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March 30 –
April 2, 2025

Three Strands Strong

As Christians, we are called to stand together. Just as “a cord of three strands is not easily broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12), our combined efforts can achieve far more for God’s Kingdom than we could individually. Inspired by this belief, the National Christian Conference on Sexual Exploitation seeks to unite us, one to another, and with the Lord, so that we might have an even greater impact in serving survivors and combating sexual exploitation in America.

This conference will provide a unique opportunity to praise, pray, learn and network with a diverse range of Christian professionals that serve the exploited. The conference is designed to broaden your understanding of the issues, strengthen your ministry’s impact, and share new and proven approaches to supporting survivors.

    This conference aims to inspire, empower, and equip anti-trafficking professionals and allies through comprehensive sessions and expert-led discussions, focusing on four critical areas:

    • Effective Survivor Care
    • Ministry Excellence
    • Meaningful and Productive Partnerships
    • Impacting the Issue

     

    Conference Chaplain

    Brian Sites

    Brian Sites

    Southeast Christian

    BIOGRAPHY

    For the past 15 years, Brian has been the campus pastor of Southeast Christian Church’s La Grange campus. He has a unique ability to connect with individuals and is passionate about building up men, guiding them to become strong, spiritually minded leaders in their families and communities.

    Night of Worship

    To Be Announced

    Worship Team

    Southeast Worship

    Southeast Worship

    BIOGRAPHY

    SOUTHEAST WORSHIP represents the music ministry of Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY. Our mission is to awaken generations to the glory of God through music, worship, and creativity. Each song is an extension of the heart of our church and all God is doing in and through our people. We hope this music will encourage, resource, and connect you with Jesus.

    Plenary Speakers

    Dr. Frank Turek

    Dr. Frank Turek

    CrossExamined.org

    Holding a Biblical Worldview in Today’s Culture

    BIOGRAPHY

    Dr. Frank Turek is a renowned Christian apologist, author, and public speaker known for his dynamic and engaging presentations on the evidence for Christianity and the reliability of the Bible. He holds a Doctorate in Apologetics from Southern Evangelical Seminary and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from George Washington University.

    Frank is the founder and president of CrossExamined.org, an organization dedicated to equipping Christians with the tools to defend their faith. He has co-authored several influential books, including “I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist” with Dr. Norman Geisler, which has become a staple resource in Christian apologetics.

    With a background that spans serving as a naval aviator and working in corporate sales, Frank brings a unique blend of practical experience and scholarly insight to his work. His energetic speaking style and clear, logical arguments captivate audiences.

    Frank Turek is also a regular guest on various television and radio programs, where he addresses contemporary issues from a Christian worldview. Through his work, he aims to empower believers, engage skeptics, and reach a broader audience with the message of Christianity.

    Dr. Samuel Stephens

    Dr. Samuel Stephens

    Association of Certified Biblical Counselors

    The Biblical Counseling Alternative

    BIOGRAPHY

    Dr. Samuel Stephens is an educator, counselor and speaker known for his insights into biblical counseling and his dedication to theological education.

    With a Ph.D. in Biblical Counseling from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a passion for teaching, Dr. Stephens seeks to equip Christians to rethink the counseling task as something that is not merely professional or clinical, but a work that is essentially spiritual and theological.

    Dr. Stephens has authored numerous articles and books, contributing to the fields of biblical counseling and Christian education. His scholarly work is characterized by a deep commitment to the authority and sufficiency of Scripture and a keen understanding of contemporary cultural issues.

    He currently serves as Director of Membership and Certification with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC) as well as Assistant Professor of Biblical Counseling at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his family reside in Kansas City, Missouri.

     

     

    Virgil Walker

    Virgil Walker

    G3 Ministries

    Redeeming Justice: The Church’s Answer to Counterfeit Compassion

    BIOGRAPHY

    Virgil Walker is a passionate Christian apologist, speaker, and author dedicated to teaching and defending the truths of the Christian faith. He is widely recognized for his clear, thoughtful, and impactful presentations on theology, cultural issues, and the gospel.

    As the Executive Director of Operations for G3 Ministries, Virgil plays a pivotal role in organizing and promoting events, conferences, and resources aimed at equipping the church with sound biblical teaching. His work with G3 Ministries has positioned him as a key figure in the realm of Christian education and discipleship.

    Virgil co-hosts the popular podcast “Just Thinking” alongside Darrell Harrison, where they address contemporary issues from a biblical worldview. The podcast has garnered a significant following for its insightful analysis and candid discussions on topics ranging from social justice to church doctrine.

    With a background in church leadership and pastoral ministry, Virgil brings a wealth of practical experience to his speaking engagements. His ability to connect with diverse audiences and communicate complex theological concepts in an accessible manner has made him a sought-after speaker at conferences, churches, and events across the nation.

    Virgil Walker’s commitment to proclaiming the gospel and defending the faith continues to inspire and equip believers to stand firm in their convictions and engage the culture with truth and grace. Join us to hear Virgil’s compelling message and be encouraged in your walk with Christ.

    Darrell B. Harrison

    Darrell B. Harrison

    Redeemer Bible Church

    Standing Strong on Biblical Principles

    BIOGRAPHY

    Darrell B. Harrison serves as Shepherding, Teaching, and Biblical Counseling Pastor at Redeemer Bible Church in Gilbert, Arizona. He is cohost of the highly-acclaimed Just Thinking podcast, widely recognized as one of the most influential Christian podcasts in the world, with nearly 7.2 million downloads since it debuted in December 2017.

    Darrell is a fellow of the Black Theology and Leadership Institute (BTLI) at Princeton Theological Seminary (PTS) in Princeton, New Jersey, and holds a graduate certificate in Theology and Ministry from PTS. He is an author and sought-after conference speaker, particularly on matters having to do with a biblical worldview of race, ethnicity, and culture.

    Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Darrell and his wife Melissa currently reside in Queen Creek, Arizona. They have three adult children—Collin, Naomi, and Yasmine—each of whom resides in the metro Atlanta area.

    Jeanne Allert, PhD

    Jeanne Allert, PhD

    Institute for Survivor Care

    Which Bible Are You Believing?

    BIOGRAPHY

    Jeanne Allert, PhD  is the Founder and Executive Director of the Institute for Shelter Care. Committed to advancing a world without slavery, Jeanne founded and served as Executive Director for The Samaritan Women. This Christian charity provided stabilization, restorative, and graduate care for survivors of domestic sex trafficking. In 2018 Jeanne created the Institute for Shelter Care as a research, training and equipping entity to help establish new shelter programs, stabilize and improve current programs, and facilitate qualified research to advance national standards of care and best practices.

    Breakout Speakers

    Joshua Broome

    Joshua Broome

    Finding Hope Inc.

    BIOGRAPHY

    Joshua Broome, a former adult film star, embarked on a life-changing journey to fill the void in his heart. Despite fame and success, he found emptiness. Battling depression and thoughts of self harm, Joshua discovered the transformative power of Jesus. Now, he shares his story of redemption on podcasts, TV shows, and stages, spreading God’s message of restoration all over the world. With a BS in Christian Ministries, Joshua and his wife Hope have been married for seven years, raising their four sons in Dallas, Texas. His message is centered on the fact that no matter what you have done or what has happened to you the love of Jesus Christ stands ready to change your future.

    Jeff Shaw

    Jeff Shaw

    Freedom Collective

    BIOGRAPHY

    Jeff Shaw currently serves as the founder of The Freedom Collective. Jesus recaptured Jeff’s heart when he was 26 and gave vision for a ministry that included outreach, a 24-hour rescue hotline, and an emergency safe home. Since 2011, over 1,900 women have received services to transition out of exploitation.

    Tomas J. Lares

    Tomas J. Lares

    United Abolitionists

    BIOGRAPHY

    Tomas focuses on providing unconditional love, support, and advocacy for the victims and survivors of human trafficking crimes in the Greater Orlando Area and beyond. Current and past work targets prevention, awareness, and education of human trafficking crimes as well as direct assistance given to the survivors of such heinous traumas.

    Rachelle Starr

    Rachelle Starr

    Scarlet Hope

    BIOGRAPHY

    Rachelle is first and foremost a lover of Jesus. In 2007, Rachelle founded the nonprofit, Scarlet Hope, when God called her to share His hope and love with exploited and trafficked women. Scarlet Hope has since expanded across ten cities in the United States and has trained thousands to launch similar nonprofits worldwide under Rachelle’s leadership. Rachelle is an entrepreneur at heart and enjoys developing innovative ways to reach and disciple women, wherever they are. As a speaker, coach, and author of Outrageous Obedience, Rachelle has shared her story on numerous platforms to inspire women to live an outrageous life for Jesus. When Rachelle’s not sharing the gospel in a strip club, you will find her spending time with her husband, Josh, and two boys, baking tasty treats, or playing card games.

    Dr. Darryl Arrington

    Dr. Darryl Arrington

    Sophworks Recovery Group

    BIOGRAPHY

    Author, professor, and clinician, Dr. Arrington helps others craft inner healing and personal growth. He has overseen treatment facilities, supports survivors of human trafficking, and presents on topics like relationship enhancement and trauma recovery. His diverse background includes leadership and advocacy in sacred, community and clinical settings.

    Shannon Rapier, CADC, CPS-AD

    Shannon Rapier, CADC, CPS-AD

    Freedom Collective

    BIOGRAPHY
    Shannon has been serving faithfully in the anti-trafficking space for 7 years. Shannon is a Certified Addiction Drug Counselor, a Peer Support Specialist, and a proud survivor leader. She is passionate about the opportunity to use her testimony and experience to empower other survivors to find freedom. Shannon is a wife and a mother to two amazing children.
    Bill Woolf

    Bill Woolf

    The Woolf Group

    BIOGRAPHY

    Bill Woolf has over two decades of experience working in local, state, and federal government. He started his professional career as a police officer after graduating from the University of Virginia. He completed more than 15 years in law enforcement, where he specialized in advanced investigations of human trafficking, missing and exploited children, gangs, and other forms of organized and financial crime. Bill developed expertise in safety and security, executive protection and movement, civil disturbance, weapons of mass destruction, and mass-casualty response as a FEMA-certified ICS commander. He also served as a federal task officer with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Marshals Service.

    Bill also has extensive legislative and executive experience in working with law makers at the local, state, and federal levels to draft and implement legislation as well as advising them on appropriations priorities. Because of Bill’s vast expertise, he has been asked by representatives, from both sides of the aisle, to testify in front of the Virginia state legislature, United States House of Representatives, United States Senate, as well as the Organization for Cooperation and Security in Europe. He has been called upon to advise various members of the executive branch at the local, state, and federal levels and even served in an official capacity as a Special Advisor to the White House on the Domestic Policy Council. Bill has also worked extensively advising government officials in the countries of Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and the Netherlands.

    In addition to his extensive experience in government relations, Bill possesses expertise in the non-governmental, non-profit sector. He has routinely advised and supported corporations, non-profit entities, and law firms on a wide array of subjects. He has provided expert testimony at depositions and in the courtroom, having been received as a court-certified expert. Bill founded a successful non-profit organization in 2013 which grew to have an international presence, making him intimately familiar with non-profit establishment, development, management, sustainability, and growth. He is also familiar with researching, applying for, and managing grants from both private foundations, as well as the federal government.

    Bill most recently served as Acting Director and Principal Deputy Director at the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) where he oversaw more than $6.5 billion in federal grant programs. He was recruited to serve as a Senior Executive Staff (SES) employee within the Justice Department because of his extensive management experience, accomplishments, and ability to solve complex issues. Specifically, he was asked to take on the additional role of Human Trafficking Programs Director, in which he was tasked with working across both governmental and non-governmental agencies to align human trafficking programs and prioritize the use of more than $100 million in federal funding. He also served as a key member of the Federal Workgroup on Grantmaking.

    Bill has received numerous awards for his efforts including a Presidential Medal from the President of the United States. He is also an avid pilot and possesses a unique knowledge of the aviation industry. He serves as an adjunct professor at George Mason University and Mt. Aloysius College. However, he is most proud of his six amazing children that continue to amaze and surprise him every single day.

    Jeanne Allert, PhD

    Jeanne Allert, PhD

    Institute for Survivor Care

    BIOGRAPHY

    Jeanne Allert, PhD  is the Founder and Executive Director of the Institute for Shelter Care. Committed to advancing a world without slavery, Jeanne founded and served as Executive Director for The Samaritan Women. This Christian charity provided stabilization, restorative, and graduate care for survivors of domestic sex trafficking. In 2018 Jeanne created the Institute for Shelter Care as a research, training and equipping entity to help establish new shelter programs, stabilize and improve current programs, and facilitate qualified research to advance national standards of care and best practices.

    Greg Wetterlin

    Greg Wetterlin

    Faith Ministries

    BIOGRAPHY

    Pastor Greg Wetterlin and his wife, Erika, joined the Faith staff in July of 2016. Greg’s responsibilities include oversight of Restoration Men’s Ministries as well as shepherding and teaching in Faith Church.

    Faith offers over twenty ministries spread over multiple campuses in Lafayette & West Lafayette, Indiana.

    Dan Emr

    Dan Emr

    Worthwhile Wear

    BIOGRAPHY

    Worthwhile Wear launched in India in 2012 and then launched a variety of programs in the US in 2014. Today Worthwhile Wear has grown to offer the most comprehensive services to survivors of trafficking in the state of PA.

    Dan provides oversight and guidance for the different departments of Worthwhile Wear, keeping in mind the big picture and long term trajectory of the organization. He works with staff to innovate and find ways to not only serve more women each year, but to continually evaluate and improve Worthwhile Wear’s services.

     

    Andrea Hipwell

    Andrea Hipwell

    Wellspring Living

    BIOGRAPHY
    Andrea Hipwell, Director of Post Program Support and Survivor Engagement, is a survivor leader passionate about incorporating survivor voices in program development. With expertise in trauma-informed care and strength-based leadership, she serves on various coalitions, including the National Advisory Council on Human Trafficking. Andrea holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice.
    Gordon Bals

    Gordon Bals

    Beeson Divinity School

    BIOGRAPHY
    Gordon Bals is the Associate Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling and the director of the Master of Arts in Christian Counseling degree at Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, AL. He is the author of two books: Common Ground: Discovering God’s Redemption in Your Marriage and Grace from Head to Heart: Experiencing God’s Kindness in a Fallen World. Gordon has a unique way of helping the Scriptures come alive in everyday situations and pointing others through difficulty or confusion toward reconciliation with God.
    Chelsea Longo

    Chelsea Longo

    Institute for Survivor Care

    Dwight Young

    Dwight Young

    BLOC Ministries

    Karissa Sites

    Karissa Sites

    Southeast Christian Church

    Sheniqua Mitchell

    Sheniqua Mitchell

    Bloom for Women

    Holly Bunn

    Holly Bunn

    The Wellhouse

    Linda Blackiston

    Linda Blackiston

    Institute for Survivor Care

    Ashley Caravello

    Ashley Caravello

    Bloom for Women

    BIOGRAPHY

    Ashley Caravello is a survivor leader and serves as the Director of Finance and Administration at Bloom for Women. Ashley began her journey with Bloom as a participant in their residential program in 2017. Ashley also serves as the Board Secretary for the Lehigh Valley Anti-Trafficking Collaborative. Through her leadership and commitment, Ashley aims to inspire hope and resilience, making a meaningful impact in the fight against exploitation and injustice.

    Chris Lim

    Chris Lim

    Institute for Survivor Care

    BIOGRAPHY

    Chris has trained service providers and investigators on both sex and labor trafficking domestically and internationally. He has also conducted undercover and security operations, taught a human trafficking course at the University of Alabama, and regularly speaks at conferences and conducts trainings for key stakeholders. His work has brought him to the Philippines, Cambodia, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Taiwan, Jamacia, Thailand and throughout the United States. In 2021 Chris was appointed Coordinator of the Alabama Anti-Human Trafficking Alliance by the Alabama Attorney General.

    Carol Andersen

    Carol Andersen

    Bloom for Women

    Amy Davis

    Amy Davis

    Key2Free

    Annie Shomaker

    Annie Shomaker

    Eden's Glory

    Carolyn Potter

    Carolyn Potter

    The Wellhouse

    Eleanor Kennelly Gaetan, PhD

    Eleanor Kennelly Gaetan, PhD

    National Center on Sexual Exploitation

    BIOGRAPHY

    Eleanor Kennelly Gaetan, Ph.D. is Vice President and Director of Public Policy at the DC-based National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE), working closely with NCOSE’s Law Center. Eleanor served as senior coordinator at the State Department’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (J/TIP) for five years under George W. Bush’s administration. She first met the human trafficking issue through the eyes of its victims, in Romania, as USAID’s local democracy advisor. She attended Yale University, has a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland, and mother’s five young adults.

    Tina Baz

    Tina Baz

    The Association for the Recovery of Children (ARC)

    BIOGRAPHY
    Tina Baz is Human Trafficking Program Director and Legislative Liaison for ARC – The Association for the Recovery of Children. Tina has a life-long history of involvement in philanthropic causes in the US and South America. In 2021-2022 Tina was listed in Who’s Who in America for the 10 years she has been professionally engaged in combating sex trafficking in the U.S., specializing in child sex trafficking rescues, locating and assisting victims of sex trafficking rings, gangs, cartels, and victims of cult ritual abuse.
    Having worked extensively with victims who are being actively sex trafficked, those who want to get out and those in recovery, she possesses a wealth of insight into the vulnerabilities, traumas, and the needs of victims as well as the inner workings of human trafficking criminal enterprise. Tina has spearheaded collaborative emergency response programs that provide rescue, triage evaluation, care and connection to residential placement and services for sex trafficking victims.
    Gene McConnell

    Gene McConnell

    Authentic Relationships International

    BIOGRAPHY

    Gene McConnell, a former buyer, now an advocate against Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation, with over 40 years of experience he has developed programs that foster life-changing connections, inspiring global audiences to confront the root causes of Sexual Exploitation and ignite transformative change through awareness and empowerment.

    Bobbie Mark

    Bobbie Mark

    Redeemed Ministries

    BIOGRAPHY

    Executive Director Bobbie Mark has been with Redeemed for 19 years, joining as an outreach volunteer in 2006. In 2010 she, her husband, and a handful of amazing volunteers stepped up to open the first residential home for survivors of sex trafficking in Texas. Since then, Bobbie has been humbled beyond measure working with the incredibly strong women who walk through the doors of the Sparrow House and those who are living independently. She has learned how to speak more gently, listen more intently, and love more fiercely. While the work is hard and the days are often long, she wouldn’t change a thing and will forever be happy she said “yes” to going on that first outreach.

    Jeannie Walston

    Jeannie Walston

    The Wellhouse

    BIOGRAPHY

    Jeannie was a civil defense litigator for 33+ years until she retired in 2024 to do pro bono work for trafficked survivors. She has tried and handled thousands of civil cases through all stages of litigation. She is licensed in all state/federal courts in Alabama, the 11th Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court. She has been a Best Lawyers in America since 2010, has the Martindale-Hubbell’s AV Preeminent Peer Rating, has been a Super Lawyer in Alabama by Mid-South Super Lawyers® Magazine, Birmingham’s B-Metro Magazine’s “Top Women Lawyers,” and Birmingham’s B-Metro Magazine’s “Top Lawyers” List. She served on several professional organizations and is currently trying to resolve as many legal issues as possible for women at the WellHouse in all states where they were trafficked.

    Leila Myers

    Leila Myers

    Reclaimed

    BIOGRAPHY

    Leila serves as the Survivor Care Director and is a member of the leadership team for Reclaimed, a lay-led ministry of Watermark Community Church in Dallas. Reclaimed’s mission is to reach a hurting world, redefine a hyper-sexualized culture, and restore those impacted by sex trafficking through the love of Christ. They have teams serving in outreach, demand-side intervention, survivor care, education & awareness, and more. Leila oversees three survivor care teams dedicated to providing support and community. Additionally, she builds connections between the church and local organizations in the fight against trafficking, serving as a bridge for collaboration. She also teaches at Roots, Reclaimed’s equipping course that offers a Biblical perspective on fighting sex trafficking. Leila also serves on the board for Refuge for Women North Texas.

    Dr. Dan Sartor

    Dr. Dan Sartor

    Renewal Leadership Solutions / The Wings Center

    BIOGRAPHY
    Dan Sartor, Ph.D., M.B.A., is the founder of Renewal Leadership Solutions, LLC, and Clinical Director at The Wings Center at Eagle Ranch. He is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Licensed Professional Counselor, and a board-certified counselor with over 25 years of experience in mental health care. Dan is past Vice President and Professor of Counseling at Richmont Graduate University and has been featured on WebMD as an expert on trauma. He has provided keynote and workshop presentations for national and international antitrafficking organizations and co-authored a training manual with Shared Hope International for medical professionals to identify and effectively treat victims of commercial sex trafficking within the medical system. Dan also serves as a member of the Accreditation Review Panel for Atlas Free. He provides executive coaching, corporate training, program evaluation, and consultation to domestic and international organizations on trauma-informed care, complex trauma, vicarious trauma, and compassion satisfaction through Renewal Leadership Solutions
    Clint Elliott, PhD

    Clint Elliott, PhD

    Daniel Movement Europe / Justice Defense Foundation of KY

    BIOGRAPHY
    Clint is the co-founder of the Daniel Movement Europe where he has served as a lead trainer for over ten years, writing and delivering training content related to ministry leadership and spiritual warfare.  Clint also serves as the Executive Director of the Justice Defense Foundation of Kentucky, has served as an allied Alliance Defending Freedom attorney for over twenty years, and has served the Institute for Survivor Care as legal counsel.  In addition to graduate degrees in law and theology, Clint recently obtained a PhD in leadership with his doctoral research focused on the practical theology of transformational leadership in ministry. 

    Schedule

    Click Dates to Expand

    5:00  pm Opening Praise Concert

    7:30 am Registration Opens
    8:00 am Worship Time
    8:45 am Welcome
    9:00 am  Morning Plenary
    12:30 pm Lunch and Keynote
    2:30 pm Afternoon Plenary
    7:00 Networking Reception – off-site
    7:30 am Registration Opens
    8:00 am Worship Time
    8:45 am Welcome
    9:00 am  Morning Plenary
    12:30 pm Lunch and Keynote
    2:30 pm Afternoon Plenary
    7:00 Networking Reception – off-site
    7:30 am Registration Opens
    8:00 am Worship Time
    8:45 am Welcome
    9:00 am  Morning Plenary
    12:30 pm Lunch and Closing Plenary
    2:30 pm Event ends

    Event Flyer

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