In Cyprus we got multiple opportunities to work with women who were previously victims of sex trafficking. We got to connect with two ladies who run a workshop that creates a space from 9AM till 12PM every day for these ladies to come to a safe space and connect with each other. Their ministry/NGO is called Free a Victim and the center is called Room of Hope. They pour love and encouragement over these women and commit to fighting for women’s freedom from oppression.
The process of being trafficked is built on a relationship of power and control, both emotional and physical. The victim is misled or coerced into the belief that they are being taken to a better life, and that the trafficker is a person that they can trust and who holds their best interests. However, once they reach the destination country this façade is lifted and the victim is subject to violence, torture, threats to themselves and their family, and sexual exploitation.
These ladies are affected emotionally, spiritually and physically.
Our team had an opportunity to take over some classes, arrange activities and teachings. We thought it was an amazing opportunity to pour into these women and put on a Beauty for Ashes activity.
Six of us around one table, we shared lots of laughs during the ice breaker activity. We shared with each other what God had told each of us regarding our worth during our main activity. We sang worship songs and experienced one of the rawest and most powerful worship sessions with these sisters in Christ. The joy of the Lord was so tangible in the atmosphere, it was simply beautiful.
What was the activity you may ask? It’s called “What’s My Worth?” Here is an example below of what I shared.
“If you wanted to know your own value, where would you go?
Our value is determined, not by others, but by our Creator.
We all desire to be loved. When we don’t feel loved we try to earn it. We place value in how smart and successful we are and how beautiful we look. We try to present ourselves as pretty and shiny and flawless.
We do this all in an attempt to earn love, which cannot be bought or earned. It may work for a while, but soon we will make mistakes. With failure will come feelings of self-hatred because our worth has been placed in our accomplishments and not in Christs foundation. Our worth and value isn’t up for debate. Both were determined before we were born. God demonstrated our worth for all to see when Jesus paid our debt on the cross.
So, what determines our worth? It is not based in our actions or how well we do things. It’s not based on what people have done to you, it’s not the lies people have spoken over you and made you believe. Our value comes from our Maker, the Lord. He created us.He is the only One that can determine our value and worth.
In Romans 8:17 it says we are of ultimate worth because we are His daughter. We belong to Him. Our worth doesn’t change on our behaviour or feelings. I don’t always feel valuable, but I know I am. So, I must choose to believe it. The truth is what God says, no matter how you feel. God’s words are always truth. He is the only One that can speak truth about our worth. The value He has placed on us doesn’t change. He delights in you.
Rather than asking a friend or allowing the media to dictate our worth let us ask the Lord about our worth. Since He is our Maker, He is the only one that can determine our worth.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Rest in the truth that your true worth has already been determined by God, our Father. No one can change your value. He sees you and calls you His “beloved daughter”.
