“buying sex is not a sport” . . . yes that tag line has been swirling around my head constantly for the last few days.
On January 30 and February 1, with more than 100 others each night, I heard perspectives on human trafficking, prostitution, the law, and lots of first hand experiences from those now freed from prostitution, from those who provide support and yes, from those who are choosing this lifestyle. Was it easy to listen to? No. Easy to respond to? No. But as a woman . . . a woman of faith, I am compelled to listen, care, pray and speak.
There is much to be done and there is hope. Pray. Become informed. Address the brokenness in your own life. Ask God to help you see human beings from his perspective.
For the vast majority of women caught in and controlled by prostitution, my voice joins countless others who say “No, our women and children are not for sale.”
Encouraged in heart. Rooted in love. Know the mystery.
Paul's wish in Colossians 2: 2-3 is our wish for you.
CBWOQ
100-304 The East Mall
Etobicoke, ON
M9B 6E2
Get Directions
E-mail: bwoq@baptist.ca
Phone: 416 620 2954
Fax: 416 622 2308
Ana Maria Cruz is from Peru. She worked as a journalist there and owned her own radio station. She wanted to help her native Peruvian people, especially those who were poor. She took their side and spoke out very loudly against the terrorists she vehemently opposed. She also conducted a campaign against the abuse of children and women and she received great opposition to this as well.
She told me that she received three serious death threats while she worked at the radio station. One time a bomb was planted in her office but someone dismantled it before it went off. Another time, a gun was put to her head. "God always protected me . . . I called out to Him when I was in danger," she remembers.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 5:3; Luke 6:20)
Ever had the “poor me” syndrome; come to the end of your rope with everything and everyone; come to the end of your bank account? I have. God brought me up short this morning. For two weeks, I had been struggling with the meaning of “poor in spirit” until The Message’s take on Matthew 5:3 hit home: “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and His rule.”
God whispered, “Don’t you realize that when you’re “down in the dumps” you are centered on you? You can’t begin to see Me, My grace or My kingdom at work. We both lose!”
What an eye-opener! I have to come to the end of me to begin to see Him. Only then does His word wash over me, and I can see His kingdom purposes at work on earth, and His kingdom rewards awaiting me in heaven.
If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor
Desmond Tutu
Event Countdown
-
Feb 26 2010 (All day) - Feb 28 2010 (All day)
-
Mar 5 2010 (All day)
-
Apr 25 2010 (All day)
-
May 25 2010 (All day) - Jun 2 2010 (All day)
-
Jun 11 2010 (All day)