When I was 18 I started working for a rescue mission in western Wisconsin, because I needed a job and they were hiring. At the time, my family had no home, I was about to drop out of college, and had no direction in life. I liked that the mission was faith-based but other than that, I did not know much about it. Soon after, I got to see how the resident’s lives were being changed radically. I got to witness the community get excited to support people wrestling with homelessness, addiction, and many other struggles. I thought that mission was where I was meant to be long term, but God had other plans for me. After five years working at this mission, my husband and I moved to Kentucky. I felt like I was back where I started, but with a burning in my heart to serve. I applied to missions for two years, and then Sharon, the Program Director in Kentucky told me about some openings at Refuge For Women. After my interview, a tour, and reading the testimonies, I knew I was meant to serve at Refuge for Women.
Meet Rebekah
I am originally a Wisconsin girl at heart, but Kentucky is quickly growing on me. I was raised in a Christian home and could hear God’s call to me from a young age when I got saved. When I was around 22 years old I met my husband, Justin, we got engaged and married soon after. And shortly after that, we moved to Kentucky and then welcomed our twin girls, Elizabeth and Eleanor. Life has been such a whirlwind, but God has carried us the whole way, answered my prayers, and shown how mighty he is! Some activities I love to do since moving to Kentucky are cooking, gardening, golfing, and spending time with my family.
A Note From Rebekah
My heart has always burned for people who have been abused and exploited, but especially more so now that I am a mom of two girls. I imagine, what if this were me? What if this was my sister? What if this was my daughter? Just as I love and serve my own family, I desire to help the mission by loving and lifting up women who have been hurt and exploited. God has opened this door at Refuge For Women and called out my name, so here I am.
I dream of seeing women’s lives recovered and changed. We serve an amazing God who has the power to not only heal us, but fill us with love, joy, and peace. I am excited to help women hope, dream, and believe they are worthy of the love and life God so freely gives us.
Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
You can contact Rebekah by emailing rebekah.esterly@refugeforwomen.org
