CAMPAIGN OF AWARENESS

John 15:5

I am the vine you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit: apart from me you can do nothing.

 The ripple effect…….. throwing a stone in the calm smooth pond, just to see how far the circles will go before they fade away….Well, have you ever considered 8 stones and tossing them in from 8 different points of the pond and seeing which ones will touch the other?In July of last year, we started working on an Anti-Human trafficking Campaign.  It’s taken a lot of man-hours to prepare and get all things together. Truly, it was like birthing pains for me. I have never received grant money, therefore, it has been a time of learning.  I learned how to work cross culturally, collaborate with 2 organizations and at times, with as many as 10 staff members. I struggled a lot to learn the concepts and dynamics of collaborating. Learning the ins and outs of procedures worried me because I am desperate to make this count.  To be here, to witness the finale these past 3 months and the resulting affects have rendered me speechless.  I can't even begin to describe the magnitude of the work that has already been done. Words cannot describe what I have experienced. I wish words could adequately described my experiences. I have been so profoundly rewarded and blessed after all the birthing pains of working this grant.  Let me add that, I have an incredible team of people that worked on this with me. I need to give them credit they deserve for always coming with me, pouring out their passion and sacrificing time as well.                   Through out the year we visited 8 locations; talked about what human trafficking was, conducted a skit showing human trafficking locally and across boarder. Manzi Daniel Logic sang his heart wrenching song.   Each location we visited, we were rewarded more and more.  People received us, expressing gratitude for our ministry. In these 8 location (schools, orphanages, church’s and community centers) we asked the students/participants to write essays on why they would want to be an ambassadors in this war against human trafficking. We read them, choosing 7 participants from each location to come for a day of training.  As part of the training held April 16, 2016, we asked each participants from those locations to go out into their community and spread the word.  What I was not prepared for was the explosion of events that took place aftewards.  By April 30th 2016 each location had done 2-3 outreaches in their communities. These participants were on fire! We have reached over 3000 people. We continue to ask those that hear our campaign to reach out to 10 people. In doing so, our reach is upwards of 9,000 people in less than a month’s time.  This isn’t even the tip of the iceberg.  Daniel has been blowing up social media, radio and tv spots with his anti-human trafficking song.  This ripple effect is amazing, the students and their teachers that are participating hav such a drive and passion for spreading this word. Most of the students going on holiday are also taking there t shirts home with them and telling people about human trafficking. I may never know every story or conversation, but I do know that a seed planted and well water bears much fruit.  Which leads me into the Women’s retreat I went to April 15-17th. It was about John 15:5.  I love God’s timing in things as I was feeling a little burnt out. He renewed my hope in showing me fruit. The key point is, that I can do nothing with out Him. I serve such a capable God that loves us so much that He shows you when you think you’re in a dry season how incredible humanity can be by the passion for this cause.  Most days I feel like I am not doing enough to make an impact as this monster called human trafficking destroys so many lives.  Yet, I hold on to the hope that this campaign continually reveals to me.  I don’t’ have to rescue everyone. I don't need to be in the trenches all the time. I can be on the side lines watching youth change the landscape in their communities.  All because I first empowered them and allowed God to work in each of there lives. Just as the Lord does to us, He empowers us and lets us bear much fruit.

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF RAHAB

 Rahab Uganda celebrated their 10 year anniversary this year.  It was an incredible evening of 300-invited guest. Amongst those attending were staff, board members past and present, a military general, pastors, and people who supported them in many different aspects and the girls themselves.  The evening was filled with prayers and artist to include a singing group of young men and a woman who wrote and read her poem about Rahab. Please see the poem that is attached and the beauty it holds and just sit back and listen to these young men sing in prefect harmony. The work that Rahab has done was highlighted in honoring those who came and highlighting that Rahab is rooted in the efforts they are doing and looking forward to the next 10 years.

The highlight of my evening was when I went to the loo, I came in and the girls were beyond excited they could not believe that hot water came out of the sink.  I said I know it does.”, they said “No Miss Sarah, really it does,” and had me put my hands under the running water. It is something I take for granted and it’s something that fascinated them.  I really didn’t ever think that the girls at our home are not aware that hot water comes out of sink, as they get water from a boar hole and prior to that they were fetching water and caring it in jerry cans. (20 liter’s over 40 pounds and they carry it on there heads) 

                           THIS IS THE POEM THAT WAS READ

One Billion and Fifteen Stars

This evening, we’ll become one billion and fifteen stars, Together.
Play double dutch on Venus with all the Rahab girls and women And make garlands of galaxies in their hair,
String their tiny dreams

and big visions into a universe.

Does anyone here play kwepena?
Get a hold of planet Pluto and let’s play.

Does anyone here play omweso?
Let’s teach the Rahab girls the games we used to play long ago, As they teach us how to snap chat
and underline bible verses on our i-phones.

We’ll unfold the billion stars into a Rope.
Swing from the moon to planet Earth Twirl around Jupiter

Waltz with Neptune

We are one billion and fifteen stars We are a universe of opportunities A harvest of moons
That bear no sky

Each star is a diamond, a reflection of each girl here tonight, Of each woman that shed a tear of hop,
e when Rahab was being born
That fed her and clothed her

and sang her songs when she couldn’t sleep,
Because there were many, many, many days and nights When they couldn’t sleep.
When nightmare after nightmare
torment

You and I are a new hope.

One Billion and Fifteen Stars, Poem for Rahab
© Beverley Nambozo Nsengiyunva We are ice-cream

Without calories
We are a President
That knows his boundaries.

We are bigger than any agenda And deaf to political correctness.

We are one billion and fifteen stars You cannot turn us into an NGO Because there is no strategic plan That can outman and out woman This reality.

We are the public opinion
And the private thought
The prey that never gets caught.

We are Rahab and any meeting filled with doubt has been adjourned We are beginning new meeting with one agenda.
Victory!

We are one billion and fifteen stars.

Do not sleep tonight
But instead lay awake and dream.
Dream of Rahab ten years from now, in 2026
Don’t let tomorrow morning
Rob you like a premature baby
Before you dream that dream makes you gasp in sheer wonder, Of a Rahab , ten years from today.
Do not sleep tonight
But aw awake and dream. 

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Serenes' story

Serena's Determination.....

(This is a long post, but, I promise, it's worth the read. Especially the last paragraph.)

Last year I started a program called Zubiri Project. It involved giving women a chance to own their own business. After a careful selection process, I chose 4 gifted and amazing young ladies; one of whom is Serena. I was concerned about her because, I didn't think she was completely getting the concepts I was trying to teach them. But, out of 20 weeks of coming 2 times a week, Serena had to travel the farthest each time. On top of managing the commute, she had to bring her two month old baby. To get to these classes by 9:00 a.m., Serena had to leave her home by 5:00 a.m. I don't want to hear ANYONE complain about their commute again! Not only did Serena come for these regularly scheduled classes, she also came for special training that lasted 4 days one week and three days the next week!!! Serena continues to push forward and ask questions, meeting with our business teacher.

A few weeks ago, we went to a site near her home to rent space for her to start her charcoal selling business. For various reasons, it did not work out. We prayed together over that spot, asking God to be REALLY REALLY clear; please Lord, show me where You want to locate my business. A few days later, Serena called me, telling me that she didn't trust that landlord because he had lied to her. I reminded Serena to pray for guidance and assured her I would too. I didn't want Serena to get discouraged or lose the momentum she had, so we went ahead and opened a bank account for her in preparation for finding that PERFECT spot! Well! don't you know it! God is faithful! Serena found another place to rent! However, the rent was a little more than we originally planned but went ahead and paid 4 months rent. In the process, I took the liberty to provide the landlord with some business advice (!). "Sir, will you drink and eat this money or, will you invest in YOUR future? With this large amount of cash, you could purchase another container." We wrote up a contract which all parties signed. I left Serena with enough money to purchase three bags of charcoal. Serena, always thinking, thought she might do some cooking in her little stall, to differentiate herself from other places that offer charcoal for sale. (Have I mentioned how proud I am of this lady?!) The landlord was all for it! Encouraging her to do it!

I departed, promising Serena I would be back in three weeks. Serena called me multiple times throughout those three weeks, not with problems, but with PRAISE REPORTS with how well she was doing!! My heart sang after each exchange. Just last week I traveled to see her, to review her record keeping. What I found was, that she had purchased seven bags of charcoal in three weeks time and had turned a profit; enough to pay ANOTHER two months rent. In an effort to bring attention to her business, she would take small chunks to surrounding business to demonstrate the excellent quality charcoal she had for sale. She now has several business' coming to her to purchase their charcoal from her. One man purchases six buckets of charcoal everyday for his chicken and chips (french fries) business!!

I'm on a roll here. Hang in with me for some MORE good news! Serena's husband, Fist (whom we have been praying over), has been respectful and supportive of her efforts. I was concerned at first that as soon as they saw a profit that they would use that to live on, instead of building up a comfortable cushion to make sure the business is a going concern. Fist has proven other than the stereotypical husband in Uganda. God is so good. (Have I said that?! I'm so lucky to see God's hand working here.)

This, folks, is the part that has me in tears. After Serena and I paid the landlord some more rent, I asked if we could pray with him. Serena spoke up and said no, he's a Muslim. I was bold and asked if we could pray with him anyway. He agreed. A few days later, he stopped by to see how Serena was doing, confessing that he used to drink and smoke, that he would normally have squandered the rent money on food and drink. HE HAD GIVEN HIS LIFE TO CHRIST!!!!! He declared he is a changed man and has not smoked or drank since he became a Christian. He is working on cleaning up the area where Serena has her stall, chasing off kids that are causing problems. This is a big deal folks, he is widely known in the community, who are all amazed at his transformation. Serena is seeing him at church since she prayed over him. 

Sarah Rafts the Nile!

A team from the States was in attendance to train us in aftercare for our staff and volunteers, as well as trained therapists. It was simply beautiful how the Lord brought this training together. I am looking forward to seeing this grow and am praying for a growth in aftercare programs. This was a big answer to prayer. I feel privileged to have witnessed its beginnings.

Our team was able to go to Jinga for the weekend, which was very fortuitous for me as I got to check off an item on my bucket list. I rafted the Nile!! Who gets to say THAT?! Uhhh…..that would be me!! We’re talking Class 5 rapids; the scary stuff. By far the scariest thing I’ve done in my 40’s. Funny, how you have no fear when you are younger, then you become an adult and don’t do crazy things anymore. Well, I blew that out of the water, so to speak! Would I do it again? Hmmm, maybe so, if I could spend more time ON the rapids instead of IN the rapids. Just sayin’!

Rahab Uganda

This organization was starting 10 years ago here in Uganda. It is referred to as as an NGO (non-government organization) and operates like a 501(c)3 here in America. Eleven Ugandans saw a need 10 years ago for sexually exploited girls under the age of 18. Rahab was started to meet that need.

Allow me to introduce the Staff:

Annette Kirabira, Director

Allen, Program Manager

Sarah, Center Administrator

Tida, Accountant

Sarah Miles (me!), Volunteer Extraordinaire

Rachelle, Social Worker

2 therapists

I will update this blog with photos for you shortly!

We covet your prayers!

Graduation for Zubirii project

Blog Zubiri graduation and God’s provisions:

So on October 13th 2015 we graduated our 1st class in the Zubiri project.  Zubiri means strong in Swahili and the ladies named this course. It’s our 16-week business and psychosocial support for cross boarder trafficking survivors.    Looking back at the beginning and know I am just so blessed by all the transformations of both the girls and staff and myself.   The growth and bonds that were made are just so exciting to see. The 4 ladies became friends opened up and shared their lives with each other.  We have touched each other by the stories we shared, the strong holds we broke and learning the lies that the enemy would want us to hold on to.  All which are being broken and the love of Jesus is taking its place.   We had challenges along the way and at the time I was a bit worried, but God never fails and victory has taken over. I had lost my business person mid way through the program and for the last 2 months I didn’t think we were going to be following through with our plans of helping the ladies start business’s Well here’s the game changer, I really prayed and a couple of things happened. Then I had to change my plans on visiting the states. I thought I was going to go in January and the work we were going to do in November, changed to January. So I need to go home in November, which is hard because the girls just graduated and who will walk them through the businesses and insure they are getting the help they need……… Seriously GOD shows up, after each time I surrender it to him.

            The girls learned a skill and how to sell a product after making beaded handbags. Because I was introduced to this lady who made them the day after my businessperson was done.

            We worked on pearl jewelry and learned how to pay it forward by making a product that will go out to other women in trafficking situations as well as all proceeds to go help the next set of girls in the program.

            I had been praying that God would bring me someone who would do the business training who had been trafficked, had a business and was passionate about the girls. After I got done I had a message on my phone from our past participant Doreen and it hit me, she’s the one she has been in our program and has had a towel business for the last 2 years.  She is completely on board and excited to be empowering and giving back. (to me this feels like success because we have empowered her)

            Then I reached out to the expat community and met with a lady that does business training in Uganda and Kenya, she has a close friend Harriett so in meeting Harriett, she teaches the same curriculum as our 1st business trainer and she had been in northern Uganda during Kony and had been abducted as a youth and is passionate about empowering women. She is walking through business with Serena.

            Then one of our therapist tells the girls that she has a craft shop that she would rent out ½ of the space for them and they could do that for there business. But here’s the real story, in January she was looking to sell the shop and each time she got close it fell through so she thought ok not right now, then she starts teaching this class and 3 weeks ago tells the girls that she will let them rent and do business. So the other 3 ladies will be working at how to collaborate and work together in this partnership.  She shared this story at graduation how God just didn’t let her sell so that the girls can have it.

                  Now I feel ok to go to the states and trust the team I have and the girls have someone who they can personally lean on

At graduation

God moments in these 18 weeks I have been with the ladies.

 Nina who at 1st was late and didn’t take this program seriously and had trouble with sleeping and pot and just wanting to return to the old life. 

Along the way she would report changes and triumphs she overcame, but the biggest was at graduation when she told us I feel empowered and that I have rights. This is so huge to hear because women don’t feel that here. They all agreed that they had no idea they had the right to choose how to be treated by others, that you can make changes in your life.   Also to report Nina is no longer doing pot.

Ruth how said she doesn’t like people and can’t trust people found friendships and love she said from both the staff and the friendships she made with the ladies her and Nina are now sharing a place together.

            Serena was able to get on birth control and work through the stigma of it with her husband who was not happy at all.

            Eva has been able to stand up to her ex husband and demand the rights she is given to receive child support. She may never get it, but at least she is able to pursue it in a civil manner and gain confidence.

            This project was not ran by me alone, I have an incredible staff who were pretty rocked as well as they worked on themselves during this time. I had them work through a trauma healing class and they to realized the strong holds and challenges they could over come.  I could not have done this with out them.

I also have one last note: each time we depart class the ladies catch a ride w/ me and I drop them at the taxi area. When they leave my car I ask them all what are the rules. And they tell me, no sex, no drugs, no drinking ONLY JESUS.  It may seem silly to some but it was our silly way of encouraging each other and hold each other accountable.

In the year prior to this program I prayed for these girls that I had yet to meet and asked God to provide the ones he new he had great plans for.  And who’s lives we could feed into and journey with a lifetime, I am excited to be doing life with these 4 ladies and I can’t wait to see what HE has in store for them. Continue to pray over them as they go out into the world and do business.

BUZZING BUZZING BUZZING

Buzzing Buzzing Buzzing,

            All 20 of the girls are home from school on holiday for 3 weeks. What a wonderful sound that fills the home when they are all there.  I enjoy it most because I get to do arts and crafts and be creative with them. It is a retreat for me, as I love to be creative and hear the buzzing of all the girls as we work. This time they all chimed in and sang worship music and it was so beautiful to hear them all pouring there hearts out to the Lord.  Small conversations are picked out in pockets of girls as they all start talking about the beads and colors they are going to match. And then to hear how they are doing in school and to just hear there desire to know more about a color wheel and how you make a focal point to one bead and accent it with colors.  Next week I will be teaching them how to sew on an applique onto a t-shirt ( so be ready for this final product that will be available for purchase). Then the following week we will learn how to make the tops to the beaded sandals.  This will give them skills using their hands and ways to be creative.

Attached are photos of them making the bracelets and then I added in a photo of a letter I received from one of the girls, Nelly. I like Nelly she is 15 years old, very quiet and this tall tall tall skinny girl. She has the most precious face and heart, please read her letter to me and take time to look up the verses she gave me. I love that she picked them out for me.  John 10:10, Psalms 54:7, Psalms 62:8 and that is Romans 8:28.  She did this letter while she was in school and it meant so much to me that she included me, and prays over me as one of her mothers.  These girls will steal your heart each time and they truly are a blessing to me.  I spend time guarding my heart while I am here because the realities are that people will befriend you for alternative motives of what can they gain out of the relationship, example either money or that if I am at there function or location it is a status quo for them that they have an American friend.  Not these girls, we have come to have a relationship and to have them truly love me and know my love for them is just priceless. It is also amazing to hear her pray over me that I will have enough money, for her to see me in this light is empowering, she doesn’t see me as a money source.  And yes I am crying as I write this blog this week with tears that a mother feels when her child gives her something so beautiful as a picture with kind and loving words.  I have a cork board at home called my Proverbs 31 girl board and I put up quotes and pictures and scripture of encouragement that I read periodically or daily depending on what I need to hear to keep my strength and this letter will be up there.

It’s been a crazy busy week and many challenges as my business person has decided she is not needing to help the cross boarder trafficking ladies anymore and we still have a month left of training. Which God so graciously opened up another door for us. I had a lady come to me who can teach how to make craft beaded bags, so we are turning the project into a business model. I will be the bank and I will loan you the start up capital of making 5 bags and with the products you make you will need to pay me (the bank) back and then keep enough capital to make 5 more. This will teach the ladies how to purchase products to make, how to market them and sell them and it is all done on a small scale so they can learn and grow and make the choice to expand or not. I was really blessed to have this opportunity because it also gives me time to see how they do w/ the knowledge they learned and at a low rate so fi they have challenges and things we have done it low scale.  I love making lemonade out of lemons…

Walking on Sunshine

My happy dance song this week: 

Katrina and the Waves: WALKING ON SUNSHINE 

Walking on sunshine

Walking on sunshine 

I feel alive, I feel the love, I feel the love that's really real

I feel alive, I feel the love, I feel the love that's really real

I'm on sunshine, baby, oh

Oh, yeah, I'm on sunshine, baby

It has been one of those weeks where I did the football touch down dance and spiked the ball and got a penalty.  I have also been break dancing while driving and sitting in jam. It has just been one of those weeks……. 

A college and I went out to a town called Masole and we spoke w/ 30 students about human trafficking.  We role played the lover boy scenario, my rendition of a lover boy was humorous and gave a bit of imagination for these students to walk away with. I know down deep they think I am crazy, but whatever I can do to impact them to remember and make better choices in the future.  We then did a little break out session and had the students compile a poster and show what they had learned, and then each group had a representative talk about their poster. The interactive skits for the youth were key; it provided an alternative style of learning. Typically students learn through rote memorization, thus the students just repeat what is written on the chalkboard and then write it in their notebooks. So it is fun to watch their creativity come a live when they are actively engaged in the learning process. My college Allen even noted how effective this activity was and we want to adopt

it in the awareness campaign we are preparing to do over the next 8 months.

We were awarded a grant to bring awareness into schools, community centers, churches and orphanages. We will then pick 5 ambassadors from each facility and teach them about human trafficking and then have them come up w/ the best way to bring awareness to their peers.   I am really excited about all the people we will partner with and all the young people we will come in contact with.

donations;  www.cten.org/sarahmiles                         Website: smilesinternational.org

Pearl of Hope that Heals our Hearts

I hope that I can convey theheartfelt moment that I had with my cross-boarder trafficking group this week.

2 weeks ago I shared with them that we could make pearl bracelets and that when one is purchased it is bringing awareness to that lady wearing it, but it also serves in supporting another bracelet made to give to a girl whom is being trafficked.I asked them if they would like to share in making some w/ me. They all agreed and actually lite up that I would want them to take part.So in our Thursday gathering we made bracelets.Before we started I prayed over the bracelets and prayed for those who will wear them and for those who will receive one.I prayed over my 4 ladies and thanked God for each one of them and there journey and healing.I explained I would give them money for each one they made and that quality was a must. That we are making something beautiful and how with each one we can see that God blessed the piece of sand in each oyster and that we are able to make this bracelet and put it together in a way that shows the beauty of a piece of sand.Becoming a
pearl is a way that God takes our junk and holds us so tightly and loves us so much that he makes beauty out of it.
So we were making the bracelets and listening to gospel music and talking about things ladies talk about, boys, children life and our hopes.Then Eva says to me. “Miss Sarah, I don’t want to get paid for any of these bracelets. I will make as many as you need me to, I just want girls to receive them and know they are loved.”My jaw just dropped…………. Then Serena chimed in and said “Me to, I can’t take money for this.”I was blown away. The two who need money the most are the ones who totally said we will do this for free. Also Eva had the most to loose she made 14 of them were the other girls had only done 6 a piece.
I was so touched by this act of kindness that God just blew me out of the water.I have seen a lot of negativity that poverty brings. I have seen corruption as a cultural norm and to exploit someone is a given to survive.I don’t see many people doing things just to do them for kindness; there is always an expectation of a gain or a return in there favor.We all joke that us mazungo’s (white people) have a higher price for things than the locals.It is a daily struggle for me to get a fair price for things.So I have come to a place were I am guarded and so when something like this takes place it makes my heart and soul just rejoice.Its like when the girls paid for me to take the taxi ride with them, its such a respect and makes me feel a part of being a friend not viewed as a visitor.
I just wanted to share this ray of sunshine with you and wanted to ask that you continue to pray over these ladies that boundaries and strongholds will be broken down and that healing will really take place and that each one of them will know the Lord and his Love and be his voice and hands. I pray for each girl to know the Lord and trust in him though everything they do.Without him and working on the healing journey I know that most will go back to the old life.I just ask you to have the Lord pour his light and love into their lives. May his light shine brighter then the devil’s worldly gimmicks?
I also want to share Doreen came and spoke w/ the girls as well on Thursday and she just poured her love into them and really spoke into there lives. As she was once in the spot they are today, she was able to share her journey and struggles and success. It was a BEAUTIFUL day, the ladies were able to ask questions and talk to her openly about trafficking, recovery and business.

Bracelets will be available as soon as I can either get home or get someone from this side to bring them to the states. They will be suggested donation of 25.00 and all proceeds will go back into this program.Along with a bracelet being donated to True Justice International, formerly knows as the Pearl Ministry.

blessings blessings blessings.....

So many blessings to tell u all about Rahab Uganda
Our center girls ( above 18 who have been sexually exploited)…… we sold 22 tops  for  beaded sandals.   On Friday we had a team from America come and spend a few hours loving on the girls. One of the team members shared her amazing story and just how God loves and forgave her and it was a powerful testimony.  After that each girl was paired up w/ one or 2 visitors and prayed over.  I found someone who makes shoes and is wiling to teach me. I will be a cobbler the week of July 20th…. Who ever new I would be coming to Uganda to learn to be a cobbler.  I am really excited because this young man is very creative and resourceful and has taken tires to make part of the soul that I think will really look neat w/ our design, as well as put a great twist on things. 
Our 16 week business course is amazing. I wish there was a better word in my vocabulary to describe the magnitude of these young women. So many times we call the women we work with beneficiaries, but I think right now these ladies are my friends.  I have been very transparent with them and have just loved them were they are at and also been very honest with them.  One of the ladies felt comfortable to ask me to go w/ her to get tested again for HIV and AIDS and I felt very honored to help her out.  We went to a local clinic that was a blessing to find it offers free services and so I will be able to take many girls there. It’s a blessing to find a clinic in the local community. Today we drew our stories and it was great because we drew them out like we were on a journey. (see attached photo) Our topic was Trauma and what is it and what it does to you.   So we drew were it started from. The ladies have also agreed to help me make pearl bracelets for true justice international –formally known as The Pearl ministry. So please be ready for a new design to come out in the next month.  We are only making 100 of them.  They were really excited that w/ one being made the other goes to a girl being trafficked. They love the concept. This week as well I am going to ask the girls to name the project.  I have been sitting here hating that I call it the 16 week business course. It’s so much more than that and it dawned on me today. I will have the ladies name it.  We also talked about continue as a support group that continues to meet, and they loved the idea.
On a personal note a friend of mine is here this week and has been working in Anti human trafficking for the last couple of years and it has been a much needed visit of a colleague that I can talk shop with but also talk secondary trauma with as well.  He has really helped me talk through things and I am really excited about a possible partnership, but we are waiting upon the Lord as well.  I love how God works…. Who new 5 years ago a Nine70 young adult and I would be sitting in Uganda doing anti human trafficking efforts together. The Lord has placed another piece of the puzzle in my life, I love these moments. 


All donations  www.cten.org/sarahmiles thank u fro supporting us and helping us to continue our work.

So stinking proud of her

I reconnected and spent some time w/ one of the ladies I worked with in 2013 who went through the 16-week business course. For her business she chose to sell towels. She is located in one of the shopping centers, were she has a small veranda, about 4 feet wide by 4 feet deep. I am SO STINKING PROUD of her.She was able to explain every aspect of her business and her goals for the future. And not only that, but how she’s going to do it. She has been doing this business now for a year.HUGE SUCCESS… I walked away in tears of joy as I thought yep this is what its all about.I asked her to come and talk to the ladies that I am working with now and share her story.She was shy about it, but I told her how proud I was of her and to think back when she first started wouldn’t it have been nice to hear from someone just like her and see that she made it.She agreed and will be coming to our 2015 class. Part of healing for me was to share my story and show encouragement to
other women how much God loves me and through him I have come through it all.
I am hoping to give that same powerful outlet to the ladies I work with.

AMOS

I wanted to give an update on Amos my friend. He is doing so well he brought me veggies and fruits again when he came and had another wonderful week of language class, he also brought his fiancé, Melon. She is so lovely. She will be moving to Kampala to go to school and they will get married in 2 years, Amos wants her to 1^st go to school.I am so blessed to have this young man in my life he is truly an amazing person. He had a great harvest and has enough money to pay for Melon’s school fees.

MUM (mom) In Uganda

My MUM, the way they say it in Uganda, it's not Mom it's MUM like the british, she visited me for 3 weeks and we had the time of our lives . My mom was able to live my life for a short period of time and see how amazing Uganda is.We were very blessed to be able to go gorilla trekking.The two of us were hilarious as we tried to maneuver over the jungle floor with two left feet.I can’t tell you how many times we slipped, fell and tried to climb up these amazing jungle floors. Or how important it is to have a porter named Caleb. He was in the middle of us and as he pushed me and pulled mom up these slipper slopes, I can’t imagine what was going through his mind. He was so gracious and kind to my mom and I. He even asked me if it was ok to call her mom.He kept us at a great pace and reminding us to take small steps and go slow. He was truly an angle.I think he has the coolest job he gets to see these gorillas and the excitement of tourists as they take in the beauty of
these amazing creatures.Two things really touched me as we interacted and watched these not so distant relatives (they match us by 98%). Our guide and the other trackers were chopping down some of the jungle so we could see and the Silver back (his name is Masaka) put his family behind him and gave a warning grunt and grabbed the jungle branches and proceeded to recover his family and shield them. It was incredible how protective he was yet allowed us to be near them. Then the other was to watch him as he watched the youngest baby playing with a branch. He was a father watching his child.He did how ever charge at us 2 times to show he was the boss and this was his family, but at no time did I feel threatened.It was fun how as he did this each one of us ladies automatically became submissive and the men in our group freaked out.To watch this silverback protect his family was so touching. So maybe I will ask God to find me a silverback…he he he….
I wish I had better photos of this experience but the jungle is dark and my camera would only use the flash so I didn’t want to upset the big guy.It was truly a bucket list moment in life and I could not have had a better person to share it with than my mom.Who by the way lost her reading glasses during one of our falling moments w/ the gorillas? So when national geographic shows a story about the gorilla that reads with glasses we will all now it was Joann who shared her speaks.
Then we continued on to Queen Elizabeth National park, were I was grateful for the landscapes and a few animals, but the highlight of our safari by far was Murchison falls were we encountered a mama lion and 3 cubs.We took a guided tour with Red Chili and I highly recommend them if you come to Uganda. Incredible company and very well organized. Our driver Noor and guides Andrew at Murchison falls and Simon for the game drive made the trip even more personable. Andrew was fun and silly and very interactive w/ the guests he even took people’s photos for them and made this incredibly hot hike bearable. Simon who’s favorite animal was the wart hogs made us laugh and was adventurist and knowledgeable.We slept w/ hippos grazing each night outside our tent and wart hogs and baboons running around during the day. Truly had fun seeing elephants and giraffe’s and even a leopard turtle, owls and a rhino beetle. There were 7 of us in the vehicle and what a great group, we had a
couple from Sweden, 2 young ladies who are doing internship as dr’s from the Netherlands and Sebastian a young man on a 5 week holiday from Germany. Each of us joked and bonded and just had a great time together. We have all exchanged emails and phone numbers and all will be visiting each other in their home countries.

Then ministry wise my mom got to see our drop in center one day were we had a team from America and how crazy it gets with over 40 people at our center. Then one of the children fell asleep on mom as she sang to her, and then mom got to see the hair dressing class in full swing.She meet the staff of Rahab and every time she did people were so taken back at how strong she was (basically, how young and still active she is) She also got to run around town w/ errands and meetings and networking for upcoming events.She attended one of the business classes and team meetings for the 16-week business course. So she has meet staff and volunteers and a lot of the ladies that we help. The trusties even took her out for tea and so she met one of the ladies that use to be the 1^st lady of Burundi. She made yogurt with me grocery shopped and did my daily life.She even got on a boda boda (motor cycle) and didn’t fall over.She got in a taxi and was a passenger in my car during rush
hour and sat in jam with me.Along the way mom got to fall in love w/ the same people I have and experience the generosity and hospitality that Uganda has to offer.
All in all I think my mom’s time here was good, when I dropped her off at the airport she even said maybe she will be back again to visit me.

16-week business class.

The last 2 weeks have been so rewarding as I sit in on the 16 week business class and therapy sessions with 4 amazing young woman. These women are part of our c cross boarder trafficking project. Each month we have more and more women who come back to Uganda after being rescued from Asia and the Middle East.
There is something so incredibly brilliant about this group of women this time.I wish I could tell u everything about them, but it is one of the hardest parts of my job. I want to brag about them, but yet to do so would cost them more exploitation and I just can’t do it. But I can say that one of the ladies after our very 1^st therapy session had the biggest smile in her face and after I asked her how do you like it, she said “I think I am going to be ok after this.”“I finally have a place I talk about what happened to me my family has no idea what I went through.”It touched my heart to hear her repeat the same thing I have heard many many times from similar ladies I worked with. U think really your hear was touched, and I say yes because I know God is working in ways we can’t even imagine and this girl is seeing his love and light in our 3 hour window of opportunity.
Before the program started I prayed and prayed for God to provide the small group of girls that we could impact and feed into. And many of you too prayed with me for months to bring this all together and now that it is, I see this amazing blessing. Thank you for letting me share prayers and this opportunity with you. I am so grateful for the team that I am working with. I have 2 business ladies and 2 therapists who are working into the lives of these ladies, again a HUGE blessing from God that these ladies are in my life.
Please continue to pray over all as we move forward into the 3^rd week of meeting.

April showers bring May flowers(blessings)

I am so excited to report that Ronald, one of the young men I work with has reunited w/ his mother. Last Sunday she had come back from Rwanda for treatment, she has cancer. They met and he shared his life and how he has accepted Christ in his life.  She has welcomed him back home and soon he will return to his family. Please continue to pray as we work slowly to reintroduce him back into the home. It may still not be safe, as the stepfather has done some horrific things.  When Ronald’s mother was 3 months pregnant, the father of Ronald died.  His best friend then ends up marring the mother, but at his gain and a cost. He has taken all the land titles and put them in his name and has treated Ronald w/ both physical and mental abuse, Then Ronald being exploited was just the straw the stepfather needed to completely push him and further secure his properties. So this could be very dangerous for Ronald to go home. He may have to continue his relationship w/ his mother, but not living at home. He is 17 years old.   The praise is Ronald has seen the works our Father is doing in his life since he has accepted him and he is seeing his testimony written out in love by God. I am praying that he can be a voice to other young men who are being trafficked and help restore them.

We are gearing up for our Kampala to Entebbe challenge. It is a walk that Rahab puts on each year. I am not sure really the distance they said it is a ½ marathon. But then Google says it is 38.9 kl from Kampala, which could be from the city center.   So we will find out the correct distance.

We have a theme this year it is called IT STARTS WITH ME.. We are going around town asking people if we can take their photos w/ our sign, so far it’s been a challenge. I thought people would be more than willing to raise awareness. It is not so they want money to take their photos and ask us how will they benefit and be taken care of if they participate. We had people asking us to pay their children’s school fees and give them money. I was really taken back by it. In America we are willing to help out and jump in for any cause. 

I have really been praying and reflecting on this day that Sam our marketing volunteer and I had while talking w/ strangers on the streets. Sam and I both saw the local countrymen and were blown away by the wiliness to get paid to help out. I have noticed more and more this time being here that people don’t just help u out. I got stuck in a hole w/ my front tire of my car and it took 9 guys to help me (they had to lift the front end of a Land Rover) and each one of them expected money from me. I was blown away I was like what happened to just helping someone out. What happened to just helping your local neighbor and friend or stranger on the street?   It really bothered me and brings such sadness to me. And then yet you find a person on the street who is so companionate and willing to show u were a store is or point u in the right direction. Such extremes.

But we didn’t let the devil win, we continued on and spoke w/ a few people that did let us each has an amazing story of how they are connected in some way of trafficking. My friend Brian almost left to Dubai and later after me refusing to let him go he found out he would have been trafficked, Faith was trafficked for labor trafficking and was lucky to return w/in days of getting there.  Rose who happen to be at the GO TV stand and whom I had met months earlier when I purchased my cable box, was sitting w/ 2 gentlemen whom both felt the grass was greener on the other side until we spoke about trafficking and both have said that they will really reconsider.

Updates w/ the beads please let me share the success of the ladies they are learning and perfecting and soon we should be able to start marketing them and trying to get a buyer to purchase them. I have seen some new styles in the market so we need to be quick and trend w/ the market.  It is a bit challenging but we will be ok, most of the shoes are imported from Kenya. All the touristy trinkets that people buy are not made in Uganda they are made in Kenya in huge factories.  Uganda imports billions of dollars each year to sell to tourists.  There are small amounts of local people making crafts compared to what is imported. I am hoping we can cut the costs down by supporting local businesses. We are also up against getting beads because there is no demand and so no supplies. Making beads limited. I will need to get my beads from Kenya. So we will work out the cost effective way to do things. But a quick 3 day trip to Nairobi may be in the works so I can work w/ suppliers and get beads. Then we would just order after that but need to make the relationships and see all they have to offer. I love the world market.  I am also friends w/ a lady who goes to India to purchase her beads for wedding dresses so I will have her bring back some from India when she goes and gets her supplies.  It is fun to be a bigger part of the world market and to build those relationships and to tell people about human trafficking it is one more way to bring awareness.

I spent a few days out at the home while the girls are home on holiday break; we have been making paper beads. What we are working on is a scripture bracelet, we took the scripture of Rahab in the bible and cut out each verse and made a paper bead with it. We will be making bracelets in August on there next holiday w/ the paper scripture beads.  It’s fun working w/ teenagers and doing crafts, I am a perfectionist and so I am learning to just enjoy the time w/ the girls and the fellowship we have.  I love how God works on Tuesday I was playing worship music and told the girls I would bring my lap top on Thursday and they can see the video to EVERYTHING by Lifehouse.  So no Thursday I get ot the home and Alex our youth pastor was there working with the girls. So I said oh do you mind I wanted to show them this video it’s only 6 min long.  He was hesitant at 1st but I said I promise it is a life changer for so many people. I didn’t want to spoil what it was about asi feel that each person needs to see if and allow the Holy Spirit to work on them. So I showed the video and he was like oh my gosh we are doing Luke 15:11 The Parable of the lost son. If u have not seen this video please go to utube and find it. It shows how a young woman stepped away from God and bought into sin of the world and how she came back to God and how he fought for her.  It’s beautiful.  The girls enjoyed it. 

Here is our new Center equipped w/ a small family of monkeys. I have actually only seen them once. I think once we moved it they were like,”Ok there family is a lot bigger than ours,” and “We need a bit more quietness w/ the little ones.”  

Actually the center is so nice and quiet and u just feel the goodness of the new place and the shifting in the girls they are in such a better place. I love how God provided such a safe haven in the middle of the chaos.

11 days and my Mom will be coming to visit. I am really excited to show her Africa and the ministry. It will be such a blessing to have her here. Please pray and consider coming and seeing the work we are doing. The girls are so amazing and just love the visits from our families and friends. Each time I see them they ask how many more days until she is coming.  What are you gifted in? do you a passion for nutrition or health, can you teach the girls how to crochet or sew? Is there a business person out there or just want to come and love on some amazing women/girls for a week or two.  We had a group that one of the guys came and he was dancing w/ the girls teaching them how to swing and 2 step and they all were just glowing. They need the healthy relationship that, that brings.  Do you have a heart to do morning devotionals or the love of Jesus and want to share your story w/ the girls we would love love love to have u come over.

Easter weekend

WOW what a week and weekend so much to update you about. I have had and incredible week both personally and with ministry… 1st lets talk about ministry because the girls at the center and I had a blast. OR maybe I just had much more fun then they did….. no not really. The smiles on their faces and the work they did was incredible.  We started our bead project this week.  And they all did such a lovely job, and picked up very quickly. It’s not a hard process, but a time consuming progress. I think the 2 best parts for me was when they got to choose there colors and then I would comment on how those 2 colors were going to be brilliant together, then as they were making them I went around and looked at each girls work and complimented them on how well they were doing and how beautiful again those colors were. It brought a smile to there faces, you could see how they just lite up.  I think they just needed to be complimented and confirmed.  We all do don’t we, so GO AHEAD look in the mirror and tell you’re self how incredible u are.

The girls seemed very encouraged by doing this project we hope that it gives them opportunity to do a little something on the side.

Then we had an amazing night as we did a fundraiser: Billy Ocean came to Uganda. The house was almost packed. It was a great night and we were able to bring awareness to human trafficking. We are not yet sure the total we raised.  What a blessing to have the opportunity and to have a fun night of great music.  I was not sure about Billy Ocean as I was not a huge fan, but I have to say he has an incredible voice and his mainstream songs don’t bring justice to his vocal ability. He sang 2 songs last night both in which I really love. Bob Marley- No Women No Cry and Sam Cooks' "its been a long time coming. LOVED IT.

Then Friday I headed away for the holiday weekend. Went to Fort Portal and it is just what I needed, to get away and fall back in love with Uganda.  Staying in the city just drains you out and it is so nice to get away and rejuvenate again. Fort P is so beautiful it has the Ruwenzori Mountain and the rich’s soil in Uganda.  Because of Volcanic activity a billion years ago, there are crater lakes in the area as well as lot of history and beautiful people. I mean all of Uganda has beautiful people but in this area the people are a lot taller.  So we did a bit of walking the 1st day and visited caves, the caves were not like the ones I have visited before they were open on the side of a cliff/hill.  But they still had stalactites and stalagmites. It was really cool. Attached was a neat waterfall that you can walk under, then the next day we went another beautiful crater lakes and this one is pictured on the 20,000 shilling note. And then we HIKED to another waterfall, which was incredible. I wished I had brought my suit because you can get into the water. The HIKE up was a killer, but I did it, and it made me realize I better get training for May when my mom comes and we go hiking for the Gorillas.

But well worth the effort to go see these falls. Then the hotel we stayed at was ran by people from India and I have to say I ate so much good Indian food I am telling you God provided rain and a cool atmosphere and Indian food It was beautiful. It was nice to spend Easter away and w/ a really close friend. I will definitely be going back to Fort Portal. 

March madness

Growth: I learned this week how important it is to do self-care and set healthy boundaries and continue to do it. He also gave me a few good friends locally that I can lean on. God gave me an abundance of blessing this week w/ new friendships who can poor into me and that I can learn from and have fun. He gave me a day of things going smoothly at the work permit office. And just insight that I am in the middle of the race and this is when it is the toughest time. I can choose to give up or push forward. I had such clarity this week about spiritual warfare and how the devil would LOVE for me to give up and go home, But he forgot one thing. I AM A DAUGHTER OF KING…. and GOD gives me strength.

I live in a 2 bedroom so one of the things I told God was I want to be able to open my home up to missionaries and give them a place of rest while they are here. SO far I have had 3 missionaries (ladies) stay at my home. And this is my newest roommate she is here 3 months and working w/ Rahab Uganda she is a true blessing, I will be hosting 3 ladies in late June/early July. They are all from Chicago and I have started a prayer wall were if you have a scripture that hits u while u are w/ me please place it on the wall and if you want give a story. I can’t wait to watch it grow.

 This is us at a 3D movie. 

 Here was my midweek adventure of parking and getting the boot on my tire. I am learning how much I dislike parking downtown and avoid it as much as I can.

Updates about Andrew after many prayers we are so excited to say that he had a procedure done this past week and will not need to have surgery. By the grace of God last week when he was at the hospital a sequence of events brought him to a medical team of doctors from France who could help him w/out having surgery. He has reunited w/ his sisters who have suggested that he go back to the village were family will be able to be around him and there is a cow for milk and a rice field and he will have food and a place to recover.  

Our 16-week business course should be starting in 2- 3 weeks we are still looking for a qualified therapist and know that God will provide the right person. I have been praying a lot for the 5 girls that are yet to a part of this program.  Please join me in covering them, help us pray for wisdom as we look over each applicant and choose the right candidates for the program.

So today and church I was just filled w/ smiles.  The church I attend is pastored by an amazing couple, both of them are Ugandan but had gone to the UK for school and have come back to lead this church.  There mission is to work w/ street boys and they are doing great works. So each Sunday we have anywhere from 5-25 street boys attending church. Today was no exception we had about 30. It started out one or 2 of them fell asleep during the beginning of service, the by the end of service about 85% of them were asleep.  I smiled at 1st thinking oh it must have been great service that those who fall asleep are given that rest and restoration, but then I also feel a heart string tugged in me. The boys are sleeping because it’s a safe environment and it is a rainy day and everyone is a little tired. But then it went deeper, oh these boys are really resting because how well would you sleep in the streets at night. SO I smiled even bigger because God was providing a moment today to renew fully from the inside out and to get some needed sleep but filled w/ the holy spirit as we now he was still working through them during the sermon. 

Praise report:

Andrew will not need surgery,  He was introduced to a French medical team that came in and they were able to assist him. He also has reunited w/his sisters and they are all going to help him go back to his village were they have a place for him to recover and also heal. They have a cow and a rice field and so he will have food and be w/ family. Continue to pray for him as he transitions back into his home and family.

We have all the materials purchased to start the beadwork for the tops of sandals. Please pray for our time spent w/ the ladies..

I was able to move forward w/ the work visa, we made payment Friday and then need to go back next Friday and hopefully pick them up.  God’s gave me a smooth day of getting something accomplished and I just praise him for all of it.

Prayer requests:

We are still in need of a really good trauma councilor that will work w/ the cross boarder trafficking ladies. Our 16-week business course will start in April, and they are key to this project.  We know that God has the right person planned for it, we just ask for God to set up a divine appointment or an encounter that we will meet the right person. Annette our director has been meeting w/ prospective help.

Please pray over the 16 week course we have not yet chosen the 5 ladies that will be attending, may God give us discernment and wisdom in whom we choose to participate. We want this time to be fruitful and something that will be a continued program. We are really excited about it. We loved the pilot project we did and the results so we now that each time we do this we are open to learning more and being stretched in a good way.

Pray for me personally that I will continue to set healthy boundaries and be aware of how important it is to take care of myself.

For travel mercies and protection on the roads each day.  Also that I will be traveling over Easter and that I will have full protection over the trip and car. And get some needed rest and relaxation.

Sandals n NO doubt

Updates: Ladies at the center: We are at 25 girls coming to the drop in center and growing every day. We will be doing two activities during the next 3 months. We have one of the ladies Jennifer who has given up sexually exploiting herself and is trying to make ends meet, she has a 7 month old daughter and was really struggling, we were able to help her with giving some food for suppers and the baby. When we sat down with her we learned that she makes the beaded work for sandals. She only gets 1000 shillings per pair that is .34 cents. We have asked her to teach the girls at the center and what we will do is start a co-op of women who can come together w/ this product and we work together at selling to the wholesale market. As well as give her a little something for teaching a few classes, showing her that her skills can be taught to others. We will see were this leads us and may start making sandals ourselves.  This is just a little something the women can do to gain a little bit of income.  It’s not much, but it’s a start and something to add on as a second job. We will also be making crochet rugs from scraps of fabric; we see this as a means of extra income as well. 

Cross boarder trafficked ladies:

We were awarded a scholarship to pay for 5 girls from cross boarder trafficking to start our 16 week business course, please come a long side of in prayer as we raise the additional funds for teachers and a therapist to come in and work in the training. We are hoping to start and offer it for 10 girls.

We are taking our annual ½ marathon walk and turning it into a 10k that use to be a small event and taking it to the level of a huge annual event.  We are going to be asking a huge corporation to take on the event, please pray as we do a proposal and present this week. We will also do it during the month of July that is Anti Human awareness month in Uganda and use it as a huge campaign of awareness.  Please pray w/ us as we invite the color run and a bank to take on the event.

But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

When I read and re-read this verse over and over I think, WOW, don’t be a wave anymore and what does that look like? . And I think I am the wave at times and I feel like I’m on a wave most of the time. I am not going to lie about it, I think that w/ all the needs and the struggles that I see on a daily basis some days I am not joking I am like GOD I have no idea how your going to do this. I doubt my abilities and I sometimes roll that over to how do I describe it, it’s like your cocking your head sideways and looking at God w/ this face of like really how are you going to do this.  Because God right now I have prayed and cried and prayed and cried and I have been on my knees and I hear all the struggles AND the need for your LOVE to pour out onto the broken world I work in.  I also think that the wave of emotions that I am challenged with, are another wave that can set you into a doubt, one day your celebrating a huge proposal that went through and realizing that the last year of traveling and networking just made your aha moment of that is why you had me there moment. And then the next moment your at the bottom of the wave and hitting the ocean floor because you just spent an hour w/ a trafficked victim and hearing his story. I get to this place of disbelieve of the WORLD and then its this moment of silence and you think GOD how how how are we doing to do this.  God loves me so much he’s like honey just wait I have a plan…. You don’t see it, your in the middle of the fire and just hold on it’s coming. And then these incredible God moments happen and you see lives being changed around you and people choosing GOD and ending the last 7 years of selling yourself on the streets and you hear a testimony of how “I cried out to God and I said I will not return I completely give up my past life and God I am trusting you for everything.”  Just to hear an echo of your own cry to God years past and this WAVE of his love rushes over you and your like he has kept his promise he has taken care of everything you needed. And the prayer you just prayed over this woman is true and he will do the same for her.  And it’s like this one verse makes since because you have been that wave and doubted and yet you have been able to see time and time again his incredible provisions.  I say thank you LORD for the mustard seed, because you new in creating me I was going to stumble and have doubts. SO I say all of this because I want to be real and transparent and honest. To me when I can be as real w/ God and say this is me and I do this, then it’s then that my faith grows and I see how much deeper I have gone w/ him in this relationship.  My prayer life gets stronger and more refined as these moments happen.  You see most of January and part of February it was spiritual warfare here w/ in the ministry. We were seriously under attack, I just keep saying guys the devil is mad, I think it must be that we are going to have an incredible year because we are in the storm.  We are not fully out of it yet, but again as I see God’s works and blessings I am renewed and made to really stop looking at that word DOUBT and start looking at the face of my savior.  He has completely ROCKED my world. 

I also have found a new church community and feel that they are and incredible family. It is a smaller church and called Freedom Church and are based out of the UK. I listened to the pastor today and all I could think about was Jeff Lucas. (a uk pastor who teaches at Timberline church)  The leaders of the church work with street children and have come in to do some discipleship with our girls at the center and it’s been a wonderful journey to watch. 

February the heart month and mine keeps growing w/ love

So I am driving down a side street on the way home because traffic here is beyond crazy. Example I was behind 6 cars to my turn and sat in jam for 25 min.  So back to my side road…… I am driving and I look over and this chicken is at the door of a beauty shop. So I can see 2 women inside and the glass door is shut it’ s early in the morning like 730am. And this chicken is at the glass door looking into the shop and will not be quiet and that is what caught my attention in the 1st place was this chicken being so LOUD and I thought oh I wish I could take a photo right now.  It so was one of those moments all I could think of was what this chicken was saying

            “Girl let me in, Do you see this hair, this is an emergency…. Let me get this do done…. Child open up I really need this weave fixed, my hair is a hot mess……..

If I could have stopped to take the photo I would have, but how do I explain my thought process on why I want to take a photos of there shop and what I am thinking the chicken is saying. These ladies  would have thought I was crazy.  (I am)

I accomplished one big thing this week. I got my documents all turned in for the transfer of the title to my car. I was able to meet the guy I purchased my car from and he works on the boarder of Rwanda/Uganda and I told him what I am here for with trafficking and he said I have your contact number I will be connecting with you.  He was very pleased to have a contact person.  The more awareness we can spread the better, just like a guy at the post office reading my t-shirt. I was wearing the I COUNT –stop human trafficking  (U COUNT) and he said oh how much does that happen here in Uganda it’s not a lot the girls in prostitution like it.  The poor guy got an ear full of info as we sat and talked and people around us listened in on our conversation and got engaged in conversations. I will defiantly be wearing this t-shirt A LOT more….( and could use more t-shirts if anyone wants to send me a care package)

Here’s a wonderful GOD moment. Allen and I go to a school that teaches tailoring we were looking for someone who could teach our girls as the center. We are introduced to the teacher and she happens to have been part of the beginning bible study group called REHMA that birthed Rahab Uganda. She already new all of what we do and has a heart for our girls. So we will be working and starting a small tailoring class that is 2 times a week for the girls. I love how God opens one door and shuts another. So we thought we had 3 or 4 sewing machines that would be donated and that fell through but God gave us a teacher for the class.  “I love the plan.” is what I keep telling myself.  I know God has one, most days I think I have no idea what it is, but I love it.

Today I spent the morning and afternoon with 5 young men all under 18 who have been sexually exploited. A friend of mine has been on an incredible journey w/ God and he is the last person I would have seen been called for this work, But I love how Jesus is using him to speak into these young men’s lives. He invited me to come meet them, because he knows the work I am doing.  I really wasn’t sure what to expect and even when you think I now the game and what is taking place in the world. The world turns around and shocks you again. (heart breaking for what breaks Jesus.) Each one poured out there stories to me and shared their struggles with being sexually exploited. Each one of them just touched my heart and I ask God to just guide me as I meet with them each week. I was able to speak into one of them about condemnation and how God doesn’t like our sins but he loves us unconditionally.  He has loved these young men from the time they were formed in the womb of their mothers. One of the boys is one of those people that if you give him a platform and restore him he is going to make the difference in the world.  I just ask you all for prayers as this young man is physically hurt and in need of an operation and please pray with me that we can find the funds to help them out. The needs are so great but I know that the Lord can provide all we need.  I think the one thing I was not prepared for is the medical and physical implementations of what this does to the bodies of these people. 

 This evil is so real and it is so overwhelming because it’s poverty +10, not only are we working w/poverty we are working with so many more issues know more than ever because of the extremes that poverty has done to 3rd world countries.  People have been desperate to get their basic needs and it has catapulted the sexual trade business. (if I can call it that).  The only way I can describe it and put my head around this is human beings’ have become a commodity. Its sick…. God I am stretched each day to hold on to your promise that you are in control not me. I pray for the wisdom to help those that are around me.  The strength to be on my knees and lay it all at your feet and know that you have them all in your arms. My God is mighty and mountain I am assuring you that he is bigger than you. 

July 2014

July 2014

The last couple of months have been incredibly amazing. 

In May I was able to go to Dearborn Michigan and work with in a Muslim community teaching English as a 2nd language to Muslim women. It was a really neat experience and I had a great connection with the woman that I worked with.  We started talking in class about the restaurants that we went to were Lebanese. And then talked about recipes and so then they brought me breakfast one morning and it was incredible. They had this dish that was like a 20 inch pizza pan and they made this croissant/filo dough bread. It was sooooo good w/ honey on it and Chai tea that is like the African tea I drink. We worked the week a long side of a young man who had recently converted from Muslim to Christianity and to see and hear his transformation and love for God was amazing. He was so on fire about forgiveness, it stuck in my mind that we are forgiven and to hear him talk about the Islamic faith and said that they never forgive; they are not ever taught how to forgive and are always angry at each other. It really hit me

Then June was starting my new internship with Help International. I am so blessed to be working with a Christian organization that is so giving and loving both to our own community and the world. The director Jean Kaye has taken me under her wing and just loved on me.  It was God’s perfect timing to work with her and to partner together as we look forward to my time in Uganda. She is working in Uganda and they have a school that supports 500 children. What a blessing.

And then in the late part of June I went back to New Bern NC for a training called Hands that Heal. It was a really good training on self care for caregivers of trafficked persons and also a great biblical backing on how to work with girls. It was emotionally challenging and I think sometimes we get desensitized and then you go to training like this and it brings so much to the surface on how big this monster is. I felt very overwhelmed and was so ready to not take a step forward anymore. It can be very big at times, then it was the best place to find the encouragement that others feel how overwhelmingly large this is to.  It also makes me realize how important it is to educate people and allow God to move the mountains.

The UPDATES and looking forward

I will be going to Greece in September for a few weeks to train with a lady who does outreaches in the brothels of Athens. I will then just head on to Uganda from Greece and so will be there by October 1st.

Funding I am currently funded for 18 months of the 24 months. PRAISES…….. so excited to see God’s hand in this. Still need monthly partnerships.

Prayer Partnerships Needed.

One of missionary’s biggest needs is to rely on God’s word and be covered in prayer…. We all hear a calling from God may it be here locally in your community or abroad in a country far from where you grew up. We rely on him to provide us guidance and provisions and to be filled with the Holy Spirit each day.  But the biggest thing we need is the covering of prayer. I can get through anything as I rest at his feet and wait upon the Lord. But to have a prayer team is impactful.  This next journey to Uganda will be different from the last visits I have had, I will be there for 2 years and working day in and day out in a ministry that is pretty taxing, and it is affecting both me and the girls I work with.  Most days I feel overwhelmed by how big human trafficking has become and how many people in our world are devastated by this.  The brokenness of these girls is heartbreaking and each day I will be covering myself w/ the armor of God and praying that the Holy Spirit guides me as I give the Love that Jesus has called me to give. Please consider being a prayer partner or intercessor for me.

My thought was that if I could ask for someone to cover me one day a week. Example you can take Monday and each week you pray on that day.  I also will have a prayer email go out each month and it will have prayer points.  If you would like to be a prayer partner please email me at smiles970@gmail.com .  

January CHICKS.......

Many of you may have seen on Facebook i acquired a chicken this week. It is such a blessing that Amos a true friend of mine, graciously gave me a live animal. So a little back ground why this is such an event. When i was working in Kabale Uganda in 2012 the gentlemen i worked with had 500 chickens and when you go to see them in the coop. I am not joking it is creepy to have 500 red eyed birds looking at you and following your every move. I thought of LORD, what if they got loose and pecked at my toes. and if i ran how fast can they follow me. I wear sandels and flip flops 365 days a year. even in snow ask my daughter who commented “Mom your the only person i know who will wear a down jacket and flip flops.” My comment back was baby we are true Colorado girls thats how.  So with all this said i have to say i think the poor thing was more traumatized that I was he actually tied her little legs together and put her in a caviare.(plastic grocery bag) see attached photos. Then he put her on the front handles of his motorcycle and traveled the distance from Fort Colins to Denver. Brought her into the big city and gave her to a white woman.  Who then proceeded in putting her in the boot (trunk of her rav4).  Driving to my house and leaving her in the car until a friend came and took her to his house. Where she has been tied to a tree until her time to become dinner.  And i thought i went through culture shock this poor girl has been through and adventure.  Many loving fans and supporters on facebook wanted to name her. I have not yet heard what my litte sister has come up w/ for her name, but will advise after the suspense of waiting. Amos also brought us carrots and tomatoes and a whole tray of eggs. I took the tomatoes and the carrots to the center so the girls could enjoy them for lunch’s. The eggs i have been enjoying and boiled a few tonight (by the way i placed the water in the pan and they all stood up vertically and cooked this way. i have never seen that)….

So a few updates from Rahab Uganda: 2 weeks ago we had a graduate from the University who graduated as a secondary teacher. equivalent to junior high (crazy girl). And then the following weekend she got married.  Then this past week we had another graduate from University who degreed (is that really a word) in travel and tourism. This particular girl really stole my heart strings as we took her out to lunch. She said the words THANK YOU aren't even enough. I told her that by her graduating and being successful and putting forth the hard work to get her is the THANK YOU that we need. She proceeded to say how she has been w/ Rahab since 2008 and the journey has been hard, the struggles she has gone through and the challenges in her life and how much she has appreciated the efforts and love and work that the trusties have done to make this possible. It was doing the touch down dance.  I was like thank you FATHER for the work your doing in our live and this is why we do what we do and why the devil each morning is like CRAP they are up (the rahab team). 

My life this past week has been filled with proposal writing and I am not very good at it, but am learning the process and I know that we will get the funding we need to make possibilities happen like the two ladies above who graduated University.  And with opportunities coming up we are going to go ahead and do the sewing project we had been advised that we had at least 3 sewing machines that would be donated to us and today that fell threw. Which is ok a little set back but no worries i trust the Lord for provisions for this project and he will at the right time.  Between this project of teaching girls to sew and starting our sustainable income/business we will be looking for funding of 20,000 this will provide a start up project at our drop in center to train girls in tailoring, then after they graduate we can employee them in the business. Our business will be targeting restaurants, cafe’s, hotel, and business’s in making the seat cushions for wicker furniture along w/ designer throw pillows. The market is really good as there is a demand to replace them and to have stylish colors and prints to match the decor. as well as resorts and tourist sights are huge. If you would like to be a financial partner and help raise support. You can sponsor a girls for 500.00 in the tailoring class this will provide her with a 6 month training corse and give her a sewing machine/kit upon graduation giving her the ability to generate income. Or you can give monthly to the project so we can continue to do this 2 times a year. And there is also ways to donate to the business fund so we can supply 20 girls jobs and help sustain Rahab Uganda. I feel so strongly about 3 things in the work and project i want to set up 1. create jobs, 2. that i can be part of a company that we have morning prayer and are based with christian principals, 3. that we are strong advocates of psycho social support and giving a true healing process to each girl.
 If you would like to donate please go to www.cten.org/sarahmiles 

thank you in advance for  your financial support and for loving on me and the girls I am so passionate about.

Anti Human trafficking awareness month January

Hello friend and family:  (sorry the picture is so big i couldn't get the network to load it another way)

today in America it is Anti Human trafficking day.. Praise God for the awareness and that so many people are starting to take efforts in stopping modern day slavery.  Please now that Human trafficking is not a one day event and there are many people around the world effected by this monster daily. I call it a monster because some days it overwhelming, but i need you to know that GOD is mighty and he can part a sea and he can feed thousands on a few loaves of bread and some fish. By praying and lifting  up our voices he honors that and moves the mountains we come to him with.   This past October i was in Greece in the brothels and saw the love of Christ like i have never seen him before. these girls were so hungry for the word of Jesus. I was able to pour out prayer after prayer for girls in brothels. I saw a team as small as 6 woman making a difference in bringing hope to girls in over 400 brothels by visiting and praying each week. GOD IS moving MOUNTAINS there. I have seen the Lord’s hand in the work I am doing in Uganda were we graduated 13 girls from hair dressing and know they have a skill and don’t have to go back into prostitution. We have seen the transformation of the girls first hand and how empowering it is to give her hope again.  NONE of this is done w/out prayer and so please dont’ feel like you can’t get involved you can, FIRST: pray- pray for healing of the girls, Pray that they will seek the LORD and cry out to him, (he has answered them so many times)pray for the traffickers to no longer want to do this work, pray for the john’s who keep the demand, pray for the brothel owners that they have a change in heart and no longer want this business. Pray for the leader’s in countries that they will have harsher laws and follow through. Pray for all those who are in the trench’s every day giving of themselves. 

Second: talk and get involved, bring it up to people to insure that they also know the truths about Human trafficking, join a local organization or come visit me in Uganda.

Third:  be a giving spirit and give to the efforts of those who are convicted one way or another to do the work God has called them to do in fighting this modern day slavery. 

I want you all to know that you have already given and are already a part of this because you have so loved me and prayed for me and with me. You have given generously and given me an opportunity to make a difference in a girls life one at a time…. You are all so amazing thank you. 

Fourth: i just ask that you all will make me a commitment this year to please continue to pray with me. Each day i have to be honest i see more and more prayers answered than ever before they may be little blessings or big ones, but as i see the hearts of the girls coming closer to God and being able to pray with them and encourage them i know that my prayers are being answered over and over again.