Paola is overwhelmed with emotion as she sits in the presence of one of the most influential leaders in the world, President Barack Obama. She thinks back to the hard work that didn't seem hard in the moment, but got her here. She was simply doing what God called her to do.
As much of a blessing as it is to be invited to the White House, this isn't about her. She didn't do this to be recognized as a "Community Hero" by Univision TV , the largest Latino television network in the United States. She knows that she is only a vessel that God is using to make an impact on the lives of others.
It was a journey that began when Paola was 17 years old. Paola stepped off her youth groups bus after participating in National Fine Arts in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and suddenly realized that God was calling her to that city. She knew that New Mexico was a prime target for international sex traffickers and that there was a need for a safe house.
She didn't know anyone in New Mexico or where she was going to stay; but after God confirmed it was time to leave through a dream, she sold all of her belongings and moved to a motel near the main highway in Albuquerque. Similar to how God called Abraham out from his home in Haran, Paola left without knowing the direction God was taking her or how He would provide.
After the long trip from Dallas, Texas, Paola threw her bags on her motel room floor and walked to the window. She noticed a young girl standing on the sidewalk and felt compelled to speak to her. Her name is Ashley (name changed due to sensitivity).
Paola walked up to Ashley and asked, "Hey! This is a weird question, but would you like some food? You look hungry." Ashley beamed and said, "That would be wonderful!"
As Ashley ate a sandwich and chips in Paola's motel room, Ashley was able to talk with her and learn that the 24-year-old was homeless, had been abused and battled depression. Ashley was a victim of sex trafficking and had no friends or family anywhere near her. She ran away from where she was staying and was afraid that her 'boyfriend' would find her.
Paola asked, "Would you like to sleep here?"
Ashley replied, "That would really be wonderful! Can I ask you a question, though?"
"Sure," replied Paola.
"Are you a Christian? Because I hate God and am leaving right now if this is why you are being so kind to me."
"Are you a Christian? Because I hate God and am leaving right now if this is why you are being so kind to me."
"Yes. I am a Christian."
Ashley interrupted, "Well, you better not say anything about it to me and try to 'save me' or I'll leave."
Paola agreed that she wouldn't talk about her faith. But, she determined to let her life be her testimony of God's love.
Paola agreed that she wouldn't talk about her faith. But, she determined to let her life be her testimony of God's love.
Cuellar explained, "My passion was to help her grow, and I did everything I could to help her. She wanted nothing to do with God, but as she saw the love of Christ, she began to ask questions and accepted Christ 3 months later."
With prostitution being all that Ashley knew, Paola began teaching Ashley how to work in a corporate environment. She was also able to help her find a job in Dallas, Texas.
Paola knew this was the ministry God called her to. She founded a nonprofit organization called Esperanza (Hope) USA Inc., a safe house for victims of sex trafficking; the only safe house in New Mexico.
Because of the impact she was making, Paola began receiving calls from the Mayor of Albuquerque and the FBI asking her to work together. With their help, she started the Human Trafficking Task Force Committee of Albuquerque. Through a nomination from the City of Albuquerque, she was able to attend a luncheon at The White House for the End Human Trafficking initiative.
As the only safe house in New Mexico, Esperanza's goal is to provide residential care to victims of sex trafficking. Esperanza aims for physical restoration, emotional and mental rehabilitation, social respect and spiritual regeneration and provides counseling, medical assistance, emotional and mental help, social activities, food, clothing, housing, employment, and legal help for victims all over the country.
The United states is one of the largest destination for human traffickers. It is estimated that "14,500 to 17,500 people, primarily women and children, are trafficked to the U.S. annually."
Fighting human trafficking is not an easy task. The organization and its' members are continually fighting for the innocent lives at risk and ask for your prayers as they do so.