On a chilly Wednesday evening, a small team made its weekly visit to the red-light district, and met Vanessa.*  At 28 y/o, she had resorted to prostitution a few months prior to make ends meet for her two young sons.

Lonely for fellowship, Vanessa visited the WMFB ministry center within the week. Over tea, she shared how she was orphaned as a little girl and hadn’t finished high school.  She had recently left the father of her younger son, but simply wasn’t able to cover the basic needs of her children alone.  A friend brought her to a job where she could earn ‘good money,’ and Vanessa began prostituting.

#After her initial arrival, Vanessa began attending the weekly activities at the ministry center, sometimes coming early to have lunch with the staff, just for the company.  Suddenly, Vanessa fell ill and needed surgery within the week.  She had no insurance and WMF Bolivia’s budget for medical support was already overspent.  The team prayed fiercely for the Lord’s provision and donations began to arrive.  Some other women also sold food to help raise funds, and within 48 hours, Vanessa’s entire surgery and post-op care was covered. Vanessa, who previously doubted God’s existence, says she sensed the Lord’s presence in the operating room.

Back on her feet, Vanessa voluntarily began therapy and an intensive skill development course through WMFB.  Her sons began participating daily in the children’s program.  She began sewing training with our workshop manager in the evenings, and in October, she joined the SutiSana team full-time.  Following her surgery, she had returned to her abusive partner, but a few weeks into her employment with SutiSana, Vanessa moved out permanently.  Since leaving prostitution, she has sought new, healthy relationships and shares special events and holiday dinners with the WMFB community.

In October, Vanessa asked to be baptized!  Along with a group of staff and other women, she traveled to a river outside the city to celebrate her new faith in Jesus.  She shares that at times, her financial needs are overwhelming, but she refuses to return to prostitution, opting to simply trust God.

This dramatic transformation has also affected Vanessa’s children, as she is learning to parent more effectively. No longer shy and angry, her children now show signs of stability and joy, and rush to hug and greet staff by name. Reflecting on these few months, Vanessa holds back tears and says, “It feels like a dream.” 

*Name changed for privacy & protection.