So I’m back but I’m not done. In Atlanta this last month we had the privilege to work with Wellspring Living. Let’s just say, Wellspring is pretty legit. Wellspring was formed in 2001 and exists to help survivors of childhood sexual abuse overcome their broken pasts and move towards hopeful futures. There mission is to confront the issue of childhood sexual abuse and exploitation through advocacy, education and treatment programs for girls and women. If you are unaware, Atlanta ranks in the top three cities in the United States and among the top in the world for sex trafficking of children. There are 495 girls exploited in Metro Atlanta per month and an estimated 7,200 men knowingly or unknowingly pay for sex with adolescent females in Georgia each month.
These statistics aren’t all that’s proof that this is happening in this state or in this city. I’ve stared in the eyes of these young girls , ages 13-17, who have been trafficked. They are beautiful daughters of the King. Although they look a lot older than their age, it’s evident by conversations about stuffed animals, the Biebster, and Miley that they are only girls. Girls that have had their innocence completely stolen away. My heart broke every time our eyes met. And this is happening in my backyard?
In a journal entry in Thailand, I wrote “Brothels… I stood in front of brothels today.” I can almost recall exactly how I felt when I wrote that statement. It was a reality that I had never seen but only heard. The brothels in Thailand were rows of massage parlors with apartments topping them and it was said that most girls inside had been trafficked. While we walked around the area during daylight, we interceded for the women who were inside. I remember how heavy and how gloomy it felt. There was some serious darkness in that neighborhood. The church that our ministry contacts at SHE attended happened to be placed right in the middle of it all, being the Church.
“Brothels? In Atlanta? No way right?” That’s what I would have said 5 months ago. I knew sex trafficking happened in Atlanta. I also knew that prostitution was illegal, but that’s about all I knew. One of our last days of ministry we set out to do outreach and prayer and intercession in an area of Atlanta that is known for it’s massage parlors and strip clubs. (Piedmont and Cheshire Bridge) I remember being so anxious on the way there. I felt the Lord telling me that what I would see that day would change me. We approached a building that may have seemed abandoned to some, but by it being freshly painted and accompanied by a lawn man.. we were not fooled. Cinder blocks filled in every window and the only thing sharing it’s parking lot was a misc. sex store. We prayed in that parking lot under the toasty sun. We wrote scripture on the ground. We claimed the land for Jesus. We buried scripture. We interceded for the women on the other side of those cinder blocks who are in bondage. The Lord was there. His presence deep in us and His Spirit guiding our moves and words. The power of prayer is unfathomable. Can prayer stop corruption in law enforcement and end sex trafficking? I believe so.
Brothels.. I stood in front of brothels, brothels in Atlanta. This is happening in this city and in the same neighborhood as my church. It’s a shocking reality that I can’t sit around and do nothing about. After the trip I was given the opportunity to be a fulltime missionary for Wellspring Living and work with the developing outreach program, projects, and advocacy. I accepted it as of this past Tuesday and will begin raising support shortly. I cannot wait to start the journey that the Lord has for me at Wellspring. I am so honored and privileged to work for the best rehabilitation program for sexually exploited women in the United States. I love that Wellspring Living is founded and based on prayer and because of this the Lord has granted them so much favor. They depend on Him for everything. It truly is His ministry.
I know this going to bring me closer to my Father, as I depend on Him for my every need. He is so good and I have faith that He will provide. I am so thankful for His faithfulness and favor during the few weeks of being home. He has brought healing to my family and is drawing us closer to Himself. We have a God who graciously pours out love on His children and during this time He is revealing how beautiful and precious I am to Him. He is my Romancer and healing is found in His arms alone.
Even though this may be my last blog, you’re probably going to hear from me fairly shortly. I just want to thank you for supporting me on my journey these past 4 months and ask that you might pray and see if God is calling you to support me financially and by prayer as I partner with Wellspring Living. I could have not have seen what I’ve seen, prayed what I’ve prayed, and reached out to these beautiful women in Jesus’ name without your support. THANK YOU again. The Lord is moving in some of the darkest places in the world. There is hope! There is light!
For more information about Wellspring Living: www.wellspringliving.org
If you have any questions or information on what you can do to end sex trafficking please email me: [email protected]
Team Wellspring: Julia, Sinamon, Dana, Jenny, Anna, and Natasha. I spent four amazing months with these beautiful passionate women. I miss and love these guys so much. 7 strong in a mini van!
