Holiness to the Lord

            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. 

I just took action in the fight against modern-day slavery by asking President Obama to help end slavery at home and abroad, in our lifetime. Will you add your name to the letter?

If we reach our goal of 27,000 names, your signature will stand for an estimated 1000 slaves who are waiting for freedom right now. Please add your name today so the President knows Americans care about ending slavery once and for all!

 

Sign Your Name & Stand For Freedom | International Justice Mission

www.ijm.org

There are 27 million people in slavery today. Let’s get 27,000 people to tell President Obama we want to end slavery. Add your name: http://bit.ly/zY4asE

Alone

View the Human Trafficking video, "Alone" at:

  http://www.alone2011.com/

Justice Jubilee

Come out and join Virginia Beach Justice Initiative, Regent IJM, and Old Dominion University IJM on National Human Trafficking Awareness Day; January 11th. Justice Jubilee is an event that will raise awareness about the issue of modern day slavery. After the film there will be refreshments, people who will be able to answer your questions, and opportunities to get involved in the fight against human trafficking. There will also be a silent auction to raise money that will go towards the continuation of the fight against human trafficking. So spread the word and come join us if you can.

Asleep in the Light

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=em5gL0Rw4Aw&feature=related 

Check out Polaris Project for more information and resouraces about human trafficking:
http://www.polarisproject.org/human-trafficking/overview 

Abide in the Vine

                I have been home now for about three months.  It has been a time of growth.  After arriving home, readjusting, and touching base with my supporters, a season of waiting commenced.  I don’t know anyone who particularly enjoys a season of waiting and I have to admit that it wasn’t easy.  When I was in India God very clearly showed me that I was to go home and press into Him.  That was the only direction I received and I understood that it was enough.  So when I returned home I made it priority to seek God’s will.  At times I was more faithful in pressing into Him than others.  But I waited on the Lord, trusting that in His time He would show me the next step in my ministry process.  For three months I prayed that God would give me an opportunity to get involved in ministry while I was at home.  At the same time I prayed that He would also open a door to ministry in the realm of human trafficking.  I hoped that these opportunities would be presented to me sooner rather than later, but I also knew that I needed to trust God to do things in His time.  So in the mean time I learned a lesson in patience and in surrender; as I learned more about what it means to daily submit myself to the will of God. 

                Finally I realized that in this season of waiting I was desperately in need of community and encouragement.  I needed to talk about my struggles as well as my victories with people who were of like mind and heart.  I had my family and my church body but I also needed to stay in contact with others who had a similar heart for ministry.  When I did this I was immediately encouraged.  I was able to see more clearly the lessons that God was leading me through.  And I saw my journey in a fresh light.  Through all of this God reminded me again to abide in the vine.  John 15:5 says, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing”.  That is powerful.  Basically nothing is imposable with God, but without Him what I can do IS nothing!  Even if I am capable of doing great things by myself it would all amount to nothing.  Only when I am abiding in God and allowing Him to work through me, according to His will and in His time, will I really bear fruit for God’s glory.  Thus God’s timing is worth waiting for, and in the mean time I must abide in Christ.  But what does that mean, what does it look like to abide in Christ?  I believe that it means daily surrender.  It is not about my plans or my desire it is about God’s desire and His will.  “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps” (Prov. 16:9).  Abiding in God is about letting God direct your steps and it is a daily choice.  There is still so much more to abiding in Christ then this, but this was the reminder I needed.  I needed to rest in the knowledge that God is in control and be faithful to seek Him daily.  When I did this God moved.  

  

                Now I am not saying that abiding in God should be used as a means to an end; it should not.  To abide in God is an end in itself.  But in John 15:7-8 it says, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”  Praise God!  He answered my prayers.  The next week I was given the opportunity to meet with three women.  They are each involved in various aspects of the fight to end human trafficking, specifically sex trafficking, in Virginia.  They are mostly working through awareness, advocacy, and prevention.  I have been able to partner with their three ministries in the fight.  At the moment I have joined with them in justice initiatives that are working in Virginia Beach and in Richmond.  I am so excited about the work being done and about the doors God has opened.  Ministry towards victims of sex trafficking has been so much a part of my heart and my life for the past six years and I am blessed do this work in my own state.  God, in His infinite faithfulness, opened a door to partner with others who are doing the work of this ministry.  And His timing is good.  I also learned a lot through the season of waiting as He worked all things together for good. 

                Along with having joined with justice ministries, a few weeks ago I was also able to begin a young adult’s ministry at my church.  It is a ministry for 18-30 year olds.  Then this past week I was able to meet with leadership and the elders to talk about the vision and purpose for this ministry.  And I received their blessing.  So now things are going full swing with that ministry and God has already moved in exciting ways through that group; seeing hearts touched and lives transformed.  So praise God!  His timing is perfect, His plans are good, and His mercies are new every day.  Great is His faithfulness!    

                Please continue to partner with me in prayer as I continue in the work of God’s ministry, as I learn each day what it means to truly abide in Him, and take on these new tasks and opportunities for ministry.  Pray that God would be my peace, that He would give me wisdom, discernment, love, and strength.  Thank you so much for your support.   



This is a picture of a group, from our young adult’s ministry, that went out door to door and collected Thanksgiving food for needy families.