| | | | Hi All,
Recent Independence Day celebrations have had me thinking about what motivated the foundational American spirit and passion, and how those core values are similarly woven into the DNA of our team. Certainly, there are a lot of complicated layers to the early history of America (and that's not our conversation today), but it's never a waste of time to consider core purpose and vision - why do we do what we do at Out of Darkness? God has established the vision of Atlanta Dream Center to see every life RESTORED and FREE! Our driving purpose is to see not just victims of exploitation, but also perpetrators, buyers and our communities at large living whole lives radically restored by the love of Jesus and free from exploitation, violence and lies. This requires more than compassion, but seeing ourselves and others the way God sees us - valuable, made in His image, worthy of love.
This past week I was with several of our team members leading a community training and listening to one of our graduates share the testimony of her life. She bravely shared how the heartbreaking effects of neglect, abandonment, domestic violence, addiction, and shame led to devastation, loss of custody, prostitution, jail time, and hopelessness. Then, she encountered the Out of Darkness jail team and a seed of hope of God's love for her was planted. After entering the safe home and fighting her way through almost 2 years of longterm recovery programming, she now stands strong and joyful, speaking out for others and pouring into women who've been where she was. She has seen family and dreams restored. While she is still facing and journeying through really tough days and loss, she is truly living... restored and free!
This is what it's all about - seeing the love of God bring miraculous restoration and freedom, and walking with brave men and women while they journey through the healing process. Even on the most difficult days, what a joy it is! This is what you're a part of, and it's a whole community effort! Praying that God would remind you of the strength and joy He's empowered you to show to each person you encounter.
Joyfully,
Mel Meyer
Director of Out of Darkness | | | | | | | | | | | |
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