New Laptop

As a Hadassah intern with Beauty From Ashes Ministries (BFA), one of my main jobs is to raise awareness about domestic sex-trafficking and the role that BFA plays in helping put an end to it. I do this through social media outlets (i.e. Twitter, Facebook, etc) and writing for the BFA blog.

However, in the last two weeks, I have been unable to do so because my laptop of four years died. That said, I am in need of a new one, specifically a MacBook so that it will be compatible with the software used at Beauty From Ashes™. The cost for a refurbished one is $850.

Because my internship with Beauty From Ashes is a fundraised position and I am unable to afford this on my own, I am seeking donations towards this new laptop as well. If you feel led to give, please make a check out to 'Beauty From Ashes Ministries' and be sure to indicate that your donation is for: LaShondra Riddle.

 
All donations made out to Beauty From Ashes Ministries are tax deductible and are highly appreciated. Thanks you so much!!

LaShondra Riddle is an Atlanta native currently interning with Beauty From Ashes Ministries. After attending Simmons College in Boston, MA where she graduated with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Sociology, she embarked on an 11-month journey called the World Race. It was during this time that she had the opportunity to work with women and young girls in the Philippines and in Thailand who had been caught and trapped in the sex-trade. The passion to rescue these women eventually led her to Beauty From Ashes Ministries.

  

To donate and/or learn more about LaShondra and her heart for rescuing women, CLICK HERE.

The Lord Will Fight For Us

I once heard a pastor say, “In times of crisis or trial, a person’s real theology comes to the surface.” It was in reference to the Israelites during the time when God was in the process of delivering them out of the hands of Pharaoh and freeing them from the bonds of slavery.

Exodus 14:10-12 records it this way: “As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord. They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians’? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!”

They were terrified. And as a result, they began to question Moses’ motives. His intentions. His character. In the face of danger and what looked like a very dark and hopeless situation, they quickly concluded that he had, in fact, brought them out there to die. And then, all of a sudden, the bonds of slavery didn’t look so unappealing.

It’s funny because I think about how often I have the exact same reactions when it comes to God. How quickly I can begin doubting in times of trouble. How I have a tendency to call God’s character into question when things get really bad. When I can’t see my way out and it seems as if God is just sitting there, doing nothing. How I sometimes long for Egypt.

And it’s not that I don’t believe, because I do. It’s just that there is also this unbelief that simultaneously occupies space in my heart. Lately, I’ve been drawn to this one line in the bible, found in Mark 9:24. This father brings his son to Jesus to be healed and Jesus tells him that "everything is possible for him who believes." Immediately the father exclaims, “I do believe. Help me overcome my unbelief!”

And today, as I sit at home, months after I thought I would be able to relocate to Florida to begin an internship with Beauty From Ashes Ministries, I find myself saying the exact same thing. Lord, I believe. Please help me overcome by unbelief. Because I believe that God has a plan for my life and that it is good. I believe that He sees my life and my circumstances. I believe that He cares and that He is working everything out for good.

But when it’s one o'clock in the morning and I'm lying in the dark and everything around me is still, my fears and insecurities begin to surface, and I find myself quietly asking the Lord, “What are you doing? I don’t understand.”; “Why am I still at home?”; “Did you bring me back here to die?”

And sometimes, I am scared. Sometimes, just like the Israelites, I amterrified. Sometimes it’s really hard for me to trust the promises of God for my life. That He will show up and deliver me. That He will come through…for me.

But then, I read verse 13 of what Moses had to say to the Israelites, and I find God at work in my heart, slowly chipping away at my unbelief:

“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The [Egyptians] you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

The Lord will fight for me. The Lord is fighting for me. And He will fight for you as well. We need only to be still. Trust and we will see the deliverance of the Lord.

La Shondra Riddle, former World Race participant, is in need of raising $2885 in order to relocate from Atlanta, GA to Fort Myers, FL to begin her one year internship with Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries.  This will cover her monthly costs ($1000) for three months. LaShondra, an overcomer who feels called to serve with BFA for a year period, hopes to be relocated by the end of the month.  

Giving is tax deductible through BFA.  For more about LaShondra, CLICK HERE. 

November ePrayer Alert

With the season of Thanksgiving upon us, it is a time to reflect with a heart of gratitude.  I am simply amazed at what God has done in the past year and indeed, since 2005, when Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries was officially established as a 501 (c) 3, public charity.  We started with strip club outREACHes at a time when they were virtually unheard of (less than 5 ministries nationwide doing them).  Today, there are more than 190 faith based organizations doing strip club outREACHes and we've served 2000+ women, men and children through over 30 programs and services designed with one mission in mind:  to prevent, reach, and restore victims of sexual abuse, exploitation, and trafficking.  Thank you Lord, for the lives that have been touched with the message of hope and the tangible means to recover from injustices and trauma that have happened to them.

Please join with me and our prayer team in praying this month for the following:

CLIENTS:  Every week we have the privilege and honor of providing professional helping services to individuals seeking lifestyle changes.  Agree with us that they be blessed with the gift of faith and the ability to embrace hope for change through Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Pray for the young woman in a third world country, who was smuggled in under false pretenses and desperately wants to return to her country of origin and the adult domestic survivor who passionately wants to serve but is turned away constantly because of the reality of a criminal record when she was a victim 20+ years ago. Please pray also for a recent widow, who lost her husband less than 9 months ago.  Agree with us that each of these women, and others with facing their own daily struggles, be set totally free and healed emotionally and mentally.  Agree with us that the minds of our client''s be transformed with the truth of God that will set them free to be all that God purposed and designed them to be.  Pray that our clients' identities would be restored to who they are in Christ and all lies contrary would be removed from their thought patterns.  Agree with us for renewed and transformed minds.

OUTREACHES:  From the 190+ strip club outREACHes, to porn show outREACHes, to street,  internet, and call center outREACHes, lift all of them up and those being Christ's hands and feet on the front lines.  Agree with us that the love and grace of God saturate everything the outREACH teams do and say.  

PROGRAMS & SERVICES:  Pray with us for the consulting services with other faith based, nationally known organizations in the development of victim centered emergency, transitional, and long term housing, and comprehensive recovery services.  Agree with us that every detail of the programs be of God's perfect will.   Pray for our new Healthy Living Programs and the development of gardens for sustainable living for our clients.  Agree with us that the gardens produce an abundant ongoing harvest of organic foods.  Pray for the development of online, interactive, merchant based, training programs and the delivery of online counseling services for victims nationally and worldwide.  For a complete list of our programs and services, CLICK HERE

EQUINE PROGRAMS:  We give all the glory to the Lord that our Equine Assisted Therapy and Learning Programs are providing.  Witnessing clients gain incredible revelations and effective outcomes in a short amount of time using the horses is powerful.  Please pray that the health of the horses be sustained and for the full recovery of our therapy colt, Morning Star Spirit.  For more information on the programs and equine facility,CLICK HERE.

EAGLE'S LANDING:   We launched a new program in October called Eagle's Landing that 12 individuals (including overcomers) have already participated in.  Pray for the families participating, that their time with us would be refreshing, renewing, and peaceful.  For more information on the program, CLICK HERE.

CURRENT NEEDS:  Pray that God would raise up individuals willing to sponsor or co-sponsor our therapy horses to help offset their monthly expenses.  Agree with us for a picnic table, riding boots, and cases of bottled water.  CLICK HERE for the entire list of our needs.

FUNDING:  Please pray for the Matching Gift Challenge currently going on through November 18th. Pray that we would meet our goal of $10,000 and that God would raise up partners willing to give financially to support us preventing, reaching, and restoring individuals who have been victims of sexual exploitation, abuse and trafficking.

PARTNERSHIPS:  Partnerships are crucial to extending the work into which the Lord has led us, and we are thankful for the current partnerships, and especially the new ones that have been established.  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:  Pray that every event BFA is involved in brings glory and honor to the Lord, declaring His goodness and His desire to break the chains of injustice.

VOLUNTEERS:  Thank God for the 20+ new volunteers trained in October!   Pray a blessing over each of them as they give of their time and talent.  Many of the volunteers are college students;  pray that they be able to establish excellent time management skills and their studies be blessed.  Pray for the November 9th Volunteer Orientation.  Agree with us that only those God hand picks as volunteers will attend.

STAFF:  Thank God for Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) providing employees to Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries through their Work/Study program!  Pray for our new staff as they balance their schedules with school and work.  Pray God bless FGCU, for their ongoing supportive partnership of BFA.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS & ADVISORS:  Pray that God would raise up who He wants to add to our Board of Directors and that they would actively engage themselves in the ministries of Beauty From Ashes™.   Pray God's perfect will be done.  

OTHER LIKE MINISTRIES/AGENCIES:  We praise the Lord for the numerous organizations and ministries throughout America and the world, striving to bring Christ's hope to the hopeless; to see victims of 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.

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.

"In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.'" 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NASB

As we all gather around and give thanks this season, please know how very grateful we are for every single one of you, and that we are praying for you all to have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving season, full of the love of Christ and the revelation of His amazing grace.

With utmost gratitude,

Julie Shematz, MA

Founder

Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries  

Where Victims Become Over-Comers

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

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

October eNews

From Our Founder

As I sat and listened to the complex struggles of an adult survivor of human trafficking this week, I couldn't help but think that had there been an effective intervention in her life at an early age, she might not have had to go through the ongoing struggles she faces.



As we worked together to explore solutions to her present day challenges, I resolved in my heart to work even harder to prevent, reach, and restore victims of sexual abuse, exploitation, and trafficking.


Will you partner with me to help her, her family, and the numerous other victims challenged daily to become overcomers?  


Since 2005, Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries has developed more than 30 programs and services for over 1500 survivors with one vision in mind:  that they be provided with the comprehensive services they need in order to recover from the injustices and trauma that has happened to them.



I cannot do this alone.  It's impossible and your support is priceless to accomplishing our mission and vision in helping victims become overcomers.  

Please consider partnering with us today and help support one of the nation's pioneering and grass roots, human trafficking, overcomer-led, community service agencies.

In Christ's love and service,

Julie Shematz, MA

20 New FREEdom™ Team Members!

We welcomed 20 new volunteers in September & October, from 19-60 years old!  These volunteers have already put in over 300 hours of work and there is still more to do. Find your place to serve and help fight modern slavery.

Our next Volunteer Orientation is November 9th.  Registration required.  Limited Seating.

EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPY & LEARNING Call (239) 939-9218 for Individual or Group Sessions

DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT IN OCTOBER

BFA MONTHLY ePRAYER ALERTS WEEKLY GLOBAL PRAYER Fridays 8-9 EST PRAYER REQUESTS

VOLUNTEERS OF THE MONTH We would like to publicly thank Mr. and Mrs. Bob Eden for their countless hours of service to Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries. Every week these two do anything from researching grants and funding opportunities to mucking stalls and grooming horses.  We are blessed by having them as FREEdom™ Team leaders. They have servants' hearts and are passionate about themission of Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries:  To prevent, reach, and restore victims of sexual abuse, exploitation, and trafficking. THANK YOU BOB & JILL! We love and appreciate you! NEW PARTNERS From consulting and program development, to sharing resources and providing support, we could not be more pleased with the new organizations with which we've begun collaborating.  Together, we are better and we are making a difference. Art of Profiling / Brazil Anti-Trafficking Unit Global Opportunities / Southeast Asia & Fort Myers, FL HopeLine / Nashville, TN Salvation Army / Tampa, FL WorldTeam Foundation / Glendora, CA 2014 NATIONAL TRAINING January 8-11 Fort Myers, FL April 2-5 Wichita, KS July 16-19 Fort Myers, FL Register Online  Limited Seating  Interested in having us present our training where you are?   CLICK HERE "to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit—that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified." Isaiah 61:2b-4 AMP (emphasis added)

September eNewsletter

New Season FROM THE FOUNDER Thank you for your support, encouragement and prayers during my post graduation sabbatical.  With my Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling finally under my belt, I am very excited about Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries (BFA) as we move into a brand new season.  God has opened some incredible doors and we anticipate moving through them as we continue our mission in preventing, reaching, and restoring victims of sexual abuse, exploitation, and trafficking. As the founder and Executive Director of Florida's first and oldest, human trafficking, overcomer-led, community service agency, I am committed to the vision of victims being provided the opportunity to receive the comprehensive services they need in order to recover from the trauma and injustices done to them more than ever.  From laypersons with a passion for this marginalized population to professional helpers and first responders, this can only be accomplished through support, education, and community collaboration.  Together we are better and we can make a difference.  As a voice for the voiceless, I thank you in advance for that partnership. I have no doubt that the best is yet to come! Committed to the cause, Julie Shematz, MA Founder / Executive Director

EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPY & LEARNING Call (239) 939-9218 for Individual or Group Sessions

HADASSAH INTERN UPDATE

Twenty four year old, former World Race participant, La Shondra Riddle, is in need of raising $2885 in order to relocate from Atlanta, GA to Fort Myers, FL to begin her one year internship with Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries.  This will cover her monthly costs ($1000) for three months.  LaShondra, an overcomer who feels called to serve with BFA for a year period, hopes to be relocated by the end of the month.  

Giving is tax deductible through BFA.

For more about LaShondra, CLICK HERE. 

BFA FREEdom™ TEAM

Saturday, September 28th & October 12th
9am-12pm

Administrative

Social Networking

Volunteer Coordination 

Barn and/or Equine Care

Graphic Design

Public Relations

Marketing

Garden and/or Grounds Care

Transportation (Clients and/or Volunteers)

Counseling (Master's Level Required)

Registration Required.  Limited Seating.

More Information

FGCU EAGLES RESPOND TO MODERN DAY SLAVERY

Julie Shematz presented on human trafficking and the ministries of BFA at her alma mater, Florida Gulf Coast University, on September 18th and 19th to two undergraduate Humanities classes.  Moved to respond to modern day slavery and recognizing they can help on a local level, more than 20 students (of 40) responded by signing up to volunteer!  Go Eagles!  

Registration Deadline September 27th.  For more information and to register:
Jillian Penhale jill_penhale@uss.salvationarmy.org
(813) 383-5630 O | (813)962-4098 F

Saturday September 28th October 12th & 19th 1 - 5pm Meet and love on our Therapy Horses. If you have never participated in equine care with us in the past,Volunteer Orientation is required. If you've helped in the past, call (239) 939-9218 & let us know to expect you.

October ePrayer Alert

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

Here are prayer points for the month of October:    

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OTHER LIKE MINISTRIES / AGENCIES:  Pray for protection in all areas; that strong boundaries be implemented and every bit of our work is driven by Biblical priorities.  Pray, too, for the families and friends of all involved in ministry, and that leadership are disciples of Christ, making disciples.   

WEEKLY GLOBAL PRAYER:  Please continue to pray corporately from where ever you are each Friday from 8-9am EST to intercede for victims of sexual exploitation, sex slavery, & sex trafficking, as well as the agencies servicing them.  CLICK HERE for Prayer Guide. 

PRAYER REQUESTS:  Send us your prayer requests by CLICKING HERE. 

MONTHLY ePRAYER SIGN UP:  CLICK HERE

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

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

In His love and service,

Julie Shematz, MA

Founder

Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries  

Where Victims Become Over-Comers

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

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

National Training, Horse & Art Camp, Graduation & Sabbatical

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

Here is some of the feedback we received: 

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

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

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

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

HORSE & ART CAMP:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SIGN UP FOR MONTHLY eNEWSLETTER:  CLICK HERE

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

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

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

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

In His love and service,

Julie Shematz, MA
Founder & President

Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries  

Where Victims Become Over-Comers

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

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

August & September ePrayer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OTHER LIKE MINISTRIES/AGENCIES:  Pray for protection in all areas; that strong boundaries exist and every bit of our work is driven by Biblical priorities.  Pray, too, for the families and friends of all involved in ministry, and that leadership are disciples of Christ making disciples.   

WEEKLY GLOBAL PRAYER:  Please continue to pray corporately from wherever you are each Friday from 8-9am EST to intercede for victims of sexual exploitation, sex slavery, & sex trafficking, as well as the agencies servicing them.  CLICK HERE for Prayer Guide. 

PRAYER REQUESTS:  Send us your prayer requests by CLICKING HERE. 

MONTHLY ePRAYER SIGN UP:  CLICK HERE

BFA eNEWSLETTER:  CLICK HERE to view our latest eNews and sign up to receive them in the future.  (Please note:  Our July / August eNewsletter will be sent out next week).

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

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

Expecting, looking for & hoping in Him,

Founder & President

Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries  

Where Victims Become Over-Comers

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

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

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