SMA Launches New Ministry to Victims of Trafficking

On Thursday, January 28, the Missions breakout chapel featured speaker Jeanine Sullins from the Houston Home of Hope. Sullins spoke on the Sex Trafficking industry in America. During the chapel, Southwestern Missions Association commissioned a new Front Line Ministry called The Voice. The ministry will raise awareness and minister to women and children who have been involved in human trafficking.

Human trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation is quickly becoming the world’s fastest growing industry and most profitable criminal activity. The U.S. State Department estimates that as many as 18,500 individuals are trafficked into the United States each year, many of these for sexual exploitation.

According to former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, “This kind of modern-day slavery is hard to imagine in the United States. I think these cases are so painful to see, and it’s often hard even for the victims to recognize that they are victims. It’s disgusting. These organizations are run by some of the very worst criminals in our society. They treat human beings as cargo, as commodities to prey upon for a simple profit.”

The top priority for these victims is the need for appropriate shelter. The Home of Hope will provide help, training and long-term rehabilitation for those victimized by trafficking, and restore freedom and dignity to their lives. Once constructed, it will be the only long-term care facility for Sex Trafficking Victims in America. Click here for more information on Home of Hope.

Sullins participated in commissioning the new Front Line Ministry team “The Voice” during the chapel. The Voice is partnering with Mosaic, a non-profit organization that focuses on rehabilitating victims of trafficking once they have been rescued.

SAGU students will conduct a weekly Bible study as well as a children’s program. The group will also help with various projects around Mosaic. “Our purpose is to express God's pure love to these people who have never been taught what true love is,” said student Laura Johnson.

The ministry officially launched Saturday, January 30. The Voice had 57 SAGU volunteers participate in this first visit. “The residents were very impressed that so many students cared enough to come to the Mosaic,” Johnson commented. “It was an amazing experience.”

The Voice will visit Mosaic every Tuesday afternoon from 4-6:30 pm and on some Saturday afternoons. They meet in the Full Life Center outside the Jeter Prayer Center at 4 pm on Tuesdays.