Western Plains District

Eloise McCarty, chair of the Independence Church of the Brethren Witness Commission, invited members of the community on Friday, October 9th to hear informal speeches and dialogue on this critical issue.  One speaker shared her families’ tragic experience, with the hope that others might take action before suffering such a loss.  LaKisha Johnson, the Community Outreach Advocate for the Safehouse in Coffeyville replied when asked about  funding “It’s all from God.  There is no other way I would have ever had the strength or resources to meet the needs of the Safehouse. ”   The Montgomery  County Sheriff’s representative Detective Chad Dunham, relayed statistics which demonstrate a critical level of prayer and care are needed for all those involved. What is the Christian response to seeing domestic violence occur around us in our communities?  Our communities need volunteers willing to learn more, speak out more, become better listeners and observers of signs around us.  Later at the gathering, each person was offered a chance to light a candle in honor of someone who has  been a victim of domestic violence.  Some people named individuals and families, while some stayed silent. The Independence Daily Reporter featured this information in two articles in the Sunday edition, written by Denise Sage, covering this event.  We appreciate the input from the speakers and response by the local media.  More information on domestic violence can be found at www.nomore.org.