June 2009
UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture--June 26, 2009
Since 2006, the Center for Victims of Torture (CVT) has provided individual and group counseling to more than 800 torture survivors in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Within the last year, psychosocial healing has taken place within marriages. Couples who have survived torture and tried to save family members from torture are talking about their feelings through CVT-trained peer counselors. Peer counselors listen to those who have been traumatized by torture, rape, and violence. The peer counselors know what to look for and are guiding marriages and families back to wholeness.
Couples in the CVT participate in men-only, women-only, and mixed groups as well as sessions with one another. They talk of anger, powerlessness, shame, blame, healing, and gratitude.
"They changed how they relate to each other, treat each other, and show compassion. Most of them reported that they appreciate their spouse in a profounder way than they had before the war," Erin Morgan said. Ms. Morgan had served as a clinician and trainer in Pweto, DR Congo, through the CVT.
"What they're feeling is a normal human response to an abnormal situation," Pete Dross explains. Mr. Dross works as the director of development with the CVT. Founded in 1985, CVT was the first US organization to focus on the transformation and healing of individuals who have been tortured. The United Methodist Church has partnered with the CVT since its inception.
Remember these families on June 26--the annual United Nations observation of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. According to the United Methodist Social Principles in the 2008 Book of Discipline, "the mistreatment or torture, and other cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment or punishment of persons by governments for any purpose violates Christian teaching and must be condemned and/or opposed by Christians and churches wherever and whenever it occurs." (paragraph 164, pp. 123-124)
You can help distressed couples regain their marriages and rebuild their communities, by giving to Center for Victims of Torture—Client Care, Advance #171142.
Photo Above: Sharon Lim, Director of Communications for the Center for Victims of Torture, at a townhouse in Minneapolis, MN. It is a place of healing to support the survivors who are usually immigrants seeking refuge from torture.
Advocate of the Month
Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church in Tipp City, Ohio has raised nearly $4 million for the Sudan since 2004. Through Rev. Mike Slaughter's leadership and the church's partnership with UMCOR, the Sudan Project has created farm land, employment, schools, and water in a once arid area decimated by violence in Darfur.
The village of Deriga in South Darfur now calls their community "Ohio Village" for their close connection to the Ohio conference. "We've got to continue to live more simply so that other people can simply live," Rev. Slaughter said. In March 2009, gifts from Ginghamsburg totaled $709,505.
Sudan is the geographic study theme for the School of Christian Mission in 2009 and 2010. To support the people in Darfur and South Sudan, you can give, as Ginghamsburg has given, through Sudan Emergency, Advance #184385.
Other Sudan projects to support:
- Animal Livestock and Beekeeping, Advance #3020638
- Sudan Shalom Ministry, Advance #3020787, supporting orphaned children.
Photo credits: Cassandra Heller
Did You Know?
Most Conference Secretaries of Global Ministries committed to the 2009 Advance challenge of increasing their covenant relationships with 10 Global Ministries missionaries. To view the spreadsheets for this first quarter's giving and celebrate your conference's gifts, link to: http://new.gbgm-umc.org/advance/work/financialreports/
Despite the economic downturn, giving by United Methodists to The Advance has declined only slightly. In the first quarter of 2009, giving totaled $7,888,160. This amount is down by $163,000 from the same quarter in 2008.
Among the five jurisdictions, the North Central Jurisdiction gave the most; their giving topped: $3.3 million. Within that jurisdiction, West Ohio gave nearly $2 million for projects, and Iowa gave $80,600 for missionary support.
Featured Resource: B1 Flyer: A Snapshot
It may look like a Polaroid, but this flyer gives you the big picture of the B1 campaign. Just released this month, this pocket-sized flyer introduces the B1 campaign to teens. The size of a baseball card, this snapshot flyer can be given to a friend as an invitation to make a difference through the voluntary fast. In 2010, hundreds of United Methodist churches will become part of B1. Be one of those churches.
Learn how to get your church's youth involved in the B1 Youth Campaign by linking to: www.fasttodaychangetomorrow.org.
Thank you for giving generously through The Advance. Your gifts truly make a difference!
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