COCIN and ECWA church leaders have greater understanding of the sexual and gender-based violence many of their congregation members face.

Thirty-eight pastors from a dozen COCIN and ECWA churches in the wider Jos area attended a half-day workshop in mid-March in preparation for their churches introducing the Gender Champions training programme.

The workshop explored root causes of sexual and gender-based violence, signs to look out for, how to support victims and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.

“the pastors said they were very excited to have Grace & Light’s support as they serve their communities. Some pastors went back and spoke with other church leaders who weren’t able to attend our workshop; this resulted in another seven churches signing up for the Gender Champions programme,” said international coordinator Tassie Ghata.

“Some of the pastors and their wives were abuse survivors. They cried as they remembered how they were treated. They learnt to forgive and said in the future they won’t stay quiet, but instead will act when they see abuse.

“Afterwards, one wife shared that we had saved her marriage. She was ready to leave her husband. But when he returned from our workshop he asked for forgiveness. He hadn’t realised that he has responsibilities in the home and committed to fulfilling them in future.”

Prayer Requests

Please pray for:

• Church leaders as they support members of their congregations dealing with the aftereffects of sexual and gender-based violence
• People leading the Gender Champions programmes in the 19 churches; that they will be wise and caring as they support their group members in changing behaviours