs. Yet, he concluded that genuine healing can only come when
Jesus transforms a heart.
Kathy Wilson, wife of field director Paul Wilson, was the keynote speaker
for the major Saturday evening event. The newly expanded Bethel Covenant
Church was filled to overflowing as she addressed issues of abuse and the
journey toward healing. Throughout the weekend, women who had listened to
Wilson in other settings - and have since received care - gave testimony to
how God is bringing them to a new place of wholeness.
Following Wilson's talk, associate field director Nathan Toots encouraged
listeners to take the first steps toward freedom from their own experiences
of abuse and talk with someone. According to Paul Wilson, "Dozens responded
to Nathan's invitation. They were Native and
white, male and female."
Wilson adds, "Our annual conference has the potential to be a setting for
significant ministry. Along with the meetings attended by delegates,
pastors and boards, we seek to use the power of God's people gathered to
demonstrate the Good News. The 'War on Abuse' sessions were attended by
individuals representing almost every Alaskan faith group including
Catholic, Russian Orthodox and Moravian. I am grateful that the Covenant
is playing a lead role in this area," Wilson said.
Copyright © 2008 The Evangelical Covenant Church. |
