By Steve and Carla McRee
“The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help.
He rescues them from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”
—Psalm 34:17-18
When a woman and her children come to Shepherd’s Gate seeking an escape from abuse, the hard work doesn’t stop there. Often every aspect of their lives must be rebuilt — they need a lot of help physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually.
Often, abusers cut women off from friends, family, employment, transportation, education — anything that might enable a woman to keep even a shred of independence. Abusers keep women totally dependent on them for even basic needs such as food and shelter.
Many families make their escape with only what they can carry. Women are often relieved once they reach the safety of Shepherd’s Gate, but many of their fears remain. How will I ever stand on my own? they wonder. Where do I even start?
At Shepherd’s Gate, we know where to start. With prayer. We introduce women and children to a God who loves them and cares about each part of their lives. We teach them that they can turn to the Lord for all of their needs — that they can “cast all their cares upon Him.”
During the month of October, will you join us? We know that rebuilding lives is no small task — but we also know that our God is big, and that He delights in working miracles in the lives of these precious women and children. Your prayers truly make a difference!
Please share your prayers for these families in the comments section below. Thank you for standing with us!
Photo Credit: LovingEarth