Come with me . . .

Dear faithful readers of "my story, His Story" . . .


For the next 11 months, I will only have short amounts of time to spend on communication within the limits of available wifi; therefore, I will only be blogging on my official World Race blog. When I return, I will also return to the use of my personal blog, here in this place! PLEASE, switch over to my new blog with me! I will keep you updated on my Race around the word!!! Many blessings in the next year and let's commit to praying for one another, shall we?!


laurenclement.theworldrace.org


(I am halfway to my fundraising goal for the year abroad and on mission. Please consider donating to my World Race by clicking the HERE!!!!!)

Instead of focusing on my World Race for this post, I will introduce you to a mission close to my heart that is taking place THIS SATURDAY . . .



Half a year ago, God introduced me to Amy Joe Pernie. We met years back but neither of us remembers the encounter. She is the Owner/Operator of In His Steps, a Christian Dance Studio here in Pensacola, FL. I have had the honor of being a guest choreographer for her studio the last half a year and have enjoyed just about nothing more. What a peaceful place, even with the music blaring! I would spend all of my time there if I could but alas, God has called me elsewhere! We thought the partnership would be more in depth, since our heartbeats are so similar in ministry and life but God has a plan and for now, that does not involve a partnership past this weekend (except for the prayers offered from one sister in Christ to another!). 

My heart for the anti-Human Trafficking effort in connection with my desire to see dance speak . . .has drawn me into Amy's vision of an event that attacks the first and uses the latter to do so. I am honored to be a part. I want to see individuals in our local Pensacola area, step up to the plate, realizing the great need to end slavery here . . . and now.

I ask that all pray over this huge event. Huge in necessity and I pray huge in size. 

I ask those near and somewhat far to open up your schedule THIS SATURDAY to attend an event that will change your life forever. It will bless you but it will also knock  you to your knees and we all need a little bit of that . . .okay, a lot of that. Organizations from the local front and abroad will be present for inquiry on what you can do NOW to aid in the rescuing of victims, along with the recovery of these same victims. . . in Pensacola, in India, and elsewhere. 

I believe Human Trafficking is the Civil Right's war of MY GENERATION and if you are living now, you are responsible. Harsh words. Truth. You and I will be held accountable for who we fought for . . .and who we left to fend for themselves. I don't mean to discourage but to challenge. Maybe you have plans this Saturday night . . . maybe they aren't as important as saving lives. Just sayin' :) 

With all the love in my heart, I beg you to come . . .or to pray. The event begins at 6:30 pm. If you are unable to attend, would you please set your alarm for that time and pray over the movement taking place in the Pensacola area to end slavery now? Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. 



Revealed Ministries will be on sight also. What a thrill of my life it is to connect the two of these ministries in such a way! Revealed will have volunteers on sight, along with a booth with information about our events AND with merch for sale to help build the ministry and spread the LOVED. message! L'Atitude will be available for interviewing and such as well. . . I just can't wait for Saturday! 



I was blessed to choreograph the piece that represents the story of a girl who was trafficked RIGHT HERE IN PENSACOLA a few years ago. I have a 15 year old sister who will be attending, this event may not be for children but teens should be aware of what could happen to them. Let's prevent this by instilling the truth of the world in our young women, showering them with the weight of their worth, and encouraging them to fight for others who are not blessed to be warned first. God bless you as you pray over your ability to come and/or pray.



LOVED.,
Lauren!<><+
PS Part of my mission while on the World Race will be to fight Human Trafficking (India, Nepal, and Cambodia especially). Won't you consider giving towards this mission? Click here to give a little or a lot.

"Behold, I make all things new . . ." (Rev. 21:5)



As I Move Forward into this week, I bring the lessons of my weekend with me. What is the power of lessons without the change that they bring in our lives, the learned lessons are the applied lessons. 

The purity retreat I was a small group leader for this weekend taught me something invaluable and in a new way than ever before. One of the meanings of the word Purity is:

"Freedom from anything that debases"

The emotion that has left me chained recently has been the stifling of anger inside of my heart towards a human who has hurt me in the past. Someone that I have no desire to show honor to, nor even mercy, despite the mercy and unconditional love that has been shown towards me by my God. As a Christian, I am called to give just as freely as I have been given. This includes the gifts of forgiveness and compassion to those who have not earned such things. This weekend, I nailed to the cross (actually, literally!) my anger towards one of God's specific human creations. I will choose to be pure, to find freedom from anything that debases, and to move forward . . .

In doing this, I have found freedom in many regards. I feel stronger, wiser, and more dependent on my heavenly Father, the one from Whom all strength and wisdom flows. He is the giver of life and in me, I have found that newness of spirit, springing forth from the Living Water of God and His Word. He is life-giver. Other areas of my life . . .and even other relationships that have suffered from this or that, feel freer than before and able to withstand the storm of life. Sin can entrap the weak but His strength made perfect shall set us all free. Repentance brings freedom. Be free!

Having found such spiritual, emotional, and even physical freedom from the stress of my angered condition, I now turn my focus and your attention to the physical freedom needed by those around the world. 

Cambodia





Cambodia is my focus country this week. On Wednesday, I will announce a mission coming up this weekend that has specific connections with this country. For now, I will tell you of its' need and my heart for its' deliverance.





Cambodia houses one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Angkor Wat, a Hindu temple and monastery built during the Khmer empire in the 12th century. It later became a Buddhist complex a century later, and today, just over 96% of Cambodia is Buddhist. Almost 30 years ago, 1.5 million Cambodians died at the hands of Pol Pot and the Khmer rouge regime. Today, Cambodia is a source, a transit point, and a destination of human trafficking. Unfortunately, the government is struggling to stop it. The people of Cambodia are thirsty for hope to be brought to them. 

(For more specifics on Cambodia and the work already being done there click #here, read the post, and click the links there)



There are organizations striving daily to free trafficked victims in this country; however, the resources are low and the fight difficult. We will not give up. I say "we" because you are a part. By reading this blog post, you have just become responsible for what you can do to fight against modern day slavery (forced labor and in this case, sex trafficking).

You may spread the word on this issue . . . yes, please do. Get others to join the fight. 

You may give to my mission: #Give!
(I will do all that I am able to, while on my World Race, to #endslavery) 

You may search online for other organizations that raise funds to fight trafficking in Cambodia.



Whatever you do, do something :) Here are a few examples (blog posts) from past and present World Racers, of ways I may serve while in Cambodia: 


(Please read parts 1 & 2 below)
http://kylienorman.theworldrace.org/?filename=restoration-week-part-1
http://kylienorman.theworldrace.org/?filename=restoration-week-part-2

(A couple more great posts)
http://kenramurdock.theworldrace.org/?filename=not-for-sale
http://elainarogers.theworldrace.org/?filename=beauty-for-ashes


Now that you have a sufficient amount of research within your grasp, I want to share with you my heart in ministering within the realms of human trafficking.



I know what it feels like to be trapped. I was never used in the sex industry by any means, but I know what capture is and have lived it. It's a big portion of my story. I believe with all of my heart that one of the mission focuses of my life is the bring liberation to those trapped by sin. The sin of others or there own. I have found freedom and I am called to share it with those who have yet to find it! In Cambodia, I pray God's sovereignty. I hear of those who travel there on their race and are disappointed by the lack of mission opportunity presented to them within this ministry field. If this is the case, I shall be satisfied. My heart would be that God would allow me to work in it however, and so I boldly pray and ask you to do the same. I hear the cries, my heart beats for the liberation of lives and for their future stories told. GLORY! Glory to God for what He continues to do in setting hearts on fire for this mission! Our work is just beginning . . .mine is almost here. I could go on and on but instead I will post a video taken in Thailand by fellowWRacers. Often the ministries within these two countries overlap whileWRacers travel. May you watch, become aware, attain righteous indignation towards this debauchery of human life, and may you pray harder than you ever have. Freedom is here. Oh God, let it rain.



LOVED.,
Lauren!<><+ 

" Dear Jesus, may all hear the words You spoke through John about the "new earth" and find freedom beneath the shadow of Your wings . . .

"Behold, I make all things new. . ."

Watch Thailand video here!!

"Revive Me" I wrote those 2 words on my left hand as the pastor preached his Sunday sermon. Later at the grocery, my mama saw the 2 words and asked if I was planning to choke . . . I had NO CLUE as to what she meant! Haha! She explained that it looked like a good way to let someone know they have permission to do CPR on you if necessary! She said, "Just hold up your hand and let them read those words!" She's so cute . . . and wise. The reason I wrote the 2 words on my hand to begin with is because I've gotten kind of tired, worn out, and spread a little thin recently. My heart is to serve the Lord in as many ways as I am able to on an every single day missional scale. It is rare that I say no to an opportunity to give . . .often it's giving my time and attention and now . . .well, honestly, I'm tired :)   My weekends are booked (Non WR events and WR events alike!) and I will just concentrate on breathing for the next 2 months, I suppose! Ha! Sunday morning, as I wrote those 2 words, I might as well have been doing exactly what my mother suggested. The only difference being that the One I needed to revive me was a heavenly being. I really was asking God to do CPR on my weary mind, heart, spirit. I lifted up my left hand to Him yesterday and asked Him to "Revive Me." I do not take my World Race opportunity for granted and I strive at fundraising and telling my WR story as well as I am able! I can hardly go an hour without sharing about it to someone! This is my current passion and as many of you know and for others of you, let me tell you . . . I am a passionate being! Haha! I love people, I love being on mission, and I just love to share God's truthful message of life, love, and liberty! Now you know the truth, I needed revival.  This weekend was the (in)RL conference through #(in)courage, a community of women online who desired to bring that community into Real Life. I chose to do the opposite of what others did and instead of getting a group of women together and building my local community (Which is my normal idea of ministry), I needed community with God and chose instead a 2 person gathering, me and Him. It was beautiful! I watched the videos, knowing He was right there with me, championing me on to revival of spirit! Blessed to have apersonal God. The conference was amazing and the stories glorious. The writers spoke to my heart and caused a great revival of my mission. I was also connected with a young woman through the conference in Kenya who I will meet on month 3 of my World Race at the #Mercy House she directs. Blessed, yes blessed. Now I look to the finish line.19 days until my WR Training Camp 60 days until I "go" on my World Race - Pray with me for God's deliverance of souls, His provision for the hungry & needy, His liberty for those enslaved, and His healing for the sick in body and spirit.  -Pray for me as I go? I could ask nothing more of you, my friend. I am nearing the finish line of my preparations and yet only the starting line for my race. The Apostle Paul spoke to Timothy and said, "...I give you this charge, preach the Word. Be prepared in season and out of season - correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction. . .do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry . . .I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." My race will begin by meeting the physical needs of the people God places me in contact with. This is one of the main reasons I chose the World Race, we will focus on the physical needs of the people (as demonstrated by Christ) and then upon physical victory, I will openly share the hope I have in Christ and the eternal life He has to offer through the love sacrifice for the sins of the world on Calvary. I could not be more humbled then to deliver this message to 11 countries of the world. And so I go. TANAZANIA is my focus country this week: John Stephen Akhwari was a man from Tanzania who ran an Olympic marathon, many years ago. He did not win the race, or even earn a medal at all . . .in fact, he came in last place. However, John Stephen Akhwari finished the race. When asked why he was determined to complete his race, having already lost any chance of medaling, he said . . . "My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race. They sent me 5,000 miles to finish it." My beloved WR supporters . . .my "Go LO Go" team . . . my family . . .my friends . . . God is using you to send me on this race . . .and although I hit a weary spot on the track this weekend, God has revived me and I am ready to finish the preparation well . . .to start my World Race.  LOVED., Lauren!<><+ PS I have $3,900 towards my next goal of $6,500 . . .what can you give right now that will push my race forward towards the goal? A 1 time gift? A monthly offering? Do what you can, God will use every penny :)

Mid-week Mission: It's TIME for T-SHIRTS!

The 1st order of "Go LO GO" T-shirts is set for May 1st! ONLY 5 days left! I will need a LOT of orders to come in from you all for my goal of 45 T-shirts to be met!(45 shirts ordered = Cheaper T-shirt cost = More support earned) 

T-shirt ideas:

*Buy 1 for you and gift someone you love with 1 as well!

*Pledge T-shirts for your whole family and then set out a jar for your kids and spouse to toss change into to pay yourself back . . . or donate that too, of course ;)

*Decide as a youth group, dorm, or SS class to all buy and wear your "Go LO Go" shirts the same day as one more way of spreading the word about my race and God's mission!

I am thrilled to know that you will all be wearing your T-shirts, spreading awareness of my mission and remembering to pray for me for the 11 months I'll spend in 11 different countries!! 

My team ROCKS and are going to look super awesome in your T-shirts!!! 

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.

LOVED.,
Lauren!<><+


"And [God] Who provides seed for the sower and bread for eating will also provide and multiply your [resources for] sowing and increase the fruits of your righteousness [which manifests itself in active goodness, kindness, and charity]." 2 Corinthians 9:10

Moving Forward: For my Russian readers!

As told to me by my blogger statistics (From my personal blog "my story, His story" . . . I apparently have a broad readership in Russia! This of course I find fascinating! Why Russia? I have no idea! But I figured that whatever the reason, these faithful readers deserve a post dedicated to them!



Therefore, as tribute to my faithful readers in Russia AND because Russia happens to be 1 of my 11 countries with the World Race, this week's Moving Forward post is all about . . .



RUSSIA!!!!!

Russia is the country of vast landscapes, vibrant life, beautiful contrasts, and interesting people. Taking an immense space of 9000 kilometers from west to east and 5000 from north to south, being home to people of so many different nationalities and traditions, Russia is often called a "bridge" between Europe and Asia, both culturally and geographically.

Since the ancient times Russia has been transforming and re-shaping itself, its boundaries, its culture. In the ancient times, the Slavs, Finn tribes, Tatars, had made their way through Russia, and this mix of many different nations and their traditions has defined the unique Russian character and culture.



Now that you know a little bit about the country and its' people, I want to share something personal about Russia with you . . .

In Spring of 2008, my roommate and I were supposed to travel to Russia and were not able to go in a sudden turn of events. We were both quite bitter over it, to be honest! We both really felt led to go on this trip and were unable to, bottom line. We were both blessed, not even 3 months later, to travel with a wonderful group to Peru! We spent 3 weeks in the mountains and cities of Peru, sharing Christ and overcoming some amazing obstacles along the way. God had/has a plan. 2 years ago, I was unable to find the peace I needed from the Lord to travel to Russia with another group of my friends who were traveling there on mission. I stayed home and picked them up from the airport when they returned. My time in Russia has been delayed over and over again. I PRAY that the Lord's will is what I have been confident in and that is that I will indeed finally arrive in Russia for month 3 of my World Race . . .I am beyond thrilled! 








My missionary friends have spoken of a darkness there, a need for joy. God has been filling me with joy for 5 months and I can't WAIT to get there and spread a little around! Many of the countries I am set to travel to have a burden on my heart because of the ways in which I know God will use me to serve there . . . Russia is different in my spirit. Holds a different emotion/knowledge.

I will be changed in Russia. God wants to change my heart . . . something about me and He plans to use Russia . . . and Russians to do it. 

Sigh. 



The pics you have seen in this post are from a few of my friend's journeys to this country that our GREAT God surely loves. Russians, friends, family, know that you are LOVED. and that you have a great purpose. Blessings!




LOVED.,
Lauren!<><+

PS Will you join me in my mission? Here are a few ways:

1. Click here to donate online (1 time or monthly gift!)

2. Send check to Adventures In Missions at:

Adventures In Missions
PO Box 534470
Atlanta, GA 30353-4470

*Be sure to indicate the purpose of your gift on your check: Lauren Clement (The World Race)

3. Buy a "Go LO Go" T-shirt for $20 (Post your desire to buy in a comment below)!

4. Inquire about my coming to speak about my trip to your favorite group of people by commenting below!