Moldova Women Treated to Special Shopping Spree

I’ve always loved what we do at TREASURE HOUSE FASHIONS - “promoting the dignity and self-esteem of women, particularly women in transition and/or crisis” has always felt good and right - because it IS – but I’ve come to a whole new appreciation for this resource that is available on a moment’s notice.  

Recently some young women from Moldova came to my church (Northway Christian Community) to share their particular challenges.  They had all grown up in orphanages in that small country – a challenging and difficult situation in itself.  However, what I was NOT aware of is this: upon turning 16 years of age these young women are released from the orphanages and generally become a part of the sex-trafficking that is rampant in that area.  Lured with promises of opportunities and/or jobs, they are seduced onto buses then sold into Russia and the Middle East for $3,500 each.  Once purchased, they are literally “used” to death.  

Philip Cameron Ministries has responded to their plight by establishing alternative living/education facilities called Stella’s House (named in honor of one young girl who died of AIDS as a result of being exploited).  Several young women (ages 16 to 22) are traveling in the United States with the ministry this summer to rally support for the expansion of this program.  One means of raising support is the sale of t-shirts which read: “Item: woman  Size: small  Price: $3,500  Clothes should be bought and sold – not humans.” (www.philip-cameron.org)

Upon hearing the personal stories of several of these gals, my heart was deeply moved.  My daughter is close to their age, and to imagine her experiencing what they have experienced is unfathomable!!!  As a result, I extended our resources and invited them to a shopping spree at TREASURE HOUSE FASHIONS!  Five volunteers (Tina, Paulette, Pat, Glenda, and Marilyn – THANKS, gals!) joined me as we opened the shop after-hours to allow these girls to “get busy shopping!”  Others from my church were also moved to action – Mandi from Avalla provided facials for the gals in our Hospitality Room, Kathy from Reed and Petal provided rose bouquets for each, and Reed from Spa-nique gave each gal a chair massage.  Top the day off by providing pizza and you have what these gals considered the perfect day! 

My heart was overflowing – thankful for a resource like Treasure House Fashions that is available at a moment’s notice, thankful for tender-hearted volunteers who willingly dropped everything to respond, thankful for others who rallied around giving whatever resources they had to join us in affirming the treasure within these young women, and thankful that we live in a country where this is not the norm for the young women we love. 

I challenge you to look for opportunities to give of the resources you have – to affirm the treasure in others – “when you share blessings with someone in need, your own cup is filled to overflowing.” (paraphrased Proverbs 11:25).  

TREASURE HOUSE FASHIONS is one such opportunity, and we invite you to join us! For more information, please visit out website at www.thafshions.org