How the Faith Community Can Impact Survivors of Human Trafficking
Julie Palmer | PATH (People Against Trafficking Humans), Inc.
“Don’t have wool over your eyes, this is happening everywhere.” This statement came from *Sarah, a victim of human trafficking who has received healing and restoration at our PATH Enrichment Center. She came from a history of abuse by those in leadership in the faith community, and also experienced significant trauma by her trafficker which put her in the hospital for an extended period of time. Upon release from the hospital she began receiving support at PATH. During her initial encounter with our organization, she was skeptical anyone would help her. She did not believe there were good Christians after experiencing abuse and rejection from those proclaiming to be Christ followers.
Sarah further shares, “The way this ministry has changed my life . . . PATH held me in their arms. I didn’t believe there were good people, let alone good Christians. This ministry has given me hope not only in humanity again but in Christians specifically. You guys stood in the gap. That is a big thing for intercessory prayer, but PATH is doing the actual things on the ground needed for those prayers to be answered.” What a profound statement from her story as she shared with us.
We continue to learn from those we serve what it means to demonstrate compassion and kindness, especially to those who are in the darkest time of their lives. As a faith community, we all need to reflect on what it means to actually walk alongside someone who is at their worst and not judge them, lecture them or reject them. Sarah, and others like her, have told us that they feel we meet them where they’re at without judgement.
God has really worked our hearts the past few years on what community should look like as believers. Historically, we are taught to be around like-minded people, Christ-followers with the same values, to do life together. The Holy Spirit has challenged that and shown us at PATH that the staff, volunteers, and those we serve are our community. The greatest commandment comes to mind. Love God, love and serve people, and help people enter eternity in the Kingdom. The combination of those strong in Christ wrapping around those who are the most desperate is the beautiful image of the Church.
We are humbled and grateful for all God has done the past 10 years! We have a building that is 6,000 square feet, purchased for us by a philanthropist, which allowed expansion of our programs at the PATH Enrichment Center. We continue to offer individual counseling, case management, support groups, music and art therapy, fitness, work readiness, meals, clothing, and transportation services. But now due to our growth and expansion, we have added tutoring, child and family advocacy, and medical and substance use services on-site through Well Health.
It has been a long-term vision to offer a residential home for those coming out of human trafficking and that is becoming a reality in the next 12 months. We also are adding staff and launching a school outreach program which we hope will enter into every district in Western New York.
God is good and we look forward to seeing what He will do in the years to come!
*Named changed to protect identity
PATH (People Against Trafficking Humans) Inc. is a not-for-profit faith-based organization with a mission to end human trafficking through education, prevention, and restoration. The PATH Enrichment Center is a safe place for healing and restoration offering support services for adults and youth.
