*After learning about our anti-trafficking work, James became passionate about helping expand our Adorned In Grace Design Studios to prevent trafficking by serving not only young women but boys as well. Design Studios have traditionally been focused on empowering young women through trafficking awareness, mentoring, and modeling healthy relationships, but we know young men can benefit from mentoring too and we’re excited to launch our first boys Design Studio in 2019! This exciting development is due in large part to James’ leadership, determination, and faith, so we asked him to share a bit about his story and why he decided to get involved as a volunteer.
Getting Connected
My church announced last year, the free medical clinic [Compassion Clinic]. I went on Compassion Connect’s website and found the Adorned in Grace page. I didn’t know it at the time but I think I was drawn to this service because I was abused as a child. Even though I was a middle class, white male, I think I could have been an at-risk youth because I didn’t have a positive, male role model at home.
Why is Mentoring for Boys Needed?
Based on my research, most sex traffickers are male. So, having a boys group would not only help the 36% of males that are brought into the sex trade, but it would also help these boys make better decisions as they get older and hopefully don’t become a sex trafficker themselves.
“[I want the boys who attend to know] there’s a better way of life. Not with material things, but with community, friendship, and love. With the Armor of God they can have a restful heart.”
[I want the boys who attend to know] there’s a better way of life. Not with material things, but with community, friendship, and love. With the Armor of God they can have a restful heart.
“Therefore put on the full armor of God…with the belt of truth…breastplate of righteousness…feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace….the shield of faith…the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit.” (Ephesians 6: 14-17)
The Role Men Can Play In Preventing Trafficking
Since becoming a Christian 5 years ago, I have a better understanding of my own willpower. That is, I’ve given control over to God. I believe boys need a positive, male role model to be right with God.
“I believe boys need a positive, male role model to be right with God […] Men have great influence over other men who are struggling and can help them get through the tough times. These boys we are helping can benefit from seeing other men who are successful in Christ.”
Men have great influence over other men who are struggling and can help them get through the tough times. These boys we are helping can benefit from seeing other men who are successful in Christ…”if you’re successful in Christ, you are successful in life.”
What I’ve Learned So Far
I’ve learned there’s perseverance in planning. I planned this pretty well, or so I thought. I had the location all set; I had the day and time set; Leah [a Design Studio Volunteer in Clackamas] and I spoke in front of a congregation; we had a meeting with the interested men…and two weeks before we were supposed to launch I didn’t have any mentors. So, everything was put on hold. You see, I forgot to give control to God. I tried to plan everything myself. Even though I was praying, I wasn’t praying to listen and hear God.
Now, since I let God guide me, we have four mentors and two volunteers and ready to move onto the next step. This reminds me of what Paul says in Romans:
“…we also glorify in our suffering, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3-4).
And hope is what these boys need!
I’m also learning what it means to be a mentor. As leader of this program, I also have to command respect, not demand it. To me, this means working as a team and realizing I don’t have all the answers. God is speaking to other men about serving in this ministry and I need to listen and hear His words through the mouths of others.
Preparing to Launch
The program will be on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 to 7:30 (roughly). Because we are now trying to find a place for the workshop the end time will be determined by where it is. Oregon City is our current focus. We hope to launch the first week in March or sooner. Right now our mentors are from Willamette Christian Church and Thompson Road Bible Fellowship. We are still researching the best place to recruit the boys from. There are a few schools and apartment complexes we intend to market, though.
“This is how I want to live my life. By serving those others won’t; by giving more than I receive; by becoming a slave to those who have no hope; to give my life to the glory of God.”
Parting Thoughts
For me, this ministry isn’t just about helping these boys. It’s a calling from God and is about serving Him who we love so much.
“…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:26-28)
I know I am a servant and don’t deserve God’s grace, but he gives it anyway. This is how I want to live my life. By serving those others won’t; by giving more than I receive; by becoming a slave to those who have no hope; to give my life to the glory of God. For I am dead and it is Christ who now lives within me.
–James Tune
*Interested in learning more about our new boys Design Studio in Oregon City? Stay tuned to the blog or social media for more information, or reach out to us via email at serve@compassionconnect.com!
