out of darkness 2IT’S FRONT LINE FRIDAY!

I am so very excited to introduce you to a fellow abolitionist and my dear freind, Funmi Adebayo. Funmi is a care coordinator and house mom for one of the safe houses run by Out of Darkness.

Funmi is originally from Nigeria and has a lovely spirit about her. She carries the peace of the Lord and just brings a sense of calm everywhere she goes. You’re going to love her!

When did you first hear about the issue of sex trafficking?

I read the book, Not for Sale, by David Batstone on a flight back to Nigeria when I was going to visit my family. I cried the whole way there.

Did the book spur you to action?

After reading the book, I went on a mission trip to Peru and saw trafficking for the first time in person. I knew then I wanted to do something to fight this issue. I went back to school and got my Masters in Counseling and Theology. My plan was to return to Peru and fight the issue there.

What was your next step?

I had heard of the Atlanta Dream Center and learned of their work for the less fortunate. I was interested in seeing what opportunities might be available there. I sent a resume to Patrick Palmer and he forwarded it to Jeff Shaw, the founder of Out of Darkness. Jeff interviewed me and I got the job. My plan was to work in some type of center so I could get fully licensed as a counselor; however, things shifted during the interview and I knew I wanted to work for Out of Darkness.

Did any other books impact you the way Not For Sale did?

Yes, After I had worked at Out of Darkness for a while, I was given a copy of Rescuing Hope. After reading it I curled up in a ball and bawled.

What is your biggest challenge in your job?

Keeping a healthy balance between my work and my personal life is a struggle. I work one month on and one month off. The month I’m on, I’m on 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It makes it difficult to maintain relationships when I have to put them on hold every other month.

What is the greatest blessing about your job?

It brings great joy to me to hear from the women once they’re in their recovery programs. To hear the excitement in their voices when we talk and know they’re finding the help they need is a blessing. It’s life giving.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to step into the fight who might feel overwhelmed?

You can’t focus on the whole issue or you would be overwhelmed. Focus on what you can do. Pray and ask the Lord to show you what gifts you have to offer. He’ll show you. I never felt capable doing this. I just had to jump in and ask Him daily to show me the next step. Be patient with the girls and be patient with yourself. You will be blessed.

To learn more about Out of Darkness, go here. If you would like to support Out of Darkness and they amazing work they’re doing, you can donate here.