In my missions experience it has become clear that change is a familiar friend. And it is change that has acquainted me with many crossroads and their implications. But I’ve found that my path is not marked by whether my steps are right or wrong. But rather, what I carry in those steps is what holds significance. With that said, I have good news to share with all of you that springs from yet another crossroads in which what I carry is the name of Jesus and that alone has made all the difference.
As you may know, I have been working for Adventures in Missions for the past four months in preparation to move to India with them. My team and I signed on to plant a new base for them in Mumbai which would serve to fight sex trafficking by forming partnerships with people who are already at work in the red light districts. Since Adventures in Missions has been transitioning into long-term ministry (verses their expertise in short-term), my team and I have been in the middle of many shifts. As soon as we would progress in raising funds, setting a launch date, and solidifying partnerships, changes would quickly nullify our progress. Throughout these shifts, our hearts have remained the same and our ambition for being change agents against slavery stands more sure. With that said, It has recently become clear to me that the direction in which AIM wishes to go in India simply does not match the vision I have been given to hold. After many conversations and much prayer, I have decided not to continue on staff with Adventures in Missions into this next season.
Being faithful to all who are on this journey with me and providing you confidence in this process is of paramount importance to me. This decision was not made lightly and was founded on my consideration for what is better for my support system and what is the very best for India. This decision has changed my route to India, but has had no effect on my urgency to deliver a message of life to the brothels of India.
On your end, not much changes. Adventures in Missions is still hosting my support checks and when the time comes, all gifts will be transferred to the proper place and will of course go towards the very thing that led hearts to give. Everything stands the same besides the name that I will be underneath. For the time being I will continue to use this blog until I make an official switch. My focus is to give you clear updates on my progress and I am thankful for those of you who have dedicated yourselves to my journey and not just my destination!
For me, my day to day is looking quite different. I have been doing a training curriculum through Wellspring Living; an organization in Atlanta that brings women and children out of sexual trauma and abuse and into one of their restoration homes. I am also a part of an Indian church where I have access to some language training and relationship with people who know India well. My team and I are no longer in the AIM office, but we have hit the ground running in pursuit of being planted with a trustworthy ministry who shares our same goal for India and who will be faithful stewards of our time and support systems. We have been in some pretty exciting meetings all week with organizations who have wanted to partner with us for months now. It’s been so rewarding to be welcomed by people who share our same vision and who are excited to have us in India with them! We still hope to be in India by May to start setting up, so everything is starting to progress rather quickly. There is no better place for me to train for what is next and I will keep you posted on any movement!
As I pursue my dreams in India, I’ve learned that there is no such thing as unopposed progress. Whatever is good and just will always encounter hostility. This offense is what produces and sustains the commercial sex industry’s horror. The reality of women, men, and children being held captive to a vicious cycle of poverty, exploitation, violence, and oppression is what keeps me up at night. Waiting at their door is one who is unparalleled in power and love. This is the force that I have always been a part of and will continue to follow. Jesus has been and always will be the healer of the broken; nothing has changed.
