Hello everyone!
I wanted to post an update in order to reflect on the past week of ministry! As I mentioned in the last blog, we had the opportunity to go into a juvenile detention center and spend a few days with the 40 girls there. It was extremely powerful. We taught English, played games, had an epic dance battle (my team won haha), prayed over the girls, and had a karaoke competition. I also got to share my testimony with the girls on the first day which was super sweet! And my teammate, Kate, shared her story and how the Lord had redeemed and restored her. It was moving. They were so eager and engaged in everything we did. It was evident that they wanted to better themselves and learn. We were greeted with so many sweet smiles. And when we left, every single girl gave us a hug. They were so grateful and appreciative.
This isn’t common for a juvenile detention center. It’s clear that they have been impacted by the people of YWAM. Our hosts made a deal with the president, and for every two English lessons that the girls attend, it takes a month off their sentence. What’s even crazier is that they get to share the gospel within that time frame of teaching… and I’m simply amazed that I got to be a part of it.
Although this was a wonderful and life-changing experience, I struggled afterward. It was so heartbreaking to see them there. Many of them had tattoos and markings that showed that they were property to a boy. And a few were there because they took the blame for their boyfriends. Any time the girls would say, “you‘re beautiful”, I would smile and return the phrase… but every single one replied in a shameful voice saying “no, no, no.” And that broke my heart.
And it made me realize that every time we deny our own beauty and believe the lies that are spoken to us, it breaks God’s heart. We are His artwork, His creation! And He made each of us unique and special. After creating us He looked at his work and said: “It was very good.” And when we believe that we are, “unworthy”, “ugly”, “unpure”, or “not good enough” … we are pretty much telling God, “What you created was bad.” And because He created us in His image and likeness, we are practically saying “You are bad.” And that’s not who He is… He is a good Father. He is beautiful, perfect, holy, righteous, and loving. Therefore, as His sons and daughters, we are beautiful! Let’s stop listening to what the world has to say about us, and listen to what God says about us.
Anyways, I had a hard time leaving the Juvenile Detention Center and I left wishing I could do more… Wishing I could show them how much God loves them. Wishing I could tell them who they are in Christ. Wishing I was there to protect them from harmful relationships and people. There was so much more I wanted to do…
But I had to remind myself that I can’t do these things. ONLY God can. He is the one who speaks into our identity. He is the protector. He is the one who works within our hearts. He is the one who sent His son to die on the cross. And it’s our choice to believe and receive that. And I’m trusting that He will do His job. And that He will complete the work that He has begun in their hearts and my own. He will tend to the seeds. He will produce the fruit and harvest within us.
All I can do is share His love and light, giving it my all. Not for my sake, but for His!
I ask that you continue to pray for me and my team! This week we have been teaching/in charge of an English Camp for a government school nearby. There are about 40 kids, so prayers for planning and continued strength, energy, and health! We have one more month, and I know the Lord has so much more that He wants to do in and through us. So prayers that He will provide opportunities, and that we can be willing and present, responding to what He’s called us to do!
Thank you for following along on my journey and for all the love, support, and prayers!
Have a fantastic week!
Kat
