The Bible tells us: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31:8 -9
Every day, thousands of innocent people around the world—many of them children—experience abuse. Abuse comes in many forms—child sexual abuse, domestic violence, elder abuse, abuse by clergy, human trafficking, rape, female genital mutilation, and many other horrific forms. And sadly, abuse exists everywhere—even within the church.
Seventh-day Adventists affirm the dignity and worth of each human being and decry all forms of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and family violence. The church recognizes the global extent of this problem and the serious, long-term effects upon the lives of all involved.
Although it is an uncomfortable subject for many people, it has become more and more obvious that abuse is a serious problem for Christians, for Seventh-day Adventists. Abuse in any form deforms the body of Christ—for the victim, for the perpetrator, and for the church that is left with the hurting members.[1]
As members of the Seventh-day Adventist church we “have a voice.” We together can respond to abuse and family violence both within the church and in the community not becoming indifferent and unresponsive but taken every opportunity to address this issue at the local church level, in our schools, and institutions to educate church members and leadership, and to let victims know that their church cares about them.
“It’s so important that we as leaders, and members, not only be aware of the signs of abuse, but actively take steps to prevent it from happening, listening carefully and compassionately to those who have experienced abuse, and taking action—such as taking preventive measures, reporting perpetrators to the proper authorities so the perpetrators can be held accountable” affirms Pastor Ted Wilson, General Conference SDA President.
YOU HAVE A VOICE
The question for us is Should we do anything? Yes, we should. Then What can we do? What follows are a few things we together can make a difference: ad be a voice:
- Visit the www.enditnow.org there you will learn not only about the depth of the problem but how you can help get your own local church members to get involved.
- Present sermons and workshops to the congregation and the community on issues of gender-based violence relevant to your community. Offer to present age-appropriate information in local schools.
- Examine church policies and practices to be sure none foster or encourage hurtful or discriminatory attitudes towards women, children and men.
- Provide ongoing support to a local women’s shelter or other organization benefitting victims of gender-based violence.
- Care for hurting people in our church. Be non-judgmental. Develop support groups.
- Help raise awareness. Share materials about gender-based violence with your community.[2]
“There are many issues the church as a whole needs to address, and enditnow is one of them. In Galatians 6:2, Paul urged the church to “Bear each other’s burdens,” so maybe with more grace and love we can turn on the light in the darkness rooms of those who are helpless and victim of abuse. Let our churches become safe places for the uncomfortable things we have to deal with. Let’s be the voice and the hands to promote justice, providing hope and healing for those in need” says Jonas Arrais, NSD Ministerial Secretary.
The Northern Asia-Pacific Division has been mobilizing churches and leaders to support this special Sabbath as an opportunity to provide resources, information, education, hope and healing to our churches and the surrounding communities. So, they can leave the church with more awareness of the problem and how to respond.
“Recognizing the profound impact that abuse can have on people’s lives and the importance of promoting healing and well-being in an environment of information, awareness, faith, and spirituality, Adventist Education is dedicated to empowering educators and students on this vital topic. This commitment contributes to creating welcoming and safe environments where those seeking support and healing find a space for recovery based on compassion and mutual support” says Pastor Edgard Luz, NSD Educational Director.
Violence against women, children and men is real, it is here, and it needs to stop. That is what the enditnow Emphasis Day is all about. Be involved. Be an agent of healing. Be hope. BE A VOICE!
GET INVOLVED
- You can launch the enditnow campaign, which is the fourth Sabbath in August, or on any other Sabbath that works for your church.
- Launching an enditnow campaign will help your church draw awareness to the issue of abuse, promote collaboration with the community to develop solutions, and help your church become a safe place for everyone. YOU HAVE A VOICE.
More information about the enditnow Emphasis Day and free resources follow the links below:
2024 enditnow completeResource Packet below:
https://women.adventist.org/enditnow-day
https://women.adventist.org/enditnow-emphasisa-day-english-archive
enditnow is a global initiative to raise awareness and advocate for the end of violence around the world. It aims to mobilize Seventh-day Adventists around the world and invites other community groups to join in to resolve this worldwide issue. For more information about enditnow go to www.enditnow.org
AT THE HALF OF THE SECOND PAGE
August 24, 2024, “Go Find My Sheep”
https://women.adventist.org/enditnow-day
Both the Old and the New Testaments refer to God’s people as sheep, to the body of believers as a flock, and to our Lord as the Shepherd. More than ever, abuse victims need to know that Jesus cares about them. And that’s where we come in, says Joanna Daniel, author of the 2024 enditnow® sermon titled “Go Find My Sheep.” The Shepherd is looking for people to go in search of the lost. He is looking for people who will minister as He does.
In the seminar titled “The Trauma-Informed Church,” Joanna Daniel tells us the trauma-informed church is aware of the impact trauma makes on the lives of members. The informed church operates with sensitivity, care, and compassion, making the environment safe for everyone to worship. She describes five ways the church can help traumatized people heal and find a community. They include an informed team, awareness of existing barriers, effective listening, preserved confidentiality, and continued support.
May God bless you, your teams, and every local church while you are preparing for the enditnow® Emphasis Day, August 24. May our congregations, with God’s help, become safe and caring places. May they become oases of Jesus’ love.[3]
INSIDE THE ENDITNOW 2024 PACKET
1. Word document with the scripts for sermon, seminar, and children’s story
2. PDF with the scripts for sermon, seminar, and children’s story
3. PowerPoint for Sermon
4. Seminar: The Trauma-Informed Church
Raquel Arrais
NSD WM/FM/CHM Director
[1] General Conference Women’s Ministries website, enditnow Initiative, https://women.adventist.org/enditnow-initiative
[2] What the Church Can Do? https://www.enditnow.org/resources/helpful-websites-and-files/
[3] General Conference Women’s Ministries website, enditnow Initiative, https://women.adventist.org/enditnow-initiative