One week ago today I had the privilege of meeting a young woman who had just days before experienced rescue from a life that many of us could never imagine. For several hours I was able to sit alongside her and two others who had been ministering to her, loving her, and providing for her basic needs. What I witnessed was a miracle in progress—the beginning of a beautiful story of restoration and recovery, of love and redemption.
I have studied human trafficking and victim statistics for about 18 months now. I had a certain level of understanding of what I should expect, and on the other hand, I had no idea what I might encounter.
My first impression surprised me. She looks a lot like my aunt sans 20 or so years. She is petite, fair skinned and freckled. She loves to draw and was working on a project to give to those who had been helping her as a way to thank them. Her love and gratitude was obvious, even though there was a visible battle of fear and mistrust trying to overcome her at the same time. She has a puppy that she loves and is concerned for, even more than her own welfare. She is just like you and me.
Except she isn’t.
Long before she was able to legally drive, someone that should have had her best interest at heart sold her for the money. During a time in her life when school and fashion should have been her main concerns, she was trying to survive unthinkable cruelty. Years of abuse followed, aging her physically and stunting her emotional and mental development. Her body was used as a commodity with no thought to her well-being or basic human rights.
Thankfully, the story doesn’t end there.
Justice Ministries in conjunction with Rise Up Ministries was able to provide safety, clothing, and shelter for this beautiful girl in Jesus’ name. Words of hope and healing were spoken into her soul. Constant reminders of Jesus’ love for her were shared. Given time, I believe she will accept them and believe them for herself and true rescue will take place. I pray this happens soon.
I am so thankful for this up-close view of the power of God. I too was once separated from God. And just as Jesus saved me from my sin, He can save every young women still trapped in lives of slavery. I am reminded of the promise given in Isaiah 61:7-8.
Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy. For I the Lord love justice; I hate robbery and wrong; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.
Those rejected by their earthly families can have the opportunity to be adopted into a heavenly one that will love them as the precious sons and daughters that they truly are. It’s our job to offer this to them. To provide them rescue from harm and share with them the love of the One who can redeem their souls.
Will you pray with me as I seek to do that very thing in Jesus’ name? It is my desire that years from now I will have seen hundreds of such rescues take place. You can take part as well through your prayers and gifts to organizations like Justice Ministries, Rise Up and Citylight. For with God, nothing shall be impossible. (Luke 1:37)
Photo credit: giev / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-SA