Restored - Ending Violence Against Women

May 2010

Thanks

We are always giving thanks for the amazing people that we are coming into contact with and the hard work that is already being done to end violence against women. God is really blessing us with networks and contacts. It is encouraging to us to see how positively Christians are responding to Restored and saying how much it is needed. We are also amazed at what we have achieved, through the help and support offered to us freely by so many people, in such a relatively short space of time. Thank you to everyone who has given of their time, skill, experience and funds to make the progress listed below a reality.

Progress

Members launch

Thanks to the many of you who were able to come to Teddington on April 20th for the members launch. It was encouraging to see you all and have your visible support. It was good to have people from the USA join us on net viewer too. We were able to show the hard products we have produced so far – the post card, wing banner, leaflet and show off the website (see link below). Natalie and Baggy Collins also spoke a separate event for Tearfund staff members about their own stories.

Web

Since our last prayer email the website has gone live at www.restoredrelationships.org do take a look and give us your feedback. It's still in development but we are trying to fill the gaps one by one. We would be happy to receive articles, blog contributions, resources and website links to put on the site. We hope you like the logo and branding of the site.

Media

We have also had some more media attention with Woman Alive magazine (UK) picking up the press release of Peter's departure from Tearfund and publishing about Restored. The online media seems to be picking up on the press release and redistributing it. Social blogging is also spreading the word. If you have a blog, web page or social media page perhaps you could consider writing something about Restored if you haven't already done so? Thanks to those that have got the message out. We are working through a promotion strategy.

Support

The number of people praying grows each week. It is so encouraging to see this group petitioning for a movement of radical social change across the nations. Feel free to pass on the prayer points to others.

We are grateful to have the support of one charitable trust and need to look for others. Volunteer staff is becoming very much the need.

Company registration

As of the 5th May 2010 Restored is registered as a company in England & Wales. This is great news as it releases us to do so many things. An application to the charity commission of England and Wales has been made on behalf of Restored. We are hoping that it will be successful.

Ready to launch

The Bringing Hope conference, Colchester, UK is just over a month away now. May 22nd is the last day to get the cheapest tickets so if you have not already booked now is your chance to get in before the prices rise. Go to http://faithandfreedom.webs.com/conference.htm to book and confirm your place. We have created a Facebook group for the conference which can be found here http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=112270682145903 If you are on Facebook then do share the link with others. It's an open event and can be widely shared. But don't forget to book your own place before it's too late!

Upcoming dates

Bringing Hope, UK Public launch 26 JuneBringing Hope conference in ColchesterSee http://faithandfreedom.webs.com/conference.htm

New Wine LSE, UK, JulyPeter and Mandy will be speaking at new Wine London and South East week (25th – 30th July)

Greenbelt, UK AugustTwo talk slots have been secured for Restored at Greenbelt (a UK Christian Arts festival) which takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend1.  ‘For better or worse? The church's engagement in ending violence against women.’ Saturday 28th Aug 10-11 a.m. Sovereign Lounge2. ‘Men required - apply within.’  Monday 30th Aug 10-11 a.m. Sovereign LoungeNatalie & Baggy Collins, Peter Grant and Mandy Marshall will be speaking at one or more of these slots. For more information about Greenbelt and booking tickets see http://www.greenbelt.org.uk/

Prayer points

Our priority prayer requests are:

• For men's attitudes and actions to change so that violence against women is ended;
• For Christians to catch the vision, share God's heart for this issue and take action;
• For unity in the church to act as one in ending violence against women
• For the many thousands of women suffering daily in abusive situations that they would find freedom, justice and love
• For the continued development and launch of Restored; that it will honour God, know his blessing and make a significant difference in addressing VAW;
• For Mandy as she has to rearrange her priorities to work more substantially on VAW;
• For Peter as he works on this alongside his other work.
• That we stay close to God and don't take any wrong turnings
• Give thanks for the different types of support we have received for this work to enable us to get this far

Thank you for continuing this partnership in prayer. Please do feedback any thoughts, words, pictures that you may have as you pray. We really do value and appreciate you setting aside time to pray over these issues. It is very much appreciated.