March ePrayer Alert

Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries (BFA) deeply appreciates every prayer said on behalf of the staff, interns, volunteers and clients!  We are so honored to have the privilege to serve the Lord and His children in Florida and beyond, and we have no doubt that the Lord responds as we call out to Him.  We see Him continue to move and work in ways that are humanly unexplainable, as He persists in lavishing His love on all of us and bringing restoration and redemption to women wounded through s*xual abuse, exploitation and trafficking. Thank you for your continuous and faithful prayers! 

CLIENTS:  We can't begin to express what a joy it is to see women become fully alive in Christ as they not only recognize, but also believe who they are in Him.  Every single day we have the honor of walking alongside women who are rebuilding their lives, and this is an honor we don't take lightly.  Please continue to pray that as the women continue their walk with Christ, they are able to let Him in to even the deepest of wounds.  Pray that things the enemy would want them to hold on to, like pain, bitterness, rejection and feelings of worthlessness are replaced by the Lord's truth of healing, forgiveness, acceptance and value. 
       

OUTREACHES:  Last month we began a new weekly outREACH to women being prostituted near our new Therapy/Resource Center, and we have been amazed at how the Lord is using it to draw women to Him! Please keep our daily social media, weekly street and Grace outreaches in your prayers, in addition to our monthly strip club outREACHes.
          

PROGRAMS & SERVICES:  The basis of everything we do is the love of the Lord.  And through His love, we are able to offer resources, meeting needs that are both holistic and practical.  We currently have over 30 programs and services that we offer free of charge to the community.  Please pray all of our work would be with the intent of serving and taking His hope and truth to a broken world.  Pray for wisdom to know what programs to maintain, the development of new programs, and also the discernment to recognize if a program needs to be adjusted or eliminated, based on the objective of serving women as best as possible. 
   

CURRENT NEEDS:  Pray that our need for client and horse sponsorships, as well as gas, bus passes, pharmacy cards, and baby items for clients. Agree with us that all our monthly needs be met according to God's perfect will and timing.  For a complete list of our needs, CLICK HERE.  

EQUINE FACILITY:  We continue to be thrilled at the opportunity to offer equine-assisted learning and mentorship to both the women we serve and their families.  Please pray for wisdom in all things related to the equine facility, and that it continues to be a way for individuals and groups to see the beauty of the Lord's creation while also providing an evidence based treatment to address many of the mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical challenges they face.  Pray also that the health of our therapy horses be strong and protected.  

FUNDING:  We are thankful and grateful for every single way the Lord continues to provide.  Whether financially, spiritually, materially or physically, the Lord promises to meet all of our needs.  Please pray that our annual $75,000 budget would be met by pledges and giving within the next couple of months.  We are very grateful that we currently have over $40,000 in pledges.  Agree with us for the annual budget to be fulfilled so that our staff can concentrate on serving our clients rather than fund raising.
   

PARTNERSHIPS:  Partnerships are crucial for any kind of work related to helping people in need, and we are so thankful for the partnerships we have formed since BFA began.  Please pray for our current partnerships; for unity and trust, confidence and respect on all sides.  Pray we would serve each other with integrity and honor.  Please pray for wisdom when we seek out new partnerships and for discernment to know which partnerships to pursue.
     

EVENTS:  Pray for the missions conferences and speaking engagements in which we have been invited to participate, including all the details of planning and coordinating them.  May each representative of BFA speak with clarity, purpose, and mission as we raise awareness about modern day slavery and the operations of BFA as a grass roots, victim-centered, front line community service agency.

VOLUNTEERS & INTERNS:  It is amazing to see how the Lord calls forth women to offer their time and talents towards the work of BFA.  We are thankful for every person who has assisted BFA this year already.  We know how critical it is to have interns and volunteers help BFA maintain the programs and services we are able to offer.  Please pray for the Lord to bring additional workers and that women will feel a stirring to become a part of what the Lord is doing through BFA.

   

STAFF:  Pray for our Founder and Executive Director, Julie Shematz, as she continues in her last year of full time graduate school.  She is commuting over 600 miles a week to complete a college internship in mental health counseling specializing in equine therapy and psychotherapy.  Pray her strength would be renewed each day and that she would be protected from illness.  Pray that our Program Manager, Christa Hicks, would maintain balance and priorities as well.  May both their marriages and families be strong and protected.   Pray that each woman have a hunger and thirst for the Word and for intimacy with God.  Agree with us that they each spend quality time daily with the Lord so that they can do all that they have been destined to do. 

DIRECTORS & ADVISORS:  Pray for a spirit of motivation, unity, and harmony among each Advisor and Director.  Continue to pray that God would pour out His blessings on each member of our executive and advisory boards.  Agree with us that their health, family, and resources be protected.

OTHER LIKE MINISTRIES/AGENCIES:  Please pray that the level of professionalism and delivery of services would be raised by adult entertainment/s*x industry/s*x trafficking ministries.  Pray that new ministries will take the time to be trained and equipped in order that clients and ministries would be protected from harm.  Pray for unity among all organizations; collectively much more work can be accomplished than if we all try to work separately.  Pray for protection in every way: physically, spiritually, mentally, emotionally.  Pray for every need to be met and for trust in the Lord's timing as each organization and ministry seeks out His will.  

       

WEEKLY GLOBAL PRAYER:  Please join us each Friday from 8-9am EST to intercede for victims of s*xual exploitation, s*x slavery, & s*x trafficking, as well as the agencies servicing them.  CLICK HERE for Prayer Guide.  Locally, we meet at our Resource/Therapy Center in central Fort Myers.

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.

For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 ASV

On behalf of Julie Shematz, the Beauty From Ashes™ FREEdom™ Team, and clients, thank you for your continued prayers surrounding this ministry. 

In His love and service,

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;  2701 Cleveland Ave. Ste 120 Fort Myers | FL | 33901 | USA MAILING ADRESS:  13300 South Cleveland Avenue, Suite 56-623 Fort Myers | 33907 www.BeautyFromAshes.org

Competency Using Horses in Therapy Programs

If a "therapist", licensed or not, approaches you with the idea of using horses for equine facilitated learning or psychotherapy, make sure they are competent in working with your horses in order to implement therapeutic techniques using them.  Legally and ethically, mental health and social work clinicians/therapists, as well as psychologists, must operate within their scope of competency.  What does that mean?  If they haven't been trained, had proper supervision, and experience, then they have no business trying to "diversify" into a specialized area until they acquire proper training, experience, and supervision.  And be careful, there are individuals out there that will try to justify their involvement with horses because they are qualified to work with pets, such as dogs.  

Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is generally viewed as an umbrella term that includes both "Animal-Assisted Activities" (AAAs) and "Animal-Assisted Therapy".  AAT is directed &/or delivered by a health/human service professional with specialized expertise, and within the scope of practice of his/her profession....therapuetic work with horses is recognized as a discipline separate from AAT with other animals; it has an independent status and its own terminology ... Professional Association of Therapuetic Horsemanship  (PATH) sets standards for working with horses both in general activities (equine-assisted activities) & therapeutically (equine-assisted therapy, equine facilitated psychotherapy & hippotherapy). Working with animals in a therapuetic milieu, particularly work with equines, requires specialized training (Brooks, 2010).

I just completed a 3 day workshop by PATH for certification as an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning in Ocala, FL.  It's not as simple as taking a 3 day workshop and you have your certification to be "competent".  Most people know that anyone can "certify".  I did my homework to find out what was the premier organization, world wide, that does this specialized training and sets the standards and guidelines.  In addition to attending the 3 day workshop (which was not cheap), PATH requires that individuals pass an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL) Horsemanship Skills Test.  You need to prove you know how to handle and lead a horse.  (Which I passed :).  It doesn't stop there.  Additionally, you're required to pass the ESMHL exam, as well as PATH's Standards and Guidelines exam, which comes from a 300+ page manual.  Furthermore, candidates must participate in at least 60 hours of an equine assisted learning and/or equine psychotherapy sessions with a credentialed mental health professional, or you are required to spend at least 30 hours with a PATH Therapuetic Riding Instructor (TRI) and 40 hours volunteering inside a mental health facility.  On top of that, candidates must have a letter of recommendation from a psychologist or licensed mental health professional who is competent in equine facilitated learning and equine psychotherapy.  And the candidate is required to participate in at least 30 hours of equine behavior and management training, in addition to providing a letter of recommendation from an equine specialist/horse trainer, etc. Furthermore, the candidate must complete both basic First Aid and CPR classes.  It's not a simple process, nor should it be. Interacting with 600-2500 lb animals in any, especially a therapeutic, environment should not be taken lightly or done unprofessionally.   

I applaud PATH for setting guidelines and standards for this specialized field of learning and therapy.  I also congratulate them that in 2013 their guidelines require that only credentialed mental health specialists can become Equine Learning Facilitators practicing both Equine Assisted Learning and Equine Psychotherapy.  While this announcement was devastating to many of the TRI's attending the workshop in which I participated, I understand and support that decision.  Why?  Because credentialed mental health professionals have invested a lot of time, education, experience, and finances into their training to be professional helpers.  Trying to teach horse people to develop and implement equine facilitated learning programs, while attempting to draw lines between it and equine psychotherapy is very muddy and potentially dangerous.  It's as unsafe as mental health professionals trying to use horses in therapy that have no experience or training with equines.  The risk, is doing harm to a client and that simply can't be an accepted practice under any circumstances.  Above all, we professional helpers are taught to "do no harm".  Precautions to prevent this must be implemented by both professional helpers and equine owners wanting to "diversify" by offering equine facilitated learning and equine psychotherapy.  Collaboratively, mental health professionals and equine specialists in mental health and learning, can deliver an evidence based treatment that is like no other treatment.  While there is a need for research in this area, anyone who has practiced it or experienced can attest to its effectiveness.   Winston Churchill was right in saying, "There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of man".  

As for me, I plan on submitting my portfolio to PATH to become officially certified as an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning as soon as I complete the rest of the requirements.  From what I understand, PATH will "grandfather" me in as an Equine Facilitated Instructor, since I will have the mental health credentials.  I will also continue doing a mental health counselor internship, through the end of April, with Dr. Sandra Wise of Eye of Horse Equine Education Center through Florida Gulf Coast University.  Dr. Wise is one of the leading psychologists in the world doing this type of therapy.  Additionally, I plan on doing research on the effectiveness of equine facilitated learning and equine psychotherapy this coming fall with Dr. Russ Sabella of FGCU, while I study to complete my exit exam in the Mental Health Counseling program at  FGCU.  

Competency should not be taken lightly or cut short for the sake of "diversification", profit, or the desire to jump on the "band wagon" of creative therapies.  Our client's well being is at stake and their safety and welfare should be a priority in our practice under all circumstances, whether it be in an office or in a barn, arena, or pasture.

For more on Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries Equine Programs, CLICK HERE. 

Julie Shematz is the Executive Director, President, and Founder of Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries.  She is also a full time graduate student at Florida Gulf Coast University, set to graduate in 2013, with a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.  Mrs. Shematz maintains a 4.0 overall GPA and is a member of the PATH International, Parelli Natural Horsemanship, and the Appaloosa Horse Club.  

Follow Julie on Twitter

Dr. Sandra Wise is leading a session with a woman facing a difficult life situation finds herself outside her "comfort zone," avoiding decision making, and feeling that she is "not on track." In this short excerpt, viewers can see how this therapeutic model employs the horse both as a metaphor and as a catalyst to facilitate therapeutic issues coming to the surface.

February eNews: New Location, OutREACHes Expanded, DCF Presentation, Name Our Garden & More!

NEW LOCATION:  We absolutely love our new 750 square foot, centrally located, office/resource center on the campus of New Missions Systems International, directly across from Lee Memorial Hospital, inside the heart of an area that is the most concentrated in the county for sex for sale businesses and prostitution.  We are so thankful for everyone involved with helping us move, and we have received incredible and positive feedback from our clients!  They LOVE that all our groups are now held there and we have a children's & media area, in addition to a private counseling room aside from the main activities room.  For a tour of the Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries Resource/Therapy Center, call (239) 939-9218 or email julie@beautyfromashes.org.  OUTREACHES EXPANDED:  Because of the location of our new office, we have been given the opportunity to expand our outREACHes to sexually abused, exploited, and trafficked women in Fort Myers, FL.  The team, made up of overcomers, are hitting the streets giving women walking the streets in the area information about BFA and inviting them back to our office for free coffee and donuts every Wednesday morning 8-9am.  As with all our outREACHes, we wish to build trusting relationships with these marginalized women and offer them and their families tangible support and encouragement.  If you'd like to sponsor a weekly outREACH by providing donuts and/or coffee, please contact us.  To cover the costs of one outREACH, approximately $15-20, give securely online HERE. PRESENTATION TO DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN & FAMILIES:  On Monday, February 11th, in response to a request to educate, Program Manager, Christa Hicks, MA spoke to 58 Department of Children and Families (DCF) case workers and staff about domestic sex trafficking and the 30+ programs and services that Beauty From Ashes Ministries (BFA) provides.  Our multi-media presentations range from 30-90 minutes in length and have been presented to ages 8 through 80+.  Venues range from social service agencies, churches, universities, colleges, health departments, and nursing associations, to Girl Scouts and country clubs.  To see more of our upcoming events, CLICK HERE. To schedule an overcomer to speak at your event or invite BFA CLICK HERE. THE GARDEN:  We are thrilled that our clients will be planting and maintaining a therapy garden at our new office location this week!  The garden will provide therapeutic benefits, in addition to organic food for our clients and their families.  Our clients are visiting ECHO for a tour from one of our Equine Specialists, Marie Snelli (full time intern at Echo) this week.  We look forward to the wellness and transformational benefits this garden will provide.  We are also seeking a name for it, tweet your ideas to@beautyfrmashes #garden or post on our facebook fan page.  If we choose your idea, we'll send you a copy of our BFA Child of God CD! OVERCOMER-LED BIBLE STUDY:  We are very grateful for the progress many of the women we serve have made in their lives.  With a desire to empower overcomers, we are pleased that another overcomer has stepped up to lead a 10 week Breaking Free Bible study at our office last week.  To register, call (239) 939-9218.  VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH: We want to honor the incredible volunteer work Audra Hill has done for us by naming her volunteer of the month!  Audra has worked tirelessly, assisting in the move and setting up of our new office.  She volunteers 10-15 hours a week and organized our blessing area (donations for clients), in addition to leading our weekly bible study.  She is a beauty that is MORE than an overcomer!  Thank you Audra, we love, appreciate, and are proud of you! STRIP CLUB OUTREACH REPORT:  On Saturday, February 9th, we celebrated Valentine's Day early in our "adopted strip club" in Fort Myers, FL.  A Master's-level counselor, a mental health counseling graduate student, a registered nurse, and a mentor served a home-cooked meal inside the locker room.  It's worth noting that the main course of the meal was prepared by a former dancer of this particular club who wants the other ladies to know there is a way out!   In addition to the meal, the team also gave each woman a gift bag which included beauty supplies, toiletries and information about the services Beauty From Ashes™ provides.  The team ministered one on one with numerous employees with fellowship, prayer, and counseling.  We have done monthly outREACHes to this particular club since 2008, assisting both men and women we've met by helping them build new lives and lifestyles.  For photos (and a glimpse inside our new resource/therapy center!), CLICK HERE. INNER-CITY OUTREACH REPORT:  Every Wednesday night at Grace Church in downtown Ft. Myers (only a few blocks from our new office!), BFA sends an outREACH team to attend their worship service and free dinner, served to 150-200 people weekly. Each week our "Grace" outREACH team makes connections with women in the area and see many of the clients we serve.  We truly believe that by meeting potential clients where they are, we strategically place ourselves in a position to offer them tangible support, in addition the life saving news of the Gospel.  LIFE SKILLS & SUPPORT GROUP:  Thursday nights from 7-8:30pm, at our new office, we provide a support/life skills group for women who have been s*xually abused, trafficked and/or exploited, including women who currently work in or desire to exit from the s*x-for-sale industry.  This group is led by a Master's-level mental health clinician and overcomer.  Free child care is provided.  For more information and to register, call (239) 939-9218 or email christa_hicks@beautyfromashes.org. TUTORING 4 TOMORROW:  On Thursday nights, BFA continues to offer educational tutoring for any of the clients' children who need assistance with school work.  Tutoring meets on Thursdays from 5-6:30pm weekly before and during the "Breaking Free" Life Skills & Support Group. RUN 4 WELLNESS:  Our weekly Monday afternoon walk/run program continues to be a combination of fitness and fun, and it's a night many of the women we serve and their children look forward to!  Led by Christa Hicks, MA, also a fitness expert, Run 4 Wellness gives women the chance to be physically active while also enjoying building healthy friendships with each other.   EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING & HORSEMANSHIP MENTORING:  Our newest horse, a 9 month old Appaloosa colt, Morning Star Spirit, was diagnosed with Wobbler Syndrome this past month.  Your prayers for his full recovery are appreciated.  He's doing good and working hard everyday to become strong.  We are hopeful that he too will be MORE than an overcomer!  To follow his progress, "like" his facebook fan page.  Our founder, Julie Shematz, is getting certified as an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning this weekend by the Professional Association of Therapuetic Horsemanship International.  This is in addition to the 4 month Florida Gulf Coast University mental health counseling internship at the Eye of a Horse Equine Education Center with Dr. Sandra Wise, one of the leading psychologists in the world doing equine psychotherapy and equine therapy.  To schedule an individual or group session, call (239) 939-9218 or email julie@beautyfromashes.org.  For more about our Equine Programs, CLICK HERE. CURRENT NEEDS:  We serve over 40 clients on a regular basis and many others who are contemplating life change, and we need your help to continue being able to do so.  We are in need of an Administrative Assistant(s) with experience that can work 10 up to 20 hours a week.  We are seeking 2 new or gently used computers for our Media Center.  Additionally, we have need of 3-4 black bean bags for the therapy/resource center.   CLICK HERE for an entire list of our needs, if you're looking for a way you can partner with Florida's 1st and only human trafficking, overcomer-led, community, service agency. EVENT COORDINATOR NEEDED:  We are in search of an Event Coordinator whose responsibilities will include handling all communication regarding events:  appearance contracts, riders, needs, travel, hotel accommodations, as well as updating calendars, social media communication. and public relations.  This is a volunteer position with the strong possibility of being paid in the future.  Approximately 3-5 hours a week is required.  Residing locally is not necessary.  Please email resume and letter of interest to julie@beautyfromashes.org.  No phone calls please. SCOPE OF SERVICES:  BFA provides over 30 Programs and Services to the community free of charge.  Our services are not based on law enforcement "victim certification" and we respect our clients' autonomy and confidentially, allowing them to decide if they want to go through the often complex and political process of  "victim certification".  We provide professional, "victim-centered" services to domestic and international clients, and their families.  For a complete list of our Programs and Services, CLICK HERE. FUNDRAISING & DONATIONS:  BFA is able to operate because of private donations.  Our mission is to prevent, reach, rescue, and restore victims of sexual abuse, exploitation, and trafficking.  Established as a non profit in 2005, we are Florida's 1st and only human trafficking, overcomer-led community service agency.  We need your help in providing for our operational costs, which are currently $6000 a month.  Whether it's a one time gift or becoming a Vision Partner, having a bake sale, jewelry sale, car wash, challenging others with a matching gift, or collecting $5 from everyone in your bible study or sphere of influence, all giving is used to promote our mission and is tax deductible. 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.   MONTHLY PRAYER ALERT:  For details of how to pray for us during the month of February, 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. RECEIVE OUR eNEWS:  Sign up to receive our monthly eNewsletter by CLICKING 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 expand, I am amazed at the day to day operations and success stories I hear that our clients are achieving.  These milestones in their lives 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 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 HELP LINE:  877 4BFA SOS (877) 423-2767 PHYSICAL ADDRESS;  2701 Cleveland Ave. Ste 120 Fort Myers | FL | 33901  MAILING ADRESS:  13300 South Cleveland Avenue, Suite 56-623 Fort Myers | 33907 www.BeautyFromAshes.org

February ePrayer Alert

Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries (BFA) exists to bring the Lord's love, hope and truth to the world, specifically women and children who have endured sexual exploitation, abuse and/or trafficking, and we are absolutely honored and grateful for every prayer said on the organization's behalf.  We continue to see His work both within the women we serve and within ourselves, and it is a privilege to be an advocate of His redemptive plans and purposes for every one of us.  Thank you so much for your commitment to pray for the staff, interns, volunteers and clients of BFA!

CLIENTS:  It is so challenging and difficult to rebuild life after having been subjected to abuse, exploitation, turmoil and chaos for years, but we are so proud of the way many of the women we serve have met these challenges head-on.  They know the work is worth it, both for themselves and their families, and we are grateful to walk alongside them as the begin believing in who the Lord has identified them as: beautiful, precious, beloved daughters of the Most High!  Please continue to pray for their hearts to not only receive healing, but to let go of any unhealthy thoughts and behaviors from the past, whether it be unforgiveness, bitterness, resentment, hurt or anything keeping them from complete freedom in Christ.  Please pray their every need will be met, and for a greater awakening of the depths of the Lord's love for them.  Pray their friends and families not only see the difference in their lives, but then become drawn to the presence of the Lord.  Please pray against any attack of the enemy to try and draw the women back into a life of heartache and pain.  

OUTREACHES:  We love how the Lord draws women to BFA; sometimes they come across the website or Facebook page, or they hear of us from friends.  And other times it is through our strip club and low income area outREACHes, where we are given the opportunity to share Christ's love through words, deeds and even food.  Every one of our outREACHes is meant to bring glory to the Lord and to bring Truth to His children.  Please continue praying for discernment and wisdom, so that everything we do is led by the Holy Spirit.  Pray for new doors to open in His timing, for relationships to be built through His divine appointments and for His power to continuously go before us in order for His light to shatter the darkness.  Pray every heart and mind we encounter not only becomes aware of the Lord, but desires a life fully and wholly devoted to Him.  
  

PROGRAMS & SERVICES:  Our desire is that every program and service offered by BFA is rooted and grounded in the love of the Lord, allowing us the privilege of serving His children to the best of our abilities.  We want to constantly ask the Holy Spirit to lead, in order to offer programs and services that will best meet the needs of the women and children that we serve, while also trusting the Lord to introduce new services in His time.  Please pray for supernatural strength and wisdom, equipping the staff, interns and volunteers of BFA for every moment of every day.  

CURRENT NEEDS:  Please pray that our daily and monthly operational costs are met.  Everyday we are assisting numerous local and national victims in becoming overcomers through over 30 programs and services that we don't charge fees for.

EQUINE FACILITY:  It is a tremendous joy for BFA to have the ability to offer equine-assisted learning and horsemanship mentorship to not only the women we serve, but also their children.  The facility now has four horses, as Morning Star Spirit has been added to the team, joining Candy Man, Murphy and Handsome.  Please pray that under the instruction of our Equine Specialists in Mental Health and Learning, Julie Shematz and Marie Shelli, children and adults alike will be able to experience internal healing through experiences with the horses, allowing the Lord to move and work in ways often unexplained but done through His creation.  Pray for safety, good health and protection for all involved, and that these services are offered and directed the way the Lord desires. 

FUNDING:  The Lord is always faithful.  We continue to be amazed by His provisions and we are honored by every one of our supporters.  Please pray we always trust His plans, we direct His funds in the way He wants them to go and that He will continue to bring in every cent needed to operate BFA according to His will.

PARTNERSHIPS:  Just as the body of Christ has many members, it is through partnerships where multiple agencies and organizations come together to serve and love as many people as possible.  BFA is privileged to have established partnerships with other organizations and people, bringing greater effectiveness to the programs and services we are able to offer.  Please pray for additional partnerships when and how the Lord sees fit and for relationships built on trust, integrity and honor.  

EVENTS: Please pray for the many events we have scheduled for the month of February.  We have events ranging from our weekly support groups to speaking engagements at universities, churches, and community groups.  

VOLUNTEERS & INTERNS:  Only the Lord knows all that will happen this year, and we believe and are thankful that He is already raising up additional women to offer their time, talents and services to the work of BFA.  We are very grateful for the intern and volunteers we currently have, and it is their work that allows BFA to offer as much as we do, even with a small number of staff members. Agree with us that their lives be richly blessed.

STAFF:  Pray that our Founder, Julie Shematz, and Program Manager, Christa Hicks, would sustain balance and priorities as they work hard to prevent, reach, rescue, and restore victims of s*x trafficking and s*xual exploitation.  Please pray for constant strength, discernment, endurance and peace in order for them to lead BFA the way the Lord desires. 

DIRECTORS & ADVISORS:  Pray for a spirit of motivation, unity, and harmony among each Director and Advisor.  Continue to pray that God would pour out His blessings on each member of our executive and advisory boards.  Agree with us that their health, family, and resources be protected. 

OTHER LIKE MINISTRIES/AGENCIES:  Please be in prayer for every ministry and organization committed to following the Lord's lead into the darkness, seeing His redemption consume all shame, guilt, worldly label and pain.  Pray for unity to prevail in every circumstance, and for a greater network of like-minded people serving those affected by s*xual exploitation, abuse and/or trafficking.  Please pray for continuous protection not only for those among the organizations, but also their families and friends.   

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 we enter into the season celebrated for love, agree with us that all we serve and partner with with receive a deeper revelation of the love of our God.

"But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us." Romans 5:8 AMP

On behalf of Julie Shematz, the Beauty From Ashes™ FREEdom™ Team, and clients, thank you for your continued prayers surrounding this ministry.  

With sincere appreciation,

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

New Advisor, Office, Therapy Horse, Bible Study, OutREACH Reports & More!

We are so excited to see what the Lord has in store for 2013, both for the organization and for everyone of our clients!  We continue to be grateful and thankful for the opportunity to serve over 40 women on a weekly basis, and we love seeing positive, healthy changes in each of their lives!

WELCOME DR. NAIRRUTI JANI TO BEAUTY FROM ASHES MINISTRIES:  We are pleased to announce that Dr. Nairruti Jani, Professor of Social Work at Florida Gulf Coast University has joined our Advisory Board!  Originally from India, Dr. Jani is recognized as an expert in human trafficking and has been the supervisor of one of our social work interns.  She has a passion to educate, prevent, and understands the complex dynamics involved with providing  victim/survivor centered programs.  We look forward to this new partnership for 2013.  Welcome Dr. Jani!

NEW OFFICE LOCATION:  In order to better serve the marginalized population to which we are called, we are very excited about the expansion of our offices on the campus of New Mission Systems International.  Beginning February 1st, our new office location will be 2701 Cleveland Avenue, Fort Myers, FL 33901.  We need assistance moving; if you can help, please call (239) 939-9218. 

NEW HORSE ADDED TO EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING & HORSEMANSHIP MENTORING PROGRAMS: Morning Star Spirit, an eight-month-old, white Appaloosa colt, is the newest member of the horse therapy team used for BFA's Equine Programs.  Joining Candy Man, Handsome and Murphy, "Spirit" has already begun training with his owner, Julie Shematz, who is also the founder and Executive Director of BFA!  He traveled over 500 miles with Julie to arrive in North Ft. Myers, and has been adjusting well to his new home.  To follow Spirit's journey, "like" his fan page on facebook.

WELCOME MARIE SHELLI TO THE EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING & HORSEMANSHIP MENTORING PROGRAMS:  We are extremely grateful the Lord is allowing the programs to continue even as our founder, Mrs. Shematz, will be participating in a four-month, mental health counseling, internship at the Eye of a Horse Equine Education Center in St. Cloud, FL.  Marie Shelli comes to us with 18+ years of horsemanship, certification from EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning) in Equine Therapy, and over four years experience as an Equine Specialist at a girls' residential program in Wyoming.  Find out more about our equine prevention and restoration programs and view pictures by CLICKING HERE.  To register individuals or a group, call (239) 939-9218 or email julie@beautyfromashes.org.

SCOPE OF SERVICES:  Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries, Florida's 1st and only human trafficking, overcomer-led community service agency,  provides over 30 services and programs, free of charge.  Our services include mental health counseling, social services, spiritual counseling, career, crisis, and addiction counseling, case management, mentoring, medical services, relocation, short-term and long-term residential program placement, consulting and referral for governmental and non-governmental agencies, a support system to loved ones of s*x workers, OutREACH & AfterCARE trainings, outREACHes, and more.  For full list of programs & services, CLICK HERE.

TUTORING & RUN 4 WELLNESS:  Monday afternoons have become a favorite for many of the women we serve, as they, along with their children, either walk or run a bridge in Ft. Myers.  Led by Christa Hicks, our Program Director and also a fitness expert, Run 4 Wellness is a weekly event where women have the chance to be physically active while also continuing to build healthy friendships with each other.  On Thursday nights, BFA continues to offer educational tutoring for any of the women's children who need assistance with school work, meeting weekly before and during the "Breaking Free" Life Skills & Support Group.

NEW BIBLE STUDY:  Led by an overcomer who recently completed the one year, residential program, Faith Farm, we will begin a 10 week Bible study at our new office on Monday, February 4th 10am to 12:30pm.  Using the Beth Moore Breaking Free curriculum, this Bible study is open to survivors of sexual exploitation, abuse and/or trafficking,  Registration required.  Call (239) 939-9218 to register.  

STRIP CLUB OUTREACH REPORT:  On Saturday, January 12th, our strip club outREACH team served up a home cooked meal and distributed gift bags that included beauty supplies, information on human trafficking and the services BFA provides to a Fort Myer's area strip club.  Every month we go into this strip club with the objective of establishing relationships with the employees in hopes that when they are ready for a lifestyle change, they will contact us. Since 2003, we've served numerous clients, met in this club, in the transition out of the sex for sale industry.

INNER CITY OUTREACH REPORT:  Grace Church in downtown Fort Myers has a wonderful heart to serve the community, evidenced by the free dinner given to 150-200 people every Wednesday night after the worship service.  The church is located in the heart of an area that is known locally as one of the most concentrated for prostitution and drugs.  One of our outREACH teams attends the service every week, allowing us the opportunity to support women we currently serve, in addition to reaching out to anyone who wants more information on the programs and services offered by BFA.  It is often a wonderful night of connecting with each other and connecting with the Lord, and we love the opportunity to continue developing relationships with women from the community.

VOLUNTEERS OF THE MONTH:  This month we want to publicly thank the staff of Cre8 Salon & Spa in Cape Coral, FL for treating 15 of our beauties & their children to a night of princess makeovers and delicious food!  For more about this exceptional salon,  the official Fox 4 News Team salon, by visiting their website.  

LIFE SKILLS & SUPPORT GROUP:  Beginning Thursday, February 7th from 7-8:30pm our Life Skills & Support group will be meeting in new office location. This closed group is 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.  The group is led by a Master's-level mental health clinician and overcomer.  Free child care is provided.  For more information and to register, call (239) 939-9218 or email christa_hicks@beautyfromashes.org. 

URGENT NEEDS: We are in need of individuals to transport clients and a van in which to transport them.  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.

EVENT COORDINATOR NEEDED:  We are in search of an Event Coordinator whose  responsibilities will include handling all communication regarding events:  appearance contracts, riders, needs, travel, hotel accommodations, as well as updating calendars, social media communication. and public relations.  This is a volunteer position with the possibility of being paid in the future.  Approximately 3-5 hours a week is required.  Residing locally is not necessary.  Please email resume and letter of interest to julie@beautyfromashes.org.  No phone calls please.

EVENTS:  In 2012, we participated in over 80 events, reaching nearly 4000 people.  Our multi-media presentations range from 30-90 minutes and have been presented to ages 8 through 80+.  Venues include social service agencies, churches, universities, health departments and nursing associations, Girl Scouts and country clubs.  To see our upcoming events, CLICK HERE.  To schedule an overcomer to speak at your event or to invite BFA, CLICK HERE. 

FUND RAISING:  It is through the public's support that we are able to continue our work within Florida and beyond.  We can't begin to thank our financial partners enough, and are extremely grateful for every dollar given to BFA.  If you would like to partner with us, there are many ways to raise support for BFA!  Some examples of previous fundraising efforts include organizing car washes and bake sales, donating a percentage of your business sales or offering a matching gift/grant. Your fundraising 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 with your ideas and 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.  Thank you!

MONTHLY PRAYER ALERT:  For details of how to pray for us during the month of January , 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.

TWITTER & FACEBOOK:  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.

RECEIVE MONTHLY eNEWS:  Sign up to receive our monthly eNewsletter by CLICKING HERE

Thank you for partnering with us in making 2012 the best year ever for BFA.  If it weren't for you, we could not do what we do.  

Thank you in advance for your partnership with us in 2013.  The BEST is yet to come!  

With sincere appreciation,

Julie Shematz
Founder & Executive Director

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