I am blessed redeemed,
a child of the king.
I am clean restored,
shame lives no more.
I am set free by your blood,
I am covered in love,
I am yours.
These cleansing words are painted in vibrant color on the walls of what’s affectionately known as the “Jaz” home. Jaz stands for Josie’s Angels Zone. This home, recently established and opened, is a place where adolescent and teenage girls are able to go and live Monday through Friday while attending school. It is a refuge, a place of freedom, love, beauty, and respect. These young girls are able to escape the horrific sexual house, rape, molestation, and neglect they face on a daily basis.
Some of the girls at the Jaz home posing for us!
(they LOVE having their pictures taken)
Josie Long is the daughter of Jeff Long, the director for Kid International Ministries (KIM). The Jaz home has been a long time dream of hers and she has worked tirelessly the past few months bringing her dream to reality. These girls look up to Josie and she is undoubtedly a spiritual mother to all. The community collectively decided on the name of the house!
We also get the privilege of attending the girls’ bible study/devotional in the school located next to where we are staying. This study is for the girls who live in the Jaz home as well as girls from the school who come from similar stories.
One word can effectively summarize my feelings…Joy.
It’s ironic how often as missionaries we almost become prideful in situations such as these. We somehow confuse our own power and ability with the unmatchable power of the Holy Spirit that dwells with in us. I thought I had come to show these girls MY love and boy was I wrong.
The joy that comes from these girls is unspeakable. As we danced around this house, singing and shouting I was silently in awe of the way the girls reflect so much of God’s character. They are 16 at the oldest and have endured more in their lifetime than I may ever be able to fathom. Yet they sing, they smile, they giggle, and they love (oh man do they love) despite their circumstances.
I’m thrilled to be here this month. I’m thrilled to be a part of what God is doing here. The Philippines was one of the countries I had been most looking forward to. John Michael and I spent some time in Eastern Asia previously and Asian culture is dear to my heart. We are just a small piece to this larger puzzle that is being pieced together here and it is inspiring to work along side women like Josie who have dedicated their lives to bringing Jesus to the girls of this community.
Me with one of the Jaz girls!
When I look at these girls I see such beauty. My heart is overflowing seeing them everyday!!!!
Beautiful girls that have stolen my heart!
While sharing my heart right now, I also wanted to update you on John Michael and I. We are well. One week in and we are already seeing growth in our marriage. We have realized that God has placed a significant challenge in front of us and we are unique to those who are single.
Living in constant community is a drastic change from our life before, however, being surrounded by God-loving friends who long to encourage us and see our marriage thrive is an honor.
Together we are navigating the waters of balance in our relationship. It is week one and we desire to establish healthy habits now. We are learning what it means to have to establish date nights and make “us” a high priority! This month we are so blessed with our own bedroom and bathroom. Every month may not be like this, so we are enjoying the blessing that it is while we have it. It’s neat to see the little ways God reassures us and spoils us.
We are surrendering our marriage to him because we know he has more in store for us than we could imagine. We are eager to watch and experience growth, change, progress, even hardship, and a newfound intimacy that comes from the Lord alone.
John Michael is my very best friend, my partner, my confidant, and my heart. I am honored to be serving our mighty god in this adventure along side of him!.
