Do you sometimes find it hard to connect with your community?

As an introvert by nature, it can be a struggle for me sometimes—especially in a new city!

So, I’ve learned that I have to be intentional.

I (not someone else) must take the first step—no matter how far out of my comfort zone it may be!

Why?

Because that’s what’s Christ has called me to do—be His hands & feet in a broken, hurting world. And to share His message of hope, forgiveness of sins & eternal life with those who’ve never heard it.

And what better place to begin than where He has currently planted us?

It can become so easy, especially in the New Year, to focus on our own goals and let serving others fade into the background.

But the Lord calls us to go.

So, that’s what I want to share with you today! What exciting adventures we’ve been up to this month.

Well, I’m so thankful to say that we’re finally starting to feel settled.

However, as 2023 began, my husband and I both had the conviction that it was time to be more proactive & take deeper root in our community.

We found out that there’s a Christ-centered ministry not far from us called Hope Center Indy. They provide refuge to women who have been rescued from sex trafficking.

So we headed down to the center the other Saturday for a tour by the founder, Herbert Nolan. It was amazing to see all that God has done since 2016.

Hope Center Indy

As you enter, you find yourself in “Redefined Hope” a quaint boutique, complete with a coffee shop + hair salon. When you make a purchase it goes to help support the ministry.

Hope Center Indy “Take Heart” Residential.

The inspiration for the name “Take Heart” came from Matthew 9:20-22

A woman said, “If only I can touch His garment I will be made well”. Jesus turned and seeing her, He said, “Take heart daughter, your faith has made you well.”

Matthew 9:20-22

Art Therapy

One hallway was decorated with artwork of women who had been residents. Each gives a glimpse into the heart of the women.

Other Ministries

Since establishing in 2016, Hope Center Indy has multiplied its ministry.

They now have a food pantry for the community, a center to serve children with severe autism is also located on their campus, and they will soon begin ministry to women who have suffered domestic violence.

Also, the reach of their ministry now extends much farther than the city limits—as far as Thailand!

Below is a pic of a barn they built where a policeman is training K-9s to be able to detect the smell of a certain chip in cell phones and computers.

Then, they send the K-9 to another state or country to try and find evidence against those who are exploiting people and in turn deliver adults and children trapped in this industry. (One of their dogs ended up on Fox News after it’s first warrant because the bust was so big!!)

They center has sent in total 100 dogs to 40 states here in the US along with Thailand, Canada and are training more for Costa Rica & Guatemala!

Endless opportunities to serve are available. So we are praying about how the Lord wants us to support this ministry both as a family and as a church. This Saturday we have plans to take another tour with some of the leaders from our church. ❤️

To know more or support this ministry, you can check it out here: Hope Center Indy

And find your free Sex Trafficking Awareness Prayer Guide that I posted here!

Reaching Out to the Community: “He’s not Here! He is Risen” Drama

Back in 2020, along with a friend, I wrote a 3-Act Play for Resurrection Day.

It’s from the point of view of the women who were with Jesus during His ministry and were the first to know He was raised from the grave.

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“Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. 2 But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. 3 Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. 5 Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, 7 saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’ ”

8 And they remembered His words. 9 Then they returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who told these things to the apostles.”
Luke 24:1-10 (NKJV)

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In spring of 2020, at our previous church in KY, we had 2 groups practicing (1 in English + 1 in Spanish) to perform it in a local mobile home community.

We were going to have an outreach with a carnival in the morning with games focused on the resurrection. Then in the evening we would serve hot dogs, popcorn & refreshments. And the residents could enjoy the dramas (in English & Spanish)!

But then…the Shutdown…and no plays…

Now, we are preparing to present it in a park to our Spanish-speaking community. (We’ll see what the Lords plans are!)

So prayers for that please!

This week I’m planning on uploading the drama for you to have as a free download and use as an outreach if you’d like!!

Check back to download your copy of “He’s not here, He is Risen!” drama for free in English or Spanish!

And as always,

Be Kind. Be Encouraging. Be a Multiplier!

Love Lauri

How are you connecting with your community? Let me know in the Comment section below!

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