Sticky Problem, Scriptural Response

PASCH (Peace and Safety in the Christian Home)
directs its ministry toward those who are endangered, confused, crushed, or
disillusioned by the undeniable presence of abuse in Christian families. We are
committed to bringing an end to domestic violence and to healing the wounds
that it has caused.

The rate of domestic abuse in Christian homes is the
same as in the general population (29%), but believers are devastated at this
denial of so many Christian values. We are constantly asked whether it is right
for a Christian to flee an abusive situation, to dial 911, to take refuge in a
community shelter, to get a restraining order. To these are added other
questions about personal faith, safety, suffering, forgiveness, restoration,
marriage and divorce. We seek to answer from a biblical perspective and to give
an assurance of God’s continuing love and care even in the most difficult of
circumstances.

The impetus for PASCH arose when Eva Sanderson, a
Zambian, challenged the General Assembly of the World Evangelical Fellowship to
address the issue of domestic abuse. The formation of a Task Force on Violence
against Women led to a declaration unanimously adopted at the next General Assembly.
Though the work of the Task Force was declared finished, the problem and the
need remained.

In January, 2004, under the leadership of Jackie
Hudson, Nancy Nason-Clark, Julie Owens and Catherine Clark Kroeger,  Peace and Safety in the Christian Home was
birthed. Our acronym is PASCH, the Hebrew word for Passover, when God kept the
children of Israel safe within their own homes.

Elements of our program include research,
application of relevant scriptures, prayer, safety counseling, study of best
practices and strategies, training, and collaboration with appropriate
ministries and agencies. To this end we maintain a web-site, newsletter,
publications, workshops and periodic conferences. Contributions are especially
needed for scholarships to our upcoming conference “Emerging from the Shadows”
in May 2011.

Contact:
Catherine Clark Kroeger
1073
Stony Brook Road
Brewster,
MA 02631  or [email protected]
telephone:
508-896-1963  or 508-776-0122
web-sites:
www.peaceandsafety.com and www.fromtheshadows.ca