T his past Advent season, like many of you, I was reflecting on hope, joy, peace, and love. I’ve thought about my position to receive these gifts through my relationship with Jesus and my responsibility to extend them to others—both in my community and through Restorations, an organization that supports survivors of human trafficking. Even as we move past Advent into a new church and calendar year, I’m still basking in hope, joy, peace, and love—and looking for opportunities to continue to shine that light throughout the year. Two carry-over opportunities from the recent holiday season stand out in my mind as ones I’d like to live into all year long: gratitude and walking alongside others.
Gratitude that spills over
During the Advent and Christmas seasons, many in our community were looking for tangible ways to share hope, joy, peace, and love with those in need. We at Restorations are deeply grateful for the generosity shown to us. Gifts for residents and survivor staff, as well as funding for our Christmas gatherings, have been an incredible blessing. Thanks to our community, we didn’t need to use any program funds for these purposes. These acts of generosity are so meaningful to those we support. We received packages that included hand-written cards of encouragement and love, and one of the residents tearfully shared with me that the words meant so much to her.
At the end of the year, we at Restorations take time to express our gratitude through our annual Christmas card mail-out. As a small organization, direct mail isn’t something we do often, but preparing these cards is a cherished tradition for me. Writing thank you notes to donors and supporters reminds me of the incredible community thinking about, praying for, and supporting us from across Canada and the United States.
This practice of gratitude is brought into each new year as I update supporters through “Dear Friends” letters. As I write these quarterly updates, I imagine individuals reading my letter in urban cities, the suburbs, and rural communities across Canada and the United States, each person uniquely different but tied together with a common compassion for seeing the marginalized and oppressed cared for. In doing so, I am filled with gratitude, like the apostle Paul in his letter to the Philippians: “I thank my God every time I remember you” (Philippians 1:3).
Walking alongside others
Last fall, a local church hosted a fundraiser for Restorations titled, “I’ll Walk Beside You,” inspired by a song performed at the event. It featured a range of musicians and styles, and I had the privilege of speaking to highlight Restorations’ work. Preparing for these moments can be challenging as I discern what to share about human trafficking. This time, I reached out to survivors, asking them about songs that had been meaningful in their journeys.
Related: Supporting survivors of sexual abuse and violence in your church
During the event, I shared lyrics from one of these songs, which became a powerful way to convey survivors’ experiences. Here’s a snippet of what I shared:
“He’s not in a rush; he has time for your healing, lean on his shoulder, it’s never too late and your story’s not over.”
A survivor shared these lyrics with me from the song “He Has Time” by Common Hymnal. The song was written in response to sexual abuse. The survivor told me, “I love this line because it reminds me that God’s love is unconditional and will never turn away from me, even when I turn away from God. A lot of people have tried to rush my healing, and I loved that I have all the time I need. That brings me peace.”
When we journey alongside people, the pace matters. But we don’t set the pace. Today’s event wasn’t called “I Run Beside You.” We walk beside. We let survivors set their pace, and we encourage and support them along the way.
“He is here. And he has time. To take what’s wrong and make it right.”
In Isaiah 40:31, we are reminded: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” This verse captures the profound patience and strength needed for the process of healing and restoration; walking alongside survivors throughout this process requires patience.
Tips for walking alongside survivors
Rush to listen, not to fix
Survivors need safe people with whom to share their stories, emotions, and experiences without fear of judgement or unsolicited advice. Your role is to listen actively, not to rush in with solutions.
Respect their autonomy
Healing is deeply personal, and survivors must have the agency to decide what steps to take next regardless of our opinions.
Offer consistent support
Trust and rapport is built over time. Survivors may test boundaries or pull away, but your steady, caring, and non-judgemental presence can be a lifeline in times of despair.
Educate yourself
Learn about trauma (and trauma-informed approaches to care), exploitation, and the unique and complex challenges survivors face. This knowledge can help you respond with empathy and avoid re-harming individuals.
Related: How you can better understand and end sexual harassment and abuse
Slow down
Resist the urge to measure progress by outward signs or think of people as “success stories.” A survivor’s journey can include substance use relapses, returning to an exploiter, setbacks, or mental health crises. But each moment of connection, resilience, and courage is something to be celebrated.
When we choose to walk alongside survivors, we embody the love and patience of Christ, showing God’s beloved that they are seen, valued, and deeply cared for—just as they are, where they are.
In this new year, I continue to give thanks for the reminder that we are positioned to extend hope, joy, peace, and love all year long. May we look for those opportunities to shine Christ’s light as we walk with others.
The featured image was created by a survivor of human trafficking. Used with permission.
This article was originally published as an update letter to Jennifer’s supporters. It has been edited and adapted with permission for Faithward.
Jennifer Lucking
Jennifer Lucking is amissionary with the Reformed Church in America, serving as the executive director ofRestorations Second Stage Homes, an organization that provides safe, specialized, and supportive housing for survivors of sexual exploitation in southern Ontario, Canada.
