A VERNON couple who as missionaries in Kenya in 2008 were attacked and viciously beaten are bringing their story to area churches.
John and Eloise Bergen are speaking first this week in Terrace at the Rock Christian Community and thereafter through June and into early July at other churches in Terrace and in Kitimat.
Both suffered broken jaws and wounds to the head with John Bergen also having multiple fractures to his arms, legs and a knee.
Eventually eight men were arrested in the incident which took place at a farm in a more rural part of Kenya.
The attackers used machetes and clubs.
The Bergens were working with the Kelowna, B.C.-based group Hope for the Nations and had not been in Kenya very long.
Now in Canada, the couple have been travelling extensively speaking about their ordeal and their message of forgiveness.
They’ve also published a book, the title of which, “Forgiveness in the Face of Terror,” encapsulates their message.
The first session at the Rock Christian Community begins at 7 p.m. June 1 under the theme “Forgiveness through the Darkness” with a second one on June 2, also at 7 p.m., with the theme “Healing Through Forgiveness.”
A Sunday morning service June 4 at 10:30 a.m. will also be held at the Rock Christian Community.
On Sunday June 11 the couple will be at the Alliance Church in Terrace and on June 18, at the Alliance Church in Kitimat.
They’re back in Terrace Sunday, June 25 at the Pentecostal Church and on Sunday, July 2 they will be at the First Baptist Church in Kitimat.