Written by: Sara Hall in Distributed Journeys, News and Inspiration on August 7, 2010

Northland Students and the Rapha House from Northland Media Design on Vimeo.

The work of Rapha House against the traumatic effects of slavery is work that reflects the very heart of God. His Word tells us that people are worth more than the services they provide, that life is worth more than money. Because of the blood of Jesus, every life has intrinsic value, which has nothing to do with his or her net worth. All human life has equal value, “for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28, NASB).

Yet, slavery exists because some choose to believe that certain lives can be sold, used up and discarded in a fashion closely resembling the use of toilet paper, that some lives are not as valuable as others. How can lives be reclaimed after being “flushed down the drain”?

Only one answer exists: These lives must be put in contact with their Creator and Redeemer. They must be introduced to the intrinsic value, found only in Christ. The survivors of slavery, especially child sex slavery, have had this natural sense of value beaten and starved out of them. Rapha House seeks to restore it. As a matter of fact, Rapha House succeeds in the work of restoration where government-sourced programs fail. “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17, NIV).

There is one issue: Human trafficking is a global problem, and Rapha House has only had the finances to work in Cambodia. However, this problem is the open door for Northland’s student involvement. Rapha House needs funds to extend its reach, and we have the time, energy and resources to raise those funds.

Supporting the extension of Rapha House has proved to be an opportunity for spiritual growth in the lives of our students. The developing hearts and minds of high schoolers are uniquely suited to understand the pains of others when they are presented with the opportunity. Taking action against these pains follows more naturally for them than for adults. These acts of service create a host of situations to build faith, confidence and an understanding of who God is and what He does today. During every stage of the work being done for Rapha House, students have been developing prayer, communication and conflict resolution skills. Individual students are now showing leadership, and creative, technical, and personal gifts that they were not aware of before. Through the dodge ball tournament, movie night, and Food Fight for Freedom, more awareness was raised, and the students’ goal of $2,500 by August 31 is halfway met.

These are amazing blessings; however, I am still anticipating the goal—not the monetary goal set by the students, but the spiritual goal. On August 31, we will look at the past year of work and say, “Look what God did, what He is doing! How blessed we are to be a part of this!”

Glorifying God is the purpose. The students’ efforts are glorifying God, and Rapha House’s efforts are glorifying God, because all this work would be only effort without result if God wasn’t behind it. God is glorified when the church works together to bring restoration to others from Florida to Cambodia and everywhere in between. 

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21).

Learn more about Rapha House at www.raphahouse.org.