Christians develop plans for center, memorial to victims of violent crime_51704

Posted: 5/14/04

Christians develop plans for center,
memorial to victims of violent crime

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

DALLAS–A nonprofit group that grew out of the Baptist General Convention of Texas' commitment to victim ministries has unveiled a tentative architectural concept for the only memorial for victims of violent crime in Texas.

The design features several buildings to serve victims' needs, including cottages for overnight use and a larger structure that can be used for training, counseling and mediations.

A victims' memorial will be located on the grounds and will feature a commemorative sculpture. The grounds also offer walking trails and prayer alcoves.

Leaders of the effort hope to build the structure in Huntsville, site of the state's largest prison.

The concept was presented at a BGCT-sponsored prayer breakfast during the Texas Crime Victim Clearinghouse Conference. The annual event is designed to reflect the impact hope in Christ can have on the lives of victims.

The memorial will play a key role in expanding restorative justice ministries, predicted Susan Edwards, director of Hope for Healing Ministries and research assistant for the BGCT Missions Equipping Center. Christians are finding ways to serve victims of crime, a population largely overlooked in the past.

Beyond serving as a memorial to those hurt by crime, Edwards said, she hopes the structure serves as a gathering place where victims can connect, feel safe and continue their emotional recovery.

Individuals will be able to stay in the housing free of charge when they come to confront offenders through mediation. The rooms also are available to execution witnesses or victims seeking counseling.

Organizers look for the memorial center to become a place where people can come to be trained in ministering to crime victims. Many ministries historically have focused on offenders. Victims' services represent a relatively new ministry being emphasized by the BGCT Missions Equipping Center.

Trained Christians are needed to walk with victims of crime through the process of recovery, Edwards said. Individuals initially may experience outrage and anger that is natural in the aftermath of a violent crime.

Trauma experienced by victims of crime can last for an extended period, said Jim Young, director of the BGCT Missions Equipping Center. Christians can help minister to those who have been hurt long after the incident.

“Healing is a road,” Young said. “It is a process. It must be done day after day after day.”

Eventually, a victim may be able to see God's healing hand after the incident, Edwards said. They may begin to see God's mercy and love. Faith provides strength and perspective for those struggling through a situation.

In many ways, the victim memorial will provide many of the same kinds of ministry for victims provided through the Huntsville Hospitality House for offenders' families, Edwards said. It will be a place of compassion.

“It is time to do for the victims what we have done for the offenders through restorative justice,” she said.

Edwards envisions multiple groups becoming interested in this project and investing in it. Victims also will be able to contribute to it in some fashion.

“The memorial will be a focal point,” Edwards said. “But the ministry for Hope for Healing will go beyond the center.”