How is God calling you to use your gifts to make a Kingdom difference in the world?
As a college student, Simone Ispahani learned the devastating truth about human trafficking and how many millions of victims worldwide suffer from this crime. She went searching for opportunities to make a difference and learned all she could through reading, watching documentaries, speaking to nonprofits and federal agents about their work on the frontlines, interning with nonprofits, and eventually co-leading a trip to India her senior year to work with trafficking survivors.
IF YOU’VE EVER QUESTIONED GOING ALL IN WITH YOUR DREAM, THIS IS THE EPISODE FOR YOU
When Simone got laid off from her job in 2020, it was the opportunity she needed to take everything she had learned and experienced to fight for the rescue and recovery of trafficking victims in a new way.
The following year she founded Social Brew, a global e-commerce coffee marketplace devoted to fighting human trafficking through profits shared with organizations committed to the cause. Her greatest hope for Social Brew is to cultivate community and provide a physical location where trafficking victims are seen, known, loved, and given practical tools that help them take back their lives.
In this episode, Simone and I are talking about:
Responding to questions, doubts and adversity you face from others
Finding direction and affirmation for your calling in Scripture
How to go all-in with your dream from the start and trusting God’s faithful leading
CONNECT WITH ME:
Website || Facebook || Instagram || Book a Call
CONNECT WITH SIMONE & SOCIAL BREW:
Website || Facebook || Social Brew Insta || Simone’s Insta
MORE ABOUT SIMONE:
Being biracial and growing up around a diverse array of cultures, Simone was gifted with a unique understanding of the world and a deep-seated desire to help humanity.
After living internationally for much of her childhood, she eventually made her way to Los Angeles and attended Biola University where she earned a sociology degree with an emphasis in criminal justice and a minor in biblical studies.
Simone first learned about the issue of human trafficking at Biola when an expert speaker on modern-day slavery challenged her to join the fight. After graduation she decided to use everything she had learned and experienced to fight for the rescue and recovery of trafficking victims.
Simone enjoys sipping coffee at one of her favorite local spots in Santa Monica, hanging out with her dog, painting, baking to feed her sweet tooth, listening to vintage vinyl recordings, and spending time with family and friends.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
“Lord, I Need You” by Matt Maher / Daniel Carson / Jesse Reeves / Kristian Paul Stanfill / Christy L. Nockels
Scripture:
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion—
to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes.
~ Isaiah 61:1-3a (ESV)
For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord, because
hey have called you an outcast: ‘It is Zion, for whom no one cares!’
~ Jeremiah 30:17 (ESV)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation,
and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God…
~ Ephesians 6:10-17 (ESV)
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
~ Matthew 11:30 (ESV)
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
~ 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
~ Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)
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The Devoted Dreamers Podcast is produced by Jonathan R. Clauson.
Theme music by Reaktor Productions.