Since 2004, Dwell’s Grace ministry has worked to help women who were sexually abused as children, find understanding, healing and peace. Over the years, Grace has helped dozens of women, working primarily through a ten week small group workshop. Its next workshop starts in a few months.
Those who were sexually abused as children often experience depression, guilt, bitterness, and trust issues. Many respond to these damaging effects by turning to sinful, self-protective attitudes and behaviors, rather than to the healing love of God. Without healing, the damage of abuse becomes an integral part of their identity, and when carried into adulthood, they may view life and relationships through the clouded filter of victimization.
Their relationships with God and others are crippled because it feels impossible to trust, it is too painful to be known, and it is difficult for others to break through their walls of self-protection. God desires for everyone in this situation to experience redemption through his love. As described in Isaiah 61:3 He longs "... to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor."
A former Grace participant says:
"I found Grace group at a time when I felt stuck and hopeless. I had already been through counseling but I wasn’t getting the answers or the hope I needed. Grace Group helped me to fully realize the impact of my trauma and gave me space to process and feel those emotions deeply. This group also taught me to put my suffering in God’s hands and forgive those who wronged me. Throughout this time, I learned to cling onto God in a deeper way than I ever had before. This group was a gift and witness of God’s healing power to see the ways he came through for not only me, but for my group members as well."
The next 10 week workshop will start in a few months. Small group workshops, usually containing three to five members and two group leaders, are held in a leader’s home to provide a more private and comfortable setting. Please contact Ann at graceministryworkshop@gmail.com or (614) 823-6510 x 1727 to ask about the next group or for more information.