A passion for justice

This is another great link with valuable information from IJM. Being informed is so important.
Bethany Hoang is from the International Justice Mission (IJM). IJM is a human rights agency that brings rescue to victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. IJM's justice professionals work in their communities in 15 field offices in Asia, Africa and Latin America to secure tangible and sustainable protection of national laws through local court systems.

A passion for justice | Library | Centre for Public Christianity
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This interview with Bethany Hoang completely sums up my thoughts and how I have been feeling. The issue is so HUGE and it seems impossible to stop the evil that is going on with modern day slavery. But the biggest thing I learnt when watching the Half The Sky documentary the other night was that it is a HUGE issue but if you can change even ONE life than it is worth it. When we listen to the stories and watch the documentaries and the news it is easy to become overwhelmed and feel defeated before even beginning. But we need to put ourselves into the mindset that if WE were the ones being sold into human trafficking than we would HOPE that someone would come and help us, rescue us from the pits of hell (because that is what these children, women and men are living in when they are being tortured and raped and held against their own will; sold by their own family).

So what is out call? Our duty? Our obligation as people who have the money, resources and knowledge? I am still working out these questions in my own mind but like Bethany Hoang said, we need to become informed.

"We cannot blame the dark for being dark, but we can blame the light for not shinning on the darkness."  

We cant do everything, but we CAN do something

The thought keeps running through my mind over and over again, "But what can I do?" I want to do so much but what? I can send money and pray. To things that seem so boring lol....right? (Or am I the only one that feels that way sometimes? Don't judge me I am just being honest).  But HONESTLY money and prayer are two very important and powerful tools.  Organizations need money to fund their projects, children need sponsorship and countries overwhelmed with evil are in serious need or intercessory prayer. But what else can we do? GET EDUCATED. GET CONNECTED. BECOME AWARE. If I do not fully understand the need that I will not be moved within my heart to seek change.  Who changes their lives for something or someone they know nothing about? 

So here are a few of my favorite websites and links that I have been on constantly. Reading, watching, learning.  I feel like my mission right now is just that. So I hope you will be inspired to watch these videos and read the links. 

Also, I just recently contacted Agape International Mission and they sent me a pamphlet and dvd in the mail for free and it was very educational. Another great one everyone is talking about is the Half the Sky documentary (go to www.pbs.org/halfthesky)

Daughters Of Cambodia 

http://www.daughtersofcambodia.org/sponsor_girl.php

The Pink Room Trailer

http://vimeo.com/thepinkroom/trailer
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Agape International Missions

www.agapewebsite.org

The mission of AIM is to prevent child sex trafficking in Cambodia and restore hope to its victims by providing holistic aftercare to rescued victims, be equipping and mobilizing the church to take action and by building church sponsored community centers in sex trafficking hot spots.

International Justice Missions

www.ijm.org

IJM is a human rights agency that brings rescue to victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. IJM lawyers, investigators and aftercare professionals work with local officials to secure immediate victim rescue and aftercare, to prosecute perpetrators and to ensure that public justice systems-police, courts and laws-effectively protect the poor.

Chab Dai

www.chabdai.org

The vision behind Chab Dai (literally "joining hands" in Khmer) was founded in Cambodia in 2005. Chab Dai aims to bring an end to trafficking and sexual exploitation through coalition building, community prevention, advocacy and research. In addition to the office in Cambodia, the vision of Chab Dai has been expanded into the USA and Canada

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Buttercream

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Buttercream

Pumpkin Cupcakes

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1 cup packed light-brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.Line cupcake pans with paper liners; set aside.  In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice; set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the  brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, and eggs. Beat on medium speed until well combined.  Add dry ingredients, and mix on low until smooth. Fold in pumpkin puree. 

Divide batter evenly among liners, filling each about halfway. Bake until tops spring back when touched, and a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes, rotating pans once if needed. Transfer to a wire rack; let cool completely.

Makes ~ 18 cupcakes.

Source: Adapted from MarthaStewart.com.

Salted Caramel Buttercream

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 stick salted butter
• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 cups powdered sugar

In a saucepan, stir together granulated sugar and water.  Bring to a boil over medium high heat.  Cook without stirring until mixture turns a deep amber color, about 10 minutes.  Remove from heat and slowly add in cream and vanilla, stirring until very smooth.  Let caramel cool for about 20 minutes, until it is just barely warm and still pourable. Alternatively, you could use just under 1/2 cup of your favorite caramel sauce.

In a mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat butter and salt together until lightened and fluffy.  Reduce speed to low and add powdered sugar.  Mix until thoroughly combined.

 

Scrape down the side of the bowl and add the caramel.  Beat on medium high speed until light and airy, and completely mixed (about 2 minutes).  Mixture should be ready to use without refrigeration.  If your caramel was too hot when added, it will cause your icing to be runny.  If this happens refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. 

http://www.madeinmelskitchen.com/2010/10/pumpkin-cupcakes-with-salted-caramel-buttercrea/

The art of the Lord

Its that time of year again! Fall, beautiful in colors, scents and flavours. I cant help but be addicted to the taste of fall. Pumpkin chai tea (David's Tea), Pumpkin Lattes, Pumpkin soup with a maple cream, roasted root vegetables, apple turkey feta Sandwiches. I AM SO BLESSED to experience the greatness of fall. I think tonight I might even try pumpkin pancakes with maple syrup.

http://food.chatelaine.com/Recipes/View/Oven_roasted_pumpkin_soup_with_maple_thyme_cream

(This soup is SOOO good)

And OF COARSE I love fall at MLGC

Anyways, with thanksgiving coming up I want to give thanks where the thanks is due. I am reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan right now, he says it perfectly as he speaks about the greatness of God saying,
"Whatever God's reasons for such diversity, creativity, and sophistication in the universe, on earth and in our own bodies, the point of it all is His glory. God's art speaks of Himself, reflecting who He is and what He has done."
And for who He is and what He is done I am so grateful because I am able to enjoy the art He has created through the blessings of my garden as I cook and eat and the handiwork of His beauty as I take in the colors of the fall.
This thanksgiving let us find thankfulness in the small things, the big things, the simple and the complex.