Letter From Debbie
Dec 13 2007
This is
an "end of year" letter from Debbie talking about
some of the things that have happened in the
ministry.
Dear
Family and Friends,
The Lord has done wonderful things this year as the doors opened for me to share my witness in Indiana, Ohio, Iowa and beyond. I have shared during parish Masses, at a variety of adult and youth groups, on Catholic radio and a cable television program called “Faces of Abortion”. I believe it’s only the beginning, but I cannot do it without your continued help. I am making an appeal for funding to invest in the growth of this wonderful healing ministry for women.
As we prepare for the joyful season of Christmas it is good to reflect on the reason for the season. Jesus was born in time to redeem mankind…to forgive our sins… to make all things new. This is the hope Healing Hidden Hurts brings to women!
Paul Clarke, my former Treasurer and a good friend, used to remind me often that the message of Healing Hidden Hurts covers both ends of abortion tragedy. My witness of abortion pain and its just consequences prevents abortions…while my conversion story offers Hope of God’s mercy and forgiveness to all.
The message has value for everyone because we all know someone who has been wounded by abortion, perhaps a loved one, relative, friend or neighbor that we’ve seen radically change. Often people will share that they know someone who is suffering and they do not know what to say or how to help. We can all become ‘grace healers’ by showing compassion and understanding then offering valuable resources and referrals when sought. Most important we should be pray for them and be a faithful loving friend.
This year I learned that my witness in parishes has been especially helpful to promote the women’s Christ Renews His Parish weekend. Since one in four women have abortions in their past, the retreat weekend offers a safe place for women to share their stories in a confidential setting. My witness breaks the ice on this painful subject in a parish and opens it up for dialog; it brings awareness and fosters compassion in a congregational setting. When advertised in advance women come from surrounding parishes to hear my witness during a weekend liturgy and many find hope to begin their healing journey. My prayer is that they too will surrender and trust their lives to Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Lord!
Over the years I have been privileged to minister to many women. I feel like I learn something new from each one and every one, and when time permits I share what I’ve learned when I give my testimony. Many times this year I have been asked to ‘tell another story’. People seem fascinated to hear how the Lord works in the lives of these beautiful women. I ask their permission…they want their stories to be told, because they don’t want other women to suffer and they want to prevent abortions. As I share little parts of their stories it enables me to teach how deeply women are hurt and how tenderly the Lord heals the brokenhearted.
There is no fee for the ministry, for the Lord says to ‘give freely to others what I have given to you’, and healing comes from the Lord. We operate solely on donations given when I share my testimony and through the quarterly newsletter The Mercy Messenger. A few months ago I gave up my job to begin full time ministry, believing and trusting in God to provide for the needs of the ministry.
There are virtually millions of women hurting from past abortions, many are on medication for depression, they are close to despair and are tempted to suicide, and they need intensive care. The Lord is the one who can save them and restore them and He chooses to use us to share His message of salvation…to be His hands…His feet…His voice…His heart…this is a work of the Holy Spirit!
I do not pay to advertise the ministry, women call from personal referrals, bulletin ads, news articles or the internet. One woman this year traveled back and forth from Illinois over a seven month period. Another woman I am currently working with is from New Jersey and we are working over the phone and internet. Women are looking for the help this peer ministry provides, but it is not available in their area. We need your gifts of time, talent and finances for this ministry to grow and fill the need. Perhaps you can make an investment to see that it does?
Over these past 8 years Healing Hidden Hurts has offered Facilitator Training using this proven 10-step Program. It is a Christian therapy model which adapts to where the woman is in her personal journey. There are now several women who use this 10-step program to offer independent Christian peer ministry to women in their communities under their pastor’s direction. These areas in Indiana include Indianapolis, Carmel, Portland, Lafayette, West Lafayette, and Batesville. Those who attended our recent training will begin ministry during the coming year in Columbus and Shelbyville.
One by one we are helping women recover from abortions, restoring broken relationships and healing families while fostering spiritual growth. Sharing with them the Hope we have in Christ Jesus, our Savior, whose birth we celebrate this month. Your support helps us to give them a hand up…to be the daughters, wives and mothers the Lord wants them to be after Healing their Hidden Hurts!
Thanks for your loving support this past year…which offers women a future full of hope. I am wishing all of you a Joy filled Christmas and Happy New Year!
Debbie Miller
End of year gifts must be deposited in December, please plan accordingly!
The Lord has done wonderful things this year as the doors opened for me to share my witness in Indiana, Ohio, Iowa and beyond. I have shared during parish Masses, at a variety of adult and youth groups, on Catholic radio and a cable television program called “Faces of Abortion”. I believe it’s only the beginning, but I cannot do it without your continued help. I am making an appeal for funding to invest in the growth of this wonderful healing ministry for women.
As we prepare for the joyful season of Christmas it is good to reflect on the reason for the season. Jesus was born in time to redeem mankind…to forgive our sins… to make all things new. This is the hope Healing Hidden Hurts brings to women!
Paul Clarke, my former Treasurer and a good friend, used to remind me often that the message of Healing Hidden Hurts covers both ends of abortion tragedy. My witness of abortion pain and its just consequences prevents abortions…while my conversion story offers Hope of God’s mercy and forgiveness to all.
The message has value for everyone because we all know someone who has been wounded by abortion, perhaps a loved one, relative, friend or neighbor that we’ve seen radically change. Often people will share that they know someone who is suffering and they do not know what to say or how to help. We can all become ‘grace healers’ by showing compassion and understanding then offering valuable resources and referrals when sought. Most important we should be pray for them and be a faithful loving friend.
This year I learned that my witness in parishes has been especially helpful to promote the women’s Christ Renews His Parish weekend. Since one in four women have abortions in their past, the retreat weekend offers a safe place for women to share their stories in a confidential setting. My witness breaks the ice on this painful subject in a parish and opens it up for dialog; it brings awareness and fosters compassion in a congregational setting. When advertised in advance women come from surrounding parishes to hear my witness during a weekend liturgy and many find hope to begin their healing journey. My prayer is that they too will surrender and trust their lives to Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Lord!
Over the years I have been privileged to minister to many women. I feel like I learn something new from each one and every one, and when time permits I share what I’ve learned when I give my testimony. Many times this year I have been asked to ‘tell another story’. People seem fascinated to hear how the Lord works in the lives of these beautiful women. I ask their permission…they want their stories to be told, because they don’t want other women to suffer and they want to prevent abortions. As I share little parts of their stories it enables me to teach how deeply women are hurt and how tenderly the Lord heals the brokenhearted.
There is no fee for the ministry, for the Lord says to ‘give freely to others what I have given to you’, and healing comes from the Lord. We operate solely on donations given when I share my testimony and through the quarterly newsletter The Mercy Messenger. A few months ago I gave up my job to begin full time ministry, believing and trusting in God to provide for the needs of the ministry.
There are virtually millions of women hurting from past abortions, many are on medication for depression, they are close to despair and are tempted to suicide, and they need intensive care. The Lord is the one who can save them and restore them and He chooses to use us to share His message of salvation…to be His hands…His feet…His voice…His heart…this is a work of the Holy Spirit!
I do not pay to advertise the ministry, women call from personal referrals, bulletin ads, news articles or the internet. One woman this year traveled back and forth from Illinois over a seven month period. Another woman I am currently working with is from New Jersey and we are working over the phone and internet. Women are looking for the help this peer ministry provides, but it is not available in their area. We need your gifts of time, talent and finances for this ministry to grow and fill the need. Perhaps you can make an investment to see that it does?
Over these past 8 years Healing Hidden Hurts has offered Facilitator Training using this proven 10-step Program. It is a Christian therapy model which adapts to where the woman is in her personal journey. There are now several women who use this 10-step program to offer independent Christian peer ministry to women in their communities under their pastor’s direction. These areas in Indiana include Indianapolis, Carmel, Portland, Lafayette, West Lafayette, and Batesville. Those who attended our recent training will begin ministry during the coming year in Columbus and Shelbyville.
One by one we are helping women recover from abortions, restoring broken relationships and healing families while fostering spiritual growth. Sharing with them the Hope we have in Christ Jesus, our Savior, whose birth we celebrate this month. Your support helps us to give them a hand up…to be the daughters, wives and mothers the Lord wants them to be after Healing their Hidden Hurts!
Thanks for your loving support this past year…which offers women a future full of hope. I am wishing all of you a Joy filled Christmas and Happy New Year!
Debbie Miller
End of year gifts must be deposited in December, please plan accordingly!