First, thank you to each and every person who took the time to pray through this time of rescuing this young woman, enslaved in the sex industry. It could not have been done without each one of you and I am so grateful for the outpouring of love.
A true story of rescue, love and hope.
First, thank you to each and every person who took the time to pray through this time of rescuing this young woman, enslaved in the sex industry. It could not have been done without each one of you and I am so grateful for the outpouring of love.
When I arrive at my final destination, I meet with the man who is helping organize the transport. We race out of the airport and on to the pickup spot. Through some intense maneuvers we pick up Claire, with her bags, and hit the road within an hour of arrival. We take extra precautions to make sure we are not followed or tracked out of the city.
Intense conversation and bursts of singing fill our time in the car. This leg of the journey tests all my abilities in working with individuals in crisis and gives me great, new understanding of how to support survivors in high risk and emotional situations. Finally, we arrive at the safe home, in the middle of the night. Notwithstanding, everyone is awake, anticipating our arrival. Claire fears entering through the front door because she knows she must walk up a flight of stairs. Her body agonizes from the beatings in the last few days. After 20 minutes of talking outside, we walk in together and climb the stairs.
Upstairs, someone ushers Claire into her room. With a look of complete shock and incredulity, she surveys the bedroom, neatly decorated in colors she had chosen. Claire then questions, “Is this room really for me?” The room displays a beautiful double bed with shiny pillows, a ceiling fan, an air conditioner, dressers, wall art and a Bible with her name spelled correctly. Volunteers had spent hours creating a sanctuary for her. She looks at me, marveling, “I have never had a bed this big or a room this beautiful.”
Afterwards, Claire walks into the living room while three of us (two who work in the home) put away her belongings to help settle her into her room. The home is amazingly flexible and willing to work with her individual needs.
After a few hours of sleep, it is time for me to leave. I awaken Claire to say my goodbyes. There are so many emotions swirling around as I leave her: reviewing the intensity of the visit, being concerned about her running, her staying safe, her receiving love, getting home to my family. I don’t know if I can adequately explain the feelings of telling her I love her and that I am leaving now. Then, my heart fills with peace; I know my job is complete.
Two flights home give me time to reflect and unwind. During times like these I can feel God’s strong and loving presence more than ever. My faith and courage have been taken to a new level and I know now more than ever that all things are possible with Christ and with Him we can move mountains. We are not to fear but be strong and move forward with TONS of prayer support.
What are my concerns for Claire now? She needs to accept love and kindness. Claire needs a willing heart to work with the home group rather than fight against the new structure. I want her to find healing in her heart, mind and body after years of abuse.
Please continue to pray for her. This was just the first step in years of recovery. She desperately needs people to continue to come around her and show her God’s love and kindness. She knows many people have been praying for her and it has given her peace.
Thank you all for coming around Claire, the team and me, in support and love. I am grateful beyond words. We must continue to fight and love, as a team, for all people who have endured abuse in the most horrific ways. We have victory over the enemy as we realize each one of us brought release and freedom to one more life.
