Canceled! No Bus to Kentucky!
In my first outreach while serving with Eve's Angels, I had about 10 phone calls, 4 meet ups, and 200 text messages with a gal who was an exotic dancer and prostitute in a Chicago strip club. We met and developed a relationship where I encouraged her and would pray in texts as she would have a shift. We discussed goals and reviewed plans and resources. One weekend she announced she could not do "it", she would arrive to work but would end up just sittng in the back. My eyes on the other end of the phone widened. Suddenly, it was up to me to calm her and reassure her there was a next step.She needed restoration, healing, and a program that would come along side her. She was "tired" and trust me, most couldn't walk one mile in her shoes. I was referred to call "Ked, in Kentucky" at Refuge for Women.
I was nervous and did not feel equipped to even make the phone call. Refuge for Women took care of the both of us for intake so she could have housing long term. All I had to do was get her to the bus, easy!?
Two days later we were at the bus station and I spiritually grew up about 100 years.I could feel her fear and doubt of facing some of her past during the program. We all can relate to closing the door on our past, and never attempting to share it with anyone, ever. My faith remained steadfast as I constantly tried to discuss with God my doubt and worry. The downtown station for her overnight ride was not exactly visually comforting. There was a four hour wait in the middle of the night also. She was vulnerable and I couldn't stay with her for the ride.God kept anchoring a "period" at the end of each of my thoughts. I would say in my head "God, she isn't going to get on the bus, even if she does, she's not ready, she will leave at the next stop." God would reply with a ".", that's it, end of sentence, end of that thought. It was a feeling of God hearing me and understanding my concern, but dismissing my worry because He was in control. Long story short, she made it to Kentucky.
Since then, I have visited the Refuge in Kentucky. I explained to Ked that I never wanted to sit at a bus station again. I dream of the day when our volunteers can be with the women we were blessed to build relationships with as they are in the program so that our community can support them along the way.Will you help us cancel all bus tickets to Kentucky?
Out there is a house to be donated and we need to find it! None of us are doing enough to help, but all of us can attend the fundraising event.Today, mark your calendar for October 24th to officially open Refuge for Women Chicago to help women who are exploited and trafficked. Find a babysitter, cancel your plans, do whatever it takes to be there. If you don't "donate" ever, start on Oct. 24th with a small monthly give or share the event with others. From the bottom of my heart, I vow to cancel the bus to Kentucky.
October 24th- Refuge for Women Chicago Launch Night
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