Mother's Day: Making A Global Impact

Since the earliest days in the basement until now, our church has been built on the ideal that the purpose of Denver United is not and never will be Denver United Church; rather we're called to be a light for Jesus in a lost and dying world, making an impact both locally and globally.  It's a core tenet that defines so much of what we do as a congregation.  From our monthly support of our missionary partners to our outreach events throughout Denver, we're seeking to impact real people and show them the love of Christ in practical, tangible ways. 

As reported in an earlier post, on Mother's Day, Denver United presented the moms in our congregation with a beautiful handmade necklace from Sak Saum, a ministry in Cambodia that provides assistance and rehabilitation to women who have been victims of human trafficking and exploitation.  It was an opportunity for Denver United to support this strategic ministry in Asia, while also honoring moms in Denver.  Additionally, it was a project that impacted real lives on the other side of the globe.  So, when we heard about the story behind the necklaces from Noelle Goodlin of Sak Saum, we wanted to share it with all of you.  Here, in Noelle's own words, enhanced by her husband's photos, is how the project impacted real women in Cambodia:

Our families play a significant role in shaping who we are as people. Particularly when we are younger, they have the ability to encourage or discourage, be a place of healing or an agent of hurt, help us blossom into who God made us to be or squelch the work He is doing. We find families to be extremely important here too. Many of the Sak Saum girls come from homes where their parents didn't know how to nurture and protect their children. And so the girls experienced abuse and exploitation instead of love and safety. In order to help turn the cycle of human trafficking and bring lasting healing to Cambodia, we believe the entire family must be involved.

Srey Ning's grandmother is a perfect example. Srey Ning is one of the Sak Saum girls. Her family was frequently pressuring her for money, leaving little help for her husband and son. Recently, though, Sak Saum was able to set Srey Ning's grandmother and aunt up with a small sewing project.  [Denver United] contacted us asking if they could introduce Sak Saum to their congregation by giving a necklace to each of their mothers. Of course we loved that idea! And it seemed like a great opportunity for Srey Ning's family to be included in the project. They found purpose and financial security; Srey Ning experienced peace of mind and a deeper hope for her own family's future. As you can see from the pictures, they quite enjoyed it! What an incredible richness to celebrate family and mothers in this way.

Click here to view photos of the women making the necklaces.  For more information on Sak Saum and In His Steps International, visit their website, and to read more stories about lives impacted by their ministry, visit their blog.