During the 11 months on the World Race God opened my eyes and broke my heart for the injustice in the world. He set a fire in my soul for anti-trafficking. He brought me so much personal healing and freedom and has empowered me to light the way for others to receive the same. As I reflect back on my life I am in awe seeing how He has threaded my life so perfectly in order to get me where I am. Nothing He does is by accident.
Month 10 of the race my team and I were in Vietnam. I kept hearing the name Esther. I cannot tell you how many times I read the book of Esther, and each time I was more confused as to what God was trying to say to me. That was until I came home and God opened a door for me to be the live-in Assistant Director for Esther House, a branch of Open Door Ministries that serves as a transitional home for women, primarily targeting those leaving the sex-trade industry, addictions, and other destructive lifestyles. We operate in a building that used to be a brothel and drug house – God transformed it from a prison of darkness to a refuge of light and hope. Esther House focuses on holistic healing and life-long transformation.
The last six months have been filled with challenges, heart ache, tears, laughter, joy, healing, and so much redemption. As live-in staff I get to walk through the women’s struggles with them and truly do life with them. It is a miracle the walls God has broken down and the relationships He has built.
God has recently opened another huge door for me. I was invited to serve on the leadership team of Beloved, a ministry who confronts darkness head-on in the strip clubs. We go in with no purpose other than to truly love the women and show them Jesus through our actions. We serve them by doing their hair or makeup, bringing them gift bags, massaging their aching feet without expecting anything in return from them. Acts of love completely foreign to them.
I was also asked if I would take charge and develop a street outreach for Beloved. How in the world am I supposed to lead teams in the frontline of the battle against modern day slavery? I am just a finite being but I serve an infinite God. I may have no idea what I am doing but guess what? God isn’t limited by my limitations. God calls us to see His way when we see no way.
When we think of human trafficking we think Cambodia, Thailand, India, Russia but not America. However it is everywhere, including your backyard.
Why is this war so important to fight?
- There are an estimated 27 million slaves today.
- Human trafficking is the second largest (just after the drug trade) and fastest growing criminal industry in the world.
- About 80 percent of all individuals trafficked in the U.S. are female; about 50 percent are children.
- 70 percent of those female victims are trafficked for sexual exploitation.
- In addition to the 100,000 youngsters trafficked annually, 244,000 to 325,000 American children and youth are at risk for sexual exploitation and sex trafficking every year.
- Each year between 14,500 and 17,500 people are trafficked into the U.S from other countries.
- The average age of a trafficking victim is 12 years old.
- 1.6 million children run away each year in the U.S and 1/3 of those runaways will become victims of trafficking within the first 48 hours.
We mustn’t ever become overwhelmed by the immensity of a problem, but rather, we must continue to hope in the power of God to bring change, transformation, freedom, healing, and hope. God makes a way when there is no way!
Everyone has a role to play in the fight against modern day slavery! In order for me to continue fighting this war I need your support!
Would you consider partnering with me in prayer? Your words are a great weapon and incredibly powerful! Want to volunteer? Whether it’s making the women of Esther House a meal or hitting the streets or strip clubs, there is always a way to get involved. As staff we have to raise financial support. 50% of tax deductible donations goes towards my salary and the other 50% goes straight to Esther House (www.odmdenver.org). The beautiful thing about the body is we all have different, yet essential roles!
Thank you for your support, I cannot do this without you!
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
