WE are ABLE to Fight for Justice

A woman at my church felt called to get a group together to help stop the sex-trafficking that goes on heavily in the world. In January, this lady met with my college group (Engage Ministry) to tell us about how we could help. What we didn't all know was that sex trafficking IS in America... it has no limit and it's everywhere. We were told that during the Super Bowl every year, pimps bring their sex slaves to that city for entertainment purposes. This woman found an organization (i'm keeping the name private) that has found a successful way to rescue these abducted girls (and boys). The founder of this non-profit organization was actually taken from Michigan. When she was rescued she knew she needed to stop this madness.

Every year, this group buys several boxes of soaps. Then, they print stickers with their sex-trafficking help hotline phone number, and they put the stickers on the soap packaging. Since these poor girls are always needing to look their best, when they leave hotels they take all the soaps with them.



The company then calls all the hotels in the city or near the city that hosts the Super Bowl every year to tell them about their organization. The hotels that agree to accept this company's soap not only gets FREE soap for a few weeks, but they also choose to fight for justice.

On January 29th, I met with a group of volunteers who were willing to help. Speakers from this anti-sex trafficking organization trained us and equipped us to help out. They had us pasting stickers on soap for an hour, and then they sent us off to specified hotels in Indianapolis.

My group had 5 people: Megan, Mark, Trey, Carlos, and I. We were given only 2 hotels, and they had not agreed to take soap, so we were pretty nervous. Before getting out of the car my group would pray for the hotel, the workers, for our presentation, and for the customers. Then, three people would go in one to talk, one to handle the pamphlets, and the other to take notes. One hand out was a booklet of local missing people (Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Illinois, Kentucky). The other paper had instructions for how to react if a hotel recognizes a girl.

The first hotel we arrived at had absolutely no interest in helping. It was kind of sad, and in my opinion, we could not do much more than be kind to the manager and leave her be.

The second hotel that we went to did not have their manager present, so they could not officially agree to put out our soaps. However, they took a box of five hundred bars just in case their manager was up for it. One guy at that hotel really stuck out to me. I could tell that he really, truly cared for this cause and wanted to get involved. This guy's attitude really touched me, and it was particularly relieving after experiencing the other hotel's manager. The other guy next to him was more reserved and professional.

At the end of our trip I have to admit that it was some what disappointing. It was not fun to be a part of something big, and have no idea if my group really did anything at all to help besides pray. However, we did plant seeds. I tried to keep positive about it and to be grateful for the experience. I knew that whatever happens is in God's hands and that I just needed to continue to trust Him and not doubt Him.

Well, I was ecstatic to hear a month later that the soaps in Indianapolis hotel ended up rescuing
14 girls!!!!!!! I am so excited. I don't know if any other groups besides Engage went out to deliver soaps, but the feeling of being a part of something great and fighting for justice is absolutely irreplaceable. Fighting for justice is becoming my passion.

Here's one of the news reports I could find regarding this issue.

And now, as Invisible Children's cause gets BIG. As the war criminal Joseph Kony becomes famous.. I encourage all of you who have a heart for this issue to GET INVOLVED! Spread the word, go to Cover the Night events, donate money, PRAY, and do whatever you can to help. God can use you in ways that you can't imagine. Please, just.. LET HIM. Trust Him and let Him use you. You will not be disappointed.

#STOPKONY

My 19th Birthday Challenge.. (The Radical Experiment)

A year ago on my 18th birthday, one of the gifts my boyfriend got me was the book Radical by David Platt. Since I am the kind of girl that will read several books at once, I was reading too many to start Radical right away. In October my mentor and I started reading Radical and we just finished it recently. At the end of the book Platt gives readers 5 challenges to fulfill:

1. Pray for the entire world
2. Read through the entire Word
3. Sacrifice my money for a specific purpose
4. Spend time in another context
5. Commit my life to a multiplying community

I thought what better way then to start this challenge on my 19th birthday (February 23rd) and be transformed in my last teenage year in a radical way for God!

For challenge #1 I'm getting this awesome One Year Woman's Study Bible for my birthday. This One Year Bible consists of daily Old Testament readings, New Testament readings, Psalms, and Proverbs.

As suggested by my mentor and Platt in Radical, I will be praying daily for the world using a book called Operation World for challenge #2. This prayer book is laid out to pray for different countries daily. It consists of information about each country such as how many Christians live there, the dominant religion, economic stance, major needs and  other informative details.

For challenge #3, I will be sending a monthly donation to Voice of the Martyrs.. to support persecuted Christians throughout the world.

I will be going to Kenya on June 7-18 2012, so challenge #4 is going to be covered! Check out my Kenya blog... click here!

For challenge #5, I feel like I am already doing that with church and Engage Ministry, which is a college ministry at my church. However, I can always be more involved then I currently am. I think it would be wonderful to mentor a younger girl or be involved in a woman's small group or bible study that would help me commit to this challenge.

Overall, I am so very excited to begin this on my 19th birthday! I am looking forward to seeing what God will do with me in a year. Radical is an amazing book that truly changed my whole perspective on God's call for His followers and opened my eyes to a lot of truths. I am so excited to grow and learn.

Kenya Blogging

http://erikagoestokenya.blogspot.com/



Go to that blog! This is where I will be updating viewers
on my Kenya missions trip progress.

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms from Epicurious.com

Okay so I HAD to share a stuffed mushrooms recipe I found online- this tasted too dang good! I give it double thumbs up! 

WHY I LOVE JESUS AND HATE RELIGION's lazy, faithless tendencies

Alright. Well, Jeff Bethke's "Why I Love Jesus and Hate Religion" video has gone viral, and I am extremely excited about that. When God is honored in all we do, amazing things happen!


I have read a lot of NEGATIVE responses and disagreements to this video that I have thought over.
Truly, the only wrong I see with Jeff's wording is that Jesus specifically hates religion. Now, I believe that Jesus HATES when people worship other gods in their own frail religion; however, regarding Christianity and Catholicism I believe that Jesus hates when His proclaimed "followers" stay pew sitters. Pew sitters make church a routine. They fail to be engrossed in God's word. They fail to talk to God and pray. They fail to be humble and self-less. They fail to have a GENUINE RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS. Honestly, the only thing they care about in their "religion" is that they attend church. How is that any different than a Colts fan going to every game? You're just going. Does this Colts fan necessarily know Peyton Manning... NO! Now that was a sketchy example, but I think you get my point.




Here's how it is. We are all imperfect human beings who make mistakes and backslide. Though we can never be perfect on this earth because no person can own up to God's eternal sovereignty; God washes us clean, helps us see, and makes us right. Going to church does not. Going to church simply helps us learn more about God and fellowship with others. Going to church presents us with opportunities to lead and be led. God calls us to have relationships with other people. On top of learning new things about God, church provides opportunities for a person to have relationships with other people that share the same beliefs.


A huge argument that people have against this video is that some believe that Jeff is suggesting that we don't need the "rules and guidelines of a religion" since Jeff "Loves Jesus But Hates Religion." By paying attention to the video Jeff states, "Now let me clarify: I love church, I love the bible, and yes I believe in sin." By this line it's obvious that Jeff is NOT saying that we are free to make up our own rules and excuses either. By following Jesus (as Jeff says we should be doing instead of following the routines of a religion), and in turn following the Bible that was God-breathed, we're following God's Word and commands.


Jeff Bethke is trying to send a message to our world that we need to do more than be "religious". We need to take ownership of our faith and stop thinking that going to church is all we need from a religion. Jeff was showing us more of who Jesus is as a savior so we will stop putting our religions (Christianity and others a like) on a pedestal instead of our Savior, Jesus. 


We all need a wake up call once in awhile. We need spiritual check-ups. Are we being real in our faith or are we just trying to not burn in hell one day? Because, let me be blunt, simply going to church once a week is not what saves us from the fiery pits of hell. Jesus does. 

180 Movie

If I could make the whole world watch one half hour video... I would want them to watch this. Please watch!

If you are pro-abortion... watch this. If you're pro-life... watch this. Everyone please watch.

ACV Results & Other Skin Treatments

        A month ago I blogged about using Apple Cider Vinegar on my breakouts. So now I think it's time to reveal what I've noticed. Since ACV does not contain Salicylic Acid or even Benzyl Peroxide, it does not have the ability to kill zits. However, ACV does kill bacteria so it can play a part in preventing future breakouts and getting dirt off of your face. ACV is not the only resource I use on my face, but it is included in my daily face wash routine.

       Here are some examples of products you should NOT use...

WASTE OF MONEY:

Yes, folks, even ProActiv does not work.

Anyways, here is my day-to-day skin treatment plan. I have a morning routine and a night routine.

Morning:

Step 1: Dial Soap 

I like to use this basic, unscented bar of soap to cleanse my face right away. Usually I scrub the heck out of my face with it, even though I probably should be gentler. As long as your bar of soap in unscented and you avoid eye-contact, it should do its job.

STEP 2: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash

Not only is this product Dermatologist-recommended because it says so on the container, but my boyfriend's mom, who is a nurse at a Dermatology clinic, and a family-friend/Pharmacist suggested it to me. The Pharmacist I know actually handed me a new bottle and said, "Take it- I have several upstairs." 

Along with two professionals telling me to use Neutrogena, I have seen a difference in my face because of it. It also feels nice and tightens up pores.

Step 3: Hydrogen Peroxide

I have used Hydrogen Peroxide for years. If you have a huge, whoppin zit; simply take a Q-tip, dip it in the liquid, and then apply to blemish. I like to hold it on a zit until it turns white. For it to turn white, you usually have to pop it first. The Hydrogen Peroxide cleans and dries your zit out. It has always worked for me. Dermatologists DO NOT recommend this, however, I do. (:

Step 4: Moisturizer

I like to wait maybe 10-20 minutes after washing my face to put on lotion so it has time to air out. I love, love, love my Gold Bond lotion. I will never, ever change brands. I specifically like to use the kind with Aloe because Aloe is so good for your skin. I don't like to only use Aloe in the summer time. I figure that Aloe can help repair skin, so why not use it year round? I think that as long as your lotion is fragrance-free it will properly treat your face.

Step 5: Acne Vitamins

So since in the above steps I have cleansed my face, I also need to be clean internally. Immediately after eating a fulfilling meal, I take these pills. Absolutely DO NOT take these on an empty stomach or you will probably vomit. I made the mistake of taking these pills 3 hours after lunch. I had awful stomach pain and ate an entire pack of saltine crackers. My stomach calmed down, so luckily I did not get sick. It is suggested to take these with a meal so the pills digest with the food you consume. They require 2 tablets daily and these should last you 50 days if you take them religiously like I do. I would also suggest purchasing a multi-vitamin to take daily as well.

Night:

Step 1: Apple Cider Vinegar

   I like to use ACV to take off foundation and cover up. I usually use one cotton ball to take it all off, and then another to go over my face again. I like to close my eyes and let it sit for a few minutes. Sometimes I will lay on my bed with my eyes closed with the fan on above me. This stuff will make your face tingle if you do not have sensitive skin. If you skin is sensitive then be careful how often you use it. There was a time when I used this stuff 3 times a day, and after a few days my face dried out. Be careful!





Step 2: Dial Soap.. Again

I use this soap to get all of the ACV off of my face. Not only because ACV stinks, but I do not want to risk it staying on my face and drying it out. Sometimes in the morning I use ACV then Dial, and then at night just Dial. I like to change it up. However, I always use ACV to take off make-up.




Step 3: OXY Acne Pads

This stuff is TOUGH. If you have sensitive skin, do not use these pads unless you're careless about having an aching face. I have read great-reviews on it, but it's also highly BFF-recommended. (;

I scrub my face and neck with this stuff until I dry out the pad. My face gets red after use because of how hard I scrub. I love this stuff and it works very well.






Step 4: Lotion... again

Always keep moisturized!







Guys, this has been my face plan for the past month, and it has been very successful. If you could see the difference in my face from the beginning of September until the end you would probably be more convinced to use this stuff. This method works so well for me. None of my products have Benzyl Peroxide in them, so if you're allergic like I am, these will be fine.

Please remember that on top of cleaning your face, maintaining good hygiene, and caring for your external health you have got to stay internally healthy too. That is exactly why I take my multi-vitamins. On top of the vitamins, one must eat balanced meals, drink lots of water, and exercise. I struggle with having a balanced diet, and eating junk will not clean up my face at all. I know that water is all I drink, so I knew my breakouts were probably happening from bad eating habits and lack of exercise. I decided to change my life-style and I am very thankful I did.

Lastly, please know that you will either have Toxic Acne or Hormonal Acne. Since I have Toxic Acne, which is easiest to treat, my plan will most likely work best for those who have Toxic Acne too. If you have Hormonal Acne or you are unsure, take a visit to your Dermatologist if nothing on the internet can help you.