On Monday, Feb. 21, Spokane, Wash., community members and Adventist Church members gathered for an End It Now candlelight vigil to build domestic violence awareness. Domestic violence is a corrosive epidemic affecting equal amounts of church members and the general public.
Event coordinator Mable Dunbar, Upper Columbia Conference women's director, says, “This event is important because it addresses a critical problem our churches and community face. People need to know they can do something to stop domestic violence.”
The vigil featured moving personal testimony from a domestic violence victim and survivor who now volunteers to help others escape the vicious cycle. Representatives from local support organizations were also on hand to answer questions and provide assistance.
The event was presented by Women’s Healing and Empowerment Network, an organization sponsored by the UCC that supports two shelters in Spokane County, offers domestic violence training classes and hosts women’s retreats. If you know someone dealing with domestic violence, more information and resources are available at www.pollysplacenetwork.com.
Participants listen to a moving first-hand account of domestic abuse and then joined in a candlelight vigil.
The Upper Columbia Academy Octet provide several musical numbers for the vigil.
