Dear Sisters,
On Saturday, April 28th at 2 pm, Lilada Gee and the Nehemiah
Community Development Corporation are hosting a "Ladies Afternoon Tea."
Now, Lilada is a woman worth knowing! Her heart is invested in a
ministry she’s calling Women of Worth. She describes this as a "new
initiative with a mission to encourage, inspire, and empower women who
are survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence."
Lilada had told her own story in a book, "I Can’t Live Like This
Anymore." Jesus was and is her "way out" of a history of sexual and
emotional abuse. Now, God is giviing her a green light to reach out to
the many, many other women with similar life experience.
In 2005 I attended a training class learning to facilitate healing
and recovery groups for sexual abuse survivors. I am, myself, a
survivor of sexual abuse. During the training course we learned that
the National Institute of Health estimates that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4
men will experience some kind of abuse – sexual, physical, or emotional
– during their lives. Abuse, particularly sexual abuse, is often kept
secret. Shame and fear keep people from speaking out. The church has
utterly failed to address this issue or to create a safe venue for
healing and recovery.
Women (and men) go to secular counselors and agencies for help
because the church has little to offer. Now, Lilada is laying the
groundwork for broad-reaching, Jesus-centered, Holy Spirit empowered
ministry to survivors of sexual and domestic abuse.
I encourage you all to seek the Lord. Ask Him what part YOU might have in this important work.
Should you attend this "tea" and hear about Lilada’s vision?
Should you become an intercessor, praying for Lilada and Women of
Worth? Should you contribute time? Money?
You can find out more by contacting Lilada at Lilada@Lilada.com or by phone at 257-2453 Ext 225.
Blessings,
Julia