Religion that pleases God the Father must be pure and spotless. You must help needy orphans and widows and not let this world make you evil. ~James 1:27
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Since 2017 I’ve been involved nearly full time with abuse victims and survivors, primarily using prayer ministry (based on the Immanuel Approach prayer ministry model developed by Christian psychiatrist Karl Lehman) to help them connect with Jesus and process their experiences, including traumatic memories.
For those who are triggered by the terms “prayer” and “ministry,” I’ve called what I do “spiritual coaching.”
Even though I haven’t spoken publicly about this ministry much, and have never blogged about it, it has become a very significant part of my life.
I’ve asked for no personal remuneration for this work that I do, and I still want no personal remuneration for it.
However, several of the survivors who are part of my one-on-one ministry also have very significant financial needs. Except for a few occasional donations from others (and one or two regular contributors—thank you!), I’ve been subsidizing their expenses out of my own intermittent earnings in writing, editing, publishing, tutoring, and consulting.
In spring 2020, my husband was laid off from his job, which was speaking in schools. He had hoped that schools would get back to normal in the fall, but it’s evident that’s not going to be happening any time soon.
Those who know me personally know I’m content to live on little. However, the survivors in my life still need their most basic needs to be met.
Also, it’s appropriate for those who benefit from my one-on-one ministry to help support others like them who have extreme financial needs, as they’re able to do so.
So, in light of these considerations, beginning in August 2020, those who work with me will be donating to this fund so that my coaching/prayer ministry will be able to fund my financial support program for abuse survivors, at least to some extent.
I’ll be sending out an email to those I do ministry with, to give the details. If you would like to contribute, you can write to me at rebecca@heresthejoy.com for more information as to how to do so.
I look forward to partnering with my friends in helping the “widows and orphans” among us.
(I’ve updated my “About Me” page to provide this information.)
Update spring 2021: Heart for Survivors is now a 501(c)3 nonprofit. This page of this website tells how you can donate.
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Go here to download your free Guide, How to Enjoy the Bible Again (when you’re ready) After Spiritual Abuse (without feeling guilty or getting triggered out of your mind). You’ll receive access to both print and audio versions of the Guide (audio read by me). I’m praying it will be helpful.
“that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many, and of myself as well.”
Romans 16:2 NASB
I know this was said in a specific and personal context, but Many of us would say this of you as well, Rebecca.
Thank you so much, Quietrunner. You are a great encourager to me.
I love your heart in all this, Rebecca. Quietly serving without fanfare. Never even mentioning before now about this.
Would you be able to set up with Patreon or PayPal to receive recurring donations so that we can partner with you and your work on an ongoing basis?
Thank you so much, Joel. Yes, I have a PayPal account, through which the people I work with (and anyone else) can make donations to help these survivors. It’s heart4survivors@heresthejoy.com.
Rebecca,
You are an incredible woman, and we share your books with every woman healing and every pastoral person. Thank you for selflessly serving, we are taking after your model in our tiny town where abuse is rampant. Patreon would be awesome as well.
Thank you so much, Nina. I’ll look into Patreon.