The Rooted and Edified Show

The Rooted and Edified Show | Episode #44

Stolen Freedom: The Reality of Human Trafficking Testimony & Interview with Amanda Jaroscak and Sandy Pendleton-Dorton, MS, MA

In this powerful conversation, Amanda courageously shares the circumstances that led her to become involved in the sex industry, the realities she experienced while in it, and how Jesus Christ rescued her from darkness and gave her new life.

We're also joined by Sandy Pendleton-Dorton, founder of Project SHIELD, who shares about trafficking prevention, helping women exit the sex industry, and the realities of the sex industry and human trafficking, as well as the factors and circumstances that can make women vulnerable.

In the second half of the episode, Manny explores what the Bible says about these topics, offers a biblical worldview on the issues discussed, and speaks to the God-given worth, dignity, and value of women from a godly man's perspective.

Episode Timeline

00:00 – Introduction
07:05 – Why Amanda chose to share her story
08:25 – Amanda's testimony
40:00 – How Amanda and Sandy met
41:28 – Amanda's encouragement to women in or considering this life
42:48 – Amanda's early exposure to Christianity
45:00 – Reconciliation with her mother and meeting the One who changed everything—Jesus
48:20 – Sandy shares about Project SHIELD, trafficking prevention, and helping women exit the sex industry
1:04:18 – The differences between sex work, prostitution, and human trafficking, along with the risks and factors that can lead women into the sex industry
1:13:12 – Cultural influences and the believer's response
1:19:32 – What about OnlyFans?
1:26:53 – The church's responsibility
1:27:33 – Manny offers a biblical worldview on these issues and speaks to the God-given worth, dignity, and value of women
1:40:45 – A godly man's perspective for women in the sex industry
1:45:58 – Project SHIELD contact information
1:47:29 – Scripture, takeaways, and closing

Project SHIELD Resources

Sandy Pendleton-Dorton, MS, MA Counseling, PPS Credential
Founder & CEO, Project SHIELD Inc.

Website:
www.ProjectShieldUSA.org

Email:
sandy@projectshieldusa.org

24/7 DREAM Hotline:
855-85DREAM (855-853-7326)

Phone:
714-925-5099

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Boldness for the Timid Believer — Interview with Laura Zifer

If boldness isn't your natural inclination, are you off the hook?

Join us as we sit down with Laura Zifer to discuss what biblical boldness is—and what it isn't. We also tackle an important question: Is boldness optional for believers, or is it something God calls all Christians to pursue? We discuss the difference between boldness and judgmentalism, why fear and timidity can hinder our witness, and practical ways believers can grow in courage, conviction, and obedience to Christ.

Sheep, yes... Sheepish, no.🫣🙏🏽📖

Timestamps

• 00:00 – Intro
• 03:43 – Why we are doing this episode
• 05:38 – How would you define boldness? Is it biblical?
• 07:55 – Is boldness commanded? Are we sinning when we're not bold?
• 26:10 – Does boldness mean being judgmental? "Judge not..."
• 32:52 – What is the difference between biblical boldness and sinful judgmentalism? Practical examples
• 38:41 – Should we be bold about everything all the time?
• 47:22 – Anything else about when or where to be bold?
• 51:54 – How would someone know they have the right amount of boldness?
• 59:15 – Why should a timid person become bolder?
• 1:07:11 – Practical steps to become bolder
• 1:20:56 – Connect with Laura Zifer
• 1:22:00 – Scripture section and takeaway
• 1:26:29 – Closing

Guest Resources

Laura Zifer
www.laurazee.org

 

The Rooted and Edified Show

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Connect With Us

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BeYOUtifully Rooted Ministry

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We know that Jesus is the Messiah. But how do the prophecies of the Old Testament reveal Him as the promised One? Join us for this episode in which Manny Elias walks us through Jesus’ birth and incarnation, His life and ministry, His passion and death, and His resurrection and triumph—showing how these events were prophesied long before. By the end, the connections may seem so clear that you might wonder how anyone could miss them. We’ll discuss that question as well.

(This is the second episode in our three-part series on “Jesus in the Old Testament.” The first episode, “Jesus in the Old Testament: Christophanies,” is Episode #38.)

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS/TIME-POINTS: (Hr: Min: Sec)

(1) What is a Messianic prophecy? (00:04:24)

(2) How does Jesus fulfil the Messianic prophecies? (00:08:52)

     (a) Jesus’ birth and incarnation (00:15:32)

     (b) Jesus’ life and ministry (00:28:56)

     (c) Jesus’ passion and death (00:38:44)

     (d) Jesus’ resurrection and triumph (00:52:43)

(3) Why do so many Jewish believers deny Jesus as the Messiah? (01:09:03)

     (a) Brief follow-up reference at 01:28:28

(4) Scripture Section & *Conclusion (01:24:36)

* There is a camera switch during the final minute of the video episode due to technical difficulties.

**Our usual recorder broke before this episode, so we used a backup setup. Audio's still solid and ready to enjoy.

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You can BELIEVE IT, because it’s true.

You can DEFEND IT, because there’s evidence.

You can LIVE IT OUT, because Jesus died and was resurrected.

 

Join us as we discuss Jesus’ death and resurrection with Apologist Jon Noyes of Stand to Reason. Whether you’re an atheist, a new believer, or a mature believer… this episode is for you.

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS/TIME-POINTS:

1. (00:05:28) Why is believing in Jesus’ death and resurrection essential to our faith? Can someone call themselves a believer and profess Christianity if they don’t believe in the resurrection?

2. (00:08:54) How can we know Jesus’ death and resurrection were real? What evidence should we familiarize ourselves with as believers?

          (2a) (00:09:47) Real-life examples pointing to why it is helpful to be prepared with knowing evidence.

          (2b) (00:19:12) Was learning evidence part of Jon’s conversion story, from atheist to apologist?

          (2c) (00:22:26) Jon walks us through evidence of the resurrection practically, using his apologetic wisdom and legal background, as well as through the research he conducted as a former atheist trying to debunk Christianity.

          (2d) (00:57:40) Jon shares an encouragement to us on what we should be doing with the information we just discussed.

3. (01:00:34) What does Jesus’ death and resurrection mean for us practically and spiritually?

4. (01:21:17) What are some resources to learn more about the evidence for Jesus’ resurrection?

5. (01:24:41) Scripture Section & Conclusion 

 

The Rooted and Edified Show is available on: Amazon/Audible, Apple, Deeper, Google, iHeartRadio, Podcast Addict, Samsung, Listen Notes, Pandora, Podchaser, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn.

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Contact Us: Email Manny & Kat Elias @ rootedandedified@gmail.com

 

**Info for BeYOUtifully Rooted

(Women's Mental Health & Education Christian Ministry):

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Social Medical handles:

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Being a Christian IS NOT a cakewalk. If you haven’t yet been knocked off your rocker from a spiritual attack… You’ll probably be knocked off soon. Praise God that He is Victor and, in Him, we are, too. Join us as Manny Elias walks us through what we need to know about spiritual warfare, the demonic realm, and the Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20).

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS/TIME-POINTS:

1. (00:02:42) Discussion on The Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20)
2. (01:01:47) What and/or who are demons? And, do we know them by name?
3. (01:07:54) Can we cast demons out? Can believers become fully possessed?
4. (01:10:52) What is a spiritual attack? Why do we have them?
5. (01:14:02) How do we know when we are under a spiritual attack? Are there signs beforehand? How do we know when it’s over?
6. (01:29:26) How should we fight spiritual attacks?
7. (01:40:13) Is the Christian life just a cycle of spiritual attacks and rest? Is it worth it to pursue Jesus despite these spiritual attacks?
8. (01:47:04) Scripture Section & Conclusion 

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The Rooted and Edified Show is available on: Amazon/Audible, Apple, Deeper, Google, iHeartRadio, Podcast Addict, Samsung, Listen Notes, Pandora, Podchaser, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn.

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Contact Us: Email Manny & Kat Elias @ rootedandedified@gmail.com

 

**Info for BeYOUtifully Rooted

(Women's Mental Health & Education Christian Ministry):

Website: www.beyoutifullyrooted

Social Medical handles:

FB/IG @rootnearthestream & YouTube: @ beyoutifullyrooted

Have you ever asked yourself… DOES SOCIALISM LINE UP WITH A BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW? Do you think socialism brings equal prosperity to all and/or that it is a more godly, virtuous way to live than capitalism is, according to Acts 2? Have you considered if socialism is on the ballot this year? And if so, what might you do about that?... Well… MAKE SURE NOT TO MISS THIS EPISODE! Join us as our special guest, Laura Zifer Powell, Apologist, makes sure we walk away from this episode equipped with the knowledge we NEED to have on this very important topic. Even if you think you know… You are likely to be surprised by the information you learned in this discussion. 

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS/TIME-POINTS:

1. (4:43) Tell us your background and what drew you in to studying Christianity and Socialism?
2. (9:35) What is Socialism?
3. (13:38) Does the young generation [actually] want socialism? If so, why? And, how did we get here?
4. (27:59) Do you think young people typically have an accurate view of what socialism is?
5. (30:18) Does Socialism fit in with a Biblical Worldview? What about Acts 2?
6. (41:12) Does Socialism work in the real world?
7. (1:04:56) Is Socialism on the [2024 Presidential] Ballot? What should we keep in consideration as we vote?
8. (1:24:17) How can listeners/viewers contact you?
9. (1:26:32) Scripture Section and Additional Discussion

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RESOURCES PROVIDED by Special Guest Laura Zifer Powell, Apologist:

Basic Economics by Thomas Sowell; Money, Greed, and God by Jay Richards

The Case Against Socialism by Rand Paul

Common Sense Economics by James D. Gwartney et. al.

Economic Facts and Fallacies by Thomas Sowell

Is Reality Optional? by Thomas Sowell

The Maker Versus the Takers by Jerry Bowyer

The Poverty of Nations by Wayne Grudem and Barry Asmus

Race and Economics by Walter Williams

Superabundance by Marian Tupy and Gale Pooley

The Knight and Rose Show (podcast), “Economics and the Bible: Was Jesus a Socialist?” episodes 30-32

 

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The Rooted and Edified Show is available on: Amazon/Audible, Apple, Deeper, Google, iHeartRadio, Podcast Addict, Samsung, Listen Notes, Pandora, Podchaser, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn.

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Contact Us: Email Manny & Kat Elias @ rootedandedified@gmail.com

 

**Info for BeYOUtifully Rooted

(Women's Mental Health & Education Christian Ministry):

Website: www.beyoutifullyrooted

Social Medical handles:

FB/IG @rootnearthestream & YouTube: @ beyoutifullyrooted

Do you follow Jesus of the New Testament? Yes!... Did you know He is in the Old Testament, too? Join us as our special guest and cohost, Manny Elias, shares what a “Christophany” is in this 1^st of 3-part series. Manny helps us connect the dots of how the Old Testament and the New Testament intersect in Jesus, and how ALL of this is relevant to us today! Get ready to deepen your dive into Scripture and marvel at the magnificence that is our Lord, Jesus Christ.

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The Rooted and Edified Show is available on: Amazon/Audible, Apple, Deeper, Google, iHeartRadio, Podcast Addict, Samsung, Listen Notes, Pandora, Podchaser, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn.

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Contact Us: Email Manny & Kat Elias @ rootedandedified@gmail.com

 

**Info for BeYOUtifully Rooted

(Women's Mental Health & Education Christian Ministry):

Website: www.beyoutifullyrooted

Social Medical handles:

FB/IG @rootnearthestream & YouTube: @ beyoutifullyrooted

AS A CHRISTIAN, SHOULD WE VOTE OUR VALUES OR OUR “ETHNICITY”? It seems as if we are at a point in time when these two things are not always compatible… and we must make a choice between the two when we vote. Join us for a RICH discussion with special guest, Dr. Tracey Phillips, Trainer for Blexit Corporation and Mental Health Therapist, who addresses the topic of tribalism and how it impacts us today. You are NOT going to want to miss this episode.

**FYI, This episode was recorded 7/10/24, just 3 DAYS PRIOR to the assassination attempt on President Donald Trump’s life… Our prayers go out to him, his family, the family of the victim who lost his life as a result of this attempt, and also for our nation.

The Rooted and Edified Show is available on: Amazon/Audible, Apple, Deeper, Google, iHeartRadio, Podcast Addict, Samsung, Listen Notes, Pandora, Podchaser, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn.

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WHEN YOU BECOME A CHRISTIAN, TRANSFORMATION IS INSTANT, RIGHT?! Well, no… Not necessarily. Many of us wait for change “to happen” to us like some sort of supernatural wave that is going to knock us over…. Only to find out that, even after accepting Christ, we are STILL US in character and mood. Darn. The truth is that though you hold the eternal position of a saint instantly, transformation and change often require us to walk the steps of growth and change to actually be more “saint-like”. Join us as we interview DAVID KING, DSW, MA, MSW, who utilizes The Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13 to help us do just that!!  One hour here may save you years of toil and struggle.

Dr. David King’s Website: healingourpainfulexperiences.com

To receive a copy of Dr. David King’s Tree Model for Change: Email: DKingGLPG@yahoo.com

ABOUT OUR PODCAST:

The Rooted and Edified Show is available on: Amazon/Audible, Apple, Deeper, Google, iHeartRadio, Podcast Addict, Samsung, Listen Notes, Pandora, Podchaser, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn.

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Find more information about us on our website: (Please note it is spelled “beyou”) www.beyoutifullyrooted.com/podcast

 

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SUICIDE AFFECTS EVERYONE… YET NO ONE WANTS TO TALK ABOUT IT. Let’s change that today! At a time when suicide is at AN ALL-TIME HIGH… We need to address the “elephant in the room”… looking it in its eyes, rejecting every one of its very lies.  Join us as JON NOYES, APOLOGIST at STAND TO REASON shares with us on this subject… which is his #1 requested talk! As an apologist (and former lawyer!), Jon makes a case for hope that you won’t want to miss.

• STAND TO REASON: www.str.org
• REALITY CONFERENCES 2023/2024 (Middle School-Young Adult Apologetics Conferences): www.realityapologetics.com

 

ABOUT OUR PODCAST:

The Rooted and Edified Show is available on: Amazon/Audible, Apple, Deeper, Google, iHeartRadio, Podcast Addict, Samsung, Listen Notes, Pandora, Podchaser, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn.

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Find more information about us on our website: (Please note it is spelled “beyou”) www.beyoutifullyrooted.com/podcast

 

**Info for BeYOUtifully Rooted:

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