Pieces Coming Together

A year ago, I heard about an international anti-trafficking organization coming to Belize to begin work here. At the time, I was researching any and all anti-trafficking work going on in the country. I felt that God was calling me to join the work, but I had no idea how I would become involved. I reached out to the ministry and didn't hear anything back from them.

Then randomly, months later, I went to visit a friend and ran into the country director at the car wash. I introduced myself and told him a little about my background in social work, foster care and trafficking.

A few more months went by. If you've read my blogs, you'll know I was constantly asking God to point me to my purpose here. I sensed He had a specific call for me, and when I was offered two positions with other organizations, I knew I had to turn them down. It was hard to say "No" to good options, while waiting on His perfect will.

Mid-summer of 2021 the director of the anti-trafficking organization contacted me, wanting to hear more about our family and our background with trafficking survivors. More months passed, and in the Fall I was asked to consult for them pro-bono. Since then, I've been working with them on creating a program of after-care services for young girls rescued out of sex trafficking. The work I'm doing is rewarding and connects precisely to the work I did back in Seattle.

Due to the nature of the work, who I am working with, and the details of the project are confidential. Moving forward, my work with the organization will become more public and I'll share more updates as I'm able. Since my work is ramping up, this blog will become a monthly update on the anti-trafficking work I am involved with.

Please be in prayer for the team God is assembling to serve these young people. It blesses and astonishes me to see how perfectly He has ordered and orchestrated the building of our team so far. Pray that we would identify the perfect strategy for the Belizean context. Pray for co-laborers who will add their talents, passion and resources to the work.

Be encouraged! God has not forgotten you. He sees you and has a plan for you that will connect you with your purpose. Abide in Him. Turn to Him with your concerns, questions and fear. Hold tight to His promises and you will see them come to pass.

Thank you for your support and concern for the work we are doing here as a family. We are blessed to be under-girded by so many friends and family members.

Shalom Shalom

John 14:27

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel,

praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels announced Jesus' birth to the shepherds, they declared peace (Shalom) had come to the world. But the meaning of Shalom goes deeper than peace; it also means harmony, wholeness, completeness, prosperity, welfare and tranquility. Isn't that the crux of what we are all looking for? To be at peace within ourselves, between each other and at peace with God? To have that is to be in harmony, whole and complete.

It's interesting to note that Jews greet each other saying, "Shalom," and they say goodbye in the same way. To greet someone with peace, harmony, prosperity and to send them on their way with the same blessing, is not accidental. In the Jewish tradition, the spoken blessing is a very powerful thing; one not to be taken lightly.

As Christians, we have access to the very source of Shalom, and not just access, the Spirit of Shalom resides in us.

John 14:26, 27

26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name,

will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.

Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

So, as we navigate the stresses of relationships, work pressures, parenting or loneliness, let us be agents of Shalom this season. Let's allow the Spirit of Shalom to use us to bless others, as we are so richly blessed by Him.

This week, and as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, I bless you saying, "Shalom. May God fill you with His Shalom. May you experience harmony, prosperity, tranquility and wholeness. Shalom."

Merry Making

Christmas season in our household is one of many ups and downs. The sugar highs and subsequent crashes, the nostalgia of fond memories and the sadness of missing relatives, trying new recipes and traditions, only to have them fail. Staying merry, sustaining joy over the weeks leading to Christmas, is a daunting task. One that, frankly, I'm not up to.

This year I am trying, really trying, to keep perspective. I'm trying to circle-back to what this whole thing is about when I lose the plot. This morning I'm spending some time with the lyrics to the old English carol, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen."

God rest ye merry gentlemen Let nothing you dismay Remember Christ our Savior Was born on Christmas Day To save us all from Satan's pow'r When we were gone astray Oh tidings of comfort and joy Comfort and joy Oh tidings of comfort and joy

In Bethlehem, in Israel This blessed Babe was born And laid within a manger Upon this blessed morn The which His Mother Mary Did nothing take in scorn Oh tidings of comfort and joy Comfort and joy Oh tidings of comfort and joy

Fear not then, said the Angel Let nothing you affright This day is born a Savior Of a pure Virgin bright To free all those who trust in Him From Satan's pow'r and might Oh tidings of comfort and joy Comfort and joy Oh tidings of comfort and joy

God rest us, God keep us. Let us not be dismayed. Let us receive His comfort and joy. We don't have to fabricate it. We don't have to dance around like court jesters, in order to be merry this Christmas. We can be comforted. We can rest in the knowledge that He has come to defeat our enemies for us, the He has come to free us. The merry making is response to His goodness, His divinity and light coming to our dark world. So, let's embrace that kind of merriment, the one that gives deep soul satisfaction and comfort, and let's be merry-makers ourselves this year.