Do You See

At Willow, we’ve spent the last 3 weeks focusing on global issues such as poverty and the refugee crisis as part of our Celebration of Hope series. We’ve been challenged to look beyond ourselves; to see through God’s eyes, and in seeing, to be His hands and feet. To bring hope to the world.

One of our guest speakers was Christine Caine, activist, evangelist, international speaker, and founder of A21, which seeks to abolish injustice in the 21^st century. Christine walked us through the story of Jesus’ anointing by a “sinful” woman at the house of Simon the Pharisee, as told in Luke 7:36-50.

We quickly see the contrast in how Jesus sees the woman and how Simon the Pharisee sees the woman. Simon views her through the lens of judgment, self-righteousness, prejudice and fear. Jesus views her through the lens of love, mercy and grace. As Christine pointed out, Simon’s whole outlook made him entirely blind. He not only didn’t see the woman, he didn’t even see Jesus! The lens he was looking through blinded him.

Christine challenged us to ask ourselves what lens we are looking through. Do we view the world through a lens of bias, legalism, prejudice and fear? Are we obsessed with how things will impact us personally? Do we see the pain and suffering around us, or do we just see ourselves? Or, are we, like Jesus, looking through the lens of love, compassion, grace and mercy? If we are looking through the wrong lens, then we will see the wrong thing.

Christine left us with words that come as both a reminder of our purpose and a call to action:

“We are God’s search and rescue team for a lost and broken world. But if we don’t see them, we won’t go to them; we’ll run from them. God’s asking us if we would see through the lens of compassion and love and mercy. Would we see enough to roll up our sleeves and get involved? Jesus is asking His church what he asked Simon the Pharisee in that moment: do you see?”

We invite you to join us as we endeavor to be that search and rescue team in the fight against human trafficking.

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You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 NIV

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Get Connected:

humantrafficking@willowcreek.org

Upcoming Events:

Human Trafficking Discussion for Parents:

Tom Hampson, founder and president of Truth Alliance Foundation will be speaking to parents on the important topic of sexual predators and trafficking on Wednesday, May 18^th, 7:30-8:30 pm.

Mr. Hampson is the former Chief Investigator of the Illinois Legislative Investigating Commission and later the head of his own investigation agency where he specialized in complex international investigations. He has had extensive experience investigating networks of child sexual predators. He helped design the model for building criminal cases against child sexual predators without the need to have a child victim testify. That model is used by law enforcement agencies throughout the world today. He helped draft the first child pornography statute in Illinois and the first law in Illinois that led to the establishment of Child Advocacy Centers.

Mr. Hampson also investigated predator priests is Illinois, on behalf of the State of Illinois, following the church scandal that was exposed by the Boston Globe in the early 2000’s. He is an expert in managing and directing complex international investigations, identifying child predators, and in developing information on hidden criminal networks.

New Name Call Center:

Pray for women as we offer resources and outreach over the phone to women posted on online ads. Wednesday, May 4th, 7:30 pm at Willow Creek Community Church in the Link (F Lot Parking). For more information, contact Cheryl Csiky at: ccsiky@willowcreek.org.

Scarves for Outreach:

Do you knit or crochet? We are asking for donations of hand-made scarves for our outreach gift bags once again! No pattern requirements, (“girly” is great!) but we do ask the scarves are prayed over as they are made. Scarves are needed by: September 1^st. Please contact, Holly at hkoehler@wcservingvolunteer.org for details.

Save The Date:
 
June 15^th 7:30-8:30 pm - Human Trafficking Awareness Forum:

“What About the Boys?”

July 9^th 9:30 am – 2:30 pm: FIGHT Conference
The FIGHT conference is dedicated to raising awareness, establishing collaborative networks, and equipping volunteers to engage in the FIGHT.  Online registration begins May 1^st.
New Life Covenant Church | 2250 W Highland, Elgin
 
July 20^th 7:30-9:00 pm - Summer Movie: “8 Days”

Inspired by actual events, the independent film “8 Days” revolves around 16-year-old Amber Stevens, who goes missing after sneaking to a party with her friends. Amber is forced into the world of sex trafficking and her family and community fight to get her back.

August 4^th and 5^th:  Cook County Human Trafficking Task Force Conference
IIT Chicago-Ken College of Law | 565 West Adams Street, Chicago, IL

August 17^th  7:30-9:00 pm -Summer Movie with Freedom Firm: “Horse and Rider”

“Horse and Rider” is a feature-length documentary that follows the tangled memories of two survivors of sex trafficking living and working in Freedom Firm’s aftercare program. Join these two young women as they share their traumatic experiences and start down the path of restoration.

Comeback Possibilities

The Easter season is a time of somber reflection, and sorrow, as well as profound joy and celebration. It is a time that we revel in the greatest comeback story in all of history – the resurrection of Jesus, which gives us the hope of our very own comeback stories.

This past Palm Sunday, Louie Giglio walked us through Jesus’ own comeback story: the triumphal entry on Palm Sunday, the betrayal that led to the Crucifixion on Good Friday, the death and burial of Jesus. All hope seemed lost. Darkness closed in as the story seemed to have ended in terrible tragedy. After all, there is no comeback from death, right? But then – the resurrection!! What a comeback! Death defeated, hope restored, the possibility of a comeback for each of us now a reality!

Louie also shared from his book, Comeback, some of his own journey into and back out of the dark; his own personal comeback story.  Another comeback story he tells of in his book is that of Rachel, who is lured into the club scene when her home life disintegrates.  The “love” and “acceptance” she believes to have found, turns out to be an illusion and she finds herself in a dark place, wanting to end her life. But, it is in those darkest places that God’s light shines brightest:

“As Rachel was preparing to leave, a group of ladies from the nearby church came in. one of those ladies, noticing Rachel was very upset and emotional, approached her to see if she could help. The woman had come before, with permission from the club manager, and shared gifts with the girls, looked after their needs, and prayed for them. But Rachel was furious. First the failure to end her life, and now the ladies from the church!

“You’re from the church, right?” she blurted.

“Yes, I am,” the woman responded, stating the obvious.

“Well,” Rachel started in, “Let me tell you about my life.”

For the next few minutes, Rachel unloaded. Her hurt and pain spilled out without restraint. Her anger uncorked, she recounted all the abuse and darkness and abandonment and darkness. Finally, her story was laid bare and she locked eyes with the woman.

Through tears mixed with cutting sarcasm, she asked, “So, what do you and your God have to say about all that?”

The woman looked back at Rachel with tears welling in her eyes. She could see the toll the years had taken on her heart and she gently replied, “Rachel, thank you so much for trusting me with your story. I’m so, so sorry that happened to you.”

No sermon. No pious reply. No high horse. No bumper sticker quote. Just compassion.

The woman’s words, drenched in God’s grace, broke Rachel’s hardened approach and they began to talk. They talked about Jesus. But Rachel felt ashamed, like Jesus could never love her. She was an exotic dancer. She was a drug addict. She was an alcoholic. And she was a self-admitted horrible mother. Her questions sounded hug: “How could Jesus ever love me? How could Jesus ever be proud of me? How could Jesus call me his daughter when I feel so unworthy?”

Jesus meets people exactly where they are. Have you ever thought about that? I mean, Jesus meets people anywhere!

Let that one word sink in. ANYWHERE.

That same night, Jesus scooped Rachel up out of the darkness and gave her light and hope and a future. Today, Rachel’s life looks very different than it did a couple of years ago. She’s no longer working as an exotic dancer. Drugs and alcohol no longer rule her life. Jesus is healing her wounds day-by-day. She has completed a long-term rebuilding program and moved to a new city where she lives with a family who loves her and her son, and is modeling the fullness of Jesus’ love for her.

It’s not an easy road. Rachel has a lot to learn and unlearn from years of brokenness. But Rachel is sober, sane, and alive. She’s a symbol of hope for other women stranded in her former situation. She’s on her way to becoming a better parent. God has given her a fresh start. Recently her son said to her, “Mom, I just love the new you, and I’m so glad you’re better.”

Rachel’s story is more than an illustration in a book. She is a real person who matters to God. I will never, ever forget the day she was baptized in our church and shared her story with us all. Rachel has a second chance and is on a new path by the power of God’s Spirit in her.

That’s all because of Jesus.”

-- Comeback, Louie Giglio

This is why we do what we do. It is why we never give up on or forget those who have found themselves trapped in “the life”. In some way or another, each of us is Rachel. We have each taken a wrong turn and have found ourselves in a place we never intended, in desperate need of God’s grace, mercy and forgiveness; in desperate need of redemption, of a comeback.

The good news – the really outstanding news – is that Jesus has indeed paved the way for a comeback for all of us!

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“Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise.

Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.”

Micah 7:8

“I am the resurrection and the life.

Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.”

 John 11:25

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Get Connected:

humantrafficking@willowcreek.org

Upcoming Events:

Global Seed Packing Challenge

Invite your friends and family to join the One Million Seed Pack Challenge with the Human Trafficking Team on Saturday, April 16^th, from 9-11:00 am. Hungry and poverty can increase the “at-risk” factor for trafficking (labor and/or sexual exploitation). Please join us in helping to reduce that risk, as we work to alleviate hungry and poverty globally by providing communities the opportunity to grow vegetable gardens that will provide nourishment as well as sustainable income for families in El Salvador, Malawi, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe! Sign up for our 110 slots by clicking here!

Care Center Seed Packing Connection

We also have the opportunity to serve with Care Center Guests. The Care Center will be preparing the Seed Packing envelopes by having guests stamp them. If you can stamp with us please sign up!

           

            Care Center Stamping Schedule:

            Thursday, March 31^st: 9-11:00 am, 5:30-7:30 pm

            Sunday, April 3^rd: 1-3:00 pm

            Mon, April4th – Thurs, April 7th: 9-11:00 am, 5:30-7:30 pm

New Name Call Center:

Pray for women as we offer resources and outreach over the phone to women posted on online ads. Wednesday, April 6th, 7:30 pm at Willow Creek Community Church in the Link (F Lot Parking). For more information, contact Cheryl Csiky at: ccsiky@willowcreek.org.

Book Discussion:

Sold, is a powerful novel by Patricia McCormick that tells story of Lakshmi, a 13-year-old girl in Nepal living in poverty. When natural disaster strikes, her stepfather sends her away to find work. Instead of the promised job as a maid, she discovers the unthinkable – she has been sold into prostitution. When the time comes, will she risk everything for the chance to reclaim her life? We will be discussing, Sold, on Wednesday, April 20^th, 7:30 – 8:30 pm, Room B205, South Barrington campus.

Scarves for Outreach:

Do you knit or crochet? We are asking for donations of hand-made scarves for our outreach gift bags once again! No pattern requirements, (“girly” is great!) but we do ask the scarves are prayed over as they are made. Scarves are needed by: September 1^st. Please contact, Holly at hkoehler@wcservingvolunteer.org for details.

Human Trafficking Discussion for Parents:

Tom Hampson, founder and president of Truth Alliance Foundation will be speaking to parents on the important topic of sexual predators and trafficking on Wednesday, May 18^th, 7:30-8:30 pm.

Mr. Hampson is the former Chief Investigator of the Illinois Legislative Investigating Commission and later the head of his own investigation agency where he specialized in complex international investigations. He has had extensive experience investigating networks of child sexual predators. He helped design the model for building criminal cases against child sexual predators without the need to have a child victim testify. That model is used by law enforcement agencies throughout the world today. He helped draft the first child pornography statute in Illinois and the first law in Illinois that led to the establishment of Child Advocacy Centers.

Mr. Hampson also investigated predator priests is Illinois, on behalf of the State of Illinois, following the church scandal that was exposed by the Boston Globe in the early 2000’s. he is an expert in managing and directing complex international investigations, identifying child predators, and in developing information on hidden criminal networks.