In November, Amy and I shared at our church about our trip to Moldova, Eastern Europe. We traveled there to learn about human trafficking and discover more about the worth of one person. One orphan. One victim of trafficking. And our own, individual worth, found in Jesus Christ. If you’d like to listen to our messages through podcast (Amy’s first, mind second) you can listen here: .
I hope you will be inspired to take the next step in your own journey of faith. You are worth it.
This is the first book I will recommend to those who are interested in the issue of human trafficking. It shares about sex slavery in a way that is easily read and accepted. It has statistics and information, but readers won’t get lost in details because the authors share personal stories that keep your attention.
I read through the entire book in one sitting. It shares about the work of Project Rescue and the powerful hope we have in Jesus Christ. It inspires readers about what can be done through the working of the Holy Spirit through people like you and me.
I am thankful for those working with Project Rescue, right now. This is an annointed ministry fighting great battles. They are freeing women from the bondage of sex slavery and taking in the children of these workers, so all may live a better life. The Grants and others working in Project Rescue’s ministries around the world need us to team up with them. Through our prayers, our financial help and by sharing information, we can help them to make a difference. Thank God for Project Rescue!
Missionary David Livingstone is quoted in the book, “Sympathy is no substitute for action.” As a mom and pastor’s wife, I’m busy with the work God’s set right before me. I wish I could do more to combat trafficking. Maybe God will lead me to future works. But I’m reminded, from this book, that the greatest work I can do to combat human trafficking is to pray. I pray for spiritual and physical freedom for sex slaves around the world. I pray for God to fill those working with victims to be filled with the supernatural power of His Holy Spirit. I pray that He will fill me, so that I will be ready if He should ask me to move to the front lines. Prayer is something I CAN do. And, so can you.
A prayer from the book: “Dear Lord, please save the millions of women and girls who are being exploited in sexual slavery; and use my life and resources to save at least one.”
Over one year ago, Amy and I were riding in a car, coming home from a women’s conference. We were sharing how God had spoken SO much to each of us during the weekend. We were so excited because God was showing us both, in an almost tangible way, that He has a special purpose for each of us. I was sharing how God confirmed in multiple ways that I was to learn more about sex trafficking, a completely new concept to me. I was telling Amy how so many things happened that it had to be more than coincidence. You see, I found out that the same country that my youth pastor is now a missionary in (Moldova) is the same country that has the highest rate (per capita) of trafficking victims. I said, “Maybe I’m supposed to go there, someday.” Amy yelled out, “I’m coming with you!” From that moment on, God confirmed over and over again that that is exactly what we were to do.
Three days ago, Amy and I were flying on an airplane from the USA. We were amazed that God was actually bringing us to Moldova. Since we arrived, we’ve experienced more than we could ever have imagined. Throughout these few days we’ve connected with Romanian, Russian and English speaking Christians because we all share an unseen and unheard connection with an invisible God. That connection is supernatural and always amazes me. This morning I shared Jeremiah 29:11 with a village church. I shared that God has a special plan and a purpose for each one of us. I’m following God and enjoying every minute. It’s our heartfelt prayer that each one of you will find your unique purpose, too. God is truly accomplishing HIS purposes. Wow. I’m so thankful we get to be a part of them.
The Talbotts provide life training for mothers in Wautoma at Naomi House. Find out how you can help them at http://naomihouse.org/
God’s been speaking to me about mercy.
When I think about victims of sex trafficking, I have the utmost mercy for them. I think about what they have faced. I understand that because of these horrors, it might be hard for them to be healthy moms to their children. They need healing in every respect. The Home of Hope, in Moldova, is loving these women and training them to become better parents. I feel such faith that they will become who God intends for them to be, through His power.
When I think about some of the ladies in my own community, I get frustrated. I recently witnessed obvious neglect and abuse at a local park. It made me mad to see how these children were being treated. How could that mother fail to treat them with the love that every child deserves?
Then, at a prayer meeting, God convicted me as He connected these two thoughts. He showed me that these local women have histories that I can’t imagine. Maybe they’ve experienced abuse and neglect themselves. Maybe they just don’t know any better. But, doesn’t God have the power to change them, too? Why shouldn’t I have the same hope of restoration and health for them?
It just got me wondering if part of the purpose of my trip to Moldova might be to inspire me to help hurting moms in my own community. I’m open to whatever God has planned.
May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships so that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression and exploitation of people so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.
May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in the world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done to bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.
It took quite some time, but I finished! Many people told me to read this book to learn about sex trafficking, especially regarding Eastern Europe. They pointed me in the right direction!
The Natashas is like a bunch of newspaper articles put together into a book. There are so many names and dates and details. It’s filled with information about how trafficking takes place and about the politics of it and the ways it is (and isn’t) being fought. This book also has a definite “column writer” feel to it. The writer speaks his mind about the issue. It’s loaded with emotional and personal storytelling that brings each person involved ”to life.” The victims. The traffickers. Those who are helping. Those who stand by and let it happen. Those who create the demand. It’s hard to believe that these are all real life events unfolding on the pages.
Because of this read, I feel a greater frustration with the depravity of man. I don’t expect sin to end on this earth anytime soon, that’s for sure. But, I hold a strong hope that we can make a difference for the better, especially through the power of Jesus Christ. I want to do whatever I can to stop this terrible injustice.
Let me make a suggestion to read this very informative book. It’s not an easy read. However, it will give you a broader understanding about what’s really going on. The more we know, the more effective we can be in our prayers and in our efforts to make a change.
Pastor Laura blogs for Highland Church at http://pastorlauras.blogspot.com/
I’m completely new to blogging. I actually prefer the smell of old books to the lighted screen and humming of the computer. So, I haven’t done much reading online. I’m pretty “green” when it comes to knowing what I should and shouldn’t be doing. Because I have an interest in writing, I figured that blogging would be a great way to practice. Now that I’m “off and running”, I’ve decided I should probably start reading some of the other blogs that are out there. What fun!
My friend, Kate, was one of my inspirations for beginning this website adventure. She has a great blog about being a creative mom. I’ve discovered many inspiring things at Coming Up Rosemary. But, I’m discovering new blogs, too. Just today, I discovered that one of my other friends just recently started writing about her role as an abolitionist, which interests me greatly. She also shares about her experiences with adoption and parenting a special needs child. Check out The Sol Train. As I was navigating her site, I came across Sara Groves’ blog. Yay! She’s my favorite music artist, who also shares a passion for social justice issues. Of course I enjoyed reading through her thoughts and watching some videos.
I have some other favorites for creative inspiration listed, here, too. Check them out. And, please let me know if there are other sites I should make sure to visit. I’m excited to discover more!
READING As a child of the 80’s, I found great pleasure in laughing through the adventures of Ramona Quimby. I held my breath as I tried to figure out the clues that Encyclopedia Brown discovered. I joined the boxcar children in their cozy little train home that they shared without their parents. As I got older, I read straight through Judy Blume’s box set. Yes, I even remember hiding my copy of “Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret” from my mom, thinking she might take it away from me if she knew what I was reading. Pretty racy stuff. Those books represented a sort of invisible friend whom I shared a special part of my life with. I think they probably shaped who I became, in many ways.
WRITING I know this sounds super nerdy, but I loved writing papers in college. Partially because I love to write. Partially because my major, Behavioral Sciences, was genuinely interesting to me. I spent way too long perfecting my essays until I was truly proud of my work. And, my grades reflected it.
ARITHMETIC (or, how they add up) As I was reading “The Dream Giver” by Bruce Wilkenson a few years ago, I consciously connected those two pieces of me. I began to wonder if perhaps I might use my desire to write for the benefit of pre-teen readers. Might my interest in human psychology unite with my faith to help shape young girls through fiction books? Could being a published author be a part of my future? I hope so.
Our lives are real life “Choose Your Own Adventures”. We can use what we’ve learned as we make our decisions. What interests and talents have you discovered from the pages of your life that might help you make the most out of the rest of your story?
Nina Winkelman created a display at Platinum Salon in Stevens Point to collect gifts for Moldovan children.
When Amy and I were planning our special night, “The Worth of One,” we had people like Nina in mind. Our greatest vision was to inspire others towards the purposes and plans that God created them specifically for.
What we didn’t know was that Nina has a real compassion for the kids of the world. Her coworkers watch in amazement as Nina has patience and love for even the tiniest, most difficult, wiggling salon customers. When she heard about the needs of the children in Moldova, she decided to do what she could to help. She and her coworkers set up a special display and are receiving donations that will benefit orphans and the children of victims of sex trafficking. Because of people like her, our suitcases will be packed full of things that will bring smiles to some of the poorest children in Europe.
Others have shared with me what they’ve been challenged to do: Volunteer at First Choice Pregnancy Center. Work to share about purity with young women. Go for the big vision, “Changing the World.”
Because we are following our dreams to Moldova, God is inspiring others to follow their dreams. Nina is leading her coworkers in the worthwhile endeavor to love kids, both near and far. Whatever your purposes are, I challenge you to take Nina’s example. As you make that next step, others might just follow your lead.
Cristi is the girl who reminds you of someone you already know, but surprises you (and herself) with who she really is and what she's all about. Hazel Daisies is a spot to randomly record and reflect on these discoveries.
