June Update
Happy Summer!
Our theme at Catalyst Ministries this month is Fatherhood. It’s challenging to articulate the comprehensive impact of a father on his children. For good or evil, he makes a lasting imprint on them.
For survivors of human trafficking we see this again and again. For the roughly 75% of survivors who experienced violence and abuse in the home, their futures have become more at risk and their vulnerabilities have increased for future abuse outside of the home. A father who is absent or abusive conveys a message that his child has no real intrinsic worth. The message can be one of rejection, confusion and fear.
But God’s plan is so different for children. He desires that they grow up in a home of safety, love and security. His will is that each child would have parents who affirm their worth, speak words of truth and love and also point them towards the matchless love of God, a heavenly Father who sacrificed his own Son for their eternal destiny with Him. See John 3:16!
This month, we applaud the loving fathers who are there for their children - and adult children - in word, deed and their availability of time. What a gift they give their children by providing a home of stability and joy! Those fathers who set an example of reliance on God, in prayer and spending time reading and aligning their life with God’s Word - the Bible - are planting lifegiving habits and lessons in their children that will benefit them all of their lives.
My own father, Jerry Foster, set a beautiful example for my brothers and me, of patience, love and a strong work ethic. We each felt valued by him - and our mother, Roma Foster - and this has been an incredible blessing for all of us. I can’t thank God enough for the rich heritage I’ve received from the happy home I grew up in. My parents both put their trust in Jesus Christ, and the peace they experienced from this decision also made an eternal impact.
God cares about families and he calls us to help strengthen those who are in need.
“Learn to do right, seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.” (Isaiah 1:17 NIV)
One of the women that we’ve had the privilege of knowing and serving through Catalyst Ministries shared about the unsafe environment her father created for her growing up. Though it’s hard for some of us to relate to, it’s a reality for many if not most of the survivors of human trafficking and extreme abuse. God’s desire is that we represent Him and His perfect love to these oppressed and wounded ones. They are, in a sense, “Fatherless”.
As we launch into this summer season, there is an exciting opportunity to “multiply” our efforts by helping others around the country who are seeking to open Restorative Homes, as we’ve done throughout the past 12 years. We know that there is a need for more of these communities of care for survivors, as over half of the states in the US have either no services at all or only one safe home. Ultimately this gives us the opportunity to help more women to find a new life and joyful future, as they receive the care and wrap-around services that they desperately need. We’re excited to say yes to what God is leading us to in coaching, mentoring, and providing supportive assistance. Please be praying for us as we take the strategic steps of faith needed to walk into this season of growth.
Praises and special thanks:
A successful Golf Tournament fundraiser this past spring! We’re grateful for the many volunteers, sponsors, golfers and for Buffalo Creek Golf Club who helped make this day possible!
Churches, individuals and families partnering with us across the country!
Jessica Delzell and her team of volunteers served in May at Catalyst Ranch, to beautifully upgrade our patio and outdoor areas. Following her many hours of hard work on this, her "Eagle Scout Project" over the past year, Jessica has moved closer to obtaining the Eagle Scout rank.
Thank you to those of you who continue to stand with us - in prayer and giving - to help take up the cause and defend these precious ones. You are making a difference!
So very honored to serve alongside you!
Would you consider becoming a Monthly Impact Partner by donating $50 each month? While it may seem modest, your contribution will make a significant difference in advancing our mission.
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"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." —Proverbs 31:8-9