In 2013, a missions pastor in Houston, Texas called a meeting with key leaders from a handful of churches across the city to ask one question: how are we confronting the evil of human trafficking? We found that there was much anti-trafficking work being done through young ministries who needed the encouragement and support of the church to be able to fulfill their missions.
However, although some financial support was being given, the majority of churches:
As we increased funding, the need to educate the church became even more important. And as awareness increased, the need to release passionate people to practically make a difference became greater still. So we created the GoBox—a toolkit that equips individuals with valuable information and many on-ramps for engagement. The GoBox classes, later rebranded as “The Church and Human Trafficking” invited believers to walk step by step through the toolkit while the Holy Spirit revealed how their unique gifts could truly make a difference in the lives of those affected by the human trafficking industry.
The power of churches giving collectively and supporting anti-human trafficking work cannot be underestimated. Exodus 17:12 tells us, “When Moses’s hands grew heavy, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat down on it. Then Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down.” That’s what we have the privilege to do here: hold up our partners’ arms so they do not grow weary in their good work.
We continue to envision the body of Christ in Houston and beyond rising up to fill gaps, meet needs, give generously, serve faithfully, and speak out in the name of Jesus. We do this on behalf of those who are unseen, overlooked, or ignored. We do this with justice, mercy, and righteousness.
It is our desire to see every captive set free physically and spiritually.
Leigh Kohler, speaker, teacher, writer and advocate, is Co-Founder and President of the Freedom Church Alliance. Leigh is a knowledgeable and passionate communicator of God’s mercy and justice. She has spoken to numerous audiences on the issue of human trafficking and the church’s call to lead in justice and restoration. Leigh skillfully represents the Alliance in front of churches, government, law enforcement, and the broader anti-trafficking community.
Leigh and her husband, Marc, live in Houston with their three children Luke, Landon, and Lauren. Leigh attends First Baptist Houston, where she serves as a life Bible study teacher with her husband. She loves teaching God’s Word and longs to see people set free physically and spiritually. Leigh’s greatest joy in life comes from knowing and following Jesus, because she believes salvation, redemption, and hope are found in Him alone.
Lauren is the Communications Manager at the Alliance. She is responsible for spreading the message of the Freedom Church Alliance to Houston and beyond. Lauren is a graduate of The University of Texas at San Antonio and was a former inner city school teacher. She now attends Dallas Theological Seminary where she is majoring in Christian Counseling. Her greatest passion is being a voice for children trapped in trafficking, as well as educating people on the signs of familial trafficking.
In her free time she enjoys horseback riding, hanging with her community at Houston’s First Baptist Church, and enjoying God’s beautiful creation.
Christa Freyhof is the Executive Director of the Freedom Church Alliance. She oversees and leads the Alliance staff and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organization. Since surrendering her life to Jesus, Christa has been dedicated to advocating for the most vulnerable and mobilizing God's people to action. She has served as a church Mobilization Director for city & global missions which later led her to a front-line ministry role serving survivors of abuse, crime, and human trafficking.
Christa is married to her high school sweetheart, Chris. They live in the Houston area with their youngest son, Caleb. They also have three adult daughters and two grandbabies. Time with family and serving the Lord are Christa's main priorities and passions.
Stacy Grigg serves as the Outreach Director for Freedom Church Alliance. She leads the GoBag Project and Digital Outreach, working with trusted partners and churches to engage the community in the fight against human trafficking. Stacy was an educator for over 20 years. She served as the anti-trafficking liaison at her church for nearly two years, partnering with Freedom Church Alliance and other anti-trafficking organizations. She has been active in this movement since the original GoBox launch and is passionate about raising awareness and engaging others in this fight.
Stacy and her husband, Jason, live in the Houston area and have two sons, Aiden and Jackson. She enjoys quiet time with Jesus, family time, outdoor walks and great books.
