I am passionate about freeing the enslaved because it is a direct reflection of the heart of the Gospel and our Lord. Jesus Christ, Lord of All, embodied himself in human form to bring the message that no one is too far. too dirty. too lost. to be brought back into love. to be redeemed. Every action and sermon Christ did on earth was for this purpose. His mission is to call every one of his children into relationship with Him- NO MATTER WHAT.
"I (Jesus) have not come to call the righteous but sinners" Mark 2:17.
*If you'd like to delve further into the heart of the gospel, check out this message: http://subspla.sh/a8107f1
"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners- of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life." 1 Timothy 1:15-16
The purpose of the Gospel resonates deeply in me because Jesus had to give me some tough love for me to realize how depraved I am, that every day I need to be brought back to Him. Truly allowing Christ into my life two years ago freed me of grave sin. It was not easy. Sin is not fixed instantaneously (wouldn't that be amazing?!). It is a continuous process of humbling before the Lord and asking for Him to reign in your heart, mind, life. It still is not easy. Every day is a battle against myself, but each day the Spirit reminds me that I am renewed each day. Love came down and rescued me. Of this I am sure and am astounded in gratitude.
"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end; they are NEW every morning. Great is your faithfulness!"- Lamentations 3:22-23
This process of continual surrender to Christ reminds me to be grateful always for freedom. My soul now has an ingrained urgency to spread the joy of my freedom to others! I HAVE BEEN FREED FOR FREEDOM. Jesus has given me this purpose as a picture of His incredible heart.
That is why I'm passionate about ending human trafficking and modern slavery. That's why I'm leading a campus chapter of International Justice Mission. But more importantly, I'm going on this trip to the Philippines with "Wipe Every Tear". To know women who have left sexual slavery, to protect women still stuck in the depravity, and to prevent women from entering that life. To pass along my freedom in Christ so they may attain their own freedom!!!!
I know that this trip will not be easy. I will be entering darkness, a world of evil I have never known. My heart has already been shattered for these people, and it will be ripped apart once I get there. But it is so worth it. These women need to know they are desperately loved. They live in situations- extreme poverty and violence- I can never fully understand. But Jesus intimately knows EVERY SINGLE person in this world, and that gives me great reassurance. I can do nothing for these people but give them Jesus. It is NOT ABOUT ME. It is all about sharing with people why Jesus is SO NECESSARY for life, how He is ALL you could ever need, that HE gives FREEDOM.
That is why I'm going to Manila, Philippines from December 27-January 8th. Will you join me in praying for this trip? That the heart of God will be revealed, miracles would occur, that the impossible would be done, and that financial provision will be attained and not be an obstacle.
I hope my ramblings offer some insight and thought to you. Hallelujah, our God Saves!! Amen.
Here's the video from Wipe Every Teary that broke my heart: https://vimeo.com/105390871.
