Alum ministers to women in Germany

When God puts Germany on your heart, you listen. History major Emily LaBianca ’17 says her German heritage combined with a desire to work for a humanitarian organization led her to ReachGlobal, an international service organization that serves alongside church planting leaders to bring training, resources and encouragement in a wide range of cities and regions around the globe.

Through ReachGlobal, she recently accepted a short-term staff position to work in Berlin with the ministry Alabaster Jar, which serves and empowers women in prostitution. “Many of the women are immigrants and find it difficult to navigate the system, to get a residence permit, to find insurance. We offer that help to them. We also affirm that they matter,” she said. “We encourage them in exploring other lines of work, pray for them and just love on them.”

If the women are in need of more urgent care, Alabaster Jar also can refer them to shelters, safe houses and clinics that don’t require insurance.

While rewarding, this type of ministry is far from trouble-free. “It definitely is not easy work,” she said, “but God is doing incredible things in Berlin. I have seen miracles happen on the streets of this city, and I am learning just how powerful my prayers and obedience can be. Light is conquering darkness. I am excited to be even just a small part of that.”

During her time at Messiah, LaBianca served as a work-study and research assistant in the history department. James LaGrand, professor of American history, said of her, “In all my years at Messiah College, Emily has been one of my most favorite students. She’s smart, funny, multi-talented and incredibly caring. For me, she represents the best of Messiah College.”

LaBianca will complete this two-year assignment in 2020. Until then, she will continue to serve the people of the city of Berlin.

— Jake Miaczynski ’20 and Anna Seip