Stella’s Story
Posted on Friday, April 29, 2016 by
Stella is familiar with Remann Hall. She has gone through its doors four times in the past three weeks alone, each time with a new arrest on her record.
When her home life gets messy, Stella runs. When a person of authority makes a rule, Stella objects. In grave or serious situations, Stella laughs. But with a personality all her own—energetic, outspoken, rebellious—I love her to pieces.
As I spent time with Stella last week, I learned that her mother forces her to leave the house every morning and she is not allowed to return until after her mother gets home from work in the evening. Because of the craziness of her life, no one has taken the time to enroll Stella in school. She is left to fend for herself, think of things to do and find places to stay.
Try to imagine how she must feel. Can you fathom the loneliness?
It is no surprise that Stella feels abandoned, rejected, unloved and unimportant. These feelings make her extremely vulnerable for a trafficker to target and strategically prey on her weaknesses and susceptibility. The trafficker will manipulate her, lie to her and deceive her. He will do anything to convince her that only he loves her enough to protect and provide for her. He says he can her dreams come true. And Stella is so desperate for love and acceptance that in she is quick to believe it.
Stella gets released on Friday. With a bit of desperation in her voice, she asked me to spend time with her when she gets out. She requested to come to my house so she could meet my family and have dinner with us. My heart broke at this—at the realization that Stella’s happiness, survival and salvation all come down to one simple truth.
She just needs to be loved.
This, right here, is an opportunity for a mentor to be an "interruption" in Stella's life. To come alongside her and walk with her through the messiness. To encourage, empower, guide, support and, most of all, love her.
We believe transformation happens in relationship. We have seen it many times. Girls like Stella need to have a trusting adult relationship in their life. Someone who keeps their word and shows up every time.
a•new
Is a ministry we are currently building to find and help those involved in trafficking, as well as those who are at high risk of being trafficked. We want to be an interruption in the chaotic life of teens. And the more times we can interrupt, the better.
Join us as we pursue our goal of leading these young people away from trafficking and towards Christ, where true love and acceptance awaits them.
By Brenda Boback, Juvenile Justice Ministry Coordinator