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It has been an exciting month with many opportunities to share the vision of Courage House Hawaii. God is raising up volunteers who want to help take the lead in making the dream of a restoration home for girls rescued out of sex trafficking a reality. We had our first official team meeting with over 30 people who were interested in various aspects of the project. We continue to pray for more “workers” especially in the areas of fundraising, event planning, and group home licensing. We met a wonderful woman who feels called to helping with land procurement. She is a developer here in Hawaii with many connections. She attends a church on the east side. I love her enthusiasm. Her story of ending up here in Hawaii and being drawn to the issue of trafficking is very inspirational. We are excited to work alongside her—what an answer to prayer!

I had the opportunity to share at the “Republicans for Life” luncheon. It was a great networking event as there were several political contacts in attendance. Through this event I was able to meet a man who is heavily involved in the Soroptomist of Honolulu. I was asked to come and speak at their luncheon a few days later. Candice and I participated in the luncheon.  The soroptomists have made human trafficking the focus of their mission over the next few years. They had heard about the domestic issue before, but our highlighting of the need for a long-term home was key. There was a great turnout with many interested individuals.

We are currently looking for more musicians to help record music specifically for Courage House Hawaii. This is one of our fundraising efforts.  The music we have gotten so far is incredible. We know you will all be encouraged by it. If you know anyone who may be interested in helping with this project, please let us know!

International Justice Mission had a very nice booth at the HIM conference in Honolulu. It is a huge, Christian-based conference with a wonderful turnout. We worked with them by helping at their booth and were able to talk to a lot of people and network for Courage House Hawaii as well. It was a very good outcome, and they gave a very inspiring lecture at the conference. The work they do globally is incredible in the fight against human trafficking, and they very much back everything we do in Hawaii! They were very encouraging to our members!

We have a prayer request to see an organized effort by Law Enforcement to recognize and act on behalf of sex trafficking victims in Hawaii. Recent article highlights concerns about how the state is handling sex trafficking as a whole. “Mainland crime experts suggested that lack of trafficking victims could be a reflection of the Honolulu Police Department’s overall approach toward prostitution.” This information was taken from http://www.civilbeat.com/articles/2012/03/15/15152-cops-prostitutes-and-pimps-arrests-turn-up-no-trafficking-victims/.

We continue to pray for the location/land for Courage House. We know the King who has cattle on a thousand hills will provide the Promised Land for our girls. We are trusting for His timing and process. I truly believe that we are here on this planet at this time in history to be a part of the solution to the many problems that exist in our world today. For too long Satan has held our girls in oppression and the bonds of slavery—we have the keys to freedom. Everywhere we look there are needs. The big difference between “looking” and “seeing” is that when we just look, it’s easy to pass by, but when we “see”—truly see—it’s impossible not to act. Any one can look, but seeing leads to action.  We can no longer shut our eyes to the needs or the problems; we are part of the solution God has in store for rescuing and restoring broken lives. It’s too easy to say, “Someone needs to do something.” When we listen to His voice, we hear, “Yes, someone needs to do something and that someone is you.”  I believe God is raising up individuals who are seeing the problems and needs and want to take the next step—they are not satisfied with just looking but are beginning to “see” the needs and are rising up to meet them. He has equipped us with all we need to fulfill our purpose, but we have to rise to the occasion, take the step of faith, and be the change we want to see.

Jessica- Courage House Hawaii

The Courage House Hawaii team is so very excited to share what has been happening over the past month. As many of you know we had the opportunity to partner with Abolition Project and screen the movie Sex + Money, National Search for Human Worth. The event targeted raising awareness on the North Shore of Oahu about the issue of domestic minor sex trafficking. We had over 280 people attend the event! One of our local mothers whose daughter had been sex trafficked shared her story. It was extremely powerful and moving. Jeremy and I had the opportunity to share about Courage House and our vision for Hawaii. Jeremy felt lead to address the men specifically about the demand aspect and the issue of pornography. It was very bold and powerful. It was wonderful to be able to share with our small North Shore community about the issue, the need to protect our children, and the need to rescue and restore our girls trapped in this slavery. We were blessed with the presence of our local north shore representative Gil Rivere. He came to support our cause. We were amazed at how many people came forward wanting to help in vary diverse ways. We are praying God rises up an army of volunteers who will help in seeing this project to completion. The entire evening ran very smoothly. We had some very generous individuals who donated jewelry and cookies for the event.

In order to help promote the education to the public of what is happening in Hawaii we were able to attend several events. We spoke at the Sunset Beach Christian Church. The message was well received and many from this church attended the screening event. It’s so nice to have the local churches supporting our efforts. Also we attended a three church worship night and made an announcement about the video screening. The art fundraising event was a key piece in bringing attention to our event by handing out flyers and word of mouth. It was very nice of Hope Chapel Olomana women’s ministry to have us come with a table to their fundraiser event. It was refreshing to have these women coming alongside our team members and also drive a long way to attend the screening event that weekend. We hope these churches will continue to work alongside us more to put an end to sex trafficking! We are thankful for everyone who invited friends and Ohana to the successful movie screening in North Shore!

Over the past couple months there has been a steady stream of underage victims surfacing. Sadly, there are few options for the girls in Hawaii. We have been blessed to have a local psychiatrist help with placing girls in a safe location in one the facilities. It is a temporary solution. We all know that there needs to be a more permanent solution. We are working on a volunteer training program to help establish a team of mentors/victim advocates that can work with the girls that come into the system now.  We are praying for the right volunteers to step forward and that there will be a harmonious relationship between our team and the professionals that currently treat these victims.  

Hawaii is home to all branches of the military, which makes it a prime target for sex traffickers who seek to capitalize on military personnel in the area. I had the opportunity to do the yearly briefing/training for Jeremy’s infantry platoon on sex trafficking in Hawaii. It was an honor to spend the time with his soldiers and educate them on the issue of trafficking both internationally and domestically. It was the first time I shared in front of a “men only” audience. My take home message was- “Be the hero here at home”…Be the protectors not the perpetrators”.

We continue to pray for the land/location for Courage House Hawaii. We are working on the details for the licensing for the home.

The Lord is teaching me to be patient. He is also showing me that I need to “be still.” I have a hard time slowing down and resting.

My personality is one that sees a need and wants to fix everything about it now. I don’t want to wait. I want justice for those who have been wronged. I want a place for these girls. I don’t want them going another night on the street, alone, living in darkness and being abused.   I know the Lord will provide and I am excited to see what unfolds in the weeks to come. It is His work, His Battle- we are His soldiers in this fight against injustice

Blessings-

Jessica

February flew by in a blink of an eye! This will be a shorter update as we are very busy preparing for our Community Awareness event this Saturday. We have spent the past few weeks sending emails, going to different businesses, schools, community sites on foot inviting people to come to the event. This has provided several divine appointments to discuss the issue. We have actually had quite a positive response. People seem to be interested! Candice and I had the opportunity to be on the local news in order to highlight the event. We have no idea how many people or who is coming to the event, but we know God has handpicked who he wants to be there. We want to love on our community through bringing awareness to the issue of sex trafficking of children in the US. We want to equip our local families with knowledge of the issue and the potential risk this crime poses to our children. We plan to highlight the need for Courage House Hawaii at the event. Jeremy and I will be sharing about the vision of Courage House.

In preparation for this week, the Lord has taken me to Isaiah 60, vs 1-2 which says— “Arise, Shine for your light has come and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the people but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you.” We realize daily that we are living in the midst of a lost and dark world. Isaiah recognized that the nation was living in a dark time. Economic crisis, war, addiction, disease, and crime all plagued the nation. Does this sound familiar? As King Solomon said in Ecclesiastes there is nothing new under the sun. The battles haven’t changed much throughout the ages, but with each new generation we have to engage in this war against injustice. Isaiah 60 speaks of restoration as well. Gods plan was to rebuild the city through his people whom he had rescued from exile and slavery so they would be light to other nations. His light illuminating every dark place through THEM. ARISE, SHINE… for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. God sees his daughters living in captivity and we have a means to help them. We are at war for their souls. Satan has long had his hand and foothold on this industry, but we are taking it back.

We are rising up we have a war to fight, and God’s glory will light the way. We look forward to God continuing to move!

Jessica Munoz

I can’t believe January is over! We have had quite the packed month! During the beginning of January, we had the opportunity to participate in a women’s conference that focused on women “arising” to the call God has given to each of our lives and pour back into our communities. Human Trafficking was highlighted during the event on both the international and domestic realms. We were able to partner with Pacific Alliance to Stop Slavery and Red Light Angels Ministry in helping to educate over 900 women about sex trafficking in our islands. We were able to have a Courage to be You (C2BU) information table which served as a platform to help us network with various other groups and individuals interested in this issue. It always amazes me how so many people have no idea about the crime of sex trafficking that is happening in the US. I had the opportunity to share about C2BU and the Courage house vision with the guest speakers at the conference. These women came all the way from Australia- (Hillsong Church) and Los Angeles (Oasis Church). It is an honor to share with people from all over the world about the vision and need for Courage House.

The Pacific Alliance to Stop Slavery introduced seven bills this year for legislation on various issues surrounding human trafficking. I had the opportunity to submit testimony in regards to one of the bills discussing mandatory reporting for health care providers when working with human trafficked victims. Some of our courageous underage victims and their mothers gave testimony as well, in support of some of the bills about services. It was very powerful and there were several other individuals from the medical, mental health, and aftercare services who gave testimony at the hearing. There were several individuals who came just to show a face in support of the bills. I have never been a part of this legislative process and it was a very enlightening process.

The Missing Children’s Center here in Hawaii sponsored a training for service providers and law enforcement on working with domestic minor sex trafficked victims. The training seminar was amazing and it was wonderful to have our law enforcement officials present to learn more about the issue of children being sold for sex. The afternoon seminar focused on the physical and psychological trauma that our girls endure. A forensic pediatrician who has served as an expert in several sex trafficking of minor cases all over the country told stories that were heart-wrenching but accurately depicted the reality of the devastation of sex trafficking of children. She highlighted in her presentation the need for aftercare and the need for a home. I was able to share with her about Courage House.

We are planning a huge community awareness event for our North Shore Community. We will be showing the documentary Sex + Money at a central North Shore location with the hopes of educating the community on the issue of domestic minor sex trafficking and discussing ways to protect our Keiki. We are marketing the event to all businesses, schools, medical personnel and community members. We are praying for God to move in the hearts and minds of all who attend. We will be sharing our vision for Courage House Hawaii after the showing of this documentary. Our prayer is for the North Shore community to start talking about the issue and taking a stand to protect our children.

Our biggest prayer right now is the “promised” land, the location God has specifically marked out for our future Courage House Hawaii girls. We know He has cattle on a thousand hills! We are trusting for His provision.

We are off and running with the New Year. January has started with a renewed passion and fire and we know our God is on the move!

Romans 15:13- May the God of hope fill you with all Joy and Peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with the power of the Holy Spirit!

2012 already! A new year–new adventures, new memories, a new blank slate, new dreams, new challenges, new changes and new tasks. We are excited for the ways in which God is going to move!

I know God has big plans this year, and he is waiting for us to join in and be obedient to the things he has called us to do. While I was praying the other day, I was feeling overwhelmed at the many “tasks” ahead, but was reminded of His promises, and the fact that he is the great Overcomer and already has the victory!

For our girls trapped in the world of sex slavery, this will be another year filled with the harsh reality that the crime of sex trafficking continues. It is another year being trapped in the world of trauma and abuse. But I truly believe God is calling us to come together in a united front to target the many aspects surrounding the issue of trafficking here in Hawaii. We can bring the change for our girls in 2012!

The month of December brought many opportunities for networking and moving forward in planning Courage House Hawaii. We had the opportunity to share about sex trafficking and the vision of Courage House Hawaii at a women’s Christmas boutique. There were over 100 women!!! Candice had the opportunity to powerfully convey, through dance, the heart-wrenching story of many of the girls trapped in this life of abuse and how, through Christ and his redemption, they can be set free. The theme of this year’s boutique was “Heaven Came Down.” I shared how Jesus left his throne to come live among us, show us how to live and love, but He ultimately came to set the captives free. He is the bondage breaker. Because of what Christ has done in our lives we have the key to salvation, and freedom. Is 58, 61 talks about the ministry of injustice and setting the captives free. The time for action is now!

I truly believe God is awakening His Church. He is calling us to arise from our slumber and take action! He is rising up his followers who will take an active part in rescuing these victims of injustice. We are his hands and feet; we are the plan he has in place to rescue our girls. Nothing delights satan more than when the spirit of a child is destroyed by abuse earlier in his or her innocence. But I know that nothing delights the heart of God more than when a child is rescued, blessed and given the chance to reach his or her full god- given potential. The ground that satan thinks he has power over is redeemed by the power of the cross. God is calling us to arise and take back the land. Josh 8:1 says, “Do not fear or be dismayed. Take all the people of war with you and arise, go up to Ai; see, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his hand.

I had the opportunity to meet with the probation officer and social worker from Hawaii Girls Court. We had an amazing meeting with extensive open dialogue. They were very supportive of the vision of Courage House. They clearly understand the need for a long-term home. We are trying to do some education with probation as well as the girls that are in the girls court program.
In January, we are supporting the Pacific Alliance to Stop Slavery to present some bills to legislation that will help with increasing aftercare services, education about trafficking in schools, as well as mandated reporting for health care providers. As a Health care provider in the ER, my colleagues and I come across several situations where we have suspected trafficking. In our medical training, we are not educated about sex trafficking and thus we fail to recognize it. Confidentiality issues can be very complicated, and even though we suspect a complex situation with an “adult” patient, our hands are tied by certain policies. The passing of the bill for mandated reporting would be a huge stride and would help to expose the crime of trafficking. I have had the opportunity to collaborate with some of the physicians I work with, as well as a detective who has worked with several trafficking cases. We are hoping to develop a protocol for health care providers when working with trafficked victims starting in our Hawaii emergency rooms.

January 2012 has many exciting events planned. We look forward to starting off this New Year fresh and with renewed vision, passion, and fire! We are continually praying for more volunteers. We are in the process of praying and looking for the land for Courage House Hawaii as well as beginning the process of the group home license. Both are huge tasks, but we know the One with all the answers!

Blessings friends-
Jessica Munoz

“The man who makes Me his refuge will inherit the land and possess My holy mountain. And it will be said, Build up, build up, prepare the road, remove the obstacles out the way of my people.” Isaiah. 57:13-14

What a promise we have from the Lord! As we press on towards building a Courage House here in Hawaii, I am reminded that this project is the Lord’s work. It is His task and He is using us to be His hands and feet to the orphaned and often invisible victims of sex trafficking. As we abide in Him, seek His face and find refuge in Him, the inheritance is in Him. He cares about the details and He provides each piece in the right timing and paves the way. Sometimes we don’t understand the timing, but we can rest assured that He cares. All He requires of us is obedience and to take up our swords and battle for our girls- -Daughters of the King

From the outside, the task of establishing this home can appear slow, daunting and completely overwhelming, but we continue to be faithful with each building block the Lord gives us as we continue pressing on to build Courage House Hawaii. As we network with justice officials, probation officers, the church community, survivors, and others, the Courage House Hawaii road is being prepared and God is teaching us many valuable lessons along the way. Yes, there have been obstacles and there will be obstacles in the future, but nothing is too big for our God.

We were blessed to have one of the C2BU board members come out for a visit. She and her husband had the opportunity to participate in street outreach in Waikiki with the street outreach team, the Red Light Angels. We had an amazing time of prayer before hitting the streets in the late hours of the night. It is always heartbreaking walking the streets and seeing the many hearts lost, broken, abused, and enslaved.

Many of you may not have known, but we just finished the APEC conference here in Hawaii. It was a huge event in which eighteen Heads of State from around the world were here for a trade conference. The security preparations for this event were astounding. As law enforcement prepared for the APEC conference, the pimps were busy at work. Two months prior to the event, there was a marked increase in the number of girls trafficked into Hawaii. Several new faces were seen working out on the “track.” As the presence of law enforcement increased on the streets during APEC, the “track” appeared quieter than normal but the illegal sex trade was just forced “underground.”

A team from the Abolition Project has had the opportunity to show YWAM’S Sex and Money documentary several times over the past month. Courage House Hawaii has had the opportunity to share after the showing of this video about the need for a long term residential home for domestic minor victims. This has served as a great avenue to bring people to an awareness of the growing issue of sex trafficking nationally as well as locally here in Hawaii. The use of this film has helped us to establish a pool of committed volunteers wanting to help in the fight.

The Women’s Ministry at my church (North Shore Christian Fellowship) is hosting their yearly Christmas craft fair and boutique in which the proceeds will be donated to C2BU and our project here in Hawaii. I will also have the opportunity to share at the brunch about the issue of sex trafficking and the need for Courage House Hawaii.

The holiday season is often filled with many activities, parties, crafts, caroling, plays etc. It is a time when we enjoy the presence of families and friends creating memories with our loved ones. For the victims of sex trafficking, the heartbreak and abuse continue. The captivity continues and is relentless regardless of Christmas. Keep these children in your thoughts and prayers as we celebrate the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He came to set the captive free. We too need to be a vessel towards freedom for the victims held captive in the sex trade.

My plane took me high above the clouds. It was a beautiful sight as the sun was setting. The clouds looked like pink cotton candy balls ready to be picked. I was seeing all sorts of fun animals as my imagination took over. We glided through the air like it was the best type of 3D fairytale land. I was simply enjoying the scenery and reflecting over my last month spent with Courage To Be You. However, as we descended in the plane, I saw that the underside of those same clouds were dark and lined with heavy rain. I never would have guessed, as I enjoyed my fairytale land in all its beauty above, that underneath a dark storm was raging. I thought how interestingly similar this related to the victimized girls and to the Hawaiian Islands in general.

Beautiful, and appearing to be happy, a girl in the sex-trade industry tries to lure in a John to make enough money to pay her pimp that day. If you look at her from a different perspective, it’s easy to see the dark clouds storm beneath. Hawaii itself is so beautiful on the outside yet, below the surface, conceals so much darkness and ugliness.

We have to see both sides to get the full perspective of what’s really going on.

It was excellent to be able to collaborate with the California C2BU team as I was able to go and visit their amazing staff! They are excited to be up-and-running in California and Tanzania. They shared much wisdom and insight as they helped us along this journey of implementing a Courage House in Hawaii. We thank you all for your time and effort on our behalf in service to the Lord! We are so glad to see the fruit of your labor and the impact you are having on the world.

While visiting home, I was able to meet with several pastors in the Truckee and Reno area and was encouraged that projects to build homes are spreading rapidly all across the world. With enough interest from churches and individuals in Truckee and Reno, we are hoping to see a Courage House built in Nevada as well. We shall see how the Lord moves.

I have saved some of the best for last. We were able to take part in a screening of Youth With a Mission’s excellently produced video “Sex and Money.” If you have a chance to see this 90-minute documentary of a team’s trek to uncover this horrific crime, then please do. We are so thankful for Hope Chapel West in Oahu for showing the documentary, allowing us to speak about Courage House in Hawaii, and for the donation they took on its behalf. The event was a huge success and we were privileged to be a part of it.

Many projects are in effect and volunteers are stepping forward to help fill roles that desperately need to be filled. Currently, we are on the hunt for property, starting the huge undertaking of a licensing process for the home, collecting music from amazing artists using their talents for this cause, producing documentaries to show what is going on in the high sex-trafficking areas of Hawaii, planning more speaking engagements and, oh, so much more. We covet your prayers in all these areas.

This is such an exciting venture and has already started uniting churches, individuals, political parties, and all different types of people from different walks of life. We cannot wait to see what unfolds next in this amazing story to build this much-needed home for the children of Hawaii.

God amazes us everyday. We pray and He provides. We wait with anticipation for the next step, the next contact, the next answer to the many questions surrounding the process of building this home. He is so faithful to answer. We literally wake up to emails and phone messages from people who have “heard” about “some people doing something with sex trafficking in the State of Hawaii and some home or shelter”. This provides ample opportunity to share our vision for Courage House Hawaii.

We received a phone call from a mother whose daughter was trafficked a few years ago. She expressed a desire to help out in any way possible. She remembers feeling unsure of what to do, who to call or who could help her when she was going through this process with her daughter. She was such an encouragement to us as we slowly tread up what seems like a mountain of uncertainty.

We received another phone call from a survivor of sex trafficking; it could not have come at a better time. When discouragement was setting in, she called us and expressed a desire to help. She reiterated over and over that when she was working the streets in Waikiki, she wanted out, but didn’t know where to turn. God has transformed her life and her passion is making this crime stop here. No matter where the girls originally come from she wants to see the trauma, crime, and victimization stop here in Hawaii!


Several of our Hawaii team members and contacts have had the opportunity to partner with a group of volunteers called the Red Light Angels which is a street outreach ministry. It has been our privilege to work and serve alongside this group. It has helped to open our eyes to the reality of “the life” here in Hawaii. The team has a very comprehensive knowledge of where the brothels, massage parlors, and the “tracks” are located. They have been able to form several relationships with many of the girls on the streets. The team works together to help girls get off the streets while addressing their spiritual, physical, dental and health needs. The team has recently trained new volunteers, which is very exciting because the Asian Pacific Economic Conference is coming in November and there is evidence that sex trafficking will increase during this time. There will be many more girls having to work the streets. This is a truly powerful ministry that will partner with us to bring the girls to Courage House Hawaii.


We continue every week to meet new people that want to help in this Courage House adventure and we are planning so much in laying the ground work. We are going to shoot a short video to show that this problem does exist here and there is a solution so people will better understand the need. In addition, we are excited for musicians to partner with us on Oahu to work with the California team to create inspiring music that will be used in helping to generate the funding needed to build the home.


All of the puzzle pieces will eventually fit together. We are just lining up the corners now and getting everything prepared for the beautiful picture we can see will emerge from each piece being laid properly. It’s such a fun adventure the Lord has for each of us if we are just faithful to serve Him each day!


The beauty of Hawaii is a splendid thing: picturesque palm trees swaying on the white sand beaches and quaint little shops that line the streets where people are sipping nonchalantly on their Mai Tai’s. 
 
Unfortunately, most people don’t realize what darkness lies deep beneath all that scenery. Many are unaware that most of the “24-Hour” massage parlors on those same streets happen to be where young girls are solicited as sex slaves. In fact, it is estimated that three hundred children and teenagers go missing on the Islands monthly and are highly at risk to be brought into sex trafficking–an industry that is rapidly growing, making almost as much revenue as the drug trade.
 
In the midst of this darkness, there are no suitable places for these girls to escape to. They are placed in Juvenile Hall or the psychiatric ward in the local hospital. These places are not the answer. Since public awareness about this global situation has not yet been raised in Hawaii enough, the services for these girls there are practically non-existent.
 
The Solution to this is Courage to be You in Hawaii. C2BU Hawaii has recognized that in order to see change, we must create opportunity. Our vision of building a refuge home for underage girls who have been victims of human trafficking is what is currently needed to bring forth positive change in this part of the world. By investing in the lives of these individuals–spiritually, physically and mentally–we will ultimately be raising up the overall health of our population.
 
We recently had the privilege of going to an important networking event put on by T-SOCS (TOGETHER – Strengthening Our Community Services). This establishment is a Christ-centered, community-driven, comprehensive networking entity that empowers partnering organizations and individuals to facilitate change by responding in a culturally responsive way to the needs of our community. T-SOCS works with churches, faith-based organizations, government agencies, non-profit organizations, coalitions and collaborations, educational institutions, military services, businesses, community groups and clubs, and other various organized groups.
 
It is clear that networking with these groups will open doors for finding all the services needed to bring our vision into reality. God has already been blessing us beyond comprehension in regards to this. We have recently had the opportunity to meet a man whose eyes teared up when we shared our vision for Courage House Hawaii with him. He explained that he had been working in Welfare for years and understood more than anyone about the tremendous need for a refuge home in the Hawaiian Islands. “I have been praying for this!” he exclaimed. Meeting him has been an encouragement because we had been praying for a social worker who would commit to helping us obtain the licensing we need to start up this home. It was not just a coincidence that we met this man. He happens to work over hundreds of social workers! Isn’t that amazing news?
 
Courage to be You has been working continuously, networking with many different people and groups in order to effectively reach our community with our vision, to be an alliance, and to mutually benefit others’ services.

Please pray that we find the land and a home for these girls. It is a daunting task. As we continue to search for a location, we covet your prayers. We know that in order for the home to be a success, the location has to be a site the Lord chooses.

There is still much to be done, and we are looking for passionate volunteers who would be willing to journey along with us on this incredible venture. Courage to be You is in the process of planning some speaking engagements at various venues to raise awareness in our community about abolishing human trafficking practices in our own backyard. If you are interested in having us come to speak to your group, we would be honored!
 
In God’s timing, and through the collaboration of those who are willing to lend a hand, we are confident that change will be brought forth to our land and restoration will occur. We are so glad to be on this adventure, “for such a time as this,” as it is in helping others flourish that true joy is found. If you would like, we would be delighted to have you join with us on this amazing adventure and we hope that in partnering with us, you will experience that joy as well!

Written by Candice Garrison, Courage To Be You Hawaii

Greetings from Oahu!

We wanted to take a moment and update you on the progress of Courage House Hawaii- Hale O’ Mana’oi’o. We are continuing the networking process with local authorities and organizations that are working with, or have a heart for, the girls living under the oppression of sex trafficking.

We are continuing to pray for the future site for Courage House Hawaii. We had the opportunity to look at a 10-acre lot that is for sale in a remote area of the island. It is owned by a Christian woman who is very well connected within the community and is interested in the issue of domestic minor sex trafficking.  We know that God will show us the perfect land that He has already chosen.

We continue to partner with Red Light Angels, which is a group of volunteers that walk the streets of Waikiki reaching out and praying for the working girls and pimps. The relationships with the girls continue to blossom. Please pray as there have been several underage girls recently found by the Hawaii Police Department, and there is no place to take the girls.

Jeremy and Jessica Munoz were able to meet with Courage to be You leadership in California a couple of weeks ago and visit Courage House NorCal. We are excited to watch God move as the Courage House in California is now licensed and will begin taking in girls, and we look forward to all that God will do in Hawaii as well!  Praise the Lord!