Wisconsin winters are filled with ice skating and snow ball fights and seeing our breath in front of our faces. But, they are also so frigid that most of us only go outside if we must. Winter is full of cold toes and drippy noses.

I believe we all have seasons of life, each with their pros and cons. Maybe you’ve been through a winter, just like me. To put it simply,  I felt like I was without passion or purpose.I had a lot of good things going on, but I still felt like there was more for my life.  So, I prayed. And prayed. I read books. I fed my faith.  I asked again and again for a passion from Him. I sought after God. This went on for years.

Then, in April of 2008, I attended a women’s conference. The things I was reading about and praying about for so long all exploded into clarity before my eyes! I was finally able to really BELIEVE that God loves me and has a special plan and purpose for my life. I finally received the truth that God wants to use “little old me” for His amazing purposes. Just acknowledging and owning these truths has transformed my life!

The most surprising part about what God showed me deals with the topic of sex trafficking. The topic had been briefly mentioned a few times throughout the event. I found myself walking through the hallways of the conference coming to tears just thinking about it. I found it unusual that it kept coming to my mind and having such an emotional impact on me. Then, during one of Lisa Bevere’s messages, she asked “What if you don’t know what your passions are?”  (Yes? I’m listening.) She went on, “Think about this…What is it that makes you cry?”

Sitting in that chair with hundreds of ladies sitting around me, I began having a silent conversation with God. “God, is that why I’ve been crying about these victims of sex trafficking? Could THAT really be my passion? Who wants combatting sex trafficking to be their passion!? Well, ok, God, let me know if this is you.”

God began a series of confirmations that it truly was something he wanted me to pursue. Because of a chance meeting after this session,  I took interest in a small, Eastern European country called Moldova. I went on to discover that because of extreme poverty, Moldovans have the highest incidences of trafficking, per capita, more than any other European country. I have always had a heart for Russia, and Moldova is a part of the former USSR. But the reason that Moldova caught my attention is because Troy Darrin, my former youth pastor, became a missionary in Moldova in October, 2007. I connected with him and found out that he was working alongside a couple who just opened a home for victims of sex trafficking, called the Home of Hope. I believed that those connections were more than just coincidences.

Helping to combat sex trafficking has turned into a pursuit of my heart, mind and soul. I’ve been reading all I can about sex trafficking. I’ve rented movies that deal with the topic. I’ve been talking to those I meet who have a similar interest in social justice issues. I’m discovering more and more people who care about what’s going on. God planted a genuine passion inside of me that continues to grow every day. Every day I pray for God to set the captives free, to change hearts, to heal the broken and to use those who are available. Including me.

On the ride home from that conference, God spoke to my heart to actually go to Moldova. My friend, Amy, jumped at the chance to join me and we were off! Just over a year after that life-changing conference, we traveled to Chisinau, Moldova. Many loving people made donations to missionaries and organizations in Moldova that we were able to deliver in July of 2009. We interviewed multiple people about human trafficking. We went from the cities to the villages. We met with all kinds of people: from an upper class embassy worker to a man giving his life to street kids. Christians and non-Christians, alike, answered our questions about this global issue.  God completely provided for all the needs of our trip. Even better, we experienced what only God could plan. It was life changing.

I think there are a lot of us who go day to day and live our lives for ourselves and our families, and we are surprised that this life isn’t all we thought it should be. Well, that’s our mistake! God knows the needs of the world and He is ready and willing to use any of us who are available. I didn’t grow up dreaming to be a modern-day abolitionist, because the issue of sex trafficking simply wasn’t something that any of us heard about. Sometimes I think that is why I didn’t have a passion, before. He knew that I would need to be in a spot in life where I would be desperate for whatever He had for me. He knew that through my winter, it would be quiet enough for me to hear His voice.

These discoveries have only reenforced the knowledge that I must pursue God and His purposes. I want to live the abundant life that comes only through Christ. I have found freedom in my spirit through the passion to set other people free. I don’t know the details of my future or what this will all entail. But, I know that God is the one who will continue to fill me with what I need. He will lead me.  And, I’m so thankful.

What happened with me is kind of like those sweet little flowers that come up out of the snow. One day there is nothing but icy white. The next, a colorful little sprig is squeezing it’s way heavenward. And, then, slowly the snow melts away. Spring is here.