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After an evening of worship at the Village of Hope, I spent some time talking with one young woman named Smita, and hers is a story that truly shows the grace of God. When Smita was only 8 years old her cruel step mother attempted to sell her to a brothel in Mumbai. A family friend helped her escape, but to get away she had to run to a train station all alone and this tiny 8 year old girl had to spend a very scary night all by herself. The next day, Smita was hopeful when a woman was finally kind to her and offered to help. But this was a trick and the woman took her to the notorious red light district in Mumbai India and sold her to a brothel. At the tender age of 8 Smita was a slave to the brothel owner who groomed her for forced prostitution, and began selling her to men once Smita’s body matured. She lived in the most degrading conditions imaginable for another 4 years until she contracted HIV as a result of her slavery. With no medicine, she became very ill and was soon useless to the brothel. Alone and near death, Smita was rescued by an outreach worker and taken to the Village of Hope where she could receive proper medical treatment, nourishment, and love.
Smita was betrayed by everyone in her life until she was brought to the Village of Hope, and she had a very difficult time trusting anyone. Through the grace of God, Smita has come to know the Lord and has learned to trust again. She was willing to share her painful story with me because she knows that I would share it with people who love her and who want to help me rescue more girls just like her. As I spoke to Smita, it was evident that she was no longer the broken girl who was rescued from the streets, but a well adjusted woman who has learned to value herself. Because of the excellent medical care Smita receives, she now lives a healthy life and she has learned many new skills such as embroidery and jewelry making.
Your support directly impacts the rescue and long term restoration of Girls like Smita. She is just one example of the complete restoration that occurs at the Village of Hope in India, and there so many others who need your love today.
