How Do We Educate Minors About Sex Trafficking Without Sanitizing or Sensationalizing It?

WE NEED YOUR HELP:  HOW DO YOU TALK ABOUT SEX TRAFFICKING TO, THE MOST VULNERABLE, MINORS? 

(By Diana Schimone, Journalist & Director of Born 2 Fly Project, "A plea for help from fellow abolitionists")

• Julie was asked to talk to a group of children [in vacation bible school] about child trafficking, but the program directors don't  want her to mention sex trafficking [or human trafficking, abuse, exploitation, rape, etc.].  Some of the girls are as young as 3, but others are as old as 11.

• Julie met with a group of high school kids who put together a riveting drama about human trafficking--but most high schools won't let them present it because of the topic.

• Meanwhile I can't find a school or community center in the US that will test the Born2Fly Project to stop child trafficking. Schools all over the world are begging for it--but no takers in the US. I suspect it's because (1) they don't think there's a child trafficking problem here and/or (2) they don't want to deal with "offensive" subjects.

Okaaaay.

So it's okay for kids to watch borderline pornographic dancing on network TV, listen to R-rated music and more...but it's not okay to warn them about sex traffickers recruiting them right now in their middle schools and malls? 

We have a national crisis in the US. The average age of kids entering prostitution in the US is between 11 and 14. That's the average age. Each year 100,000 minors are trafficked in the US--in your towns and ours.

We know that awareness leads to prevention, intervention, and restoration.

So Julie and I  decided to throw this open to you.

"We need strategic and creative ideas," Julie explains. "This is a problem that we as abolitionists, especially educators, are facing. We all recognize the need to deliver this message to children and teens, but how do we do this other than the Internet? And how do we do it without sensationalizing or sanitizing it?"

Would you give us your ideas?

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JUNE OUTREACH GIFT & CARE PACKAGE ASSEMBLY THIS SATURDAY:  May 7th, 9am - 12pm, Barry University.  BFA is in need of individuals willing to assemble outREACH & care packages for survivors of commercialized sexual exploitation (CSE) and human sex trafficking.  We need help in making 50-75 gifts.  We are also in need of Father's Day themed and inspirational books, bibles, jewelry, toiletries, candy, and gift items to be placed in the gift and care packages.  

BFA CURRENT NEEDS:  Want to help and get involved?  CLICK HERE for details.  

BREAKING FREE LIFE SKILLS & SUPPORT GROUP:  Wednesdays at Barry University 1-3pm.  For victims and over-comers of CSE and human sex trafficking.  Child care and lunch provided.  Registration required.  Contact Julie Shematz at julie@beautyfromashes.org or call 239-939-9218 to register.

SCHEDULE BFA FOR AN EVENT:  BFA provides education, in services, and trainings on human trafficking for social service agencies, universities, churches, groups, businesses, and clubs.  To schedule a speaker and for more information, CLICK HERE

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DONATIONS:  Your partnership is vital for us to continue providing education, advocacy, and reach, rescue and restoration services to victims of commercialized sexual exploitation.  Please consider becoming a partner by giving a tax deductible gift today.  For  $25 or more we will send you our  Child of God CD.  For secure online donations, CLICK HERE or mail your check, cash or money order to Beauty From Ashes, 13300 S. Cleveland Ave., Ste, 56-623, Fort Myers, FL 33907.

Thank you for your continued support of the mission God has entrusted us with.  

In Him & His service,

Julie Shematz & the BFA FREEdom™ Team

Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries  

Where Victims Become Over-Comers

June Prayer Alert for Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries

We continue trusting our Father in Heaven for great and mighty works for His ministry at Beauty From Ashes™. Please join us in praying through the points below this month.

CLIENTS:  We're grateful for your prayers in the month of  May that resulted in more girls leaving the sex business where we've been doing outreach than ever before! Please agree with us for open doors of employment and that more will open as others leave the sex for sale business. Pray for healing, sound minds, strength, wisdom, and encouragement that their past does not define who they are or their future.  Agree with us that they have the courage and wisdom to make the decisions that are in them and their family's best interest.  Pray they have a hunger and thirst for God's Word and get into churches that will provide healthy community and support system.  

LOCAL RESIDENTIAL SHELTER/HOME:  Funding is needed to acquire property offered to BFA for a 4-6 bedroom, already zoned as group home, for $2800 a month plus funding for staff to run.  May God's perfect will be done. 

OUTREACHES:  Pray that outreach team members would continue to multiply as our territory expands according to God's will.  Thank God for the favor we have with club management and employees.  Our June outREACHes will focus on Father's Day. Pray that the Father's love will be evident in and through the team as they operate in unity. 

May those we reach receive the revelation of who God is, how much He loves them and embrace the truth that will set them free to be everything they were destined to be. 

VOLUNTEERS:  Pray for strength, encouragement and perseverance for current volunteers and that God would raise up more called, anointed, and committed servants.   

FUNDING:  Last month we asked you to begin praying for $45,000 for a full time Executive Director position and we have received $12,500 and have $27,500 pledged for the new position!  Please agree with us for the remaining $5,000.  We currently are at full capacity with a volunteer staff and are in desperate need of this position in order to continue to develop and expand the programs that have already been established.

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT:  Please pray for the completion of the project and for the funding for the DVD production and marketing of campaign.

FREEdom™ HOMES BEST PRACTICES PROJECT:  Pray that God would continue to raise up multiple governmental and non governmental agencies to work collaboratively in the development of the Best Practices for residential homes for sex trafficking victims.  (Currently there is none).  Pray for a spirit of unity and harmony and that these agencies will work together in the best interest of victims.  

PARTNERSHIPS:  Since we asked you to pray last month that churches would add BFA to their list of home missions support and begin backing with time, talent and resources, we have a local church that has done this!  We've also been chosen to be the support ministry for vacation bible school!  Please pray that others will step up and support the first and only survivor led, faith based, human sex trafficking victim service agency in the state of Florida.  May community partnerships continue to increase.  Also pray for protection and strengthening of existing networking.  

GRANTS & FOUNDATIONS:  Pray that our current partnerships for grants would result in operational, program, and project funding.  May God impart the wisdom to know which ones to apply for, what agencies to partner with, and that we don't miss submitting proposals to anything that is in God's will that we apply to. 

EVENTS:  Wisdom and discernment to know what and/or who BFA is to be involved with or not.  Pray that God will raise up a BFA Event Coordinator.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:  God bless our new and existing board members!  Please pray for protection, wisdom, encouragement, and divine direction for BFA.  May all directors contribute their gifts and talents collaboratively as they operate in one accord.  

JULIE SHEMATZ:  Pray that she maintain balance and priorities as she continues in her 2nd year of graduate school and interns at the nation's largest Salvation Army as a mental health counselor. 

OTHER LIKE MINISTRIES/AGENCIES:  Pray for unity amongst one another and humbleness, wisdom, and patience in reaching, rescuing and restoring victims.  May the level of professionalism be raised and licensed counselors and professional service providers unite with them to provide restoration services and program development.  Pray for balance, biblical priorities, and protection of marriages and families.  May strong boundaries be established and maintained for aftercare providers.  May God's strength and encouragement be imparted to all in the name of Jesus.  

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity . . . " Jeremiah 29:11-14. 

Thank you for your priceless partnership in prayer and intercession! 

PRAYER REQUESTS:  We care for you and have a team that prays over your every need.  Submit your prayer request via our website CLICK HERE.

BFA E-NEWSLETTER:  CLICK HERE to sign up.

Thank you for praying with and for us,
Nancy Sampson, Sandi Spencer & Julie Shematz

Prayer Coordinators & CEO

Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries  

Where Victims Become Over-Comers