A Monumental Morning at Onehope Refuge
This morning was one of those moments I’ll never forget. I stood back in awe as the Onehope van—filled with moms, children, and staff—pulled away to begin their day. Three mothers and four children, all heading out into their routines of school, work, and life together.
And then there’s our fourth mom—the one who wasn’t in the van this morning because she was already on her way to her full-time job. That’s right, a fourth family! Because we have officially launched the third and final phase of our program: independence. WOW.
That’s four families breaking generational cycles of trauma. That’s eight precious lives no longer bound by the darkness of human trafficking. God. Is. So. Good.
The launch of our independent housing didn’t happen quite the way we envisioned, but as Proverbs 16:9 reminds us:“A person’s heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps.” This mother lived at Onehope for 14 months and left rather abruptly, convinced she was ready to do it alone. But the world can be cruel, and after four difficult months on her own, she was struggling—mentally, spiritually, physically, and emotionally.
Then one day, the Lord spoke clearly to my heart: “Go get her.” I didn’t know if I’d find her. I didn’t know if she’d want to come. But I obeyed. And DefendHERS, what God has done in the three weeks since that moment has been nothing short of miraculous.
He provided Onehope a rental home close to the safehouse for half the market price. He provided this mom with a full-time job. He surrounded her with sisters in Christ who have encouraged, loved, and provided for her in immeasurable ways. She is safe. She is home. It reminds our team so much of the prodigal coming home.
And He’s teaching us too—showing Onehope Refuge how to walk with our women into that third and final phase of independence. He’s revealing what it looks like to equip them not just for survival, but for a thriving life surrounded by a Christ-centered village of support. Because it’s no joke out there. The world is hard, evil is real, and this vulnerable, marginalized population cannot do it alone.
The body of Christ—US—is called to help. He is the ONEHOPE they are starving for. And the Church—the people of God—is the village they so desperately need. Then again… don’t we all?
The Battle Belongs to the Lord
Ephesians 6:12 “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
God continues to reveal His power and faithfulness here at Onehope Refuge!
Just a few weeks ago, one of our Mentees—who recently made a decision to follow Christ—approached our team with a request that left us in awe. She asked if she could burn the tarot cards and witchcraft-themed books she had brought with her to the safehouse.
While those items had been safely put away when she first arrived, she said the Lord had impressed upon her heart to burn them as a sin offering, an act of repentance and surrender in light of her new commitment to Jesus.
We gladly said yes! and invited the other Mentees to take part in a small book-burning ceremony—standing together as witnesses of God’s redeeming power. It was a sacred, beautiful moment of healing and freedom. We worshipped, prayed, and praised God for what He has done in her life.
And God wasn’t finished. As a result of her obedience, both of the other Mentees expressed their desire to do something similar—a bonfire where they could write down and burn the sins and burdens they wanted to lay before the Lord in repentance.
We give God all the praise for the way He is moving!
He is demolishing strongholds, breaking chains, and bringing His light into the darkest places—one heart at a time.
Shout Out to New Hope Baptist
A huge thank you to New Hope Baptist’s Keenagers and Women on Mission for your donation of household items, making a real difference for the women and children at Onehope. We’re so grateful for your compassion and support!
#GivingTuesday is quickly approaching
📅: December 2, 2025!
#GivingTuesday – a global movement that unleashes the power of radical generosity – was created with one simple idea in mind: the world could use a day where together, we all do good! A day where we commit to kindness and we act on it! Whether it’s offering a smile, a helping hand, an hour of time, a donation – these gestures create a ripple effect … collectively, they become part of something much larger than ourselves. If you’re in a position to give this season, would you consider Onehope Refuge on #GivingTuesday, 12/2?
Your support makes an immediate difference for the women and children in our care now and in the future too. Each week, we receive calls from agencies desperate to place families. Families who want to escape, but have no place to go. We long to serve them. We believe we can. We believe we will. In God’s time. In His way. With you by our side. Thank you so very much.
Psalm 118:29 says, “Give thanks to The Lord for He is good. His love endures forever.”
With heartfelt gratitude,
Jill Kearney
Founder | Executive Director
jill@onehoperefuge.org | www.onehoperefuge.org