“When you give yourself permission to communicate what matters to you in every situation you will have peace despite rejection or disapproval. Putting a voice to your soul helps you to let go of the negative energy of fear and regret.”
― Shannon L. Alder
This airport sign says it all: ON TIME. Having dreamed of going to Thailand twenty-five years ago, 2009 was the perfect time. God’s timing isn’t always our timing, but he makes all things beautiful in their time (Ecclesiastes 3:14). Maybe you have felt the pain of “delayed timing….” Let me encourage you today, wait. I know it is hard, but God’s timing is always right.
Five Years Ago, July 2010
Today is World Day Against Trafficking in Humans, sponsored by The Advocacy Summit (IJM).
It is also the five-year anniversary of The Gathering, a community event held to raise awareness about the ravages of human trafficking. After returning from two trips to Thailand (November 2009), my heart could not reconcile the harsh realities of what it witnessed.
I had to put a voice to my soul (Alder). I fought it for months. I was afraid of stepping outside those comfortable zones I had carefully craft in my life. Finally, with God’s great BIG hand in mine, I took the first step and asked a mighty group of women to join me in the journey.
The result: a stellar event that hosted 21 local churches, over 130 women, and both awareness and funds raised to help those serving on the front lines of the war against sex trafficking.
Meet Annie Dieselberg: Founder of Night Light International, Bangkok
Meet Kim and John Quinley: Founders of Step Ahead Coaching & Development, Bangkok
The Gathering Event: (Short video below)
The Power of One Voice
Flash forward to July 2015.
This past Sunday night, Rob and I were honored to be among those witnessing the ribbon cutting ceremony of a brand new ministry dedicated to housing/caregiving/loving young women rescued from the sex trafficking industry/aging out of foster care and more. As we took our seats, we saw several couples/families that we’ve known, yet haven’t seen, and several who had been involved in The Gathering.
We were all so deeply moved at the work of God’s hands.
“Look at this,” we all said. “This is miraculous. A direct answer to prayers sown into this region for years.”
None of us could ever have imagined that God would move in such manner. One woman had a vision for a place, in this area, where young girls could find harbor.
The Power of Your Voice
As we reflect and pray on this World Day Against Trafficking in Humans, I want each one of us to reflect and pray about the power of OUR voice(s).
You have a God-created voice that only YOU can use.
May God give you courage and strength and healing, if necessary, so that you can use YOUR voice to bring life, love, and laughter to all those in your spheres of influence.