November 13, 2009
Hey friends! I want to share with you something I've learned about this year--I think it's awesome! And since Christmas is right around the corner, it's perfect timing...

I've found 10 different online stores that sell really cute things like purses, bags, jewelry, clothing, shoes, and lots of other great gifts that help people in a very real way. Many of the products have been made by trafficking survivors (victims of sex and labor slavery) - giving them a great job and helping them afford the aftercare they so need.

To highlight a few, Thistle Farms, is a business in Nashville, Tennessee, operated by women who are receiving aftercare from a life of prostitution and drug addiction - they make wonderful lotions and hand soaps. One of my favorite stores is Punjammies! Punjammies are really cute PJ pants made by women in an aftercare home in India. These women have been rescued out of a life of forced prostitution (sex trafficking) and are rebuilding their lives. Every Punjammie purchase creates a fair trade wage, it gives financial support to the aftercare program, and supports the building of similar aftercare homes to be able to help more women.

And that's just two of the stores I've found! I don't know about you, but I think making purchases that actually help people in need is a LOT better than buying at "normal stores."

So, if this is something that peaks your interest, you can check out the online stores listed below. And if you want to join this Cause on Facebook and tell your friends about it, here's that link: Help End Slavery By Buying Great Gifts For Your Loved Ones.

I'd love feedback on the different stores, so please leave some comments! Happy shopping, friends! :)

NOT FOR SALE STORE

THE BODY SHOP

LIGHT GIVES HEAT

31 BITS DESIGNS

NIGHTLIGHT

PUNJAMMIES/Intl Princess Project

SSEKO DESIGNS

SERRV

BAJALIA TRADING COMPANY

ASHA IMPORTS

INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE MISSION HOLIDAY STORE

WORLD VISION GIFT CATALOG

November 6, 2009
Wow! Thanks to all who made last night's Epic so GREAT! Seriously, we've heard from so many of you already saying that you really enjoyed the night. So did we!

It was sooooo cool to hear from Amber, Jeff and Mike about how God has been working through their loving, humble, giving hearts. They hang out in Ocean Beach a couple nights a week building friendships with the locals, offering a listening ear, sometimes prayer, and through a warm fire. As Manny talked about in his message, they are perfect examples of those who "redeem the time" that God presents. God's love draws us near so that we can love Him in return and then share that love with others. Woohoo! :O)

Our night ended with a very fun and practical activity. It might sound corny, but I felt like it was such a bonding time for all of us! We were able to put together 100 burritos and 100 kits to be delivered to the homeless in OB and downtown. Plus, we collected 6 large bins of clothing, blankets, and shoes. We are so blessed by your generous and caring hearts. God's love is being shown very tangibly through you.

Well, if you'd like to join us as we deliver the burritos and kits, we're going TOMORROW and THIS TUESDAY...

- Saturday, Nov 7 - meet us at the stairs next to the Lower Campus Chapel at 10:30 am.
- Tuesday, Nov 10 - meet us at the flagpole in front of SDCC at 5:30 pm.

We'll caravan and/or carpool over. Hope you can make it out!

Lots of love,
The Epic Team

November 4, 2009
So, despite my less than mediocre attempt at communicating (don't know what my deal was tonight!), I am sooooo encouraged by what happened at the International Justice Mission Movie & Prayer Night! The Rock Church's Young Adult Ministry hosted this event and it was awesome to see God move...

• Highlight of the evening!!! A girl came up afterwards and said, "It no coincidence that this is my first time attending the Young Adult Ministry at the Rock. Since I was in high school, I have felt a calling to help those who are trafficked, but recently I haven't done much to help. Not really knowing what the agenda for tonight was, I prayed that God would confirm His call on my life, somehow. He sure made it clear by you sharing about IJM!" YEAH! God is soooooo good. I got chills as she told me her story. We plan on grabbing coffee to talk more about where God is leading her. So exciting!
• We collected $95 in donations for IJM.
• 100 people filled out Abolition Postcards to be sent to our Senator and Representative requesting their support of the Child Protection Compact Act.
• At least 5 people expressed interest in volunteering with Hidden Treasures Ministry at the Rock Church.
• And a handful of others came up to say thanks and that they're very excited to get involved in this cause.
• Plus, it was a SWEET time of worshipping the Lord & prayer.

November 2, 2009
I just watched a super encouraging video of my dear friends, Ashley and Beto Lagunas, who are heading up an outreach team in Israel. The love they have for God and people is inspiring and God is definitely working through them! They've been there since around July and were originally scheduled to be there through December, but their funds are running out and might have to come back early. If you're interested in giving to their mission trip, you can give online at www.betashgarden.com. Your donation will allow them to continue spreading the love of Jesus in Israel (and is also tax-deductible).


Here's a video that will give you a tiny glimpse into what they've been doing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyQzXB3w0Zw

November 1, 2009
Every good and perfect gift is from above. -James 1:17a

Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. -Psalm 103:2-5a

I will make you [mine] forever, showing you righteousness and justice, unfailing love and compassion. I will be faithful to you and make you mine, and you will finally know me as the Lord. -Hosea 2:19-20

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. -Ephesians 2:8

Beautiful song/video about God's goodness: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbi1yCdN8eg