Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dennis and Bobbie Mark, founders of Redeemed Ministries and true pioneers in the anti-trafficking movement. After 19 years of dedicated service, they share their journey from strip club outreach to opening one of Texas's first residential homes for sex trafficking survivors. Dennis and Bobbie discuss the evolution of trauma-informed care, the challenges of building programs without precedent, and how their work has influenced law enforcement approaches ...
Jun 10, 2025•1 hr 5 min
Every organization working to combat human trafficking dreams of the day their services won't be needed. At Elijah Rising, we've spent 2024 moving closer to that vision through direct action, community support, and faith-based healing. Join hosts David and Micah as they share inspiring stories of transformation from their anti-trafficking work in Houston, including milestone achievements in survivor recovery, program expansion, and community impact. Learn how this frontline organization is plann...
Dec 17, 2024•27 min
In this episode, David and Dawn break down the recent P. Diddy trafficking allegations to explore a crucial but often misunderstood aspect of sex trafficking: coercion. Drawing from their extensive experience in anti-trafficking work, they discuss how traffickers use psychological manipulation, false promises of stardom, and drug-based coercion to exploit victims. Learn why many trafficking victims don't initially identify as such, and how cultural influences and power dynamics play a role in ex...
Dec 05, 2024•23 min
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 »...
Nov 12, 2024•23 min
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 emotional and logistical steps they took to establish a safe home for minors, emphasizing the challenges and victories along the way. The psychological toll...
Aug 29, 2024•39 min
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 communities to fill gaps in the foster care system. We also explore the complexities and potential of transitioning to a community-based foster care model...
Aug 08, 2024•42 min
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 social media grooming, learn the red flags that can save lives. Our discussion highlights the critical role of education and awareness in fighting hum...
Jul 15, 2024•34 min
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 heard their presentation that she was able to identify herself as a survivor of trafficking. Carrie now works as an Advocate for Hands of Justice and walk...
Jun 26, 2024•40 min
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 illicit massage parlors, where shutting down one location often breeds many more opening. We also cover these topics: How traffickers use coercion an...
Jun 04, 2024•31 min
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 reliable way to get to and from work. Otherwise, they immediately find themselves in a vulnerable situation again. That’s where 3in1 Mechanical ministries c...
May 13, 2024•35 min
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 available to them. Jessica also explains: Recovery is not linear; relapse is often part of recovery There is so much shame deeply embedded in people who have ...
Apr 26, 2024•28 min
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 persistent surge of fentanyl and its devastating impact. The largest resurgence of stimulants since the 1980's. Why so many deadly drugs are currently ...
Apr 15, 2024•24 min
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. For instance, if a trafficker coerces a woman into transporting drugs across the border, distributing them, and then engaging in prostitution, they ge...
Mar 25, 2024•22 min
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. Don't miss this episode, it has a ton of great insight for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of prayer's impact on everyday life. Ignite Your L...
Nov 20, 2023•38 min
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. Hear the story from Pastor Frankie Mazzapica on what it was like to walk through this experience, and the amazing testimonies of how God is using th...
Nov 16, 2023•24 min
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 » Follow us on Instagram » Donate and Support Our Work »...
Nov 13, 2023•13 min
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 for sex trafficking and how we can look into the future to prepare how we can protect our homes from the coming wave of perversion through technology. ...
Oct 22, 2023•22 min
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 implications for the larger battle against human trafficking and exploitation. Send us a text Support the show Learn more about Elijah Rising » Follow us on Ins...
Oct 08, 2023•20 min
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 »...
Sep 06, 2023•39 min
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 Shannon Rapier of Frontline Response. She is a survivor leader and serves as their Safe Home Manager. Tune in to learn more about what it takes to operate ...
Aug 28, 2023•1 hr 16 min
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 Professional, Substance Abuse Counselor, as well as holding many other credentials in this field. Ellen also currently serve as the President of the State Texas...
Aug 17, 2023•35 min
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, immersive experience that will equip you with knowledge about human trafficking, empower you to take action, and connect you with organizations where you c...
Aug 03, 2023•50 min
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 growth, education, and meeting basic needs. https://www.neighborsinaction.com/home.html Send us a text Support the show Learn more about Elijah Rising ...
Jun 21, 2023•40 min
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 Support the show Learn more about Elijah Rising » Follow us on Instagram » Donate and Support Our Work »...
Jun 13, 2023•40 min
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 populations including those affected by human trafficking. Join us as we talk to Christa about the challenges and stresses that professionals in high-pre...
Apr 25, 2023•46 min
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 motivation and reducing access to the exploited. We begin by discussing the reasons behind men buying sex and the misconceptions that surround the issue. W...
Apr 09, 2023•41 min
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 manifesting in their lives. We talk about Frankie's pursuit of the power of God and testimonies from weekly healings, deliverances, and miracles. Click this lin...
Oct 23, 2022•51 min
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 trafficking situations. You will also learn more about Emergency Assessment Centers, what they are and why we need them in Houston. Jeff Shaw Executive Directo...
May 31, 2022•41 min
Send us a text Support the show Learn more about Elijah Rising » Follow us on Instagram » Donate and Support Our Work »
Dec 03, 2021•38 min
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 experiencing exploitation. To learn more: https://thelanding.org Send us a text Support the show Learn more about Elijah Rising » Follow us on Instagram »...
Nov 21, 2021•35 min
