Peace in crisis: Our response to Covid-19
"This is what we do!", I replied to Taylor after she shared her recent experience with a clearly traumatized, crazy-eyed woman yesterday at the grocery store. While discussing the impact of the coronavirus on our community — and on our ability to provide immediate response and rescue via our 24/7 hotlines, it became more clear than ever. This is who we are.
At Rescue America, we are people of peace and redemptive solutions to people in crisis every day. While it typically feels to us like those who are in crisis are in the minority — and thankfully that is true of those who are traumatized by sexual exploitation, this week it feels like the whole world is in crisis due to COVID-19.
That's not true, but even if it were, it's an empowering moment when we realize that we don't have to be sucked in to fear. In fact, it's imperative that we not. Each one of us has the opportunity to receive and be a conduit of peace and encouragement during this coronavirus outbreak that is marking all of our lives. It is our prayer that all with whom we partner will walk in and extend the supernatural grace that we've been given to weather this season triumphantly.
I can't tell you how thankful I am for a team who knows who they are, who leans in as others flail, and instinctively responds with wisdom and compassion. Sex trafficked or not, through Holy Spirit, we carry what others seek. When Taylor picked up that last loaf of wheat bread and saw the look on crazy-eyed lady's face — she gave her the bread. Because Jesus.
It's not always easy to stay the course, our faith is being stretched too! But He hasn't failed us yet; our God will supply all our needs. We want you to know that every survivor who has called our hotline this week has been placed or is in a safe place. To God be the glory!
Our team is taking steps to identify potential COVID-19 exposure among survivors who call our hotline and empower our volunteers and partners to respond appropriately. The safety (and felt safety) of survivors, and our frontline teams are our our highest priority. Below is a message sent to members of our Exit Team outlining our response and the essential precautions for the coronavirus.
To Our Volunteers
In light of the pandemic status of COVID-19, we felt we should reach out to share that we are monitoring the situation closely while enforcing precautionary measures and holding confidently to the Word of God. Isaiah 41:10 TPT says,
"Do not yield to fear, for I am always near.
Never turn your gaze from me, for I am your faithful God.
I will infuse you with my strength
and help you in every situation.
I will hold you firmly with my victorious right hand.’"
As those who are called to the front line of the anti-sex trafficking effort, it is essential that we remain free of the spirit of fear, while we seek and adhere to the wisdom of God. We want you to know that our Exit Strategists are enforcing new screening procedures to help identify survivors who are potentially infected, and we are committed to communicating risks to you if or when they arise. In the same spirit, we are asking that you, as a volunteer will take reasonable precautions as outlined by the Center for Disease Control.
Wash your hands! (20 seconds minimum)
Sanitize if you can’t wash (60%+ alcohol is good)
Stop touching your eyes, nose, and mouth (it’s difficult — keep hand sanitizer and Lysol close)
Please carry a disinfectant and hand sanitizer to use before and after completing an exit. We recommend Clorox wipes to disinfect your car interior as well. Also, feel free to show our survivors some extra love and ensure them that we care about their health! If you are able to give out a travel size hand sanitizer for the survivor’s time at the shelter and pray over them for their health and safety. If you have a weakened immune system or feel you are at higher risk, we absolutely understand if you feel it is wise to abstain from an exit during this time.
Above all, as Believers, please remember the promise Jesus made and purchased for us at Calvary. “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” Luke 10:19. Please join us as we pray for an end to the coronavirus, the safety of survivors who are exiting, our team, and all who are still in the life.
