God is Always Faithful
Welcome to a new week with BRANCH. There truly is never a dull moment. Even with all the changes going on these days with BRANCH, I love to watch God’s hand in everything. It is sometimes very hard to understand the path that God puts us on. Especially when it seems so unique from everyone else’s, however, the results are nothing shy of miraculous.
Remember last week when I said this is spiritual warfare and I continue to warn about the seriousness of this battle? I’m not trying to dissuade anyone, but in this arena, there truly has to be some spiritual backbone to a person.
BRANCH is all about helping the wounded. Providing the safe haven where they can recoup and become the woman that God has designed them to be.
That is a task that does not come lightly as we can see by just the challenges in getting this house complete on the exterior, while not even hitting the interior as yet.
But the one thing I am definitely learning first hand is that God is in control. Anyone who is involved in this battle to help victims of human trafficking knows first hand the evil that lurks about. This week we have hit another bump in the road. Well, at least I want to believe its a bump. To be honest, it’s a real smack in the face.
The contractor who committed to us to work with Frank, now cannot do it (no money lost). Although, I truly want to jump on a soap opera box to the situation that surrounds this whole scenario, I cannot feed that desire. I would be a liar if I said I was not angry about what is occurring currently, but I understand that we are in a battle. What I must do is go to the Throne of God. Exchange talking on the phone for worship. I REFUSE to give up and it is about going to God for our needs of a new contractor and asking people to join us in prayer. Right now, it is seeking God for the proper builder. Maybe we can get Jesus directly. He’s the greatest carpenter of them all!! Wouldn’t that be awesome?
Before I get a lecture about the nature of man, please know I have lived a lifetime with hearing that, but have yet to experience people who cannot get beyond that with Christ in their life. For us at BRANCH, Frank has gone beyond that in almost 10 years compared to most Christians I know. With our family and BRANCH, this has become a friendship and working relationship that’s rare to find. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God has placed him in our path for a reason. I know that I know none of this is by chance and it WILL be used for a greater purpose in the end. So even though finding out that three weeks were wasted in waiting (well almost wasted)… we now have all the paperwork in order and approved with the city to proceed hopefully without issue. God will deal with those who fail at holding up their end. Fortunately I don’t have to answer for them.
As I was going on the hunt for a new contractor, something amazing happened. I still will not have a confirmation until after the weekend, however, I truly believe that God is making a way when there seems to be none. One of the people who worked on the house with Frank, is stepping up to the plate. He has offered his services to us (without being asked). He has been a witness to our commitment to Frank and is offering that same thing back to us to help us complete the task at hand. I am ecstatic at the thought of not having to break in someone new and who understands the house. I sat in tears today as I listened to him speak. I should know that God has perfect timing and as always…. it couldn’t be more perfect!
Frank has taught me lessons of living out the Word and been quite an example in the many years we’ve worked with him. I am humbled beyond more than what I can express. God has taught my husband and I both during this time. So just as Frank has been sowing into our lives and ministry, we are reaping that harvest in return. I am just sitting here thanking God for yet another miracle that is about to happen (so I’m hoping and watching) with all excitement. I will let you know more next week about the house and if it is officially in progress!
THE RESCUE
Next we have to share an update on our rescue. The caretaker who took in the mother and daughter has had a strenuous time. It has been hospital runs back and forth and overnight stays for the mother, while leaving the daughter in the hands of the caretaker. Between the caretaker getting called back into work and all that is currently involved, it has been a really rough road. The mother and daughter are really very skittish. That will take time to overcome. The mother is healing nicely, but she was beat and tortured so badly that her healing is just going to be a lengthy one. Keep them in prayer. We are working on finding out what toys the daughter likes, so keep tuned in to our “Needed Items” Posts for real-time updates on the needs.
It is hard to coordinate times to talk with the caretaker, but we definitely try to talk every night, but by the time we get to needs, its past everyone’s time for bed or there is a need in the evening that prevents us from talking. I am hoping that I can come up with some cool ideas to help the caretaker since she is going at full speed and exhausted. Prayers for strength and endurance are sure top of that list. Unfortunately, the mom and daughter cannot handle strangers right now, so things are very limited in what we can accomplish. However, loving them at a distance is the best thing we can do in addition to praying for their hurt spirits.
DISCOVER YOUR COMMUNITY
We also want to remind you that we have the “Discover Your Community” fair out in New Baltimore in August. We are still needing volunteers, which those needs are listed on our site as well. Please make sure to pray about your part in this and August will be here before you know it (I know I know). We have to see warm weather first!
Also, for the recycling center that we are visiting weekly. We have been hitting close to 3,000 lbs each week, so I would like to get some young men into rotation to alternate weekends. Actual physical labor time is about 20-30 minutes. The total time takes about 2 hours with weigh in’s and out’s and travel time.
Please keep helping us spread word about BRANCH and what we are working on accomplishing. Let God whisper into your heart and spirit on how to reach out to BRANCH. We look forward to seeing how God moves us forward and know that great things lay ahead.
God’s many blessings,
Sabrina
FIND A WAY TO GET INVOLVED!
It’s time to get on board! We need your help in almost every Find where your gifts and efforts can help us accomplish incredible things by checking out our current list of needs. Then, contact us so we can get you plugged in!
WE NEED YOUR MUSCLE THIS SATURDAY!
Almost every Saturday, we make trips to the recycling center to help raise funds for our safe house. We desperately need able-bodied individuals to lend a hand. The actual physical labor is only about 20-30 minutes, and the entire trip takes only about 2 hours with weigh in’s, weigh out’s and travel time. Not a bad gig considering we’re able to provide a safe house for victim’s of sex-trafficking!
If you know of a few young men who may be able to volunteer their time on Saturdays in the morning, email BRANCH: A New Beginning at admin@branchanew.org.
PRAY!
The one thing that is most important to us above all, however, is being a prayer warrior for us. Not “soft” prayers (although they are appreciated), but true warriors. Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “warrior” as … a person who fights in battles and is known for having courage and skill.
Bringing God’s people out of slavery and darkness and providing them with a safe place where they can be restored…. is not a job we do alone. God MUST be with us or else we fail.