THE MOST IMPORTANT POST I HAVE EVER WRITTEN:
If you know me or have read my blog at all for any length of time,
you know that my heart is deep for helping the broken, the hurting, the destitute...
and those stuck and bound in lifestyles and addictions they so desperately need rescue from.
Whether it be depression or drug addiction, whether it be poverty or human trafficking..
I have always wanted to see people through God's eyes.
When I was nineteen years old, after coming home from a missions trip to Albania,
I remember coming arcross a man walking along the street who wreaked of alcohol,
who looked skinny and lost in his world of addiction and he looked hopeless,
even though he may have not even realized it.
My heart broke that day. I start sobbing to my mom. And it was then that I cried out
and asked God to give me His heart, a heart of compassion.
Today that heart has brought me to do something I have never done before.
I have started a project of my own for the month of February called
Suburbia to the Streets Project.
Suburbia to the Streets Project.
If you would take a few minutes to watch my video, I will explain a little more about my
personal project and how one day I came across an organization called
Mocha Club
and
decided I wanted to help.
Between my personal facebook account, my blog readers, email contacts, twitter followers...
I have well over 2500 people. If only 80 of those people could give
at least $10 to help rehabilitate one precious woman and give her a fresh start,
that would cover my goal for the month of February, the $800
I need to help TWO women off the streets.
This is my birthday wish this year.
or
160 people give $5
80 people give $10
40 people give $20
20 people give $40
I have confidence that together we can help two women and give her & her family a new
chance at life and love and caring for her family.
Things I want you to know
about Ethiopia:
Understanding the Sex Industry in Ethiopia:
In Ethiopia, the sex industry is often linked with deep levels of generational poverty and
financial hopelessness. Lacking meaningful resources and a sense of hope, many young women
and ever girls, resort to becoming sex workers as a means of supporting themselves and their
families. These women are often desperate to leave the sex industry but remain trapped by a
lack of opportunity and rehabilitative support.
*ONE of NINE women are trapped in the sex industry in the capital city of Addis Adaba
*THREE of FOUR contract HIV/AIDS
*Children are endangered and left home alone at night
Here are the details of the care they will receive:
*Individual and group counseling
*A twelve step addiction recovery program
*Pre- & Post HIV Counseling and testing
*Daily Devotions and Bible Studies
*Skills training and job placement services
*Day Care Services
*Tuition & schooling for children's education & many more programs that
address the unique needs of rehabilitating the women.
I will be running this campaign, the Suburbia To The Streets Campaign though the
month of February as 'My Birthday Wish.' Anyone who wishes to help me make a
difference in the life of TWO WOMEN, can do so by clicking on the donate
button any time this month. This will take you to the MOCHA CLUB where
all funds raised through me will be totaled!
When I reach MY GOAL of $800 at the end of February, I will join a
Milwaukee organization called The Inner Beauty Center that promotes value and love
in our own streets with our own women.
***If you can help spread the word by tweeting about it, blogging about it, grabbing
a button or allowing me to guest post THIS post on your blog, let me know!
TWEET HERE
a button or allowing me to guest post THIS post on your blog, let me know!
TWEET HERE
12 comments:
I haven't visited in a while and I'm so so glad that I did. This post is fantastic, highlights such important work - and your dedication oozes through your words. This post really resonates with me - as a former HIV researcher I always chose to work with communities most at risk - including injection drug users and sex industry works. Bravo for sharing. All the best - Monica
Beautiful post for your beautiful heart. I pray that God's light will continue to shine in and through you. I've done mission work domestically and abroad in Haiti, your life is forever changed by those types of experiences. You are a blessing to many, whether you realize it or not.
Hugs,
Nicole @ Three 31
Amazing project Julie! You have me in tears here...my little sister was once in great need of help to escape domestic violence. The women who helped her put her life back together were just such an inspiration. There are so many people who need help. Do you mind if I post this on my blog, try help spread the message?
Amen Girl!! Yah!!!
I'll be donating asap!!!
I love that this is what you're doing with your birthday wish, Julie!
Julie!!! Your heart is beautiful friend!! I am always so encouraged and inspired by you! =) I wish we lived closer to one another!!!
I am so proud of you for doing this! What a neat project! =)
Much Love!
L
allglorious-within.blogspot.com
Donated what I could!! Good lick with this! I'll e watching to see your progress! Xoxoxo
You are all sorts of awesome. Just tweeted!
This is awesome Julie. Happy Birthday btw.
I just love what you're doing here, so I plugged ya over at All My Happy Endings. Be blessed! http://allmyhappyendings.blogspot.com/2013/02/blogs-i-love-february.html
oh girl!!! i am SOOOOOO excited about YOU and this PROJECT!!!! Great post. SUPER great video. and I just LOVVVVEEEE your project idea. so amazing so inspired. i just love it! happy birthday month to you!! you are going to ROCK your goal! i just know it!! thanks for using your voice!!
xo
WOW what an amazing project! Tweeted about it and donating :)
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