Denise Lester | From Outreach to Exit: How Rended Heart Walks With Survivors of Sexual Exploitation

James sits down with Denise Lester, founder of Rended Heart (Kansas City, MO), to explore what sexual exploitation looks like today—and how her ministry stands in the 30-day gap between crisis and long-term recovery. Denise shares her journey from NYC to KC, early work with Exodus Cry, street and club outreach, and why most trafficking now hides offline and online. They discuss highways I-35/I-70, drug dependency, the legal hurdles of proving force, fraud, or coercion, how porn and grooming shape demand, and the slow, relational work of trust, detox, documents, and dignity. A powerful story of a child’s rescue and adoption shows hope in action—and Denise offers concrete ways listeners can help. To learn more about Rended Heart visit www.rendedheart.org. Subscribe to our YouTube channel 🔗 Download a free resource "Making Everyday Decisions So That God Gets the Glory" from Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com. 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living. Quotable “I’m not here to rescue you—I’m here to support you if you’re ready to walk out.” “You can leave anytime; we won’t hold you—but count the cost of what you’re surrendering.” Chapter Markers 00:28 — Denise’s journey & launch of Rended Heart 03:35 — Street/club outreach & the shift online 05:28 — The 30-day gap and why exits stall 07:53 — Hospitals, law enforcement, interstate cases, immigration 11:42 — A child rescued: court orders, sheriff retrieval, adoption 15:30 — KC’s geography (I-35/I-70), drugs, grooming, and porn’s role 20:08 — Legal hurdles: proving force/fraud/coercion for adults 23:06 — Trust, phones, and the hard work of starting over 37:20 — Volunteers, housing, and how you can help Links Rended Heart: rendedheart.org Contact: 816-343-4558 Note: If you suspect exploitation, contact local law enforcement or the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline (888-373-7888) or text “HELP” to 233733. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.