Tuesday, December 09, 2008

Hearts Changing

Today was a great day at the Home of Hope. I needed that. This has truly been the most difficult thing I've ever undertaken in my life and I really don't feel up to the task most days.

We sat and just talked with the women today, asked them their dreams and prayed together.

Here are a few things you can pray for:

1. Dina--Her twin sister,Lilia is still abroad in a brothel. Lilia's daughter is here with Dina. Today Dina asked that we pray her sister returns. We told her we'd welcome her to the Home too.

2. Aliona--She wants to be able to learn Russian. She has never had the opportunity for any schooling and she is very happy to learn Russian and English. She asked that she can learn the alphabet and reading quickly. Aliona has many deep wounds both physically and mentally from being trafficked. Pray God brings her healing in body, mind and soul.

3. Irina--Right now we are in a huge battle for Irina. She is hearing other voices, outside the home (real voices) telling her to leave. Last week was very discouraging for her. I can't say more here, only that we need a break through and miracle in her life.

I also want to ask for prayer for us personally as a family. We'll head back to the states this Saturday for Christmas and the World Missions Summit. Pray for protection for us as we travel, for all bags to arrive and no complications as we go. Pray also because my dad's health is declining rapidly and I pray for a good time with him for all of us. I'm sure they will be final memories for all of us.

Thanks for being so faithful in prayer.

Blessings to you in this Christmas season.

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

Family

One of the hardest parts of the issue of trafficking is the rejection that the girls get from their families, if they have them, when they return.

Ira wanted so badly to see her family. She misses them terribly and hasn't seen them in so long. We finally worked out that today she would be taken to see her family. Some of our staff accompanied her to her village. It is in a part of Moldova that is very difficult for Americans to go, so I did not go.

When she got there she was told that her dad was at work. This was hard to believe because she'd called ahead and she knew he would be home. Her mother wasn't at her home and when they finally found her mom and step dad, her step dad began yelling at her, condemning what she'd been.

She hadn't eaten breakfast at the Home this morning, thinking her family would have a big meal prepared when she got home. Not only was there not a big meal, but she wasn't even welcomed. She came back this evening so incredibly sad.

Please pray for Ira tonight. Pray that she finds and accepts the Love that is greater than all. Pray that she'd see the care in the home as God's love for her. Pray that she understands He is a father unlike any she has ever known. Pray for peace.

Pray also for Tanya, one of the workers in the home. For several months now she has had a problem with her neck. Would you join me in praying that God would bring healing and relief to her neck?

Thanks.

Blessings,
Nancy