I Can’t Do This Alone
Women who are caught up in prostitution, or ensnared by sex trafficking, are usually either trapped by a toxic cycle of desperation, or held captive by a person that they can’t get away from on their own. Even if they escape somehow, they are at a great disadvantage to survive by themselves, and it seems to them that no one on the outside cares whether they escape or not. They just can’t break away and find freedom alone. They need help.
Any friends or family they may have that feel any sense of compassion for their plight are usually at a total loss as to how to help them as their needs seem too overwhelming, confusing and expensive. Even government agencies cannot provide all that is necessary for these victims. They need help, too.
However, Engedi Refuge is one place that can. By collaborating with the local community, we have the resources and professional help on hand to provide the safety and stabilization needed for healing and change to occur.
One precious woman that came to Engedi summarized it like this: “I was a prostitute for 10 years, living on the street, addicted to crack cocaine. I was trying to kill myself through excessive drug use, but failed. My family had given up on me, and I knew I could not go on like this anymore….I didn’t believe God existed, but I begged Him to help me. I called a church lady, and with her help I arrived at Engedi Refuge. I started to change…God began working miracles in my life. For the first time in my life I am free, and I have hope.”
Victims can’t escape and heal by themselves. Care-givers can’t protect and provide for victims by themselves. All of us have to come to the humble place of saying: “I can’t do this alone.”
In 12 years of dedicated service to sex trafficking survivors, I’ve learned a few key things:
1. Victims suffer from a mixture of debilitating issues like: complex trauma, chemical addictions, poverty and homelessness, varying degrees of mental illness and PTSD, and chronic emotional and relational abandonment. There is nothing simple or easy about their condition or needs.
2. Victims feel hopeless; utterly overwhelmed by stress and despair, not knowing how to even begin to heal or move forward in life.
3. Ministering to their needs isn’t as hard as it seems. It takes a community and a commitment, but it can be done.
In fact, we are doing it, and have been doing it for many years now, with very high success. Engedi’s supporters, volunteers, staff and directors are doing what used to seem impossible… and we are doing it together!
Join us in doing the impossible for those that need it most.