Today we’d like to introduce you to Meg Johnson.
Hi Meg, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
It has been an unusual path. All I ever wanted was to be inside the courtroom fighting for justice. During my 26 year career as a probation officer, I was handed an opportunity to lead Northland Church’s anti-human trafficking ministry called 121Hope in late 2016. It was, in large part, an opportunity to work with survivors of human trafficking. My story can only be designed by God’s restorative hand. After all, I went from working with offenders and violent persons by day to offering compassion and services to the vulnerable and brokenhearted by night.
I guess you could say my story really started in 2014 when I traveled to Uganda on a missionary trip. Despite all the impoverished American homes I had been in and out of as a law enforcement officer, nothing could have prepared me for the level of poverty I saw in Africa. And none of that mattered to my new African friends whose hearts and spirits and hospitality were worn like charm bracelets. No matter the hardships, traumas or injustices in their lives, these people were joyful. I knew I wanted to taste that kind of joy and live out all my days with a similar spirit. Problem was my chosen career did not lend well to joyfulness and it usually only rested on welcoming verdicts and short-lived hopes.
I returned from Uganda and realized that the justice I had longed to fight for inside the American courtroom was only a staging area for what would become the next chapter in my life. I remember praying on the Ugandan soil, “God, I don’t know how you take a probation officer and turn her into a missionary, but I’m here.” One year later, I was invited to meet with staff of 121Hope and received a contract position as a victim advocate. I remember thinking, “Okay. Prayer was answered, although I’m still employed by the justice system.” But God always has more in store even if we cannot see it. Four years ago, I was offered the ministry leader position for 121Hope and this past December it became a full-time position. Although two worlds apart, my hope for serving justice merged into my newfound life.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Definitely not. My career has taken me far away from my family, which is perhaps the greatest loss I have known to this day. I have missed out on important milestones with my parents, sisters and their family’s. Perhaps that is why I feel so passionate about my church family. Although they cannot replace my immediate family, they offer great comfort and cheers.
We’ve been impressed with 121Hope of Northland Church, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
121Hope is Northland’s response to human trafficking. It brings hope to victims and survivors of human trafficking and empowers local abolitionist, all through one-to-one discipleship. Our victim advocacy team has worked with more than 100 survivors since its inception. Throughout this journey, we have learned that each story varies by way of pain and suffering. Each rescue varies by method and community response. And each life longs for a champion to stand by their side on their long, arduous journey of healing and restoration.
Our 121Hope advocates and volunteers are the heart of this ministry. For us, it’s not about the number of survivors that we have helped or attempted to help. It’s about the journey. If we only work with one more survivor in our lifetime, then we know 121Hope was placed into this woman’s life for a reason and that reason is to offer her hope. It’s the beginning of the greatest story ever told. I experienced hope in Uganda. Survivors experience hope in their freedom. 121Hope experiences hope from our supportive congregation, staff and pastors. Our pages are still be written and it has been an honor to serve as a co-author in the story of 121Hope survivors’ redemption and restoration.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Never underestimate the human spirit and the power of hope.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.121Hope.com
- Facebook: 121Hope
