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

May ePrayer Alert

As I reflect back over the past 11 years, I can hardly believe how Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries has developed. From what started as a strip club outREACH into the club I had worked at for 7 years to seeing where we are today, the impact this ministry has had on countless lives, and even my own personal journey, I am simply AMAZED. Thank you so much for your continued support. When I began doing strip club outREACHes in 2002 and developing this ministry, God impressed upon me the importance of having a prayer undergirding to all He was entrusting me to do through Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries. THANK YOU for your continued prayer support!  As we enter into the 11th season of spring, please agree with Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries in prayer for the following: CLIENTS: Pray that clients will continue to flourish and grow as disciples of Christ walking in total freedom. Agree with us that they would have a hunger and thirst for God's word and a revelation of His love for them. Pray for those contemplating change, that their desire to change will quickly grow into the solid decisions 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 therapeutic interventions.  Pray for our Horsemanship Mentoring program, Equine Escape for Ministry Workers and our summer Art and Horse Camps. 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 physical needs of the organization. For a complete list of needs, CLICK HERE. EQUINE FACILITY:   Please pray for wisdom in all things related to the equine facility, and that it continues to be a way for wounded individuals to 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.  Agree with us in prayer for the health of all the horses.  Pray for the transport of our newest yearling to our facility this month and that he and our other yearling, Morning Star Spirit, would learn quickly and maintain strong ground manners.  TRAINING:  Pray for our best practices, faith based operations model in prevention, intervention, restoration of and advocacy for 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. Pray for our July training in Fort Myers and all the attendees from across the nation and around the world. EVENTS:   Pray for me as God opens the doors to unique venues to BFA like the Ocala Prison which has scheduled me to speak to over 200 young women about human trafficking and most importantly, the hope we have through our Savior, Christ Jesus.  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. MEDIA: Pray for the May media features on my Beauty From Ashes™ testimony and the work of the ministry on radio stations and Gulf Shore Life Magazine.  Agree with us that the interviews and stories will deliver a message of hope, setting the captives free, and would gain more partners for the mission of BFA.   VOLUNTEERS & INTERNS: Praise God for raising up competent volunteers who can assist us in the day to day operations, especially while I work hard to complete graduate school. Praise Him even more for arranging for me to mentor a teen survivor as an intern with me over the summer!  Pray that our volunteers, interns, and their families would be blessed and protected. Many of our volunteers are overcomers of sexual abuse and exploitation. Pray for their continued healing and growth.  FOUNDER & STAFF:   Please pray that I will pass my comprehensive exit exam on Monday, May 6th and enter my final semester STRONG as a full time student in the Clinical Mental Health Counselor program at Florida Gulf Coast University. Agree with us for current and future volunteer and paid staff members. May they be mature persons of faith, steadfast in their walk with the Lord, competent, professional, and that they remain loyal to 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 and blessed. May they work in unity and one accord with our Father's vision for BFA. FUNDING: Thank God for the matching grant we had in Apirl and for churches having fund raisers for BFA this month!  Thank God for His provision through various resources and agree with us that all our financial supporters be abundantly blessed for their giving to BFA.    PARTNERSHIPS: Please pray for our current and new partnerships; that we serve each other with integrity and honor.  Please pray for wisdom as we seek God's direction to know which partnerships to continue developing and which to possibly sever.   BODY OF CHRIST:  Agree with us for more churches to respond to the need to support national, faith based, ministries and agencies reaching 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: Pray for the over 170 ministries doing strip club outREACH 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 for protection of these ministries, volunteers, and staff in every way: physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.  Pray that all their needs would be met and that they would trust in the Lord's timing as each ministry seeks out His perfect will.          WEEKLY GLOBAL PRAYER:   Please join us each Friday from 8-9am EST to intercede for victims of s*xual exploitation, s*x slavery, and s*x trafficking, as well as the agencies servicing them.  CLICK HERE for Prayer Guide.  Locally, we meet in North Fort Myers at the Equine Facility. Call for directions. PRAYER REQUESTS:   Pray for the needs of those that send us prayer requests:  for the father whose daughter has been arrested for prostitution, the mother who desperately wants to help her daughter get out of the life, the young mother who wants to leave her trafficker, but is conflicted because of their child together and her love for the very one who abuses and hurts her, the ministry leader who experienced betrayal when a team member left and is attempting to replicate what she developed, the daughter of a s*x worker who is praying her mother get saved, and the other prayer requests we received that God knows about.  Send us your prayer requests by CLICKING HERE. Again, I cannot thank you enough for your prayers.  They are vital to this ministry, the clients we serve, and to me, personally. "But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us." Romans 5:8 AMP In His love and service, Julie Shematz Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries   Where Victims Become Over-Comers "Survivors must be leaders in the development of services, shelter, and response protocols to s*x trafficking.”  - National Report on Domestic Minor S*x Trafficking AWARENESS & PREVENTION • REACH & RESCUE • TEACH & DEMONSTRATE • TRAIN & SEND

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

NON PROFIT STATUS and  CONFIDENTIALITY  Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries, Inc. has been recognized by the United States IRS as a not for profit, 501(c)3, public charity since February 2005.  Contributions are tax deductible and confidential.

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Prayer Request for BFA Founder

Dear Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries Supporters,

I'm asking for your prayers.  As you may be aware, I established Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries, Inc. in 2005, however I began doing strip club outREACHes in 2002.   In 2002, there were less than 5 ministries world wide doing this type of unique ministry and to my knowledge, as of this month, there are more than 170 worldwide.  (This simply AMAZES me!).   When I started doing outREACHes in 2002, the words human trafficking were rarely ever heard of, yet God had called me to the front lines taking His Light into dark places....places that unfortunately, even with the raised awareness of human sex trafficking, to this day many cringe and don't understand why.

My passion then and still is to reach the lost with a message of hope that there was a way out and in providing resources for the transition out of the sex for sale industry, something, by the grace of God I was able to do in 2002.  In 2010, after experiencing care taker, second hand trauma, I enrolled in graduate school at Florida Gulf Coast University.  God used the experience as a catalyst to set me on the course of being professionally trained how to work with the marginalized populace He gave me a passion to assist in the journey to healing and wholeness.

In addition to developing and overseeing the operations, >30 programs and services, staff, volunteers, and board of Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries (BFA), I've been a full time student since 2010.  Working hard, following God's leading, I committed myself to developing best practices, professional, models for ministry to sex workers, the sexually abused, sex trafficked, and wounded people.

My quest in acquiring a Master of Arts degree in Mental Health Counseling is FINALLY coming to an end.  I completed my last class of this semester yesterday and I only have 1 paper, 1 semester [2 more classes, (including 6 weeks of classes 5 days a week), a total 10 weeks], and a comprehensive exit exam (May 6th) before the August 4th, 2013 graduation.  Additionally, I will be leading, for the 9th year, BFA's National Sex Industry OutREACH and AfterCARE training July 17-20 at Barry University in Fort Myers, FL.

I am firm believer in prayer.  It's what Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries was founded on and has been maintained on.  It's very rarely that I ever seek a personal request, but I am asking those who support the mission and vision of BFA through intercessory prayer, to please lift me up in prayer as I enter the final stretch to acquiring my master's degree.  Without going into all the details, there have been an enormous amount of unexpected challenges I've faced as I've entered into the final months of finishing graduate school.  As I have sought the Lord's direction in what seems like an overwhelming amount of work, critical decisions, and volume of studying, He has quietly and confidently reminded me of His word:

I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who [infuses inner strength into me; I am [self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency]. Philippians 4:13 AMP

I know that what is impossible with man, is possible with God (Matthew 19:26).  I know that the challenges I am facing in the final stretch are not a surprise to my Father, even though they have been to me.  He's empowered me with the ability to overcome and I am confident these challenges are no exception.  I also know the power of my brothers and sisters interceding for me and holding my arms up in the heaven lies.  Your prayers for me, the ministries, and clients of Beauty From Ashes™ are coveted and greatly appreciated for such a time as this.  Thank you.


Seeking to finish strong.

In His love and committed service,

Julie Shematz
Founder and Executive Director

Matched Giving, Less than 5 to 170+  Strip Club Ministries, Art & Horse Summer Camp, & More! MATCHED GIVING UP TO $10,000: Thanks to the generosity of a long time donor of Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries, all giving of $25 up to $10,000 will be matched!  This means your financial gift's impact is doubled!  Would you consider partnering with us today as we continue to educate the community about human trafficking, assist other organizations in reaching and restoring victims of commercialized s*xual exploitation, s*xual abuse, and trafficking, and develop evidence based therapeutic interventions to assist victims in becoming overcomers?  For secure online giving, CLICK HERE.  FROM LESS THAN 5 TO MORE THAN 170: In 2002, when I did my first strip club outREACH in Indianapolis, IN, there were fewer than 5 ministries worldwide doing this unique type of ministry and the words human or s*x trafficking were rarely spoken of.  Recognizing the need for training churches and ministries, I developed a Strip Club outREACH training in 2004 and began presenting it to laypersons and ministers nationwide.  In 2010, due to a capacity building grant from the United States Department of Health and Human Resources, with the help of a professional curriculum writer, we were able to raise the training to the next level by developing it into an 18 module, best practices, faith based, comprehensive curriculum.  We launched the curriculum in 2012, training ministries nationally and internationally, sharing our model of operations, teaching them and equipping them to successfully prevent, reach, rescue, restore, advocate, and develop professional services and programs for victims.  Today, there are over 170 faith based strip club outREACHes world wide, and an enormous amount of organizations educating and serving the marginalized population of the s*xually trafficked, abused, and exploited.  Together, we have made a difference!  Our next National S*x Industry OutREACH and AfterCARE training is July 17-20th in Fort Myers, FL at Barry University.  Sign up today.  Limited seating.  For more information, CLICK HERE.  EQUINE PSYCHOTHERAPY & ART THERAPY:   I am so excited to have finished up a 3 month, 300+ hour, internship with one of the world's leading psychologists in the field of equine psychotherapy, Dr. Sandra Wise.  Having been a full time gradaute student since May of 2010 in the Mental Health Counseling Program at Florida Gulf Coast University, I am very much looking forward to graduating August 4th of this year and further developing interventions using equines and art!  Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Art Therapy are evidence-based treatment for many of the symptoms survivors battle.  The use of both therapies are coming soon to BFA! EQUINE ESCAPE FOR MINISTRY WORKERS: I personally know what second hand trauma (when a caregiver vicariously experiences the trauma of the person they are helping) and care taker burn out is like, (it served as a catalyst to get me into graduate school.)  Unfortunately, we live in a society that applauds being a workaholic and many times this "serve til I drop," and "if I don't do it, no one will" mentality gets carried over into the Church.  It's the source of many people ending up with depression, loss of interest in things they used to like doing, broken and strained relationships, people walking away from ministry not wanting to serve anymore, and worse yet, turning their backs on God. Recognizing that there are a lot of people either bordering on this or trying to recover from it, we've developed an intervention program for ministry workers using our therapy horses to help overcome the stress, hopelessness, and compassion fatigue which caretakers often experience.   Research tells us that simply spending time in natural settings is beneficial to all of us!  We're now offering an escape for individuals or groups that need to slow down, take a deep breath, spend some quality time away from the office/ministry, and experience the benefits of being in the country and with our therapy horses.  Come spend time with us, enjoy the getaway, be ministered to, refresh, and renew yourself.  Schedule an individual or group session today.  For more information, CLICK HERE. EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING & HORSEMANSHIP MENTORING PROGRAMS: Since Beauty From Ashes™ (BFA) launched our Equine-Assisted Learning and Mentoring programs, in August of 2012, we've had over 70 participants ranging from 8-years-old to 86-year-olds, including teen survivors of s*x trafficking, take part in the programs.  From individual to group and family sessions, with the assistance of our horse therapists and equine specialists, effective outcomes have been produced with all participants.  Horsemanship and Equine Assisted Learning builds trust, self-confidence, communication, self-concept, perspective, self-acceptance, impulse control, social skills, boundaries and spiritual connection.  Find out more about our Equine Programs. ART & HORSE SUMMER CAMP:   Many of you may remember that I am an artist who has taught art lessons to all ages and skill levels for over 20 years.  I stepped back from my teaching and art production when I entered into graduate school in 2010.  I am so very pleased that as my graduate school days FINALLY come to an end, we will be launching another program very dear to my heart, Art & Horse Summer Camp, for ages 7 through 17!  We are only taking 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. NEW EVENT COORDINATOR: We are pleased to announce that we have an event coordinator!  Rachel Swope served in the United States Army, has a degree in Social Work and is currently enrolled at Troy University's Criminal Justice graduate program.  To schedule Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries at your event, a training or presentation, or an overcomer to share their testimony, email her at rachel@beautyfromashes.org.    OCALA PRISON VISIT: I am very excited to be sharing my testimony and discussing s*x trafficking with over 200 female inmates at the Lowell Correctional Institute in Ocala, FL Tuesday, May 7th.  What's incredible is that a friend of the ministry spoke there a couple of months ago and mentioned me and BFA.  To her amazement, it was reported that 5-7 inmates said they knew me and had met me during strip club outREACHes!  I am very much looking forward to meeting these ladies again and encouraging them.  Additionally, they are providing a tour of their Equine Facility for Thoroughbred Horses. To watch a powerful video of this wonderful program, CLICK HERE. VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH:   We'd like to recognize a very special woman, also a single mother of six children, who has managed to take the time to serve us, our clients, and our horses.  We are pleased to announce this month's Volunteer of the Month is Lisa Turner. We are simply amazed that she finds time to help out around the barn, plant flowers, wash and feed horses, muck stalls, assist on photo shoots, manage horses, and be an incredible encourager to me personally.  Thank you, Lisa for all you've done for Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries! 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: There are many unique and creative ways to support Beauty From Ashes™ Whether it's a bake sale, car wash, making jewelry, a 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! MONTHLY PRAYER ALERT: For details of how to pray for us during the month of April, CLICK HERE. PRAYER REQUESTS: We believe in the power of prayer!  Please send your prayer requests toprayer@beautyfromashes.org WEEKLY GLOBAL PRAYER:  Fridays 8-9am EST. To meet with intercessors in the Fort Myers area,  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 in assisting victims to become overcomers continues to expand, I have a wonderful sense of gratitude for those that have supported me, the vision God has given to me for BFA, and most importantly, remained loyal through the process of development.  I can hardly believe it's been over 10 years since I did my first strip club outREACH and am amazed at what has developed since!   I could not have done this without YOU!  Thank you for partnering with me in preventing, reaching, rescuing, and restoring victims of s*xual exploitation, abuse, and trafficking.  With sincere appreciation, Julie Shematz Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries   Where Victims Become Over-Comers "Survivors must be leaders in the development of services, shelter, and response protocols to s*x trafficking.”  - National Report on Domestic Minor S*x Trafficking AWARENESS & PREVENTION • REACH & RESCUE • TEACH & DEMONSTRATE • TRAIN & SEND "Blue Stallion" Used by Permission © Laurie Justice Pace

(239) 939-9218 | TOLL FREE LINE: (877) 423-2767 13300 South Cleveland Avenue, Suite 56-623 | Fort Myers | 33907 www.BeautyFromAshes.org NON PROFIT STATUS and  CONFIDENTIALITY  Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries, Inc. has been recognized by the United States IRS as a not for profit, 501(c)3, public charity since February 2005.  Contributions are tax deductible and confidential.