Pastors Juan and Aggie DeJesús, co-founded Gentle Ministries in 1993, to minister to women who were sexually abused when they were children, and their present day adult partners, often called pro-survivors. A pro-survivor is anyone in a supportive relationship with a sexual abuse survivor. Both Pastors Juan and Aggie have a strong desire to help victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse overcome their pain.
In the Autumn of 2014, a mutual friend introduced Pastors Juan and Aggie to Bishop Francis Njagi Thuku and his wife Pastor Emma Wairimu. The introduction was over the phone, since Pastors Juan and Aggie live in Texas, in the USA, and Bishop Thuku and Pastor Emma live in Kenya, Africa. They talked together almost daily, getting to know each other, praying together, and following God’s lead in this new friendship.
In January, 2016, God opened doors for Gentle Ministries International, through Bishop Francis Thuku’s invitation to Pastors Juan and Aggie, to begin teaching an introductory class on ministering to Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors. Pastor Aggie began teaching, Understanding the Effects of Childhood Sexual Abuse on Survivors, to a group of bishops and pastors in Kimilili, Kenya, over the phone. From this humble beginning, one class has grown into twelve (12) classes, in eight (8) cities, in different parts of the country. Presently this introductory course is taught in: Kimilili, Tongaren, Bungoma, Kakamega, Kisumu, Siaya, Kimaiti, and Vihiga. In time we hope to cover more area throughout all of Africa.
In August 2016, Gentle Ministries name changed to Gentle Ministries International. Bishop Francis Thuku is the Head of Gentle Ministries International, Kenya, and oversees all of the classes, which are still being taught over the phone. Bishop Thuku, who speaks at conferences all over Kenya, as well as in Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, never fails to speak about the ministry of healing that Gentle Ministries International is bringing to Africa, through the courses we are teaching. Bishop Thuku is speaking to pastors about the work we are doing, and the effects it is having on pastors taking the course, and more pastors are calling to ask for information, as well as to inquire about taking the introductory course, Understanding the Effects of Childhood Sexual Abuse on Survivors. Because of Bishop Thuku’s passion for this course, it is spreading to other parts of Africa.
Childhood Sexual Abuse is a silent subject, experienced by many but not discussed. Now we can say that this course has opened up what many thought was a closed chapter. Bishops, pastors, and members of congregations, who have taken this course have been impacted, finding this course very helpful. Soon they will have the knowledge and skills to minister to victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse in their congregations, since there are many victims in Kenya.
The group of bishops and pastors in Kimilili, Kenya has begun the first Rescue Center. It will house those who have been sexually abused, as they are being ministered to. God has given us a big vision that will be accomplished in His timing.
If you or someone you know has suffered from Childhood Sexual Abuse, we are here to tell you that there is hope for overcoming the effects of Childhood Sexual Abuse.
Pastors Juan and Aggie present Information Forums explaining the effects of childhood sexual abuse on victim/survivors. Forums are presented to the public, as well as civic and religious organizations. We can be contacted at pastoraggie@gentleministries.org.
A note from Bishop Francis Thuku: Pastors Juan and Aggie DeJesús, founders and educators of Gentle Ministries International, have a huge burden for victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse. It is our prayer and request to anyone who is touched and willing, to stand with them. When you stand with them, you will be helping victims in Africa, and possibly the world, to overcome the devastating Effects of Childhood Sexual Abuse.
Bishop Francis Thuku, Head of Gentle Ministries International, Africa, can be reached at: francisthuku@yahoo.com