Emily Ward is the lead designer of “Little Birdy”, a business that creates uniquely designed cards for the purpose of supporting and raising awareness towards human trafficking. Emily lives in Austin, Texas and is also a worship leader at the Austin Stone Community Church and works as a caregiver to special needs kids. She is the youngest "winger" in the Things with Wings family.
As I walked the streets of New Orleans, I could not help but break down inside for the women we came across. Young women, girls, standing outside gentlemen's clubs, barely wearing anything, trying to entice anyone who would look their way. My heart continued to break as I looked at one of the girls, whose face looked so sad. I could tell that she did not want to be there. We continued to walk down Bourbon Street, club after club, girl after girl standing outside dancing, shouting out to anyone walking by, just wanting any kind of attention.
This was in the middle of the day.
I just prayed and prayed for each of those girls and couldn't stop thinking about them the rest of the weekend.
When I came back to Austin, I prayed that I would find an organization who ministers to women and who stands up against human trafficking. I heard about Redeemed Ministries and knew right away that I wanted to get connected with them. They call the girls they meet with "Sparrows" and I just happened to get a sparrow tattoo on my arm the week before hearing about them! I started praying about ways I could support this ministry and God made it very clear that He wanted me to use the promise cards that I had been making to encourage these precious "Sparrows". That maybe a promise or scripture would encourage their hearts somehow. Redeemed Ministries gives out gift bags to the women when they meet them and in the bags are special gifts for them...ranging from playing cards, finger nail polish, lotions, toothbrushes, games and other things that they would want or need. It was heavy on my heart to see these women receive some promise cards in their gift bags. Cards that they could keep in their rooms, hang on their mirrors to be reminded of what is true about God and about themselves.
One thing led to another and now I have a new business, a new website, a new team, and a new mission. I am praying that all of this would bring much glory to Jesus. He is the one who saves.
So here is the deal…
This is a great way for you to get involved in helping out!
We are selling both Christmas Cards and Promise Cards:
Christmas Cards:
Promise Cards: (the front has a promise and the back is blank for you to write an encouraging note...or use as a postcard.)
For every card that is sold we will be donating both cards and money to organizations that fight against human trafficking.
Our first “partner” is Redeemed Ministries in Texas and we are actively seeking other organizations in other parts of the country to partner with.
Our purpose for this business is to make creative cards and gifts that will point to Jesus and to the truth of scripture to encourage and bless, but also to raise awareness and to come alongside these organizations to free women and children from the bonds of sexual slavery and trafficking. Over time we will be adding more cards as well as bookmarks, magnets and other fun special gifts!
Please check out our website www.littlebirdycards.com to see many more designs and know that your purchase goes directly to organizations helping women all around the country.
Please get the word out by following us on facebook and twitter. Word of mouth is our best advertising so we appreciate the kind words!
