For over 20 years, I’ve carried a deep longing to serve again—ever since I stepped away from prison ministry.
But for years, I let fear and my own plans interfere with what God was calling me to do. Then, one year ago, I finally said “Yes” to my very first mission trip with Beauty for Ashes—and it changed everything.
During that trip, we had the incredible opportunity to host retreats for over 50 women in all stages of life: survivors of human trafficking, women in recovery from substance abuse, and mothers living in transitional homes with their children while rebuilding their lives through education, job training, and life skills.
It was humbling. It was inspiring. These women—who have endured some of the most heartbreaking experiences imaginable—opened up and shared their stories, many for the very first time. And in those moments, I saw the power of Jesus’ healing up close. I’m not typically a crier, but I found myself in tears throughout the entire trip—tears of sorrow, joy, and gratitude for the amazing God we serve.
What I didn’t expect was how much healing God had in store for me during that trip. As much as we poured into the women we served, I felt God pouring right back into me every single day.
The impact was so profound that I returned in February of this year—and became a certified facilitator for Beauty for Ashes.
Please pray for women to step out of shame and into the light of God’s healing and glory.
With love and gratitude,
Shasta
During that trip, we had the incredible opportunity to host retreats for over 50 women in all stages of life: survivors of human trafficking, women in recovery from substance abuse, and mothers living in transitional homes with their children while rebuilding their lives through education, job training, and life skills.
It was humbling. It was inspiring. These women—who have endured some of the most heartbreaking experiences imaginable—opened up and shared their stories, many for the very first time. And in those moments, I saw the power of Jesus’ healing up close. I’m not typically a crier, but I found myself in tears throughout the entire trip—tears of sorrow, joy, and gratitude for the amazing God we serve.
What I didn’t expect was how much healing God had in store for me during that trip. As much as we poured into the women we served, I felt God pouring right back into me every single day.
The impact was so profound that I returned in February of this year—and became a certified facilitator for Beauty for Ashes.
Please pray for women to step out of shame and into the light of God’s healing and glory.
With love and gratitude,
Shasta
This is what I'm hoping for too. There is still a piece of me blocking what Christ has in store. I believe my trip will help me break through to more peace, more love, and less self.