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Winter 2024 :: e-Journey Update

from winter 2024 issue:

“…to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness…”
Isaiah 61:3

LEADERSHIP PERSPECTIVES

“And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-1

It’s easy to forget in this season of celebration and busyness what has been proclaimed from on high is good news for all people. And it seems almost too good to be true, but it is true. It’s news of a brand-new life for anyone, no matter their social standing or their past, who believes this news and receives it.

This Christmas season we pray for the women and children whose lives have been impacted by sexual exploitation, that they will hear the good news and encounter the love and joy of the Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Our hope is that we would all hear once again what the angels proclaimed so long ago, the news of great joy for all the people. Let’s share this joy with those around us. For unto us is born a Savior!

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas! Kenton and Marlene

TENDING SHED

After years of planning, zoning, praying and sharing, it is so exciting to announce the VERY FIRST building on the property is being raised as we speak! While the homes will be the heart of Zeteo Community, the first building–the Tending Shed–is of more humble beginnings. As we reflected on this starting structure as a team, we were in awe over just how fitting it is. You see, in the beginning of God’s creation one of the first instructions given to mankind was to tend (Genesis 2:15). Tending is all about cultivating growth and fruitfulness. Simply put, God’s purposes are brought forth by entrusting us to tend to that which he has created. Creation begins with a call to tend.

Functionally, the Tending Shed will provide a designated space for all equipment and supplies necessary for the daily care and upkeep of the property, grounds, and facilities. As construction continues, the Tending Shed will be an essential asset to the site, both presently and in the future as we care for the landscape and surrounding structures.

Since completion is expected soon, this feels like a Christmas gift from God; a proclamation of what’s to come and a call to begin with a focus on “tending”. And at Christmastime, let us not forget when Jesus came to earth to dwell among us-Emmanuel-that angels announced his presence here on earth first and foremost to those “tending their sheep by night.” (Luke 2:8-14). Tending is a position of purpose God repeatedly draws attention to as new beginnings unfold, and Zeteo Community is no different. We look forward to all the tending to come-not just on the property but also attending to the hearts of those who will enter Zeteo Community for healing and hope for generations to come.

Special thanks to Hottmann Construction for donating the beautiful concrete floor!

PREPARE HIM ROOM

‘Tis the season for Christmas carols ringing and “Joy to the World” playing in storefronts and churches alike. Despite the repetition, studies suggest we stop actively listening to background music within 30 seconds to a couple minutes, depending on our degree of focus. When we are distracted, the meaning and depth of what we hear simply fades away unnoticed. The same can be said of breaking stories and important issues as well. The more we hear them playing in the din of noise around us, the more we stop truly listening. As the headlines swirl around stories of sexual exploitation and human trafficking, we need to be conscientious of not letting this issue that grieves the heart of God fade into the background of our minds.

When Jesus’ mother, Mary, and Joseph were in Bethlehem, they arrived in the city amidst an influx of visitors due to the census. For those living there, families were making room for relatives returning by legal order. Luke 2 chronicles that there simply was “no guest room available” for Joseph and Mary. Even after giving birth, a lowly manger was all they could procure to lay the Savior of the world. An animal feeding trough was not common custom to use as a crib. The needs of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus became lost in the increasing ambient noise throughout the generally quiet town. “No one was preparing him room.” The arrival of Emmanuel, God with us, became background noise despite the historical and spiritual significance of the moment. Much like Bethlehem on that night, our communities have so many needs competing for our attention. It can be hard for us as citizens in our quiet towns to take stock of precisely what survivors and survivor-leaders are telling us; they need long-term residential programming specifically designed to help them heal from the trauma they have endured due to exploitation. We pray their knocks on the doors of Dane County do not become background noise within our community. God has called us to give them a home and community in which they are free to dream and thrive. Jesus came to this earth that Christmas Day so we “may have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10). Zeteo Community is making room so that the life Jesus offers-abundant and overflowing-is offered freely to the women and children seeking help and healing within our midst.

REALITY

of Wisconsin’s statewide report

80% of sexual exploitation survivors will be re-exploited within a year of leaving their trafficker if they do not have a safe place to go. According to Safe House Project’s most recent nationwide evaluation on survivor care, this is what is said about Wisconsin: “The absence of restorative care homes for survivors increases the likelihood of re-exploitation. Wisconsin has the opportunity to better serve survivors through increased safe house capacity.” Completing construction of our homes is a major part of the solution for our state. Zeteo Community is currently one of two members of the “Trafficking Surivor Equity Coalition” due to our focus on serving mothers with children, as well as individuals with disabilities. Our homes must be built and our doors need to open in order to serve our community the way God has called us to. Will you be part of the solution for survivors across Wisconsin?

THANKFULNESS

2024 has been a remarkable year for Zeteo Community. Plans that have lived on paper and hearts for years have been coming to life before our eyes. There have been connections and collaborations developing locally and nationally. We have helped women referred to us find other resources and referrals to help them in the here and now (because their needs cannot wait for our doors to open).  We have continued training and onboarding volunteers from across the state, and we have attended training ourselves as a team learning best-practices while we continue developing our programming. We have watched God provide in ways we never anticipated or expected; and this has allowed us to share the power and glory of God with others around us. Additionally, YOU TOO are an answer to prayer. We look forward with confident hope to all God will bring forth in the year to come.

SAVE THE DATE

2025 Zeteo Community Benefit!

May 1st, 2025 at Monona Terrace in Madison, WI

We hope you will join us for the 2025 benefit. Plan now to be part of the movement to bring hope, healing, and homes to victims of sexual exploitation in Dane County and beyond. Visit ZeteoCommunity.org/Events and add to your calendar today!

CREATIVE GENEROSITY

We’ve recently added several new giving options to our website. Options include planned giving, employer matching, investments, in-kind donations, and more. ZeteoCommunity.org/Giving

ENTERTAINING ANGELS UNAWARE

There’s a knock at the door-

Now’s not a good time

I’m in the throws of dinner prep,

work tasks are behind.

The knock comes again

our dog starts barking.

I yell through the chaos,

“Hold on, I’m coming!”

I answer the door,

impatient and frenzied,

eyes met with a stranger

my defensiveness readied.

“Excuse me,

I’m sorry to interrupt.”

I’m barely listening

readied to judge.

God, why couldn’t they have knocked

on anyone else’s door?

I’m overwhelmed already.

This is just another chore

to add to the list

of growing needs in my life.

I just need a break

from all this pain and strife!

As I silently grumble

this begrudging prayer

something within me whispers,

“Entertaining angels unaware…”

Is the person before me seeing

God’s love and compassion,

or is my heart bent on bitterness

followed by dismissive inaction?

If this is my demeanor

toward those seeking assistance,

how will Jesus use me

to make a difference

in the lives of others

He places in my path?

Will I be the Good Samaritan,

or ignore pain in the aftermath

simply because I don’t feel

I have the time,

or the energy/expertise

I think I must find?

God, please give me Your eyes

to see the stranger in my midst

as an opportunity to love

not an inconvenience to dismiss.

Author: Brianna Saxer

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to

strangers, for thereby some have

entertained angels unawares.”

Hebrews 13:2 ESV