With the holidays come delays, I suppose so that explains the lapse in updates. Apologies. From here I just want to take a bit of time to review what has occurred this last 12 months. Some of it may impress on paper but much of it has been in the cracks and crevices of conversations, dreams, and plans. We are in a place of movement and this work has continued to move and change. Both Cameron and I try at times to hang on for dear life and at other times feel like we have a handle on the reigns. All the time, God is good and is in charge.
What did we do exactly?
Creation and development of the Multi-Discpilinary Team aiming at discussing and refining policies and procedures for how service providers and community members address sex trafficking in Whatcom County.
Receiving training through Shared Hope International. Networking and strengthening relationships between abolitionists in Whatcom County
Beginning to create an official outreach plan and program in order to develop relationships with more at risk youth along with another, like minded organization, ACCESS FREEDOM (www.accessfreedom.org)
Offered a community training, "Do You Know Lacy" as well as offering trainings to WWU students, and Sexual Assault Nurses at St. Joseph's Hospital.
Taking on an intern who will be dedicated to researching documentation practices and the "paperwork" side of things.
A BIG THANK YOU TO REDEEMER CHURCH for the generous donations from the congregation of basic needs that can be handed out to the youth downtown and in outreach in order to build relationships and trust and to serve the needs that many youth have. Praise God for gifts to those that may not often receive them without strings attached.
All of these things were answers to prayers and led us to pray new prayers.
There are exciting things on the horizon for Bridges. If you are interested in joining us for any of these, check the websites or email either Cameron or I for more information.
We will be hosting a workshop at Whatcom Community College's Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights Conference on January 15th, Syre Community Center from 9:30-4:30.
There is a Justice Conference in Portland that looks like it will be worth checking out if you can make it!
http://thejusticeconference.com/
And finally, just as a final touch, there is an extremely interesting article in Christianity Today about the work going on in Portland Oregon. This may give you a clearer idea of what Cameron and I and the others are really trying to work towards. Its a challenging, beautiful, motivating, and stirring glimpse at the reality of sex trafficking and the delicacy in working with it.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/thisisourcity/portland/portlandabolitionists.html
As always, we thank you so much for your prayers and support. Please contact us with any questions about where things are going or how you can be involved.
peace and grace,
The Meyers
No comments:
Post a Comment