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Raising Awareness to End Abuse in Our Churches and Communities

On Sunday, April 12, 2026, members and leaders gathered at the Immanuel Seventh-day Adventist Church for a powerful and meaningful End It Now training event. The day was marked by compassion, learning, and a shared commitment to safeguarding peace by addressing abuse within our communities and churches.

Morning Session
The morning sessions were led by the dedicated End It Now Ontario team: Diana Achim, Dr. Shereen McFarlane, and Monica Carnevali. Together, they guided attendees through an impactful awareness training, demonstrating deep sensitivity and professional insight. Their presentations created a safe, thoughtful space for learning and reflection, prompting meaningful questions—particularly about how we, as a church, can begin to break cycles of domestic violence within our communities.

We were also grateful for the presence and support of departmental leadership, including Women’s and Children’s Ministries Director Patricia Ferreira Lopez and Family and Men’s Ministries Director Pastor Allan Chichester. Patricia delivered a deeply moving spoken-word piece titled “Hineni – Here I Am Lord, Send Me,” which called attendees to respond courageously to God’s invitation to stand in the gap for the vulnerable.

Lunch & Fellowship
At midday, attendees were blessed with an exceptional lunch, thoughtfully prepared by local member Sandra Hall and her dedicated team. Their hospitality provided not only nourishment but also a meaningful opportunity for fellowship, reflection, and continued conversation about the morning’s themes.

Afternoon Session
The day concluded with a brilliant and inspiring presentation by Nerine Ward. She offered practical tools for implementing an End It Now Sabbath in the local church and shared strategies for building relationships with community leaders, including MPs and local councils. Her testimony about securing significant funding for shelters and backpacks for children from abusive homes resonated deeply with attendees, inspiring many to embrace a renewed vision for advocacy and ministry.

The day ended with a special charge, during which attendees united in a call to action, committing to be advocates for safety, healing, and hope within their local church communities.

For more information about hosting advocacy training or awareness programmes in your local church, please contact your Conference Women’s, Children’s, Men’s, Family, or Health Ministries.

It was truly an inspiring and Spirit-filled day, one that equipped, challenged, and encouraged all who attended to take meaningful steps towards making our churches safe places for everyone.

Patricia Ferreira Lopez
Director, Women’s and Children’s Ministries