Faithful in Prayer

            In the last post, I asked for readers to consider coming alongside Restoration Ministries (RM) and standing against domestic sex trafficking through commitment to prayer. Prayer is the backbone of this ministry; RM’s staff devotes time to prayer and worship before each visit at the detention center and psychiatric hospital. We believe that prayer breaks strongholds over these girls, allowing them to see and receive God’s love for them. We also believe that prayer position us to be ready to respond to any need that we encounter with the grace and love of God. Prayer is vital to sustain ministry and reap from the harvest.

            Please pray specifically for the following requests.

1.    A suitable facility in DC that provides living space for clients and room for counseling.

2.   A house to use as a transitional/independent living residence for survivors.

3.   Financial stability to afford rent and run programs.

4.   For healing and clarity over sexual identity issues, which many of our girls struggle to reconcile.

5.    Purpose, reconciliation, and healthy outlets for our girls who self-harm through cutting and suicide attempts.

6.   A business enterprise such as a restaurant or café that would offer financial stability to the ministry and entry-level job skills for our girls.

7.   Free or reduced cost services to create a new website.

8.   Clear message with the rebranding of our ministry.

9.   Clear direction as we update old programs and create new ones.

10. That God would be glorified in all we say and do.

Brokenness

            The heart of Restoration Ministries’ (RM) mission involves interaction with at-risk girls so that they can experience God’s love through a genuine relationship. RM’s staff meets girls in their circumstances and seeks to maintain connection long after crisis or situations change. Many of these girls get lost in the juvenile justice system, moving back and forth between detention centers, psychiatric hospitals or foster care because these places cannot meet all their needs. Frustrated and alone, healing seems like a far off dream instead of a present hope. RM offers hope by supporting girls through legal battles, vocation training, counseling services, and finding faith.

            On March 12, 2015, The Washington Post reported a story about an 11-year old girl who had been raped twice and wound up with a conviction in the matter. Her reports were dismissed and the investigations were halted for 6 years. This young girl and her family experienced anger, hurt, confusion, and fear while waiting for someone to acknowledge their reality and enter into their suffering. RM once cared for this girl as she shuffled through the juvenile justice system. RM believes in being not doing. Being present with an individual allows her to experience God’s love so that He can bring healing.

            Take time to read The Post’s article to learn more about the suffering of survivors, the complexity of the legal and social service system, as well as the intensity of the recovery process. Then consider joining our efforts through prayer. Prayer not only fuels our ministry but also creates transformation in our girls. Faithfulness in prayer brings a harvest.