: CHRIST : COMMUNITY : LIFE I was born eight weeks early in Korea to a single mother who couldn’t take care of me. I was adopted at nine months old by a loving family who has handed me the world and has given me the education and opportunity to reach every single one of my dreams. My story sounds picture perfect, but it could have been so much different. South Korea, where I was born, is one of the countries leading the sex trafficking trade. Do you know who is being trafficked? Young women. Just like me. Women ages 20-25 who were born into poverty, often the daughters of parents who cannot provide food, clothing or shelter to their children. That could have been me. Today, I am working to advocate for young women who have been caught up in the horrors of trafficking. I know where I came from and I know where I am. And I see firsthand the faithfulness of a God who knew me before I even existed. My work, my joy in helping these young women overflows from a heart that understands my heritage. Do you understand yours? Isaiah 25:1 says, “O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.” What a precious concept His faithfulness is! Just as my birthplace has compelled me to serve with a grateful heart, I pray that you will find ways to reach out this season, moved by the thought that you have been given so very much. 1 Peter 4:10 also talks about the fact that we are given a gift and we then have the opportunity to respond “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” This month, remember the gift you have been given. Remember your precious adoption by your Heavenly Father. Remember what He has done. And respond with joy. Remember By Grace S. Cartwright 10 CCM