Our Mission
Because of Christ’s gracious love for us, the ALC Balm of Gilead exists to bring awareness, encouragement and support to men and women whose lives have been altered by sexual abuse, and to educate all people about God’s plan for human sexuality.
Our Ministries
The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
Psalm 9:9
Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
Genesis 2:24
My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. -Psalm 121:2
The Story of Our Logo
Our logo, the round “tree” image, was designed by Lynn Jarvi from Michigan, who worked with the Balm of Gilead for several years. The Balm of Gilead tree, also called the Arabian Balsam, oozes a sticky resin with medicinal properties, so the tree seemed to be a logical part of our logo. Karen St Peter, who also lives in Michigan and was the coordinator at the time, suggested that a vessel be included as well, since in biblical times medicinal salves and balms were stored in pottery vessels. Lynn doodled with designs and came up with our logo of a tree holding a vessel, pouring out healing balm. This circular design has no beginning and no end, as the love of Christ has no beginning or end. Jesus is our Balm of Gilead!