About Us
United in faith and a desire to help the victims/survivors of sexual abuse heal, we have been asked by the Apostolic Lutheran Church of America Central Board to form this ministry.
Why "Balm of Gilead?"
In the Old Testament Jeremiah asks, “Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? Why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?” (Jeremiah 8:22) He was telling the Jewish people about their coming exile and the destruction of Jerusalem resulting from their blatant sin and rejection of God. So, the question, “Is there no balm in Gilead?”, asks if there is healing for this people. God’s answer through Jeremiah is, “Yes,” and that someday he will bring a new agreement and “I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” (Jeremiah 31:34). This new agreement went into effect with the death and resurrection of Jesus. So the “balm of Gilead” refers to the love and healing power we find in Jesus.
Our Mission
The ALC Balm of Gilead will use the following to accomplish its mission.
1) Education Seminars
2) Guidance and Reporting
3) Support Groups
The Story of Our Original Logo
Our original logo, the round “tree” image, was designed by Lynn Jarvi from Michigan, who worked with the Balm of Gilead for several years. The Balm of Gilead tree, also called the Arabian Balsam, oozes a sticky resin with medicinal properties, so the tree seemed to be a logical part of our logo. Karen St Peter, who also lives in Michigan and was the coordinator at the time, suggested that a vessel be included as well, since in biblical times medicinal salves and balms were stored in pottery vessels. Lynn doodled with designs and came up with our logo of a tree holding a vessel, pouring out healing balm. This circular design has no beginning and no end, as the love of Christ has no beginning or end.
Jesus is our Balm of Gilead!