I am preparing to attend a Community of Practice this week organized by the American Bible Society. This annual gathering includes an opportunity to network and learn from those committed to domestic and global trauma healing. This year’s theme is “We are Sojourners: Refugees & Trauma.” It is an appropriate theme in a glaring, growing…
#ChurchToo is a social media movement that illuminates abuse in church or ministry environments. The movement enables survivors to “advocate, share their stories, and connect with one another using the hashtag #ChurchToo.” Dr. Evans and Hannah Wildasin’s article in the Journal of Urban Mission takes a look at sexual abuse in the church. From the…
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 had the opportunity to see Sound of Freedom, a movie that debuted in theaters on USA’s Independence Day and has received much coverage for being in the top of the box office its first week. Sound of Freedom soberly portrays just one example of human trafficking and promotes a loud and clear message that…
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…