enditnow® Emphasis Day in Belgium and Luxemburg

Belgium | EUD WM news | February 6, 2023

"Abuse of Power" discussed in Brussels, Belgium.

The Covid pandemic has revealed a sad reality. Domestic violence is present to varying degrees in many Christian families. Should the Adventist church have been under the impression that it is not affected to a great extent by this subject, except for a few isolated cases, the situation has changed and the development observed over the last two years is disturbing.

The Women’s Ministries department has developed several local actions related to domestic violence. Psychological support groups, discussion groups, and reinforced accompaniment for certain delicate situations have been developed. An awareness campaign against violence in all its forms has been conducted in the churches to reach all members.

Continuing these actions, on Saturday, January 21, the Women's Ministries department leader of the Brussels central church, Angela Nitu, organized a program for the day for all the members of the church as well as guests. The message presented, Abuse of Power, found an echo in the hearts of many people. One young couple said, "We will go home and discuss this theme to avoid any kind of abuse in our lives."

The church service with its liturgy, the orchestra, and the way how the young people of the church were highlighted made this day very impressive. The fellowship meal and the sincere discussions around this topic in the afternoon showed the desire to live the faith and an exemplary spiritual life.

Ephesians 4:1 recommends we do everything we can to be at peace with our loved ones. We thank the Lord that God’s people are still dedicated and determined to follow this counsel despite the difficulties that still exist.

Photo credit: WM Belgium
Originally posted at EUD WM News

"It Is Time to Speak Out" in Soleuvre, Luxemburg.

Luxemburg | EUD WM news | February 7, 2023

On January 21, 2023, the Adventist Church of Soleuvre in Luxemburg organized an enditnow® day "Quebrando o Silêncio" on the theme of abuse of power. Most of the time, we are uncomfortable talking about violence and abuse. We prefer to remain silent. Keeping silent also means that we do not want to see it, which leads us to think that what we do not see does not exist. First of all, we must admit that we can all abuse our power in certain areas if we do not allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in all things. The example of David with Bathsheba illustrated the abuse of power in the Bible. The different types of abuse of power were discussed. Paul called us to be imitators of God and to walk in love.

If we live a life marked by Christlike characteristics, our marital and family relationships and our contacts in the Church will be based on equality, respect, and mutual submission, especially to God.

To express their awareness of abuse and their commitment to ending violence, the community was invited to take a stand by writing their name on a hand-shaped sticker and placing it on the enditnow® poster.