Project
Renewal becomes part of curriculum at Hebron Theological
Seminary
 Working predominantly in
women’s ministries in Bolivia has given me a burden for the many
Christian women who live under the bondage of past hurts and
abuse.
Bolivia is
typical of many third world countries. Poverty, poor education,
little opportunity and misplaced values are some characteristics
that fuel despair for the majority of the population. It seems
the most defenseless suffer the most, resulting in the
development of a society that functions with an “every man for
himself” mentality. This over-all unhappy situation is quite
evident in the lives of so many Bolivian women with whom I work.
Statistics
reveal that over one-third of all Bolivian women have
experienced some form of sexual abuse during their childhood.
Typically, girls are given responsibilities within the family
that are far beyond their ability to handle. It is not uncommon
to see nine or ten year old girls totally responsible for the
care of the home and younger siblings, while the mother is out
trying to make a living. These young unprotected girls become
victims of all kinds of treachery.
It is not
surprising that many women carry deep scars from abuse
inhibiting their ability to trust anyone—including God—and to
establish lasting healthy relationships. Even within the
Christian community there is much evidence that many Christian
women do not understand the source of their emotional turmoil,
and thus have no idea of how to find healing and wholeness.
One case
comes to mind that shows how unresolved emotional issues affect
one generation after another. Maria was an outstanding
student at Hebron Theological Seminary. Her academic abilities
surpassed most of her fellow students. No one disputed her love
for the Lord and dedication to His service. She was talented
and pretty. But Maria’s was only able to connect on a
superficial level. She entered every relationship with an air
of caution and suspicion. Her service to the Lord, though
perfectly executed, was mechanical. She was known by her fellow
classmates at being “cold”.
As dorm
mother and mentor to the girl’s at Hebron Seminary, I sensed the
need to begin a series of studies on identifying, facing and
seeking healing from emotional hurts. Past experience taught me
that many Bolivian women suffer deeply from emotional abuse and
unrealistic demands at too young an age—and the girls at the
Seminary were no exception.
While
visiting the Avant office in Kansas City in the summer of 2006,
I shared my desire to begin this study and the need for good
study guides. Carol Meyer shared with me the study
Project Renewal; based upon her own journey to healing. I was
excited to have this excellent guide that showed the process of
identifying root problems, the importance of forgiveness, and
the joys of restoration. The principles gleaned from my study of
the material became an integral part of the series.
This study
was the beginning of Maria’s healing. Thankfully,
Maria had not suffered sexual abuse, but her mother was the
victim of horrible abuse, which left her emotionally
handicapped. Being raise by a mother who was unable to attach
emotionally with anyone had directly affected Maria’s
development. Their home was an unhappy place, marked by lack of
trust and harmony, although its members were professing
Christians.
Maria
longed to able to
express her true feelings and convey to others her passion for
ministry, but often wondered why she was unable to let her guard
down with anyone. Slowly the chains of captivity began to loosen
as she put into practice principles found in God’s Word. A new
Maria blossomed and everyone took notice. She carried the seeds
of this newfound freedom to her mother and she, too, began to
find healing and restoration.
Maria
has since graduated
from Hebron and will be entering into the Master’s level program
at the Seminary next year. She feels her calling is to
adolescent aged young people, helping them to understand who
they are in Christ. She’s enthusiastic, laughs often and reaches
out to those who are hurting the most. At times, she feels the
old entrapments trying to take control, but she’s learned how to
overcome by standing on TRUTH.
..................................
"Since my
experience with Maria,
Project Renewal has been
translated into Spanish. This is yet another wonderful tool to
lead hurting souls to healing and restoration. Who knows the
affect that will be seen even to the next generation?"
— Mary
Swindoll |
