ACEs Connection

Healthy, happy kids grow up to create a healthy, happy world.

Faith-Based Connection

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Faith-Based Connection

Connecting and informing the faith community how to integrate ACE concepts into the ministry.

Members: 23
Latest Activity: on Wednesday

The Church is Perfectly Positioned to Minister to Those Affected By ACEs Part 1

The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study of 1997 removed the veil of secrecy from the extent and effects of abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. Since that time many articles have been written and programs have been instituted. A few states have risen to the challenge and implemented child abuse prevention programs and harsher punishments for abusers. The long-term effects of these measures have yet to be determined. One roadblock impeding these programs is the air of suspicion surrounding governmental agencies. Few of us feel comfortable when the government comes to inspect or oversee our private lives. One study noted the necessity of developing a “beneficial and acceptable intrusion” (Felitti, 2003, p. 10) into the closed realm of personal and family experience.

The Church- A “beneficial and acceptable intrusion” Where can this “beneficial and acceptable intrusion” be found? Is there an organization that has demonstrable effectiveness and wide acceptation? The local church is perfectly positioned to minister in this closed realm. The effectiveness of church attendance in reducing drug abuse is demonstrated by a study which reported the reduction of the use of crack cocaine as church attendance increased, (Richard, A., Bell, D., & Carlson, J. (2000) p. 244) and that an increased church attendance was a significant predictor of reduction in drug and alcohol use. It was also noted that involvement in a religious moral community may protect recovering addicts from relapse. In addition, the local church is an authoritative community. A recent study identifies an authoritative community as groups of people who are committed to one another over time and who model and pass on at least part of what it means to be a good person and live a good life. (Commission on Children at Risk., Institute for American Values., YMCA of the USA., & Dartmouth Medical School. (2003) p.14). Of all authoritative communities, the local church influences a greater number and a more varied age group of people than any other. The local church is accessible and accepted at nearly any time and on any occasion. There is an ongoing relationship that lends itself to accountability and encouragement. There are many church-based programs that are doing a commendable job helping people overcome addiction. Celebrate Recovery, Reformers Unanimous, Salvation Army and other programs are helping addicts and alcoholics reclaim their lives. However, for the victims of adverse childhood experiences there are few, if any programs tailored for their needs. This lack of programs is an open door for the church to reach a vast number of hurting people within our sphere of influence. ACE Overcomers equips churches to minister to those overcoming a difficult childhood. Bible principles are integrated with solid science to produce a powerful, unique ministry you can have confidence in. Call Dave Lockridge at (209) 617-4688

Discussion Forum

Silent No More 5 Replies

It’s dark and it’s painful – but abuse of missionary kids is rightly being brought into the light. The loyalty code that makes people hesitant to confront is being replaced by a Godly recognition of…Continue

Tags: healing, recovery, abuse, kids, culture

Started by Catherine Thompson-Darnell. Last reply by Dave Lockridge on Tuesday.

Systemic Abuse Within Mission Communities/Organizations

​    The mission community, on both an agency-level and as a collective community, functions as a closed family system. Closed family systems have some inherent characteristics which have allowed…Continue

Tags: trauma, therapy, spiritual, abuse, missions

Started by Catherine Thompson-Darnell Feb 3.

MKSafetyNet Conference “THE UNEXPECTED JOURNEY” “I Will Not Be Silent Anymore”

April 19 - 21, 2013Holiday Inn Rolling Meadows SchaumburgRolling Meadows, (Chicago), IllinoisAbuse sent many MKs and their families on an ‘Unexpected Journey’. This conference will address actions…Continue

Tags: advocacy, healing, recovery, faith, Abuse

Started by Catherine Thompson-Darnell Feb 3.

MKSafetyNet Conference “Advocacy summit"

For those who are interested in advocating within the missionary community for investigations, reform or justice related to child abuse, Mk Safety Net will be hosting a two day Advocacy Summit prior…Continue

Tags: faith, advocacy, Abuse

Started by Catherine Thompson-Darnell Feb 3.

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Comment by Gayle Clark on May 5, 2012 at 3:57pm

Hi. I just joined yesterday and am on a steep learning curve. My husband  and I started a Christian, alternative boarding school in Salem, WV, in 1988 after years of foster and treatment foster care with "unusually successful results". Bill is a pastor and I taught nursing, but foster care was something we did on the side because we loved it (hobby?)  We were approached by our church leaders to start a ministry to troubled youth. After a month of prayer, our family answered the call. We have 6 children, three adopted older from damaging homes. The school enrolls up to 45 boys and girls, ages 7-18. Most are adopted and meet the characteristics of children who experienced trauma/abuse/neglect in the first 3 years (+prenatal) of life. Their brains are greatly impacted with resulting behavior very sociopathic. Most come from foreign orphanages or the American foster care system. They turn the loving homes that adopted them into dangerous battle grounds. These kids have no compassion, no active conscience and no remorse, with a heart filled with rage. 

( see the youtube video"A Child Of Rage".) But Praise God, there is hope!  We are constantly looking for resources and networking. It was an answer to prayer that we found this network and especially to know of other schools that address these brain-affecting childhood experiences. I will share why later. Blessings, gayle

Comment by Heather Fitzpatrick, MPH on May 3, 2012 at 5:28am

The curriculum is really great, Jim. Nice job on it, Dave! I'm in Chicago and developing a ministry on the West Side of Chicago. I haven't figured out exactly how a group or course could be developed (we do street outreach), but I'm hopeful that we'll eventually touch enough lives that folks would be interested in something like that.

Comment by Jim Sporleder on May 2, 2012 at 7:57pm
Thank you Dave, God has poured his blessings upon us. However, we deal with challenges every day that are painful. That is when we try to let the kids know that we love them unconditionally. Maybe some day I can take a look at your curriculum. Jim
Comment by Dave Lockridge on May 2, 2012 at 3:26pm

Jim, I viewed the video of your school and was extremely impressed. I have taught ACE based classes in the local continuation high and am glad to see you incorporate ACE principles throughout your school. I am hoping to develop a 5 day ACE based curriculum to be a supplement to the Calif mandated health and wellness class.

Comment by Jim Sporleder on April 20, 2012 at 9:00pm

Dave,

I am in Walla Walla Washington and the principal of Lincoln High School.  Jane posted our video on this site.  We are seeing incredible results from implementing what we know about ACE's and how Complex Trauma impacts the brain.  We are the only high school in Eastern Washington to have our own Health Center.  I encourage you to view the video, It shows how God has blessed us in many ways in just five years.  50 students to 200 and at full capacity.

Comment by Dave Lockridge on April 20, 2012 at 11:36am

Though I have been a pastor over 20 years and greatly enjoy being a pastor, I resigned my church to go full time with ACE Overcomers (AO). I currently teach AO at 3 churches and Jason (my right hand) teaches an AO Sunday School class and teaches at the local rescue mission. I speak at local high schools and am developing a secular high school  curriculum based upon the ACE Study. I have conducted training seminars for Merced County Office of Ed on "Understanding and Overcoming the Cycle of Adverse Childhood Experiences." 

Additional AO classes are starting in Walla Walla, Wa. and West Chicago.

As I write we are preparing a "No Excuse for Child  Abuse" child abuse awareness walk in Merced. It is our goal to place a child abuse prevention flier on every doorstep of the city of Merced in one day (that's 25,000 homes). We have had public service announcements on about 8 local radio stations. It is our intent to influence our county to make child abuse unacceptable. Between the church announcements, radio announcements and fliers we attract many from the at large community. We also receive referrals from Merced County Mental Health, Social Services, parole officers and school principals. Additionally, we are scheduled to begin AO programs in 2 African-american churches in the area.

Regarding the seminar fee. We provide scholarships for those unable to afford it.

 Gotta go, please keep in touch and let me know more about you. Where you are, and your experience with the ACE study. Dave 

Comment by Jim Sporleder on April 19, 2012 at 9:20pm

Dave,

I find your focus on faith-based ministry very interesting.  Though I am in the public schools, I see the Biblical principles in which I can use with my students.  One of the strongest principles in unconditional love.  It is so hard for our students to sustain their personal growth when they have the ACE's always knocking on their door to return back to old habits.  On the other hand it has been exciting to see those students that build the resiliency to maintain their growth and take it up another notch, trumping the ACE's and not allowing them to pull them back down.  Are you reaching out to your own congregation or are you spreading this ministry to your community;  One question that I have is, do you provide scholarships for those who aren't able to pay the fee?  Also I was wondering how do you go out and find those in your community who have significant ace's and encourage them to take a leap of faith and come to the training.  I find what you are doing very encouraging and I wish you the best.  Jim Sporleder

Comment by Dave Lockridge on April 3, 2012 at 8:58am

Faith-based 6 hour ACE Overcomer training July 14th in Merced CA. Learn how to incorporate Biblical principles and epidemiology into your ministry. Cost $75 includes lunch, ACE Overcomer Lesson/Workbook, and Leaders Guide. Call (209) 617-4688 for details.

Comment by Dave Lockridge on March 25, 2012 at 10:18pm

Does your church speak ACEs? Does the leadership of your church understand the needs of an ACE overcomer? Let's use this forum to educate and connect. 

 

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