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Monday, February 22, 2016

One Year Anniversary!

Friends of RECLAIMED,

This time last year we had just finished officially launching RECLAIMED at Watermark’s Act to Impact Sunday. And now, a full year later we’re blown away by all that God has done in and through this ministry. Confident in the strategic direction the Lord had asked us to go, we moved forward. Now as we take a look back over the last year, we want to invite you to join us in praising Him for all that we saw happen.


SMALL GROUP KICKOFFS
This past year saw the launch of our first small group studies with 5 different groups going through the curriculum we had developed. The study gave them the chance to learn facts about trafficking, the root causes behind it, and ways individuals were uniquely created to fight it. We enjoyed watching each participant grow in their understanding of the issue and in their heart for those impacted by trafficking. Participants went on to serve with our ministry partners as well as continue with their existing areas of service armed with a new perspective on how to combat trafficking in their context. We’ve also been excited to see other churches and non-profits take interest in utilizing our study materials in their locations. We look forward to seeing it multiply across the city later this year.

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MAKING A SPLASH
In August of last year some of our content made big waves in social media, online, and in person. As the Exxxotica Porn Convention came to town, RECLAIMED worked to inform and empower the church in Dallas to make an educated argument for why a porn convention had no place in our city. We were overwhelmed as tens of thousands saw our content and had the chance to share within their networks why porn is harmful. We also partnered with Unashamed and the Porch to host a night of prayer outside the convention center during one of the nights of the conference. As the fate of the convention is currently being debated, we look forward to continuing to reach our city in relevant and winsome ways.

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AFFECTING CHANGE
Perhaps our favorite parts of this year where the opportunities we had to roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty…both with the hard work of relationships as well as physically serving some of our ministry partners. From serving 250 meals with New Friends New Life, to partnering with IJM at their annual fundraising dinner, to low-key movie nights with the women of Restored Hope, even to fostering ongoing one on one relationships with women entrusted to our care, we saw God show up time and time again. Trafficked women walk through a number of difficult situations in the recovery and restoration process and we have counted it a privilege to be a part of that journey with them.


YEAR TWO
So what’s in store for year two? If we have a vote, it’d be for even more of the above. Will you join us?

The RECLAIMED Team

Friday, February 12, 2016

Top 5 Feel-Good Gifting Ideas

With Valentine’s Day coming up this Sunday, love is in the air! Most people like to show their affection with flowers and chocolate, but here are our top five gifting suggestions from justice-friendly stores that you can shop from while also fighting for freedom.

1. Blankets
Image courtesy of Sari Bari.

Give the gift of comfort with a cozy blanket! Each Sari Bari product is marked with the name of the woman who made it and with your purchase you become a part of her freedom story. 

2. Jewelry
Image courtesy of Purpose Jewelry.

A little bling goes a long way when the proceeds go to great causes — fighting trafficking and empowering women!

3. Bath & Body
Image courtesy of Thistle Farms.

Nothing says “relaxation” like scented candles paired with bath and body products. Support their mission to provide healing for women survivors of abuse, addiction, trafficking and prostitution one gift at a time!

4. Tote Bags
Image courtesy of JOYN India.

Being a bag lady has its perks! For example, this company changes lives by selling fair-trade goods handmade by artisans and providing meal plans, education, and more for its employees.

5. Coffee
Image courtesy of Equal Exchange.

These days, coffee is basically the sixth love language. Your loved one will enjoy this guilt-free coffee and savor each cup knowing your purchase helped fight trafficking.