It has been a while sense I last wrote; life has been very busy. In the last month a number of people have asked the question, "what are you up to these days, aside from ministry; what do you do?" Well this question always stops me in my tracks. My every day is consumed with ministry tasks; it never ends. My biggest problem has been making sure I make my work day come to an end and allow myself time for mental, spiritual, and physical rest. Things have really taken off and it has been exciting to watch God open doors and also provide incredible opportunities for ministry networking.
My typical day is comprised of various tasks relating to different aspects of human trafficking ministry. I spend time composing, sending, and replying to emails related to the fight against Human Trafficking in VA; talking with volunteers in the movement and with groups interested in learning more. I also coordinate over 100 volunteers for a local justice initiative. I spend time on the phone coordinating with people in the Hampton Roads area who are playing vital roles in the movement to end trafficking. I have meetings on a regular basis with individuals who are working in the same realm of ministry, and with individuals or groups interested in learning more about how to be involved. When I am not coordinating with people or networking I am focusing on building relationships. I am helping lead the young adult’s ministry at my church. Every week a number of hours are dedicated to planning events for this ministry, making preparations, and building relationships with members of the group.
Some exciting events and meetings have taken place in the past two months. On National Human Trafficking Awareness Day I was a part of a group that put together an event to bring awareness to surrounding towns and raise support for the fight against human trafficking; the Justice Jubilee. We had an incredible turn out and many people signed up as volunteers for our local justice Initiative. In advertising for the Justice Jubilee I was also given the opportunity to make a commercial for local radio stations; raising awareness about human trafficking. Another amazing opportunity arose when I was able to meet with an FBI agent, who is a Christian and eager to become more involved in the human trafficking ministry. I was also recently connected with a local church whose youth group is working on a human video about human trafficking. I was able to spend time with them, watch the drama, tell them about human trafficking, share my testimony with them, and answer questions. I will be speaking to their church briefly about the issue in March, as I have been invited to introduce the drama to their church body. These are just a few of many storiesabout the incredible opportunities that have arisen as I continue to follow God's leading.
I am at peace about where God has me in ministry at the present, even though my ministry is not taking the form expected. But God has made it clear that I am doing what He has called me to do for the present. For this season my ministry is to do just what I am doing. When I ask God what opportunities to pursue further or how permanent my commitments should be, He gives me the sense that I am only taking on these specific tasks for a season. My call to human trafficking ministry has not changed. But with each season God will reveal the next step in my response to that call.
God has shown me that I am not to put down roots too deep for the time being. But I should be faithful in the ministry He has given me at all times, until He reveals the next step. While I am being obedient right where I am, God has reminded me yet again to focus on pursuing holiness; as He told me to do while I was in India. As basic as this may sound it is a daily battle to respond to this call according to His will. It is so easy to be side tracked with tasks or responsibilities, or by the comfortable distractions of the world. Yet Christ said to, "be holy as I am holy", thus seeking holiness is foundational. I believe that ministry is futile without the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. And as I heard a prophet in India say, "power and holiness cannot be separated". Scripture makes it clear that while righteousness is a gift, holiness is a choice. 1Thes. 4:7-8 says, “For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.” Then in Hebrews 12:14 God again directs that we, “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord”. Choose holiness.
I know I have written about pursuing holiness before, but it is something that God has really impressed on my heart. Holiness is a huge concept and it would take a long time to really dissect it. But it is intricately linked with self control and a decision to daily choose godliness over the ways of the world. “But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph. 4:20-24).
As I work to accomplish the tasks of ministry, God has shown me that my primary pursuit is to be for holiness. God has declared that as a believer I am part of a holy priesthood. In the Old Testament we see that the priests wore a plate on their chest on which was engraved the words, “Holiness to the Lord”. We are to live lives Holy unto the Lord; this is my call, it is our call, and it is a high calling. “For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people’” (1 Cor. 6:16). The temple is where the presence and power of God resides; as a holy temple the presence and power of God resides in us. As God has said, “I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore, come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty. Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God’” (2 Cor. 6:16-7:1).
When we are obedient to God’s call to holiness we will know the power of God. In choosing holiness I will know a deeper relationship with God and in this I will receive the rest, strength, encouragement, and guidance I need for future ministry; as I seek His Kingdom and His righteousness in holiness. So along with my ministry tasks, this is my tasking from God; I am to pursue holiness and God will take care of the rest.
