A Heart for the Exploited
Back in 2016 I felt the calling, the open door, and received the blessing of being able to go on the World Race. I picked the route I went on based solely on the fact that it had Thailand on it. Everything about this mission trip was amazing, challenging, fruitful, and something I would do again. However, the time in Thailand working on the red light district was so sweet, so heavy, and eye-opening it changed me forever.
I knew that my heart was unveiled to the world of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Upon returning to the States I finished my undergraduate degree in psychology with a minor in women's studies. I didn't know what post-college looked like but one thing I knew for sure was that I felt called to love, support, challenge, and influence women of all ages and backgrounds. Shortly after graduating I moved to Montana and began working at a residential mental health organization for youth. The Lord didn't let me forget my unveiled eyes to the world of sex trafficking. I would see fliers for this organization called HER Campaign at all the local coffee shops and would pick them up but never call.
In the fall of 2019, my husband and I took a trip to Germany for a wedding. On our last night there we happened to stay in a hostel next to one of the world's largest brothels in Hamburg. (That's what happens when you book online). We spent our evening walking up and down the district praying and crying out to the Lord. When we got back I knew I had to reach out to that organization in town that I would see fliers for all the time. I also knew my current job season as a nanny for an amazing faith-filled family was coming to an end come summertime. My boss worked in the same office as HER Campaign and encouraged me to reach out to them and ask if they were hiring. I composed an email and it sat in my inbox for two months. Finally, as I approached the end of my commitment to this family and the pressing of the Lord continued. I sent the email asking if they were hiring. They responded the last week of my job saying they do not have any positions available but would love to interview me for a volunteer position. After two rounds of interviews, I was offered a job. What!! God is so good. I was hired on as an executive assistant and a month in I was asked to step into the Housing Coordinating position. I got to see and learn so much about the world of anti-sex trafficking organizations, trauma, and my heart's unique design.
At that time I was introduced to Rescue America who was taking over HER Campaigns Hotline. Because that's what they are good at and HER Campaign was good at the Housing side of the exiting The Life process. I love the Body of Christ working together. During one of our meetings discussing the transition someone from Rescue America said the words “boots on the ground” and immediately I heard the Lord say “That is you, that is who I designed you to be”, it shook me to the core and I clung to those words and wrestled with what that meant for weeks.
After a few conversations between the organizations, I realized that a big chunk of my job and heart's design was being handed off Rescue America. I wasn't sure what the future looked like I just knew I loved connecting with the survivors and then connecting them to our program and helping them get there even if it fell through. The Vice President of Mobilization, Sarah, and I had two conversations about the handoff and during the second one, she asked if I would be interested in an Exit Strategist position with them. I said yes that is part of what I was doing with HER Campaign but didn't think it was anything other than a curious question. In the back of my head, I thought if that was more than a question my prayer is that I would have the Founder and Co-founder of HER Campaign blessing to move organizations. Both executive teams talked and sure enough, I was blessed to accept the Exit Strategist position with Rescue America. Again, wow, I love when the body of Christ works together. It was a season of sweet release. I was released by the Lord to step into the “boots on the ground” calling I heard Him speak over me and blessed by my brothers and sisters in Christ to step into a deeper trust in the Lord, more of who I was created to be, and still get to be in community with those who supported me to transition.
Since working at Rescue America I have been blown away every day with the beautiful souls I get to encounter, the amazing team I work on, and the impact around the nation that is happening. Being able to pray with my coworkers, be encouraged to use the gift of discernment in my job, and be so supported in all areas of my life by my supervisor and coworkers is not easy to find in a career for most people. I am beyond blessed by that. The Lord is so good and so kind to me. It is so fun following Him and His plans He has for me. I can't wait to see all He has in store for Rescue America in this coming year. Thankful to be a part of it.