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Prayer for rape victims
How one writer from Canada is praying about disturbing incidents in the news.
First appeared as a web original on December 3, 2010
Recently, people in Ontario, Canada, have been grappling with the extensive media coverage of the court case involving the rapes and murders of two Bellville women. The perpetrator was convicted and sentenced to life in prison.
Heather Mallick in The Toronto Star paid special tribute: “There’s a portrait in my head of these two women. It’s not like their killer’s modern stream of digital porn, but something vivid and timeless, painted on warm stone, like a fresco. I am so grateful to them—is it their after-image?—for showing me how to attempt to withstand the force of pure, woven, acidic, long-nurtured cruelty. They didn’t win, but they did win, if you know what I mean.”
This image brought to mind the story of Stephen from the Bible. The book of Acts describes him in this way: “full of faith and power, [he] did great wonders and miracles among the people” (Acts 6:8). When falsely accused and brought to trial, he spoke with boldness and courage. For this he was stoned, but not before two significant things happened. First, “he . . . looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God.” Then, as they stoned him, he said, “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge” (Acts 7:55, 60).
Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.
January 17, 2011 &
January 24, 2011
double issue
View Issue
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Letters
Adrienne Jones, Pam Poucher, Bob Press
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‘Where two or three are gathered in my name . . .’
Maike Byrd, Staff Editor
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A twenty-something author weighs in on the modern church
Brett McCracken
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A vote for good government everywhere
John Minard
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Practicing Truth
Kathleen Collins
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Unconditional Love is our refuge
Karen Bailey
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Life-transforming ideas
Isaac Otieno
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Pull the plug on money laundering
By Kittie Burris
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Prayer for rape victims
By Joni Overton-Jung
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How has prayer helped you overcome difficult memories or traumatic experiences?
Marie, Theo, Susie, Sarah
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Don’t just mute, refute!
By John Kohler
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God’s beautiful canvas
By Mark Swinney
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I shoveled
Jon Remmerde
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Here held whole
Ellen Hammond
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My psalm
Patricia Kadick
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Perfect reflection
Melissa Baker
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A spiritual model of employment
By Judy Spiers
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Blending together in harmony
Lu Ann Condon
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Living church every day
By Ethel Baker
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My church journey—beyond the bricks and mortar
By Gloria Onyuru
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Love + Gratitude = Abundance
By Glory Holzworth
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The Church Manual—our shepherd
By Wendy Wylie Winegar
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Our primary employment
By Fujiko Signs
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A life of love
By David Stevens
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Hit the snooze button on prayer? Not today!
By Marjorie Kehe
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The driving force
by Madora Kibbe
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Lovable Windy and me
By Tori Raine
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How do Bible stories help you today?
Elaina, Tasha, Jacob , Haley, Lucy, Anika
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Fresh light on Peru
Colby Bermel
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Freed from night terrors and insomnia
Marilyn McPherson
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Completely healed of allergic reactions
Faith Donavin
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Embracing church, finding healing
Sally Sullivan
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Wrist injury healed
Ross Newkirk
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Be a giver
The Editors