In today's episode, we have the privilege of hosting Melissa Brown, the founder of Safe Harbor Ohio, an organization dedicated to combating sex trafficking and providing support for survivors. Melissa's journey began with a powerful encounter at a conference where she witnessed the stark reality of child sex trafficking represented by white umbrellas being opened– each one symbolizing a child being sold that day in the city where the conference was held.


Melissa sheds light on the dark and underground world of sex trafficking, emphasizing that it thrives in plain sight and preys on vulnerability. With Ohio ranking 5th in reported sex trafficking cases, Melissa stresses the urgency of addressing this issue. She discusses how predators exploit social media to target vulnerable individuals, highlighting the importance of awareness and vigilance.


Through Safe Harbor Ohio, Melissa and her team are on a mission to renew, rebuild, and restore the lives of survivors. Their motto reflects their commitment to renewing faith, rebuilding lives, and restoring hope. Melissa shares the importance of recognizing survivors' intrinsic value and equipping them for long-term success.


Melissa also educates listeners on the tactics used by traffickers, including grooming and false promises, and emphasizes the role of community members in combating trafficking through prayer, volunteering, and donations. She emphasizes that trauma can be passed from generation to generation, but so can healing.


Join us as we delve into this crucial conversation with Melissa Brown, exploring how we can all play a part in combating sex trafficking and supporting survivors on their journey to healing and restoration.


Bio:


Melissa Brown is a wife and mother of two adult children. Her work history is working in management. With the leadership skills she used in managing eighteen stores, she carried those over to her role as the Senior Executive Director at a large multisite church. She has a proven history of exceeding goals and helping to get the best out of team that she works with.


She has mentored two survivors and currently sits on the Stark County Juvenile Human Trafficking Task Force. She began to work alongside of those making an impact while also knowing the need is great and there is so much that needs to be done.


Melissa lives by the belief that she has been placed on earth for such a time as this to help make an impact in this fight against evil. She knows that God has blessed her with a voice to speak up and fight for those who cannot speak for themselves. She fearlessly believes that God is who He says He is, and she faces life’s giants with boldness and faith. Her desire is to do all things with a pure heart, and always speak the truth with love.


She wants her legacy to not be about what she has done, but rather who she has served.




Connect with Safe Harbor Ohio:


Website: https://www.safeharborohio.org/


The White Umbrella: https://a.co/d/bk1QUbR 




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