Partnership is messy. For the past 7 years, throughout this journey as I’ve been leading CVJC, I’ve discovered how ridiculously complicated it can be! I’ve always heard that the number one reason missionaries leave the field is because of OTHER missionaries. I think this is tragic, but I can now identify with the frustrations that simply come with the commitment to work in collaboration.

Our Coalition’s primary purpose is to partner with the church and community to prevent human trafficking in Fresno County (and the greater Valley). So, in all we do, we do our best to partner with others in some way. This Saturday, for example, we are doing a city-wide prayer walk (Pray for Freedom) with Breaking the Chains. One of our most successful events ever was the moving screening Nefarious at People’s Church. We know unity and partnership is a MUST. There’s no question!

A Coalition only functions when partners all come to the table and contribute! We are so extremely grateful for each and every one who has given much time, energy, financial support, and guidance over the past few years. In honor of our partners of EVERY kind (businesses, volunteers, prayer warriors, church leaders, advisers), we are dedicating part of our Sunday morning worship service at First Baptist to thank you all. This is our first Partner’s Appreciate Day! We cannot move forward without your prayers and support, and we want to say that all of you ROCK. 

We have many of you out there who we want to thank. If you consider yourself a partner or want to become one, come join us at Fresno First Baptist on Sunday, August 24th! We’ll have some creative story telling time, we will share our vision for the next few years, and we will CELEBRATE our partners! You’ll have the opportunity to join us and to meet us if you haven’t yet. (9am & 10:45am are the service times, and you can watch the television broadcast on Aug 31, 8am on Fox26.)

Hope to see you there, and if not, know that we are going to appreciate you anyways!

Jessica Pittman, Co-Director