Our History

In Aug of 2009 a group of “church ladies” stepped out to Godʼs calling to GO and bring His love to His daughters in the sex industry. It was a huge leap of faith, but God directed every step.

The year before we stepped out God awakened my heart to reality of human trafficking. As I watched a Christian TV show telling the story of little girls in India as young as 9 and 10 years old being held in cages during the day and then brought out at night to be used and abused 20-30 times a night. I sat in my comfortable home in utter disbelief. I thought, “this canʼt be happening, this canʼt be true!” It was true and at that moment God broke my heart with what breaks His. 

It was a burden that wouldnʼt lift, at that time you werenʼt hearing alot about human trafficking. At first I thought God wanted me to go to India, but He said this is a bigger problem than you realize and it goes beyond India, in fact it’s in your backyard.

Through a series of events he lead me to a women Barbara Neu, who pioneered the strip club ministry in the Tampa Bay Area. I joined her team and the first month as I stepped into my first strip club, I thought there is definitely a need for Jesus here but what does that have to do with human trafficking? 

I would then go on to learn that strip clubs, prositution, porn are all connected to human trafficking. After about a year of going out with Barbara and her team, the Holy Spirit very vividly spoke to me that he was calling me to start a strip club ministry in an area of Tampa Bay that was not being covered, and He said I want you to call it -IAM Freedomgirl. The great IAM is able to bring freedom to every girl

So with a reluctant yes, I stepped out. I called my friend Kirsten Voorhees and said I think you are suppose to do this with me? She said I feel called to pray for you and we shall see if I supposed to go. She was called to go as well. So we googled (yes googled) the strip clubs in the area we were called to go, and set out identifying 10 strip clubs in a 20 mile radius in the area. The Holy Spirit said you will start with 5. He directed me to create a prayer guide and for 7 weeks we met and prayed through all 10 parking lots asking the Holy Spirit which 5 we were to start with. One by one He gave direction. We gathered other women in my home that felt called as well and we prepared, we prayed, we packaged gifts and we went. 

It was an amazing first night as we watched the Holy Spirit do what only He could do. I think everyone of us were inawe of what He did that first night. We were left with a bag of mixed emotions and heartbreak but knowing we were called to go! 

We have seen God show up in so many detailed ways. He loves His daughters, and His sons as well. Although our primary calling is to the women we have learned that without the demand there wouldnʼt be a need to go. We have had some powerful conversations and

have been able to pray for several men as they have confessed their need for deliverance of this addiction. We have been able to do bible studies, pray for these precious women, let them know that they are seen, loved, and cherished. We have built relationships and have watched God change all of us.

I have learned that this ministry is a “seed planting ministry.” God had called us to go into some of the darkest places in our city to bring His love and truth. Early on He said these two words, “love and consistency, go in these, stay persistent and watch me do what only I can do.

The original OG girls

I wanted to highlight two incredible women of God who were instrumental in the launch and fruit of IamFreedomgirl. 

First, Kirsten Voorhees, the co founder of Iamfreedomgirl. She said yes to God and served with us for over 7 years. She has the heart of a pastor and used her gifting of listening and serving Iamfreedomgirl and the women we served faithfully. Kirsten is a mighty women of God with a heart of gold. The Lord called her and her family back to where they grew up in Minnesota. She has answered a new calling from God and is using her gifts in a beautiful way there. She and her family are settling in and enjoying life near family and serving God.

Next, Pam Spell. Pam is one of the most creative people I know and has an incredible gift of love that she gives to so many. Pam served as our creative director for over seven years. She never felt called to go to the clubs but used her gifting of creativity to show the women that they have value in the individual gifts, dressing room baskets, and the Christmas presents incredibly wrapped by her. Pam was a constant encourager and poured her heart and resources into IAMFreedomGirl, and we are forever grateful to her. The Lord called her to another place to serve Him, and she is doing that with her whole heart.

IAMFreedomGirl is so grateful to have served alongside these women. We ask the Lord to continue to bless their hands and the work He has called them to do.