---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Abigail Cool
From: Abigail Cool
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
As ministers of Jesus Christ, Isaiah calls us to ponder these words:
"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion; to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations." Isaiah 61:1-4
Intimate partner violence, domestic violence, aka: coercive control sadly, does exist within the walls of our church and its homes. We understand very little about this tragic reality in our church, and in our ignorance, we have stood by, silently, enabling the perpetuation of such to continue unaddressed.
Families are the foundation of Zion and we can no longer ignore the reality that abuse exists and we must learn how to address the problem with the love and salvation of Jesus Christ, without shaming the victims or oppressors. We must learn how we can collectively help heal families that are suffering.
Intimate partner violence is learned behavior, learned through former generational patterns, that we often overlook or worse, turn a blind eye to [or whisper under our breath, gossip].
Catherine Kroger, says to the churches, "Many Christians cannot bear to acknowledge that spousal abuse is an enduring problem within our very own walls. Both individually and as a faith community, we are ashamed and humiliated to admit the presence of such a problem. It is far easier to deny, minimize, and to conceal" (Kroeger, C., Peace and Safety in the Christian Home., 2008).
In May 1833 the Lord gave this revelation in D&C 90:6f:
"And now a commandment I give unto you, if you will be delivered: you shall set in order your own house, for there are many things that are not right in your house."
In order to help, we must first acknowledge that the problem exists, and then seek ways for 'how to help and heal' and not keep the secret anymore, but expose the wounds [tenderly], and apply the salve of practical healing to the wounded members, not only for their sakes but for the generations that will follow. Many covenants of marriage are broken due to this problem, and we collectively have enabled the situation.
Thus far, we have had little to no resources or training with how to help members repent of former generational patterns.
The call and cause of Triumphant Zion Ministries are to offer advocacy, support, safety, and resources for victims. And, ongoing education for pastors of the flock, and those that are intimately acquainted with potential victims in a ministerial capacity. In my work as an advocate and an educational specialist for faith-based leaders, I can assure you that the need is expansive and very real. Many children of the church, now adults, suffer the burden of abuse witnessed as children, or themselves experienced abuse firsthand. We have left their wounds unhealed thus far.
J. Abigail Cool, creator of Triumphant Zion Ministries. An advocate for victims of abuse. A trauma practitioner for those who suffer serving clients at MacAlmon Holistic Health Clinic, Nixa, Mo. A Senior at Drury University majoring in Behavioral and Community Health, and an educational specialist for faith-based leaders, offering the tools and educational resources for pastors to learn how to assist victims and oppressors in the church environment.
June 27th, 2020 Triumphant Zion in collaboration with Called to Peace Ministries will be hosting our second "Protect the Flock: Responding to Domestic Violence in the Church 102" Please see the link for registration below.
July 16th, 2020 Called to Peace Ministries will be hosting a virtual seminar for pastors: Building a Church-Wide Coordinated Response to Domestic Abuse hosted by Joy Forrest and Chris Moles. Please see the graphic and web link for information to register.
Joy Forrest is a survivor of spiritual intimate partner violence/control and has authored a book that delineates the work of God in her heart healing from the abuse and twisted scriptures that held her captive. Her book "Called to Peace", also offers a healing workbook for victims and is located on Amazon. She is also a biblical counselor, advocate, and world-renowned speaker proclaiming that God does not condone oppression.
Chris Moles is a pastor, a biblical counselor, and offers biblical treatment for batterers. He is also the author of "The Heart of Domestic Abuse" a resource highly recommended for pastors who face the issue of domestic abuse in their congregations. His book can also be found on Amazon.
Register in advance for Protect the Flock: Responding to Domestic Violence in the Church 102 June 27, 2020, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm CDT.
https://us02web.zoom.us/
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
https://us02web.zoom.us/
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
May we together put our arms around those who suffer and embrace them with the healing and balm of Gilead.
Sister Abigail Cool
Triumphant Zion Ministries
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