Through Michelle’s partnership with EveryOne Free (sex trafficking organization which seeks to bring awareness, prevention and restoration to survivors of trafficking) she was recently able to celebrate another survivor taking steps to a new beginning! Michelle is the case manager for EveryOne Free and connects with the survivors to help them find the resources they need to start their new lives (housing, GED, resume writing, college, therapy, etc..). *Rachel is one of the ladies who went through the 20-week diversion program we run in partnership with a Pomona public defender and the Pomona courthouse. After completing our 20-week diversion program they can apply for a grant from us to go to continue their education and start a new beginning. *Rachel has been such a joy to work with and is so strong. She is a mama of 2 and working hard to provide a wonderful life for her babies. She recently completed her first set of makeup classes and is beginning the second semester of classes. Her dream is to have her own beauty salon and be able to work her own hours in order to be able to be with her children as well.
We are finishing up our second block of diversion classes for 2022! Please pray for the 5 women involved with us. They have been working hard in their healing. The program covers an intervention curriculum, Strengthsfinder, Boundaries, Job skills, Resume writing, Personal Finance, Therapy and more. There are definite ups and downs, but it has been so encouraging to see ladies seek help and healing and for Michelle to be able to share the love of Jesus with them as well as resources to serve them. One woman *Emily recently shared with Michelle how she loves our weekly diversion classes, that it is the highlight of her week. She has been overcoming so much. She shared how her mom and sister recently told her how proud they are of her, and they have seen so many Big changes in her life. It is wonderful to see joy restored and hope in the ladies’ hearts.
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18-19
“Be Still and Know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
These past few months have definitely been emotional and a whirlwind. This verse has been a constant in our lives recently. Trusting and Knowing God is in control… that we can seek Him and Be Still when our hearts, worries and emotions are racing. These words from the Lord have felt more real than ever before. Joseph is continuing to do well with his healing. It has been a long 6 weeks, but he has regained most of his energy and has healed remarkable well. We are so thankful. He passed his first psa blood test with the cancer being undetectable! We are continuing to meet with a couple more oncologists and he will continue to be monitored every few months through blood tests. Thank you for all your prayers—our hearts and souls are so thankful.
In the midst of our Fall the kiddos have been growing up too fast for our hearts. Jessica recently had her senior homecoming dance—and is now applying for colleges! Daniel was recognized at his college for earning one of the highest top 5 scores for Microsoft Office, was given an award and asked to be on a panel with students and faculty sharing wisdom with other business students. Aleeya is enjoying 5th grade and her soccer team Brazils! She is a fast little runner! And Luke is finishing up his last semester at Cal Poly! Our boy is about to graduate!!!
Our family has definitely grown closer to the Lord and one another through the trials this Fall. But we are thankful to see how the Lord has met each one of us in different ways and how He is working in all of our lives, we are reminded to continue to BE STILL AND KNOW HE IS GOD. Raising children is a rollercoaster at times but He loves them more than we ever could, and we continue to place them in His hands and trust Him for their lives.
Thank you for your prayers, encouragement and support to us. We are so very thankful.
Cru City Los Angeles 