Johnson Oatman Jr’s song “Count your Blessings” is an apt reminder about where our optimism and hope are to come from.

“When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done…“

Indeed, counting blessings can be an intentional act that counteracts what can feel at times like a long and sometimes discouraging winter and COVID-19 season.

We had a number of blessings to count, looking back on the pandemic season. Among them: a young woman in our sex trade exit program was saved from homelessness, accepted Christ as her Saviour, and completed a job training program. This leaves her with a more positive outlook towards the future.

Another woman we work with secured a full-time job, and was able to continue working from home during the pandemic.

One of the women we work with has renewed her faith in Jesus, and now reads the Bible every day, and has been attending worship services online.

We assisted someone with the purchase of a blood pressure monitor, which equipped her to take better care of her health.

All of the women in our exit program have been safe during the pandemic, and none have returned to their previous lifestyle.

We were also able to support a number of single-parent families by providing for their practical needs.

In addition, we have successfully piloted a social media outreach program to women in the sex trade, which will create new ways to reach those who might benefit from our support.

We thank God for sustaining the health of our team members, and for the addition of new staff and several interns that have allowed our ministry to continue!