Through a simple act of kindness, my connection with Coming Together Ministries began in an unexpected way. I was walking on my way to church, when suddenly a car pulled up beside me. “Hey, do you need a ride?” the woman in the passenger's seat said to me. “Yes! Thank you”, I said. When I got in the car, I introduced myself, and so did they. It was Michael and Errone from Coming Together Ministries.

What seemed to be an ordinary ride to church quickly turned into something meaningful, as we realized we were connected through mutual friends and shared purpose. Ando, Coming Together Ministries intern, is my classmate. We were all headed to the same church to support Ando who was on the praise team that Sabbath. Even more than that, I learned that my roommate is a friend of Errone’s. Small world! I knew this was a Divine appointment. It felt like one of those quiet moments where God is gently weaving lives together.

That encounter resonated deeply with my own journey. Since childhood, I have felt called to serve others. Inspired by a family friend, I became a dentist and later dedicated myself to serving underserved communities in Brazil and the Amazon. Along the way, I discovered that true fulfillment comes not from what we gain, but from what we give.

I became friends with Michael, Errone, Michelle, and Ando, and we shared a lot of wonderful moments together praying, listening to one another, encouraging one another, enjoying good food, laughing, playing ping pong, and board games. A simple first encounter led to sweet fellowship.

Meeting some of the team at Coming Together Ministries reminded me that service goes beyond profession; it is about presence, compassion, and connection. Today, my desire remains the same: to serve where I am needed and to be part of something greater than myself.

Facing the Hidden Crisis:
Protecting Our Children, Restoring the Broken

There are some realities we would rather not face—but ignoring them does not make them disappear. One of the most sobering and urgent crises of our time is the widespread reality of child sexual abuse. It is not confined to one culture, one nation, or one socioeconomic group. It is, tragically, reaching into every corner of our world.

A Crisis We Can No Longer Ignore

The data is deeply unsettling. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys in the United States experience sexual abuse at some point during childhood. Similarly, RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) reports that child protective services substantiate or finds strong evidence for sexual abuse in tens of thousands of cases each year, with many more going unreported. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that up to 1 billion children aged 2–17 have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional violence or neglect in the past year alone. These are not just numbers—they represent lives, stories, and deep wounds that often remain hidden for years.

The Lingering Impact Into Adulthood
The effects of childhood sexual abuse do not simply fade with time. They often carry into adulthood, shaping identity, relationships, mental health, and spiritual well-being. Research from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) indicates that over 81% of women and 43% of men report experiencing some form of sexual harassment or assault in their lifetime. A significant portion of these individuals experienced their first abuse during childhood or adolescence. Among adults seeking support in recovery communities, the numbers are even more striking. Various clinical and ministry-based studies suggest that a majority—often estimated between 60–80%—of individuals in sexual addiction recovery or trauma support environments report a history of sexual abuse or early sexual exposure. While exact percentages vary by study, the pattern is consistent: childhood trauma is a major underlying factor in adult struggles.

Recognizing the Signs

One of the greatest challenges is that abuse often remains hidden. As a community, we must become more aware of the signs of childhood sexual trauma.

These may include: 
- Sudden changes in behavior or mood 
- Age-inappropriate sexual knowledge or behavior 
- Withdrawal, depression, or anxiety 
- Fear of certain people or places 
- Regression (such as bedwetting or loss of previously learned skills) 
- Difficulty forming healthy relationships 
 
No single sign confirms abuse—but patterns and persistence should prompt careful, compassionate attention.

The Power of Conversation and Awareness 

Silence is one of the greatest allies of abuse. Creating safe spaces for honest conversation is essential. Children need to know they are seen, heard, and protected. Adults need to be equipped to listen without judgment and respond with wisdom. Open dialogue in homes, churches, and communities is not optional—it is necessary. Prevention begins with awareness, education, and a willingness to talk about what has too often been left in the dark.

A Promise of Justice and Healing

“The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.” — Psalm 103:6 “He will bring justice to the oppressed and give food to the hungry. The Lord sets the prisoners free.” — Psalm 146:7 God sees. God knows. And God promises that those who have been wronged will not be forgotten. There is hope—not only for justice, but for healing and restoration.

Our Response: A Call to Action

At Coming Together Ministries, we are committed to being part of that healing. Our vision is to develop trained life coaches specifically equipped to walk alongside survivors of sexual abuse and related trauma—men and women who understand the complexity of these wounds and can offer informed, compassionate care. This is not a small undertaking. It requires training, resources, time, and people who are fully dedicated to this mission.

An Invitation to Partner
We cannot do this alone. If you believe in protecting the vulnerable, restoring the broken, and building a future where healing is possible, we invite you to partner with us. Your financial support will directly help us train coaches, expand our reach, and provide safe, life-giving support systems for those in need. “The one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.” — 2 Corinthians 9:10

Your giving is not just a donation—it is an investment in healing, restoration, and hope. 

Give Today At: 

comingtogetherministries.org/donate

This is a difficult conversation—but it is one we must have. Because behind every statistic is a life. And every life matters. Let’s be the generation that refuses to look away.