I’m big on name meanings. Hepzibah House grabbed my heart when I heard what it meant.
Hepzibah House was born in January 2008 after John and Becky Dymond heard Derek Loux speak about human trafficking. They were heartbroken by what they heard – While the most lucrative criminal enterprise in the world is the illegal drug trade, human trafficking is currently second and expected to overtake drug trafficking in the next few years due to lowered legal risks and higher profitability. A kilo of cocaine may be sold once; a human may be sold again and again. Horrific. In global terms, human trafficking was estimated by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2006 to be a $10 billion dollar industry. Up to 80% of those people are women and children, most of those exploited in the sex industry.
And so, the Dymonds followed God’s call to do something.
Hepzibah House is a faith-based safe house and multi-faceted residential treatment facility for women freed from human trafficking in the south Florida area. They use art, music, talk and equine therapy, integrating both secular and faith-based therapies. In addition to addressing the mental and emotional repercussions of having survived human trafficking, they teach English as as needed and basic skills for securing jobs and independent living, preparing the women for an independent future beyond this tragic experience.
They sell items on Etsy to benefit their nonprofit. And, one particular item caught my eye–Hepzibah Girls. A key supporter was praying about ways she could lend additional support and this artwork–“junk art”–was born.
The world marginalizes women who have been trafficked, judging them and discounting the value of their lives. But, God delights in each one of these women. And, these girls symbolize God’s heart.
Oh, these are so a must-purchase gift this season, people. So fun and funky and such a meaningful message and cause behind them.
And, we are giving you a head start. Hepzibah House is offering one here as a giveaway in an effort to bless one of you and also promote the work they are doing. And, I’m all about promoting their work. Please join me.
They are including two of these bracelets too as an extra little goodie–think “stocking stuffer.”
