What’s A Guy To Do?

What’s a guy to do when you’re the only guy on a vision trip with eight women? What’s a guy to do when you are in the back of a bus full of women who repeatedly break out into songs from The Lego Movie? What’s a guy to do when during testimony time the talk trends toward relationship topics? What’s a guy to do? For these things, and many others, a man gives thanks to God for the privilege of being on a journey with so many wonderful, talented, exceptional, and joyful women of God.

There have been a number of instances when I could not participate in the planned activities. I could not tour inside the House of Change where victims of trafficking live nor could I go upstairs at the Dream House, which is a resident program for at risk young women. In the activities with the women, I held back, not sure what would be appropriate. During a pizza dinner we were having with the women at the Dream House, while the rest of our team was painting nails and later doing folk dancing, Allison (our team co-leader) sat next to me and–in a nice way–basically asked, “Just why are you here, Ray?” I had a ready answer: do what I can and bear witness to the rest.

While the rest of the team was touring the House of Change, I pulled weeds in the vegetable garden. More germane to our trip, I participated when we broke up into teams that accompanied Beginning of Life staffers into high schools to offer lessons concerning moral values and character development, which are supported by the state as long as there is no outright evangelizing. Two other women and I visited English classes and discussed the misconceptions about the USA. We had them draw diagrams and word pictures of what they thought of America – lots about Hollywood and the Statue of Liberty. There were many questions about emigration and studying in the USA. The students were all very bright, attentive, and cooperative.

Furthermore, I can and will give witness to the exceptional work of Beginning of Life. I am not new to the issue of human trafficking. I have read the literature and been to the conferences. To my knowledge, I know no other organization providing the breadth of programs and services aimed toward victims and at risk youth in relation to human trafficking as Beginning of Life. I also know of no organization with a better rate of success. More people will hear about the work and I will do my part.

When I first learned of the trip from Helen last winter and told her of my interest in joining, she actually jumped and said, “We got a man!” The idea was that out of a team of nine people, at least one person of my gender would be represented. In the past few years, since gaining an interest in human trafficking issues, I have received comments from various people when attending trainings and awareness events about how glad they are to see a man taking interest in the issues. I always found that troubling.

What’s a guy to do? As in all things, in this area, Jesus is our guide and he had a response as to what a man should do:  “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ (Matthew 25, 37-40)

To the above list, in our time, we could add the child sold to a brothel, the girl duped by a pimp into being a prostitute out of personal emptiness, or the young woman tricked into leaving an economically depressed situation to discover herself trapped in the sex trade with no way home. In our world today, these have become among “the least” with little voice and few options. A man should do what he can and I hope that I will have an adequate response when I stand before my King.

Ray

Changing Lives One Chicken at a Time

When a classroom of teenagers was asked if they thought it was okay to hit women, most of the boys raised their hands in agreement while the girls sat there awkwardly…quietly. When the same question was asked to a younger class not one student raised a hand at all. Beginning of Life (BoL) learned that they needed to reach children and take them under their wing at a younger age to create true behavioral and future societal change. Thousands of children are abandoned as social orphans when parents leave Moldova for better working opportunities overseas, leaving their children behind. In many cases the children/teenagers live without parental supervision, discipline, familial affection, or role models. As a response to this desperate need, BoL began a holistic youth program called Place of Change (PoC) 6 months ago that brings kids ages 11-16 together, twice a week, to receive lessons in smalls groups on various themes in a safe space and to share in community having both positive male and female role models as their instructors.

Today BoL invited over 100 youth from the PoC program on an all day retreat outside of the capitol in a wooded area. Upon arriving it was apparent that the retreat complex was probably once used for events where citizens pledged allegiance to the Soviet Union, but today it was being used for God’s purpose of speaking life into the youth while drawing out their personalities and abilities.

The first few hours the kids were divided into teams and had to work together to complete various team-building exercises. It was one of those rare moments where time stood still, just for a second, watching the kids completely immerse themselves into the present – not thinking about the abuse that might be waiting for them at home, or lack of guidance, love, or food, but just being in the moment with each other, making friends, learning, and just being a kid. We have learned, as a society, to stay out of the present by constantly regretting the past or worrying about the future while God is constantly calling us to delight in Him in the present. These kids were delighting in the present today.

The day continued to bring more interesting and unappetizing surprises with activities including a fish joust, which involved the kids working in teams to break raw eggs on their opponents foreheads (while on the back of a partner) with only one weapon – a slippery and size-able raw fish. The smells continued on with my personal favorite – chicken hockey.  You too can learn to play this at home with the kids. It comes with a soapy tarp and mini broomsticks to smack around the puck – a raw chicken. Another group favorite was a game where the teams had to use only their feet to suspend a bucket of water, eggs, salsa, potatoes and any other disgusting item mixed together in the air until someone tipped the bucket.

To say that the BoL staff did a fantastic job today would be an understatement. This entire week we have watched the staff in awe, admiring their passion for changing the lives of youth centering around the issue of human trafficking, and sacrificing their time, sleep, and money to give all they can.

As our incredible week comes to an end our team is already discussing potential ideas that would benefit both BoL and our fight against sex-trafficking in the Washington Metropolitan Area.  We know how blessed we are and it has been brought to our attention even more concretely after meeting so many amazing Moldovans and hearing their life battles, challenges, and hardships. God has called us to a serious assignment to speak for the voiceless and stand up for the powerless – whether in our own country or in another land.  Our team, with the support of so many for this mission trip, will continue to answer His call in this fight against modern day slavery.

Will you join us?

Allison

 

Finding My Voice

What a day.

This morning we had the opportunity to meet with Vlad (Executive Director) and Serghei (Deputy Director) to discuss our thoughts about BoL. We shared our thoughts on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for their organization. One thing I greatly admire about BoL is their leadership model of discipleship. They highly value empowering new and young leaders with opportunities to develop their potential in changing the culture and future within Moldova. They value choosing leaders who are capable rather than those who have the “perfect” skill set.

At one point during the meeting, I began to feel very overwhelmed and began wondering, “what am I even doing here and what is my place on this team?” I kept thinking about how I don’t have a graduate degree, I’m not a social worker, I don’t have advanced experience like many members of our team, etc. At one point I wanted to ask a question regarding their program, Way to Success, but felt it wasn’t that important. I felt that my voice and position didn’t matter. I was overcome with so many emotions to a point that I wanted to get up and leave so I could cry. And at one point, I had to leave the room to pull myself together. When I came back, Vlad was sharing his vision for BoL to our group. What he said truly struck me: “We want to be a prophetic voice to officials and raise our voices for those whom we want to protect from social injustice.” The word that really struck me was “voice.”

The past couple of months have been a journey for me in discovering my voice and confidence again. I recently moved to DC to work with NCC in their Protégé Program. It has been one of the best and hardest decisions I have ever made. Since being in DC, I have had to confront the reality of my insecurity – and out of my insecurity I have let my voice go silent. I have let others dictate who I am instead of being confident in my identity in Christ. I let my fear of failure and rejection get in the way of simply being myself.

And today, as I was boldly confronted with my internal mess, Vlad’s passion to be a voice for the voiceless struck something in me.

I didn’t fully come to terms with that until later in the afternoon when we visited this incredible cave monastery, Orheiul Vechi. I was left in awe of the beauty of our amazing Creator. As I stood by the cliffs, (which I am terrified of, mind you), I was reminded that the God who created this beautiful countryside is the same God who also gave me a voice – the same God who desires for me to be confident and simply be myself. He is the same God who created in me unique talents and skills, different from everyone else. He is the same God who placed a passion within me for the Moldovan people 4 years ago. He is the same God who has placed a passion within me to be a voice for the voiceless.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed to the point of paralysis when one finds out about the issue of human trafficking. Few people know exactly what to do right away–but that’s okay. I’ve been looking at this issue for the past 5 years and, at the end of the day, I don’t always know what to do but I do know I am fearfully and wonderfully made. And though I have a long way to go, I know that I was created with purpose and am not alone.

Allie

Trauma, Resilience…and then there’s Jesus

If I had to sum up today in one word it would be resilience: the resilience of an entire nation; the resilience of teens who are survivors of trafficking; the resilience of an organization to change the culture and bring light to dark places.

Our day began by participating in Victory Day, to commemorate the end of World War II and honor those that fought and sacrificed their lives. Victory Day is a national holiday in Moldova so there was a huge turnout of Chisinau’s citizenry, including the president and prime minister, to the Complexul Memorial Eternitate. Here, flowers were being laid at an eternal flame while somber music was being played by a live band and veterans of all ages were roaming the park in their decorated regalia. While this was powerful to witness, it also revealed further wounds that Moldova has endured over the past century. Despite suffering war upon war, the people of Chisinau showed true resilience and pride today as they honored the soldiers who fought on their behalf.

In the afternoon our team met up with the girls from the House of Change (a rehabilitation facility for survivors of sexual abuse, exploitation, and trafficking) for a picnic and cook-out on the banks of the river (don’t ask which river because I couldn’t tell you… Google Maps doesn’t exactly work without cell service… bummer). This gave our team the opportunity to simply hang out with the survivors and BOL staff. While some grilled, others played volleyball, others walked along the river, and others played cards – there was no agenda, no program, no checklist of tasks to be completed in this time. This atmosphere of freedom allowed the survivors to relax and have fun with the awkward strangers from America. While we were playing volleyball, it struck me that this idea, this overused buzzword of “resilience” was so much deeper than its definition.

Let me explain… as a social worker, I often encounter the idea that children who experience trauma are inherently resilient is becoming somewhat debunked in the therapeutic context. Yes, children can “bounce back” from trauma better than adults but do they always – no. So it should never be assumed that a child who experiences abuse, neglect, etc. will be “fine” simply because they are a child and we love to think of children as happy-go-lucky little humans. Trauma, especially complex and long-term trauma, can completely re-wire your brain. So, needless to say, the word “resilience” is currently overused and debated in my opinion. Initially I wasn’t too thrilled that it was the single word to pop into my head. What can I say; I’m a woman of many words.

ANYWAY – the girls that we spent time with this afternoon were more than resilient. The word resilient does not do them, their stories, and their futures justice. They have experienced the darkest, most deplorable depths of humanity and are still able to smile, laugh, and joke around like any other teenage girl. This served as a reminder for me not to put survivors of trauma in a special, sugar coated, Nerf-like compartment in my mind. They deserve better from me – better from my time – better from my profession. They deserve to be treated like I would treat anyone else – like I would treat Jesus. I shouldn’t stand on the bank of a river in the midst of a volleyball game and pathologize their behaviors through an unnecessary filter as if I’m walking around on sterilized eggshells. These girls want to be loved with a real love – not some textbook, manual-driven relationship. They need these real relationships in order to mend and correct what was done to them by their perpetrators. (Clarification: while advocating for a real, get-your-hands-dirty-type love, I’m still 100% mindful of being sensitive of their trauma and not in any way trying to minimize it. I, personally, require a reminder to get my nose out of the clinical books and take my sterile white gloves off in order to love them the way they deserve and need.)

This real, messy love is what all survivors of trauma deserve. We encounter these survivors everyday, we work with these people, we live with these people – we may even be one of them ourselves. We need to love with a correcting love. A love that can right wrongs, a love that can bring about freedom, a love that can bring restoration and healing.

How do you love the trauma survivors that you come in contact with? I’ll be the first to admit that I’m often too tired, too busy, too whatever to give more than 10 minutes – and no, do I want to get into the nitty-gritty of your pain? Pshhh, that just sounds messy, complicated and super awkward. Then I’m reminded of the words of C.S. Lewis in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe when the children ask Mr. Beaver if Aslan the lion (the Christ figure) is safe “Safe?… Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King.” Getting into people’s lives is never safe – loving like Jesus is never safe. But it’s good. And if we want to see restoration and freedom brought to our world then we need to get into the lives of trauma survivors and truly love them with a correcting love.

Amanda

A Bitter Portion. A Way to Hope.

“And the women said, “Is this Naomi?” She said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.” Ruth 1:19-20

Today we were scheduled to visit the second-hand shop that Beginning of Life (BOL) runs to help support their numerous programs. As we drove to the store, we passed what looked like a very large yard-sale, with clothes, books, and other household goods laid orderly along the sidewalk for passer-bys to purchase. However our guide Sergei then explained, that no, this wasn’t a yard-sale. People, mostly the elderly, were selling their personal items because they didn’t have enough money to survive. These large apartment sales happened right after the fall of the Soviet Union and started again during the Recession in early 2000.

Mostly the elderly sell their goods because, in an attempt to provide job opportunities to younger generations, working past age 60 is prohibited. However, that means that the elderly with no children to support them, have no way to generate income (legally) for however long they live afterwards.

“the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.”

But it wasn’t just the Recession that got Moldova to where it is today. Throughout my time in Moldova I have been struck by how history and war, world war, is not just a story in a textbook here. I can walk around and see architecture from the Soviet era. I can see what looks like the remnants of structures destroyed by invading forces. And I have spoken to people with memories of the Soviet era: who have tried to explain how it took away free will and have left older generations afraid and deferential to (corrupt) authority, but how it provided a home to each and strongly supported education (neither of which are guaranteed today).

And it seems to me that the result of Moldova’s chaotic history is that there is not enough.
Sometimes there is only rice to eat.
Sometimes there is only a well.
Sometimes there is no heat. And it gets so, so cold in the winter.

In the Book of Ruth, Naomi goes to Moab with her husband and two sons. Some time later, over what seems a fairly short span of time, she loses both her husband and sons. And as she returns, laments her losses and her bitter portion. Not only is she grieving the loss of her family, Naomi is returning to her homeland destitute. A widow, with no children to support her, she will be at the mercy of her distant family.

Thousands of years later, the story for the Moldovan is not so different. As a working-age adult, it is incredibly hard to make a living. The elderly and the young that do not have family support find themselves in Naomi’s place. And when it comes to the young, the orphans, the neglected, it becomes very easy to see how trafficking in persons can take root and grow like an invasive species.

A stark picture.

However, for BOL, the hope is in this upcoming generation, both in preventing trafficking and in changing the politics in the country. BOL utilizes Social Teachers in the schools to teach students about human trafficking, the tactics traffickers use, and the skills to avoid risky situations. They also have the Dream House, which takes in social orphans (e.g. children that are left on their own when their parents live and work abroad because there are no jobs) and Place of Change which runs after-school trainings on avoiding building character for middle-school age students.

BOL’s long-term strategy for changing the political system is through Way To Success: a youth leadership development program. Their hope is that through pouring into youth and developing leaders with integrity, they will be able to create a positive change in the politics and governance of Moldova. Please join our team in prayer that God would raise up a new generation to restore this land.

Leticia

Heart and Soul

The Dream House is a light-filled haven for girls who are at high-risk to be exploited or trafficked. The Director, Ala, explained that many of the girls are “social orphans” whose parents are working abroad and unable to provide care. Some have been completely abandoned or previously lived with relatives who later kicked them out when money became scarce. Though their stories vary, a common theme unites them: they had no one to turn to and would have been easy prey for traffickers without the intervention of Beginning of Life (BOL). The Dream House has been in operation for less than a year and is home to ten teenagers. Over three years the girls learn to take care of themselves, interact effectively with others, and pursue life goals. At the end of the time, each girl is expected to independently provide for herself.

Today our team decided to bake at the Dream House. Many of the residents had been napping upstairs but, as the aroma of fresh sugar cookies wafted through the house, a hurried throng of girls eventually appeared in the kitchen. It was a scene from any high school slumber party: young girls devouring multiple cookies as quickly as possible. One girl asked, “What’s in these? We’ve never made cookies before.” It surprised me that this basic rite of passage for many American girls was completely foreign to these precious Moldovan women–and emphasized just how far from childhood they were.

The girls were shy; after the challenges they have faced, many wear a mask until they feel safe enough to reveal their true selves. Kim and I eventually got the girls to open up about their hobbies. One girl, G, agreed to perform a piano piece for us. She brought us down to the basement and turned on the keyboard to play a lovely and elegant short piece. G was serious and demure throughout the process. Kim and I lamented that we had never learned piano except for two easy songs: “Chopsticks” and “Heart and Soul.” We sat down to show G our (inferior) skills and, as we stumbled through the songs, G suddenly switched the instrument on the keyboard making our song sound like it was being played on a kazoo!

It sounded terrible but was quickly drowned out by sweet peals of laughter coming from G! The change delighted her so much that she continued to push the instrument button every few seconds, laughing at the new sounds that emerged. Her laughter was infectious and we were soon all giggling uncontrollably. Eventually, G flipped on the percussion button and there was the distinct twang of a cymbal. I was inspired to start a beat and Kim quickly joined with an alternating snare drum. We motioned for G to add to the rhythm and we were soon jamming to a catchy mixture of bass, snare, cymbal, and wood block–all together.

The fun didn’t stop there; Kim played “Heart and Soul” and I encouraged G to sit down next to her to learn. We spent the next fifteen minutes struggling through the piece but laughing at the finger slips and inevitable confusion caused by the language barrier. Eventually, Kim and G were able to play the song in harmony as I sang the lyrics. We were basically ready to go on tour. 🙂

It was a day of small victories–sugar cookies made without a recipe or measuring cups, an impromptu jam session, and the teaching of a simple song–but it was more than enough. From now on I will think of G every time I hear “Heart and Soul,” and be thankful that she felt safe enough to take her mask off, even if only for a few moments.

Helen

ASE Asks: Sarah Gardner on the IJM Freedom Ride

Sarah Gardner in Seattle on the IJM Freedom Ride

“ASE Asks” is a series in which NCC ASE interviews everyday individuals who are making a difference in the fight against slavery and exploitation in their own unique and creative ways. We love to show our readers that you don’t have to be a “professional” to seek justice and meet the needs of the broken. If you know someone who NCC ASE should feature on “ASE Asks,” contact us.

Sarah Gardner is the Event Coordinator for NCC ASE in addition to her full-time position as a Neonatal ICU Nurse at Virginia Hospital Center. Sarah recently took part in the IJM Freedom Ride in the Pacific Northwest, traveling from Seattle, Washington to Portland, Oregon.

ASE: What is the IJM Freedom Ride and how did you hear about it?

SG: The IJM Freedom Ride is organized by the organization Venture Expeditions. Venture Expeditions’ mission is to empower people to benefit the world and discover their souls through adventure-driven humanitarian efforts. I have known about, prayed for and supported the amazing work of International Justice Mission (IJM) for years but did not hear about Venture Expeditions until I came across their booth at the expo hosted during the 2013 Justice Conference in Philadelphia. After doing more research on Venture Expeditions I learned that one of their upcoming adventures was to support and bring awareness to the work that IJM is doing.

ASE: It sounds like an amazing opportunity. What made you decide to participate?

SG: I have felt God really tugging at my heart to seek Justice for those who are trapped in the world of modern-day slavery, to be an advocate, bring awareness, and be a light in the dark places. There were three things that really drew me into joining the IJM Freedom Ride team: first, the opportunity to support International Justice Mission and to contribute to God’s call for Justice; second, the physical adventure and challenge of training and riding a bike for over 400 miles; and third, the opportunity to see the beautiful Pacific Northwest in a unique way.

ASE: I can imagine that biking 400 miles required a lot of endurance and fitness! What kind of training did you have to go through to prepare yourself for the trip? Did you face any obstacles in getting into riding shape?

SG: Yes, this was physically demanding! It was also very demanding on my time and finances (I needed to raise $3000). Prior to the ride I had never ridden my bike over 12 miles, so all this was new to me. I originally thought I could ride my hybrid bike…I knew nothing about biking, and I still have lots more to learn! After already being chosen to be a part of the team, committing and donating to my ride I found out I did not have the right bike. I felt panicked and worried that I had misunderstood God and I was not supposed to be on this ride. I did not have the money to buy the right type of bike (prices start at $800-1000!). I prayed and still felt God was calling me to continue. I sold my hybrid bike for $400 and bought a brand new Cannondale (a really fancy brand) road bike on craigslist for only $600 (So I only spent $200). All done in 24 hours. God is awesome!!!

I found a new friend, Larry, from an unlikely place who would turn into my biking mentor. He is retired, has been riding bikes all over the country for years and a bike expert. Through his time, expertise and love of teaching/biking he got me ready for my ride. He fitted me to my bike (I didn’t know I needed to do that), talked through how to clean a bike, parts for a bike, nutrition while riding, setting up a training schedule, and always made himself available for any concerns or questions. He and his family along with my friend and family cheered me through every pedal stroke during the bike tour!!

I found that I really enjoyed riding my bike — it brought me a lot of peace and time to reflect on life and to talk to God. I’m a prayer partner with IJM and they send weekly emails, so I would spend a lot of time praying over these requests when I was on my bike. This always helped remind me why I was making these sacrifices, and they started to not feel like sacrifices anymore but something natural I would do for someone else; like visiting a loved one in the hospital — of course I would go visit. In the same way, of course I want to love, pray for, and sacrifice for the unknown individual who is hurting. There is no way for me to ignore this now that I know people are hurting and that God loves them just as he loves me.

ASE: Tell us about your experience on the Freedom Ride. Was it what you expected? What were some of the greatest challenges that you and your team faced? Would you do it over again if you had the chance?

SG: Looking back on the ride I sometimes can’t believe that was something that I did. The IJM Freedom Tour was an amazing and wonderful experience that I would do again. It was truly through prayer and teamwork. It makes no physical sense that I, with just under 3 months training, could ride 440 miles climbing over 20,000 feet over the course of 5 days. We were on some crazy roads riding on the shoulder with huge logging trucks zipping by us, and no one was hurt during the entire trip. I knew the mileage that we would travel, but had no idea how much climbing we would end up doing. We always rode in pairs, so no one would be alone (it happened a few times, but overall we stuck together). There were different levels of experience so we naturally grouped together with others that were on the same pace as ourselves. We had 2 support vehicles that would bring us snacks, help with flat tires or bike problems. We would stop about every 18-22 miles to reload on water and energy. During a ride like this you can burn up to 6000 calories a day, so I could eat anything — seriously anything. It was awesome!!!! Peanut butter and I continue to be close companions, although I can’t eat quite as much as I did during the IJM bike tour. 😉

The scenery and weather were fantastic. Every morning we would wake up around 5am and get on our bike between 5:30 and 6. The weather was always chilly and wet, but by lunch time the sun would break through and the ride would be magnificent. Each night we would stay in a different church on their floor in sleeping bags. The churches were always gracious with cozy places to sleep, eat a hot meal and anything else we needed. There was always a service scheduled for our arrival, so after showering and eating dinner together we would get to share our story, bring awareness to the issue of modern day slavery, the work IJM is doing and why we were riding across the Pacific Northwest.

The pace of life on the tour was harder than I thought — up early, riding all day, racing to shower, eat, and be in fellowship with hosting churches, in bed late at night to start it all the next day. This was hard for me and for others but we all truly worked as a team understanding daily needs and chores. Being in prayer with one another, supporting and encouraging one another when we could see one of our teammates was struggling — it really wasn’t about self on this trip. Our team focused on one another, being a team, and the whole reason we were doing this: to step out of ourselves and into God’s call to serve others, to bring justice to the oppressed, fatherless, widow and the poor.

ASE: Was there a particular leg of the trip that was more memorable or exciting than the others?

SG: Was there a greatest part of the trip? Wow, there were so many! Oh, I rode my first Century (100 miles) on Wednesday. We started out in Forks, Washington and rode 108 miles down to Aberdeen, WA. My friend Erica and I rode, shared, encouraged, and laughed together the full 108 miles! We had a celebrated high five at mile 100 as I said: “We did it, that was awesome, I never want to do that again.” All still true now except the last bit…I think I might want to do 100 miles again!!

Crossing the Astoria-Megler Bridge over the Columbia River from Washington State into Oregon on Thursday was so beautiful and powerful. It had been a cloudy day and the sunlight took over the sky pushing away the clouds about 3 miles before we crossed the bridge! So fantastic.

Some of the climbs would go on for over 2 miles!! I was sure I was not going to get to the top — at each bend I was sure the climb had to stop, but was met with the road continuing to incline — certain my racing heart and burning thighs could not take much more, each time making it to the top! But the reward of climbing 2 miles is getting to fly down…nothing like that here in the DC-metro area! It was indescribably exciting to be rewarded with flying down the hill, whipping through the fantastic rain forest, drizzle hitting my face, taking each bend with great speed and ease — indescribably amazing!! Absolutely worth the climb!!!

And of course I must mention the 19 other individuals from all places in their lives and all over the country (there was even one rider from Canada!). We had one rider who was 18 and two riders who were in their 60s! All different riding levels — many, like me, new to cycling, and others who were, in my opinion, pros! We were all united by our compassion towards God’s call to Justice. We were safe to share, be vulnerable and support one another through the highs and lows on the trip. Quite an amazing and inspiring group of people stepping out of what is known and trusting God to use them for his vision.

ASE: What are some of the greatest takeaways that you gleaned from the trip? What did you learn that you didn’t know about human trafficking?

SG: There were a lot of takeaways during my time on the IJM Freedom Tour, but God really started working on my heart on Friday surrounding suffering. I am still praying, reading and researching to understand…This was triggered by a fellow rider who was really physically and emotionally struggling to get through the last day. Her heart was breaking. My initial feeling and reaction was that I needed to fix her hurt and figure out the perfect thing to say to encourage her up the climb and through the ride. Her tears continued to fall as we stood at the bottom of the climb. Me and a couple other team members prayed with her, encouraged her and stayed with her as we began to walk our bikes up the hill. God started working on my heart — at first I was externally patient and encouraging, but inside I was sad because my plan for the day was changing, my ride was going to take longer, I was not riding my bike, I might not get to ride the whole day and on and on…Then God started to talk to me, “Sarah, it is not about you, your agenda, your time, or feeling good about helping someone. It is about not only being with those who are suffering, but entering into their suffering and being present. It is about trusting that I will give you the tools you need. Become a vessel and I will work through you.” I still don’t know what all that looks like but I am searching and praying and trusting that God is with me and will use me — and most likely not in the way that I think he will.

ASE: What kind of advice would you give someone who is looking to get involved with the issue but who doesn’t feel like they can do anything to help or perhaps do not have the right skills or knowledge to be effective?

SG: For those struggling with what they can do and who are thinking, “I am not gifted, I don’t know anything. The problem is too big, too scary, and I am too small”:  I am going to be blunt and say you are wrong. We serve a big God, nothing is too big for him. It’s not about what you can do, it is about trusting God to work through you. We see this so many times in the Bible — David and Goliath, the fish and loaves that fed thousands, Noah, the disciples, the stories go on and on. I like The Message translation of Ephesians 3:20-21: “God can do anything, you know — far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.” I really like what Bob Goff says in his book Love Does:  “Jesus was always talking about a reverse economy.  He talked about how if you want to receive, you give. If you want to lead, you follow. That the poor are rich and you only really live for certain things if you are willing to die to them.” Much the same, God uses the ordinary for the extraordinary!

As for practical steps, first, start praying about it and listen to where God is leading you. Start reading and researching what is going on in your city, state, country and world. Other ideas — start being a prayer partner for some of the local organizations, IJM, A21, NCC Against Slavery and Exploitation. Reach out to these organizations and see where their needs are. Feel free to contact us here at NCC ASE if you want someone to talk to about getting involved, what you are struggling with, and to share your ideas!

 

Embracing A New Identity: A story from aone:eight’s Southwest Mission Team

This piece was originally published on the aone:eight blog.

An account from team member, Meg Biallas, on her team’s experience from the recent Southwestern USA mission –

“Why are you guys here again?”
“We are here because we want to spend time with you.”
“But why? I mean, don’t you know we are all just prostitutes?”
“That doesn’t matter. We don’t see you that way.”

Last month I was part of the mission team that learned about human trafficking and exploitation in the Southwestern part of the United States. The conversation above happened while working on a craft project with teenage girls at Streetlight USA, a restoration campus in Phoenix for trafficked children. The craft was fun and light-hearted, but out of nowhere, one of the girls asked us in a more serious tone, “Why are you guys here?” Our team leader, Circe, engaged with the young girl by denying her label as a prostitute, and encouraging her to see herself as full of worth and potential.  In fact, many minors who are trafficked don’t see themselves as victims (even though they are). Many, like this young woman, cling to damaging labels and blame themselves for their circumstances.

In this particular activity, we encouraged the youth to create a “garden of my heart,” using different shapes to symbolize emotions, such as passion, joy and anger. After learning about the Streetlight philosophy from the staff, we made sure to incorporate the concepts of self-worth and positive images, as we taught them cultural dances, made ice cream sundaes and even during a slushy run to the nearby gas station.

Guests who visit Streetlight USA are invited to take home a painted rock as a memento. The rock is painted black to represent the darkness of the hearts of the girls when they arrive at Streetlight. However, the girls can paint colored designs over the black rock to symbolize their bright hope for the future.

One of my favorite rocks, which I took home to give to one of my supporters, showed several flowers with rain pouring down from the sky. On it, a resident had painted this simple phrase: “Room to grow.”

As children of God, we see how no matter how dark our hearts, God’s light is always upon us. We find our identity not in the label others give us, but in the identity we find in God –
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:
The old has gone, the new is here!
2 Corinthians 5:17

Just before we left Streetlight on our final day with the girls and staff, we added our name to their wall of volunteers, and included one of NCC’s core values: “It’s never too late to be who you might have been.” Our prayer upon departure was that the young women at Streetlight – past, present and future – would see themselves as bright and shining daughters of God.

Seeing Life Through the Eyes of the Oppressed

Seeing life through the eyes of the oppressed
Tick tock time moves but I am standing still
No matter what I feel partially dressed
Unprepared for that city on a hill

Does God call me to live outside my soul?
To see your pain and engage
What chance do you have to be made whole
Pitted against the world and all its rage

Justice is bigger than you and me
More than ideals and dreams
To really reach out…touch feel see
Is much harder than it seems.

I’ll never be a savior but perhaps a friend
To live according to purpose divine
To say “Here I am God–please send”
To live attached to The Vine

To surrender my life to the way of Him
To carry the torch for someone else’s vision
Serving Christ you cant help but win
Today make a direct decision.

May He light my way and dream my dreams
May He be the light of my heart
I may not know what any of this means
And I think that is a great place to start.

Brooke Birkey

Moldova: A Tale of Two Girls

“IT WAS the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way…” Charles Dickens.

Let me tell you a tale about two girls: L and E.

L is from a family of five children. After her parents divorced, her mother had a tough time raising the family. L tried to help as much as she could and held a job at the local market. When a friend told her about an opportunity to work in a store in Turkey where she would earn $2,000 a month, L accepted. After arriving in Turkey, she was forced into sexual slavery. Not long after, she was trafficked to Russia where the nightmare repeated. L had no way of getting in touch with her family–they heard nothing from her for two years.

One day, L was standing with a group of sex workers in Moscow when a car drove into the women. L was hospitalized for a serious head trauma that resulted in schizophrenia. L ran away from the hospital, was picked up by the Russian police, and put in jail for not having a passport. Eventually, her story came out and she was repatriated back to Moldova where Beginning of Life (BOL) received her.

Olga, a BOL social worker, took me to L’s house to show the conditions that many of the girls grow up in. The windows and doors were broken, the indoors were filthy, and there was no electricity or gas.

While there, Olga explained that L’s sister, E, had also been trafficked. 2 girls in the same family. Trafficked.

L cannot live at BOL because her schizophrenia requires full-time care. However, E is currently living at the BOL shelter with her beautiful baby girl. Last year, E made her peace with God and was baptized. Today, she is stable and on her way to independence thanks to the incredible workers at Beginning of Life. E is still not where she wants to be–but she’s not where she was.

And that’s worth celebrating.

 

Helen Wong

Ncc.againstslavery@gmail.com

@NCC_ASE

Facebook.com/nccase