This is the third time in the last two years where I am attempting to adequately write about a season in my life which is about to come to a close. First, I went on an incredible, four-countries-in- four-months mission trip in 2011, serving with anti-human trafficking organizations in Cambodia, Thailand, India and the United States. The experiences I had, the friends I made and the people I met and served with completely changed my life. Then, the first six months of 2012 were spent in Mijas, Spain, as I attended the G42 Leadership Academy. I loved every minute, not only because of the dynamic, Holy Spirit-led classes, but also because of the amazing people I lived and formed strong friendships with. Before both experiences ended, I did exactly what I’m doing now: sitting in front of my computer, trying to emotionally prepare to say goodbye to wonderful people while also feeling excited at what’s to come.
I have eight days left in Ft. Myers, Florida, where for the last four months I have been serving with Beauty From Ashes Ministries (BFA), an organization devoted to reaching, rescuing and restoring victims of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or trafficking. For those of you who know the story, I apologize for the repetition. For those who don’t, here’s what happened. I attended a three-day training with BFA at the end of July, with the plans to return to Colorado in August and start a similar organization; an organization with a mission to reach those in the sex industry with the truth that they are loved and valued. I definitely recognized that I really had no idea how to start an organization, but believed with all my heart this is what I’ve been called to do.
I have to imagine the Lord had quite the chuckle when I verbally would say “I’m attending a three-day training and then going to come back to Colorado and, well, start.” Yeah, um, no. I still can’t believe I uttered those words. I have no doubt there are certain people that can absolutely go into a three-day training and be as equipped as they should be according to the Lord’s purpose, but in my case, He had a different plan all along. The day after the training ended, I had lunch with the founder of BFA and a few other women who had attended the training. Five minutes from being dropped off at my hotel, the founder mentioned how BFA was busier than ever and, without thinking, I said “I don’t necessarily have to return to Colorado right away.” We both agreed to pray about it for a week and see what the Lord had to say about it. Well, He made it clear to both myself and BFA that I could be a good fit and be greatly equipped for starting an organization in Colorado.
And without a doubt, I can say that what I’ve learned in Florida is absolutely critical to what the Lord wants me to do in Colorado. From how to run an organized office, to recognizing the needs of women who have come from heartbreaking situations, I have literally learned something every day. I am blown away the Lord opened up this opportunity, and I am so grateful for everyone I’ve met through BFA. The knowledge I’ve gained is imperative to making Love Made Claim, Inc. (the organization I’m starting) whatever it is the Lord wants it to be. I am left in awe by the doors He has opened on this journey, the provisions He has provided and His constant faithfulness.
So, in eight days I begin the drive home. The Lord has already been putting the pieces together as Love Made Claim, Inc. is becoming a reality. I will greatly miss my new friends in Florida, but am so thankful we live a world full of technology, making consistent communication possible. The staff at BFA has been nothing short of wonderful; I feel blessed to know them and will continue to pray for them as BFA continues to follow the Lord’s plans to see His kids set free in Florida and around the nation and world. I still have many, many questions about what’s to come and what Love Made Claim, Inc. will turn into. But thankfully, the One Who knows all the answers is also the One in charge. And what an honor it is to get to be a small part of His plans. 🙂
