I’m so excited about this post, because it comes as a result of months of planning and praying. In July, a group of women from around Austin got together to discuss a book called Girls Like Us: Fighting for a World Where Girls are Not For Sale, by Rachel Lloyd. The book is a memoir of a woman who was bought, sold and sexually exploited, and who’s story is one of triumph. Every one of us who read the book were deeply moved and shocked by what this book taught us: that sex trafficking is not something that just happens in Thailand or across the globe, but that it happens in our own city… even in our own backyards.
All of us were so burdened by this realization that we couldn’t walk away from it. My friends Jamie and Janet found Redeemed Ministries in Austin already working with these women. By their fearless leadership and a team of people, this fundraising event came together to support the work Redeemed is doing. With the $66,000 raised that night, Redeemed is on their way to openning a much needed emergency shelter in Austin.
I’m so thankful to have been a part of this special event, if only in a small way. Here are some photos of this fun evening, if you’d like to see.
Sponsors and contributors:
Music: All Hat No Cadillac / Beer: Twisted X / Lounge: Loot / Print: Paragon Printing / Raven + Lily / New Hope Initiative / HEB