The Abegg's
Love Letter

To those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ; Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance. -Jude 1:1

Providing Healing & Hope to
Victims of Sex Trafficking

"What is this you're doing..?"

Most people can't see burnout coming. God was merciful on us to point it out!

Since our last update we've received many encouraging notes and found we're in unfortunate but blessed company with a number of friends. We also see God's mercy in providing care for our family just as he did in Moses' case of burnout when Jethro saw he was overdoing it. (Exodus 18).

As a family, we managed to get away for a much needed week's break to pray, read, fish, bodysurf, and simply rest. It was wonderfully healing, and a good start in determining to not over-extending ourselves, recognizing we are weak vessels in mighty hands and need to operate on God's strength to accomplish His goals in His timing.

As Moses took Jethro's advice, we're making changes to function in a healthy way, both at the LoF Center and in all areas of our lives. We're growing in fully trusting the Lord, because He is trustworthy and tells us: "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." (1 Pet. 5:6)

Mental health through fishing as a family: a few great bites but nothing for the frying pan!

We've seen God's care and now ask you to join us in seeking His provision:

Finances:

Missionary support covers the family's daily needs (food, housing, transportation, emergencies, etc.) Please pray for provision in this area and for trusting hearts, as well as wisdom to know if/when other steps must be taken. It's been nearly 5 years since I needed to divide my time between ministry and carpentry to subsidize income, but that may be the next step. We are trusting the Lord to give us discernment. Please pray with us for those who can to join our support team. You can learn more at our UWM support page.

Intercession:

This has been a very difficult time in many ways, so we're asking those who are intercessors to "step into the gap" and cover our family and work with their prayers. Your intercession in multiple arenas is of vital importance to us. If you'd like to receive our separate, more detailed prayer requests for this purpose, please let us know and we will send you more details.

A Few Facts

The majority of Sex Trafficking Victims within US boarders are US citizens.
Human Trafficking is the 2nd largest criminal industry in the world surpassing arms sales & second only to drugs.
Globally, the average cost of a slave is $90.
12-14 years old = average age of victims trafficked into prostitution.
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children estimated that 1 in 6 endangered runaways reported to them were likely sex trafficking victims.

*more info at http://www.polarisproject.org

2015 & Beyond:
LoF Center's Next Steps

As we review 2015 thus far and look towards winter, we thank God for all He's accomplished.

The LoF center continues to grow with staff and interns interested in using their God given gifts. Our goal is to make it easy for anyone to use their talents for good and God's glory. As we work through a period of review, evaluation and planning, please be praying with us.

Physical, mental and spiritual health are our goals for the sex trafficking survivors receiving care through the LoF Center and our partners. Our education and training programs for churches & other organizations are designed to impact but also be replicated with the hope of exponential training. We're seeing this in many areas, but want to be sure our time and efforts are stewarded in the best way possible. It's for that reason we pause, consider what the Lord has done and seek Him for future guidance.

Join us in praying for wisdom & discernment in all we do individually and as an organization.

We have seen His hand carry us, but dare not run ahead of His guidance nor presume we know the next steps. We agree with Moses: "If your presence will not go with us, do not bring us up from here..." Ex. 33. Thank you for lifting up the entire staff as we seek His ever present help and guidance in caring for those in desperate need of His healing.

12-14 years old = average age of victims trafficked into prostitution.

See for Yourself!

For more on the LoF Center's programs, come and lend a hand as a volunteer or visit our online resources no matter where you are:

our blog with a little bit of everything.
outreach program "Sharing One Love" to educate and increase the impact
online education with "LoF Center Bootcamp" where you can be trained online from anywhere.
C onnect page where there's even ways to help out from Timbuktu or San Francisco!
Alternative Breaks to Miami for a week of in depth training and hands on experience.