Overview

Standing with Survivors and Protecting Children Still at Risk Child trafficking is not confined to distant places or unfamiliar faces-it's happening everywhere, often hidden in plain sight. Behind every statistic is a child: a future stolen and a voice waiting to be heard. In Called to Serve: Standing with Survivors and Protecting Children Still at Risk, Susan Ernst shares her experience volunteering at a rescue facility for trafficked and vulnerable children. Through vivid storytelling and heartfelt reflection, she offers an unflinching look at the realities of exploitation-and the extraordinary resilience of those who survive it. This book is both a testimony and a call to action. It invites readers to open their eyes, listen deeply, and recognize that real change begins when ordinary people care enough to show up.

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9781961493360

Table of Contents

Reviews

Susan Ernst captures the heart of true volunteerism when working with children who have been rescued from exploitation and who may also be at risk for human trafficking. The clear distinction between individualist and collectivist cultures helps readers understand more deeply the complex issues that come with volunteering, particularly overseas. Her inclusion of real stories, some of which may be harder to read than others, brings home the reality of who volunteers are serving and the essential need for cultural humility and sensitivity. Offering solid perspectives and actions to aid volunteers, or anyone interested in knowing 'what works' with child victims, this book is a must-read. Perfection is not required. Skills are not essential. It is willingness and an open heart that bring healing and hope for these innocent victims."" Andi Buerger, JD / Founder / Voices Against Trafficking ""Called to Serve is a brave and necessary call to awareness, action, and courageous compassion. The author reminds us that trafficking begins with vulnerability, not kidnapping-and that healing starts with presence, not answers. Through cultural humility, deep listening, and steadfast hope, she reveals the sacred power of showing up. This book will stretch your heart and strengthen your resolve to stand with survivors."" Karen Lynn Robinson, MSW, ACSW, LCSW, CCTP-II / Trauma Recovery Expert / Founder of Heal Thrive Dream Holistic Care, Inc.

Author Information

Susan Ernst is a mother, grandmother, and lifelong advocate for the well being of children. Her recent journey into writing was born from a life spent caring deeply-from operating a small daycare while raising her two daughters, to volunteering at a rescue center for trafficked children halfway around the world. Her heart for service and healing runs deep. For five years, Susan traveled each year with a dedicated team of volunteers to serve children rescued from-or at risk of-sex trafficking. These mission trips inspired her to write Called to Serve: Standing with Survivors and Protecting Children Still at Risk, her first solo book, as both a testimony and a call to action for others who feel drawn to serve, and to raise awareness about the global crime of sex trafficking and child abuse. Susan is a contributing author to all three volumes of Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Our Future World-Changers, where her stories focus on empowering children with tools to face fear and build resilience. She is also a collaborating author in the recently released Gifts of Wisdom: Practices for Healing and Empowerment. Susan recently attended a writers' retreat in Ireland, where a new book collaboration was born: The Alchemy of Intuition: Embodied Practices to Access Your Inner Voice, led by Dr. Tiffany McBride. Susan's chapter, ""Find Your Soul-Self: Healing the People Pleaser Problem,"" will be released in January 2026 on Amazon.

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