2 of 2

"Where was my pastoral heart? It showed up in Sereena," Cheryl Barnetson says. The Barnetsons shuddered when Abotsway's name appeared on a list of the missing. After Pickton was charged in Abotsway's death, the Barnetsons heard stories about how she helped and defended people.

Gordie Lagore, lead pastor at the Vancouver Eastside Vineyard, dreams of a massive effort involving a range of organizations, from inner-city ministries to suburban churches, offering housing, job training, and other practical help in addition to spiritual nourishment.

"The front lines don't have a lot of backup," he says.

At nearby Grandview Calvary Baptist Church, pastor Tim Dickau agrees. "The front line is important for making connections," he says, but after that "there has to be a community to receive [the women]."

Dickau and Lagore have seen changing attitudes in their congregations since the murder charges. "I think people are more aware of the vulnerability of these women," Dickau says. "There's more willingness to understand."

"I've seen a shift happen," Lagore says of Eastside Vineyard. People are beginning to realize that they can reach out to others who are hurting. "They're integrating healing with mission."

Copyright © 2002 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

An extensive 1997 Faith Today article looked at the difficulties of ministry to prostitutes. Crossfire Ministries is one source for the piece, "Helping prostitutes in Jesus' name."

Christianity Today's Missions and Ministry archive has more articles.

first page |  2 of 2

share this page

November 18 2002, Vol. 46, No. 12