2006 Schedule

8:15am – 9:00am        Registration

9:00am – 9:30am        Opening   

9:30 – 10:30am           Dr. Henry Venter

10:30am – 10:45am    Break  

10:45am – 11:00am    Testimony

11:00am – 12:00pm    Sharon Pearce

12:00pm – 1:00pm      Lunch

1:00pm – 1:45pm        Break out Session A

1:45 – 2:00pm             Break

2:00pm – 2:45pm        Break out Session B

2:45pm  - 3:00pm        Break

3:00pm – 3:45pm        Panel Q & A

3:45pm – 4:00pm        Break

4:00pm – 5:00pm        Heidi Williams

Dr. Henry Venter

Dr. Henry J. Venter is a psychologist and Executive Director of the Desmond Institute and the Heartwell Counseling Center in Fresno, California, a non-profit organization that specializes in the research, counseling and public education of reproduction grief. 

A graduate of Theological Seminary in Johannesburg, South Africa, Henry pastored several congregations in South Africa.  He has a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Johannesburg and has been a Psychologist since 1994.

Henry and his wife Catherine, who has a doctrate in clinical social work from the University of South Africa, have developed and written several courses for Christian counselours.  They present nationally and internationally on topics of Christian counseling, lay facilitation and reproductive grief.  

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Sharon Pearce

Sharon Pearce, a native of San Diego, serves as Director of Silent Voices - an abortion alternative ministry. Besides her duties with Silent Voices, Sharon has worked extensively on pro-life legislation, written monthly columns for two Christian newspapers in San Diego (The Southern California Christian Times, and Good News, Etc.) and gives and attends pro-life training workshops throughout the year.  In November 1984, Sharon attended a White House briefing on the abortion issue.  In 1985 she served as San Diego coordinator for "The Children's Fund," a California initiative to halt the public funding of abortion.  Sharon has also been a frequent guest on the "Grapevine," and “Save-a-Friend” radio programs of KPRZ.

Since 1987, Sharon has been active in leading post abortion syndrome workshops in San Diego and across the country for women who have already suffered the trauma of abortion. She has also traveled to Israel, Eastern Europe, Africa and India, leading pro-life/post abortion training seminars and workshops.  top

Heidi Williams & Debbie Haupt

Heidi Williams is the Ministry Director of Reflections, a ministry devoted to helping post-abortive women find the hope, freedom and forgiveness offered through Jesus Christ.  Reflections, now entering its fourth year, is also involved in educating the Christian community on the relevancy and vital need for post-abortive healing within the church.  Reflections has been instrumental in establishing post-abortion ministries in several major Bakersfield churches. 

Heidi and her husband, Brian, live in Bakersfield, California.  Their company, Design Garden Inc., is home to her interior design business, Front Door Design, and Brian is a producer/director for Eye Street Productions.  She and Brian have one daughter.  You can read more about the ministry and read Heidi’s testimony at www.reflections318.com.

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Breakout Session A

Option 1 

Facilitator Training (Part 1)

HOW TO IDENTIFY SOMEONE'S HEALING NEEDS  Dr. Henry Venter

Counseling is not the answer for healing for those dealing with post-abortion trauma -  the church is.  Dr. Ventor will equip participants to sit down with someone one-on-one and utilize counseling skills to determine a person's specific needs.

Option 2

WHAT IS PAS Sharon Pearce

To understand Post-Abortion Syndrome (PAS), one must first understand Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  Sharon will open up for you what post-abortive men & women face and outline the symptoms associated with this syndrome.

Option 3

ESTABLISHING A POST-ABORTION MINISTRY Heidi Williams

Does your church want to offer support for those dealing with the pain forom their abortion?  Learn how you can set up a support group.

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Breakout Session B

Option 1

Facilitator Training (Part 2)

HOW TO IDENTIFY SOMEONE'S HEALING NEEDS  Dr. Henry Venter

This two-part training will continue to give you the tools you need to be more effective in the hurting lives around you.

Option 2

OVERCOMING DEFENSE MECHANISMS Sharon Pearce

Fear and shame keep men and women from admitting or receiving the help they need to deal with the hurtt in their past abortion.  Sharion will walk you through the tools to helping people overcome their defenses.

Option 3

THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF THE NON-POST-ABORTIVE WOMAN

Heidi Williams

Have you ever thought "how can I help?  I've never had an abortion."  Heidi will answer why your role is so important.

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