A word from the NEW AVA Director
Four years ago God spoke to me and said "It is time to go and tell your story." At that time I could not imagine to whom or where I would tell my story. Answering his command to "go" meant leaving all that felt comfortable and beginning a journey of revealing my secret of enduring an eleven-year period of childhood sexual assault/molestation. It has required conveying how that experience has impacted and shaped my life and Christian walk for more than 50 years. It also meant telling that this occurred in a "Christian" home and church community and no one knew it!
My journey has crisscrossed paths with men and women who have been assaulted (sexually or physically) as children or adults. I have spoken to individuals in the United States, Venezuela, Africa; people in prisons, retreats and church settings. I have found that whenever I have spoken other victims have come forward to tell me their story. No matter what their story I recognize they all have a common denominator of pain and brokenness. All have had experiences that cannot be erased. Most have not had anyone to advocate for them so they have suffered and often continue to suffer in silence.
Over three yars ago the Covenant church made a courageous commitment to partner with God in ending domestic violence. We knowingly committed to this work because we knew that domestic violence and sexual abuse exists not only in our communities, but also in our congregations. Shedding light and standing with AVA has been one of the highlights of our community of faith's commitment to stand up for the downtrodden and broken.
Matthew 5:14 tells us that "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden." The importance of light is highlighted in Ephesians 5:13 "But when anything is exposed and reproved by the light, it is made visible and clear; and where everything is visible and clear there is light."
Catherine J. Foote wrote, "An individual's ability to acquire perspective and some sense of meaning even in the midst of intolerable living conditions can mean the difference between life and death." As light bearers, it is my hope and belief that we can create welcoming, safe environments and bridges to much-needed resources to provide hope for those suffering from this horrific social and spiritual disease.
Your continued response to partner with God by shedding light in the darkness in the lives of many people will change our communities and world. Your prayers, financial gifts and participation in the ministry will allow the ministry of AVA to continue to advocate for victims of abuse.
Also check out these sources for help:
National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-SAFE (7233) Click here
End Abuse: Family Violence Prevention Fund
Click here
FaithTrust Institute: working together to end sexual and domestic violence Click here
Report-on-AVA-to-Executive-Board-2007.pdf
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