Stepping Into the New Year with Hope in our Eyes

2020 has been a year of adapting. Whenever we felt like we were getting a handle on navigating what 2020 threw at us, it felt like another thing would arise and we would have to start again. This may be a common feeling across the globe with all that happened this year. The outbreak of Covid-19 sent many grappling to navigate the seemingly new world.

With shutdowns and new city and countywide mandates, many companies and organizations were forced to either close down, or reevaluate what working looked like. Like many, the A Way Out office was forced to close its doors for several weeks in the Spring. However, due to the nature of sexual exploitation, we could not close down the ministry. This vulnerable population was left increasingly more vulnerable due to the loss of work, increased homelessness, and lockdowns with abusers and traffickers. We could not close our doors to the vulnerable women God sent our way, and COVID could not shut down the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the women in our program.

In spite of it all, we graduated three women from the Program. Each of them now has a steady and good job, good housing, and a healthy support group to encourage them as they navigate their new lives. Two were able to purchase new cars, and one graduate was welcomed on as part time staff for A Way Out’s House Monitor position.

After three years of estrangement from her family and children, one woman got to reunite with her children. This is truly a miracle from God! For the first time in a long time, she is able to cultivate and live out a relationship as a granddaughter, daughter, and mother.

We have one woman, who is soon to graduate herself, begin her first semester of college! A huge step for her to live out her dream of becoming a counselor to vulnerable children. Although college looked very different this year, our girl thrived and made high grades! She has worked hard, and her professors love her. We are very proud!

The Lord also brought us many new faces to help the ministry continue its work. Volunteers signed up and and poured their hearts out on the women and this ministry. We truly could not do what we do without each one of our volunteers, and each one stepped up ready to help in any way needed. This included picking up groceries when we were quarantined in our homes due to COVID, taking the women to appointments, on fun outings, or cooking them dinner. Each volunteer is a blessing from the Lord.

Our Executive Director, Russ White came down with COVID near the end of the year, and was hospitalized in critical condition for several weeks. God truly provided a miracle, and Russ is now recovering well at home with his wife! He was even able to spend the Christmas holidays with her in the comfort of their home. We are so thankful to the Lord renewing Russ’ life!

Although this year was one of the most difficult to navigate that we can remember, the Lord did not abandon us. At first, it looked as if we would not be able to make our financial goals for the year. We understand the the pandemic left many struggling financially, however, by the grace of God the and generosity of our donors, we have reached our financial goal for 2020! We can genuinely say that God Is With Us and has Blessed Us! We come to the end of one of the most intense years to date in the arms of the Father.

2020 has taught us that only God is in control, and we do not have the power. We have come close to our weakness, and leaned more deeply on the Father of Lights. This is our HOPE for 2021, that we may grow more deeply into the heart of Jesus. That we may love the lost, vulnerable, and broken.

We pray that the peace and hope that surpasses all understanding will be with you in this New Year!

Happy New Year!

- A Way Out Ministries