October ePrayer Alert

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to intercede for the ministries of Beauty From Ashes™ (BFA), especially during my post graduation sabbatical. Returning to BFA refreshed and renewed was a great beginning to our new season. It is amazing for me to process the fact that it was 11 years ago on this day, October 6th, that I publicly rededicated my life to the Lordship of Christ.  I am simply astonished at what God has done in my life and how he has used the ministries of Beauty From Ashes™ to assist other victims to become overcomers. As I shared my testimony at the International Salvation Army event for Sex Trafficking this past week, some asked me if I knew who was praying for me while I was "lost".  I do not know for certain, but that someone was, and for that reason and my own experiences seeing prayers answered over and over, your prayers are priceless to me, those we serve, and to the organization.  

Here are prayer points for the month of October:    

CLIENTS: Pray specifically for new clients being referred by professionals and other agencies within our community. May they, our existing, and prior clients receive the revelation of God's love for them and commit to the ongoing healing process.  As we develop treatment programs for them, may God's hand be on every detail.

OUTREACHES: Thank God for His continued favor in outREACHes happening locally, across the nation, and in other countries every week.  Pray for the outREACHes and teams as they continue taking His light into dark places.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES:  Please pray for the development of our new Healthy Living and Eagle's Landing programs, as well as our existing Human Trafficking Educational, Consulting, and Equine and Art Therapeutic Programs.  May God use these services to glorify Himself as we are His hands and feet working collaboratively with other community organizations. 

CURRENT NEEDS:  Thank God that all our needs are met according to His will.  CLICK HERE for the entire list of our needs. 

EQUINE FACILITY: Thank God that we've survived our first summer in the extremely wet countryside and all the horses are in good health!  Pray that God put a hedge of protection around them as we move into the fall season in Southwest Florida.

FUNDING:  Thank God that He is our Provider and for His people that co-labor with Him financially to support BFA.  Pray that God abundantly bless those who sow into the ministries of BFA and for those that are rising up to do fund raisers for us!  

PARTNERSHIPS:  Thank God for existing, new, and future partnerships. Pray for the development of pioneering programs with new partners and for the impact of this coordination.  Agree with us for God's protection over these relationships. 

EVENTS: Thank God for two speaking engagements at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) and the 3 workshops presented at the 8th Annual International Salvation Army's Weekend of Prayer and Fasting for Sex Trafficking Victims, which took place in Clearwater, FL. Thank Him for the open doors for greater community engagement and support of BFA through these events. Pray for events still in the coordination stage and for future events. May we only engage in events that are of God's perfect will and nothing less.  

VOLUNTEERS & STAFF: Thank God for what may very well be the the best group of volunteers and staff that we've ever had!  Praise Him for opening the door for FGCU students to be employed with BFA and paid through FGCU! Pray for our monthly Volunteer Orientation and that only those God has hand picked to become involved will attend and follow through.  Pray a blessing over FGCU, our faithful volunteers, and the entire BFA FREEdom™ Team.  

BOARD OF DIRECTORS & ADVISORS:  Pray for them and their families.  As we seek to expand our governing board of directors, agree with us that God would raise up leaders who will be faithful to His call to be stewards over the ministries of BFA according to God's perfect will.

OTHER LIKE MINISTRIES / AGENCIES:  Pray for protection in all areas; that strong boundaries be implemented 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 leadership are disciples of Christ, making disciples.   

WEEKLY GLOBAL PRAYER:  Please continue to pray corporately from where ever you are 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. 

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, A New Season, and sign up to receive them in the future.  

Again, I cannot thank you enough for your prayers of intercession for myself and the ministries of Beauty From Ashes™.  Thank you.  

In His love and service,

Julie Shematz, MA

Founder

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

National Training, Horse & Art Camp, Graduation & Sabbatical

NATIONAL SEX INDUSTRY OUTREACH & AFTERCARE TRAINING:
Beauty From Ashes™ (BFA) Ministries' 10th year of presenting National Trainings was another success with over 20 attendees from across the nation July 17 - 20th at Riverside Church for 3 days  and the 4th day was at our Equine Facility.  The training ended with a team of rookies going on their first strip club outREACH. This year, over 90% of the attendees have already begun doing outREACHes into strip clubs and were seeking not only advice on best practices in executing these outREACHes, but equally important, what to do with the individuals that are coming out of the industry.  Passionate about raising the bar of professionalism in this area and by popular demand, we are extending the 15 module, professionally written curriculum, 4 day training to 5 days in order to expand even more on afterCARE and community collaboration.  Our next training here in Fort Myers, is January 7-11, 2014.  Limited seating to allow for personal ministry.  Registration required.  For more information, CLICK HERE.

Here is some of the feedback we received: 

"Would recommend anyone to take this class"  Dianne Eberly, Crown of Beauty Ministry, Middlesburg, PN.

" . . . practical, relevant information that helps . . . well informed, very clear.  I love how biblically based it is" Aimee Johnson, Rise Up Ministries, Concord, NC.

"This training has been the most thorough & helpful training to date!"  Barbie Ballschmidt, Hearts of Mercies, Naperville, IL.

"The training content was exactly what I was hoping for.  The manual and powerpoint were well thought out and put together.  This was a week well spent,"  Anonymous.

HORSE & ART CAMP:

We piloted our first fund raiser Art & Horse Camp July 20th - 26th with 10 individuals, including minors aged 8 through 16 and it was a HUGE SUCCESS!  Attendees not only learned basic horsemanship, they had the opportunity to ride all of the therapy horses (geldings) in addition to learning how to draw, paint, and sculpt horses.  Here is feedback received:

"Thank you so much for ALL you did to make our week wonderful . . . spending the week with you and the horses was a blessing more precious than words!"  Lisa Turner, Next Level Church, Fort Myers, FL

Our next session is August 12 - 16th and we have 4 seats currently available.  All proceeds go to support our Equine Programs.  Call (239) 939-9218 to register.  For more information, CLICK HERE.

THERAPY COLT WOUNDED:
Our therapy colt, Morning Star Spirit, suffered a 14" cut across his rib cage 3 weeks ago.  After receiving over 40 stitches and staples, the injury did not prevent him from working during our Horse & Art Camp the following day.  He finished the week out standing perfectly still (taking a nap) as I painted on him for the first time.  For daily updates on him, "like" his fanpage on facebook. 

TEEN SUMMER INTERN:
I have had the privilege to mentor a teen survivor of domestic sex trafficking through our Equine Programs all summer.  This precious 13 year old committed to getting up very early 3 days a week since May.  Her first time meeting a horse was through our program almost a year ago.  Though I had not planned for this type of "internship/apprentice" program, when the directors of Wings of Shelter contacted me and asked me if I would be willing to do it, I knew I was supposed to.  Here is what they told me, "THANK YOU sweetheart, for sharing what you are and do with **** - she is very, very blessed to have you in her life".  The Teen Intern stated "It's been one of the best experiences of my life, thank you."  Plans have been made to have her continue working with me throughout the school year and I'm looking forward to watching what God does with this beautiful overcomer's life. 

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH:  
This month I'd like to acknowledge a new, very hard working, and reliable volunteer, Joanne Walker.  Mrs. Walker is a local school teacher who has put in countless hours volunteering at BFA over the summer.  Doing everything from equine and barn care, to administration, assisting with presentations, and providing me with additional nutritional supplements to keep me healthy, her faithful acts of service have not gone unnoticed.  Thank you Joanne!  The ministries of Beauty From Ashes™ have been truly blessed by you this summer.

CURRENT NEEDS:
CLICK HERE for our current needs if you're looking for a way you can partner with Florida's 1st and only human trafficking, overcomer-led, community, service agency.

EVENTS:
We truly believe that human trafficking awareness leads to prevention, intervention, and restoration, and in the past year and half, we have participated in over 85 events, reaching nearly 5000 people.  Ranging from 20-90 minutes, our multi-media presentations have been presented to ages 8 through 80+.  Venues include social service agencies, churches, universities, health departments, prisons, nursing associations, Girl Scouts, and country clubs.  To view our upcoming events, CLICK HERE.  To schedule an overcomer to speak at your event or to invite BFA, CLICK HERE. 

GRADUATION & SABBATICAL:
It's official, on Sunday, August 4th, I graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) with a Master of Arts degree from the School of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling!  It's been a strenuous 3 and half years of full time school in addition to running BFA and being a wife, but it has finally come to fruition.  The scripture that was my promise that I could do it was Phillipians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  My goal was to finish strong and I am pleased to share that I graduated with a 4.0 overall GPA. To God be the glory!

With the completion of such a huge undertaking, I am planning on taking a sabbatical August 17 - September 17.  I plan to rest and seek God's direction with my life and BFA.  During this period all operations and services will also be on pause, except for our Twitter & Facebook fanpage.  I've made arrangements for our clients to see partner counselors during this time and asked my staff and volunteers to rest, fast, and pray with me.

Four plus years ago I did not foresee the direction God led me in professionally or personally and as the scriptures tell us, there is a season to everything,  I know that my graduation marked the closing of a season.  God has done exceedingly, abundantly above and beyond what I ever asked for, dreamed or imagined in the past 10+ years.

I believe this was due to His grace, but also my willingness to do whatever He wanted me to do, go where ever He wanted me to go, and say what ever He wanted me to say . . . even when I didn't understand why and it was very hard and difficult to do.  It required that I put aside my agenda and embrace His.  He has fulfilled His promise of Jeremiah 29:11 to me for good plans, a future, and to prosper me.  Based on my experience of 7 years spent in captivity that was the result of me not totally submitting to His will (partial disobedience is rebellion to God) and seeing what He's done with the mess I made of my life when I tried to live it on my terms, it's my will to be in the absolute center of His will for my life personally and the ministries of Beauty From Ashes™.

I look forward to this new season for me and BFA and the time of rest and intimacy I will have with Him over this 30 day period.  Me being a visionary, God has enabled me in the development and sustainability of many programs that have expanded to assist other organizations in providing best practices, faith based, delivery of services to more survivors than I ever imagined being able to help.  I am truly grateful.  I will be seeking God's confirmation and affirmation, and strategic planning for the ministries of BFA for the end of the end year and for 2014 during this time.  After all, BFA is His ministry, not mine, I have only been entrusted as a steward of it.  And as a steward, I want only to be faithful.  Additionally, I've had people tell me for years and years that I need to write a book and I've told them once I complete schooling I will seriously consider it.  Well, that time has arrived; hence, I need to figure out what God wants me to focus on next.  Not my will, but His be done.

As a note of interest, I believe He's already opened some major doors of opportunity for BFA in the past two weeks that I want to make for certain are of Him and His perfect timing.  I'm not making any major decisions until my sabbatical is over.  Your prayers during this time period will be greatly appreciated.  I look forward to reporting to you what He reveals. 

MOTHLY ePRAYER ALERT:  For details of how to pray for BFA during the monthes of August and September, CLICK HERE.

PRAYER REQUESTS:  Because we believe that prayer changes things, we are honored to pray for you and your families! Please send your prayer requests to prayer@beautyfromashes.org.

WEEKLY GLOBAL PRAYER:  Join us in spirit from wherever you are every Friday morning 8-9am EST and for a prayer guide, CLICK HERE.

SIGN UP FOR MONTHLY eNEWSLETTER:  CLICK HERE

DONATIONS:  Our program and operational costs are funded through private donations.  Our monthly operational costs are approximately $4000.  Please consider giving a tax-deductible gift today.  For secure online giving CLICK HERE or send your financial gift to 13300 S. Cleveland Avenue, Suite 56, Fort Myers, FL 33907.  Thank you!

In closing, I cannot thank those of you that have supported me, the vision and ministries of Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries enough.  Especially, those that stood beside me as we watched God ordain my steps apart from the plans I  . . . or we may of made.  Your steadfastness and faithfulness have been a demonstration of the character of God.  THANK YOU.  On behalf of myself, volunteers, interns, clients, and board, we thank you for partnering with us to reach, rescue, and restore victims of s*xual exploitation, abuse, trafficking. Together we have made a difference and I know for certain, that the BEST is yet to come!

Finally, I will leave you with the scripture I will be relying on during my sabbatical (I don't think it's a coincidence that FGCU's mascot is an eagle):

"But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired."   Isaiah 40:31  AMP

In His love and service,

Julie Shematz, MA
Founder & 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

August & September ePrayer

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to intercede for the ministries of Beauty From Ashes™.  I truly believe the Lord responds and acts as His children come before Him, so every prayer you say on behalf of Beauty From Ashes™ does make a difference!  

This month is unique in that I'm combining both our August and September ePrayer.  As you may be aware, I will be graduating this Sunday, August 4th, with a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Florida Gulf Coast University.  It is an accomplishment that was most definitely a Divine Intervention.  One that I've labored at for 3 1/2 years, which was totally paid for, and that I have no doubt was in God's perfect will for me and BFA.  It enabled me to raise the standard of professionalism in all levels for BFA and assist other ministries in becoming more professional in the delivery of their services.  However, working full time and attending school full time, year round, has been extremely challenging.  My graduate school scripture was most definitely, Phillipians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."  And it is only by His divine grace and supernatural power that I will be graduating with a 4.0 overall GPA.  Still a little unbelievable to me.  To Him be ALL the glory for the great things He has done! 

Approximately 9 months ago, I believe God inspired me to commit to taking a 4 week, mini-sabbatical after I graduated.  I believe I am to rest and seek His will for my life, and His ministry, Beauty From Ashes™ during this time.  He has exceedingly and abundantly, done so much beyond what I could ask for, imagine, or dream in the past 11 years with my life and Beauty From Ashes™, especially in the past 4 years,  I want to make sure I am faithful and pursuing His purpose and plans for BFA as I complete this season and enter into the next.  I also am in need of rest, something that, although I have learned to develop and maintain balance, self care, and boundaries to a greater degree than I ever have, is still a task for me.  God wired me to be a high energy, fast thinking, multi-tasker, and slowing down is a huge challenge . . . being real.

As a result of that high energy and my education as a professional helper, over the past 2-3 years, God opened doors in the development of programs and a model of operations with BFA that I did not see coming and am absolutely thrilled over, but I want to make sure the direction is His.  I truly believe that He has entrusted me with BFA and I long only to be faithful to His call to lead the organization.  Not my will, but His be done.

So with that said, I am asking that you lift me up during the next two months as I pursue rest and seek His will for my life and the ministries of Beauty From Ashes™.  Our second round of Horse and Art Camp will be August 12-16 and I plan on taking a sabbatical August 17 - September 17.

Would you agree in prayer for God to affirm and confirm the programs and ministries of Beauty From Ashes™ during this time?  Pray that I stay focused on Him, am willing to lay down my plans and accept His, and am refreshed and renewed spiritually during this time.  Pray I rest, be still, and wait upon Him during this time.  Please pray that He returns to me a hunger and thirst for His Word and that I remain faithful in pursuing His heart during this time period.  Pray the fire is re-ignited in my heart and that I am willing to do whatever He wants me to do, go wherever He wants me to go, and say whatever He wants me to say.

Please also, during this time, pray for the following:

CLIENTS:  Pray they receive revelation of God's love for them and commit to the healing process.  Agree with me that our client base be according to His will and for clarification of the scope of clients we will serve.

OUTREACHES: Thank God for His continued favor in outREACHes happening locally, across the nation, and in other countries every month.  Pray for the outREACHes and teams as they continue taking His light into dark places. 

PROGRAMS & SERVICES: Please pray I receive clear direction and the strategic plan regarding the programs and services BFA will provide as we enter the fall season and into the year 2014.  

CURRENT NEEDS:  Thank God that all our needs are met according to His will.  CLICK HERE for the entire list of our needs.

EQUINE FACILITY:  Pray for the health of the horses.  Summer is a challenging time in the tropics for horses due to the heat, humidity, rain, flies, and bugs.  

FUNDING:  Thank God that He is our Provider and for His people that co-labor with Him financially to support BFA.  

PARTNERSHIPS:  Thank God for existing, new, and future partnerships. 

EVENTS:  Pray we only engage in the events that are of God's perfect will.

VOLUNTEERS & INTERNS: Thank God for an amazing pool of volunteers and interns!  Pray God blesses them for their faithfulness to BFA, protects them, and provides abundantly for them.  Pray their personal relationships with Christ become more intimate.  

STAFF:  Pray God's perfect will be done regarding the staff of BFA.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS & ADVISORS:  Pray for them and that God would raise up directors who will be faithful to His call to direct and govern the ministries of BFA according to God's agenda, not their own.

OTHER LIKE MINISTRIES/AGENCIES:  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 leadership are disciples of Christ making disciples.   

WEEKLY GLOBAL PRAYER:  Please continue to pray corporately from wherever you are 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. 

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.  (Please note:  Our July / August eNewsletter will be sent out next week).

Thank you for your prayer support of Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries.  It is and has been absolutely vital to the development and sustainability of the programs and services we have provided since 2005.  It has been critical to my own personal healing and development journey.  I am excited about the new season of BFA, whatever it looks like, because I know God has good plans to prosper, and a future for myself and His ministry.  Thank you in advance for praying for me during my sabbatical.  I look forward to sharing with you what God confirms, affirms, and reveals during this time of rest and seeking Him.

Finally, I will close with two quotes.  The first is from Priscilla Shirer's Bible study, Jonah: Navigating a Life Interrupted, "Our significance, at least the kind that will leave an eternal mark, can only be found in how fully we yield to God's purposes for our lives."  The second, from Isaiah 40:31, the Amplified version, reads, "But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired."  

Expecting, looking for & hoping in Him,

Founder & 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

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

2013 TIP Report, Grad School, National Training, Horse & Art Camp & More!

2013 TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS REPORT:
"Human trafficking is an assault on our most dearly held values of freedom and basic human dignity. American leadership means protecting those values at home and working to advance them around the world."  CLICK HERE for full report.

COMPLETION OF GRAD SCHOOL!  

It's official, I have completed my final academic course after 3 1/2 years of full time graduate school at Florida Gulf Coast University in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program!  And by the grace of God, I've unofficially maintained an overall GPA of 4.0.  I currently have my final internship, where I am supervising Advanced Practicum Students, once a week until July 17th and then I am completely done!  Graduation is August 4th.  I want to thank everyone for your support of me in this huge undertaking!  It has enabled Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries rise to another level professionally and I look forward to continuing to implement what I have learned, from my formal education in acquiring a Master of Arts degree, as we plan for 2014. 

ART & HORSE CAMP:
We have our first session of Art & Horse Summer Camp July 22-26 and the second session will be August 12-16.  We set up the camp to be a fund raiser for our Equine and Art programs.  We have 7 underprivileged children (8 y/o - 17 y/o) that are in need of scholarships.  Each minor is either a survivor of sex trafficking, the child of a survivor, or a high risk individual.  We are seeking individuals, churches, groups, and/or businesses that will be willing to sponsor or co-sponsor these children.  For more information, CLICK HERE.

NATIONAL SEX INDUSTRY OUTREACH & AFTERCARE TRAINING:
Back in 2003, I developed a strip club outREACH training and presented it in Indianapolis, IN to attendees from across the nation.  Those attendees went back to their states and began doing strip club outREACHes.  Over the years we continue to develop the training and began presenting it nation wide to various faith based organizations and churches who took the information back to their communities and developed similar outREACHes and ministries.  We watched and provided support as they used our model and began doing their own trainings equipping others to do this unique type of outREACH.  In 2010, we received a capacity building grant from the Department of Health and Human Services that enabled us to develop the strip club outREACH manual into a comprehensive, professional, curriculum that expanded outREACHes from strip clubs to include the sex for sale industry in general.  The curriculum addresses human trafficking, sex trafficking, mental health challenges, afterCARE, community collaboration, self care, and much more.  The 20 module curriculum was written by a professional curriculum writer and the training expanded into 4 days.  When I started doing strip club outREACHes in 2003, there were less than 5 faith based organizations world wide doing them, today there are nearly 180!  Our next National Sex Industry OutREACH and AfterCARE training is July 17-20 in Fort Myers, FL at Barry University.  This year, because we know how crucial self care and balance is, we are including an Equine Escape for all attendees!   (We also want all attendees to meet our incredible therapy horses :)  We have only 5 seats left.  Limited seating.  Registration required.  For more information and to register,CLICK HERE.

VOLUNTEERS OF THE MONTH:
This month we'd like to recognize a family that has been contributing of their resources and time to BFA for over a year now, Mr. and Mrs. Dwayne Zeigler and their daughter, Haley.  The Zeigler's have played a HUGE part in the development of our Equine programs.  Karen, also a life coach, has assisted me personally and professionally.  Dwayne, with a huge heart to serve, has done everything from installing automatic waterers, fans, lights, sinks, and round pens to coordinating an antique truck for our hay ride, to letting us borrow his truck and the horse trailers anytime we want them.  Haley has assisted with baby sitting to doing my hair for magazine photo shoots.  Thank you Dwayne, Karen, and Haley for giving to BFA and most of all, our clients who benefit the most from your generosity!

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR NEEDED:
We are in search of a Volunteer Coordinator whose responsibilities will include handling volunteer applications, screening, interviewing, training, and scheduling.  Approximately 3-5 hours a week is required.  Please email resume and letter of interest to julie@beautyfromashes.org.  No phone calls please.

CURRENT NEEDS:
We need a 6-8 person, wooden picnic table for our Equine & Art Facility!   CLICK HERE for our other 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™ if you are passionate about fighting human trafficking and want to partner with us in the work we do.  Whether it's a bake sale, car wash, Sunday School class project, golf scramble, 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!

DONATIONS:  Our program and operational costs are funded through private donations.  Please consider giving a tax-deductible gift today.  For secure online giving CLICK 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 June, 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 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 continues to grow, I am amazed at success stories I witness and hear about.  This work could not be done without you, our faithful supporters.  On behalf of the staff, volunteers, interns, clients, and board, we thank you for partnering with us to reach, rescue, and restore victims of s*xual exploitation, abuse, trafficking.

With sincere appreciation,

Julie Shematz
Founder
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 4BFA SOS (877) 423-2767 MAILING ADRESS:  13300 South Cleveland Avenue, Suite 56-623 | Fort Myers | FL | 33907 | USA www.BeautyFromAshes.org

Art & Horse Camp Sponsorships Needed!

We currently have 6 youth ages 9 through 16 that are in need of scholarships in order to participate in our Summer Art & Horse Camp Fund Raiser.  Each child has previously participated in our Equine Programs and they desire to participate in our Summer Camp, however their parents and/or guardians are in need of financial assistance.  The Horse & Art Camp is for ages 8 through 17 and all the proceeds will go towards Beauty From Ashes™ Equine Programs.

We are seeking partial or total scholarships ($300 for 5 days) from businesses, churches, groups, and/or individuals.  These youth include survivors of sexual abuse, exploitation, and trafficking, as well as high risk individuals, and children of survivors.

Each student will create art projects daily while being taught how to understand and appreciate art using Disciplined Based Art Education. Students will learn art aesthetics, art criticism, art history, and art production. Attendees will also learn horse handling skills and equine care. They will learn how connecting with a horse, without the use of dominating or coercive behaviors, can improve how we connect, engage, and motivate ourselves and those around us.  Attendees will discover how working with horses inspires self awareness and self acceptance, creative freedom, interpersonal and intrapersonal growth, increases self esteem, clear communication, emotional control, as well as spiritual growth.  On Friday we will have an art and horse show where students can demonstrate what they've learned with the horses and show their artwork to parents and loved ones.

Would you consider helping a precious child by sponsoring them today?  

For more about our Art & Horse Camp Fund Raiser, CLICK HERE.

To give securely online, CLICK HERE or send your check to 

Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries, 13300 S. Cleveland Ave., Ste. 56

Fort Myers, FL 33907.  

All giving is tax deductible.  

Help impact the life of a child today while helping survivors to heal through the therapeutic programs of Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries. 

June ePrayer

June ePrayer Thank you for your ongoing commitment to intercede for Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries' (BFA) 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™ Ministries does make a difference.   CLIENTS: Agree with us in prayer for the miraculous healing transformation process of our clients.  May they commit to the process, grow in their faith, and experience healing and freedom mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.  Lift up the high risk children we are ministering to through our Equine and Art Programs.  Agree with us that they find their true identity in Christ and develop healthy self esteems.  May God put a wall of protection around of them as they seek to become disciples of their Savior and Redeemer.   OUTREACHES: Pray with us for the local, national, and outREACHes happening internationally to individuals in the sex for sale industry.  May the Light and hope of Christ shine brightly in dark places.  Pray for the outREACH teams, their families, and the ministries God has entrusted to them to be protected.     PROGRAMS & SERVICES: Please pray for all the services and programs BFA has developed since 2002.  May they serve to assist organizations and individuals in healing and empower them to accomplish God's perfect will in their lives.  Pray that we are able to maintain services based on the needs of clients and our community, with the purpose of continuously glorifying the Lord by showing His love through our actions.     CURRENT NEEDS:  Agree with us for the provision of 6 scholarships for children ages 6 through 16 for ourSummer Art & Horse Camp.  Each minor is either a survivor, child of a survivor, or high risk child.   CLICK HERE for the entire list of our needs and thank God with us for His provision of these needs.   EQUINE PROGRAM:  Pray for the health of the horses and the development of this unique, evidence based treatment, program.     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 providing services individuals who have been victims of sexual exploitation, abuse and trafficking.      PARTNERSHIPS:  Partnerships are crucial to maintaining and extending the work the Lord has led us into, 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:  Thank God for the various events we have been able to participate in!  They range from youth groups, to nursing students, Sunday School classes, colleges, universities, and social service agencies.  Agree with us for His perfect will for those we partake in the future.  Pray for our 10th year of providing training to faith based organizations in how to reach and restore victims of sexual exploitation, abuse, and trafficking.   May all attendees be of God's divine appointment and all the details surrounding the training go smoothly.   VOLUNTEERS & INTERNS:  Volunteers and interns are absolutely essential to continue reaching the women and children we serve and to expanding our client-base.  Thank God with us for the faithful volunteers we have and pray for the new ones.  Please pray that God would raise up a Volunteer Coordinator.  Pray for our summer teen intern, a domestic sex trafficking survivor.  May her time learning about horsemanship be therapeutic, inspiring, and healing for her.  Please pray for local 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 Fall.     BOARD OF DIRECTORS & ADVISORS:  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.  Agree with us for unified vision and a commitment to the mission of Beauty From Ashes™.  Please pray that God appoints additional and/or new directors and advisors according to His perfect will.    OTHER LIKE MINISTRIES/AGENCIES:  We praise the Lord for the numerous organizations and ministries throughout America and the world (170+) working to bring Christ's hope to the hopeless; to see victims of sexual 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 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.   Finally, as I enter into the final stretch of my last semester of graduate school at Florida Gulf Coast University in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program, pray that I maintain strength, health, and balance.  Agree with me that I am able to complete my classes with a standard of excellence and finish this 3 1/2 year "race" strong.   On behalf of the myself, the board, staff, volunteers, and clients we serve,  thank you for your continued prayers surrounding this ministry.     With sincere appreciation, Julie Shematz Founder 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 4BFA SOS (877) 423-2767 MAILING ADRESS:  13300 South Cleveland Avenue, Suite 56-623 | Fort Myers | FL | 33907 | USA www.BeautyFromAshes.org

Open Door at the World's Largest Women's Prison, New Therapy Horse, Art & Horse Camp, Training Nursing Students & More!

LOWELL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTE:
I was deeply touched by the opportunity to share my testimony and discus s*x trafficking with over 300 female inmates at the world's largest women's prison, the Lowell Correctional Institute in Ocala, FL on Tuesday, May 7th.  Not only was I greeted by women that I had met during strip club outREACHES, one of the first women I saw was a former Department of Corrections client I had through my internship at the Salvation Army!  Over 200 of the females I spoke to are ages 15 - 21 and over 25 waited to speak to me and asked me to pray for them afterwards.  Almost everyone of them self identified as survivors of trafficking.  Research tells us that those that haven't been abused, exploited and/or trafficked are high risk to become victims.  Many of them requested transitional assistance and someone to write to them and encourage them in their faith while they are incarcerated.  If you are interested in being a pen pal or mentor to these minors and young women, please contact me.  Amazingly, after I presented and met the warden, I was given an open invitation to speak anytime!  I committed to speaking quarterly until I complete my graduate studies and will be developing an art therapy program for the facility.   Additionally, they provided a tour of their Equine Facility for Retired Thoroughbred Horses.  Discussions have begun in also developing a equine assisted learning and therapy program for the women in the equine program.  To watch a powerful video of this wonderful program, CLICK HERE.

NEW THERAPY HORSE:  
Thoroughbred horses are typically bred and trained young and extremely hard for one thing only, winning races and money.  For every "Orb" (Kentucky Derby Winner) and "Oxbow" (Preakness Winner) there are thousands of thoroughbreds broken down from training with shattered hopes they might be champions.  Sadly, most of their fates end in slaughter houses rather than winner's circles.  There are programs that rescue these horses and provide them with a second chance.  It is only appropriate that one of our therapy horses be a rescue given a second chance.   Meet Song of Greatness, an 8 year old, retired thoroughbred from the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation located at the Lowell Correctional Institute.  We will be transporting Song of Greatness back to North Fort Myers in the next couple of weeks.  He will be joining our other Therapy Horses.  Click here for more information on our Equine Programs.

ART & HORSE SUMMER CAMP FUND RAISER:  
We have only a small number of places left for our Art & Horse Summer Camp, for ages 7 through 17!  We are only accepting 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.

NATIONAL SEX INDUSTRY OUTREACH & AFTERCARE TRAINING:
Only a few seats are left!  If you haven't registered, do so quickly.  We will be presenting our faith based, best practices, model of reaching and restoring individuals from the sex for sale industry on July 17 - 21st at Barry University in Fort Myers, FL.  Limited Seating. For more information and to register, CLICK HERE.

STRIP CLUB OUTREACH REPORTS:  
When I started doing strip club outREACHes in 2002, there were less than 5 ministries nationwide doing this unique type of outREACH.  Today, there are more than 170 worldwide and every weekend there are teams of individuals going into strip clubs taking His light in darkness.  Because of the difficulty of trying to keep up with so many ministry's, we are highlighting them every weekend on our Facebook fanpage.  If you are interested in finding out who, where and what is happening, check it out and thank God for so many individuals and churches who are boldly going where only a few once did!

NURSING SCHOOL HUMAN TRAFFICKING PRESENTATION:  
On Wednesday, May 22nd, we will be presenting on human trafficking to the nursing students in Immokalee, Florida at the Lee Technical Center Nursing Students.

SCHEDULE AN EVENT:
To schedule Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries at your event, a training or presentation, or an overcomer to share their testimony, call (239) 939-9218 or email booking@beautyfromashes.org.

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH:  
This month we'd like to acknowledge Tamara Thompson (TJ) for her selfless contributions to our ministries.  Whether it be mucking and scrubbing stalls, exercising our therapy horses or personally assisting me and Steve Shematz in moving, two words describe TJ:  faithful and dependable.  Thank you TJ for all the ways you've blessed Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries and me personally!

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:  
If you are passionate about fighting human trafficking and want to partner with one of the nation's pioneering ministries in this specialized field, there are many unique and creative ways to support Beauty From Ashes™.  Whether it's a bake sale, car wash, 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!

DONATIONS:  
Our program and operational costs are funded through private donations.  Please consider giving a tax-deductible gift today.  For donations of $35 or more, we'll send you our Child of God CD as our way to say thank you for partnering with us and letting you know how much we appreciate your support.  For secure online giving CLICK 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 May, 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 ministries of Beauty From Ashes™ and the latest news on domestic s*x trafficking by following us on Twitter & like us on our Facebook fanpage.

As I enter into the third week of my final semester of full time graduate school at Florida Gulf Coast University, I am simply grateful for our partners who have embraced the vision and mission of Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries since 2005.  I am extremely grateful for those who have stood with me as the ministry has grown, expanded, and refined our services to survivors of sexual abuse, exploitation, and trafficking.  Thank you for partnering with me in the development of the ministries of Beauty From Ashes™, where victims become overcomers.

With sincere appreciation,










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