A couple weeks ago Andy & I went to a benefit dinner for Freedom House, the Bay Area's first shelter specifically for victims of human trafficking. South Bay Church has been doing research on ways to get involved in the fight against human trafficking. We really have a heart for the aftercare of rescued victims, and while we know that human trafficking is going on right here in the Bay Area, we could not find any "safe houses" locally that provide care for these young women. The closest safe houses that we could find were at least a couple hours away. That is why we were so excited to hear about Freedom House.
Freedom House is a Christian aftercare facility that will provide for the needs of these victims. The survivors of human trafficking often need clothes, free shelter, food, language skills, medical attention, job training, legal assistance, counseling/therapy, and a variety of other services. Without shelters like Freedom House, police do not have many options once they have rescued the girls. The girls are left very vulnerable and are at risk of being trafficked again.
Freedom House will not only provide the victims with all of the services listed above, but they will also provide the opportunity for the women to hear the gospel and attend optional Bible studies. The reality is, providing freedom in this life without giving someone hope for eternity falls incredibly short of what the Bible exhorts us to do. Freedom House wants to provide a safe environment where these young women can tangibly feel the love and healing power of Christ.
Andy & I are so excited to be meeting with the founder of this organization in a few weeks. We are hoping that South Bay will be able to partner with Freedom House both financially and through volunteer support. Freedom House is hoping to have its Grand Opening this summer. You can read more about this amazing organization here.
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me...
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners...
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of despair.
Isaiah 61:1,3
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