Lauren Sanders

2013 graduate Lauren Sanders has taken her love for her faith and helping others to make a positive impact on the lives of those trapped in the sex trade.

“I have the honor of working at [the] non-profit Wipe Every Tear,” Sanders said. “We’re headquartered in Boise, Idaho but operate in Manila, Philippines offering freedom, education, and discipleship to women who are trapped in the sex trade. I am the Missions and Events Coordinator. I plan our local fundraising events, a 5K and formal gala, in Boise, Idaho, as well as coordinating our international mission trips overseas to the Philippines.”

While her work in the states involves desk work such as “phone calls, Google Documents, and Excel sheets,” Sanders is given the opportunity to get even more involved with her organization when they go overseas.

“When I get to lead our trips overseas, I get to share in the joy of walking alongside a girl – just like me – out of the bars and into freedom,” Sanders said. “I also love [that I’ve been] awakened to the reality of human trafficking, and get to see through their fresh eyes how beautiful restoration is for ‘our girls.’ Anyone over 18 years old can join hands with us on a Vision Trip to do bar outreach and meet the incredible women in our four safe-houses. I may be biased, but I truly think I have the best job in the world.”

Despite living states away from her home town, Sanders feels the impact of the Lovejoy community on her life every day.

“Since we are a donation-based non-profit, my position is funded by support–meaning my salary comes from the extremely generous donations of my supporters each month,” Sanders said. “ I would not be able to have support–both tangible and intangible–if I didn’t come from this community. Lovejoy prepared me so very well with an education that let me excel at A&M, but furthermore, it gave me relationships with friends, community members, teachers, that have lasted years and helped support me to say yes to this crazy, amazing job.”