Trafficking Free America

In Part 1 of a two-episode interview, Oree Freeman sits down with survivor, mentor, wife, and mother of seven, Sabrina Lopez, to share a powerful story of teen pregnancy, trafficking trauma, faith, marriage, and discipline. Rec 4 - Ep 4 Oree Sabrina PART … Exploited at 13 and pregnant at 15, Sabrina navigated shame, family conflict, survival mode, and early motherhood — all while suppressing deep trauma. In this episode, she opens up about graduating early, rebuilding her life, navigating a blended family, and the turning point that changed her marriage and faith. Sabrina shares honestly about: Suppressing trauma inside marriage Nearly filing for divorce Learning to communicate about triggers Becoming equally yoked before major life transitions Rededicating her life to Christ Rebuilding her marriage after broken trust This episode is not just about survival — it’s about structure, discipline, faith, and building something healthy after chaos. 👉 This is Part 1 of a 2-part conversation. 🎧 Part 2 drops next week, where Sabrina and Oree dive deeper into discipline, self-care, motherhood, and breaking generational cycles. This episode continues the mission of Trafficking Free America: showing what restoration can look like inside marriage, family, and faith. 🕒 Episode Timestamps (12 total)0:00 – Husband didn’t know the full details of her trauma 0:25 – Meet Sabrina Lopez 1:52 – Exploited at 13, pregnant at 15 2:56 – Family shame, judgment & teen motherhood 4:03 – Using shame as fuel to succeed 5:40 – Dating her husband at 16 7:37 – Married at 21 with five daughters 8:24 – Triggered by living near trafficking locations 10:14 – The church moment that changed everything 11:40 – Becoming equally yoked before moving to Florida 14:23 – Trauma surfacing inside marriage 15:17 – Filing for divorce & walking away 16:06 – Rededicating their marriage & rebuilding trust 17:41 – Celebrating 14 years of marriage 19:05 – Becoming Dr. Sabrina: reclaiming her identity 21:09 – Self-care beyond quick fixes 23:29 – Discipline, structure & raising seven daughters 27:31 – Part 2 preview

In Part 2 of a two-episode conversation, survivor-leader Oree Freeman continues her honest dialogue with close friend Irony Senegal, shifting the focus from friendship to dating, self-worth, and building healthy romantic relationships after trauma. This episode tackles a deeply relevant topic for survivors and anyone healing from past pain: why dating must begin with dating yourself first. Oree and Irony unpack how desperation, insecurity, and unresolved trauma can lead people into unhealthy relationships—and why doing the internal work is essential before pursuing companionship. From setting standards and boundaries to understanding respect, vision, and intentionality, this conversation offers wisdom for women navigating singleness, dating, and preparation for marriage. Irony shares practical insight on becoming someone you enjoy being around, raising personal standards, and aligning your life with the future you want—rather than settling for what’s available. 👉 This episode is Part 2 of the interview. 🎧 If you haven’t listened yet, be sure to start with Part 1, where Oree and Irony discuss healthy friendships, trust, and boundaries. This episode continues the mission of Trafficking Free America: helping survivors and communities pursue healing, wholeness, and Christ-centered relationships. 🕒 Episode Timestamps 0:00 – Becoming someone you love before dating 0:27 – Introduction & recap of Part 1 0:52 – Dating yourself first: why healing matters 1:38 – Navigating old friendships and new dynamics 2:50 – Accountability, language & personal growth 3:46 – Healthy friendships don’t replace others—they add 4:56 – Trauma, jealousy & territorial relationships 6:16 – Being open to new, healthy connections 7:28 – Dating after trafficking: breaking old cycles 8:46 – “Do the work”: self-worth, standards & discipline 10:01 – How your habits shape who you attract 12:01 – Vision, values & intentional dating 15:21 – Love isn’t enough: the role of respect 22:23 – Final encouragement: don’t settle for less #TraffickingFreeAmerica #DatingAfterTrauma #HealthyRelationships #SelfWorth #HealingJourney #SurvivorVoices #BoundariesMatter #FaithAndHealing #RelationshipStandards #Restoration #PodcastSeries #HopeAndHealing

In Part 1 of a two-episode conversation, survivor-leader Oree Freeman sits down with her close friend Irony Senegal for an honest, healing discussion about friendship, trust, and healthy relationships after trauma. This episode explores what it looks like to build deep, life-giving friendships without centering trauma, labels, or past pain. Oree and Irony reflect on how their relationship began, how trust is built slowly and safely, and why boundaries, patience, and consistency matter more than titles or expertise. Rather than approaching friendship through a “trauma-informed” lens alone, this conversation highlights something simpler—and often overlooked: what healthy love actually looks like. From accountability and communication to slowing down and protecting one another’s hearts, this episode offers a powerful model for friendships rooted in faith, respect, and mutual growth. 👉 This is Part 1 of a 2-part interview. 🎧 Part 2 will be released next week, continuing the conversation around friendship, boundaries, and healing community. This episode continues the mission of Trafficking Free America: equipping individuals, survivors, and communities to pursue healthy connection, restoration, and Christ-centered relationships. 🕒 Episode Timestamps0:00 – Opening reflections: balance, grace & overthinking 0:41 – Introducing Irony Senegal 1:14 – Why friendship matters in healing and prevention 2:16 – How Oree and Irony first met at church 3:16 – Setting boundaries early in relationships 4:21 – Respect, accountability & spiritual growth 5:07 – Seeing the person, not the trauma 6:37 – Discipline, faith & consistency in friendship 7:42 – Trust built through shared values 8:52 – Protecting hearts and safe community 11:24 – Loving someone without defining them by pain 13:21 – Friendship as mutual growth and balance 14:57 – Why healthy relationships don’t need labels 32:30 – Closing & reminder: Part 2 drops next week #TraffickingFreeAmerica #HealthyFriendships #HealingAfterTrauma #SurvivorVoices #FaithAndHealing #BoundariesMatter #HealthyRelationships #CommunityCare #Restoration #PartOne #PodcastSeries #HopeAndHealing

In this episode of the Trafficking Free America Podcast, survivor-leader Oree Freeman and host Jeremy Hicks have an honest, vulnerable conversation about mental health—not as a reaction to trauma, but as a form of prevention. Drawing from lived experience, parenting, leadership, and survivor advocacy, this episode explores why mental health care must start early, how trauma impacts the nervous system long before adulthood, and why healing looks different for every person. Oree shares openly about her current season of life, therapy, boundaries, parenting, medication, faith, and learning how to listen to her body—offering a rare and grounding perspective for survivors, caregivers, and leaders alike. Together, Jeremy and Oree challenge common misconceptions around mental health in the Church and society, unpack the difference between diagnosis and care, and explain why patience, community, and prevention matter more than performance or perfection. This episode continues the mission of Trafficking Free America: equipping everyday people, churches, and communities with survivor-informed understanding that leads to healthier responses, safer environments, and long-term restoration. 🎧 Subscribe for more survivor-led conversations, practical tools, and faith-centered discussions on prevention and healing. 🕒 Episode Timestamps 0:00 – Mental health as prevention, not reaction 1:18 – Why this conversation matters right now 2:45 – Survivor honesty: therapy, readiness & timing 4:13 – Tools planted early still matter later in life 5:27 – Leadership, exhaustion & learning to slow down 6:57 – Boundaries, peace & finding joy in hard seasons 9:00 – Stress, anxiety & listening to your body 11:29 – Mental health vs. diagnosis: shifting the narrative 13:14 – Why survivors weren’t taught self-care 15:36 – Community, accountability & healthy relationships 17:22 – Medication, therapy & removing stigma 21:30 – Final encouragement: prevention starts with understanding #TraffickingFreeAmerica #MentalHealthAwareness #TraumaInformedCare #HumanTraffickingPrevention #SurvivorVoices #FaithAndHealing #ChurchLeadership #TraumaRecovery #MentalHealthMatters #PreventionOverReaction #Advocacy #HopeAndHealing

In this episode of the Trafficking Free America Podcast, survivor-leader Oree Freeman sits down with Jeremy Hicks to break down one of the most practical and accessible ways communities can prevent human trafficking: Trafficking Free Zones. This conversation clarifies what Trafficking Free Zones are (and what they are not), why you don’t need to be an expert or rescuer to make a difference, and how education, awareness, and readiness can create safer environments in businesses, churches, schools, and neighborhoods. Drawing from lived experience and real-world implementation, Oree and Jeremy explore how prevention often begins long before trafficking occurs, why consistency matters more than heroics, and how small, informed actions can change outcomes for vulnerable people. This episode continues the mission of Trafficking Free America—equipping everyday people with practical tools to respond to trafficking in a thoughtful, survivor-informed, and Christ-centered way. 🔗 Learn more about Trafficking Free Zones: https://USIAHT.org/TraffickingFreeZone ✝️ Become an Abolitionist: https://USIAHT.org/Abolitionist 🎧 Subscribe to Trafficking Free America for survivor-led conversations and practical ways to make a difference. 🕒 Episode Timestamps0:00 – Introduction: why Trafficking Free Zones matter 1:06 – You don’t have to be an expert to help 2:04 – Moving from rescue myths to readiness 3:46 – Why “see something, say something” isn’t enough 5:16 – What Trafficking Free Zones actually are 7:05 – How businesses, churches, and schools can participate 9:14 – Survivor story: why consistency changes everything 11:23 – Showing up without having all the answers 13:15 – How to respond safely when you notice something 15:52 – Prevention starts before trafficking happens 18:30 – Community awareness as protection 21:12 – Everyone has a role—stop trying to do everything 24:24 – Final encouragement: readiness over heroics

In this bonus deep-dive episode of the Trafficking Free America Podcast, we continue unpacking Episode 5 of the Advocate Series—this time with Kevin Malone, now the former CEO and President of the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking (USIAHT) and Kids Not For Sale. This conversation was recorded when Kevin was still serving as CEO and President, offering a powerful window into his leadership, calling, and urgency for the Church to take its God-given role in ending trafficking. Kevin shares how he went from MLB General Manager to one of America’s leading anti-trafficking voices, what still keeps people from taking action, how the Church can protect its own children, and why he believes the body of Christ—not government systems—is the key to ending modern-day slavery. This bonus episode expands on the 5-part Advocate Series—a Bible study featuring Francis Chan—created to help churches understand trafficking from a biblical, practical, and Christ-centered perspective. 🔗 Watch the Advocate Series for free: https://AdvocateSeries.com ✝️ Become an Abolitionist: https://USIAHT.org/Abolitionists 🎧 Subscribe for more deep dives, survivor conversations, and Church-focused action steps. 🕒 Episode Timestamps 0:00 – Intro: Deep-diving Episode 5 of the Advocate Series 0:42 – Kevin Malone’s calling into the fight against trafficking 3:02 – Why awareness still matters: the Church’s role 5:48 – What keeps people from taking action? 7:06 – The spiritual warfare behind apathy 8:28 – Why Kevin believes the Church—not government—will end trafficking 10:23 – The problem of legalized prostitution & cultural blindness 12:33 – Kids Not For Sale: focusing efforts on Nevada 15:46 – Three action steps: Awareness, Volunteering, Fundraising 18:40 – Why this fight demands long-term patience 21:06 – How churches can protect their own children 24:34 – Kevin’s challenge to pastors, leaders & believers 28:01 – Final encouragement & prayer for the Church

In this bonus deep-dive episode of the Trafficking Free America Podcast, we expand on Episode 4 of the Advocate Series with survivor, advocate, and legal expert Bekah Charleston. Bekah spent nearly ten years being trafficked through the brothels of Nevada, and today she leads the Charleston Law Center, providing pro-bono legal services to survivors. Her insights into prostitution, coercion, legalized brothels, and survivor healing offer one of the clearest explanations of what exploitation really looks like beneath the surface. EP4 BEKAH v3_4458038186_FINAL This conversation continues the mission of the Advocate Series—a 5-part Bible study featuring Francis Chan, designed to equip the Church to confront human trafficking with truth, compassion, and Christ-centered action. Bekah shares powerful truths about: Why legalized prostitution still fuels trafficking How “empowerment” is being distorted in culture Why victims often don’t call themselves victims The role of the Church in prevention, healing, and justice What true empowerment, safety, and restoration look like 🔗 Watch the Advocate Series for free: https://AdvocateSeries.com ✝️ Become an Abolitionist: https://USIAHT.org/Abolitionists 🎧 Subscribe for more deep dives featuring survivors, experts & leaders. 🕒 Episode Timestamps 0:00 – Welcome & introduction to Bekah Charleston 0:42 – Bekah’s story: trafficked through Nevada’s legal brothels 3:08 – Why Episode 4 resonated: the power of education & readiness 5:19 – The truth about legal prostitution and exploitation 7:13 – Why victims often don’t know they’re being trafficked 9:18 – How traffickers use “empowerment” as a weapon 12:15 – How porn and culture fuel sex buying 15:55 – Victim-blaming, vulnerability & the Church’s response 18:40 – What survivors need: safety, consistency & dignity 21:32 – What real legal support looks like for survivors 24:34 – What would need to change to truly end trafficking 28:01 – Final encouragement: how the Church can act now

In this bonus episode of the Trafficking Free America Podcast, we dive deeper into Episode 3 of the Advocate Series with Savannah, a survivor of familial trafficking whose story of faith and perseverance has inspired countless others. Savannah opens up about her journey from abuse and secrecy to healing, restoration, and leadership—and how consistent love and faith changed her life. Through Savannah’s story, host Jeremy Hicks explores how the Church can become a safe, consistent presence for survivors, what it means to love like Christ, and how advocacy starts with relationship and compassion—not perfection. This conversation builds on the Advocate Series—a 5-part video Bible study led by Francis Chan and produced by the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking, equipping the Church to confront human trafficking with courage and Christ-centered action. 🔗 Watch the full Advocate Series for free: AdvocateSeries.com ✝️ Become an Abolitionist: USIAHT.org/Abolitionists 🎧 Subscribe to Trafficking Free America for more deep dives and survivor-led discussions. 🕒 Episode Timestamps0:00 – Welcome & introduction to Advocate Series Episode 3 0:35 – Meet Savannah: survivor and advocate from Florida 6:15 – Discovering her story of familial trafficking 8:49 – Why hearing other survivors’ stories brings healing 10:08 – Breaking silence: the lifelong effects of abuse 11:28 – Understanding loyalty and protection in abusive families 13:55 – The power of awareness and survivor storytelling 17:05 – Building trust and safety for children in crisis 18:40 – How consistency changes everything 21:06 – Finding healing through counseling and relationships 22:15 – Why advocacy takes patience, not quick results 24:03 – What survivors truly need: time, safety, and grace 26:11 – The role of the Church in showing unconditional love 30:19 – Why consistency matters more than programs 33:41 – How the Church can love without expectation 36:27 – Overcoming judgment and seeing people through Christ’s eyes 38:46 – Savannah’s life now: from survivor to state advocate 40:01 – Finding faith and freedom in Christ 43:07 – The Church’s missing role in ending trafficking 44:44 – Closing encouragement for leaders and advocates

In this bonus episode of the Trafficking Free America Podcast, we take a deeper look into Episode 2 of the Advocate Series, joined by survivor and abolitionist Oree Freeman. Oree shares her powerful story of redemption, healing, and faith—and challenges the Church to move beyond awareness into real relationship, compassion, and action. This conversation expands on the Advocate Series—a 5-part Bible study led by Francis Chan—produced by the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking to help believers confront trafficking with a Christ-centered mindset and heart posture. 💡 Hear how one survivor went from exploitation to advocacy, what “tough love” really looks like in healing, and why the Church must learn to love without expectation. 🔗 Watch the full Advocate Series for free: AdvocateSeries.com ✝️ Become an Abolitionist: USIAHT.org/Abolitionist 🎧 Subscribe to Trafficking Free America for more Advocate deep dives and survivor-led conversations. 🕒 Episode Timestamps0:00 – Welcome back to the Advocate Series deep dive 0:35 – Introducing Oree Freeman and her advocacy work 2:20 – From surviving to thriving: Oree’s journey to healing 4:00 – Facing PTSD and learning to rest in God 6:00 – Discovering God as Father, Comforter, and King 8:15 – The importance of restoration and rest for survivors 10:10 – How gratitude and faith shape Oree’s healing process 13:00 – Planting seeds: how small acts of kindness change lives 16:00 – Why “noticing” is sacred—seeing the unseen 18:00 – How to respond when you sense something is wrong 21:30 – What trafficking looks like in everyday life 25:00 – Planting seeds vs. rescuing: what the Church can do 29:00 – Stories of love that changed Oree’s life 33:00 – The Church’s role in building consistent, patient relationships 38:00 – Showing up with the right heart: love without expectation 43:00 – Tough love vs. enabling: what real support looks like 52:00 – Serving with discernment and compassion 1:02:00 – Staying committed even when the story isn’t “finished” 1:07:00 – Oree’s final message: love people without expectation

About this Episode: In this bonus episode of the Trafficking Free America Podcast, we take a deeper dive into Episode 1 of the Advocate Series with Bruce Deel, founder and CEO of City of Refuge in Atlanta. Bruce shares powerful stories from his 25+ years of ministry serving people in crisis and explains why the Church must confront human trafficking with courage, compassion, and biblical conviction. This bonus conversation expands on the Advocate Series—a new 5-part Bible study led by Francis Chan—created by the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking to equip the Church to respond to trafficking in a Christ-centered way. 💡 Learn how one pastor turned a single act of compassion into a movement serving hundreds of survivors—and how your church can take practical steps to join the fight. 🔗 Watch the full Advocate Series for free: AdvocateSeries.com ✝️ Become an Abolitionist: USIAHT.org/Abolitionist 🎧 Subscribe to Trafficking Free America for future Advocate deep dives and new conversations on ending trafficking through faith and action. 🕒 Episode Timestamps0:00 – Welcome to the Trafficking Free America Podcast 0:33 – Introducing Bruce Deel & City of Refuge 2:22 – The moment that changed everything: helping a woman escape trafficking 3:36 – Why the Church must confront trafficking, not avoid it 5:44 – How fear and ignorance keep churches from engaging 7:13 – Why the Advocate Series matters for pastors and believers 9:06 – The difference between faith-based advocacy and secular training 11:53 – Behind the scenes: Bruce’s first impression of the Advocate Series 13:48 – Why confrontation in the Church is necessary for change 16:23 – Advice for viewers new to the issue of human trafficking 18:03 – Confrontation, conviction, and the call to act 20:19 – What the average Christian can do right now 22:52 – Transforming your heart before taking action 25:57 – How to respond to buyers, traffickers, and victims with grace and truth 28:31 – Guiding group discussions around difficult conversations 30:05 – Handling disclosures or confessions safely in church settings 32:48 – How this series can transform individuals and strengthen the Church 35:18 – Bruce’s closing prayer for the Church and survivors 37:01 – How to watch, download, and get involved

About this Episode: We’ve faced the weight of the problem—now it’s time to act. In the final episode of the Advocate Series, Francis Chan, survivors, and advocates challenge the Church to step into its God-given role: preventing trafficking, serving victims, and disrupting the demand. Hope is not lost—together, we can push back the darkness. Watch full series here.  Full Description: Episode 5 concludes the Advocate Series with a call to action. The fight against human trafficking isn’t just about awareness—it’s about movement. Survivors and leaders share practical steps for prevention, victim care, and ending demand, while pastor Francis Chan reminds us that Christ has empowered His Church to confront evil with courage and compassion. You’ll also learn about the Abolitionist Project, a national effort to equip and mobilize believers into real action in their communities. This final episode is both a challenge and an invitation: to let our hearts break with God’s heart, to love boldly, and to step forward together as the Body of Christ. 🔔 Subscribe to Trafficking Free America and join the mission to advocate hope for the hopeless. 🕒 Episode Timestamps0:00 – Opening reflection: the weight of the journey so far 1:20 – The despair of hopelessness vs. the hope of Christ 1:54 – The evil of trafficking: abuse of power and silence 2:29 – What history teaches us: slavery wasn’t abolished overnight 3:04 – Why the Church—not systems alone—must lead the way 3:59 – Aligning our hearts with the heart of Jesus 5:24 – The uncomfortable reality: facing what’s really happening 6:21 – Practical steps: recognizing signs, calling hotlines, reporting 7:22 – Public accountability: laws, penalties, and awareness 7:48 – Trafficking is everywhere—and so are churches 8:33 – The Church’s call: love them where they are, consistently 9:22 – Three strategies: prevent, disrupt demand, serve the vulnerable 10:34 – What prevention looks like: foster care, youth, education 11:03 – Disrupting demand: awareness and accountability 11:35 – Serving the impoverished with tangible resources 12:27 – The Abolitionist Project: how to join the movement 13:42 – Building an army of abolitionists across the nation 14:23 – Final encouragement: God is already at work 14:57 – Closing prayer and call to action

About this Episode: Is prostitution a choice—or another form of trafficking? In this episode of the Advocate Series, survivors share raw stories of addiction, exploitation, and rejection, while Francis Chan reveals how Christ calls us to respond with love, patience, and forgiveness—even when change takes time. Watch full series here Full Description: Episode 4 of the Advocate Series confronts one of the most debated questions: Is there a difference between prostitution and trafficking? Through emotional testimonies and biblical teaching, this episode uncovers how coercion, manipulation, and broken identity blur the lines society tries to draw. You’ll hear from survivors who once believed they “deserved” their pain, only to discover freedom through Christ and the patient, unrelenting love of His people. Pastor Francis Chan draws from Luke 7 to show how Jesus treated the most rejected with dignity, forgiveness, and restoration—and how the Church can do the same today. 🔔 Subscribe to Trafficking Free America and join us in defending hope for the hopeless 🕒 Episode Timestamps0:00 – Opening reflection: anger, justice, and God’s call to help others 1:47 – First steps in rescue and restoration 3:06 – Survivors experiencing real love for the first time 4:21 – The challenge of trust and patience in recovery 5:25 – When help is rejected: what do we do? 6:54 – A young man’s struggle: “I can earn more in one night on the streets” 7:47 – Identity shattered: seeing yourself as an object 8:27 – Survivor story: loneliness, depression, and the lure of prostitution 10:00 – “I thought I was just a prostitute, not trafficked” 11:35 – Stigma, rejection, and believing lies about worth 12:40 – Hopelessness, drugs, and praying for a way out 13:54 – Prostitution vs. trafficking: is there really a difference? 15:28 – Luke 7: Jesus and the woman labeled a sinner 16:40 – Seeing people as children of God, not objects 18:22 – Survivor testimony: meeting a mentor who wouldn’t stop loving 20:46 – How survivors teach us about God’s grace 21:36 – Gratitude and freedom: “God picked me up out of a dark place” 22:35 – Patience and perseverance in restoration ministry 23:39 – Jesus’ parable: forgiveness, debt, and deeper love 24:51 – Why the rejected often love God most deeply 25:26 – The Church’s opportunity: patience, sacrifice, and redemption

About this Episode: What gives a person their worth? In this episode of the Advocate Series, Francis Chan and survivors reveal how traffickers exploit broken identities—and how the truth that we are made in God’s image can restore hope, value, and freedom. Watch full series here. Full Description: Episode 3 of the Advocate Series exposes one of the trafficker’s most powerful weapons: distorted worth and counterfeit love. Survivors share raw testimonies of being dehumanized and coerced, while pastor Francis Chan reminds us that true value comes from being made in the image of God. Through stories of pain, resilience, and redemption, this episode explores how unconditional, patient, and consistent love—rooted in Christ—can break exploitation and restore lives. It’s a call for the Church to not just recognize trafficking but to live out real, sacrificial love in homes, communities, and congregations. 🔔 Subscribe to Trafficking Free America and join us in defending hope for the hopeless. 🕒 Episode Timestamps0:00 – Introduction 0:48 – Humanity made in God’s image 2:01 – The lies of worldly worth vs. God’s truth 2:58 – Love as Jesus commanded: turning away loneliness and evil 3:45 – How traffickers exploit identity and worth 4:26 – Victims who don’t see themselves as victims 5:09 – Why boys are often left out of the conversation 5:53 – Predators target the vulnerable and traumatized 6:42 – Recognizing the signs of trafficking in everyday life 7:44 – The Church’s responsibility: proactive, not reactive 8:47 – Trafficking myths vs. reality (not like Taken) 9:53 – Survivor story: a mother’s betrayal and cycles of abuse 12:10 – Discovering the truth: “It wasn’t my fault” 15:33 – The chase for love traffickers prey upon 17:24 – Families and communities showing consistent, unconditional love 18:40 – Group home story: consistent love that changed a life 22:15 – Choosing survivor identity over victimhood 23:12 – Oree's redemption story and the rarity of breakthrough 25:16 – Equipping the Church: showing true love in families and communities 26:22 – Valuing others—and yourself—as made in God’s image

About this Episode: Why would a loving God allow human trafficking to exist? In this powerful episode of the Advocate Series, Francis Chan and survivors wrestle with the hard questions, share raw stories of exploitation, and reveal how the Church can recognize the signs and respond with compassion and action. Watch full series here.  Full Description: The Advocate Series continues as pastor and author Francis Chan joins with survivors, advocates, and leaders to confront one of the most difficult questions: Why does God allow such evil? Through survivor testimony and biblical reflection, this episode sheds light on how traffickers prey on vulnerabilities like poverty, addiction, and lack of identity—and how grooming and coercion often replace the “kidnap” myths many imagine. This is not just education; it’s preparation. Like CPR for the soul, learning to spot the signs of trafficking can save lives. The Church is called not to turn away but to notice, act, and bring the hope of Christ into the darkest places. 🔔 Subscribe to Trafficking Free America and join the mission to advocate hope for the hopeless. 🕒 Episode Timestamps0:00 – Opening question: Why would God allow this? 1:12 – The reality of sin and human suffering 2:46 – Judgment and responsibility: God’s call to act 3:48 – Defining human trafficking: fraud, force, coercion 4:35 – Survivors share: “I didn’t know I was trafficked” 6:07 – Boys as victims: breaking stereotypes 7:04 – Vulnerabilities traffickers exploit (poverty, abuse, identity loss) 8:03 – Grooming explained: psychological manipulation before violence 9:19 – Survivors describe exploitation and hopelessness 10:14 – The disturbing power of manipulation and control 11:12 – Survivor story: grooming into “family” and false protection 13:16 – From promises to violence: trapped in the life 15:00 – Survivor testimony: “something died in me” 16:05 – Why noticing matters: human trafficking as CPR training 16:50 – Building stronger communities that traffickers can’t infiltrate 18:06 – Preview of next episode: Grooming and prevention

About this Episode: Human trafficking is happening in our communities, often hidden in plain sight. In this first episode of the Advocate Series, Francis Chan and others call the Church to step into the fight—grounded in Scripture, moved by compassion, and ready to act. Watch full series here.  Full Description: The Advocate Series is back—relaunched for the first time as a podcast and YouTube series. In this opening episode, pastor and author Francis Chan joins with survivors, advocates, and leaders to expose the heartbreaking reality of human trafficking in the United States—and to call the Church to respond with biblical conviction, compassion, and action. From the historical fight against slavery to today’s battle against modern exploitation, this episode shines a light on both the darkness of trafficking and the hope we have in Christ to bring freedom and restoration. 🔔 Subscribe to Trafficking Free America and join the mission to advocate hope for the hopeless. Timestamps: 0:00 – Content warning & introduction 2:14 – Historical perspective: Wilberforce and abolishing slavery 4:19 – Jesus’ mission: proclaiming freedom for the oppressed 5:20 – Modern-day slavery: human trafficking in America 6:45 – The Church’s calling: light in the darkness 8:14 – Survivor stories of abuse and exploitation 9:30 – Trafficking hidden in plain sight: schools, malls, churches 10:30 – Survivor testimony: betrayal and exploitation from loved ones 11:10 – Kevin Malone’s story: from missions trip to anti-trafficking advocate 12:52 – A call to righteous anger and action in the Church 14:55 – The body of Christ: unique gifts, one mission 16:29 – Francis Chan on compassion as a gift from God 18:29 – Humility vs. pride in advocacy 18:51 – Closing prayer for love, humility, and action

We’re re-launching our Advocate Series—for the first time ever—as a podcast and YouTube series starting October 9th, 2025. Watch full series here.  This 5-part study, led by author and pastor Francis Chan, dives into how the Church can biblically and practically confront the reality of human trafficking in America. Through Scripture, survivor stories, and urgent insights, this series explores: The biblical call to defend the vulnerable and oppressed The hidden but devastating reality of trafficking across the U.S. How churches can move beyond awareness into bold action Stories of healing, restoration, and hope through Christ This is more than a conversation—it’s a call for the Body of Christ to rise up, engage, and be the hands and feet of Jesus in the fight against trafficking. Together, we can help bring freedom, justice, and redemption to those who need it most. After the 5 episodes have premiered, we will have 5 bonus episodes that we launched back in season 2 of our podcast (keep in mind that you can listen to those at any time) 🔔 Subscribe to Trafficking Free America and join the mission to advocate hope for the hopeless.

In this powerful final replay of our Safe Home Training Series, we shift from starting and running a safe home to how you can support one—as a volunteer, a donor, a church, a business, or simply someone who cares deeply about restoring lives from human trafficking. Host Jeremy Hicks is joined once again by Brandy Cristafulli, founder of Life Recaptured, for a heartfelt, honest, and incredibly practical conversation on what kind of help truly makes a difference—and why most safe homes can't survive without it. Whether you're wondering how to give, volunteer, network, or advocate for survivors—this episode is your step-by-step guide. ⏱ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome back: Let’s talk about support 00:36 – “Yes, it’s financial—but it’s more than that” 01:22 – How Brandy built her network of dentists, surgeons, hospitals 03:20 – “I started at a veterans post”—you never know who will support you 04:54 – Why finding local professionals is crucial: dentists, optometrists, pharmacists 06:27 – Fun matters too—building safe, joyful experiences for survivors 07:29 – The role of churches and strategic partnerships 08:25 – A call to churches: reach out to 10 others about supporting a safe home 09:59 – Why safe homes need more than just volunteers—they need vetting, trust, and strategy 11:08 – How vetting and prayer create a trustworthy safe home 12:16 – What it takes to become a trained, approved volunteer 13:22 – Not everyone is ready to work directly with survivors—and that’s okay 14:35 – Realities of trauma: why training, NDAs, and boundaries are non-negotiable 15:18 – Why many safe homes shut down: accusations, burnout, or lack of training 17:09 – “We’ve hung by a thread”—Brandy’s honesty about funding struggles 18:22 – Brandy’s dream: a safe home in every county in the U.S. 19:09 – “Trafficking is forgotten”—why we need more awareness AND more action 20:50 – We can’t do this alone: collaborate, share, and scale together 21:54 – The 3-tier foundation that sustains a safe home: training, loyalty, and funding 💡 What You’ll Learn Support isn’t always money—but safe homes cannot survive without it Churches have a unique role in supporting and networking for safe homes Vetted volunteers protect both survivors and themselves Practical support like medical, dental, and over-the-counter supplies saves lives Most safe homes close because of poor training or lack of sustainable funding You CAN make a difference by building a network around an existing safe home 🎯 How to Take Action Start the process of launching a safe home (get trained, get support, get wise) Support an existing home like Life Recaptured—financially or practically Pray for more homes, more resources, and more hope #SafeHomeSeries #TraffickingFreeAmerica #BrandyCristafulli #LifeRecaptured #USIAHT #SupportSafeHomes #EndHumanTrafficking #FaithInAction #SurvivorCare

In this replay of our Trafficking Free America Podcast, we go deep into the real-world structure, phases, and outcomes of what a safe home should truly accomplish for survivors of human trafficking. Host Jeremy Hicks sits down again with Brandy Cristafulli, founder of Life Recaptured, to talk about every step of the recovery journey—from intake to empowerment to independence. Brandy shares lessons learned, mistakes made, and the incredible power of consistent structure, compassionate boundaries, and trauma-informed care. If you want to start, support, or understand what a quality survivor-centered safe home looks like, this is your blueprint. 🌐 Learn More USIAHT: https://www.usiaht.org Life Recaptured: https://www.liferecaptured.org Become an Abolitionist: https://www.usiaht.org/give ⏱ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome back: The most detailed episode yet 01:22 – Brandy’s journey of ongoing education and mistakes 02:12 – The hard truth: sometimes you must turn someone away 03:04 – What a safe home should be accomplishing at each phase 04:34 – Detox and assessment: when to say no 06:19 – Intake: learning family background, triggers, and trauma 08:14 – The cost of care: $225/hr for trauma-informed therapy 10:00 – Daily rhythm: structure, relationship, restoration 12:05 – From assessment to residential to empowerment 13:36 – How survivors reclaim power in the empowerment phase 14:19 – Independence: job, rent, responsibility, and tracking 15:18 – A restaurant and boutique run by survivors 17:14 – Dream boards, group service, and core values 19:08 – Why healing and discipline must happen together 21:01 – Real-world readiness: barcodes, brands, and resumes 23:45 – “I don’t have a dream”—restoring purpose with joy 25:02 – Themed dinners and community-based healing 26:14 – Why safe homes must be long-term investments 27:17 – No one “ages out”—phases guide the pace 28:59 – “One girl is worth it”—don’t measure success by numbers 29:55 – Exits: the hardest and most necessary part 32:01 – You can’t save them all—but you must protect the house 36:42 – Why training, not just heart, keeps survivors safe 🎯 What You’ll Learn How to set up four clear recovery phases in a safe home Why boundaries and structure matter more than emotion The emotional toll of running a home — and how to survive it What it means to graduate from a safe home (and when not to) How Christ-like love includes discipline, exits, and grace What it takes to build a community that restores lives 🎙 If this episode moved you, here’s how to take action: ✅ Start training with an organization like Selah Freedom ✅ Support a safe home financially or with your skills ✅ Share this episode with your network ✅ Pray for and support survivor leaders and caregivers #SafeHomeSeries #TraffickingFreeAmerica #BrandyCristafulli #LifeRecaptured #USIAHT #EndHumanTrafficking #PodcastReplay #SurvivorCare #JeremyHicks #FaithInAction

In this replay of our Trafficking Free America Podcast, we continue our deep dive into what it truly takes to launch and sustain a safe home for survivors of human trafficking in the U.S. Host Jeremy Hicks is joined again by Brandy Cristafulli, founder of Life Recaptured, to unpack the critical importance of training, preparation, and partnership. This episode reveals why heart alone isn't enough — and how skipping essential preparation can actually do more harm than good. If you're considering opening a safe home or want to support one effectively, this conversation is essential. 🎧 Part 2 of our Safe Home Training Series 🌐 Learn more: https://www.usiaht.org 💙 Support Life Recaptured: https://www.liferecaptured.org ❤️ Become an Abolitionist: https://www.usiaht.org/give ⏱ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to the replay: Why training is the most critical first step 00:36 – Brandy shares her early experiences with spiritual warfare 01:21 – The unseen cost of starting and running a safe home 02:12 – Who trained Brandy? The role of Selah Freedom 03:05 – How working with law enforcement changed everything 04:23 – The trauma survivors face — and why training saves lives 06:03 – “Don’t do this without preparation” — advice from a seasoned pastor 07:08 – The financial and emotional cost of running a safe home 08:24 – The beauty of healing: Teaching music, finances, and dignity 09:53 – Core values and boundaries: How Life Recaptured maintains safety 10:46 – How the program phases work: From assessment to empowerment 12:25 – Why there’s no time limit for healing 13:26 – Step one: Get trained by the right people (Selah Freedom and others) 14:12 – Collaborating with law enforcement, hospitals, courts, and schools 16:29 – Introducing the Tyler Court: A trauma-informed legal system 17:38 – Why many survivors say “no” at first — and how patience changes lives 19:00 – What it actually costs to run a safe home (and why support is vital) 22:24 – Building trust: From a secret location to national referrals 23:32 – USIAHT curriculum going into 69,000 students in Brevard County 25:12 – Is it worth $100,000 per survivor? Yes. And here’s why. 28:05 – You don’t work this by emotion—you work it by preparation 29:17 – The brutal truth: Most survivors in this home are from local families 💡 What You’ll Learn Training saves lives — compassion without preparation can be dangerous Law enforcement & trauma care must be integrated from day one $600,000 a year, 7 beds filled — why quality survivor care is expensive Boundaries and phases make or break long-term survivor success Most victims aren’t kidnapped — they’re trafficked by family or boyfriends Collaboration is essential — from courts to schools to sheriffs 🎙 Want to support the mission? ✅ Like, comment, and share this episode ✅ Give monthly to a local safe home ✅ Start your training journey today with USIAHT & Selah Freedom #TraffickingFreeAmerica #ReplayEpisode #SafeHomeTraining #BrandyCristafulli #LifeRecaptured #USIAHT #HumanTraffickingAwareness #StartASafeHome #SurvivorCare #PodcastSeries #JeremyHicks

In this replay of our Trafficking Free America Podcast series, we return to a foundational conversation: What does it really take to start a safe home for trafficking survivors in the U.S.? Host Jeremy Hicks sits down with Brandy Cristafulli, founder of Life Recaptured, a safe home in East Volusia County, Florida. Brandy shares her powerful personal story, the five-year process it took to launch her safe home, and the non-negotiables around training, structure, and survivor-centered care that make a home truly “safe.” Whether you're building a safe home, supporting one, or just starting to explore how you can help—this episode is for you. 🎧 Part 1 in our multi-episode Safe Home Training series 🔔 Subscribe for future episodes 🌐 Learn more: https://www.usiaht.org 💙 Support Life Recaptured: https://www.liferecaptured.org ❤️ Become an Abolitionist: https://www.usiaht.org/give ⏱ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to the replay: “Starting and Supporting a Safe Home” 00:36 – Meet Brandy Cristafulli and the founding of Life Recaptured 01:03 – Her sister’s tragic story and why this mission became personal 04:53 – “We didn’t know what grooming was”—when trafficking hides in plain sight 06:17 – Training before action: why Brandy waited 5 years to launch 07:13 – A 92% success rate—what they learned from doing it the right way 08:00 – Good intentions can harm—training is not optional 09:08 – What a functioning safe home really looks like 10:56 – “You can’t put a face on a predator”—why prevention is complex 11:49 – “No one heard us”—the emotional gap survivors face 13:27 – When there are no beds: the crisis in safe housing availability 15:05 – How Life Recaptured partners with law enforcement 17:31 – Staffing, advocacy training, and operational best practices 18:49 – First three survivors: stories of heartbreak, hope, and healing 23:29 – “Chains in the mind”: understanding trauma’s long shadow 26:00 – The healing process: detox, boundaries, therapy, dignity 28:29 – Preview of what’s coming in Part 2 of the Safe Home series 💡 Key Lessons Brandy’s motivation was personal—her sister was trafficked and didn’t survive Training and timing are everything—this work cannot be rushed There are fewer than 200 safe homes in the U.S. and demand far exceeds capacity Survivors need boundaries, dignity, and structure—not just shelter Even if you can't open a home, you can support one through funding, volunteering, and advocacy 🎙 Take Action ✅ Like, comment, and share this episode ✅ Connect with or support a safe home in your area ✅ Join USIAHT’s mission to build a Trafficking Free America #TraffickingFreeAmerica #SafeHomes #BrandyCristafulli #LifeRecaptured #USIAHT #ReplayEpisode #SurvivorSupport #HumanTraffickingAwareness #StartASafeHome #TraumaInformedCare #JeremyHicks