Today I attended the sentencing hearing for a local human trafficker. Over the last 2 years since his arrest, VAST (Valley Against Sex Trafficking) Coalition, has sought to work alongside law enforcement and prosecutors by providing stabilizing support for 7 of the victims. The room was glaringly empty. A newspaper reporter, and a couple…
Dr. Heather Evans joins the Evancynical Podcast to discuss spiritual abuse and the trauma that comes along. As image bearers we are given voice, relationship, and power. However “trauma silences voice, makes one powerless and disrupts relationship.” In spiritual trauma, someone is wounded in the name of God, and therefore has a greater level of…
My counseling work continues to challenge and shape me in my understanding and expression of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Entering into the hearts and minds of those who have been broken, grieved, and rejected inevitably becomes a mirror into my own heart and mind, challenging my beliefs and my own reactions to evil and…
I am thankful to Sojourners’ Online Magazine for publishing something I have written: Listening to Trafficking Survivors This piece includes some reflections of my work with human sex trafficking survivors in the Lehigh Valley, PA region. It’s not only a challenge to be aware of issues of injustice that impact our communities, but to also…
I am preparing to teach a group of high school girls this weekend at a youth retreat. I have the privilege of talking about Deborah, a model of Biblical womanhood, and her partnership with Barak, a picture of God’s design for men and women partnering in mission as we reflect the image of our Creator. …
Dr. Heather Evans sits down with Joe Velarde, Lead Pastor of Riverbend Community Church on the podcast Vision for the Valley. They take a look at what trauma is, what it does to us, and some helpful ways to process it. They also discuss ways to help others who may experience trauma: how to be…