God at Work

There is a "treasured" ignorance that is embraced and protected for fear of an altered perception of the surrounding world.  That fear keeps true treasure imprisoned.  Remove the veil, and pierce through the darkness with the light of truth!  That is exactly what Treasures ministry does, and why The Barnabas Group ("TBG") has embraced this life changing organization!

Treasures is a survivor led, volunteer driven, sex trafficking ministry based in the heart of the Adult Industry Capital of the World.  San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles is where 90% of all legal porn worldwide is filmed, distributed, and manufactured.  Their ministry also has a Global Training Program that equips leaders to reach and provide care to women in over 120 cities across nine countries.

Our Barnabas Group ("TBG") family has had a huge impact on Treasures over the years.  We recently interviewed
Lauren Schoonover of Treasures, who shared the following about the profound impact TBG has had on their ministry and the lives they transform: 
 
"TBG came alongside our ministry eight years ago.  Throughout those years they have assisted us in performing several SWOTs, and develop new strategies to help strengthen and expand the work that we do.  One amazing example took place this year.  Our TBG family connected 5,000 women in strip clubs, juvenile detention centers, and the porn industry with gifts, and the gospel truth that they are loved, valued, and purposed.  We were also able to provide direct care and services, such as our Support Group, to over 420 women in the Los Angeles area.  TBG has helped bring transformation in the lives of women we serve.
 
One of those precious women is Desiree.  She was initially forced into prostitution by a family member at the age of nine.  As a teen, she was kidnapped by brutally violent traffickers.  During a time when most girls are thinking about what they will wear to prom, she lived through the horrific experience of being sold to strangers night after night.  When she finally escaped, the lifetime of trauma she had endured made the idea of finding a 'normal' job seem impossible.   
 
Tragically, her friends suggested that she should become a stripper, which is where we first met her.  We gave Desiree a little pink gift bag, which served as a lifeline.  The note inside reminded her that she was 'loved, valued and purposed.'  After reading it, she made the decision to leave the sex industry, and pursue a life that reflected her true value.  Desiree has since finished college and works in a field where she gets to support other young girls as they work to overcome the trauma of abuse and exploitation.  The pain from her past is being used for purpose.
       
Thank you for helping bring hope and healing to the women we serve! "
   
So step into the light with us, and come alongside Treasures ministry.  There are many ways to get involve, which include the following:
  • Increasing Direct Services
    Funding to hire specialized staff who will be dedicated to providing quality, trauma-informed services.      
     
  • Freedom Fund
    Funding used to meet critical, short-term needs of women participating in our programs designed to keep them on a path to permanent freedom.      
     
  • Online Curriculum
    Our survivor-created curriculum has received tens of thousands of views online and is being used by survivors.  However, we need a follow-up series that addresses additional relevant topics    .
To help with one of the aforementioned needs or to learn more about Treasures, please contact Harmony Grillo at harmony@iamatreasure.com.