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About this Ministry... |
A Shield and Refuge Ministry reaches out, in Christian love and witness, to those seeking freedom from polygamy and Mormon Fundamentalism.
Our Purpose:
To bring to Mormon fundamentalists the soul-saving and life-changing message of:
- Salvation through Jesus Christ alone
- Doctrine from the Bible alone
- Freedom from the bondage of "Salvation through Plural Marriage"
Our Goal:
To be an instrument of God to bring members of Mormon fundamentalist groups into a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and to facilitate a safe exit for anyone desiring to leave a polygamist group.
Our Mission:
We consider Mormon fundamentalists are largely an "unreached people group" in our own country, due to their secrecy and culture of closed communities. We also consider that they are part of the world in which Jesus Christ, in his Great Commision, has called us to go out and minister in His name, making disciples and meeting the deepest needs--physical, emotional, and spiritual.
We are dedicated to proclaiming God's will that each woman should have her own husband--exclusively! (I Corinthians 7:2)
What is being done?
- We make ourselves available as a point of first contact for struggling Mormon Fundamentalists. In many cases, those considering leaving a Fundamentalist / polygamist situation are struggling with fear. We provide a safe, anonymous "point of contact" for those who need someone of confidence to speak with, to learn about options, help that is available, and potential exit strategies.
- We provide a strong biblical foundation for our message of good news of FREEDOM from polygamy and fundamentalism. Fundamentalists believe that polygamy and the other ordinances of Fundamentalist Mormonism are the key to pleasing God. We point them to the good news that it is faith in Jesus alone that pleases God. Besides personal contacts and counseling, we make available a wide variety of materials to assist them in understanding these beautiful truths.
- We coordinate and facilitate "exits" for those who are ready to leave, but do not have the resources to do so on their own. Depending on the situation (every one is different), this can include personal risk on our parts, for which we continually ask for prayer!
- We coordinate and facilitate immediate, short-term provision for basic needs. We do this through a network of gracious and generous people who provide short-term housing and feeding (everywhere from a few days to a few months) for exiting families. (Our long-term goal is to have a large, secure facility that serves this purupose as well.)
- We assist in establishing a long-term, self-sufficient, stable living situation. We do this through life skills training (where needed), coordination with social services, job finding and training, etc.
- We are in it for the long haul. The problems facing exiting fundamentalists require long-term relationships and dedicated investment into peoples' lives. There are no quick answers or band-aid solutions. But with God's grace, we make ourselves available to those who seek our assistance, and we do all that God has given us to do in providing for their physical needs, and encouraging, training, and discipling them in their spiritual needs.
A Shield and Refuge Ministry consists, in part, of former members of Mormon fundamentalist (polygamist) groups. As such, we understand the life, the needs, and the hearts of Mormon fundamentalists. Just like the rest of the un-evangelized world, they need Jesus too!
Prayer
Much prayer is needed. The message needs to be proclaimed to Mormon fundamentalists that living plural marriage is not what makes one acceptable enough to God for Him to allow them into Heaven.
Provision
We are available to assist Fundamentalists with questions, and/or who are seeking to leave Fundamentalism. We offer solutions to their immediate physical needs (food, shelter, and safety), as well as to equip them to live God-honoring, self-sustaining lives in mainstream society. We provide biblical counsel and recognize that ultimately, Jesus Christ is the Answer to their deepest needs. Therefore we also engage in proactive and creative ways of sharing the Good News of salvation through Jesus to all who are willing to hear.
In order to continue with this ministry, we require resources--funds, materials, time, and effort. If you are interested in learning more about how you can be a part of the solution, click here for more information!
Learn more about how to support A Shield and Refuge Ministry |
