The Table on Delk: A Beacon of Hope for Survivors of Sexual Exploitation
In a world where desperation meets vulnerability, some women find themselves facing unimaginable choices just to survive. Tina Williford, the founder of The Table on Delk, sheds light on the harsh reality that women without resources or support often resort to selling their bodies for sex. In this episode of the Stories Connect People podcast, Tina shares her journey, the inspiration she found in Guatemala, and the profound impact The Table on Delk is having in helping women and children break free from the cycle of exploitation.
The Cycle of Desperation:
The Table on Delk emerges as a response to the dire circumstances faced by women who have nothing and must provide for themselves and their children. Tina vividly describes how selling their bodies becomes a last resort to meet basic needs such as food and shelter. However, the aftermath of guilt, shame, and embarrassment often drives these women deeper into a destructive spiral of addiction, using alcohol and drugs to numb their pain.
Answering the Call:
Tina’s transformative experience in Guatemala opened her eyes to the fact that the same exploitation she witnessed abroad was happening right in her own community. This realization ignited a calling within her, leading to the establishment of The Table on Delk. The organization acts as a bridge, connecting vulnerable women and children with crucial resources to help them escape the clutches of exploitation.
Supporting Women on the Journey:
Women find solace and support in a safe environment at The Table on Delk. The organization offers nourishing meals, access to computers, Bible studies, activities for children, and practical classes like cooking simple meals in a crockpot and GED preparation. The volunteers and dedicated team at The Table on Delk ensure that each woman knows she matters, she is enough, and she is loved. By meeting them where they are and addressing their immediate needs, The Table on Delk creates a foundation for change.
Showing Love in Action:
The Table on Delk calls for volunteers to join their mission of love and restoration. By preparing meals and engaging in genuine interactions, volunteers have the power to demonstrate the Father’s love to those who feel abandoned and forgotten. Through small acts of kindness, like asking a survivor what type of pancake they prefer or letting them choose a coffee mug, the organization aims to empower these women to realize that they have choices and that they are deserving of a better life.
Transforming Lives, One Step at a Time:
The ultimate goal of The Table on Delk is to bring about transformation, one life at a time. By actively showing God’s love, the organization hopes to pave the way for survivors to seek further assistance from rescue ministries such as Out of Darkness. Even if only one person can be rescued and guided towards the life God intended for them, it holds the promise of a transformed future generation. The Table on Delk, in collaboration with other ministries, envisions a world where sexual exploitation in Atlanta can be eradicated.
Tina Williford and The Table on Delk are beacons of hope in the face of unimaginable circumstances. By providing a safe space, nourishment, and vital resources, they empower survivors of sexual exploitation to believe in their worth and envision a brighter future. The Table on Delk’s mission stands as a testament to the power of love and compassion in breaking the chains of exploitation, fostering healing, and restoring lives.
From October 22-29, 2023, we invite you to be “On Mission” and make a lasting impact in the lives of others while deepening your discipleship. Discover the incredible power of giving, praying, sending, and going as we explore the profound effects these actions have on our community and beyond. At On Mission 2023, we’ll bring our ministry partners from around the world and our community to Mt. Bethel, offering insights into the life God wants us to pursue. Learn more at mtbethel.org/mw23.