58:12 Global celebrates decade of repairing broken lives
58:12 Global's second outreach ministry spread to Thailand, where it continues to aid individuals and families whose lives have been disrupted by abuse and domestic violence.
For the past decade, the people involved at 58:12 Global have been committed to sharing their lives and caring for those who have been abused and neglected.
Those who have made that commitment only have two words for the community:
Thank you.
“The past 10 years have been an incredible blessing, and we simply want to say thank you to our partners, to our community and to the local churches who have partnered with us,” Larry Kaufman said. “It’s been an amazing 10 years.”
A decade ago 58:12 began in the heart of Amish Country to provide a Christ-centered safe house for vulnerable women and children in the community who have been devastated by sexual abuse and/or domestic violence.
It seemed almost odd that this area known for its idyllic serenity would be the starting point, but those who invested in the mission know sexual abuse and domestic violence know no boundaries.
The mission was built around Isaiah 58:12: “Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.”
“Our vision is to bring Christ-centered hope and healing to the vulnerable,” said Kaufman, who pastors Grace Church.
58:12 started at Grace, but Kaufman made it clear this is not a Grace ministry, but its own faith ministry including many churches and believers.
“In the early days, we had a vision and little else,” Kaufman said. “But God has always provided for us through the compassion of the people of this community. People are so generous, and they truly care about the hurting and vulnerable because pain is universal.”
Kaufman said God led the church to create 58:12, and almost as if given a nudge by God himself, one local individual donated a home that was an ideal fit to house the vulnerable of whom Kaufman was speaking.
Needs were met almost instantly, and 58:12 began making a huge impact on families at the local level, but the vision didn’t stop there. The organization quickly went worldwide, creating safe havens — first in Thailand, then in Haiti, followed by missions in Kenya and Uganda last year, where they reach out to abused, abandoned and forgotten people.
In every sense 58:12 is providing hope through the love, compassion and forgiveness of Jesus Christ.
“It’s been amazing how God has brought leaders together to guide these locations with the bull's-eye of simply showing the love of Jesus as they help people work through their trauma and the atrocities they have faced,” Kaufman said.
The ministry was one of empowering people, rejuvenating them and giving them back their lives they so richly deserve.
Kaufman’s wife Kendra is co-executive director of 58:12, and she said the partnerships they have created in the community have been a central reason 58:12 has been able to bless hundreds women and children locally and many more globally.
She said while they are unapologetic about their faith, they don’t shove it down people’s throats, serving more to encourage people to pursue a relationship built around Christ as they heal physically, mentally and emotionally.
They understand developing trust and building relationships with those who have put their trust in them is paramount to encouraging others to take steps toward salvation as they work to turn the corner and return to their lives.
Whether it is in Holmes County or in another nation, they believe Christ is the answer to relieving the pain of those who are hurting.
The ministry provides a safe haven for women and children free of charge with most staying from six months to one year, with the goal being to make transitioning to a newer and better life possible. They even help women find transitional housing, which is difficult in an area where housing is tough to find.
“Support doesn’t cease to exist once they leave our home,” Kendra Kaufman said. “We customize individual plans to help each person because everyone is unique and different, and our aim is to help them overcome the past and empower them by putting them in safe situations where we can continue to grow the relationships we’ve built.”
The success stories coming out of 58:12 Global are many and are powerful testimonies as to the power of love and compassion from leaders and volunteers who have put their faith in God, and their ability to do so is only possible through the giving of others who support their effort.
To learn more about 58:12 Global or to become a donor or volunteer, visit www.5812global.org.