May Update: End of a Dream

Setting Captives Free

When someone is rescued from a life of human trafficking, many times they are extremely disillusioned.  They have been told that law enforcement is out to get them.  They are often scared to cooperate with authorities due to fear of retaliation by their trafficker.  

One simple gesture can make a big difference in the ongoing healing and restoration of the victim as well as the possible conviction of the perpetrators.  What is this gesture?  A gift.  For someone who has had everything taken from them, to receive a gift that says, “We care about you,” speaks louder than words.  

This is why we are coordinating efforts to provide every sheriff’s office a rescue backpack.  These contain immediate needs like toiletries and clothes for the victims who often escape with nothing but the clothes on their back.  

The backpack drive is a wonderful way for the community to engage in the fight against trafficking in our area.  We have seen churches, businesses, and individuals donate to the cause.  

There is a great need for them too.  During the month of April, Florida Abolitionist assisted 13 victims who were rescued from a life of slavery.  Most of these received backpacks and are on their way towards a new life.  Please pray for each of them, that God would heal their hearts and restore their souls.  

The End of A Dream

Two years ago, we embarked on a journey to adopt a child from China.  Honestly, we thought we would have her by now.  But in the Lord’s wisdom, He had the process take longer than expected in order to show us that His plan for us is not to continue with the adoption.  We’re honestly a bit confused.  When we started the process, we felt clearly led by the Lord one way and now feel clearly led in the opposite.  It doesn’t make sense to us, but we fully believe that God is good and that He is leading the way. 

We are experiencing a lot of emotions right now.  We are currently grieving the loss.  It feels like dying to a dream we have had for a long time.  To be honest, we fear what everyone will think.  Will you think we are heartless, selfish, not trusting God?  But, at the end of the day, before God, we have to do what is best for our marriage and our family.  We don’t know what the future holds and as we continue to hold a special place in our hearts for vulnerable children, we trust that the Lord will give us new opportunities in the future to be a blessing to kids in ways we had never before imagined.  

We’d like to thank you for your faithful prayers as we have been in the adoption process.  We ask that you continue to seek God’s face on behalf of the orphans of the world. Also, we ask for you to pray for us as we grieve the loss of the dream.         

Praises:

• For the Lord setting captives free in our city
• The many generous donations of rescue backpacks 
• The Lord’s faithfulness to walk with us through difficult times in our lives

Prayer Requests:

• For the Lord to continue to bless the work and ministry of Florida Abolitionist to set captives free
• For orphans around the world and in our cities who are in need of loving homes
• For our family to trust in God’s good plans for us