Search Results for: abuse

One thing we get terribly wrong in our response to abuse. And one way to get it right.

Someone alleges abuse. Someone in power rushes to hush or silence the accuser, sometimes even using Scriptures or “biblical principles” as the gag. And it’s so wrong. It’s poison, offered as cure, both to the victim and those close by. But there’s an idea I’ve been developing that just might be an antidote. At least … Continue reading One thing we get terribly wrong in our response to abuse. And one way to get it right.

Ask a Counselor: what about child abuse?

  A couple of weeks ago, I got an email from a young teacher at a missionary-run school.  She was hearing from local children attending the school about abuse they were suffering by their parents at home.  One of the older children had written detailed reports of the abuse, and even had photographic evidence. When … Continue reading Ask a Counselor: what about child abuse?

Telling My Story: Sexual Abuse on the Mission Field

Today’s post has been submitted anonymously as a follow up to a piece published here, at A Life Overseas, in 2013. Today we hear from the daughter of ‘Jessica’ that wrote that article in 2013.  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “Koman ou di?” – translation – “How do you say?” That is how it all started. As an eleven-year-old … Continue reading Telling My Story: Sexual Abuse on the Mission Field

Ask a Counselor: How much abuse is too much abuse?

After last month’s column addressing the question of domestic violence, a reader asked these questions in the comments section: How much abuse is too much abuse? How much abuse constitutes grounds for divorce? My quick answer was:  ANY abuse is too much abuse, and ANY abuse constitutes grounds for divorce. The reasons I think this? … Continue reading Ask a Counselor: How much abuse is too much abuse?

Sexual Abuse on the Mission Field

The instant message to her friend said, “I hate them. They don’t know anything about me.” Four years earlier we had landed on foreign soil.  The flight that carried us, and our 100 pounds each of luggage, was just short enough to cry the entire way.  We felt strongly we were on the right path, … Continue reading Sexual Abuse on the Mission Field

Radical Forgiveness

by Rahma This week marked the sixteenth anniversary of an unforgettable family tragedy. My mom’s first cousin Jeff was driving with his five children when a pickup truck suddenly crossed the grassy median and hit them head-on at 60 miles per hour. All five of the children were killed instantly, and Jeff suffered serious injuries. … Continue reading Radical Forgiveness

Was Afghanistan Worth It?

  In the frigid winter of 2008, my husband and I touched down in snow-covered Kabul, Afghanistan. We didn’t know exactly what to expect in our first year of life on the field, but we knew that it was where God had asked us to go. Young, eager, and probably quite naïve, we and many … Continue reading Was Afghanistan Worth It?

A Lament for the American Church (or how I’m processing my codependent relationship with the church)

I love the church, and I have loved the church for a long time. I’ve led worship 600+ times in local congregations. I’ve preached dozens of times across several countries. I served as an overseas missionary in Southeast Asia for 8 years. I’ve been in “church work” in one capacity or another for over 20 … Continue reading A Lament for the American Church (or how I’m processing my codependent relationship with the church)

Power Dynamics on the Mission Field

Power is a dirty word for Christians who want to follow a life of humility, right? In church, it feels like we’ve been conditioned to not talk about power unless we are talking about the power of the Holy Spirit. To talk about power and how it plays out among mere human beings feels like … Continue reading Power Dynamics on the Mission Field

Finding Jesus in a Slum

by Rahma Ten years ago, I moved to Indonesia with one suitcase and a heart full of hope. I planned to live in a slum, learn the language, and seek the Kingdom of Jesus. Of course, the first year had many challenges. There was so much to learn and adjust to: the language, washing clothes … Continue reading Finding Jesus in a Slum

The Privilege of Freedom of Movement

by Nicolette Hutcherson Lebanon has never been an easy place for us to live. We’ve been here long enough that we’ve passed through some really difficult times – suicide bombings, the garbage crisis, threat of war. This year has been an absolute doozy. 204 days (and counting!) of Revolution. Economic collapse. And now corona. Schools … Continue reading The Privilege of Freedom of Movement