The other day, someone asked me why I created the Rahab Project, since I had never been a victim of domestic violence.

It’s interesting how people think we should only be part of a cause when it’s personal. Only then, should you be interested in doing something about it.

Honestly, it was out of a revolt, a righteous anger that I felt at the thought of so many women suffering because of this. As though the horrible memories are not enough, they still carry the baggage of what happened in their past into their new relationships.

Many of these women say to themselves: “what happened, happened”, and they no longer want to touch on the subject. But, without even knowing, and because the wound has not healed, they continue to suffer with this deep root…

• They’re unable to forgive
• They’re unable to forgive themselves
• They underestimate themselves
• They’re unable to open up to anyone
• They’re unable to love themselves
• They feel inferior to other women
• They need the constant approval of others
• They’re unable to have a healthy relationship with their friends or husband
• They have difficulty respecting men
• They’re unable to trust anyone
• They do not take care of themselves
• They’re unable to have an intimate relationship
• They live in the past
• They feel guilty for what happened
• They feel like they’re being judged all the time
• And much more…

I will never really know how they feel, but one thing is for sure: we, women, must come together to put an end to this monstrosity in society and help these women transform from victims to overcomers. They do not need to carry what happened in their past with them into the future, we know a God who can make all things new!

This is why we created the Rahab Project, so that all women can have the strength to break the silence. The group meets twice a month, and is led by women who are full of the Holy Spirit. They volunteer to offer spiritual support to help these women change their destinies. Within this project, we have psychologists and other professionals, but what we have that is most important is kindness, attention and faith – and with these three qualities we have helped women all over the world.

The Rahab Project has already spread throughout Europe, South Africa, the United States and Latin America. Here in Brazil, this work is present in almost every state, and is sponsored by Godllywood and the UCKG.

If you are a Rahab or know a Rahab, join us on Nov. 24th 2012, for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, where we will hold our second ‘Breaking the Silence’ Event.

Perhaps you are wondering ‘Why Rahab?’

Rahab was one of the most despised women of her family and city, but she believed in the God of Israel, whom she had never met or read anything about. This woman of faith, not only saved herself, but she also saved her entire family, and began a new life in Israel. She got married and became one of the few women mentioned in the genealogy of the Lord Jesus Christ! What a woman!

But what was so special about this woman? Nothing. In fact, she was a prostitute! But she carried something with her that made all the difference: faith. Through her faith in God, she believed she could have a different future. Said and done!

Your past, your imperfections, your incapability, your deficiencies, your age, your status and your looks do not matter, what matters is your faith. And through this faith, we are going to help you become a part of the genealogy of the Lord Jesus Christ and change your future.

Here in São Paulo, the walk will begin at Largo 13 (Praça Floriano Peixoto) at 12pm and end at 1800 Avenida João Dias, at 2pm, where we will have a special message for everyone, and I will have the privilege to participate.

Share our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/rahabgroup
Our Twitter: twitter.com/projetoraabe
And the official Rahab website (where you can find more information and blogs about this group): http://uckg.org/rahab/

I’m not a Rahab, but I fight for her. How about you?

Cristiane Cardoso