A little more than nine years ago, Rhonda Stapleton moved from Kentucky to the inner city of Orlando, a block off of S OBT. She shared with us her story: 
Sometimes for reasons unknown to us, God breaks into our familiarity and plunges us into the unknown. Naomi might have felt this way when she moved from Judah to Moab.
Both of Naomi’s sons married Moabite women. In a short time, all the husbands died. The three women were left alone. In that time, there was almost nothing worse than being a widow. Women who were left without a family provider were reduced begging or even prostitution simply to survive.
We can draw a parallel between Ruth and the women on S OBT. Why they are on OBT isn’t always apparent and isn’t nearly as important as that they are on OBT. Many women who are on the streets of Orlando did not plan to be there. Something happened that changed everything.
Ruth’s story beautifully illustrates how God works behind the scenes and utilizes regular people to accomplish his purpose.
Human trafficking is not just international issues. Sex trafficking is local and it’s happening in our city. The sex industry is the fastest growing industry in the world, bringing in more than $32 billion/yr. Prostitution, dancing in strip clubs, illicit massage parlors, and exploitation are all aspects of sex trafficking.
Generally, prostitution and drug addiction go hand-in-hand. Drugs are used to medicate the shame resulting from bad choices or as a tactic used by pimps to keep their ladies in submission.
As in Ruth’s story, God continues today to work through ordinary women to bring other ladies home. Even one person speaking hope into someone’s situation can change her life’s course. That’s who Naomi was to Ruth, and that’s who Samaritan Village is for women who are living out there in their own Moab.
Samaritan Village is a structured program to restore women to their true selves. It addresses their emotional well-being and self-esteem, empowering them to take back their lives. It includes relapse prevention, 12-step recovery, and advocacy; professional counseling, proper healthcare and nutrition; life skills, budgeting, and re-entering the workforce. Ladies will be paired with mentors and sponsors; develop life goals and formulate realistic steps to attaining goals.
Samaritan Village will be comprised of several homes, as well as innovative programs for women who want to further their education and become entrepreneurs. Transitions – a Resale Boutique opened last year to raise awareness and funds for Samaritan Village. Ruth’s House (our first house) will open in November.
God used Naomi to bring Ruth out of Moab for a very important reason. She played a huge role in changing the course of history. We don’t know who might be out there on the streets who is destined for greatness, but for… As women of influence, we have a unique opportunity to speak hope into the lives of other ladies who no longer have a voice.
Visit Transitions at 3851 E. Colonial Drive. See more about Samaritan Village at www.samaritanvillage.net.