Read Time: 2 Minutes, 20 Seconds
Podcaster’s Note: Recently I (Ray Self) was blessed to interview James and Dawn Hamm about their powerful ministry to victims of sex trafficking. This article, written by the head of Ground Up Ministries, is essential for all parents to read and understand.
By James E. Hamm
What if I told you human trafficking is a $55 billion industry and the second largest worldwide? What if I told you that the average age is now age 11?
And, what if I told you most individuals involved in sex trafficking have a life expectancy of 7 years? What if I told you that our State of Florida is number three in the nation, behind only New York and California? What if I also said to you that whatever community you live in, chances are someone is being sold in exchange for sex? I often tell people that just because you do not have children trafficked does not necessarily mean it does not exist. Many people are horrified when they see the statistics you have just read. Yet, all of it is true. Ten years ago, I saw a piece on the news about human trafficking. I was so moved because my daughter was a teenager at the time, and I knew many of them were her age or even younger.
I prayed that God would somehow position me to be utilized to combat this awful epidemic in our nation. So, in 2016, my wife, Dawn, and I founded From The Ground Up Ministries, Inc. to rescue, redeem, and restore teenage girls. With the help and love of the Father, we fight the battle, love on these kids and prepare them to be successful adults and the women that God intended them to be.
Our capacity currently is for three. However, we have identified another property that can increase our capacity by another five girls. The vision is to open a coffee shop on that property so that the girls have a place to work and learn lifelong skills in business.
Our “Beauty for Ashes” campaign aims to raise over 1 million dollars to secure the facility and reach more lives. We are tired of rejecting girls who need help because of a lack of space. We have had to refuse over 80 to date in 2022. Unfortunately, there are not enough safe houses to meet the demand. In a business where we would love to be out of business, we know we must continue to fight the battle.
You may find us at groundupministries.org.
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Dr. Ray Self is the founder of Spirit Wind Ministries Inc. and the International College of Ministry. He holds a Doctorate in Christian Psychology and a Doctorate in Theology. He currently resides in Orlando, Florida. He is married to Dr. Christie Self and has three sons and a daughter. Follow and subscribe to Self Talk With Dr. Ray Self at our new podcast website at icmcollege.org/selftalk International College of Ministry is now enrolling at icmcollege.org/enroll. You can purchase Dr. Self’s books—Redeeming Your Past and Finding Your Promised Land and Hear His Voice, Be His Voice at Amazon.com.
Marilyn Hickey Ministries 
Charisma Staff 
