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.”
1. Sign your passport BEFORE you show it to the airport check-in clerk. “This would have cost you 5 hours in customs…”
2. Don’t attempt to check in online if this is your first time traveling internationally. You may regret it.
3. Please don’t act like you are from a small town in Wisconsin. There is such a thing as overuse of good manners. Thank you.
4. Use all your 5 senses when going on a missions trip. (Unless the man behind you on the 9 hour flight has greazy hair and supernatural body odor.)
5. Never fly Air Moldova. Unless you like mob “lines,” rude employees, cancelled flights and hearing what translates as, “No, I’m sorry. We cannot help you.” However, the classic style of the flight attendants might have been worth it all.
6. Be prepared to pay double digits for internet access. Or, learn about and obtain SIM cards before the trip so that you don’t need to pay for internet access.
7. Be flexible. You may need to fly through a few extra countries to get to your destination. Your credit card may not work. Your second credit card may not work. You may need to sleep at the airport or a 5 star hotel… who’s to say?
8. It’s great to try everything; there are numerous new foods to discover. But, try to avoid the sliced, raw pig fat if at all possible.
9. Bring anti-parasite medication. ‘Nuf said. (see #8)
10. Be grateful for the journey. Every single thing you experience will become a part of who you are. You will never be the same.*
On July 16th, Amy and I arrived safely in Chisinau, the capital city of Moldova. Stepping outside the doors of the airport was a true welcome, as we viewed such an amazing panoramic of green pastures and blue skies. As we drove into the city, it began pouring and we made our way through humungous structures that looked like city gates from “Lord of the Rings”. As we got closer, we realized that they were communist-style apartments.
“The city gates”
Troy Darrin (our missionary host) shared with us how each one is a condominium, of sorts, to the inhabitants. It depends on the owners how they will fix up their portion. Most are the size of 2 small rooms, with a balcony attached. One of the rooms may be used as their livingroom/bedroom, with a couch that turns into a bed. The other half of their apartment may be an entryway, a small kitchen and a bathroom. We visited an amazing young couple, with a baby, who rents one of these. The woman told us that it depends on the complex whether they will have heat starting in October or November and whether you might be in one of the warmest or coldest apartments, both summer and winter, based on what floor you live on. (Does the heat come from the top or the bottom?) Some have gas, but hers only had electricity. It costs so much, they only kept one light bulb in their 3 bulbed lighting fixture. The hallway didn’t have any lighting fixtures. The amenities depend on when they were built by the communists and how many levels they have (architectural design). She said that during these summer months it is up to her to boil her water for food and for hygienic purposes. Her small home was kept neat and tidy, and she told us she was blessed to live there. These huge complexes fill the landscape of the city.
Chisinau Apartments
We made our way past many of these buildings, through flooded streets and downed trees. We found “shelter” in an upscale pizzeria-style restaurant and enjoyed some delicious food. Then, we drove back to the Darrins where I was treated to some meaningful gifts, a birthday cake, and ice cream from a tube. Super yummy! We went to the living room and began the gift giving… for Moldova! Amy, I and LOTS of you donated 3 suitcases of items to the Darrins, other missionaries and ministries and the wonderful people of Moldova. It was such fun! We gave away many of the items during our visits throughout the week. They brought so many smiles! And the Darrins were left with MANY presents to give away in villages and to children, families and others as they continue their ministry in Moldova. Thank you to all who blessed us with the joy of blessing others! It was so fun to be a part of it all.*
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.
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.
