Mission
Why AVA
There is an epidemic affecting one out of every four women. They suffer behind closed doors, most often concealing their pain, fearful of those on both sides of the door. Who are these women?
They are victims of abuse. Neighbors, co-workers, friends, loved-ones, these women come from all walks of life, for this epidemic knows no boundaries. While the secular world can offer protection and advice, it cannot provide the one thing most needed: Jesus’ healing touch that brings renewal and hope.
Therefore, Christ’s Church must respond to abuse as a matter of justice and righteousness. The church has been called by Christ to serve as his body, to care for those who are marginalized and oppressed, to bring about hope and healing to broken lives and broken relationships, and to speak boldly against the injustice of violence against women and children while working to heal its effects. The church is also called to minister to all individuals whose lives are broken by sin, including the perpetrators of injustice, by calling them to repentance and guiding them to work toward the restoration of their victims.
Mission
To empower and equip the Covenant Church to promote, provide safety and healing for victims of abuse and to help bring an end to violence against women and children.
Goals
- Provide resources to bring healing to victims of abuse.
- Equip the Church to minister to victims.
- Promote preventative measures against abuse.
2005 Objectives
- AVA will conduct awareness seminars
- AVA will provide local churches with educational brochures on domestic violence, adult survivors of child sexual abuse and sexual abuse of children.
- AVA will provide small group curriculum for domestic violence survivors/victims.
- AVA will provide educational brochures on teen dating violence.
- We will partner with Covenant Ministries of Benevolence and Well Spring Center for Hope to provide training and support services to the Central conference.
- AVA will be working together with North Park Seminary to include education and training in the student curriculum.
- AVA will be working with the Department of Ordered Ministry to develop a domestic violence training module into the CEOP