Advocacy & UndeRSTANDING: How You can help

Contrary to what the popular quote says, ignorance is not always bliss.   This is especially true within our churches when it comes to domestic violence in any form.  We might hear whisperings like "the Sunday School teacher is being abused by her husband", or "so and so's 15-year-old daughter was raped by her 18-year-old boyfriend...but they were dating, so...was it really rape?"

Instead of gossiping to the next itching ear, or worse, shaming or blaming the victim-- what if we asked the question, "How can I help?"   

There is a way you can.

Kingdom Workers has established a program called RISE.  The following is a description of how this program works, taken directly from the Kingdom Workers website: 

     "Survivors of relationship abuse often keep their experiences to themselves out of fear, guilt, and shame. Relationship abuse not only affects a person physically, it also harms their emotional, mental, and spiritual health. Healing from these traumas takes time, understanding, and the truths of God's love. 
     Every person handling domestic abuse situations faces a unique set of challenges that impact their road to healing. Pastors, friends, and family can be a resource for them. And so can an Advocate. As an Advocate, you’ll join their team. You will walk alongside them. You will be another shoulder to lean on, another ear to listen. Another friend to point them toward the true and lasting healing found in Jesus.
     This training that will equip you for your work as an advocate. Training includes topics like, defining abuse, examining how trauma affects behaviors, why someone might stay in an abusive relationship, and how you can safely help them. "
   
In addition to RISE, Lori Kinsley (Rise Program Leader with KW) has created a new Seminar called LOVE IS. Survivors of relationship abuse often struggle to understand what a healthy Christian relationship looks like.  Sadly, this can make them more vulnerable to finding themselves in another unhealthy relationship.

This two-day seminar will cover important topics like "key factors in any healthy intimate relationship", "Attachment Style," and "Types of Intimacy".

LOVE IS, is not just for survivors of abuse, but also for anyone who is in a relationship... whether dating, newlyweds, or married for 50 years.  It is never too late to learn healthy relationship habits rooted in God's Word.  

Would you like to be Certified as an Advocate?  Would you like to better understand what a healthy Christian relationship looks like-- grounded in God's Word?  New Beginnings is hosting Lori at Centennial Ev. Lutheran Church.  She will train attendees to become Advocates, and she is going to teach us what "LOVE (truly) IS".  Please click the button below to view event dates & details, and to RSVP to one or all of session.  

We hope you'll join us.  You can be a vital part of a person's healing journey, so that they don't just survive-- but thrive under God's Grace.
                   "But for you who revere my name. the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in its rays."
                                                                                                                                                                       Malachi 4:2
God be with you all.
Ruth

RISE & LOVE IS Information and Registration