news article
“AMENding through Faith”—an eye-opening event
October 14, 2019 / By Mark Jones, UNY UMM President
“AMENding through Faith” is a violence-prevention training initiative developed by the YWCA in the Nashville and Middle Tennessee area. This YWCA currently operates one of the largest domestic violence shelters in the state of Tennessee. Operators of this shelter observed that the shelter had remained at 100% capacity much of the time. Education and self-awareness training were developed in response to constant flow of battered and abused women seeking housing and safety at their shelter.
On Oct. 4-5, the Upper New York United Methodist Men hosted the Biblically-based “AMENDing through Faith” violence-prevention training at Salisbury Center UMC. The purpose of this training was to educate men on the problem of violence toward women that exists in our present-day culture. George Ramseyer was the training facilitator for this event and is a certified “Man in the Mirror” Men’s Ministry specialist who attends Baldwinsville United Methodist Church. 
Eleven men ages 15-80 attended this event. The training consists of eight sessions. Sessions 1-4 ran from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday night, which included part #1 of the live skit “Out to Lunch.” The men then enjoyed snacks, live music, singing, and praying over our joys and concerns. Saturday morning began with live music and singing and included sessions 5-8 and part #2 of the skit “Out to Lunch.”
The men in attendance were educated though workbooks and PowerPoint slides on domestic violence statistics and the concept of power and control. Topics covered were healthy and unhealthy communication, misconceptions of masculinity, and “Being a Bystander.” While challenging and uncomfortable materials were covered, thethe men were asked throughout the training to be honest and vulnerable. This was a powerful event as everyone shared stories and personal witness. The conversations were real, and the gathered men did well in educating one another on this serious problem.
The Upper New York Methodist Men want to offer training events here in the Upper New York Conference. “Good men” Godly men, must play a critical role in creating a culture change where all women are valued and safe. The United Methodist Men leadership want to thank Salisbury Center United Methodist church and pastor Mark Hediger for hosting this UMM event/training. The total cost for the “AMENding through Faith training” was $15 per person, which included an ATF training workbook. If you would like to host this event for the men of your church and neighboring churches, feel free to contact Mark Jones at msjwelshman@yahoo.com or 315-749-3700.