Each and every individual of the millions of people affected by the evils of human trafficking across the globe has a story. Here is just one story of one woman who’s life was transformed by the work of our ministry partner Beginning of Life in Moldova.

My name is Maria. I was born in Moldova. I was twenty years old when I offered to go to Turkey to work as a grocer. I took the offer because I had always dreamt of going to college and get married afterwards but never had enough money.

An acquaintance of mine helped with the document process and the ticket. When I arrived I was grabbed by people I didn’t know. They pushed me into their car and took me away to the mountains. What happened to me there I cannot remember without tears and horror. These people cruelly beat me, took away my documents, locked me in a room and in the evening they raped me.

Then I got into Beginning of Life Centre where I was sincerely loved and accepted. There were people who took care of me and to this day they are the closest people I have.

Every day they would make me carry stones and sand. They were building something and in the evening, unknown people would come to my room and do horrible things to me. I would ask myself this question all the time – how can a human being be so cruel? Nothing would stop them, neither my tears nor my pleas for mercy.

Two years later the police freed us and I was sent back to Moldova. While I was help captive I always dreamt about freedom, but once I actually was free I didn’t feel any better. My relatives turned their backs on me and everyone in my village quickly found out what had happened to me and I had to leave my home with a feeling of shame and contempt.

Then I got into Beginning of Life Centre where I was sincerely loved and accepted. There were people who took care of me and to this day they are the closest people I have. I finished a cooking course and I have now started working. I know it is impossible for me to forget what I have been through. My inner world was barbarously destroyed and it will take years to restore it. I pray that God will help me to receive freedom in my heart from offence, hatred and from bitter memories.

Our partner, Beginning of Life, protects women through human trafficking awareness campaigns; rehabilitates trafficked women through professional counseling and care; and restores women through education and employment opportunities. They also provide resources to single mothers, orphans and other vulnerable groups.

If human trafficking is an issue that resonates with you, we invite you to Join The Fight by learning more about the issues surrounding human trafficking and sharing our cause on Facebook.

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