December eNews: Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

What a joy it is to serve the Lord through serving others, and in this Christmas season we continue to see the Lord bring healing and redemption to His children.  In 2012, our base of clients increased over 350%.  Many of the women have recently found jobs, and continue to do well in pre-college or college classes!  We've also been so blessed to see continued physical and emotional healing of our clients.   As we reflect on 2012, we have much to be grateful for, including our partners who have enabled us to prevent, reach, rescue, and restore more victims than ever before.  We'll have a detailed report of services coming soon, in the mean time, please enjoy our latest eNews. 

2012 TOP RATED GREAT NONPROFIT:  We are pleased to announce that we were recognized as a top rated Great Nonprofit in 2012.  To read our reviews, submit your own, and for more information, CLICK HERE.

CHRISTMAS PARTY:  On Thursday, December 13th, we held our first annual Country Christmas Party for our clients and their families at our Equine Facility.  Jesus was born in a manger and we thought it would be ideal to celebrate His birthday in a barn!  This party was also in observance of our clients' progress and hard work in becoming overcomers.  We had over 50 attendees who enjoyed more than 3000 lights and over 300 luminaries on the 5 acre property, in addition to dinner, a campfire, games, the therapy horses, and carols sung on a hayride pulled by an antique truck.  Huge thanks to our partners who gave of their time, talent and resources to make this a memorable night!   To view the spectacular pictures, CLICK HERE.

CHRISTMAS CARE PACKAGES DISTRIBUTED:  Thanks to our generous partners, we were able to distribute over 150 Christmas Care Packages to local adult and youth shelters, as well as South Florida residential programs with which we partner.  Care packages included beauty supplies, gift items, toiletries, and educational information on human trafficking and Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries.

EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING & HORSEMANSHIP MENTORING PROGRAMS:  We are pleased to announce that we have been provided with a certified EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) Equine Specialist to assist in our programs.  Marie Shelli comes to us with over 3 years experience developing and implementing treatment plans, incorporating horsemanship with a therapeutic approach, for at-risk teenage girls and young adults in a residential treatment center in Wyoming. The timing is perfect as our founder, Julie Shematz, is beginning an internship in January with Dr. Sandra Wise, a leading psychologist in equine psychotherapy, which will last through April.  Since launching our equine-assisted learning and horsemanship mentoring programs, over 40 people have received individual sessions, including pre-teens, teens and adults. Equine Assisted Leaning and Horsemanship Mentoring helps to develop trust, self-confidence, communication, self-concept, perspective, self-acceptance, impulse control, social skills, boundaries, spiritual connection, and a team mentality.  to find out more about our unique prevention and restoration programs and view pictures, CLICK HERE. To schedule an individual or group, call (239) 939-9218.       

SCHOLARSHIP RECEIVED: Congratulations to our founder, Julie Shematz for being awarded a $1,200 scholarship from the Sisterhood of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Education Association). She currently maintains a 4.0 GPA in the Mental Health Counseling Program at Florida Gulf Coast University and is set to receive her Masters Degree in 2013.

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH:  We are pleased to honor Attorney David Gibbs III as our volunteer of the month.  Dr. David Gibbs III and his associates at Gibbs Law Firm P.A.  have been providing pro bono services to us for over a year now and always respond in a timely manner to us.  Attorney Gibbs is the founder of the Christian Law Association and Homeschool Legal Advantage.  Thank you Attorney Gibbs for serving us and our clients! 

NATIONAL SEX INDUSTRY OUTREACH & AFTERCARE TRAINING:  We have a few seats left for our January 9-12, 2013 training at Barry University.  January is the Human Trafficking Awareness month and 1/11 is the National Day of Human Trafficking Awareness.   We've been presenting these unique trainings since 2005, and in 2010, we received a grant from the Department of Health & Human Services to develop the teachings into a professional, multiple-module curriculum.   For more information and to register for the nation's most comprehensive, faith based training of this nature, CLICK HERE.   

STRIP CLUB OUTREACH:  Since 2008, we have done monthly outREACHes into a Fort Myers strip club we refer to as our "adopted club".  On Saturday, December 8th, we arrived at the club with red and green Christmas stockings filled to the brim with beauty products, photo albums, encouragement cards, biblical materials, and information about the services BFA provides.  Ham, turkey, green bean casserole, cranberries, scalloped potatoes, salad and cake were served to everyone working at the club, and our outREACH team spent about three hours in the locker room, engaging in conversation and laughter, in addition to praying with the women working that night.  Since 2003, Beauty From Ashes™ has been sending outREACH teams to this strip club.  These outREACHes have resulted in women giving their hearts to Jesus, seeking our services outside the club, and reports of suspected human trafficking situations being made to local authorities.     

INNER CITY OUTREACHES:  Every Wednesday night, we partner with Grace Church in downtown Fort Myers where they provide free dinner, serving 150-200 people.  Our outREACH team has been able to establish relationships with women living in an area of Lee County known for the highest levels of prostitution and drugs, which has translated to them contacting us for services. 

LIFE SKILLS & SUPPORT GROUP:  Every Thursday night from 7-8:30pm in Central Fort Myers for women who have been s*xually abused, trafficked or exploited, including women who currently work in or desire to exit from the s*x-for-sale industry.  Last week we had 11 women in attendance!  Groups are led by a Master's level Mental Health Counselor and free child care is provided.  For more information and to register, call (239) 939-9218 or email christa_hicks@beautyfromashes.org.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:  We are in desperate need of drivers to transport clients and clients' children to and from appointments, services, and meetings.  We also need child care workers for Thursday evenings 5-9pm during our support group.  Additionally, we need a math tutor, strip club outREACH food coordinator, volunteer coordinator, and an event coordinator.  If you or your group can assist us, please email volunteer@beautyfromashes.org and/or call (239) 939-9218.  For more information, CLICK HERE. 

SCOPE OF SERVICES:  We, in partnership with multiple local agencies, are able to provide over 30 services, all free of charge.  Some of the services BFA provides are: Mental Health Counseling, Social Services, Spiritual Counseling, Career, Crisis, and Addiction Counseling, Case Management, Mentoring, Medical Services, Relocation, Short-term, Long-term residential program placement, Consulting and Referral for governmental and non-governmental agencies, a support system to loved ones of s*x workers, Trainings, outREACHes, and more.  For a full list of programs and services, CLICK HERE.       

SHOP ARBONNE & SUPPORT BFA:  Arbonne is a company specializing in beauty products and other health products free of harmful ingredients.  With every purchase made through Aroma Shea, Brazita Dancy's personalized website for Arbonne, 35% of the cost will be donated to BFA.  The goal is to have $2,000 donated before 2013.  

YEAR END DONATION:  As we finish the year and look into 2013, would you consider a year end, tax deductible gift to help us start 2013 strong?  We rely on private donations for our program and operational costs.  Please consider giving today.  For $35 or more, we'll send you our Child of God CD as our way to say thank you for partnering with us.  For secure online giving CLICK HERE or send your financial gift to 13300 S. Cleveland Avenue, Suite 56-623, Fort Myers, FL 33907.    

DECEMBER ePRAYER ALERT:  To prayer in detail for BFA, CLICK HERE

PRAYER REQUESTS:  We are honored to pray for you and your families! Please send your prayer requests to prayer@beautyfromashes.org

WEEKLY GLOBAL PRAYER:  To meet with intercessors locally, 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 the latest news on domestic s*x trafficking by following us on Twitter & like us on our Facebook fanpage.

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On behalf of the entire Beauty From Ashes Ministries FREEdom™ Team, we pray you receive the revelation of the Reason for the season and greatest gift of freedom ever provided to us, a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, our Immanuel.   From our family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Blessings,

Steve & 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

Shop Arbonne & Support Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries

Want to shop and support the work of Beauty From Ashes™ (BFA) Ministries all at the same time?  BFA has been given the opportunity to partner with Brazita Dancy, a Consultant Area Manager for Arbonne. Arbonne is a company specializing in beauty products and other health products free of harmful ingredients.  With every purchase made through Aroma Shea, Brazita's personalized website for Arbonne, 35% of the cost will be donated to BFA.  The goal is to have $2,000 donated before 2013.

"Arbonne creates personal care and wellness products that preserve and enhance the skin, body and mind for an integrative approach to beauty."  Some of the items available include anti-aging skin care products, cosmetics, lotions, fragrances and health and wellness products.

Please visit www.aromashea.myarbonne.com and begin shopping for FREEdom™ today!

Volunteers Desperately Needed!

We are in immediate, desperate need of reliable, committed volunteers. Since 2011, our clients served have increased at least 350%.  Last night we had 11 women at our weekly, Breaking Free Support/Life Skills Group. The majority of these women have accepted Christ as their Savior and are working diligently towards becoming disciples. In addition to the Support group 10 children were present, some which participate in our Tutoring Program, all of which require child care workers. Currently, we are serving approximately 45 individuals on a regular basis, many which do not have transportation and we transport them to and from appointments: counseling, group, food pantries, psychiatrist, medical doctor, acquiring legal, governmental and school documents, equine facility, airport, etc. Our clients range from being local to international, recently released from jail, pregnant, developmentally challenged, single mothers with up to four children to individuals enrolled in college, studying for their GED's, unemployed, and employed.  We are in need of individuals and/or groups that will partner with us in providing over 30 services and programs free of charge to the community:

FORT MYERS AREA VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR:  To process volunteer applications, do back ground checks, administer Myers Briggs, present/coordinate volunteer trainings, and schedule volunteers.

DRIVERS:  Individuals in the Fort Myers area that can transport clients and/or their children to and from appointments.

CHILDCARE WORKERS:  To care for children during weekly Life Skills & Support Group on Thursday evenings 5-9pm at Grace Church in downtown Fort Myers, FL.

MATH TUTOR:  To assist children of clients, as well as, clients, with their school work.

OUTREACH FOOD COORDINATOR:  To organize and coordinate meal preparation once a month for strip club outREACH. Responsibilities include coordinating, picking up and delivering, food to outREACH team prior to outREACH on 2nd Saturday of the month.  Food preparation is for 35 people.

If interested, please call (239) 939-9218 or email christa_hicks@beautyfromashes.org. Volunteer application and back ground check required.

EVENT COORDINATOR (Does not have to reside in Fort Myers area):  Responsibilities include handling all communication regarding events:  Appearance contracts, riders, speaker's needs, travel, hotel accommodations, as well as updating calendars, social media communication. and public relations. Approximately 3-5 hours a week is needed, with possibility of paid position in the future.  Please email resume and letter of interest to julie@beautyfromashes.org.  No phone calls please.

December ePrayer Alert

As we enter into the season of Christmas and end of 2012, we want to thank you for your ongoing commitment to intercede for Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries' staff, interns, volunteers, and clients.  We truly believe the Lord responds and acts as His children come before Him, so every prayer you say on behalf of Beauty From Ashes™ (BFA) Ministries does make a difference!   CLIENTS: Every week we have the privilege and honor of walking alongside women who desire to see Christ transform their lives.  Please pray they continually press into Him, begin or continue taking tangible and realistic steps towards healing and renewal, and seek out the Lord's will not only for themselves, but for their families as well.  Pray that each woman grasps the depths and measure of the Lord's love for them, and that it is He alone Who declares their identity and worth.  Pray that as they heal individually, they can also then impact each other positively through encouragement, prayer and healthy, Christ-centered friendships.  Please also continue praying for our future clients; the women we have yet to meet, but with whom we wholly believe the Lord is already orchestrating divine appointments.  Pray He begins to stir their hearts towards His perfect, unfailing and unfathomable love.     OUTREACHES: We are here to serve the Lord and to be His light to the world.  We praise Him for His continued favor in our outREACHes, opening doors to speak of His life-saving message through our life-skills/support groups, daily social media posts, monthly strip club outREACH and our weekly inner-city outREACH.  Please pray for our Christmas-themed monthly OutREACH at our adopted club, and our upcoming Christmas Party being held for our clients at the Equine Facility, occurring on the 8th and the 13th, respectively.  Pray that every day our actions are motivated by the Lord's love, that we speak with His words, we allow His strength to sustain us and we share His hope with the world.  We also ask for prayers that we will be able to expand our strip club outREACH in 2013 when and where the Lord says it is time.             PROGRAMS & SERVICES: Please pray for all the services and programs BFA provides.  First, that they glorify the Lord and secondly, that we continue to assess the needs of the women we serve and do all we can to help them rebuild life through Christ-centered counseling, mentorship and providing for their practical needs when possible.  We also want to continue empowering the women to make whatever changes are necessary for themselves and their families so that they embrace the wonderful plans and purposes the Lord has for them.  Pray that we are able to maintain and develop new programs and services based on the needs of the women and the community, with the purpose of continuously glorifying the Lord by showing His love through our actions.       CURRENT NEEDS: We first want to praise the Lord for providing a desk and couch for the office!  We continue to be in need of 2 rolling office chairs and 2-4 industrial shelving units.  With our client-base expanding, we are also in need of many practical items, such as Bibles, bus passes, food gift cards, pharmacy cards, gas cards, and client sponsorships.  CLICK HERE for the entire list of our needs.  EQUINE FACILITY:  We give all the glory to the Lord that our Prevention Mentoring and AfterCARE Restoration Equine Programs assist both clients and their children, and we ask for continued prayers for all involved in these programs.  We still pray the Lord provides the necessary funding in order to renovate the horse barn, with the goal of adding a restroom and mother-in-laws' suite as soon as possible.  Pray specifically for a water heater and plumbing supplies needed to install the new shower that's been provided.  For more information on the programs and facility, CLICK HERE.      FUNDING:  We thank the Lord for all of His provision.  Whether it's through new donors or people who have supported BFA for years, we are so grateful and thankful for the financial gifts we receive.  Please pray for additional supporters who want to partner with the Lord's vision for BFA, in order to continue reaching women and young girls who have been victims of s*xual exploitation, abuse and trafficking.    PARTNERSHIPS:  Partnerships are crucial to extending the work into which the Lord has led us, and we are thankful for the current partnerships that have been forged.  We ask for prayers that more churches will feel the desire to offer their time, talents and resources to BFA, and that there will be an increase in the community partnerships in which we are involved.  Please pray for protection for all of our partners, and that the Lord continues to orchestrate divine interactions according to His perfect plans and purposes.    EVENTS:  As the year is coming to a close, we continue to be busy with speaking engagements and awareness events, in addition to our daily and weekly programs and outREACHes.  Please pray for our participation on December 21st in Fort Myers' Music Walk, a monthly street festival held in the River District area of Downtown Fort Myers.  Pray for divine appointments and guidance as our team raises awareness about Human Trafficking and BFA.  Please pray for wisdom as we must discern what we should be involved in and when we must decline an offer to participate in an event.  Pray that every event BFA is involved in brings glory and honor to the Lord, declaring His goodness and His desire to break the chains of injustice.   VOLUNTEERS & INTERNS:  Volunteers and interns are absolutely essential to continue reaching the women we serve and to expanding our client-base.  Please pray for women to feel a stirring in their hearts, desiring to join us as volunteers, and ask the Lord to provide a new group of interns beginning in the Spring of 2013.  We are also in need of women who feel led to transport our clients to and from necessary appointments, group counseling sessions, and the Equine Facility for services.  We also are seeking an Event Coordinator and women who can assist in the day-to-day operations of BFA.     STAFF:  Pray that our Founder, Julie Shematz, and Program Manager, Christa Hicks, would sustain balance and priorities as they work diligently to prevent, reach, rescue, and restore victims of s*x trafficking and s*xual exploitation.  Praise God that He has enabled Julie to maintain a 4.0 overall GPA in the Mental Health Counseling Program at Florida Gulf Coast University while she also is the Executive Director of BFA!  Pray that Julie would be refreshed and renewed during her winter break from school this month.  Praise God that Christa has been with BFA for over a year now!  Agree with us that the Lord will fill her to overflowing on a daily basis as she manages the programs, meets with clients, supervises interns and volunteers.   May both women prioritize their daily personal time with the Lord in order to fulfill the call on their lives as servants and leaders. Pray for both overcomer's marriages and spouses to be prioritized and blessed. BOARD OF DIRECTORS & ADVISORS:  Agree with us that all advisors and directors be of God's perfect will for 2013  and that all directors will fulfill their roles and responsibilities to the organization.  Pray that those whose time has come to fruition with BFA will recognize it and humbly step away, allowing others to assume their call to advise and direct the ministry.  Pray for a spirit of unity and harmony and against the spirits of pride.  Continue to pray that God would pour out His blessings on each member of our board and advisory team.  Agree with us that their health, family, and resources be protected. OTHER LIKE MINISTRIES/AGENCIES:  We praise the Lord for the numerous organizations and ministries throughout America and the world striving to bring Christ's hope to the hopeless; to see victims of s*xual exploitation, abuse and trafficking set free and restored by His wonderful love.  Pray that we are unified in our desire to spread the Gospel, and that we all serve with humility, integrity, honor and respect.  Pray for protection in all areas; that strong boundaries exist and every bit of our work is driven by Biblical priorities.  Pray, too, for the families and friends of all involved in ministry, and that every relationship is found to be Christ-centered.    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.  Contact us for directions. PRAYER REQUESTS:  Send us your prayer requests by CLICKING HERE MONTHLY ePRAYER ALERT SIGN UP:  CLICK HERE MONTHLY eNEWSLETTER SIGN UP:  CLICK HERE  "Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son and they shall call His name Immanuel" (Which means, God with us).  Matthew 1:23 ESV On behalf of Julie Shematz, the Beauty From Ashes™ FREEdom™ Team, and clients, thank you for your continued prayers surrounding this ministry.  Our prayer for you this season is that you receive revelation of the Reason for it and that He transforms your life.  Merry Christmas.  With sincere appreciation, Nancy Sampson Prayer Team Coordinator 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 HELP LINE:  877 4BFA SOS (877) 423-2767 PHYSICAL ADDRESS;  13180 N. Cleveland Avenue, Suite 111 North Fort Myers, FL  33903 MAILING ADRESS:  13300 South Cleveland Avenue, Suite 56-623 Fort Myers, FL 33907 www.BeautyFromAshes.org

November eNews ~ Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from 

Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries! 

We have so much to be thankful for this season.  Currently, we are serving an average of 40 women a week, of which 17 are active in our weekly programs.  Two overcomers are enrolled in college and doing exceptionally well, while three women have registered for pre-college classes with the goal of starting college next year.  Two have courageously addressed addiction problems and have remained sober, and 9 have remained free from sex work since since beginning with us.  More importantly,  3 of the women recently received Christ as their Lord and Savior and are daily learning how to trust Him as they rebuild their lives!  

CHRISTMAS PARTY:  On Thursday, December 13th, we are throwing our first annual Country Christmas Party for our clients, their children, and families at our Equine Facility.  This party is in celebration of not only the Reason for the Season, but our client's progress and hard work in becoming overcomers.  In addition to dinner, there will be a campfire and we'll be playing horse shoes, corn hole, lasso the bull, singing Christmas carols, and our "horse-therapists" will available to provide services and "pony rides".  We are in need of sponsors for this very special event.  If you would like to help sponsor the event, a family, or an individual, please consider giving: $500, $100 or $50 to help.  We have 4 teenagers for each of which we are seeking a $60 sponsorship for Christmas gifts and are expecting over 60 attendees at this celebration.  Female volunteers, you are welcome to attend!  (Sorry guys, this one is for the ladies only, at the request of our precious clients).  Please call (239) 939-9218 or email christa_hicks@beautyfromashes.org for more information. 

EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING & HORSEMANSHIP MENTORING PROGRAMS EXPAND:  In addition to over  20 participants we've had experience our programs since launching, we will be providing an equine escape to the entire men's & women's staff of the Southwest Florida Teen Challenge on December 14th.  Plans are in the making to provide services to the residents of Teen Challenge and other local residential rehabilitation programs too!  Equine Assisted Learning and Horsemanship Mentoring helps to develop trust, self-confidence, communication, self-concept, perspective, self-acceptance, impulse control, social skills, boundaries, spiritual connection, and a team mentality.  Find out more about our unique prevention and restoration programs and view pictures by CLICKING HERE.   

Meet "Horse-Therapist", Handsome Boy by Karen Zeigler of Inspiration to Change. 

NEW PROGRAMS LAUNCHED - TUTORING & RUN 4 WELLNESS:  In the past month, we've implemented two new programs and they have taken off!  Recognizing the need for many of our client's children and teens, of assistance with school, our interns responded by providing a tutoring program that is meeting weekly before and during the "Breaking Free" Life Skills & Support Group.  Additionally, with a focus on holistic health, led by our very own fitness expert, overcomer, and Program Manager, Christa Hicks, women and their children are meeting weekly to run (some walk) a Fort Myers bridge for fun, fellowship, and fitness.

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH:  Recognizing the countless hours she's provided over the past year as a mentor, driver, strip club outREACH member, encourager, curriculum writer, and all the other things she's done in between and over and above, we want to honor Sharon Aldridge this month.  We thank Sharon and her husband Frank, for ALL they do in support of Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries!  THANK YOU SHARON, we love and appreciate you!

URGENT NEEDS:  We have immediate needs for persons willing to volunteer as Math Tutors, Drivers, Childcare Workers, an OutREACH Food Coordinator and Event Coordinator.  Additionally, we need a love seat, end table, and chair for our office counseling area, and a water heater for the Equine Facility.  (A new shower has been provided [yay!]. Now we need a heater, plumbing pipes, and fixtures).  For more information on urgent needs, CLICK HERE.  For a detailed list of our all our current needs CLICK HERE.  See below DONATIONS for tax deductible giving. 

STRIP CLUB OUTREACH REPORT:  Thanksgiving arrived at our “adopted” strip club on Saturday, November 10th.  With trays full of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, salad, rolls and pies, our outREACH team was able to spend hours serving the employees of the club and spending time talking to the women.  Since 2008, Beauty From Ashes™ (BFA) has been sending outREACH teams to the strip club on the second Saturday of every month, taking a home-cooked meal and gift bags of beauty supplies, toiletries, and information about human trafficking and the services Beauty From Ashes™ provides to both the employees and management of the club.  

INNER CITY OUTREACH REPORT:  Every Wednesday night, Grace Church in downtown Fort Myers offers a worship service followed by a free dinner, serving anywhere from 150-200 people a week.  We send an outREACH team in order to show support for our current clients and provide information to any woman seeking assistance.  We have been so excited to see the number of our clients who attend the service grow, connecting with each other and offering support to one another.     

LIFE SKILLS & SUPPORT GROUP:  Led by a Master’s level mental health clinician who is an overcomer, we offer a support group every Tuesday night from 7-8:30pm in Central Fort Myers for women who have been s*xually abused, trafficked or exploited, including women who currently work in or desire to exit from the s*x-for-sale industry.  Free child care is provided.  For more information and to register, call (239) 939-9218 or email christa_hicks@beautyfromashes.org.  

NATIONAL SEX INDUSTRY OUTREACH & AFTERCARE TRAINING:  We have a few seats left for our January 9-12, 2013 training at Barry University in Fort Myers, Florida.  January is the National Human Traffiking Awareness month and 1/11 is the National Day of Human Trafficking Awareness.   Since 2005, we've been presenting these unique trainings and in 2010 we received a grant from the Department of Health & Human Services to develop the training into a professional, multiple module, integrated curriculum that also addresses sex trafficking.   For more information and to register for the nation's most comprehensive training of this nature, CLICK HERE. 

EVENTS:  In the past month, overcomers have spoken at universities, human trafficking conferences and churches on behalf of BFA.  Since the beginning of 2012, we have appeared at over 80 events, reaching over 4,000 people.  We believe it is through human trafficking awareness that prevention, intervention and restoration happen!  Our multi-media presentations range from 30-90 minutes in length and have been presented to ages 8 through 80+.  Venues include social service agencies, churches, universities, colleges, health departments, and nursing associations, to Girl Scouts and country clubs.  To see more of our upcoming events, including the November 29th Sanibel Community Church's evening with 3 international humanitarian heroes, CLICK HERE.  To schedule an overcomer to speak at your event or invite BFA CLICK HERE. 

SCOPE OF SERVICES:  We, in partnership with multiple local agencies, are able to provide over 30 services, all free of charge.  Some of the services Beauty From Ashes™ provides are: Mental Health Counseling, Social Services, Spiritual Counseling, Career, Crisis, and Addiction Counseling, Case Management, Mentoring, Medical Services, Relocation, Short-term, Long-term Residential Program Placement, Consulting and Referral for governmental and non-governmental agencies, support system to loved ones of s*x workers, Trainings, outREACHes, and more.  For a full list of programs and services, CLICK HERE.    

FUND RAISING:  There are many ways you can support the work Beauty From Ashes™ does, and whether it seems big or small, every bit of your support does make a difference!  From organizing a bake sale or a car wash, donating a percentage of your business sales, to offering a matching grant, your fund-raising ideas and efforts can greatly help fight human trafficking in America and continue to allow us to reach, rescue and restore victims of s*x trafficking and s*xual exploitation.  Please contact us today with your ideas.  Thank you!        

DONATIONS:  Your private donations make our work possible and we rely on them for program and operational costs.  Please consider giving a tax-deductible gift today.  For $35 or more, we'll send you our Child of God CD as our way to say thank you for partnering with us.  For secure online giving CLICK HERE or send your financial gift to 13300 S. Cleveland Avenue, Suite 56, Fort Myers, FL 33907. 

MONTHLY ePRAYER ALERT:  For details of how to pray for us in the month of November, CLICK HERE. 

PRAYER REQUESTS: Send them to prayer@beautyfromashes.org.

WEEKLY GLOBAL PRAYER: To meet with intercessors locally, 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.

I cannot thank you enough for your continued support and encouragement.  As we all celebrate Thanksgiving this week, we are thanking God for you and your support of the mission of the Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries: To prevent, reach, rescue, and restore victims of commercialized s*xual exploitation, abuse, and trafficking.  On behalf of myself, the board, staff and volunteers, Happy Thanksgiving, from our family to yours!

In Christ's love and service,

Julie Shematz
President

Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries  

Where Victims Become Over-Comers

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Meet "Horse-Therapist", Handsome Boy

Hi, I’m Handsome Boy,

My registered name is Dolmar’s Golden Star which is quite boring I think. Besides every time someone meets me they exclaim “What a Handsome Boy!” So it’s stuck I’d say. Plus it fuels the male ego of my owner who discovered that Handsome Boy was one of the original names for one of John Wayne’s horses. I like it. I think it suits me pretty good…far better than Dolmar! Yuck!   

I’m a Tennessee Walking Horse which means my ride is smooth as silk if I do say so myself.  The only time I tend to get choppy is when my rider gets in a hurry and tries to go faster than my little legs can run.  Besides my smooth ride my beautiful Champagne coat and blue eyes get the attention of all the ladies.  You could say I’m a chick magnet. 

Truth is I can be rather shy and timid with new people.  Sometimes meeting new people or doing new things puts so much pressure on me that I’ll freeze and then retreat to a safe place as soon as I can think straight.  Perhaps retreat is too gentle of a word – sometimes I freak out and run away – to a safe place.  You wouldn’t know it if you saw me on the trail though, as I am usually the leader and raring to go.  I guess I’m just like some humans in that regard – shy with new people/places and proceed comfortably when I’m in my usual routine or environment.   But shyness aside, once I’m assured I can trust you I’m a very loving, friendly and silly kinda horse that will follow you around like a sweet puppy (especially if I think you’re carrying treats).

Typically, I’m not in the line-up for riding with Beauty From Ashes™ (BFA) Ministry's humans because my nervousness + their nervousness, generally doesn’t mix well.  But my leader Julie is working hard logging the miles and training in an effort to make me bomb-proof like my Herd Boss Murphy.  I’m so eager to please her that she has begun to ride me without a bit and I really like not having metal in my mouth!  BTW, Bomb-proof is human terminology for a horse that is so calm you could set a bomb off beside them and they wouldn’t move.  At least for now, if you set a bomb off beside me I’d turn back flips and be found clinging to the highest limb on the nearest tree!  However, I am in the line-up to meet everyone that visits our barn for Equine Assisted Learning and Horsemanship Mentoring.  My unique personality, along with the other "horse-therapists", is used to help participants learn about themselves (especially the ones that have trust challenges!).  We help them learn to trust, improve their communication skills, learn self control, set goals, become aware of everything around them, develop patience, acquire new perspectives, build up their self esteem, and teach them responsibility.  During these “working times”, we also get lavished with love as humans also learn to groom, care and feed (did someone say treats?!). 

Thanks again for stopping by our blog. While you’re here consider making a donation to Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries Equine Programs.  Your donations ensure that more people at risk or recovering from sexual abuse, trafficking, or sex work will be taught the skills they need to succeed in life and become all that God desires for them to be.  It in turns means more visits for me and my “horse–therapist” friends, which in turn means more treats! 

Yours truly,
Handsome Boy
Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries "Horse-Therapist"

For more on BFA’s Equine Programs, CLICK HERE. 

To give securely online, CLICK HERE.

To view lots of pics of me & the other “horse-therapists”, CLICK HERE

Karen Zeigler is an inspirational writer, life coach, author, and speaker.  Author of "Freedom From Worry" she is the founder of "Inspiration to Change".  Inspiration to Change's mission is to inspire individuals and professionals to discover and create Freedom in every area of life.  A graduate of Florida State University, after 20+ years of being an Investment Advisor, following the economic collapse, she pursued Coaching, which has become her life's passion.  For 8 years, Karen was the host of the program Change Radio and is a regular guest on the Testimonies of Triumph television program.  She is also the owner of the Beauty From Ashes™ "Horse-Therapists".  For more about Karen, please visit www.KarenZeigler.com. 

Needed: Volunteers, Xmas Sponsorships, Furniture & H20 Heater

Currently we are serving approximately 45 individuals on a regular basis (detailed update coming soon!).  We are in need of the following:

FORT MYERS AREA VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:

DRIVERS:  Individuals in the Fort Myers area that can transport clients and/or their children to and from appointments.  

MATH TUTOR:  To assist children of clients, as well as, clients, with their school work. 

CHILDCARE WORKERS:  To care for children during weekly Life Skills & Support Group, Breaking Free, on Thursday evenings at Grace Church in downtown Fort Myers, FL.  

OUTREACH FOOD COORDINATOR:  To organize and coordinate meal preparation once a month for strip club outREACH. Responsibilities include coordinating, picking up and delivering, food to outREACH team prior to outREACH on 2nd Saturday of the month.  Food preparation is for 35 people. 

If interested, please call (239) 939-9218 or email christa_hicks@beautyfromashes.org. Volunteer application and back ground check required. 

EVENT COORDINATOR (Does not have to reside in Fort Myers area):  Responsibilities include handling all communication regarding events:  Appearance contracts, riders, speaker's needs, travel, hotel accommodations, as well as updating calendars, social media communication. and public relations. Approximately 3-5 hours a week is needed, with possibility of paid position in the future.  Please email resume and letter of interest to julie@beautyfromashes.org.  No phone calls please.

MONETARY NEEDS:

XMAS TEEN GIFT SPONSORSHIP:  We are in need of 4 teenagers to be sponsored for Christmas gifts for $60 a teen.  

FURNITURE:  We need a new or gently used love seat, chair, end  table, and two rolling office chairs for our new office space.  

WATER HEATER:  A new shower has been donated to the Equine Facility (yah!).  We are in need of a water heater, plumbing pipes, & fixtures. 

All giving is tax deductible.  Give securely online or send check to 13300 S. Cleveland Ave., Ste. 56, Fort Myers, FL 33907.  Call (239) 939-9218 or email julie@beautyfromashes.org to provide items. 

November ePrayer Alert

Dear Faithful Prayer Partners,

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to intercede for Beauty From Ashes™ staff, interns, volunteers, & clients. As we continue to grow in the number of clients we serve and in the programs and services we offer to them, your prayers are relied upon and appreciated each day. 

CLIENTS: Praise God that many of the clients we serve have strengthened their walk with Him through increased faith & trust in His plans for their lives.  Please pray that their faith would be contagious in the lives of our new clients & that when possible, our clients would reach out to support each other in their journey. Pray that each of our clients would take every thought captive & continually be reminded that God did not make a mistake in making them. Pray that they would be able to walk in His love and His vision for their life & that they would not hold onto the shame from the past. Pray that God would reveal each part of His plan for each of our clients in His time & that they would learn to put one foot in front of the other,` trusting in Him alone. Agree with us that as they continue to build new life, they would be blessed with healthy friendships centered on Christ.  

OUTREACHES:  As we continue our weekly outREACHes in the inner-city, life-skills/support groups, and daily social media outREACHes, we ask for continued prayers for us to be Jesus' hands and feet to the world, delivering His hope & the life saving Gospel message. We are so thankful for our continued favor with our "adopted" strip club, giving us the opportunity to build relationships with both the management and employees. It is our prayer that the Lord's love shines through our outREACH ministry teams and that those we reach begin to see just how much He loves them, how He has a purpose for every one of their lives, and He is their Deliverer and Healer. We ask that you pray for favor as we expand our strip club outREACHes. Pray that our outREACH ministry teams would continue to multiply as our territory expands according to God's will. 

PROGRAMS & SERVICES:  Pray for the 30+, victim centered programs and services that BFA provides free of charge to the community. Pray for the new programs as they are developed out of client's needs. Our newest is tutoring services to clients' children. Agree with us that all programs and services be glorifying to God, while providing practical needs to clients and the community. 

CURRENT NEEDS:  We are currently in need of the following pieces of furniture for our office: desk, 2 rolling office chairs, full size bookcase, and 2-4 industrial shelving units.  Please pray that God would bring forth individuals or a business ready to sponsor clients, their families, and their recovery. Agree with us for the provision of bus passes, Bibles, gift cards, client sponsorship, pharmacy cards, refrigerator, etc. CLICK HERE for entire list of our needs. 

EQUINE FACILITY:  Pray for those participating in both the Prevention Mentoring and Aftercare Restoration/Mentoring Equine Programs.  Pray that God would bring us funding so that we can renovate the horse barn by adding a restroom and mother in laws' suite ASAP. For more information on the programs and facility, CLICK HERE. 

FUNDING:  Pray that God would raise up more committed partners willing to support us financially so that we can continue offering our services to victims of sexual exploitation, abuse, & trafficking. Thank God for the resources from the East, West, North, and South.

PARTNERSHIPS:  Please pray that more churches will support the first and only overcomer-led, faith based, human sex trafficking victim service agency in the state of Florida.  Pray that churches would add BFA to their list of home missions support and begin supporting us with time, talent and resources.  May community partnerships continue to increase. Also pray for protection and strengthening of existing networking, in addition to protecting our partners.  Where the enemy is trying to come against our partners, rejoice with us that a standard is being raised to protect them.  

EVENTS:  Wisdom and discernment to know what and/or who BFA is to be involved with or not. Pray for our team, throughout the month of November, to have increased energy as we move into our busiest season with awareness events, presentations on top of the ongoing outREACHes and programs we offer each week. Pray that God would bless us with the ability to reach many people this month through our speaking engagements at a variety of venues.

VOLUNTEERS & INTERNS:  Pray for God to bring us more interns for the Spring of 2013 that are as passionate & dedicated as the interns we currently have.  Pray that God would lay a strong desire on the hearts of local women to get involved as faithful volunteers. Especially pray that God would bring us 2-3 women with a desire to transport our clients to and from necessary appointments, group counseling sessions, and to the Equine Facility for services.  Pray with us for an Event Coordinator and individual(s) to consistently assist in the day to day operations.  

STAFF:  Pray that our Founder, Julie Shematz, and Program Manager, Christa Hicks, would sustain balance and priorities as they work diligently to prevent, reach, rescue, & restore victims of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation.  Praise God that He has given Julie the energy and strength to balance her family life, full time school work, & duties as Executive Director of BFA. Pray for Julie as she continues in her final year of graduate school and internship, through the end of the year, at the nation's largest Salvation Army Social Services Center, as a mental health clinician intern. Pray that the Lord will refresh and renew Christa on a daily basis as she manages the programs, meets with clients, supervises interns and volunteers, and holds Julie accountable for balance. May both women prioritize their daily personal time with the Lord in order to fulfill the call on their lives as servants and leaders. Pray for both overcomer's husbands as they provide support to them.  May they maintain prioritized personal time with their spouses and family and those relationships flourish.  

BOARD OF DIRECTORS & ADVISORS:  Agree with us that all advisors and directors be of God's perfect will for such a time as this. Praise God abundantly for bringing our newest advisor Dr. Dawn Opitz, a psychologist with immense experience in Mental Health issues ranging from Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment Disorders, PTSD, Borderline Personality Disorder, ADHD, Dissociative Disorder, Schizophrenia, Personality Disorders, & Dementia. Continue to pray that God would pour out His blessings on each member of our board & advisory team.  Agree with us that their health, family, and resources be protected. 

OTHER LIKE MINISTRIES/AGENCIES:  Pray for unity amongst one another and humility, 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.  

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.

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

For the Lord your God is living among you.  He is a mighty Savior.  He will take great delight in you with gladness.  With His love, He will calm all your fears.  He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.  Zephaniah 3:17 NLT

On behalf of Julie Shematz and the Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries FREEdom™ Team, thank you for your commitment to prayer & intercession for our staff, clients, board, & partners!  We appreciate each of you!

Nancy Sampson and Sandra Spencer

Prayer Team Coordinators

Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries

Where Victims Become Overcomers