During a trip to the Middle East interviewI ate Parwana (cover name)who leads one of the Danish European Mission's projects for vulnerable women,and asked about the meaning of forgiveness. She has experienced the wonder of forgiveness herself. As a child she was challenged by her father's polygamy, which created jealousy between the mothers and their children - For which mother onlyno Dad likes best? In addition, the her husband married her in the first part of their marriage, before he became a Christian.But in all of this she has forgivet - and teach others to do the same.
Want to tell us about your work?
– In short, I'm helping to run a shelterwhich helps victims of domestic violence, trafficked women and former prostitutes. Our work consists of welcoming women who are spiritually, emotionally and physically devastated. We are is a team that ensures they receive counseling, medical and legal support if needed, as well as training in areas such as sewing, jewelry making, cooking in cafes and cateringcompaniesSo. of can monetize themselves in a positive way in the future.
What is the goal of the women's stay at the home?
– Teaching them how to be independent women outside of prostitution and the violence the world. Few of the women have understanding for healthy management of the money, They serve. Therefore, we teach them to Create a budget and get a fixed structure in everyday life.DWe do this legally and openly, but wender The authorities' radar we teach them also i, What the Bible says about forgiveness, self-esteem and life.
How to articulate the employees Forgiveness?
– We have a good entry point in our predominantly Muslim country, as people often talk about himflour and hell. The deeds decide, Where you end up. Therefore, put two and two together and prostitutes end up in hell. This condemnation from societyopens up for, that we can articulate the love of God shown through Jesus. The women have a deep desire toto please God, but they cannot and do not know, How to get through life, knowing that They're going to hell.
How do you experience Ithat women encounter educationand About forgiveness?
– It is individual. It is important to mention that we do not force anyone to forgive the men, who have assaulted them. It's voluntary, but of course we try to do our tothat they must first forgive themselves and then forgive other people, who have been involved in their prostitution.I am also knowsthat women are good at encouraging each other to forgive and not just try to 'move on'.
How does your teaching work?
– Forgiveness is a broad topic that we take in small chunks depending on, what women are ready to hear about. Our team consists of different women, which enters the life of the vulnerable Women. Once we get close to the women, we notify our seminar leader, ifof Are in particular need of training on a specific topic.The seminars are mandatory ffor all the project participants. Here is There's also room for questions, so the women also hear each others stories and toHow they each work with forgiveness, concludes Parwana.
"Their wounds run deep. It's not just one man they have to forgive once. It's many men over a long time. "
The women who come in on tThe refuge and job training center not only experience that there is finally someone, which includer them, hear them and see them - but alsothat there is another path than prostitution. They are met with love, patience and listening ears iand country, where prostitutes sometimes handlesin order to Be on equal footing with animals and in addition getr to know, that they come in Hell. Their wounds run deep. It's not just one man they have to forgive once. It's many men over a long time. However, Parwana says with a smile on his face: "Some of the the women Become transformedThose in the meeting with God's Forgiveness."
Thank you for any gift that supports vulnerable women in the Muslim world.
