September Lunch & Learn - It's Time To Serve

Join host Jill Hellwig with this month's speaker, 2023’s Abilene, Texas “Woman of the year,” Director and Founder of Beyond Trafficking, Stephanie Rocha

When Stephanie Rocha founded Beyond Trafficking in 2017, she brought with her a world of work and lifetime experience.

She acknowledges that growing up, she didn’t think education would play a significant role in her life, which led her to drop out of Cooper High School. She later earned a GED, took some classes at Cisco College, and completed two programs at American Commercial College in certified assistant and medical office specialist. Now, she is pursuing a degree in Christian counseling through Manna University. Her long term goal is to get a master’s degree in social work from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Before starting Beyond Trafficking, Andrade-Rocha was part of the 911 team for the West Central Texas Council of Governments. She also was a medical assistant in a pediatrician’s office, which allowed her to gain medical knowledge and skills. For a while, she stayed at home with her young children, which reinforced her belief that education is not limited to the classroom. As a stay-at-home mom, she made it a priority to educate her children on important values and lifeskills that would shape them into compassionate, responsible, and well-rounded individuals.

“Now, as I embark on this journey with Beyond Trafficking, my passion for public education has only grown stronger,” she said. “I am determined to use my skills and experiences to educate communities on the issue of human trafficking and work towards creating a safer and more just world for all.”

Stephanie started Beyond Trafficking because she witnessed the deception and ugliness of trafficking firsthand. It hit close to home when someone she loved became a victim, and she saw the devastating effects it had on their life.

“At first, I didn’t know what to do or how to help. But then, I felt a calling from the Lord to take action. As I learned more about what was happening in my own city, I couldn’t stand by and do nothing. The verse that was given to me by God was Isaiah 42:6-7:

“I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.”

This verse spoke directly to my heart and gave me the determination and inspiration I needed to start Beyond Trafficking. It was clear that this was my personal mission– to be a light for those who are in darkness, to open the eyes of others and free captives from this terrible industry.

I couldn’t continue to stand idly by while innocent lives were being destroyed. So, I took that verse and turned it into action. I created Beyond Trafficking as a way to educate people about the realities of trafficking and how they can help make a difference.

Throughout my journey, I have encountered many challenges and obstacles. But my personal mission is what keeps me going. It’s a constant reminder of why I started Beyond Trafficking in the first place and the impact it can make on those who are suffering.

My tone may be determined and passionate, but at the heart of it all, my mission is deeply personal. I hope that through my work with Beyond Trafficking, I can make a positive change in the lives of survivors and help shed light to this heinous crime.”

(An excerpt from “The Spirit of Abilene, February 24, 2024 Written about Stephanie by Loretta Fulton.)

It’s Time to Serve! What an exciting time in which we are living. God is giving us each our own personal mission. Will you answer the call?

This session is for you if:

✅You have been standing on the sidelines and are ready to “get in the game” to help others.

✅You need clear direction on how to start.

✅ You know you are called to impact the world or have been given an idea or a mission.

✅You have a heart to serve and want to know how you can help, right where you are.

✅You want to grow in community with other like-minded believers

✅You need encouragement to keep going.