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To the Church of Australia,

I recognise your genuine desire to see the lost find their way home, to witness those separated from the Father reconciled to Him through the love of Jesus. Including those who’ve had an abortion.

The collective hope we share is that those who perceive a great chasm between themselves and God would truly find and know Him for themselves.

Feeling Estranged from God

There is a growing number of people who are lost, neglected, and overlooked, found both inside and outside churches. Some women and men who have experienced an abortion typically feel the most estranged from their Father God.

Whether this separation is felt immediately or decades later, it remains a bleak reality.

Guilt and condemnation reside deep within their souls, leading them to confine their secrets to the shadows. In this darkness, they struggle to find peace and wholeness, literally haunted by the past, burdened by guilt and estrangement from their family. They are distant not just from the baby they tragically lost but also from a loving Heavenly Father.

Though they have already been forgiven through the extravagant love Jesus demonstrated on the cross, they struggle to forgive themselves (yes, even when attending church). Many have not yet understood the real implications of the gospel, the good news!

Yet, 1 John 3:20 assures us that even when our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts, and He knows everything.

Whether inside or outside the church walls, these individuals may be internally crumbling while maintaining a facade, making them difficult to recognise. In my experience, it is sometimes those people whom you least expect.

Hope for Healing

However, there is hope – if they can find someone they can trust with their deepest, darkest secrets and pain.

The time to share the good news with all – is now.

Taking the gospel to those who feel far off but have been brought near by the shed blood of Jesus. The very One who miraculously brought each of us into this world is also the One who has broken down the wall of separation.

An urgent and elementary way for the Church to share this is by first acknowledging that some are suffering, even tormented, and then inviting them to receive the love, peace, healing, support, and forgiveness that is available.

Without the Church recognising that there are women and men among us with deep wounds and clearly articulating that their suffering will be met with an embrace, their journey of reconciliation is unlikely to ever begin.

However, the House of Refuge ministry is collaborating with churches nationwide to help them know and outwork the Father’s heart for life. Here’s an excerpt from the House of Refuge statement, which is specifically crafted to equip the Church to be bearers of good news and peace.

Excerpt from the House of Refuge Statement

​​We know that there may be women and men here who were at a stage in their lives when they needed a safe haven, a House of Refuge. You may now live with regret, maybe shame or heartache, over a choice you made to terminate your pregnancy.  You are not alone. There is refuge available for you as well.  We can confidentially direct you to individuals who understand and can walk alongside you as you heal by either speaking with us or directly contacting Pregnancy Help Australia. https://pregnancyhelpaustralia.org.au/

You can read the full statement available at www.houseofrefuge.org.au or contact us at info@houseofrefuge.org.au for more information.

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