Elijah Rising

Teen trafficking is closer to home than you think, and it's happening in our schools. Join us as we unravel the shocking story of a Klein ISD teacher allegedly leading a network exploiting runaway teens for prostitution.  We break down the disturbing timeline revealing the tactics traffickers use to manipulate vulnerable youth. From street names to social media grooming, learn the red flags that can save lives.

Our discussion highlights the critical role of education and awareness in fighting human trafficking, urging schools and communities to stay vigilant. Tune in to understand how you can make a difference and protect at-risk youth.

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What is familial trafficking and how does Hands of Justice support survivors?

In this episode, Carrie Harney with Hands of Justice tells us her personal story of being trafficked as a child. It took Carrie many years to realize what she had experienced was exploitation, and it was not until she attended a Hands of Justice event as an adult and heard their presentation that she was able to identify herself as a survivor of trafficking.

Carrie now works as an Advocate for Hands of Justice and walks us through the many services they provide to survivors.

Carrie discusses:

• Her own personal vulnerabilities that led to a trafficking situation
• The importance of economic empowerment for survivors and what Hands of Justice does to help them achieve that
• Beautiful stories of redemption that Hands of Justice has experienced with the women they serve

Learn more at: https://www.handsofjustice.org/

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What if understanding the financial underpinnings of human trafficking could revolutionize the fight against it? Youngbee Dale is a researcher and anti-trafficking expert. We take a deep dive into the operational dynamics of global trafficking networks. 

In our discussion, we explore the persistent challenges law enforcement faces, especially within illicit massage parlors, where shutting down one location often breeds many more opening. We also cover these topics:

• How traffickers use coercion and tactics to evade detection
• A call for more sophisticated investigative methods 
• The crucial role of public vigilance and the church

Learn more about Youngbee's research online: https://www.dale-consulting.com/

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How is 3in1 Mechanical Ministries filling the gap of transportation for overcomers of trafficking?

In our work with women in Restorative Care, we have found that once they complete our program and have jobs and housing, we always still have the missing piece of transportation. In order to help our graduates be set up for success, they need a reliable way to get to and from work. Otherwise, they immediately find themselves in a vulnerable situation again.

That’s where 3in1 Mechanical ministries comes in. Ross Peters, their Founder and CEO, shares with us how his lifelong love of cars transformed into a nonprofit that gives away cars to people in need.

Ross also discusses:

• The lack of transportation-related nonprofits not just in Houston, but all of the United States
• The importance of providing reliable vehicles and follow-up care for clients
• The amazing ways God opened doors to create this new nonprofit and some of the success stories they’ve seen

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What does recovery and restoration look like after addiction and trafficking?

This is the third and final episode in this series with Jessica Gobble, Elijah Rising’s Recovery Specialist. In this episode, Jessica talks about the deep shame embedded in people who have experienced addiction and trafficking, as well as the hope and restoration available to them.

Jessica also explains:

• Recovery is not linear; relapse is often part of recovery
• There is so much shame deeply embedded in people who have experienced trafficking and addiction, but we want them to experience complete freedom from shame
• Full restoration comes from Jesus

“Addiction is cunning, baffling, and powerful. But there is One that holds all power.”
-Alcoholics Anonymous

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What new drug trends are we seeing and why are they so concerning?

This is the second episode in our series with Jessica Gobble, Elijah Rising’s Recovery Specialist. In this episode, Jessica goes over the most popular types of drugs right now and why they are so dangerous, specifically to young people. 

In this episode, Jessica sheds light on:

• The persistent surge of fentanyl and its devastating impact.
• The largest resurgence of stimulants since the 1980's.
• Why so many deadly drugs are currently legal.

Uncover the intricate web of addiction and trafficking, where profit margins drive the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

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Why and how do we address recovery in Elijah Rising Restorative Care?

In this episode, Jessica Gobble, Elijah Rising’s Recovery Specialist, explains how addiction feeds trafficking and trafficking feeds addiction. 

Traffickers have learned that they are able to make more profit off of an exploited individual when they exploit them in multiple ways. 

For instance, if a trafficker coerces a woman into transporting drugs across the border, distributing them, and then engaging in prostitution, they generate more profit compared to solely exploiting them for sex. This overlap between addiction and trafficking is prevalent for numerous reasons. 

Jessica also discusses:

• The distinction between forced and voluntary drug use, and their distinct impacts on individuals.
• The significance of medical detox and its role in the recovery process.
• The importance of empowering individuals to direct their own healing journey and providing support as allies.

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We're joined by special guest Frankie Mazzapica, pastor at the Celebration Church in The Woodlands, Texas, and a longtime partner with Elijah Rising. Frankie brings profound insights on prayer from his  new book, Ignite Your Life: 14 Things that Happen When You Pray. Frankie shares how prayer has drastically altered his life and its effect on others. Don't miss this episode, it has a ton of great insight for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of prayer's impact on everyday life.

Ignite Your Life: 14 Things That Happen When You Pray »

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Check out this bonus episode where we share the story about an Elijah Rising presentation that went horribly wrong! Our Executive Director, Micah Gamboa, experienced cardiac arrest during her presentation at Celebration Church of The Woodlands. Amazingly, God worked a miracle, and Micah was able to recover in just a few days with no lasting effects. Hear the story from Pastor Frankie Mazzapica on what it was like to walk through this experience, and the amazing testimonies of how God is using this testimony to bring healing to others!

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We created this series of bonus episodes where we share some of the crazy stories we experience in ministry. In this episode we share the story about one of our volunteers stepping into a full-time role in anti-trafficking and the resistance he had to overcome to step into his role!

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