The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, for the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the LORD’s favor has come, and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory. - Isaiah 61:1-3
Alexa James, the founder and CEO of Blanket Fort Hope, has dedicated her life to saving and restoring children victims of human trafficking. A new movie is now bringing awareness to child trafficking and the horrors that victims face. James said she hoped everyone would see the movie.
“There should not be a church in the greater Birmingham area that hasn’t seen this movie,” said James. “If they haven’t, shame on them. These people should be stepping up to the plate to help these people. I’m done being nice. We are under urgent circumstances, and we need people to move.”
The movie tells the story of Tim Ballard, a Homeland Security agent who quit his job after failing to get clearance to save children from sex traffickers in Colombia. The producers of the film struggled to have it distributed and took it upon themselves to crowd-fund the effort.
James said although the movie reveals the terrifying truth about child sex trafficking, it is important for people to know what is happening.
“People just don’t want to believe it,” she said. “But this is why we’re fighting so hard.”
James said trafficking of children does not only happen in foreign countries but is also a major problem here in the United States.
“It is the fastest-growing crime in America; there’s no question about that,” James added. “We have a huge problem. 87% of the children that are rescued go back to the street because we have nowhere to put them.”
Blanket Fort Hope is where children can go and be housed and restored for long-term success.
“They need aftercare to make them whole again,” she said. “We are very unique in what we do.”
The non-profit is in the process of building a restoration house for nine children that is expected to open in the spring or summer of next year. The next phase will be the building of five to seven houses, each providing a home for up to five children.
“God wants His children home, and God forbid the people that are looking the other way and not doing anything,” James said. “We live in a broken world. If people want to help these children, they have got to help us do what we do. We are going to be the best aftercare.”
James said she also plans to work in the community and churches to find housing for needy children.
To learn more about Blanket Fort Hope or how to support the cause, click here.
Donors have offered to pay for tickets for those who cannot afford to go see Sound of Freedom. Click here to find out how to get free tickets.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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