A New York State Trooper’s press release on July 26, 2024 revealed on ongoing trafficking investigation of the owners of XiangLi Wellness Spa located at 2265 Downer Street Road Building 300, Baldwinsville, NY 13027.

A search warrant was conducted at the business, resulting in the police seizing ledgers, price lists, business records, and digital equipment records of the credit card charges. These records will help the New York State Police Community Stabilization Unit complete a financial investigation, my retired line of work, hopefully leading to the traffickers being charged and victims being identified and helped with the resources they need. Two people were arrested who were living in the spa unlawfully, however, their status is unknown. Thankfully, local citizens paying attention in their community reported this suspicious activity at the spa. Education is the key to playing a vital role in the solution and eradication of the problem. Be active and do your part to know the various signs of trafficking and then report it to local law enforcement crimetip@troopers.ny.gov and/or the Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888.

Here is an article by Sarah Holliday, a reporter at The Washington Stand, on July 13, 2024 entitled “Thousands of Unaccompanied Immigrant Children Now Victims of ‘Taxpayer-Funded Child Slavery”. I thought was note worthy so I am using this space to share it because heartbreaking to see this happening to children.

Data collected between February of 2021 and January of 2024 revealed “464,922 [unaccompanied] children have been encountered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection police nationwide.” Some experts, such as those from the child immigrant aid organization Kids in Need of Defense, have explained this surplus of unaccompanied minors was “expected” and likely due to “U.S. measures implemented at the border during the coronavirus pandemic.” But what is shocking, experts have gone on to point out, is how the whereabouts of thousands of these children are unknown, with the biggest concern being that many are becoming victims of human trafficking.

These concerns flooded the mainstream media as whistleblowers testified in a roundtable discussion on Tuesday. The accusation laid forth is that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Labor are guilty “of covering up how the government and contracted companies have failed to properly care for 500,000 parentless immigrant children in government custody at the border,” the Washington Examiner reported.

Acknowledging the outcry, HHS Secretary Xavier Bacerra said, “No child has gone missing under our watch.” But Allison Dyer pointed out on X that not only is Bacerra’s statement false, but she used information collected by a New York Times report to highlight that “85,000 unaccompanied children released to sponsors in the United States by our government are unable to be accounted for,” meaning “their whereabouts or welfare are unknown.”

Emphasizing a point similar to Dyer, Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.), who also serves on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, argued that the claims that these children are not unaccounted for shows a “blatant lack of transparency with the American people.” He added, “Frankly, it is hard to see this as anything other than an effort to cover up and shield the Biden administration from scrutiny for its mistreatment and mishandling of unaccompanied children, particularly in an election year where the president is behind in the polls.”

HHS whistleblower Deborah White described the circumstances as “taxpayer-funded child slavery,” and she noted that part of what led to this was the government “prioritizing speed over safety.” As a result, she stated, children are being sent to abandoned houses, unsafe homes, and even one case in which “a child was sent to an open field,” which only further proves the lack of integrity of the system. White said that even after several concerns were raised, nothing was done to stop children from being sent to dangerous locations.

“It’s unbelievable that we’re … talking about government-sponsored, taxpayer funded child trafficking,” said Tara Rodas on Thursday’s episode of “Washington Watch with Tony Perkins.” Rodas, who formerly worked for the Department of Health and Human Services and testified on Tuesday, explained how she and some of her “colleagues began reporting trafficking cases in June of 2021.” She sighed, “So, if you can imagine, it’s been more than three years” since those first reports.

Rodas emphasized how their efforts were received better “in the beginning, and [we] thought they were going to do something about it.” However, over time, they were threatened and warned from “coming forward to speak the truth.” And “this is not just one incident,” Family Research Council President Tony Perkins pointed out, further noting that she “began to see … patterns.”

Rodas explained that what it boils down to is a system that is not organized or monitored well. “So,” she continued, “you can imagine how easily a system like that is exploited.” The process, she described, is that children are brought across the southern border “from Guatemala, El Salvador, all over Central and South America with smugglers.” Then, “the smugglers give them the name and address to where they’re going, the children turn that into Border Patrol, Border patrol turns it over to us at HHS, and then we send the child to that person. It’s really end-to-end delivery.”

And the issue with this, as Perkins noted, is that there’s “no verification of relationship, family connection or anything” to ensure these children end up in a safe place. Again, he contended, “[T]his is being funded by tax dollars. I mean, we’re bringing these children to this country and allowing them to be exploited. This is … horrific.”

In many cases, Rodas explained that what leads children to these horrible homes is the fact that “there is no ultimate verification because” the government “did not even verify if the person was a legal permanent resident.” But ultimately, she insisted, no sensible “child welfare organization around the globe would send a child to an unknown person. … That doesn’t even make sense. And yet, that’s what the government is doing.” However, Rodas concluded that sitting idle is not an option. “There are children in crisis now, and we need to rescue” them.

Topics:Illegal Immigration, Human Trafficking, Border Crisis, Border Security

After much prayer and with the Lord’s direction and vision for House of Hope (HOH), we have decided to pursue the route of building our own residence to minister to survivors. The building will consist of three levels totaling 6,192 square feet. The building is specifically designed to meet our women and children’s needs in a family atmosphere which could house up to 12 individuals. The lower level will include an adult learning center, children’s learning center, exercise room, a storage room and mechanical room. The 1^st level will include a large entryway, kitchen, pantry, dining room, family room, counseling room, ministry office, a lounge, half bath, laundry room, and a staff bedroom and bathroom. The 2^nd level will contain another laundry area and 4 separate units for each participant and their child(ren). These units will include a bathroom with double sinks, a closet, a small refrigerator with cabinets, table & chairs, desk, beds/cribs and dressers. If you would like to see our blueprints they are posted on our website House of Hope! Just click on each level to expand.

We are actively looking for property to build House of Hope on in Central New York. Preferably, we desire approximately ten acres, give or take, in order to have room to grow as well as for privacy for participants. If you have property that you are willing to donate or sell, that meets our criteria, or you can help in anyway please reach out to me at Christine@rahabrefugeministries.com. Thank you for your support and prayers!

On September 27, 2023, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a series of bills that will combat human trafficking and assist its victims. 

Bill S.395-Cleare/A.5505-Paulin, directs the New York State Inter-agency Task Force on Human Trafficking to investigate the connection between social media and human trafficking. Often young trafficking victims are ensnared by traffickers who make initial contact with them via social media. This new law will lead to the creation of new strategies and techniques to help frustrate traffickers’ attempts to use social media in this manner.  Pray for us at RRMI as we are create educational material for teens in order to prevent them from being trafficked via social media.

Bill S.5527-Cleare/A.3720-Paulin requires that resources for trafficking victims be posted in restrooms and lactation rooms at facilities owned by the Metropolitan Planning Authority (MTA). Bill S.5827-Cleare/A.4586-Paulin mandates that similar information be posted in lactation rooms at service areas on the New York State Thruway. I have personally already seen these signs in NYS on the backs of the bathroom stall doors at rest stops across the state. We hope and pray that trafficking victims who enter restrooms can obtain lifesaving information and help that is available to them via emergency phone numbers and contact information posted. 

I do not usually align with the position our NY State Governor takes; however, on this one she takes a good step forward for NYS and victims. We still have a long ways to go in NYS to get a better report card in the illegal trafficking industry.

Last night I went to go see movie “Sound of Freedom.” If you watched this film, even though embellished to an extent, did it stir you to do something? The man sitting next to me in the movie theater got mad and said he wanted to get into the fight.  When the movie ended I gave him my business card and said… “you said you wanted to do something, here is your chance right here in CNY.” That was the extent of my conversation!

Amos 5:24 states “But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as the mighty stream.”   During Amos’ time the northern tribe of Israel appeared to be doing right.  However, God wrote them a warning that destruction would befall them if they refused to change.  I think this looks like America today, we neglect the true heart of love and worship of God.  You ask me how; we fail to take into account the care of the poor and needy…. these children, end up as those women on the street corner, you know ….those who we ignore.

We turn an eye away from injustice.  How can we say we love God and others when we fail to help people who are within our reach to help? True religion is helping orphans, widows, and those who are in distress according to James 1:27.

How many of you actually know about the Governor’s decision to provide $1 million to a “Sex Worker Health Pilot Program?  Here is the link to the NYS of Health Department https://www.health.ny.gov/funding/single_source/c38369gg.htm

Maybe you have seen the NY Post who blasted the decision, which the Governor’s dismissed as just tabloid gossip. https://nypost.com/2023/07/23/kathy-hochul-launches-ny-health-care-program-for-sex-workers/

So here it is, New York State is on slippery road to full decriminalization of prostitution. Do we care?  The NYS Department of Health has awarded $1 million in public funds to two contractors as part of the new “sex worker health pilot program.” One of the groups that will receive these funds is the Callen-Lorde Clinic, many of whose patients are children, mainly trans and gender non-conforming youth. That means that NYS is characterizing sex trafficked children as “sex workers” in violation of NYS and federal laws.  The Governor dresses it up as a fund for “sex workers.” It is not “sex work” but the criminal exploitation of the most vulnerable individuals like immigrants, children from the foster care system, runaways, and other youth who are preyed upon by criminals.

The decriminalization of “sex work” overlooks the industry’s ties to sex trafficking and violence.  Decriminalization without accountability for pimps, sex buyers and brothel owners will only lead to further harm. How…..demand will create more unwitting child victims who become adults trapped in a cycle of drugs, brokenness and a lifetime of trauma. 

Please take just 8 minutes to educate yourself in this fight for justice.  Rachel Foster, founding co-chair of “World Without Exploitation,” gives and informative discussion on the fallacy of legitimizing the “sex work”.

https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/inside-city-hall/2023/08/04/advocate-discusses-dangers-of-illicit-sex-businesses-in-nyc

So I ask again …What Will You Do!

Write a letter to the Governor; help support a service provider trying to help victims; support Rahab Refuge Ministries as we establish a safe house for survivors right here in CNY! Do something! https://rahabrefugeministries.org/house/

The Story

CNY Tuesdays awards a $2,000 grant each week to a 501(c)3 and/or non-profit organization that addresses the needs of area residents. The program aims to provide funds to groups that advance charitable, religious, artistic, and educational purposes in the target counties. CNYT is solely funded by personal contributions from Mr. Adam Weitsman, owner of Weitsman Shredding, LLC which is located in Owego, NY. 

The Grant Funds will be utilized to help acquire a building (Building Fund) in order to open the first long term residential program in Central New York. The residential program will be a safe environment where each woman and child will acquire the skills necessary to re-enter society.  “House of Hope” will be that residential home where participants build life skills emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually with love and compassion.

If you know or can recommend additional Grants that will help us achieve our goals without hindering our mission and values, please email one of us at Christine@RahabRefugeMinistries.com or Lindsey@RahabRefugeMinistries.com

In early January, I noticed that I was not seeing out of my right eye clearly. It was subtle at first and then it started to appear as if I was looking through a dirty or foggy window. I attributed it to the lens that was placed in my right eye about ten years ago when they removed a cataract; I knew at some point this may need replacement. At the end of January, I went off to Jacksonville, NC to see my youngest son off to Japan. During this trip I realized that the upper left corner of my right eye was black. I had not noticed this until I had covered my left eye in the mirror.  My left eye was compensating for my right eye. 

After returning from my trip I went to the eye doctor. They quickly discovered that I had a horseshoe tear in my retina. This required immediate surgery or I would lose my eyesight. I had vitrectomy surgery on February 9^th which involved the use of microscopic cutting instruments to remove vitreous gel and scar tissue inside the eye. The fluid that created the retinal detachment was then drained through the existing tear, thereby reattaching the retina. A temporary gas bubble was then injected in the eye to hold the retina to the eye wall. The gas bubble is slowly absorbed over 6 weeks, while the vitreous cavity fills with fluid normally produced by the eye. Recovery has involved laying on my right cheek 50% of the day and throughout the night for the first two weeks. If all goes according to the doctors plan I should regain eyesight after about six weeks when the gas bubble has dissipated.

During recovery I have had a lot of time to reflect and spend with my Lord. What came to mind specifically was 1 Corinthians 13:12 “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” 

In this world, we do not always see things clearly and we only see part of the picture, as if seeing through a dirty window. However, in heaven we shall see Him and His plan clearly, free from obscurity, and without error! We think and assume things that are not always true and accurate. When you have placed your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ we immediately become a child of God and have a new nature.  However, our spiritual maturity in Christ is not immediate. Hence the preceding verse in 1 Corinthians 13:11 states “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” All the childish things will be done away with the moment we are in His presence. In this world, we tend to respond and act to what we see in the twilight and through dimness. God wants us to see the bigger picture through His lenses. I am so thankful God gave us His word, the Holy Scriptures, to guide us “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)  The Bible helps us achieve spiritual maturity when we are in His word daily, obeying, submitting, serving, and most of all, giving self sacrificing love, which is the key to spiritual maturity.  Hence the proceeding verse in 1 Corinthians 12:13 “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” If you want to know the Lord, seek Him, read His Word, and He will reveal Himself to you. However, until we get to Heaven, we will not fully see God without obscurity in all His perfection and the absolute essence of love. For GOD is LOVE!  

I am beyond grateful for the talented doctors and staff who have treated and cared for me. I am especially thankful for all the prayers that have been said on my behalf.  Please continue to pray for my recovery as follows: the gas bubble will naturally dissipate, the gas bubble seals and attaches the eye wall to the retina, my eye pressure would stable off,  and that I regain complete eyesight in my right eye.

A parent dies. Friends part. Your husband dies unexpectedly. A brother dies. Friends move or die. Life is full of change and this often means beginning again. Noah experienced this in an extreme way. In Genesis 6:5-8 we learn that God brought a destructive flood because of the wickedness of man and their evil imagination. Noah was directed by God, after years of building the ark and being mocked, to get on board the ark, as seen in Genesis 7. God closed that door on him and his family! Noah listened to the rain fall and heard the screams of people drowning, and yet, he trusted God in the midst of the flood!

When God wipes the slate clean, He is thorough. Sometimes, God in His great mercy leaves a well-planned foundation to help us begin again (especially true when we obey His guidance and direction). After the rains “God remembered Noah, and every living thing…in the ark” Genesis 8:1. God never forgot Noah on that ark and God will not forget you! God hears the cry of His people in pray and Psalm 25 is a great example if you want God’s blessing in your life. God is perfect, wise and loving in and through His omnipotence.

Even after the torrent subsided, it took months for the mountaintops to become visible to Noah and his family. Changes in life can be abrupt, catastrophic and trials often involve waiting with a great deal of uncertainty. Can you imagine being on that ark? I don’t know about you, but at times, I can only see the storm that surrounds me. It can be difficult to be patient when people are rude, inconsiderate, misunderstand, or are desperately trying to hold on to something in order to control their lives! We can all tend to do this at times; instead we need to remember to trust God, pray, let go, and ahh… yes peace again.

Noah released a raven and later sent a dove out three times at seven day intervals as noted in Genesis 8:6-12. Finally the dove brought back an olive leaf to Noah (v.11) Olive trees have an excellent root system, enabling them to survive in difficult environments; however, they require much care and attention to grow well (this is one reason for the Olive Tree in our Logo). You want to recover from a dramatic experience, trial, loss, or maybe even failure? For me, being rooted in the bedrock of Christ’s precious cleansing power and a daily walk with Him is where He tends to my life (and yours too, if you allow HIM)!

Second chances can be cause for both hope and sorrow. One may not be able to perfectly reconcile God’s justice or His mercy; however, if you allow Him to grow you, this spiritual maturity will increase your peace. How about you, are your growing, being pruned, or starting over? “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples”John 15:8. We are all at different stages of life and sometimes this requires pruning and sometimes starting over. You can embrace what God has for you and grow; or you can desperately try to hold onto what is not yours to begin with and have no peace.

The year “2022” has come to a close and I do not know where it went.  It was met with a lot of changes and continued grief for us as a family working through the loss of my husband, Jeffery.  As we hit the road on deputation, I saw God moving in my heart as well as in my daughter’s lives.  Many times they responded to the Word of God as HE continued to deepen my own trust, reliance and faith in Him.  Back in 2020 Jeff & I did not completely understand what the Lord was doing. I am so thankful that we obeyed the Lord’s calling to start Rahab Refuge Ministries.  It is easier to understand when you look back now and see the Lord’s guiding hand (obedience always brings blessings).  No doubt, this year will be filled with more changes, but one thing I know for sure, soon we will hear the trump of God “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first; then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thes. 4:16-18.

When I was encouraged to write this blog for the ministry website, I thought it should be more about the issues of trafficking. This year as I continue this journey, I am going to share more of what is on my heart, my life, and the challenges I face as a single mother, pastors’ widow, homeschooling, and full time ministry work as President of Rahab Refuge Ministries. So hop on board and follow this blog as we face 2023 raw and real!