“But God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish.”
Restoring Hope begins in our own hearts as we seek to impart hope to a world in need.
These last four years, I have been immersed in an organization launch addressing human trafficking/ sexual exploitation as we do our part to join the global abolition movement right here in Canada. It is amazing to me how when we listen to our hearts cry for restoration, there is a calling that is so personal to each and every one of us to embark on if we are truly listening. What gives me the greatest joy is when I have the honour to step out in faith (or witness others step out in faith ) to bring restoration or restore hope to others. in 2011, I began to learn more about the global epidemic of human trafficking and all it's root causes and subsequent effects: sex addiction/degradation, violence against women, racism, poverty etc), which has brought me to my knees with desperate cries and audacious prayers. The documentary "Nefarious, the Merchant of Souls" by Exodus Cry was instrumental for waking me up to this travesty. As they quote the famous abolitionist William Wilberforce:
“ You may choose to look the other way but you can no longer say you didn’t know.”
Awareness is one step about awakening to injustices all around, to seek deep within to do something about it is another. The darkness seems too much to bare at times, but with God’s help we can be lifted above the disparity and seek to be an answer. We can make a difference. We can actually listen to what our hearts are crying out for and take action. That is where life truly soars. He has given us the ministry of reconciliation and to steward well the gift of restoration. Our vision: "Creating a world where humanity is restored and renewed in healthy relationship. Eradicating sexual exploitation through our HOPE model: Holistic Restoration, Outreach, Partnership and Education. As founder of Hope Restored Canada, I am currently a member at large on the board and in May 2019 we’ve appointed another as board chair and another as Interim Executive Director during this transitional stage:)
In this mornings talk, the organizer has asked me to share a 3 part message
Sharing of my personal story- how I came to launch a charity addressing sexual exploitation and trafficking in Canada,
Educating on what Sexual Exploitation is like in Canada (Focusing on SK)
What we as Canadians can do to help. (Highlighting various ways and organizations including Hope Restored Canada and our current needs).
It is with heavy hearts, my family announces the passing of my dad Richard. Known to my kids and grandkids as “Boppa”, “Bop”, or “Boppy”, we both grieve and believe by faith we will be reunited once more. Who knew but God that when I sat down to help write my dad’s memoir with him 4 years ago during the pandemic, I’d be helping our family plan his funeral this week?