No hope, but hope

This past weekend I was able to attend a mission focus group that shared stories from House of Hope, a ministry in the business of transforming the lives of young girls and women caught in the grips of prostitution and sex trafficking.

I think God is calling me to be more involved with House of Hope.  I think, in fact, He might be calling me to go to Nicaragua to use my gift of counseling.  I don't know when, and at this point, I am sensing only a short-term gig, but I could not respond with anything but a "yes" when the team leader of this past trip said at the end of the presentation, "Anyone with a background in counseling or trauma work, we need you."  Here am I, Lord.  Send me.

I was brought to tears a few times during the team's update.  Through their tears, they pleaded with the audience to PRAY.  After the presentation, I connected with a woman who has been sending out House of Hope's prayer requests to a fairly large group of people at our church.  I asked Tanya if anyone in that group was praying together and she said "no".  Over a year ago, I began praying for Pattaya Slum Ministries after asking a missionary there how I could join her in the fight against trafficking.  Just a few days ago, I felt my heart being drawn to mobilize more people to pray for those entangled in sex trafficking, not only in Pattaya, but in Nicaragua and Milwaukee.  So Tanya and I will be joining our groups and we will begin to pray once a month as a large group for the victims of injustice in these places.

One of the stories that brought tears to my eyes is that of a young Nicaraguan girl who was asked by one of the team members what she wanted to do when she grew up.  When I ask the almost 5-year-old girl I nanny for what she wants to be when she grows up, she responds with, "A princess!"  This brings a smile to my face.  The Nicaraguan girl's response:  "Anything than what I've already done."  It seems there are no words to describe the lack of hope these young girls have for their future.  To get a glimpse, read THIS. 

I'm thankful that God is in the business of restoration.  I'm thankful that He has sent this team of people to show His love, a love that surpasses anything they know.  At the end of their time there, one of the team members asked the Nicarguan women what they had learned over the week.  One of the women said, "I learned to trust Jesus a little at a time."  Oh how that lesson can be applied to all of us.  With Jesus, we have hope. 

I want to join in this work.  I want to be a part of His restoration.  I want to be a part of sharing His love to young girls and women whose dignity as human beings has been taken from them.  Some day I see myself on a team, but until then I will pray.  Will you join me?

To read about what the team did when they were in Nicaragua, click HERE.