Brianna — a 16-year-old girl from California — set a big goal for herself last year: raise $600 to help women in Thailand and India experience freedom from the sex industry.
She decided to make and sell “Freedom Bracelets,” a product of her own design, to raise the money. And through her hard work and dedication, Brianna exceeded her goal and raised $768!
Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Brianna to talk with her about the last year:
How did you get connected to World Help?
When Brianna graduates from high school, she plans on becoming a hairstylist
Brianna’s family came across a copy of the World Help Christmas Giving Catalog in World Magazine a few years ago.
Now, they give every Christmas! Brianna’s parents always ask her and her sisters to each choose a gift they are passionate about — like clean water, Bibles, or freedom from the sex industry.
During the 2022 holiday season, Brianna decided to take matters into her own hands. She wanted to raise her own money to help young women and girls escape life as a sex worker.
What made you decide to give freedom?
The Bible camp Brianna sold Freedom Bracelets at is the same one her mom attended as a child
Brianna’s mother, Jenessa, volunteers at a homeless shelter for women and children. In the summer of 2022, she mentored a woman who had been a victim of human trafficking when she was only 14 years old.
When Brianna saw the freedom offer in the World Help Christmas Giving Catalog, she remembered this woman’s story … and felt called to make a difference.
“When I read it, I felt sad because if I was in that position, I would want to be saved and freed,” Brianna said.
Where did you get the idea to create “Freedom Bracelets”?
How can you use your talents to help people around the world?
A few years ago, Brianna began making and selling bracelets to her friends during the summertime … and they were a huge hit!
Knowing she could use her talents to further God’s Kingdom and help girls experience freedom, she renamed them “Freedom Bracelets.”
Brianna paid for all the materials she needed out-of-pocket. She wanted 100% of the profits to support women looking for a way out of the sex industry.
Once she had her supplies, Brianna got to work.
Each bracelet took 2-4 hours to make. Over the course of 2023, she spent hundreds of hours making them.
Where did she find the time? Brianna made bracelets while watching TV, during car rides, and in the mornings when she and her family spent time in God’s Word together.
She then sold them to friends, family, church members, and neighbors for $5, $10, or $15, depending on the pattern’s complexity. She took them to youth group, Bible camp, Thanksgiving dinner, and everywhere in between. Brianna even sold a few through Facebook.
What advice do you have for someone who feels like they can’t make a difference?
Pray for God to raise up a generation of world changers like Brianna
Brianna said to get creative! God blessed every one of us with incredible talents, and you can use your unique gifts to honor the Lord and bless people in need.
It’s also important to set attainable goals. Brianna knew that her bracelets were popular in the past and that people would be interested in buying them, especially for a good cause.
Jenessa also had some advice for parents raising future world changers:
“I strive to encourage parents to live out the example and instill this desire in their children’s hearts to use their talents for Jesus in a creative, outside-the-box way.”
Since every $50 helps one girl trapped in the sex industry experience freedom, Brianna’s incredible gift of $768 was enough to help 15 girls — with some left over! We are so grateful for her generosity and the impact her gift had on these girls’ lives.
So thank you, Brianna! And thank you to all of our incredible supporters committed to transforming lives around the world. Because of you, people around the world received life-changing help and hope.
Do you want to make an impact like Brianna? Click the button below to learn more about how you can help save and change lives.