April ePrayer Alert

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PRAYER REQUESTS:  Send us your prayer requests by CLICKING HERE

MONTHLY ePRAYER SIGN UP:  CLICK HERE

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

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

Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries  

Where Victims Become Over-Comers

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

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

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

March 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

Words from the Heart of an Intern

Right at this very moment there is a child being trafficked. While we do as we please, there is someone who’s every move is being controlled and monitored. Living a life that neither you nor I could possibly imagine. Children as young as 11, are experiencing this everyday of their lives. Robbed from the comforts of their parents’ arms and tossed onto the streets where they are forced to sell their bodies daily in massage parlors, strip clubs, and through prostitution.

You might think I’m speaking about an international problem, but I am not. This is a common mistake American's make; I am talking about an issue that is greatly impacting the wonderful country of America, where we reside. 

Human trafficking is the 2^nd fastest growing crime in the world, and I can almost guarantee you that it has happened in your city. As we become more aware of this horrific crime the traffickers are doing one of two things; being caught by the police, or improving their operations, which includes expanding their operations into other cities and states. 

Those of us who are aware can spread the word and educate those who are not. As an intern at Beauty From Ashes I can passionately say we will not stop working to REACH, RESCUE, and RESTORE victims of human sex trafficking. We will go through the trails and tribulations under the guidance of the Lord to continue helping victims become overcomers. 

Eslande is a Junior, majoring in Psychology, at Florida Gulf Coast University. Go Eagles! She was born and raised in Fort Myers, Florida. She considers herself as being "somewhat of a poet" and blogger who loves to play volley ball.  She currently interns at Beauty From Ashes Ministries and is a contributing writer for the news section of school newspaper, Eagle News.

Beauty From Ashes January Prayer Alert

Dear Faithful Intercessors,

Thank you for your continued commitment to intercede for Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries.  Your prayers are priceless to us and those we serve.  As we move into a new year, here are our January prayer points:

CLIENTS:  Please pray for our local and national clients' mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.  Agree with us that they have sound minds and the courage to commit to the long term healing journey.  May they receive a revelation of God's love for them and who they are in Christ. Thank God for the work He's done already in their lives and His faithfulness to complete it. 

OUTREACHES:  Thank God for the favor we have with sex business management and employees. Pray that the Father's love will be evident in and through the team as they operate in unity and one accord.  May those we reach receive the revelation of who God is, how much He loves them, and may they embrace the truth that will set them free to be everything they were destined to be.  Agree with us that outREACH team members would multiply according to God's will.  Pray for our January strip club outREACHs and that God would use us to help reveal His free gift of life through our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ!

ASSESSMENT/RESOURCE CENTER:  We are continuously grateful for His provision of our new assessment/resource center:  Daily we are praising Him as we settle into our new location at the North Fort Myers United Way House, where in partnership with the United Way, the Salvation Army, and Lee Physician's Healthcare Systems, we are providing comprehensive and integrated mental health, medical, dental, social, and spiritual services to victims of commercialized sexual exploitation. We are encouraged and lifted up by your prayers and ask that you please keep them coming! God is answering in MIGHTY ways. 

VOLUNTEERS and INTERNS: Please pray that our volunteers and interns will be dedicated, protected, and they acclimate to their new schedules. May they have wisdom and an abundance of energy as they assist us in the day to day operations.

LONG TERM RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM:  Pray for God's direction, provision, staff, volunteers, and community engagement for existing programs and His perfect timing for ours. 

EVENTS: January is the National Human Trafficking Awareness month.  Please pray for our upcoming National Sex Industry outREACH and AfterCARE Training, taking place January 11-14 at Barry University.  Pray that more local churches answer God's calling through hosting awareness events along with supporting the mission of Beauty From Ashes as Florida's first and only human trafficking, overcomer led, community service agency. May all the details of this months events come divinely into place with passion, purpose, clarity, and hope.  Agree with us that hearers at awareness events will be inspired to become doers in the fight against human sex slavery here in the United States.

FUND RAISING:  Pray that God would raise up more businesses, agencies, churches, ministries, and individuals to initiate creative fund raising for BFA.  

PARTNERSHIPS:  Pray that God would continue to align us with the professional, governmental, private, corporate and faith based partnerships that are of His perfect will and nothing less. 

VOLUNTEERS:  Pray for strength, encouragement and perseverance for current volunteers and that God would raise up more called, anointed, and committed servants. Join us in praising God for the college students who have been committed volunteers and are beginning their internships with us! Please pray that God continue to instill a fire in the hearts of men and women to commit their time, energy and resources in reaching, rescuing, and restoring victims as they become overcomers!

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ADVISORS:  Please continue to pray for health, protection, wisdom, encouragement, and divine direction for BFA.  May all Directors operate in one accord and in tune with the Holy Spirit. 

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

  

FRIDAY PRAYER:  Join us in the spirit every Friday from 8-9am EST to intercede for the victims of commercialized sexual exploitation and sex slavery, as well as the agencies servicing them.  CLICK HERE for Prayer Guide.

BFA E-NEWSLETTER:  CLICK HERE to sign up.

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 15:5-6 

Thank you for your prayer support as we embark on a new year and season.  Know that we are praying for you and on behalf of Beauty From Ashes, we wish you a very Happy New Year!

Nancy Sampson & Sandi Spencer

Prayer Coordinators

Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries  

Where Victims Become Over-Comers

239.939.9218 

| 877.4BFA SOS (877.423.2767) Toll Free Help Line