Join me in welcoming our newest board member to the team! We are incredibly blessed to have Bob Dinolfo transition to the board’s Treasurer at the end of this year. He will play a pivotal role in sharing clear annual reports that will guide our team as we continue to grow and find new ways to serve survivors of human trafficking in Colorado and across the nation. Meet Bob below!

1. What is your background and why are you interested in serving on Reclaiming Hope’s board? 
I was born in Chicago, Illinois and attended the University of Illinois where I was led to the Lord and discipled through the Navigator ministry. I was married to my wife, Pam, in 1983 and together we have 3 children and 2 grandchildren. We moved from Illinois to Colorado Springs in 1994 when I was offered the position of Controller at Biblica (formerly International Bible Society), where I served most recently as Chief Financial Officer until I retired in 2019. Since retirement, I have been praying about how I can utilize my financial and accounting skills to further serve the Kingdom. God has placed Proverbs 31:8 on my heart: Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Reclaiming Hope ministers to those whose lives have been victimized, and seeks to provide healing and hope through Christ’s love.

2. Where did you first learn about human trafficking and what do you wish more people knew about trafficking?
I did not know very much specifically about human trafficking until recently. I now understand that most trafficking starts with broken homes, homelessness, and then predatory practices on vulnerable youth. 

3. What are you excited for regarding Reclaiming Hope’s future? 
Reclaiming Hope’s ministry starts after “Rescue” and seeks to restore dignity through its Restoration Bag ministry, and long-term wellness through its Mentoring program. 

4. What is your go-to Bible verse for encouragement? 

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Again, join us in welcoming Bob to the board! Please email us if you have any questions at info@reclaiming-hope.org

As the dying of leaves brings us great color, they also replenish the earth. After a leafless winter, new life arrives with spring. May trafficked survivors be equipped for new life through our programs.

 
Before I go, I wanted to share our thoughts on the Netflix series “Cuties.” How should those of us who work hard and pray harder to end human trafficking respond to Cuties? The show scandalously pictures underage girls dressed and dancing sexually. Let’s remember: 11-year-olds are generally sixth graders who should be jumping rope for fun, giggling at members of the opposite sex, and joining soccer teams (not erotic dance teams). Some even learn of noble causes to support as the story below involving a 9-year-old explains. Cuties does not show this side of 11-year-olds. Please spare yourself the regret and don’t watch it, not even the trailer.

Netflix isn’t going anywhere. It’s only gained power with the pandemic. We can take concrete action without overreaching. If you’re deeply offended, you can cancel your account and explain why. You can write a letter to the editor of your local paper. You can call into a local radio talk show. And you can donate to Reclaiming Hope and help the girls and women released from bondage.

If someone dismisses your concerns about Cuties because you haven’t seen it, let their consciences speak to them. No matter how well-intentioned the director, there’s no reason to expose ourselves to exploitation. Don’t be distracted from your mission: Restoration.

Sincerely and in Christ,
Sues Hess, Executive Director
 
SIGN UP FOR THIS ONLINE SYMPOSIUM 

The Human Trafficking Task Force of Southern Colorado is holding their first online symposium on October 17. Sign up to hear from three leaders in the anti-human trafficking field on how we can still move the cause forward in this year of upheaval. RSVP for this three-session event today
PRAYER REQUESTS 
  • We are in the process of matching new mentees with mentors. Please pray for a shared connection and for trust to grow. 
  • We sent out more backpacks than ever this year! Please pray for the victims who are given the bags, and that the bags bring them hope.
  • The Colorado Human Trafficking Council received a grant to raise awareness of trafficking. They are planning a statewide awareness campaign soon. Please pray that people will be both educated and rescued through this campaign.
  • Many survivors suffer physical and emotional pain as a result of their abuse for years. Pray that they find healthy ways to handle their pain.
  • We pray that our new office space (which we move into November 1!) will be a place of ministry and healing. We are so grateful for the provision of this space. Pray that our Open House on November 15 will be a success.  Please consider sending gift cards to local stores to help us furnish our new office and warehouse. 
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11