Shining a Light on Human Trafficking: An Interview with Janet Marie Napper

Trafficking: America's Darkest Secret

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and to bring attention to this critical issue, I recently had the privilege of interviewing Janet Marie Napper from the organization Overcoming Abuse God's Way. 

In our discussion, Janet shared some alarming statistics about the prevalence of sex trafficking, especially among vulnerable youth. According to Janet, the most at-risk age range for becoming a victim of sex trafficking is 11-13 years old, for both boys and girls. Shockingly, the U.S. Justice Department reports that even children as young as 5-6 years old are being forced into sex acts for financial gain within the United States.

Janet emphasized the importance of prevention through education. Her organization focuses on providing biblical abuse education to help those who have experienced sexual, physical, emotional, verbal or financial abuse. By helping victims understand how they got into their situation from a biblical perspective, and equipping them to overcome the effects like anger, unforgiveness, insecurity and fear, true healing can begin. 

Sex trafficking has now become the most profitable illegal business in the U.S., surpassing both drugs and guns. Janet stressed that it is just as easy to procure a child for sex as it is to obtain illegal drugs or weapons. This is an issue that cannot be ignored.

Overcoming Abuse God's Way offers free support groups for abuse victims in several counties in Tennessee. Through these groups, participants realize they are not alone and can start the process of overcoming the trauma and destruction that abuse causes in their lives and relationships. 

The interview concluded with a moving prayer from Janet for victims currently trapped in sex trafficking, that they would cry out and be heard, be led to freedom and restoration by God's love. Her prayer also petitioned for greater awareness and sensitivity to the reality of trafficking happening all around us.

To learn more about Janet's important work or to support Overcoming Abuse God's Waynull financially, visit their website at overcomingabusegodsway.com. Together we can shine a light on the darkness of human trafficking and extend hope and healing to the victims.

Embracing Childlike Spirituality

Childlike Faith - A Testimony

 I want to share a testimony that speaks to the essence of childlike faith and its profound impact on our spiritual journey. This story comes from my personal experiences and reflections, and I hope it inspires and encourages you in your walk with Jesus.

From Early Church Days to Deep Reflections

One of the common threads among the testimonies on my blog, ConradRocks.net, is that many of us began our spiritual journeys quite early. For me, it started with a 'drug problem'—I was 'drugged' to church by my family. As a child, I found the sermons monotonous and often fell asleep. Yet, looking back, these early church experiences planted seeds of faith that would later grow in unexpected ways.

Despite my initial boredom, there were moments that left a lasting impression. My father, who was a traveling salesman, would take me to church whenever he was in town. His dedication to writing checks to support the ministry and his sincere prayers before bed were powerful examples of living faith. These actions taught me the value of committing our resources and time to God's work.

Childlike Faith in Action

Reflecting on my childhood, I recall praying with an unwavering belief that God would answer my prayers. And He did. I prayed for a horse and a puppy, and soon after, both prayers were answered. These experiences, though they ended tragically for the animals, taught me the importance of praying for God's will rather than our own desires.

My family, especially my grandfather, modeled a quiet but profound faith. He prayed silently, often unbeknownst to others, and had prophetic dreams that came to pass. This instilled in me a deep belief in God's presence and power.

Struggles with Doubt and Rediscovery

As I grew older, I faced significant challenges to my faith. Learning that my family had lied about things like Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny crushed my trust and led me to question everything, including the existence of God. This period of doubt and skepticism pushed me to study various religions and philosophies, seeking truth.

Despite wandering through different beliefs, I could not shake the supernatural experiences and the voice of God I had known as a child. In a moment of desperation, I prayed earnestly for God to reveal Himself. He did, and my eyes were opened to the truth of His presence. This experience reignited my faith and led me to delve deeply into the Bible and Christian teachings.

Lessons for Today

Looking back, I realize the importance of the examples set by my family and the need for honesty and integrity in nurturing faith. We must be mindful of what we teach our children and how we guide them in their spiritual journeys. Church is not just a building; it is the body of believers who support and uplift each other in faith.

Conclusion

I hope this testimony resonates with you and encourages you to embrace a childlike faith, trusting in God's presence and guidance. Let us be diligent in sharing our faith with honesty and integrity, helping the next generation to find their path in Christ.

Thank you for being a part of ConradRocks.net. Your support and engagement are invaluable. 

Until we meet again, dig deeper, go higher!

God bless you,

Conrad

Vicki Leath's Powerful Testimony of Overcoming Grief and Serving Others

From Prison to New Beginnings

In this powerful testimony, Vicki Leath shares her journey of faith, overcoming the tragic loss of her son, and her passion for helping others transition from prison to a Christ-centered life. Vicki's story is a testament to the healing power of Jesus and the importance of allowing God to comfort us in times of grief.

Vicki's unwavering faith in God has carried her through the unimaginable pain of losing her 30-year-old son to a gunshot wound. Despite her initial struggles and doubts, she chose to trust in God's plan and allow Him to heal her broken heart. By praising God for where her son is now, in heaven, Vicki found the strength to move forward and continue serving others.

One of the most important lessons Vicki learned during her grieving process was to not refuse God's comfort. She encourages those who have experienced loss to let the tears flow and allow God to cleanse their hearts, rather than suppressing their emotions. Through this process, God can mend broken hearts and provide the strength to carry on.

Vicki's passion for serving others led her to prison ministry, where she spent 18 years sharing the love of Christ with inmates. Now, God has called her to a new direction: helping former inmates transition back into society through Michael's House of New Beginnings. This ministry aims to provide a safe, supportive environment for individuals coming out of prison, offering them mentorship, provision, and the opportunity to start fresh with God.

Through her powerful prayer, Vicki encourages single mothers, those struggling with poverty, and anyone feeling hopeless to trust in God's love and provision. She reminds us that God hears our prayers and cares for every detail of our lives. By binding the spirits of grief, poverty, and hopelessness in Jesus' name, Vicki declares victory and healing over those who are hurting.

Vicki's testimony is a shining example of how God can turn our deepest pain into a powerful ministry that touches the lives of others. May her story inspire you to trust in God's plan, allow Him to heal your broken heart, and use your experiences to serve others in need.