Hummingbird Ministry
Every year, over 180,000 incidents of domestic violence are reported. Many more go unreported. Intimate male partners in Texas kill over 100 women every year. Houston police alone answer an average of 155 abuse calls each month. These numbers likely only represent 1/5 of all domestic violence incidents. And with the failing economy, the numbers continue to increase.
Domestic violence cases occur in upscale neighborhoods, middle-income communities, and in the poorest homes. It happens in families from all walks of life, even in Christian homes. Chances are you know someone who is struggling with this problem.
Although ~12,000 adults and ~18,000 children may find refuge in shelters, over 20% of domestic violence victims are turned away for lack of space at the most dangerous time of their lives.
The most admired heroes of any culture are those who have stood up to tyranny and oppression and fought for liberty and justice. Yet rarely have these acclaimed heroes battled alone, without weapons or troops of any sort, with children in tow, and with the enemy entrenched in their home, in their hearts, and sleeping in their beds. Yet these are exactly the extreme and painful conditions under which women all over the world set out to make their escapes from domestic violence. http://www.justicewomen.com/ . Leaving a violent relationship is a dangerous and extremely challenging task. Survivors need a strong support system to succeed.
It is the goal of the Hummingbird Ministry to support domestic violence victims as they begin to rebuild their lives. Through partnership with local agencies such as Katy Christian Ministries, we provide items that are not available from other resources.
Domestic violence victims usually enter a shelter with nothing; in some cases not even the clothes on their backs. When volunteers pick them up at area hospitals and police stations, they must make provision for their immediate needs before transporting them to area shelters. Items that victims need are simple things we all take for granted and usually have on hand. Items
We also strive to educate our church community about this growing issue and support area pastoral staff in their efforts to assist domestic violence victims.
Every Sunday the Hummingbird Ministry makes educational flyers available to our church community in Friendship court. A volunteer is present to answer questions and take donations. Items that we collect include: Scrubs and fleece sizes small—2X ; fleece throw blankets; small pillows; baby items diapers, lotion, shampoo, etc. ; backpacks or small duffel bags; Bibles Spanish or English ; Hygiene supplies travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, shower cap, Kleenex, toothpaste, toothbrush, disposable razors, deodorant, lotion, hand sanitizer ; used cell phones with chargers. We also accept gift cards from local stores. We encourage professionals in our community to donate services counseling, legal to financially challenged victims.
On April 19, 2009, the Hummingbird Ministry hosted an educational event designed to answer basic questions about domestic violence and how we, as a church community, can help.
Whether you are a pastor, support group leader, counselor, or pastoral staff, you may be unsure how to best to help someone who is experiencing domestic violence.
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