Tea company has a heart for the hurting

Human trafficking remains a global problem, even well into the 21st century – but a company in Iowa is making a difference for women in Asia being victimized by sexual exploitation.

Teshua Tea Company is a garage-based operation aiding the efforts of an Asia-based missionary by the name of "Andrew," who created a rescue and rehabilitation center for young women caught in the throes of human trafficking. (See related article)

Bradley Hopp, Andrew's business partner and co-founder of Teshua Tea, offered more details during a recent interview on American Family Radio.

"They literally go into the brothels, pick the girls up, carry them out on their shoulders and into awaiting vans," he described. "We get them into our rescue and rehab house where we meet all their needs. We make sure they're given all new clothes, all the toiletries, food, and shelter."

The Teshua house takes it a step further by giving the girls an education as well as teaching them skills and crafts such as jewelry making and tea harvesting. Hopp then purchases the goods from the women and sells them in the U.S. with 50% of profits and 100% of donations going directly back to the rescue facility.

"It's really in my heart to see Andrew and the team be able to have everything that they need," he shares, "and have this be self-sufficient where the girls are provided for through their work but the rescue mission also is cared for through its work."

The word "teshua" derives from the Greek language and means "salvation, deliverance."

In January, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled "Combating Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation in the United States." At the signing of the executive order, the president declared that his administration is "100% committed to eradicating human trafficking from the earth." Trump's daughter, Ivanka, is an outspoken advocate for human trafficking victims.