Mission Makers
Brought to you by: Community Partner Sawyer Solutions, www.sawyersolutionsllc.com 
Did you know that the average age for child human trafficking survivors is between 11-17 years old? Child human trafficking is happening all around the country, explains Birmingham based ministry Blanket Fort Hope (BFH) Chief Executive Officer Alexa James. “We really do have a problem. It’s not another country that is having this problem. This is the fastest growing crime in America,” James says.
James believes that God called her to found BFH after years of experience volunteering and working with human trafficking survivors. It was through volunteering at an elementary school that she realized how high-risk children were for human trafficking. “I would literally walk out the door and see a drug dealer at the corner of the school every day.” This experience opened her eyes and she felt God put a burden on her heart for children. She went on to found BFH in 2015. “This is something that God showed me; this is the plan He had for my life.”
To date, BFH has trained over 6,000 people in preventative education. “This training has been on the professional level, the school level, and through our foster care initiative,” James explains, adding, “Our mission is to restore hope in the lives of child sex trafficking survivors through access to essential services, compassionate care, and a loving Christian witness.” In July, BFH purchased 73 acres of land in Columbiana! After many years of praying and waiting on the Lord to move, James says that this land will be the future BFH Restoration Home for trafficking survivors. How will BFH introduce survivors to Jesus? “First, through example. Everything we do with these children will exemplify the love of Jesus Christ,” says James. Once their basic needs are met, they will have opportunities to attend Bible studies, church groups and more.
Grab your running shoes! The 3rd Annual Hold the Fort 5K & 10K is set for September 18 at Oak Mountain State Park. “The run is an opportunity for people who like to run or walk to support a cause and make a difference for child survivors of human trafficking,” James explains. The money that is raised will go to engineering the property and building the home in Columbiana. “We are offering hope, not fear. These kids have a chance. We have a blanket fort. And the blanket fort has a name, and its name is hope.” Learn more about BFH at www.blanketforthope.org.
-Melissa Armstrong
Brought to you by: Community Partner, Sawyer Solutions
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