I have been procrastinating a bit about writing out this month's challenge.
The reason is that the subject rips my heart out.
At times it brings me to my knees in prayer and gasping sobs of sorrow.
At times it makes me furious, causing anger to boil inside of me.
And at times it causes me to just sit overwhelmed, glued to my seat, unable to move or do any good from the weight of helplessness.
The first two emotions I think are good. These emotions can awaken your spirit to move on the behalf of the broken and abused. But as you proceed with this month's challenge, you have to promise me that you will not do the latter; You will not let a feeling a helplessness hinder you from helping. Because you can help, and that overwhelming feeling that causes immobility is a lie from the deciever.
This month I want to bring to your attention the subject of human trafficking.
According to Unicef, over 2 million children are exploited every year through sex trade.
Over 27 million men, women, and children are victims of current day slavery.
Human trafficking effects young and old, male and female, but most often the most vulnerable are targeted. Traffickers decieve impoverished families into believing their children will be taken to a better place where they can recieve an education, but are instead forced into child labor. Widows are forced to do the unspeakable because they have no one to defend them. Young women are told they can start a new life in another country, and instead become sex slaves.
The first part of this month's challenge is awareness. We are so often sheltered from the atrocities going on in our world, and even in our own backyard. I challenge you, and myself, to dig deeper. Learn the statistics, read real people's stories, and really make a connection to these victims.
Here is one to get you started: Inside the Slave Trade
Also, I would like to recommend the documentary Born Into Brothels, which you can likely check out for free at your local library.
The second part of the challenge is to pray. Pray for God to break your heart for the things that break His. Pray that He will open your eyes to the injustices going on around the world. And pray that he would show you how to move.
The third part of this challenge is to move. It may look different for each of us. Find an organization to connect with that fights the injustice of human trafficking. It may be giving or volunteering or raising awareness.
Here are a few organizations who are devoted to fighting injustice:
International Justice Mission
Conspiracy of Hope
Home of Hope
This month I will be reading Just Courage by Gary Haugen, and I encourage you to do the same. This will be my first time reading this book, but I hear it will be a motivation to step up and take a stand for justice.
I hope you will all be a part of this month's challenge. Shake off that feeling of helplessness, and become a light to expose the evil that hides in the darkness. Take a stand for those who are crying out, but whose voices we cannot hear because they have been muffled.
Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked. Psalm 82:3-4
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Random Question
If you could have any super power, what would it be?
Here's mine: to be able to speak every language...
Imagine the possibilities.
Here's mine: to be able to speak every language...
Imagine the possibilities.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Rachel's Challenge
Yesterday I heard the father of Rachel Joy Scott speak about his daughter, and the legacy she left.
Rachel was the first student killed at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999. I remember that day clearly, as I was a junior in high school at the time, and the same age of many of the students who were killed. Thirteen innocent people died that day, 12 students and 1 teacher, at the hand of two high school students who then took their own lives.
Hearing the story again yesterday hit just as hard as it did the first time around, but yesterday I also got to experience some of the light that has radiated from that dark day in history.
Weeks before her death, Rachel wrote a paper about starting a chain reaction. Her theory was that doing a small act of kindness would encourage the recipient to do the same, and so on and so for, starting a chain reaction. Rachel challenged the reader to step out and start their own chain reaction. I would say that little did she know how many people would read her paper, but I think that she did.
In Rachel's journal she wrote that she was going to change the world, and almost exactly a year before her death she wrote a prayer that her last year on earth would be one where she could reach out to others. She knew she was going to die, and she even said it would be by homicide. So she lived intentionally.
On the day she died, sitting in the last class she ever sat in, she drew a picture. The picture was of eyes, with 13 tears falling. The thirteen tears fell upon a rose and turned to blood. Moments later 12 students including Rachel, and 1 teacher were killed.
It wasn't until her funeral, when person after person stood to share stories about Rachel, that it was realized what an impact she did have on the world.
After hearing Rachel's story, a couple things stood out to me. It was clear to me that she was in close fellowship with her Creator, and as a result it was clear to her how she would die, and how she would impact the world.
In her journal she wrote down her dreams, and through her death her dreams were realized. Her chain reaction has spread across the world. Her funeral was aired on CNN, and was the most watched showing in CNN history up to that time. Since then the testimonies of her life and generosity have been heard by millions, and millions have stepped up to become part of the chain reaction of kindness.
I admire Rachel for hearing God's call on her life, and living it out in everything she did. I love that because of the way she lived her life, tragedy has turned into triumph, and God has radiated light through the darkness.
Walking away yesterday I felt emotionally stretched, but also inspired.
One quote from Rachel's father that I want to share with you, and I want you to think about is this:
"If your dreams and goals do not stretch beyond yourself and your lifetime, you need to dream bigger."
Are your dreams big enough? Are you in such close fellowship with God that your dreams and goals flow from his call on your life? Are you living out your God given dreams?
I would love to hear what they are.
Rachel was the first student killed at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999. I remember that day clearly, as I was a junior in high school at the time, and the same age of many of the students who were killed. Thirteen innocent people died that day, 12 students and 1 teacher, at the hand of two high school students who then took their own lives.
Hearing the story again yesterday hit just as hard as it did the first time around, but yesterday I also got to experience some of the light that has radiated from that dark day in history.
Weeks before her death, Rachel wrote a paper about starting a chain reaction. Her theory was that doing a small act of kindness would encourage the recipient to do the same, and so on and so for, starting a chain reaction. Rachel challenged the reader to step out and start their own chain reaction. I would say that little did she know how many people would read her paper, but I think that she did.
In Rachel's journal she wrote that she was going to change the world, and almost exactly a year before her death she wrote a prayer that her last year on earth would be one where she could reach out to others. She knew she was going to die, and she even said it would be by homicide. So she lived intentionally.
On the day she died, sitting in the last class she ever sat in, she drew a picture. The picture was of eyes, with 13 tears falling. The thirteen tears fell upon a rose and turned to blood. Moments later 12 students including Rachel, and 1 teacher were killed.
It wasn't until her funeral, when person after person stood to share stories about Rachel, that it was realized what an impact she did have on the world.
After hearing Rachel's story, a couple things stood out to me. It was clear to me that she was in close fellowship with her Creator, and as a result it was clear to her how she would die, and how she would impact the world.
In her journal she wrote down her dreams, and through her death her dreams were realized. Her chain reaction has spread across the world. Her funeral was aired on CNN, and was the most watched showing in CNN history up to that time. Since then the testimonies of her life and generosity have been heard by millions, and millions have stepped up to become part of the chain reaction of kindness.
I admire Rachel for hearing God's call on her life, and living it out in everything she did. I love that because of the way she lived her life, tragedy has turned into triumph, and God has radiated light through the darkness.
Walking away yesterday I felt emotionally stretched, but also inspired.
One quote from Rachel's father that I want to share with you, and I want you to think about is this:
"If your dreams and goals do not stretch beyond yourself and your lifetime, you need to dream bigger."
Are your dreams big enough? Are you in such close fellowship with God that your dreams and goals flow from his call on your life? Are you living out your God given dreams?
I would love to hear what they are.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
My Zimbabwe Support Letter
Dear Friends,
It is my joy to write this letter to you today! I am so excited to tell you that the door of opportunity has opened for me to return to Zimbabwe on a visit. The tentative dates for my trip are December 18, 2010-January 7, 2011.
For those of you who followed my last Zimbabwe journey, you may remember that in 2007 the government of Zimbabwe asked me to leave several months prior to my scheduled departing date. Following that time the country struggled through crooked elections, world record setting inflation rates (89,700,000,000,000,000,000,000% annual inflation rate as of November 2008- that’s 89.7 sextillion percent) as well as unemployment rates (95%), devastating drought, and cholera outbreaks.
I am happy to say that recently Zimbabwe’s situation is making slow but steady steps towards improvement as a result of a power-sharing deal made between ZANU-PF, and MDC, the two opposing political parties. Although the situation is far less than ideal, and there are still many obstacles to overcome, there is a glimmer of hope for a country that has been beat down and kicked in nearly every way imaginable.
Throughout the ups and downs, Tecla, the same local woman I partnered with in 2006-2007, has remained faithful to her ministry with the orphans and widows. Although this faithfulness has meant much sacrifice for her, she continues to care for the people God places in her path with much love and generosity.
The purpose of my trip will be to replenish Tecla’s supplies which she is unable to obtain herself, to bring clothing and gifts for the children in her program so we may bless them with a special and memorable Christmas, to deliver basic supplies that the local women’s clinic so desperately needs to function, and to create a plan as to how we can more consistently and effectively support Tecla and her ongoing ministry.
I ask that as I prepare for my journey you would consider partnering with me through prayer, and any other way God would place on your heart. In order for this dream to become a reality, I will need to be covered both spiritually and financially.
I will once again be partnering with Mama Makeka House of Hope to carry encouragement and support to Zimbabwe. Tax deductible donations may be made payable to “Mama Makeka House of Hope” and mailed to 4921 E. Townsend Ave. Fresno, CA 93727. Please specify “Zimbabwe Project” in the memo portion of your check.
I thank you for joining me in this ministry, and will carry you with me on my journey.
God Bless,
Rebecca
In addition: I would like to say a special “Thank you” to both Thrivent and Medical Ministries International (MMI). Thrivent has offered a generous grant, in which they will be matching each contribution made by 50%. MMI will be supplying the much needed medical supplies that will be donated to the women’s clinic.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
The Rules
At Youth for Christ we always have club rules hanging up on the wall as a constant reminder of what behaviors are expected.
Last week one of our girls summed it up well. This is now the sign hanging up at girls club :)
"be nice to e wuther"
Last week one of our girls summed it up well. This is now the sign hanging up at girls club :)
"be nice to e wuther"
Friday, August 6, 2010
Church.
One of my favorite times of day in Zimbabwe is sunset.
Each evening, as the sky turned radiant hues of purple and red, Tecla and I would walk.
Each evening we went to the same place. We walked up the hill and around the corner, past the edge of town. We walked out into "the bush", which most would call the middle of no where, and we would have Church.
Most often it was just God, Tecla, and I. Sometimes we would stand perfectly still and silent and just listen. Most evenings we could hear the rushing water from the Victoria Falls, and often times we heard the sounds of elephants grazing in the distance.
The air would start to cool, and as we stood there, silently watching the sunset, I felt, saw, and heard the awesome God I serve all around me.
After silently worshipping, we would sing, pray, and share. God met us there in the bush, and as Tecla and I stood holding hands in the dirt and weeds, our Savior revealed himself in many ways.
Today I sat in a church, here in the U.S.A. My seat was comfortably padded. The air conditioner kept it wonderfully cool compared to the outside heat. I had an ice cold drink to enjoy from the coffee shop right outside the sanctuary doors.
During worship a handful of instruments were played, and words, lights, and pictures flashed around on the screen. I worshipped, but I found myself closing my eyes; not in prayer, but as to not be distracted.
A minute was given to shake hands with my brothers and sisters who I have never met. Brief and mostly empty hellos were muttered, and I found myself craving fellowship. There, among a crowded sanctuary of believers, I struggled to find depth.
I am not sure when the idea of comfort, convenience, and even extravagance became intertwined with church. Or when the focus went from deep to wide.
All I know is that when I left church today, I left craving Church.
Each evening, as the sky turned radiant hues of purple and red, Tecla and I would walk.
Each evening we went to the same place. We walked up the hill and around the corner, past the edge of town. We walked out into "the bush", which most would call the middle of no where, and we would have Church.
Most often it was just God, Tecla, and I. Sometimes we would stand perfectly still and silent and just listen. Most evenings we could hear the rushing water from the Victoria Falls, and often times we heard the sounds of elephants grazing in the distance.
The air would start to cool, and as we stood there, silently watching the sunset, I felt, saw, and heard the awesome God I serve all around me.
After silently worshipping, we would sing, pray, and share. God met us there in the bush, and as Tecla and I stood holding hands in the dirt and weeds, our Savior revealed himself in many ways.
Today I sat in a church, here in the U.S.A. My seat was comfortably padded. The air conditioner kept it wonderfully cool compared to the outside heat. I had an ice cold drink to enjoy from the coffee shop right outside the sanctuary doors.
During worship a handful of instruments were played, and words, lights, and pictures flashed around on the screen. I worshipped, but I found myself closing my eyes; not in prayer, but as to not be distracted.
A minute was given to shake hands with my brothers and sisters who I have never met. Brief and mostly empty hellos were muttered, and I found myself craving fellowship. There, among a crowded sanctuary of believers, I struggled to find depth.
I am not sure when the idea of comfort, convenience, and even extravagance became intertwined with church. Or when the focus went from deep to wide.
All I know is that when I left church today, I left craving Church.
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