I am preparing to attend a Community of Practice this week organized by the American Bible Society. This annual gathering includes an opportunity to network and learn from those committed to domestic and global trauma healing. This year’s theme is “We are Sojourners: Refugees & Trauma.” It is an appropriate theme in a glaring, growing…
Today I attended the sentencing hearing for a local human trafficker. Over the last 2 years since his arrest, VAST (Valley Against Sex Trafficking) Coalition, has sought to work alongside law enforcement and prosecutors by providing stabilizing support for 7 of the victims. The room was glaringly empty. A newspaper reporter, and a couple…
January 11 is designated National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. It is a day devoted to becoming more aware or making others aware that Human Trafficking is prevalent not only around our world, but in our own towns. It exists within our neighborhoods. Our initial response to learning of human trafficking is to accept its existence…
My counseling work continues to challenge and shape me in my understanding and expression of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Entering into the hearts and minds of those who have been broken, grieved, and rejected inevitably becomes a mirror into my own heart and mind, challenging my beliefs and my own reactions to evil and…
Several weeks ago I wrote a reflective response after visiting Congolese refugees in Louisville, Kentucky. Little did I know that 2 websites would choose to post this article during such a controversial week on the topic. I wrote it, considering the growing reality of refugees in our country and around our world, as a challenge…
I am thankful to Sojourners’ Online Magazine for publishing something I have written: Listening to Trafficking Survivors This piece includes some reflections of my work with human sex trafficking survivors in the Lehigh Valley, PA region. It’s not only a challenge to be aware of issues of injustice that impact our communities, but to also…