On my last trip for outreach to the sex trade in Angeles City, Philippines I met a young woman named *Faith.  She had been working in the red light district for a couple of months.  After some conversation I found out she had completed one semester of college studying English and poverty had prevented the continuation of her schooling. Still a teenager, she was now a college drop out.

Faith had several young siblings dependent upon her financial support.  The idea of only caring for herself was not even an option that had occurred to her.  Even so, we talked about her seemingly impossible dreams.  She wanted to complete a degree in English that would allow her to lead historical tours for those visiting her beautiful country.  Her English was in fact perfect.  Obtaining a college degree would give her credentials needed to obtain a job as a guide.  A job with dignity, respect and a future.

Everything about her told me that she had an incredible drive to accomplish things in life.  She had confidence in her posture and assurance in the way she answered my questions.  Her solid demeanor indicated that she had solid walls.  Walls to keep herself from feeling the full weight of the situation she was in.

Faith couldn’t even allow herself to hear me speak about the promises of an education, family and future with Wipe Every Tear.  Her spirit deeply hidden in safety.  A safety that was absolutely necessary and completely effective.  Effective even in preventing freedom from touching her.

Faith’s situation does not discourage me. I know it is going to take time, relationship and being there at the right moment.  I can do that, but it will also take rescuing her heart which I can’t fully do.  That is when I need Jesus who specializes in this kind of rescue.  Who knelt down to wash the feet of rejects when He knew all power was His.  Who despite the desires of others to place him on a throne went ahead and did the washing which was necessary for those to sit on the throne with him.

I’m intoxicated, addicted and inspired by the love that exists to accomplish the heart rescue.   I have no doubt that rescue is already in motion for Faith.  I can hardly contain the excitement I have for the honor of witnessing the rescue.  The celebration to come fuels me.

Celebration is like wild fire, it touches everyone indiscriminately.  At Wipe Every Tear we’ve seen the celebration of women rescued catch the hearts of other trafficked women, entire outreach teams, local business owners and entire churches.  The celebration causing them to do things they never thought they could.  There is something about celebration that won’t be denied, that moves us to action.  That allows us to receive what we need to be free.

If you are so inclined to pray, pray for more celebration and more people to celebrate with.  Generosity, service and power flows from there.  Power to break walls down flows from there and allows what is needed for freedom to enter.

*Details altered for privacy

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