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CVJC’s Freedom Dessert on Tuesday, October 7th has been cancelled due to several factors. We apologize for any inconvenience! However, we encourage you to connect with us – there are many awesome ways to do that in the next few weeks, such as….

1. Partner’s Gathering! 

Thursday, Oct 9th, 11:30am-12:30pm (bring your own lunch!)

We are partnering with Central Valley Freedom Coalition for this gathering! Located at: Nielsen Conference Center, 3110 West Nielsen Avenue, Fresno, CA following the Freedom Coalition Gathering at 10am.

You are invited to attend both meetings at 10am and at 11:30am if you are able. CVJC’s meeting at 11:30am will focus on the faith community. We will update you on CVJC developments, exciting new opportunities with our partners, and ways to connect and get involved in preventing human trafficking.

 

2. Pray for Freedom: Saturday, Oct 18th, 7:00a-9:30a at San Pablo Park. (Walk begins at 7:30) This is a focused prayer walk in partnership with Breaking the Chains. Email kelly@cvjusticecoalition.com for information.

 

3. Freedom Sunday Orientation 2015! (and vision casting for Freedom Churches)

Monday, October 20th, 7pm (Dessert provided, MUST RSVP BY OCT 15)

Northpark Church, Room 202

Come to catch the vision for Freedom Sunday 2015, and start planning for your church to be part of it! We will also present Freedom Churches and gather feedback from YOU. There is no cost to attend, but you must RSVP by Oct 15th.

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“NEW NOTE: For an update on the Freedom Fund 2014 and see our progress towards our goal, visit our Freedom Fund 2014 page!*

Let’s be honest. for many of us in the USA, as Christians (or just as humans, really), boredom is one of our biggest issues. Boredom is a surface level issue for larger problems, deeply rooted in our lives. We are bored with church. Bored with all the causes fighting for our attention and our cash. Tired of the normality of routine.

I suggest what we really crave is the Supernatural. Our obsession with superheros, the miraculous, our tendency to be addicted to elements that enhance our ‘normal’ experience….we want something more.

That’s because we were created for more!

For us at CVJC , it’s nothing short of a miracle when someone is set free from the modern day forms of slavery called labor and sex trafficking. When the addict says YES to a new life. When the “average Christian” sacrifices in serious ways to financially support our group, or gives hours of his time to further the mission.

“When you look around at our Christian communities today, what do you see in our handling of money and possessions that can only be explained by the supernatural work of God?” (Larry Alcorn) Money and possessions enslave us! When we release them to God’s purposes, we actually further the potential for supernatural working of the Holy Spirit. When we let go of our power, it releases God’s power.

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We have choices to make, each day.  Will we spend money on items that we know are probably as cheap as they are because of those exploited in majority world countries? Will we open our eyes to what happens to our brothers and sisters on a global level? Will we take time to truly see someone – and act on their behalf – in our own city?

Our prayer is that you take a step of faith TODAY. We can share story after story about how your financial support brings TRANSFORMATION and HOPE to others. Will you join us?

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Click here to give today and help us bring freedom to those in our community!

Or, support us by purchasing our coffee (in partnership with Lanna Coffee) or a journal, art by our own Brandi N, in partnership with Warrior’s Heart. You can also get both at our office at 1400 E Saginaw Way, M-F from 9a-1p!

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Lastly, THANK YOU to all who pray, give and act. Whether with us or our partners, it’s all for the same purpose. Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly.

Jessica Pittman, Co-Director

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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

 

 

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You are welcome to join Valley Christian Center as they host our very own Jessica Pittman presenting “Seeking Justice Together” an hour long presentation on human trafficking in our community and how we can respond. Jessica will share a basic understanding of this broad issue from a faith based perspective; addressing some of the specific realities in our region and the available resources to serve victims and survivors. Q & A will be available during the last 15 minutes. This is a great opportunity to share with someone who is being introduced to this topic for the first time or who would just like to be connected locally.

 

Location: Valley Christian Center, 4649 E. Shields, Fresno, 93726