Mission on Queen Anne Hill

​Charles Sheldon once asked, “What would Jesus do?”  The true answer is, “We don’t really know.”  We’d like to think he would side with the poor, help those least able to help themselves, not worry if people had preexisting conditions, and in general do things that contributed to the betterment of all, but we truly don’t know.  He might have turned over the tables in the great houses of government, and sat, or starved himself, as Gandhi did, in protest of unjust systems. 
 
In the end, it’s kind of academic to ask, “What would Jesus do?”  The better question is always going to be “What are we going to do?”
 
We recently received a request for funds from “REST” (Real Escape from the Sex Trade), who claim that 500 youth and 3,000 adults are being trafficked in our community at this very moment.  While they don’t cite the source for those numbers, it’s likely a rational number, considering all of it is hidden.
 
Looking out at the peaceful Queen Anne streets that order our hillside vantage point, we can’t imagine how some are blocked from this serenity by others who want to make money from children and vulnerable adults. 
 
The Hill, with its steep climb and higher prices provides a barrier between us and the realities in Lower Queen Anne and downtown Seattle, but it’s likely that people are trafficked here too.  Most likely, they are just harder to find here.
 
I’m passing the request back to the leadership of the church with the idea that even a small contribution is good.  My research turned up R.E.S.T. as a 501-C3, that began in 2009, with no negative reviews, (at least I couldn’t find any).  Their budget is $1.8 Million and they provide shelter and escape for those trafficked, and those exploited by the sex trade industry here in the Seattle area.  Administrative costs and advertising are .24 cents on every dollar.
 
I’m interested in what we can do here to prioritize a mission first mindset.  Your comments are welcomed and encouraged.
 
Interim Pastor Neil Allen