Human Trafficking Head On // November Update

Dearest Friends and Family,

Apologies for the lack of updates from America! My first three months of mission have been very intense and now I am in the UK for a short break to organize some things for the rest of my stay.

In August 2014, I started my 6-month placement in Downtown Los Angeles, working on the frontline with victims of human trafficking. Currently, it is estimated that 27 million people are trapped in human trafficking (slavery) of some description. I have previously supported and researched organizations that deal mainly with victims of international trafficking, people who are kidnapped, sold or tricked into a life that they have no choice over: filled with brutality, poverty and cruelty that is way beyond the scope of what you and I could imagine. The demographic that I work with falls prey to the same shocking and terrifying brutality, cruelty and devastation, but with some crucial differences…

The victims that I work with and help to rescue are not usually those international victims that we are used to hearing about: the ones who went to another country, seeking better employment and opportunities. No, these girls and women that I work with are very different…

Their stories tend to start the same: their father/ grandfather/ uncle/ cousin/ brother (or a more than one of them) raped and abused them when they were very young. Step 1 in the breaking down of their self worth; in the normalization of abusive relationships and the realization that they will never loved, valued or protected any better than they were in that moment. Step 2: their mother/ grandmother/ aunt/ sister/ cousin (or all of the above) tells them that they are a liar, or that they are not special, that this happens to everyone and this is real life, so why do they think anyone should feel sorry for them or help them? - they learn that they should not reach out for help because they will be rejected and ridiculed and their hearts will be broken again by the crushing realization that they are not loved, valued or protected by the people who should be their safety. So they harden their hearts to that hope and open them to a future of ‘normal’ abuse, violence and sexual exploitation…

The average age that one of these girls is ‘turned out’ to sell herself and earn money for her pimp..? Twelve. 12. Not even a teenager yet. Whether she is courted by a ‘boyfriend’ (read ‘pimp’) who then forces her to work, sold by her parents (or often foster parents), turned out by her family to earn money for them, or kidnapped as a runaway who has nowhere else to go, these girls become slaves before their childhood is even over.

So where do I come into this horrific picture..? I am fortunate enough to be able to help manage and work in a safe house / shelter about 40 minutes outside of Los Angeles where these women can come and find safety, rest, love and an opportunity (if they choose to take it) to begin a new life. It is heartbreaking and amazing all at the same time and there is no ‘typical day’ at the shelter, but here are some examples of days that I have lived through with some of these girls already…

On Monday, I might be the ‘house mum’: cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, taking the girls out for ice cream or a walk at the beach.

Tuesday, I could be breaking up fights or arguments in the house, or helping a girl to come to terms with the devastation she has suffered, or the overwhelming choices she now faces.

On Wednesday, I might get a call at 2am to our 24 hour hotline from a girl who is terrified and hiding from her pimp who has threatened to kill her; or a call from a social worker who has a girl in the Emergency Room who has jumped out of a moving vehicle, or was beaten her within an inch of her life..

Thursday, I may be at the police station, going on a sting operation with LAPD (yes, sometimes we even get to wear bullet proof vests!), or working alongside the FBI to help a girl to be strong enough to identify her pimp and help to uncover huge prostitution rings.

Friday, I could be collecting a newborn baby from court- already ‘in the system’ within the first week of her life because her teenage mother is the victim of this life she never chose (but has fortunately managed to escape from).

On Saturday, I might be driving the familiar ‘tracks’ of LA where these girls (some as young as 12) walk and wait for men to stop and buy them… We drive around, handing out gifts (including our hotline number) to these girls who are ‘in the game’ and telling them to call us any time. 12am – 3am is the worst shift… the girls and women walk around in literally lingerie and heels in plain sight and I always have to fight back the tears when we see a girl who has chosen to return to the life after being with us in the shelter…

On Sunday, I might be blessed enough to take the girls to church and for one of them to ask for prayer and feel for maybe the first time God’s love, or any love at all..

There is no typical day, or week, and no way to describe the pain that I witness on a daily basis… but there is also nothing that compares to seeing God reach in, or for these girls to finally make the choice to start their lives again: to see them go into a program, be reunited with their children, finish their education and get a job and a life that they can be proud of and feel valued in.

What we do in this ministry is difficult, but it is such an unbelievable blessing! So when my manager asked me to extend my contract to 12 months, I was absolutely thrilled!

My position is completely voluntary. That means that I will not earn anything for 12 months and will also have to support myself while I am there, including $4,000 for a year’s accommodation, some meals and any necessary training. This is currently where I need your support the most. I absolutely hate asking for money, but I have realized that, in order for this to be possible, I have to.

I have calculated that it will cost me $500 per month to live and volunteer in this ministry. That is roughly £350. If 10 people committed to £35 per month (until August 2014), that would cover my monthly costs and allow me to continue to do this work.

For one off donations and gifts, please either donate via PayPal:

(£) http://www.youcaring.com/SupportRonell

($) http://www.youcaring.com/SponsorRonell

Please feel free to pass on this information to others who may be interested in supporting me in the work that I am fortunate enough to do.

Thank you for your support in prayer, encouragement and finances. I could not do this without you!

Blessings,

Ronell x

Volunteerism- Please Help Sponsor This Mission

Dear friends and family,

As many of you know or have read, I have recently left my job as a teacher as I believe that God is calling me to serve Him in a different way. I applied for a Volunteer Missionary position at in LA and have been offered a place! 

How soon I am able to go depends entirely on how quickly I am able to raise the funds to go. Please go to my online fundraiser and donate as you feel led.  For those of you who know me outside of the blogosphere, you can also donate to me in person if you would rather not do so online. 

Whether you are able to donate financially or not, I would very much appreciate your support in prayer in the lead up to and throughout my time in mission.

Thank you! 

Blessings!

Ronell x

Volunteer at a School {Mandela Day} 31 / 67 ways to change the world

As promised on Mandela Day 2013 (19.07.13), this is part of my series on their 67 suggested ways of changing the world. This one comes under the category of 'Become an Educator':

31. Offer to help out at your local school.


I am a teacher and I know how desperately schools need volunteers, so this one is close to my heart! If you have any spare time at all that you could give to investing in the future of this country (its children), please do so! Even if it is one or two hours a week- teachers always need help hearing readers or putting up displays or (my least favourite) filing/sticking in kids' work! By taking pressure off teachers in these areas, you are freeing them up to become better and more efficient educators, so please do what you can!

Read Why Should I Volunteer in Schools? on HandsonBlog.com for more information.

Blessings!

Ronell x


{photo credit: http://handsonblog.org/2012/09/04/why-should-i-volunteer-in-schools/}

Hospice Volunteer {Mandela Day} 19 / 67 ways to change the world

As promised on Mandela Day 2013 (19.07.13), this is part of my series on their 67 suggested ways of changing the world. This one comes under the category of 'Help Out for Good Health':

19. Help out at your local hospice, as staff members often need as much support as the patients.


I have seen the tremendous impact that hospices have in the final days of a terminally ill patient and their family! A local hospice near me which has made and incredible difference to many friends and their families is St Francis Hospice. Their amazing work is only possible through the brilliant volunteers! So why not volunteer your time at a local hospice like St Francis Hospice where you can support and stand with patients and their families? You'll never know the difference that you have made in their lives!

Blessings!

Ronell x 

{photo credit: http://www.zazzle.co.uk/good_works_of_the_hospice_volunteer_card-137153100673091317}

Job Hunting {Mandela Day} 14 / 67 ways to change the world

As promised on Mandela Day 2013 (19.07.13), this is the my series on their 67 suggested ways of changing the world. This one also comes under the category of 'Think of others':

14. Help someone get a job. Put together and print a CV for them, or help them with their interview skills.


I have a friend who is particularly gifted at writing CVs and applications and she has recently really started investing this skill in other people's job-hunts. She has already been a part of at least one success story and I imagine she will be a part of many more!

So if you, like my friend, are gifted in this area, don't just keep all that knowledge to yourself! Share your knowledge and gifting with others and help to give them the chance to actually achieve their career goals!±

Blessings!

Ronell x

{photo credit: http://www.self.com/health/2008/05/the-best-career-advice-i-ever-got}

Build a Website {Mandela Day} 13 / 67 ways to change the world

As promised on Mandela Day 2013 (19.07.13), this is the my series on their 67 suggested ways of changing the world. This one also comes under the category of 'Think of others':

13. Build a website for someone who needs one, or for a cause you think needs the support.


There are many people (myself not included) who have the skill and ability necessary to build amazing websites that many small businesses or charities cannot afford, but desperately need! If you are one of these talented people, consider donating your time and skills to help those who are in desperate need of your skills! 

Blessings!

Ronell x

{photo credit: http://www.technoreporter.com/internet/how-to-hosting-website/}

Grow a Business {Mandela Day} 12 / 67 ways to change the world

As promised on Mandela Day 2013 (19.07.13), this is the my series on their 67 suggested ways of changing the world. This one also comes under the category of 'Think of others':

12. Help someone to get his/her business off the ground.


If you are gifted in starting up or running a business, you probably haven't even realised what a gift it is, or the fact that it does not come as naturally to others around you! Well, it is a gift and it isn't one that everyone has been blessed with! So why not use your gift to mentor/teach/support someone in a new business venture? Maybe you even know someone who has a brilliant calling and inspiration for a charitable venture that you could help with practically! 

Blessings!

Ronell x



{photo credit: http://www.lessergroup.com/}

Building {Mandela Day} 11/ 67 ways to change the world

As promised on Mandela Day 2013 (19.07.13), this is the my series on their 67 suggested ways of changing the world. This one also comes under the category of 'Think of others':

11. If you’re a builder, help build or improve someone’s home.


There are so many projects that people like builders with practical skills can help with! Just think of all the homes damaged and destroyed by natural disasters in the past years! Even if you are not helping someone rebuild, you could help with repairs. Think of elderly or disabled neighbours, widows, single mothers or even women whose husbands are in the armed forces (just to mention a few). There are many, many people who are in need of practical help with their homes (or charitable organisations) who cannot afford to pay for it.

Blessings!

Ronell x


{photo credit: http://www.thinkpacific.com/blog/?p=15790}

Donate Your Skills {Mandela Day} 10 / 67 ways to change the world

As promised on Mandela Day 2013 (19.07.13), this is the my series on their 67 suggested ways of changing the world. This one also comes under the category of 'Think of others':

10. Donate your skills!


Many of us take the skills we have for granted. For example, if you have a gift for film or photography and a friend needs help with a charity project/event or maybe even their wedding, but cannot afford a photographer/videographer, you could donate your skills/time to save them money and make the day a truly memorable one. Or maybe you are really good at cooking or gardening and you have an elderly or sick neighbour who needs someone to do their gardening/cook for them. You could donate your skills and help them out.

So take some time today to think about the skills that you have that you could 'donate' to a person or organisation to help them out- you'd be surprised at how talented/skilled you are! :)

Blessings!

Ronell x


{photo credit: http://theneversfoundation.org/WaysToHelp.aspx} - this photo totally freaks me out!

Volunteer {Mandela Day} 9 / 67 ways to change the world

As promised on Mandela Day 2013 (19.07.13), this is the my series on their 67 suggested ways of changing the world. This one also comes under the category of 'Think of others':

9. Volunteer at your police station or local faith-based organisation.


We often moan about the way organisations are run and the gaps that we can see, but rarely to we step in to provide a solution and to fill those gaps! Volunteer at your local police station, fire station, shelter, church, community centre.. wherever you see a gap and a need, sacrifice some of your own time to step in and fill it!

Blessings!

Ronell x

{photo credit: http://eit-ltd.com/orn/volunteer-with-us/}

Help at Animal Shelters {Mandela Day} 4 / 67 ways to change the world

This one also comes under the category of 'Think of others':

4. Help out at the local animal shelter. Dogs and cats without homes still need a walk and a bit of love! 


I have a cat and a dog and I love them to pieces! I cannot even begin to imagine them being out on the street, unfed, cold, alone and unloved! They have been spoiled in my house for 11 years (Mia, moggy cat) and almost 8 years (Lugie, sausage dog) and I struggle to imagine life without them (and sometimes to remember that they are not in fact people...). 

Think of all those cats and dogs who have been abandoned by their owners (often after many years) or abused and left to die who have now found themselves (thankfully!) rescued... but unfortunately it is still not like having a 'home'.

Help to make an animal shelter their home by caring for and loving on some abandoned and rescued cats and dogs today! Or, even better, adopt one (or more!) and give them an actual home!

Blessings!

Ronell x
 
{photo credit: elmhurstanimalcarecenter.com}

{photo credit: www.lifewithcats.tv}

Forward Edge: Ordinary People with Extraordinary Purpose

Forward Edge International exists to share Christ’s love with those affected by poverty, disaster and sickness in the U.S. and around the world. By mobilizing hundreds of people each year to participate firsthand in their long-term, need-meeting projects, they help to empower individuals, churches, campus fellowships and businesses to be "the hands and feet of Jesus" in a world desperate for His touch.

To illustrate their mission, Forward Edge founder and president, Joseph Anfuso, often tells the story of a man with a bucket of water approaching a building engulfed in flames. Near the building is a row of sleeping firemen. The man must make a choice: Does he throw his bucket on the building, or on the row of firemen? Forward Edge International has made its choice: they are waking up the firemen!

Forward Edge International ‘wakes up the firemen’ and addresses urgent needs around the world by mobilizing volunteers to help initiate and sustain long-term projects and relationships. They believe everyone should have an opportunity to change a life.

Forward Edge mobilises hundreds of volunteers each year to alleviate suffering through disaster-response work, health care projects and programs for vulnerable children. Since 1983, more than 15,000 volunteers have served with Forward Edge in 35 nations, including the U.S.

So what does partnership with Forward Edge International offer?

•    Life-changing Adventures—individuals are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and into a deeper and more meaningful relationship with God.

•    Decades of experience— they have been organizing short-term mission trips since 1983! 

•    Long-term ministry partnerships—deep relationships built on trust with key ministries in the locations they serve.

•    Customized Trips—plan a trip that matches the gifting and calling of your team.

•    Training and administrative support—proven training materials and complete logistical coordination before and throughout your trip.

•    On-site, knowledgeable Field Staff—dedicated servants who support your group leader(s), ensuring all your team’s needs are met while on-site.

•    Worldwide service opportunities—we have relationships throughout the world and can help you answer God’s call.

No matter who you are, where you live, or in what stage of life you currently find yourself, God can use you! Get in touch with Forward Edge International and let them know how God has called you to reach out to those in need and they will do all they can to help you meet that calling.

Here are some ways of how you can help:

Serve on a Team—join a short-term missions team! The mission teams are available to anyone who wants to reach out to local and global communities. They are generally one to two weeks in length. Why wait? Begin planning your trip today!

Pray—join their Global Prayer Team! Become part of a global community of committed prayer warriors for the people and projects Forward Edge supports. Add your voice to the chorus of voices already raised in prayer.

Volunteer—there are many opportunities throughout the year for volunteers in the Portland/Vancouver metro area.

Partner—share your passion in a way unique to your skills, resources and personality that will inspire others to follow.

Donate online and other ways of giving, including sponsoring a child.

Sevenly are selling tshirts, jumpers and hoodies to support Forward Edge as their chosen cause this week! Buy online here!

Remember: You Really Can Make a Difference!

Blessings!

Ronell x

NCT: supporting people to be the parent they want to be

NCT is the UK's largest charity for parents, supporting them to become the parents they want to be

NCT wants all parents to have an experience of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood that enriches their lives and gives them confidence in being a parent.

Their charitable purposes include:

- Offering information and support in pregnancy, childbirth and early parenthood.

- Campaigning to improve maternity care and ensure better services and facilities for new parents.

- Aiming to give every parent the chance to make informed choices.

- Wanting to make sure that everyone has access to their services and activities.

Becoming a parent is a life-enhancing experience, but it can also be challenging and sometimes stressful. NCT are there to help you through this transition, offering relevant information, reassurance and mutual support.

Examples of the support they offer include:

·      Nearly new sales

·      Support groups / events

·      Courses

Every year NCT supports thousands of people through the incredible life changing experience of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. You can learn more about NCT at http://www.nct.org.uk/. You can also support the work of NCT by registering, volunteering, fundraising, campaigning, or shopping online.

Blessings!

Ronell x

“Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.” {Psalms 127:3-5 }