In the Right Place

May 6, 2020

"When you see a need, be sure to step in,
in a kind, helpful way. You may never know the results of help given"

Being in the right place at the right time is a great coincidence. This happened recently for Janet who sat in Sabbath School class and heard the heart cry of an individual who said they were suffering abuse at home from a grandchild. Following Sabbath School, Janet approached the person and asked them if they would be in danger when they got home from church. The answer was yes so Janet made a phone call and was able to drive this person to a place of safety.

This story is played out often as people reach out to help others. The problem now is that COVID-19 is keeping people at home and away from others who can help them. Whether they are facing abuse from a spouse or whether they are a child and facing abuse from a parent or sibling, there are many who have fewer places to turn.

Teachers can often spot abuse, but this is more difficult in online learning situations. Spouses could often seek help when they were away from the house and in a more neutral location. However, in stay-at-home situations, people are not left alone and have less ability to seek help from others.

As Christians, we need to be the hands and feet of Jesus even when we cannot hug and cannot walk side by side with those who need help. But how can we do this?

If you hear or read about someone needing help on social media, please don’t think, “Oh, I hope someone will help them!” Reach out privately as quickly as possible.

A friend we’ll call Susan did this during the It Is Written meetings, “Hope Awakens.” She read a prayer request from PJ asking for prayers in an abusive situation, Susan not only put a prayer on her post but also reached out to PJ through messenger. There were more than 150 prayers on this post so Susan could have decided someone had already helped in a tangible way.

This was not the case. Susan received a message back that told her she needed to find help right away. Contacting shelters in PJ’s area she sent these to her. Timeliness was important and Susan heard back from PJ that she had been able to get to a safe place.

When you see a need, be sure to step in, in a kind, helpful way. You may never know the results of help given, but simply giving a phone number and praying with them is important.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233 (Spanish and deaf also available) or visit www.thehotline.org (if the individual does not think their computer is being monitored). This hotline is open twenty-four hours a day and can share programs and shelters in various areas to assist the caller. One can also text LOVEIS to 22522.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline has highly trained experts advocates available at all hours of the day and night to talk with anyone, anywhere in the United States who is experiencing domestic violence or seeking resources.

In Spokane https://whenetwork.com/ is dedicated to helping all who are in an abuse situation.