Document text
Human trafficking survivor Rebecca Bender will bring her inspiring story to audiences at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Ashland on Sunday, April 22. Bender, an activist and advocate for ending modern-day slavery, escaped a life of sex trafficking herself in 2007. In 2013, she wrote her first book, “Roadmap to Redemption,” the first of its kind faith-based workbook for survivors and advocates, written by a survivor. Today, Bender is a nationally recognized, leading expert on the issue of domestic sex trafficking. She has trained thousands of service providers, first responders and faith leaders including President Jimmy Carter, National Director of FBI conference, Shared Hope International, Just Faith and more. Bender has also consulted on safe home start ups all around the world. She is the recipient of multiple FBI and Congressional recognition awards, the 2015 Hero to our Generation Award, 2014 Female Overcomer Award, and the 2013 Unlikely Hero Award. She is also a member of the Survivor Leader Institute, National Survivor Network and the Oregon Cease Task Force. She serves as co-chair for the Oregon DOJ Human Trafficking Advisory Council and on the board of Exodus Cry. She was chosen as one of the top 22 Survivor Leaders being featured in a PSA titled, “More Than a Survivor.” In 2014, Bender founded her own nonprofit, the Rebecca Bender Initiative, to provide training to first responders across America. RBI also operates the largest and only online academy for survivors of human trafficking seeking care outside of residential treatment. RBI has taken an innovate approach, by using technology to offer online mentoring services to survivors all across the world, especially those who live in areas where services do not exist. She continues to bring a multi-media message to the masses through her trainings, books, consulting and speaking. Bender was ordained as a minister in 2014 and is currently finishing her master’s in Biblical Studies at Bethel University. She will be the featured preacher at both the 9 and 10:30 a.m. worship services Sunday.