Fremont Church of the Nazarene
Yesterday I went to church with a new resident who wanted me to attend with them. While I can’t and won’t share their story, I would like to tell mine. It is one of mutual faith, love and devotion to God. Love is the answer we seek, not destruction nor revenge. Love is all that humanity needs, everything else comes from that love.
Two men picked our group up. I explained that I am a trafficking victim and told them my new friend’s story. I said that we might be a bit nervous around new people, especially men. They were exceedingly polite, kind and respectful of us. They gave us space and time to adjust.
Inside Fremont Church of the Nazarene, I explained to anyone who came near. The people were just as wonderful as those who took us there. It made the experience so much easier for us. It gave me a bit more faith in humanity.
While I never heard the service, I felt God’s love through the people there. I was in the bathroom before service when anxiety got the best of a woman. She collapsed in my arms. Other women ran out to call 911 and get a nurse.
The nurse arrived within seconds and helped us before paramedics arrived. She stayed with us and took care of us. She was also there for me after the woman was rushed to the hospital. (She was released and will be fine, inshallah (God willing).)
A few women who witnessed it all were so kind and supportive. One woman asked if I could use a hug and I willingly accepted. I explained why it was such an important and incredible moment for me. I didn’t receive nor accept hugs during nor after the trafficking. Those who tortured me most were women so even they terrified me.
I am a stereotypical Midwesterner. I talk endlessly to anyone and everyone. I do the longer than long Midwestern goodbyes. I also give hugs as if they are going out of style. It was just one thing that the traffickers took away. I am happy to have it back. I feel more human and more like me again. God bless you.
I also had a wonderful conversation with a woman who said that she knew that trafficking existed but couldn’t imagine it. Seeing a victim in the flesh brought that reality to life.
I hope to have many more conversations like that one with people so that they can see it in the flesh. People should be guarded by the truth and realities of it, not fantasy nor supposition. It helps to keep us all a bit safer.
The people of Fremont Church of the Nazarene gave me so much of myself back and reminded me that I can and should trust in humanity again for God resides inside every beating heart. We may not have much in common but we have faith in God and love. That’s the most powerful force on earth. God bless you all.
My undying love and gratitude,
Darcy Mohamed
Devout Muslim and Trafficking Victim
