Project Rescue

Natalie Grant, critically acclaimed musical artist sits down with Project Rescue

Natalie Grant, critically acclaimed musical artist and two-time Dove Award nominee for Female Vocalist of the Year, sits down with Project Rescue to talk about her awakening experience in the red light districts in India.

Musical artist Natalie Grant's involvement with Project Rescue began with a trip to the Bombay Teen Challenge Centers and Home of Hope directed by Project Rescue's founder, K.K. Devaraj.

There she witnessed both the horror of human trafficking and the joy of transformation that occurs in the lives of rescued women and children. Once back from her journey, Natalie was inspired to take action and developed the HOME Foundation. Her first year's charitable donations, helped Project Rescue's Bombay Teen Challenge Center build a medical facility for those in need.

Project Rescue recently interviewed her about her experience in Mumbai and the personal impact it had on her life.

Tell us how you came to know about Project Rescue's work in India, and how that led to your visit.

Through a TV show called Law and Order, I came to learn about human trafficking. As a result I did much research on the issue and on faith-based organizations that were a part of the fight. From there I found out about you, and the work you are doing to end modern-day slavery.

Explain the conditions in which these women and children still trapped in the red light district live. Was it what you expected?

Nothing can prepare you for what you see when you arrive in the red-light district. I have been to third world nations and have been exposed to extreme poverty, but nothing compared to this. My senses were attacked on every side. In America, we treat our animals better than these victims are treated.

Describe your first encounter at the Homes of Hope in Bombay.

I felt as if it were heaven on earth. So clean and lovely, and a place that helps restore dignity to its residents.

What, in your perspective, is different about Devaraj and ministry and Project Rescue versus other organizations that deal with the sexual slavery issue?

Gratefully, I have come across some wonderful organizations that are fighting this evil. Devaraj is so pure and has such commitment and dedication - he is an inspiration to me. I also appreciate Project Rescue's commitment to treating the whole person, realizing that a person can never fully be made whole without experiencing Jesus Christ.

Describe the difference between a rescued woman and one still trapped in the red light district.

The eyes are truly the window to the soul. The victims I met have emptiness in their eyes. They feel worthless, and that is evident by the way they walk and carry themselves. On the contrary, those I've met who have been rescued have a hope and a light in their eyes. Quite literally, their eyes sparkle. They walk a little taller and hold their heads a little higher. I remember one of the rescued girls I met said to me, Jesus is my life. Without him I would be dead.

Share your long-term vision for the Home Foundation. How did the vision for Home Foundation come about?

After my visit to India, I decided to form a foundation so that I could raise awareness and money to support organizations committed to the rescue and restoration of victims of sexual slavery. By having my own foundation, I could make sure the money was getting exactly to the places I felt called for it to go. Recently I have felt called to pass my passion on to those who would make this fight their life. So I have committed to go in to colleges and equip students to join me in the fight. The Home Foundation is in the process of establishing summer internships for several students who are nursing or missions' majors.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone interested in doing something to help with the issue of sexual slavery, what would you say?

Educate yourself. Get to know the issue. Knowledge is power, and as you find out about what is happening, not only in the world around you but in many of your neighborhoods and communities, God will continue to make your path straight. Then pray and ask God to open the right doors for you to join the fight.

If you could communicate one piece of encouragement to each victim trapped in sexual slavery, what would you say?

We have not forgotten about you. But more importantly, there is a God in heaven who has not forgotten about you and He knows your name. He has a purpose for your pain. And with His help, there are people all over the world who are committed to your freedom.

Visiting Bombay, India and the ministries of Project Rescue can be a life changing experience. How did what you saw there change you?

It made me realize that I was selfish and consumed with my dreams and ambitions. But I was also filled with a desire to make my life count, to be a part of something bigger than myself. And I committed myself to walking out true religion.

Readers and members of the Project Rescue Community often hear us say, You are the difference. From what you saw, how is it possible for each person to become the difference for a victim of sexual slavery whether they have a lot or little to give?

Whatever you give, whether large or small, God will multiply it. He is not measuring how much you give, but I do believe He is measuring your compassion. Are you doing what you can to help the least of these? Are you pouring yourself out into the lives of others? Do something because He is looking for all of us to do something.