GRACE stands for God's Redemption of Abusive Childhood Experiences.
GRACE is a 10-week workshop to help women who were sexually abused as children come to an understanding and healing of the effects of abuse. We use a curriculum with God's Word, prayer, and thought-provoking exercises in a safe, compassionate atmosphere of support and fellowship.
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. Many women are impacted by finding they are not alone in experiencing this abuse and are able to bond with others in the workshop, which makes them feel safe to be vulnerable.
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 can become 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 can be crippled because it often 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."
Testimonial from a former Grace participant:
"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."
Groups are small and reservations are necessary.
CONTACT
Contact Ann at (614) 823-6510 x 1727 or graceministryworkshop@gmail.com to inquire about the next group or for more information.
All calls are confidential and discreet.