May ePrayer Alert

As I reflect back over the past 11 years, I can hardly believe how Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries has developed. From what started as a strip club outREACH into the club I had worked at for 7 years to seeing where we are today, the impact this ministry has had on countless lives, and even my own personal journey, I am simply AMAZED. Thank you so much for your continued support. When I began doing strip club outREACHes in 2002 and developing this ministry, God impressed upon me the importance of having a prayer undergirding to all He was entrusting me to do through Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries. THANK YOU for your continued prayer support!  As we enter into the 11th season of spring, please agree with Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries in prayer for the following: CLIENTS: Pray that clients will continue to flourish and grow as disciples of Christ walking in total freedom. Agree with us that they would have a hunger and thirst for God's word and a revelation of His love for them. Pray for those contemplating change, that their desire to change will quickly grow into the solid decisions it takes to achieve transformation in their lives.       PROGRAMS & SERVICES: Pray for the development of our Equine and Art Programs as we seek to specialize therapeutic interventions.  Pray for our Horsemanship Mentoring program, Equine Escape for Ministry Workers and our summer Art and Horse Camps. Agree with us for wisdom as we evaluate all of our developed programs and services and make critical decisions regarding which ones to maintain and which to possibly eliminate. CURRENT NEEDS: Pray for our monthly budget needs to be met, in addition to the physical needs of the organization. For a complete list of needs, CLICK HERE. EQUINE FACILITY:   Please pray for wisdom in all things related to the equine facility, and that it continues to be a way for wounded individuals to see the beauty of the Lord's creation while also providing experiential therapeutic treatments to the emotional, mental, and physical challenges so many individuals face.  Agree with us in prayer for the health of all the horses.  Pray for the transport of our newest yearling to our facility this month and that he and our other yearling, Morning Star Spirit, would learn quickly and maintain strong ground manners.  TRAINING:  Pray for our best practices, faith based operations model in prevention, intervention, restoration of and advocacy for victims of s*xual abuse, exploitation, and trafficking, as we continue to provide national training and consulting. Pray for wisdom in expanding the trainings to more than twice a year. Pray for our July training in Fort Myers and all the attendees from across the nation and around the world. EVENTS:   Pray for me as God opens the doors to unique venues to BFA like the Ocala Prison which has scheduled me to speak to over 200 young women about human trafficking and most importantly, the hope we have through our Savior, Christ Jesus.  Agree with us for speaking engagements that are of God's perfect will and nothing less. Pray that hearts be prepared to receive the life saving message of the Gospel while learning about human trafficking. MEDIA: Pray for the May media features on my Beauty From Ashes™ testimony and the work of the ministry on radio stations and Gulf Shore Life Magazine.  Agree with us that the interviews and stories will deliver a message of hope, setting the captives free, and would gain more partners for the mission of BFA.   VOLUNTEERS & INTERNS: Praise God for raising up competent volunteers who can assist us in the day to day operations, especially while I work hard to complete graduate school. Praise Him even more for arranging for me to mentor a teen survivor as an intern with me over the summer!  Pray that our volunteers, interns, and their families would be blessed and protected. Many of our volunteers are overcomers of sexual abuse and exploitation. Pray for their continued healing and growth.  FOUNDER & STAFF:   Please pray that I will pass my comprehensive exit exam on Monday, May 6th and enter my final semester STRONG as a full time student in the Clinical Mental Health Counselor program at Florida Gulf Coast University. Agree with us for current and future volunteer and paid staff members. May they be mature persons of faith, steadfast in their walk with the Lord, competent, professional, and that they remain loyal to BFA.  DIRECTORS & ADVISORS:   Thank God for active directors and advisors that help guide and shape the ministries of Beauty From Ashes™!  Agree with us that their health, family, and resources be protected and blessed. May they work in unity and one accord with our Father's vision for BFA. FUNDING: Thank God for the matching grant we had in Apirl and for churches having fund raisers for BFA this month!  Thank God for His provision through various resources and agree with us that all our financial supporters be abundantly blessed for their giving to BFA.    PARTNERSHIPS: Please pray for our current and new partnerships; that we serve each other with integrity and honor.  Please pray for wisdom as we seek God's direction to know which partnerships to continue developing and which to possibly sever.   BODY OF CHRIST:  Agree with us for more churches to respond to the need to support national, faith based, ministries and agencies reaching and restoring domestic victims of s*x trafficking, exploitation, and abuse.  Stir in the hearts of pastors a boldness to address the slavery occurring in our backyards and a conviction to actively lead congregations in abolishing slavery in the United States.     OTHER LIKE MINISTRIES/AGENCIES: Pray for the over 170 ministries doing strip club outREACH throughout the world,  taking the Lord's love and hope to the lost and broken, specifically those affected by s*xual abuse, exploitation and/or trafficking. Pray for protection of these ministries, volunteers, and staff in every way: physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.  Pray that all their needs would be met and that they would trust in the Lord's timing as each ministry seeks out His perfect will.          WEEKLY GLOBAL PRAYER:   Please join us each Friday from 8-9am EST to intercede for victims of s*xual exploitation, s*x slavery, and s*x trafficking, as well as the agencies servicing them.  CLICK HERE for Prayer Guide.  Locally, we meet in North Fort Myers at the Equine Facility. Call for directions. PRAYER REQUESTS:   Pray for the needs of those that send us prayer requests:  for the father whose daughter has been arrested for prostitution, the mother who desperately wants to help her daughter get out of the life, the young mother who wants to leave her trafficker, but is conflicted because of their child together and her love for the very one who abuses and hurts her, the ministry leader who experienced betrayal when a team member left and is attempting to replicate what she developed, the daughter of a s*x worker who is praying her mother get saved, and the other prayer requests we received that God knows about.  Send us your prayer requests by CLICKING HERE. Again, I cannot thank you enough for your prayers.  They are vital to this ministry, the clients we serve, and to me, personally. "But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us." Romans 5:8 AMP In His love and service, Julie Shematz Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries   Where Victims Become Over-Comers "Survivors must be leaders in the development of services, shelter, and response protocols to s*x trafficking.”  - National Report on Domestic Minor S*x Trafficking AWARENESS & PREVENTION • REACH & RESCUE • TEACH & DEMONSTRATE • TRAIN & SEND

(239) 939-9218 | TOLL FREE:  877 4BFA SOS (877) 423-2767 13300 South Cleveland Avenue, Suite 56-623 | Fort Myers | FL | 33907 www.BeautyFromAshes.org

NON PROFIT STATUS and  CONFIDENTIALITY  Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries, Inc. has been recognized by the United States IRS as a not for profit, 501(c)3, public charity since February 2005.  Contributions are tax deductible and confidential.

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Prayer Request for BFA Founder

Dear Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries Supporters,

I'm asking for your prayers.  As you may be aware, I established Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries, Inc. in 2005, however I began doing strip club outREACHes in 2002.   In 2002, there were less than 5 ministries world wide doing this type of unique ministry and to my knowledge, as of this month, there are more than 170 worldwide.  (This simply AMAZES me!).   When I started doing outREACHes in 2002, the words human trafficking were rarely ever heard of, yet God had called me to the front lines taking His Light into dark places....places that unfortunately, even with the raised awareness of human sex trafficking, to this day many cringe and don't understand why.

My passion then and still is to reach the lost with a message of hope that there was a way out and in providing resources for the transition out of the sex for sale industry, something, by the grace of God I was able to do in 2002.  In 2010, after experiencing care taker, second hand trauma, I enrolled in graduate school at Florida Gulf Coast University.  God used the experience as a catalyst to set me on the course of being professionally trained how to work with the marginalized populace He gave me a passion to assist in the journey to healing and wholeness.

In addition to developing and overseeing the operations, >30 programs and services, staff, volunteers, and board of Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries (BFA), I've been a full time student since 2010.  Working hard, following God's leading, I committed myself to developing best practices, professional, models for ministry to sex workers, the sexually abused, sex trafficked, and wounded people.

My quest in acquiring a Master of Arts degree in Mental Health Counseling is FINALLY coming to an end.  I completed my last class of this semester yesterday and I only have 1 paper, 1 semester [2 more classes, (including 6 weeks of classes 5 days a week), a total 10 weeks], and a comprehensive exit exam (May 6th) before the August 4th, 2013 graduation.  Additionally, I will be leading, for the 9th year, BFA's National Sex Industry OutREACH and AfterCARE training July 17-20 at Barry University in Fort Myers, FL.

I am firm believer in prayer.  It's what Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries was founded on and has been maintained on.  It's very rarely that I ever seek a personal request, but I am asking those who support the mission and vision of BFA through intercessory prayer, to please lift me up in prayer as I enter the final stretch to acquiring my master's degree.  Without going into all the details, there have been an enormous amount of unexpected challenges I've faced as I've entered into the final months of finishing graduate school.  As I have sought the Lord's direction in what seems like an overwhelming amount of work, critical decisions, and volume of studying, He has quietly and confidently reminded me of His word:

I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who [infuses inner strength into me; I am [self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency]. Philippians 4:13 AMP

I know that what is impossible with man, is possible with God (Matthew 19:26).  I know that the challenges I am facing in the final stretch are not a surprise to my Father, even though they have been to me.  He's empowered me with the ability to overcome and I am confident these challenges are no exception.  I also know the power of my brothers and sisters interceding for me and holding my arms up in the heaven lies.  Your prayers for me, the ministries, and clients of Beauty From Ashes™ are coveted and greatly appreciated for such a time as this.  Thank you.


Seeking to finish strong.

In His love and committed service,

Julie Shematz
Founder and Executive Director

Matched Giving, Less than 5 to 170+  Strip Club Ministries, Art & Horse Summer Camp, & More! MATCHED GIVING UP TO $10,000: Thanks to the generosity of a long time donor of Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries, all giving of $25 up to $10,000 will be matched!  This means your financial gift's impact is doubled!  Would you consider partnering with us today as we continue to educate the community about human trafficking, assist other organizations in reaching and restoring victims of commercialized s*xual exploitation, s*xual abuse, and trafficking, and develop evidence based therapeutic interventions to assist victims in becoming overcomers?  For secure online giving, CLICK HERE.  FROM LESS THAN 5 TO MORE THAN 170: In 2002, when I did my first strip club outREACH in Indianapolis, IN, there were fewer than 5 ministries worldwide doing this unique type of ministry and the words human or s*x trafficking were rarely spoken of.  Recognizing the need for training churches and ministries, I developed a Strip Club outREACH training in 2004 and began presenting it to laypersons and ministers nationwide.  In 2010, due to a capacity building grant from the United States Department of Health and Human Resources, with the help of a professional curriculum writer, we were able to raise the training to the next level by developing it into an 18 module, best practices, faith based, comprehensive curriculum.  We launched the curriculum in 2012, training ministries nationally and internationally, sharing our model of operations, teaching them and equipping them to successfully prevent, reach, rescue, restore, advocate, and develop professional services and programs for victims.  Today, there are over 170 faith based strip club outREACHes world wide, and an enormous amount of organizations educating and serving the marginalized population of the s*xually trafficked, abused, and exploited.  Together, we have made a difference!  Our next National S*x Industry OutREACH and AfterCARE training is July 17-20th in Fort Myers, FL at Barry University.  Sign up today.  Limited seating.  For more information, CLICK HERE.  EQUINE PSYCHOTHERAPY & ART THERAPY:   I am so excited to have finished up a 3 month, 300+ hour, internship with one of the world's leading psychologists in the field of equine psychotherapy, Dr. Sandra Wise.  Having been a full time gradaute student since May of 2010 in the Mental Health Counseling Program at Florida Gulf Coast University, I am very much looking forward to graduating August 4th of this year and further developing interventions using equines and art!  Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Art Therapy are evidence-based treatment for many of the symptoms survivors battle.  The use of both therapies are coming soon to BFA! EQUINE ESCAPE FOR MINISTRY WORKERS: I personally know what second hand trauma (when a caregiver vicariously experiences the trauma of the person they are helping) and care taker burn out is like, (it served as a catalyst to get me into graduate school.)  Unfortunately, we live in a society that applauds being a workaholic and many times this "serve til I drop," and "if I don't do it, no one will" mentality gets carried over into the Church.  It's the source of many people ending up with depression, loss of interest in things they used to like doing, broken and strained relationships, people walking away from ministry not wanting to serve anymore, and worse yet, turning their backs on God. Recognizing that there are a lot of people either bordering on this or trying to recover from it, we've developed an intervention program for ministry workers using our therapy horses to help overcome the stress, hopelessness, and compassion fatigue which caretakers often experience.   Research tells us that simply spending time in natural settings is beneficial to all of us!  We're now offering an escape for individuals or groups that need to slow down, take a deep breath, spend some quality time away from the office/ministry, and experience the benefits of being in the country and with our therapy horses.  Come spend time with us, enjoy the getaway, be ministered to, refresh, and renew yourself.  Schedule an individual or group session today.  For more information, CLICK HERE. EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING & HORSEMANSHIP MENTORING PROGRAMS: Since Beauty From Ashes™ (BFA) launched our Equine-Assisted Learning and Mentoring programs, in August of 2012, we've had over 70 participants ranging from 8-years-old to 86-year-olds, including teen survivors of s*x trafficking, take part in the programs.  From individual to group and family sessions, with the assistance of our horse therapists and equine specialists, effective outcomes have been produced with all participants.  Horsemanship and Equine Assisted Learning builds trust, self-confidence, communication, self-concept, perspective, self-acceptance, impulse control, social skills, boundaries and spiritual connection.  Find out more about our Equine Programs. ART & HORSE SUMMER CAMP:   Many of you may remember that I am an artist who has taught art lessons to all ages and skill levels for over 20 years.  I stepped back from my teaching and art production when I entered into graduate school in 2010.  I am so very pleased that as my graduate school days FINALLY come to an end, we will be launching another program very dear to my heart, Art & Horse Summer Camp, for ages 7 through 17!  We are only taking 6 individuals per one week session, July 22 - 26 and August 12 - 16.  Camp will run Monday through Friday 8:30am - 1:00pm.  Attendees will learn about art and produce it through discipline based art education, as well as be taught basic equine care and handling.  On Friday, we'll have an art and horse show where students can show their creations and skills to parents and loved ones.  All proceeds will go to our Art & Equine Therapeutic Programs. For more information and to register, CLICK HERE. NEW EVENT COORDINATOR: We are pleased to announce that we have an event coordinator!  Rachel Swope served in the United States Army, has a degree in Social Work and is currently enrolled at Troy University's Criminal Justice graduate program.  To schedule Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries at your event, a training or presentation, or an overcomer to share their testimony, email her at rachel@beautyfromashes.org.    OCALA PRISON VISIT: I am very excited to be sharing my testimony and discussing s*x trafficking with over 200 female inmates at the Lowell Correctional Institute in Ocala, FL Tuesday, May 7th.  What's incredible is that a friend of the ministry spoke there a couple of months ago and mentioned me and BFA.  To her amazement, it was reported that 5-7 inmates said they knew me and had met me during strip club outREACHes!  I am very much looking forward to meeting these ladies again and encouraging them.  Additionally, they are providing a tour of their Equine Facility for Thoroughbred Horses. To watch a powerful video of this wonderful program, CLICK HERE. VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH:   We'd like to recognize a very special woman, also a single mother of six children, who has managed to take the time to serve us, our clients, and our horses.  We are pleased to announce this month's Volunteer of the Month is Lisa Turner. We are simply amazed that she finds time to help out around the barn, plant flowers, wash and feed horses, muck stalls, assist on photo shoots, manage horses, and be an incredible encourager to me personally.  Thank you, Lisa for all you've done for Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries! CURRENT NEEDS: We need a refrigerator, picnic table, gently used and new riding boots, and volunteers!   CLICK HERE for our current needs if you're looking for a way you can partner with Florida's 1st, human trafficking, overcomer-led, community, service agency. FUNDRAISING: There are many unique and creative ways to support Beauty From Ashes™ Whether it's a bake sale, car wash, making jewelry, a Sunday School class project, percentage of your business sales, or organizing a dinner party, 3-5K run, awareness event, etc., please contact us with your fund raising/awareness ideas today! MONTHLY PRAYER ALERT: For details of how to pray for us during the month of April, CLICK HERE. PRAYER REQUESTS: We believe in the power of prayer!  Please send your prayer requests toprayer@beautyfromashes.org WEEKLY GLOBAL PRAYER:  Fridays 8-9am EST. To meet with intercessors in the Fort Myers area,  call (239) 939-9218 for location.  To join us in spirit from wherever you are and for a prayer guide, CLICK HERE. Stay up-to-date with the day-to-day operations of Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries and latest news on domestic s*x trafficking by following us on Twitter & like us on our Facebook fanpage. As the impact of Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries in assisting victims to become overcomers continues to expand, I have a wonderful sense of gratitude for those that have supported me, the vision God has given to me for BFA, and most importantly, remained loyal through the process of development.  I can hardly believe it's been over 10 years since I did my first strip club outREACH and am amazed at what has developed since!   I could not have done this without YOU!  Thank you for partnering with me in preventing, reaching, rescuing, and restoring victims of s*xual exploitation, abuse, and trafficking.  With sincere appreciation, Julie Shematz Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries   Where Victims Become Over-Comers "Survivors must be leaders in the development of services, shelter, and response protocols to s*x trafficking.”  - National Report on Domestic Minor S*x Trafficking AWARENESS & PREVENTION • REACH & RESCUE • TEACH & DEMONSTRATE • TRAIN & SEND "Blue Stallion" Used by Permission © Laurie Justice Pace

(239) 939-9218 | TOLL FREE LINE: (877) 423-2767 13300 South Cleveland Avenue, Suite 56-623 | Fort Myers | 33907 www.BeautyFromAshes.org NON PROFIT STATUS and  CONFIDENTIALITY  Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries, Inc. has been recognized by the United States IRS as a not for profit, 501(c)3, public charity since February 2005.  Contributions are tax deductible and confidential.

Matching Grant!

Due to the generosity of a long time donor, all giving of $25 up to $10,000 will be matched!

In 2002, when the founder of Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries (BFA) started doing outREACHes into strip clubs, there were less than 5 ministries world wide doing this unique type of outREACH and the word human trafficking was rarely ever mentioned.  Recognizing the need to train and send ministries to do this type of outREACH, Julie Shematz developed the first of it's kind, a faith based strip club outREACH training in 2004. She began providing training to ministries and churches across the nation and in 2010 she was able to acquire a capacity building grant from the Department of Health and Human Services.  The grant enabled Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries to develop the original training into an best practices, faith based, 18 module curriculum that includes human trafficking, afterCARE, community collaboration, outREACH strategies, as well as the model of operations, written by a professional curriculum writer.  Today, there are more than over 170 faith based ministries world wide doing strip club outREACH and countless organizations raising awareness and providing services to victims of sex trafficking.  Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries model includes prevention, intervention, restoration, and advocacy through over 30 programs and services provided free of charge to over 1500 victims of sexual abuse, exploitation, and trafficking.  In 2012, we launched our equine programs which include equine assisted/facilitated learning and horsemanship mentoring for ages 8 through adulthood.  In 2013, recognizing the need to provide interventions for care giver burn out and care giver second hand trauma, we launched an Equine Escape for Ministry Workers.  What's amazing is that we've been able to do all this while our Founder and Executive Director, Julie Shematz, has been enrolled as a full time graduate student since May 2010.  She is set to graduate with Summa Kum Laude receiving a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Florida Gulf Coast University August 8th of this year.

Will you partner today with a pioneering, grass roots, overcomer-led, community service agency that has demonstrated the ability to Reach, Rescue, Restore, Train and Send, while remaining on the cutting edge of the development of professional helping services and programs for hurting people?

Give securely online or send your check, money order, or cash to Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries, 13300 S. Cleveland Ave., Ste. 56, Fort Myers, FL 33907 and THANK YOU for your support in helping victims to become overcomers world wide!

April ePrayer Alert

As Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries (BFA) enters into the spring season of 2013, we are very grateful that it was 11 years ago our Founder, Julie Shematz, began doing strip club outREACHes, at which time there were less than 5 faith based organizations doing this unique type of outREACH world wide.  As of April 2013, there are over 165 faith based organizations world wide doing strip club outreaches!  We truly believe this is due to the prayers that undergird this ministry and now so many others.  Thank you for your continued support.  Your prayers are making a huge impact!  Please join us in prayer during the month of April for the following:

CLIENTS:  Pray that clients will commit to the healing journey, embracing God's grace and power as they work to become overcomers.  Agree with us that they have a hunger and thirst for God's word and revelation of His love for them.  Pray they desire to change and are willing to do what it takes to achieve transformation in their lives. 

PROGRAMS & SERVICES:  Pray for the development of our Equine and Art Programs as we   seek to specialize our therapeutic interventions and expand our client base to anyone in need of healing.  Pray for our new Equine Escape for Ministry Workers and Art and Horse Camp.  Agree with us for wisdom as we evaluate all of our developed programs and services and make critical decisions regarding which ones to maintain and which to possibly eliminate. 

CURRENT NEEDS: Pray for our monthly budget needs to be met, in addition to the monetary needs of the organization. For a complete list of needs, CLICK HERE.

EQUINE & ART FACILITY:  Please pray for wisdom in all things related to the equine facility, and that it continues to be a way that wounded individuals see the beauty of the Lord's creation while also providing experiential therapeutic treatments to the emotional, mental, and physical challenges so many individuals face.    Find out more about our Equine and Art Programs.

HORSES:  Please pray for the health of our four therapy horses.  Agree with us for their protection and well being.

TRAINING:  Pray for our best practices, faith based operations model in prevention, intervention, restoration, and advocacy of victims of s*xual abuse, exploitation, and trafficking, as we continue to provide national training and consulting.  Pray for wisdom in expanding the trainings to more than twice a year.

EVENTS:  Pray for Julie Shematz, as God opens the doors to unique venues to BFA like the Ocala Prison for her to speak.  Agree with us for speaking engagements that are of God's perfect will and nothing less.  Pray that hearts be prepared to receive the life saving message of the Gospel while learning about human trafficking and Julie's personal testimony of how she was able to break from all forms of bondage. Find our more about ourpresentations and trainings.

MEDIA:  Pray for the recent media interviews Mrs. Shematz has had with radio stations and magazines, secular and non-secular.  Agree with us that every word written and spoken would be of God's perfect will and glorifying to Him.

VOLUNTEERS:  Praise God for raising up competent volunteers who can assist us in the day to day operations!  Pray that they and their families would be blessed and protected.  May God continue to send mature workers with hearts to serve.

STAFF:  Pray that Mrs. Shematz would sustain balance as she finishes her final year of graduate school as a clinical mental health counselor at Florida Gulf Coast University.  Pray for her as she leads the organization and fulfills her responsibilities as a wife.  Please pray for our new Event Coordinator, Rachel Swope, as she trains and assumes the roles and responsibilities of event coordination for BFA.

DIRECTORS & ADVISORS:  Thank God for active directors and advisors that help guide and shape the ministries of Beauty From Ashes™!  Agree with us that their health, family, and resources be protected. May they work in unity and one accord with our Father's vision for BFA.

FUNDING:  Praise God for the matching grant of $10,000 we have!  Pray partners will take advantage of their giving being doubled this month and that all our financial needs will be met according to His riches in glory.   Agree with us that the generous matching grant donor will be abundantly blessed!

PARTNERSHIPS:  Please pray for our current and new partnerships; that we serve each other with integrity and honor.  Please pray for wisdom when we seek out new partnerships and discernment to know which partnerships to pursue.

BODY OF CHRIST:  Agree with us for churches to respond to the need to support national faith based, agencies reaching, rescuing, and restoring domestic victims of s*x trafficking, exploitation, and abuse.  Stir in the hearts of pastors a boldness to address the slavery occurring in our backyards and a conviction to actively lead congregations in abolishing slavery in the United States. 

OTHER LIKE MINISTRIES/AGENCIES:  Please pray for the over 165, faith based, organizations throughout the world taking the Lord's love and hope to the lost and broken, specifically those affected by s*xual abuse, exploitation and/or trafficking.  Pray that the ministry they provide will be professional, ethical, and that they engage in community collaboration in order to provide seamless, comprehensive, services to individuals transitioning out of the sex for sale business.  

WEEKLY GLOBAL PRAYER:  Please join us each Friday from 8-9am EST to intercede for victims of sexual exploitation, sex slavery, & sex trafficking, as well as the agencies servicing them.  CLICK HERE for Prayer Guide.  Locally, we meet in North Fort Myers at the Equine Facility.  Contact us for directions.

PRAYER REQUESTS:  Send us your prayer requests by CLICKING HERE

MONTHLY ePRAYER SIGN UP:  CLICK HERE

BFA eNEWSLETTER:  CLICK HERE to view our latest eNews and sign up to receive them in the future.

"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed and qualified me to preach the Gospel of good tidings to the meek, the poor, afflicted; He has sent me to bind up and heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the [physical and spiritual] captives and the opening of the prison and of the eyes to those who are bound." Isaiah 61:1 AMP

Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries  

Where Victims Become Over-Comers

"Survivors must be leaders in the development of services, shelter, and response protocols to s*x trafficking.” 
- National Report on Domestic Minor S*x Trafficking

AWARENESS & PREVENTION • REACH & RESCUE • TEACH & DEMONSTRATE • TRAIN & SEND

(239) 939-9218 | TOLL FREE LINE (877) 423-2767 13300 South Cleveland Avenue, Suite 56-623 | Fort Myers | 33907 www.BeautyFromAshes.org

March eNews: Matching Grant, Resource/Therapy Center, OutREACHes & MORE!

OUR MISSION: To prevent, reach, and restore victims of sexual abuse, exploitation, and trafficking. MATCHING GRANT:  Thanks to the generosity of one of our partners, all donations from $25 up to $10,000 will be doubled!  Our annual budget is $72,000, of which $24,000 has been pledged.  Will you help us raise $20,000 more through this funding opportunity?  Maximize your impact today by supporting Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries, a grass roots, human trafficking, survivor-led, community service agency, based in Florida and providing services nationally.  NEW RESOURCE/THERAPY CENTER: Our new 750 square foot Resource/Therapy Center is a very busy place where clients and their families work daily towards becoming overcomers.  Currently, we have an active client list of over 40 women and children, with 20+ weekly participating in our programs (not including outREACHes)!  Our Resource/Therapy Center includes a computer room, children's area, volunteer stations, multi-media resources, private counseling rooms, and a blessing closet.  Additionally, we have now added a beautiful therapy garden that clients are maintaining.  We are seeking partners to underwrite the $600 monthly rent and utilities expense for the Resource/Therapy Center.  If you will sponsor our Resource/Therapy Center for one, three, six months or a year, please call (239) 939-9218.  You can give securely online HERE.  BABY SHOWER:  One of our clients is having a baby SOON and we need male baby items, especially diapers and wipes. Call (239) 939-9218 to drop off items, or have them delivered to our mailing address below. To donate funds for items, you can give securely online.  Please notate Baby in memo.   CURRENT NEEDS:  Serving a large number of clients on a regular basis and many others who are contemplating life change, we cannot do this on our own.  We need your help!   CLICK HERE for a complete list of our current, tangible needs.  Please consider partnering with us today. VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH:  Since 2003, he's provided countless hours building this ministry from the ground up doing just about every thing anyone could imagine from technical support, editing, website development and maintenance, cooking, social media, outREACHes, driving, training, preparing meals, gift assembly, moving, running errands, developing budgets, programs, services, mucking stalls, grooming horses, and supporting our Founder and Executive Director professionally and personally.  Serving with a heart of compassion, he continues to give the ministry countless sacrificial resources of his time, talent, and finances.  It is with great pleasure we announce our Volunteer of the Month for March is my husband of 10 years and better half, our Vice President, Steve Shematz.  On behalf of myself, the board, staff, and every individual impacted through BFA ministries, THANK YOU Steve, for all you have done and continue to do to help victims become overcomers.   SPECIAL THANKS:  We would like to extend a very special thanks to the Canterbury School Girl Scout Troop 292 (1st & 2nd graders) for the donation of 100 boxes of Girl Scout cookies for our clients and their children!   SCOPE OF SERVICES:  We provide over 30 services and programs, FREE OF CHARGE to victims, survivors and their families.  Our services include mental health counseling, social services, spiritual counseling, career, crisis, and addiction counseling, case management, mentoring, relocation, short-term and long-term residential program placement, tutoring, wellness groups, bible study, equine facilitated learning, consulting and referral for governmental and non-governmental agencies, a support system to loved ones of s*x workers, OutREACH & AfterCARE trainings, and more.  For full list of programs & services, CLICK HERE. STRIP CLUB OUTREACH REPORT:  On Saturday, March 9th, our strip club outREACH team served a home-cooked, Italian, meal to our "adopted" strip club in Ft. Myers, Florida.  In addition to the meal, the team also gave each woman a gift bag which included beauty supplies, toiletries, information about human trafficking, and the services Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries provides.  The team were greeted with a warm welcome and after ministering to the employees, two women committed to coming to our Resource/Therapy Center for help through counseling.  Since 2002, we have been doing strip club outREACHes locally and nationally.  We've been doing monthly outREACHes to this particular club since 2008, assisting both men and women we've met by helping them build new lives and lifestyles.  To see strip club outREACH pics, CLICK HERE.   INNER-CITY OUTREACHES:  Every Wednesday morning and evening we have outREACH teams connecting with women and children in an area of Lee County most known for prostitution and drugs.  These strategic outREACHes have resulted in women opening up to us helping them transition out of destructive lifestyles.  On Wednesday mornings, we have a team of overcomers that hit the streets inviting prostituted women to our Resource/Therapy Center for coffee and donuts.  On Wednesday evenings, we have a team that participates at Grace Church while they serve between 150-200 meals a night.  We truly believe that one of the most effective ways to reach potential clients is to follow Christ's example and meet individuals where they are!  For information on our National Sex Industry OutREACH and AfterCARE Training, CLICK HERE. BREAKING FREE BIBLE STUDY:  Every Monday, led by an overcomer at our Resource/Therapy Center, ladies gather to study the Word through Beth Moore's Breaking Free bible study.  To register, call (239) 939-9218. RUN 4 WELLNESS:  Every Monday afternoon, led by an overcomer and fitness instructor, women and children gather to run for wellness.  To register, call (239) 939-9218. TUTORING 4 TOMORROW:  Every Thursday evening from 5pm - 7pm, we provide tutoring to client's children at our Resource/Therapy Center.  We believe in a holistic, family systems model for recovery.  We are seeking tutors.  If interested, please email resume and letter of intent to christa_hicks@beautyfromashes.org.  Volunteer application and background check required.  LIFE SKILLS & SUPPORT GROUP:  On Thursday evenings from 7pm-8:30pm at our Resource/Therapy Center, we provide a life skills and support group. Led by a Master's level mental health clinician who is also an overcomer, this group is for any woman working in or desiring to exit the s*x-for-sale industry, or who has suffered from s*xual abuse, trafficking or exploitation.  For more information and to register, call (239) 939-9218 or email christa_hicks@beautyfromashes.org. Free child care is provided. EQUINE-ASSISTED LEARNING & HORSEMANSHIP MENTORING PROGRAMS:  To schedule individual or group sessions, call (239) 939-9218.   Find out more about our Prevention and Restoration programs and view pictures by CLICKING HERE. BLOG:  Competency Using Horses in Therapy by BFA Founder, Julie Shematz. AWARENESS EVENTS:  We truly believe that human trafficking awareness leads to prevention, intervention, and restoration, and in the past year, we have participated in over 80 events, reaching nearly 4000 people.  Ranging from 30-90 minutes, our multi-media presentations have been presented to ages 8 through 80+.  Venues include social service agencies, churches, universities, health departments and nursing associations, Girl Scouts and country clubs.  To see our upcoming events, including our National S*x Industry Outreach and Aftercare Training, CLICK HERE.  To schedule an overcomer to speak at your event or to invite BFA, CLICK HERE. DONATIONS:  Our program and operational costs are exclusively funded through private donations.  Please consider giving a tax-deductible gift today.  Gifts from $25 up to $10,000 will be doubled through our Matching Grant!   For secure online givingCLICK HERE or send your financial gift to 13300 S. Cleveland Avenue, Suite 56, Fort Myers, FL 33907.  Thank you! MONTHLY PRAYER ALERT:  For details of how to pray for us during the month of March, CLICK HERE. PRAYER REQUESTS:  We care about your needs.  Please send your prayer requests to prayer@beautyfromashes.org. WEEKLY GLOBAL PRAYER:  Every Friday morning 8-9am CST we meet at our Resource/Therapy Center.  To join us in spirit from wherever you are and for a prayer guide, CLICK HERE. Stay up-to-date with the day-to-day operations of Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries and latest news on domestic s*x trafficking by following us on Twitter & like us on our Facebook fanpage. Follow the progress of our newest therapy horse, a white Appaloosa colt, Morning Star Spirit. In the past month, we've had clients exit the s*x for sale industry, maintain sobriety, complete their GED, enroll in college, commit to drug and alcohol rehab and long term residential programs, and most importantly give their hearts and lives to Christ.  Their milestones could not be achieved without you, our faithful supporters.  On behalf of the staff, volunteers, interns, clients, and board, we thank you for partnering with us to prevent, reach, and restore victims of s*xual exploitation, abuse and trafficking.  With sincere gratitude, Julie Shematz President Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries   Where Victims Become Over-Comers "Survivors must be leaders in the development of services, shelter, and response protocols to s*x trafficking.”  - National Report on Domestic Minor S*x Trafficking AWARENESS & PREVENTION • REACH & RESCUE • TEACH & DEMONSTRATE • TRAIN & SEND