Elijah Rising was founded as a prayer meeting. In this episode we share how prayer was foundational to us becoming who we are today, but also how it has helped us continue in the mission to combat human trafficking. Send us a text Support the show Learn more about Elijah Rising » Follow us on Instagram » Donate and Support Our Work »…

After adopting a daughter from China, Tom Broyles' life took a transformative turn from practicing law to pursuing mission work driven by faith and purpose. Discover how his legal expertise and faith uniquely prepared him for this impactful mission, blending professional skills with a heartfelt commitment to service. Listen as Tom shares the emotio…

Why do so many foster care systems fall short in providing adequate support for vulnerable children and families? Amber's firsthand experiences highlighted critical gaps within the foster care system, motivating her to establish the Riverside Project. Riverside Project focuses on collaborative system change and the mobilization of churches and comm…

Teen trafficking is closer to home than you think, and it's happening in our schools. Join us as we unravel the shocking story of a Klein ISD teacher allegedly leading a network exploiting runaway teens for prostitution. We break down the disturbing timeline revealing the tactics traffickers use to manipulate vulnerable youth. From street names to …

What is familial trafficking and how does Hands of Justice support survivors? In this episode, Carrie Harney with Hands of Justice tells us her personal story of being trafficked as a child. It took Carrie many years to realize what she had experienced was exploitation, and it was not until she attended a Hands of Justice event as an adult and hear…

What if understanding the financial underpinnings of human trafficking could revolutionize the fight against it? Youngbee Dale is a researcher and anti-trafficking expert. We take a deep dive into the operational dynamics of global trafficking networks. In our discussion, we explore the persistent challenges law enforcement faces, especially within…

How is 3in1 Mechanical Ministries filling the gap of transportation for overcomers of trafficking? In our work with women in Restorative Care, we have found that once they complete our program and have jobs and housing, we always still have the missing piece of transportation. In order to help our graduates be set up for success, they need a reliab…

What does recovery and restoration look like after addiction and trafficking? This is the third and final episode in this series with Jessica Gobble, Elijah Rising’s Recovery Specialist. In this episode, Jessica talks about the deep shame embedded in people who have experienced addiction and trafficking, as well as the hope and restoration availabl…

What new drug trends are we seeing and why are they so concerning? This is the second episode in our series with Jessica Gobble, Elijah Rising’s Recovery Specialist. In this episode, Jessica goes over the most popular types of drugs right now and why they are so dangerous, specifically to young people. In this episode, Jessica sheds light on: The p…

Why and how do we address recovery in Elijah Rising Restorative Care? In this episode, Jessica Gobble, Elijah Rising’s Recovery Specialist, explains how addiction feeds trafficking and trafficking feeds addiction. Traffickers have learned that they are able to make more profit off of an exploited individual when they exploit them in multiple ways. …

We're joined by special guest Frankie Mazzapica, pastor at the Celebration Church in The Woodlands, Texas, and a longtime partner with Elijah Rising. Frankie brings profound insights on prayer from his new book, Ignite Your Life: 14 Things that Happen When You Pray. Frankie shares how prayer has drastically altered his life and its effect on others…

Check out this bonus episode where we share the story about an Elijah Rising presentation that went horribly wrong! Our Executive Director, Micah Gamboa, experienced cardiac arrest during her presentation at Celebration Church of The Woodlands. Amazingly, God worked a miracle, and Micah was able to recover in just a few days with no lasting effects…

We created this series of bonus episodes where we share some of the crazy stories we experience in ministry. In this episode we share the story about one of our volunteers stepping into a full-time role in anti-trafficking and the resistance he had to overcome to step into his role! Send us a text Support the show Learn more about Elijah Rising » F…

We sat down with Joe Madison of Demand Disruption to look into the future of exploitation. Everyone is aware of the growing use and fast growing advancement of artificial intelligence. There is no doubt that technology will impact commercial sexual exploitation in a major way. In this episode we look at the role of technology in increasing demand f…

In this episode, we're diving into the story of how Elijah Rising partnered with Joe Madison of Demand Disruption to prevent the first robot brothel from opening in the United States. When we stumbled upon plans to open a robot brothel in Houston—it raised some serious concerns. But this story isn't just about one victory; it's about the implicatio…

We do outreach into the commercial sex industry because this is where exploitation and trafficking happens. In this podcast we talk about what our different intervention teams are like and how we reach different venues. Send us a text Support the show Learn more about Elijah Rising » Follow us on Instagram » Donate and Support Our Work »…

Where can someone go after they make a decision to leave a trafficking situation? One of the major gaps in serving survivors of human trafficking and exploitation is emergency care. To meet this need, Frontline Response in Atlanta is making an effort to bring this model of emergency care to cities across the U.S. In this podcast, we interview Shann…

In this episode we talk about recovery services and helping women who have survived sex trafficking. For over 40 years, Ellen has worked with women in recovery. During Ellen's tenure, more than 2000 women were impacted by Passages Treatment Center for Women. Ellen is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, Certified Employee Assistance Profession…

Churches often want to become involved in combating sex trafficking but lack the education and awareness to do so. Leigh Kohler leads the Freedom Church Alliance and they continuously develop and refine strategies to help the church be more effective in the fight against trafficking. This episode highlights their new GoBox—which is a tactile, immer…

In this episode we interview the amazing team from Neighbors in Action, Kathrin Meier and Taylor Woodruff! This organization is doing amazing work in a community that experiences a high risk for trafficking and exploitation. Neighbors in Action partners with families in Port Houston and surrounding communities to transform lives through spiritual g…

In this podcast we interview one of Elijah Rising's amazing and faithful volunteers. We talk about the need for native speakers of any asian language to reach out to women trapped in commercial sexual exploitation. We also talk about cultural differences and some keys in reaching the asian community in regards to sex trafficking. Send us a text Sup…

In this episode of the Elijah Rising podcast, we sit down with Christa Mayfield, founder of Good Sustained, an organization that supports professionals who experience stress, vicarious trauma, and burnout incurred from their role of service. Christa is a Certified Health Coach and a Workplace Wellness Consultant who has worked with a variety of pop…

Welcome to this episode of our podcast, where we delve into the topic of Sex trafficking and the men who buy sex, and explore ways to reach out to these men. Our guest today is Joe Madison, the Executive Director of a non-profit organization called Demand Disruption. Demand Disruption fights the demand for sex trafficking by eliminating buyer motiv…

We were thrilled to interview Pastor Frankie Mazzapica, founding and lead pastor of Celebration Church of The Woodlands, Texas. Celebration Church is a source of strength for many families and ministries including Elijah Rising. In this podcast we discuss practical steps every believer can take to experience the presence of God regularly manifestin…

One organization cannot be the solution to combat the effects of sex trafficking. It takes a community of NGO's, volunteers, churches, and public officials to effect change. In this episode you will learn more about what we call "the pipeline of care" which describes how service providers work together to help people who are coming out of trafficki…

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Cara is Executive Director of The Landing, a Houston based nonprofit whose mission is to serve survivors of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation with a trauma-informed approach, fueled by the love of Christ. In this podcast, Cara explains what a drop-in center is and how this approach is effective in serving individuals who are expe…

Sydney is Manager of the Safe Community Program at Crime Stoppers of Houston, a non-profit dedicated to public safety and committed to its mission to solve and prevent serious crime in the Greater Houston Area in partnership with citizens, media, and the criminal justice system. In her role, Sydney uses prevention and awareness programs to educate …

We had the honor of interviewing Rebecca Bender about misconceptions about trafficking, the complexities behind prostitution, and the Equality Model and why it matters. Rebecca Bender is CEO of the Rebecca Bender Initiative and Founder of Elevate Academy @thisiselevateacademy. Rebecca is a thought leader, advocate, and consultant who equips individ…

In this episode of the podcast we interview Jayson Berryhill. Jayson is the co-founder and partner at (en)visible, a company working to enable supply chain visibility in global food systems. He is also a co-founder and partner at Wholechain, a blockchain-based traceability solution built to enable trust, coordination, and transparency in fragmented…

We were so excited to visit with Dr. Stroope in Dallas to talk about evangelism, missions, and anti-trafficking work. A couple of the questions we ask are: How should we think differently about the term "mission"? Are social services auxiliary to the church? Or are they an important function? How can we be sensitive to the Holy Spirit in evangelism…

In this episode, David and Adam discuss recent Houston trafficking events. We hope this conversation helps you become a better-informed citizen and equips you with some tools to become more engaged in anti-trafficking work. Send us a text Support the show Learn more about Elijah Rising » Follow us on Instagram » Donate and Support Our Work »…

In this episode of the podcast, we interview Chelsie Lancaster. Chelsie is the Manager of the Elijah Rising Social Enterprise. We talk about common misconceptions people have about overcomers of trafficking, obstacles they face, and how others can better support the women who are overcomers of trafficking. Send us a text Support the show Learn more…

In this podcast, we interviewed Elijah Rising Restoration Program Director, Liesel Araoz to talk about restorative care. Our conversation is around questions like: What is the Elijah Rising Restoration Program? Who does the program serve and how are you serving them? What sort of services does the program provide? We also talk about some of the cha…

In this episode, we interviewed our very own Melody Jacobs to talk about the status of Elijah Rising interventions. Since COVID we had to limit the number of volunteers being utilized on outreach, but now we are beginning to open back up. While some interventions were paused, we were able to develop new volunteer training material, and we made it e…

What are the challenges an individual faces when leaving a trafficking situation? The truth is there are more factors than we can mention in this one episode, It's complicated. That's why we wanted to focus this episode on discussing some of the barriers one faces when exiting the sex industry. We invited Allison Madrigal of Rescue America to talk …

We are often asked how do people end up in trafficking situations? There are many different answers to that question as each case is unique. However, sometimes there is a system that some traffickers use to prepare someone for abuse. This is often referred to as "grooming" and if you can understand the tactics traffickers use, hopefully, you can he…

In this episode, we interview Kathy Givens and talk about the best ways to serve those who have overcome sex trafficking. Kathy is a wife, mother, author, and playwright who has overcome the dark world of sex trafficking. She is also the co-founder of twelve11 partners, a survivor-led nonprofit organization focused on supporting those who are overc…

In this latest episode of The Elijah Rising Podcast we talk about the role of prayer in anti-trafficking work. I'm excited to share it with you because as you listen you will acquire a deeper desire to pray. At the end of the episode we come to a powerful realization about the power of prayer, don't miss it. "Many times we pray about things and don…

In this episode, Adam interviews Munatsi Manyande of DASH Network. In response to the compassionate and welcoming love of Jesus, DASH Network exists to love people who are seeking asylum by serving their physical and relational needs. Munatsi shares about their work, the difference between refugees and asylum-seekers, and human trafficking. For mor…

In this podcast we interview Kevin Lilly, Chairman of the TABC (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission). Some of you may already be asking what does trafficking have to do with alcohol? Even Kevin admits he was surprised, when he took the role as Chairman, the amount of work that goes into anti-human trafficking efforts. The TABC is committed to stopp…

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Vanessa Bouché about her research on human trafficking in cities like Houston. Dr. Bouché is an Associate Professor of Political Science at TCU, creator of HumanTraffickingData.org, and co-founder of Savhera, a wellness company providing employment to survivors of sex trafficking in India and the U.S. For more inform…

In this episode, we interview Amber Knowles, Executive Director of Fostering Family. Fostering Family is a nonprofit committed to strengthening foster and kinship families through training and collaboration. Amber shares about the foster care system and the impact on human trafficking. For more information about Fostering Family go to: https://www.…

In this episode, we talk with Joe Madison of Demand Disruption to talk about illicit massage businesses. We always get the question, "if there are so many of these brothels, who doesn't law enforcement just shut them down?" The answer to this question varies and is complex. Joe shares his experience combatting trafficking on the demand side and wor…

In this episode, we discuss the role of the church in combatting human trafficking. We invited Leigh Kohler from The Freedom Church Alliance to talk about how churches can serve in this area. Leigh is a speaker, writer, teacher, and advocate. She is the Co-Founder and President of the Freedom Church Alliance. Her own personal journey in the fight f…

What does the name "Elijah Rising" mean? That's one of the most frequently asked questions we get, and in this episode, we answer that and more! In this episode, Micah and Adam share the history of Elijah Rising. From when we started as a small prayer meeting in 2012 to now. Send us a text Support the show Learn more about Elijah Rising » Follow us…

In this podcast, we talk with intervention specialist Melody Jacobs. If you ever had questions about what intervention/outreach looks like this is a great explainer episode. We will also talk about the heart behind intervention and why it's important. You will also hear stories from the frontlines of outreach to trafficked women. Send us a text Sup…

In this episode of The Elijah Rising Podcast, we recap some of the highlights from 2020. No doubt this has been a tough year for everyone. Yet, God has continued to provide ways for Elijah Rising to continue our mission. Your support has enabled so many miracles to happen. We thought it would be good to celebrate these victories as we look ahead to…

In this episode of The Elijah Rising Podcast, Sam and David talk about interactions with the media regarding human trafficking. Human trafficking is something that continues to be sensationalized in the media, but is it painting an honest picture of what human trafficking actually looks like? We also ask the question of how can journalists help mov…

In this podcast, Micah and Adam discuss the many ways Elijah Rising invests resources to do good. You will learn more about our programs, and what it's going to take to expand and grow to serve more women. We also talk about where most of our funding comes from and how everything we do relies on supporters. In this episode, you will also learn abou…