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About Us
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Meet Our Founders
Pastors Juan & Aggie DeJesús have been faithfully serving the Body of Christ for more than 30 years, carrying a deep God-given passion for the brokenhearted. From their earliest days in ministry, they have walked alongside men, women, and children whose lives were shattered by abuse, loss, and injustice — yet filled with the potential for restoration through the Gospel.
Refusing to remain silent, they have dedicated their lives to:
Proclaiming the truth of God’s Word in the face of injustice
Equipping churches to respond with biblical authority and compassion
Walking alongside survivors until healing takes root
Raising awareness so no one suffers alone in silence
Restoring hope through the transforming power of Jesus Christ
Juan & Aggie DeJesús - Founders
About Gentle Ministries
Our Mission
Bringing Spiritual Healing to Survivors of Abuse
Gentle Ministries International believes that sexual abuse is a spiritual problem. We also believe that the way to curb this worldwide problem is to bring Spiritual healing to victim/survivors.
Therefore, the mission of Gentle Ministries International is to:
Pastors are on the front lines of ministry, yet many have never been equipped to minister effectively to Adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Gentle Ministries provides practical, biblical training that empowers church leaders to approach survivors with sensitivity, patience, and understanding. We teach pastors how to address abuse from the pulpit, offer counseling rooted in Scripture, and guide congregations in creating safe, supportive environments. This is not just about giving information—it’s about building a culture in the Church that reflects Christ’s heart for the broken and oppressed.
Sexual abuse is often hidden in silence, but silence allows the pain to linger. We are committed to breaking that silence by educating communities, churches, and families on what sexual abuse is, how it happens, and the lifelong effects it can have on survivors. Through workshops, printed resources, online campaigns, and face-to-face conversations, we equip people with the knowledge to recognize the signs of abuse and respond with compassion and wisdom. Awareness is the first step toward prevention, protection, and healing—and together, we can shine light where darkness has hidden for too long.
Healing from sexual abuse is not only possible—it is promised through God’s Word. We walk alongside survivors, pro-survivors, and their spouses through support groups, prayer retreats, and one-on-one pastoral care. These safe spaces allow people to share their stories, release burdens, and receive biblical encouragement that speaks life into wounded hearts. We believe hope is more than a feeling; it’s the confident expectation that God can restore what was stolen. In every meeting, every prayer, and every embrace, we aim to be a living reminder that no one is beyond God’s power to heal.
We believe every pastor has a responsibility to speak boldly against sexual abuse in all its forms—physical, emotional, and spiritual. Through preaching, pastors can break the culture of silence, confront harmful mindsets, and point survivors toward the healing power of Jesus. We encourage leaders to integrate this message into their sermons regularly, not only during special events, so that the congregation hears God’s heart for justice, restoration, and purity. Preaching on abuse is not an optional topic; it is part of proclaiming the whole gospel, which sets the captives free.
We Can't Help Everyone, but Everyone can help someone
- Raise Awareness on Abuse
- Support Survivors
- Train Pastors & Leaders
- Promote Healing Retreats
- Partner with Global Ministries
Create Awareness
Provide Hope
Teach Pastors
Preaching
Sexual abuse is often hidden in silence, but silence allows the pain to linger. We are committed to breaking that silence by educating communities, churches, and families on what sexual abuse is, how it happens, and the lifelong effects it can have on survivors. Through workshops, printed resources, online campaigns, and face-to-face conversations, we equip people with the knowledge to recognize the signs of abuse and respond with compassion and wisdom. Awareness is the first step toward prevention, protection, and healing—and together, we can shine light where darkness has hidden for too long.
Healing from sexual abuse is not only possible—it is promised through God’s Word. We walk alongside survivors, pro-survivors, and their spouses through support groups, prayer retreats, and one-on-one pastoral care. These safe spaces allow people to share their stories, release burdens, and receive biblical encouragement that speaks life into wounded hearts. We believe hope is more than a feeling; it’s the confident expectation that God can restore what was stolen. In every meeting, every prayer, and every embrace, we aim to be a living reminder that no one is beyond God’s power to heal.
Pastors are on the front lines of ministry, yet many have never been equipped to minister effectively to survivors of abuse. Gentle Ministries provides practical, biblical training that empowers church leaders to approach survivors with sensitivity, patience, and understanding. We teach pastors how to address abuse from the pulpit, offer counseling rooted in Scripture, and guide congregations in creating safe, supportive environments. This is not just about giving information—it’s about building a culture in the Church that reflects Christ’s heart for the broken and oppressed.
We believe every pastor has a responsibility to speak boldly against sexual abuse in all its forms—physical, emotional, and spiritual. Through preaching, pastors can break the culture of silence, confront harmful mindsets, and point survivors toward the healing power of Jesus. We encourage leaders to integrate this message into their sermons regularly, not only during special events, so that the congregation hears God’s heart for justice, restoration, and purity. Preaching on abuse is not an optional topic; it is part of proclaiming the whole gospel, which sets the captives free.
About Gentle Ministries International
Restoring Hope for Survivors Since 1993
1993
Our Beginning
Pastors Juan and Aggie DeJesús co-founded Gentle Ministries in 1993 to minister to women who were sexually abused when they were children, and their present-day adult partners, often called pro-survivors. A pro-survivor is anyone in a supportive relationship with a sexual abuse survivor. Both Pastors Juan and Aggie have a strong desire to help victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse overcome their pain.
Autumn 2014
A Divine Connection
Through a mutual friend, Pastors Juan and Aggie were introduced to Bishop Francis Njagi Thuku and his wife Pastor Emma Wairimu. The introduction was over the phone, since Pastors Juan and Aggie live in Texas, USA, and Bishop Thuku and Pastor Emma live in Kenya, Africa. They spoke almost daily, getting to know each other, praying together, and following God’s lead in this new friendship.
January 2016
First Class in Kenya
God opened doors for Gentle Ministries International through Bishop Thuku’s invitation to teach an introductory class on ministering to Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors. Pastor Aggie began teaching Understanding the Effects of Childhood Sexual Abuse on Survivors to a group of bishops and pastors in Kimilili, Kenya, over the phone. From this humble beginning, one class has grown into twelve classes in eight cities across the country: Kimilili, Tongaren, Bungoma, Kakamega, Kisumu, Siaya, Kimaiti, and Vihiga. In time, we hope to cover all of Africa.
August 2016
Becoming Gentle Ministries International
The ministry’s name officially changed to Gentle Ministries International. Bishop Francis Thuku became Head of GMI Kenya, overseeing all classes, which continue to be taught over the phone. Bishop Thuku speaks at conferences throughout Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, always sharing the impact of the courses. Because of his passion, the course is now spreading to other parts of Africa.
Breaking the Silence
Childhood Sexual Abuse is a silent subject, experienced by many but rarely discussed. This course has opened what many thought was a closed chapter. Bishops, pastors, and church members who have taken the course have been impacted and now have the knowledge and skills to minister to victims in their congregations.
The First Rescue Center
Leaders in Kimilili, Kenya have begun the first Rescue Center, which houses those who have been sexually abused as they receive ministry and healing. We believe God has given us a big vision, and it will be accomplished in His perfect timing.
A Message of Hope
If you or someone you know has suffered from Childhood Sexual Abuse, we are here to tell you there is hope for overcoming its effects. Pastors Juan and Aggie present Information Forums explaining the effects of childhood sexual abuse on victim/survivors. These forums are presented to the public, as well as civic and religious organizations.
