Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the testimonies of overcoming trafficking in 2020. We are honored to share these stories because they show how your support makes a difference in the lives of others.
It was a frigid night on Bissonnet during our outreach, we only had 3 volunteers, and the street was busy with buyers and pimps putting their girls out. A YWAM team from Hawaii just so happened to also be there that night, and so they jumped in and started helping our outreach team.
Shortly after, they encountered a woman who wanted to exit the sex trade. Our team picked her up in a car, dialed the Rescue America hotline, and began the exit process while hiding her from her pimp. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a man came and started yelling and cursing at our team while the exit was in process. Spiritual warfare is real, you witness it firsthand out on the streets.
Fortunately, the YWAM team intercepted him, began praying for him, which allowed the woman to continue the exit without disruption. The young woman completed the exit, shared her story with our team, and was able to be placed in a safe shelter. We praise God for sending additional support that night, for her sake.
*Sandra suffered a stroke in the past and suffers from several medical conditions. One day she was forced out on the streets by her family. She had no resources and heard that she could make money in prostitution.
She was out there only a couple of days when a pimp recruited her. He was extremely violent and at one point kicked her in the face breaking two of her teeth. She came to our table several times, asking questions about the rescue process. She was terrified. She said that she could never come back if she got out because her pimp would kill her.
We finally told her that if she decided to exit, God and our team would make sure that she was safe. She came back one final time and said she wanted out. She said her pimp sensed that something was up and was watching her closely. We played musical vehicles and got her out of the area while she called Rescue America. They arranged shelter in Montgomery County, and our team became the exit team and helped her get to safety.
*real name not provided to protect identity.
“I took an hour-long Uber to get here from the homeless shelter I was staying in. As we were driving, I was freaking out because the country-style setting was unfamiliar. I thought we were lost!
As soon as I walked in, I couldn’t believe that I was going to get to stay here. It’s beautiful—the plush rugs, the soft beds- oh my gosh, and my own closet. I’ve been here for a week, and it seriously feels like a fortress that was set up just for me. Our family-style dinners are the first I’ve had (sober) since I was a little kid. It’s really nice. It’s already starting to feel like home.”
– Elijah Rising Restoration Program Resident
“I went to the Restoration Campus for a workday, and all of the residents were late getting ready for church. I am sure anyone who has tried to get a home full of ladies out the door in the morning can relate to our staff’s struggle.
I rushed into the house to let them know volunteers would be arriving shortly to work on the house for them, and we planned for them to be gone already. In the flurry of making coffee and adding final touches to their Sunday best, One resident insisted to another resident: “ You have to tell Sam what happened yesterday! Tell her! Tell her!” Then, sweetly but noticeably tempering the joy she felt, she excitedly proclaimed, “I gave my life to the Lord Jesus Christ last night.”
No longer able to hold back her enthusiasm, she shouted, “It happened right there on the floor! We were all crying!” She was pointing to a small space on the carpet right next to the bed. Still aware of the crowd beginning to form outside, we forgot about the fluster of work, and all hugged and laughed. The real work of the Gospel happened, and everything else could wait.”
-Elijah Rising Staff Member
We have so many testimonies to share from 2020! You can also watch this podcast episode where we recount some of the ways God provided this year. Despite all the challenges that 2020 brought, it was a significant year for Elijah Rising. We anticipate more amazing testimonies like these in 2021.