Shannon’s Story

When my eyes were first opened to this reality, God led me to begin volunteering with an aftercare home in Los Angeles County that receives girls rescued from child trafficking in the United States. Through hosting artistic workshops with these children, along with another advocate, my life was changed. Seeing these girls face to face, seeing their tears and smile, their laughter and pain changed my life forever.

One night we did an activity where we had each girl write a note of encouragement about every girl in the home, in an effort to encourage these children who have been broken emotionally, physically and spiritually. We then had each girl come to the front one at a time and we read the box full of love and encouraging words out loud to the child in front of everyone. The implication this simple act had in the girl’s lives was quickly apparent, and it was an inexplicable feeling to see a child burst into uncontrollable tears, simply at being told she is beautifully and wonderfully made.

Yet there are thousands of children out there who have never heard these words. They have never heard that they are precious, that they hold great worth, and are beautiful and unique. Instead, they have been sexually abused, assaulted, demoralized, imprisoned, and broken down in every sense of that word.

Learning this reality firsthand broke my heart. I began to ask God to use me mightily, and to increase my faith. One day on my knees I surrendered all my gifts and desires for my personal life to use as he will. I said, “If you would use my gifts powerfully, I will give 100% of everything to you.”

And Forever Found was born.

While watching me go through this journey of realization and surrender, my husband’s heart broke for these children as well, and we decided to follow the path God was so clearly laying in front of us and launch Forever Found in April of 2010. As volunteer after volunteer offered to brand our organization, produce the first album, design our artwork, promote our cause, print our promotional material for free, etc., it was clear that the Lord was leading his people to act (1 Corinthians 12:12). It is time we use the gifts God has given us to rescue these children who have not had the opportunity to even see the gifts God has given them.

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”

1 John 3:16-18

Taylor and Shannon Sergey live in Simi Valley CA where they are raising their four children. They attend Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley.