Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Here We Go!


Dear Family and Friends,

“How do I put it all in a letter?” That’s what came to mind when I set out to start this note. Over the past two years, I’ve come to realize a portion of the narrative that God has been writing into my life all along. You see, I’ve always liked the left-out ones:  The runts of the litter of kittens, the kids no one liked at school, and the situations that normal people run from. I don’t know why, but I’m drawn to them.

I like to tackle big problems. But big problems, as I’ve learned, begin to be solved with small steps of obedience.

On January 5th, 2010, when I was in Romania for the first time, I met a woman named Nicoletta. She was definitely an outcast. She grew up as a Romanian orphan, and, like most orphans, she didn’t have anyone looking out for her. As a teenager, Nicoletta was tricked by an older man and sold into a life of prostitution. She didn’t choose it, and she knew how shameful her life was. She was in a pretty horrible place. I was college sophomore then, just a regular 20-year-old from the Midwest, and I got to be the one to share God’s love with this precious daughter of His! I got to tell her about Jesus, about His rich, unselfish love for her, about His sacrifice, and then, I got to see the hope in her eyes.

I was changed by this encounter with despair and hope. I knew that slavery still existed in the world, but I had never come face to face with it before. Later, I learned that in today’s world, there are 27 million people living in slavery, many of them with situations similar to Nicoletta’s.

I’m at the stage in life where everyone is making big life decisions, and I’ve realized something recently:  Everyone, everyday, is giving their lives to something or someone.  Sixteen years ago, I chose to give my life to Someone, and today, I know a bit more about where we’re going. In the Bible, Jesus talks a lot about the new life that’s possible inside of His rescuing love, and I want to be a part of that, of not only physical freedom from destructive circumstances, but of spiritual freedom that’s eternal. 

The problem of human trafficking is seemingly insurmountable. 27 million is a number I can’t quite wrap my mind around.  But it all starts with just one, just one step of obedience on my part and hope in the heart and eyes of just one woman, like Nicoletta. That’s what I want to be about.

I have the great privilege to begin this crazy journey with people who have already walked the path. On January 4th, I’ll fly to a six-month training with Generation 42 Leadership Academy in Mijas, Spain to learn the practical steps of managing a non-profit organization and working in the restoration of women who have been trafficked. I’m very excited to be able to learn from people who have the practical experience of doing what I would like to do. My eventual goal is to run my own restoration house: a place where women can come to be healed and equipped to live full lives in Jesus and the community. I’m excited, nervous, and certain that I have no idea what I’m getting myself into. (Thankfully, He does.)

I fully realize that I cannot, and should not, do this alone.

I need your help. I need your encouragement (daily), your financial support (to tune of $6300), and most of all, your prayer (fervently!). I believe that prayer is one of the most powerful tools we have, so even if you’re not a praying person, I would love it if you would pray for me.

The problem is enormous; there is so much darkness and pain in the world, but I believe that there is incredible reason to hope and work passionately towards the end of problems like human trafficking. The reason for my hope is Jesus. The world is in turmoil; we all know that. A battle rages each and every day, but He wins, my friends, Jesus wins. I’ve seen it in my own life, and I’ve seen it in Nicoletta’s.

The Bible describes this life as a race, and I firmly believe that this is the track He’s chosen for me to run in.  I don’t know all that lies ahead, but I do know that Jesus is trustworthy, and that anywhere He leads me is right where I need to be. I’m running towards Him. Will you join me?
Much love, prayer, and thanks,

Jenny

Join me: 
Pray: Ask that my time in Spain would advance God's Kingdom. 
Spread the word: If you know anyone who might be interested in this letter, pass it on! 

With questions, comments, and advice: 
Email: jenny.tokheim@gmail.com
Call/Text: 507.236.3070




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