Janet Chiefari and Eileen Kopsaftis co-founded CAMEO Ministries, a prayer and healing ministry of Grace Fellowship Church in 1999.
The founding leaders of CAMEO have an understanding of sexual abuse (and abuse of any kind) that can only be achieved by having lived through it and actually experiencing God’s healing. Eileen and Janet co-led a CAMEO Ministries Support Group called Choose Freedom at Grace Fellowship Church from 1999-2023 and they have seen God miraculously work in many women’s lives.
What happened to the abused person is a fact. The memories are truth, nothing can change that, but with God’s help the feelings connected with the memories can be changed and healed. Janet and Eileen were gifted to lead with a unique and remarkably effective way of reflecting God’s love. Healing takes place in relationship, with God and man. In the support group we have all been there and we understand as no one else ever could. We share and help one another.
Janet is a successful freelance writer. She has had five books published and has written numerous articles for newspapers, national magazines, and has edited several Christian newsletters. Janet also authored a written testimony, I Don’t Want To Remember, as well as the Choose Freedom Workbook and Leader Guide. As a NYS Department of Health Certified Sexual Assault Counselor, Janet served as a volunteer for the Sexual Assault & Crime Victims Assistance Program for Rensselaer County. She was a member of the Advisory Council for this program.
Janet lives in Grafton, NY and has six grandchildren. Janet has stepped down from active leadership in this ministry; yet her intercession for the group is ongoing and she continues to provide wisdom and insight to leadership.
The statistics are alarmingly high concerning the incidence of the sexual abuse of women in the United States, some stating that 1 out of every 3 girls are sexually abused before the age of 18. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, a woman is sexually assaulted every 2 minutes in this country. Whether there is one time or repeated abuse (physical, emotional, verbal), these women often carry a load of bitterness, anger, fear, unforgiveness, and self-pity that ends up controlling their lives.
But I don’t want to consider victims of sexual (or other) abuse as statistics. They are flesh and blood feeling human beings who have been hurt beyond the comprehension or understanding of most people. Yet there is One who does comprehend their pain completely.
I was a victim of severe sexual abuse as a child. I feel that God has prepared me to give my testimony so that others may see what He has done for me. To those of you who have suffered from abuse such as mine, I want to tell you there is hope, there is healing, there is a happy, fulfilled life waiting for you. God has shown me the way, not though any strength of my own, but because He loves every one of us and He hears and answers our prayers. Like a cameo, God will carve away our past, revealing the beautiful women we were always meant to be. – Janet Chiefari
“My presence is not required for God to heal in this ministry; yet He allows me to participate in His miracles every week. For that I am abundantly thankful. The joy I receive when bondages are broken and women are set free is beyond description. Watching women set free from shame, anger, unforgiveness, and more is something I will cherish all of my days. I truly love every woman God sends to us.” – Eileen Kopsaftis
Eileen lives in Valley Falls, NY and has three grandchildren with a fourth due in May, 2025.
Two new leaders have stepped forward to co-lead the weekly Choose Freedom Support Group meetings. Please welcome Rachel and Shawna.
Rachel is dedicated to walking alongside women who have experienced abuse and other life challenges. She believes that no one should face the pain of abuse or its aftermath alone. Rachel is passionate about helping others experience healing and breakthroughs, knowing that these are possible for everyone through God.
Shawna is a single mother of two young men. She has lived in East Greenbush, NY her whole life. Shawna has very strong feelings on helping others work through their abuse and letting God into their lives for healing. She wants you to know God loves each and every one of you.
Speaking Engagements
Eileen is available for speaking engagements at churches, women’s meetings, conferences, and retreats on topics including: adult victims of childhood sexual abuse, sexual assault, recognizing childhood sexual abuse, victims of physical, emotional, mental, verbal abuse, and CAMEO Ministries. Training is available to begin a group in your church or area.
For more information contact:
Eileen Kopsaftis 518-496-1265