HOPE.
That's the word that God is currently bringing alive to me as I hang out with the girls of Wipe Every Tear, girls that have recently been freed from sex trafficking, girls that are now high school and college students being given the opportunity to dream for the future. The past week has been one of changes, a week of learning for my team and I.
We have had the opportunity to spend time with the girls; chatting, having dance parties, playing never ending games of Uno, and hanging out at a downtown park enjoying the sights and sounds of Quezon City. One of my favourite parts of our ministry is having the opportunity to lead devotions before bed time with the girls. I love it...because it reminds me that I actually have more in common with these girls than I initially thought possible.
As a teenager, sitting on the floor with my friends, my sisters, in a little cabin and hearing about God stories from girls who were just a bit older than me, is how I first learned about Jesus. Growing up going to a Christian camp, Medeba, I have memories of giggling in the dark with my friends, praying, and asking questions about who this guy named Jesus was. I remember feeling nervousness mixed with anticipation, and a strange certainty that I was learning something that really mattered during those late night discussions. It was years before I was able to make sense of what it all meant, but those nights where I would worship with my friends before curling up in my bunk bed were the moments when life changing seeds were being planted. They were also the moments when I felt completely free to be me. My summers at camp were glimpses into the Kingdom, where I was given the opportunity to be seen by my leaders and new friends in a way that reflected how God saw me.
I truly believe that by the grace of God, I have now been given the opportunity to see these girls as He sees them.
He does not see them the way that the world sees them. He has not written them off as pieces of property to be purchased for the purposes of sin. He does not see them as tainted, or impure, or unworthy. He does not see their past lives, the ones where they were trafficked or driven in desperation to work in the bars. He sees them as His daughters, and He loves them so much.
And he is allowing me to see these beautiful girls as far greater than me, the most precious gifts in the Kingdom. ( Philippians 2:3 ) When Jesus looks upon these women, He sees them as daughters worth dying on the cross for. He sees their potential, and calls them to greatness, while still allowing them to be exactly where they are at. Good Friday is about death, and Easter Sunday is about the resurrection power of Jesus, it is about becoming new. This Easter I have been given the gift of witnessing that first hand. I get to cry tears and giggle, mourn and celebrate, listen and share alongside these beautiful precious gifts from God. And I have never been more certain of the Hope for which I choose to live. " Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance of what we do not see". (Hebrews 11:1)
What about you ?
Where have you seen proof of the death and resurrection power of Jesus in your own life ?
Who around you can you continue to see those around you as greater than you ?
Thanks so much for reading! If you would like to get involved financially in the work that I am doing here through Kingdom Journeys please click here. I am praying another 1500 dollars in order to be fully funded. I would be so thankful for your support !