During our attendance of the "Manos que Sanan" conference, the Lord affirmed in our hearts the answer to an issue we have been wrestling with over the years. The issue is how to effectively and appropriately navigate the rivers of social media. While social media can be a powerful tool, it can also become a dangerous weapon in the hands of those who wish to do harm.
As a ministry, photos and videos allow us to bridge the expanse between us and those who partner with us. We have an opportunity to share the beautiful smiles and show the visible transformation that the girls experience through God's redemption.
For the girls, newfound relationships with visiting team members did not have to end. Although restricted to 10 minutes per week, the girls could read an encouraging note or send an "hola!" to a friend on Facebook.
There are many conveniences that come from being connected via social media. However, as many are well aware, the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy - using any methods available.
Casa de Ester has grown to be recognized by Honduran authorities as a safe, Christian home with high standards and operational merit. The Lord continues to lead at-risk victims to our doorstep. The ongoing safety of our girls must be a top priority, as well as protecting against revictimization or unhealthy bonding.
The Lord has protected this ministry, and we have full faith in His continued covering. In that, He has made it clear that we must do our part in reducing the exposure of the girls to a public network.
Therefore, many changes will be taking place to our website, Facebook, and social media presence. We humbly ask for your full support and understanding as we take these steps to safeguard the ministry.
Our social media presence will not disappear completely. Instead, we will be on a quick learning curve in communicating the happenings of the ministry through written words and visual aides while protecting the identity of the girls and staff. We will be removing identifiable pictures of girls and will not post identifiable pictures in the future.
What are we asking from you?
Existing photos or posts do not need to be deleted, but please untag Casa de Ester or individual girls in any existing photos or posts. Also, please delete any photos that may offer clear references to the ministry location (less common). Please feel free to share newsletters and future CdE posts. We will ask future visitors not to post identifiable photos to Facebook.
Please feel free to share our newsletters and future posts and pictures posted to the CdE website and Facebook page.
The girls will no longer have Facebook profiles (pray for that conversation!).
On that note - going forward - if you wish to communicate with any of the girls or Honduran staff, please direct your messages to
[email protected]
.
