“Because a smile is on my face everyone thinks I’m ok, but inside my heart is broken and I need help and someone to talk to.”
This beautiful young Nigerian women’s name is Perseverance. Prophetically named for all she has had to endure in her 26 young years!
Perseverance was sent away from her home country over 6 years ago, leaving 3 tiny children to make money to send back to her family still in Nigeria. Her family borrowed $30,000 for Perseverance to move.
Perseverance was anticipating a new and better life for herself and a valuable way to help her family when she arrived in Italy.
Little did she know she would be taken, abused repeatedly, and forcibly sold into sex slavery.
Before she left Nigeria, Perseverance was forced to sign a contract by the local village sorcerer stating that she would commit to her job for life and pay back all the money borrowed, or she and her family would be cursed.
But the God who rescued us from the domain of darkness saw Perseverance in her agony.
Through the ministry of loving followers of Christ, who are committed to help vulnerable young women working on the streets in Italy, Perseverance was dramatically rescued! She learned about the love of Jesus and the cleansing of her sins in His name! Through Christ Perseverance has hope, love and security!
So why the broken heart?
Our committed Italian ministry team has opened a center for these precious rescued women, along with the children they have borne. This 2-year program lovingly teaches the women how to grow in their faith as well as providing counseling for their shattered hearts and lives. They are equipped with skills to secure a solid and stable job.
In total, the ministry team has rescued and housed over 151 women who have come to faith in Christ, and over 75 children!
But the house is overflowing with a long waiting list. Until a spot opens for Perseverance she lives at a church for her safety. Though she has been physically rescued and spiritually redeemed, Perseverance struggles with strongholds from her past.
Support Perseverance in Prayer
Please pray for Perseverance to have full healing, and the thousands of women like her, forced into sex trafficking who are yet to be rescued.
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God.” Isaiah 61: 1-2
