Here for a Purpose
Last year Chris and I each read books by former sex trafficking victims. We were both shocked and moved to do something. We prayed about it as a couple, we shared our desire with our team, and I started following organizations in Spain on social media that are helping rescue victims. Upon their return from furlough, our coworkers asked if working with trafficking victims was still part of our plan, or if we thought it was just something God had put on our hearts for now.
Nothing had come from our prayers, so we didn't really know. But our coworker had powerful encouragement for us: he said that while some people are gifted and called to work in the trenches with such victims, we still impact that area of need through the evangelism and discipleship that we do as church planters. There are women in our congregation and circle of influence who come from these tragic backgrounds, and men who are battling pornography addictions. Through intentional conversations with the people God brings to us, we can build up and love vulnerable women, and we can admonish and challenge men to avoid pornography, which is obviously a contributor to the human trafficking industry.
The call on our lives to everyday evangelism and discipleship towards planting thriving churches in Spain is so clear. We've recalled it, had it confirmed and depended upon it many times since our vision trip to Spain in 2009. Every experience, job, and sacrifice we made during prefield seemed to prepare us for the exact ministry we are currently doing (and enjoying). God called us to make disciples in Spain. I believe I'm in the center of His will here. But He also commanded every believer to serve and protect the least, and I'm desperate be part of the solution, protecting and empowering vulnerable women.
Earrings made me do it.
One of the ways literally anyone can make a difference for vulnerable women is with buying power. I was casually perusing the the spring line from Trades of Hope last month, stunned by the beautiful pieces. I've been shopping with them for a few years now, but this is the most beautiful line yet.
Many of the pieces in the Spring line are designed and made by artisans in India, where poverty often leads to exploitation of vulnerable women in sweatshops. Every purchase provides these Artisans with fair wages, access to healthcare, education for their children, and care for elderly family members.
The easiest way to support vulnerable women through your purchasing power is with jewelry, accessories and home goods. So, I became a partner with Trades of Hope. As church planting missionaries, a lot of our funds are already going towards ministry efforts. This is a way we can be a part of the solution globally, while using evangelism and discipleship to be part of the solution locally. Every time you shop from my partner link (or a party - stay tuned for details!), a little comes back to me, but the artisans are already benefiting.
I think, in the American church, we don't want to admit that something as frivolous or superficial as fashion matters. Without addressing the hypocrisy of our Easter Sunday outfits, I humbly submit this is silly. We care about fashion. Hopefully it's not our top priority, but it's up there. So, if everyone who claimed to be a Christian prioritized ethical fashion, I think we could make a big difference. Becoming a sort of brand ambassador for a brand whose mission I can support was an easy decision. If you want to empower women in India, Haiti, Uganda, the Philippines (and more!), then this is an easy place for you to start.