I haven't written a blog for a while. I thought I would update some of the things I have been involved in this past year. I am seeking God's direction in this next year as I move forward in all that he would have me to do this year.
If you read the biography about me, or even go through the past couple of years that I have had this blog, you will notice that I have a passion for children, the homeless, for helping the vulnerable, the exploited and those who need to be rescued or need help. I have been involved most recently with two different organizations seeking to fight human trafficking. I have felt called to learn, to work as a team, to be a light and a part of stopping the crime of sex trafficking in the Ozarks. Tonight I had an opportunity to speak on the panel at the STAND Coalition's awareness general community event. It was a great experience on many levels and a growing experience as well. My involvement with both STAND Coalition and GO 61, Inc (another local agency combating human trafficking) has been meaningful in so many ways. I have been able to work with key community leaders through these groups to bring education to the community, intervene. The key will be in working together to effect change in our communities and beyond.
I graduated from MSU with my Masters in Social work in December of 2013. I was awarded in May of 2013 an award for excellent research, which I had conducted specifically on Homeless Youth and Trafficking, in order to become more involved in the problem of sex trafficking in our community. As a result, I interviewed 5 different homeless youth who had been trafficked, that is "coerced, forced or frauded into commercial labor or sex acts" for profit of the pimp or trafficker. I met youth who had been tricked into working for free, bringing huge profit to the "employer," these were moved across state lines to sell. I encountered youth who were still with their pimp and stated it was their boyfriend and they were in love with them, and I met youth who traded their bodies for basic needs such as food, shelter and clothing. All of these are defined as human trafficking and their traffickers can be prosecuted.
I work with the James River Kids Chapel team at church, (see below pic with the "Club Journey" shirt). On Sundays, I host the services by interactive skits, worship leading, leading prayer and introducing the Children's Pastor or Bible Lesson Leader. I minister to girls ages 2nd to 5th grade on Wednesday nights having an opportunity to mentor them and be a friend and positive influence. Recently it has changed so that I have just 2nd-3rd graders. It is an important way I am able to share the good news, reach out to kids and their parents.
I made several dozen sugar cookies, (which took way too many hours LOL) for Christmas gifts with the other social workers at CMH. We gave them as gifts to the different departments of the Hospital. It has been a pleasure to work for CMH, a hospital with so much integrity, people of faith and who support social justice. The amount of support at work for my dream to return overseas and do mission work has been overwhelming. When I began working there, I remember the interview, making it clear that I was looking at a 1-2 yr commitment. They still hired me! and have invested so much to make me a better person. I am still working on lots of areas. I am so humbled by my failures, but grateful for the support of so many great people who God has placed in my path who support and believe with me for a return back to the mission field. As for me, I'm just waiting on God's perfect timing. . . . I will wait til its right. but I'm excited to return!
My beautiful family is doing wonderful. My sister and brother-in-law had a rough year last yr due to some health difficulties, but I am believing for total healing for them both and I know its going to be a much better year... My parents moved my grandpa into the house and it has been a transitional period for sure. Change is good, and I'm so grateful for their big hearts and help to him. I do know it makes things very busy around their house. My younger sister is doing YWAM. A huge change for her.
I will have to tell you more later. You all have a wonderful night and God bless!
-Joanna Joy
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