Newly trained AVA Regional Coordinators in Bogota, Colombia
Something wonderful happened a few weeks ago. A group of more than 50 Colombian women and men joined together in Bogota for three incredible days of learning about abuse. Pastors, church leaders, and volunteers of every stripe, came with a willingness to become Regional Coordinators in Women Ministries’ dynamic and growing Advocacy for Victims of Abuse initiative. Wow. It’s international now.
Seeking to equip and empower Colombians to engage with the issues of domestic violence and childhood sexual abuse, the conference covered a wide range of topics. The goal was to bring people together in dynamic and lively, experientially-oriented learning exercises that gave participants tools and materials to prevent, reduce and advocate for abused women, children, and men, and share resources with others in their churches, ministries, homes, and organizations.
Can you imagine the impact this will have as these good people return to their communities? Pastors preach differently, reminding parishioners that their marriages are not meant to be based on domination but on mutual submission as called for in Ephesians 5:21. Victims become survivors as they break silence about past abuse and seek biblical forgiveness. And families are equipped to raise their daughters and sons to know and develop healthy relationships throughout their lives. Those who have lived through abuse and have suffered in silence will have compassionate and godly support and advocacy as they heal. And as these regional coordinators move out and equip others to work in the same fashion, the growth becomes exponential. Evil is held back and God’s compassion and love expand. That’s fantastic!
The training was hosted by the Pacto (Covenant) in Colombia and spearheaded by Mary Lou Sander with support from her husband, Gary, and others, including fellow missionary Cathy Campobello. Denominational Director of AVA, Yvonne DeVaughn was the lead facilitator with her friend, Teresa Hillis of Grace Community Covenant in Tucson, Arizona acting as translator. Yvonne’s husband, William, was also a part of the team, providing support for Yvonne and presenting his own workshop on walking with an abuse survivor.
The conference closed with a commissioning service that powerfully demonstrated the effectiveness of AVA as each new advocate lit the candle of the person next to her, creating an ever-growing brightness that grew as each person passed it to the next. Oh, may God grant that each of these RCs is blessed with fruitfulness, passion and initiative to take the light and shine it further.
