 | | It will be a shelter and a shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain. Isaiah 4:6 |
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Words From Mike Mullican
We can find no other atrocity in the 21st century so vile and corrupt that tears at the very fabric of humanity than this thing we call Human Trafficking. Regardless of our religious convictions as a civilized society, or lack thereof, we must not allow the children of this world to be subject to the highest bidder.
As we continue to research this topic it is clear to us that God expects an investment of our lives to plant that seed of hope in a hopeless girls life. Our goal is to open a long term care facility for sex trafficked domestic minor girls. We will provide an opportunity for these girls to have a second chance at a productive life. The task is truly a large one. A facility does not exist for such a purpose in the state of Texas.
Refuge Co-Founders: Mike & Norma Mullican and Missy Zivney
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The Goal:
- Awareness: Educating the public through speaking engagements at churches, schools and civic organizations on the subject of child sex trafficking.
- Advocacy: To provide better solutions for the victims, with improved criminal prosecutions, trained law enforcement and victim services to include long term care.
- Restoration: Partner financially, spiritually and emotionally with individuals, churches and businesses in establishing a long term care facility for sex trafficked minor girls. To establish a holistic approach (mind, body and soul) in the healing process of the girls at the Refuge of Light.
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The vision: 
Transform the broken life into the brilliant life through individualized plans of restoration. To equip young girls with confidence and the skills to realize and formulate their own vision for a new, healthy and meaningful life.
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Slavery in our own Backyard
* Human trafficking is the illegal trade in human beings for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation or forced labor: a modern-day form of slavery.
*Domestic minor sex trafficking is the "recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision or obtaining of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act," where the person is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident under the age of 18 years(Shared Hope Intl)
*Domestic minor sex trafficking is the use of a child in prostitution, pornography, and/or sexual performance.(Shared Hope International)
*Every year 200,000 American children are at risk for trafficking into the sex industry-according to the Trafficking in Person Report 2004.
*1 out of 3 children who become homeless are sold into sexual slavery within 48 hours of hitting the street.
*The average age children are forced into sexual slavery in the United States is 12-13, but children as young as 10 are victims. Their average life expectancy in "the life" is just 7 short years.
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Where We Are Today:
Preparations are being made to establish a home for rescued victims that will reside at the Refuge of Light. Fundraisers are being planned, prayer teams are being gathered; and all the while , children are still being sold for sex, violently abused, tortured and forced to live a life that they never ask for. Human Trafficking is the second largest and fastest growing criminal activity in the world. Tragically, there are only a handful of shelters in the entire United States solely for domestic children who have fallen prey to these horrendous crimes involving trauma, manipulation and coercion. There is not a single-long term care facility for sexually trafficked minor girls in Texas. It is evident that the need is urgent! Time is of the essence.
Our Hope ~ A two year mentoring partnership with Wellspring Living in Atlanta, Georgia
brings hope to Refuge of Light for an expedient transition into a safe haven for these girls. Their approach has been proven to be one-of-a-kind in the United States. Our first team of core volunteers will be visiting Wellspring Living this March 2011 for a Vision Casting Trip. A subsequent trip will follow in July of 2011 for an intense week of training.
Finances
~ Refuge of Light is currently supported by several area churches, individual supporters and a local non-profit organization. Refuge of Light is actively making contacts and raising awareness to promote financial support. We believe, when the church takes the lead, others will follow.
Immediate Needs and Prayer List ~ Funding for training to include travel related expenses ~ building a cottage for the girls ~ a van for the girls ~ Prayer for volunteers with a passion for children and justice ~ Christian counselors ~ house parents ~ and always, for the girls that will be coming to live at the Refuge of Light.
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Refuge of Light | P.O. Box 132703 | Tyler | TX | 75713
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phone: 903.279.8769
email: info@refugeoflight.org
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