The Warrior within Her

By Jennifer Hagiu

Jordan barely survived a traumatic childhood. Now she is leading a team that rescues trafficked victims. She knows she has unique gifts that help her save innocent lives, but she doesn't know how to control it.

The Father is guiding Jordan on a path to find him. The darkness is seeking hard to destroy her before she can fulfill her destiny. Will she learn to trust in the Lord before it is too late, or will she succumb to the enemy's schemes?

Jacob's family helped Jordan when she was left for dead fifteen years ago. A few weeks later, she disappeared in the middle of the night. He used every resource available to find her. Now that they have been reunited, can he help her? All he knows is he can't lose her again.

Together, the Freedom Warriors organization fights to save as many lives as possible from the world of human trafficking. They will need the Lord's help as they face a sinister enemy that goes beyond their area of expertise.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Oct 17, 2023
• ISBN: 9798888329511

Book preview

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The Warrior within Her

Jennifer Hagiu

ISBN 979-8-88832-950-4 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88832-951-1 (digital)

Copyright © 2023 by Jennifer Hagiu

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

Epilogue

About the Author

Acknowledgments

First and foremost, I want to give all praise and glory to my Lord and Savior, who gave me an opportunity to share this story.

Thank you to all the organizations out there fighting hard every day to help rescue the innocent from the horrendous industry of human trafficking. We are praying with you.

Father, we come before you, thanking you for every person who is out there involved in the rescue operations and providing assistance to the survivors. We thank you for giving them the strength to endure the battles set before them. Your Word says you have given us victory over every area of our lives. We stand beside these organizations to defeat the enemy and his plans. No weapon formed against them shall prosper! Thank you, Lord, for giving these warriors discernment in every plan they make. Encourage them today, Father, as they head out to do the work you have called them to do. We give you all the praise and glory. Amen.

A special thanks to Carolyn Burton. You are the first person I told about my idea to write this book. It was because of your encouraging words that helped me make the decision to take a chance and write it. You spent many hours with me providing advice. I am grateful to you.

Thank you, Mom and Dad. I am blessed beyond measure to have you as my parents. I can always count on you, praying with me and giving me sound advice. From the moment I told you both I was writing a book, you were there encouraging me the entire way. You were the first ones to read my rough draft and provide suggestions. You were my cheerleaders. Your excitement helped me get through the times I considered giving up. I love you both!

A special thank-you to Kristi Miller. You provided me with so much information and helped guide me through the process. You are amazing! I can't even begin to thank you enough. Blessings, my friend!

A special thank-you to Gabriel Franco for taking the time to create the graphic arts for the front and back cover. You helped the vision become a reality. You have so much talent, and I know the Lord has big plans for you.

Thank you to my awesome brother, Phil, and amazing sister-in-law, Christine. I can always count on both of you to be there for me. I love you guys!

Thank you, Tony and Dottie! You have both been a huge blessing in my life. I have no doubt you spent many hours praying over all of us kids. Love you!

Thank you, Pastor Wanderson and Pabliana Franco! I have so many things to thank you both. You are a huge blessing in my life. I appreciate you for all you do for our church and my family. Love you guys!

Thank you, Yvonne Bennett, for taking the time to read my draft and offer encouragement.

Thank you, Donna Fredrickson, for spending countless hours helping to edit and offer valuable suggestions.

To all my friends and family, thank you for being a blessing in my life.

Thank you to everyone who took a chance on me and read my story. This book has been a journey for me, and I am overwhelmed with joy for the opportunity to share it with you.

I am not affiliated with any of the organizations below, however if you are looking for a way to help fight human trafficking, then please check out these organizations listed:

www.sparkworldwide.org

www.whoiswmoo.org

www.ourrescue.org

www.grindstoneministries.com (Kaleb House)

www.jacobooyensministries.org

1

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim the good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of despair, They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.

—Isaiah 61:1–3 NIV

January 15, 2005

Jacob

I just turned eighteen a few months ago and planned to head off to basic training next month. When you look back at your life, there is always that one pivotal moment that changes your life forever. You are never prepared for it, but someday, you realize God carried you through all of it. This was that moment for me. I thought my plans for heading into the military would be the biggest challenge in my life, but I was wrong.

Every year, we headed out to our small hunter's cabin for a week, but this time would be my last opportunity to go with my dad and brother, Daniel, before I left home for the navy. I looked forward to these hunting trips all year long. Dad began teaching us survival skills at a young age. He taught us how to track and use what nature had to offer to be prepared for any emergency situation. He wanted to know his family had the skills needed to survive.

I grew more eager to hit the road as I loaded the truck with our camping equipment and rifles. I wanted to hold onto this moment as long as possible. We always had fresh mountain air out here, but at the cabin, it just felt like a different world. We stayed in contact with Mom, of course, but other than that, we shut out all communication and just enjoyed the peace of nature. On these trips, it was hard to imagine so many people out there did not believe in God. Spending time in his incredible creation helped me feel closer to him. Nature revealed the beauty God intended for his children to live in instead of the hustle- and stress-led lives people had in the big cities.

Sure, going off to the military would be a huge change for me considering I was born and raised here in the small town of Harmony, Montana. We only had five hundred residents living here. We traveled at times, but for the most part, I never had the opportunity to spend time outside Montana. I was excited but also questioned if I made the right decision. I learned survival skills from a young age, and I was an excellent shot with various guns. However, I also lived a sheltered life in some ways. Being the eldest child of the sheriff John Stone, I knew everyone in town, and they knew me. I doubted my ability to handle being surrounded by a bunch of strangers who come from all walks of life. Would I even fit in? Was I ready? I knew the Lord would guide me, but honestly, I was nervous. Of course, I wouldn't admit it to anyone else. I walked around acting so confident in my decision, but on the inside, my small world was crumbling. I could only hope to make my parents proud of the choices I made in life.

Come eat something for breakfast before you all leave, Mom said from the doorway.

This brought a smile to my face. I would miss her the most. Not only was she the best cook in town, but also nothing compared to a mother's love and compassion. Yeah, I probably sounded like a momma's boy, and perhaps in some respects I was, but I was also a get-out-there and roll-around-in-nature type of guy. I needed to stay active, or I'd grow bored easily.

Dad suddenly charged out the door in concern. Everyone, get in the house! He spoke with a calm but stern voice.

I looked to see what caused the alarm. I noticed a large man walk up our long driveway, and it appeared that he carried a small person. From the distance, I couldn't tell if the person was injured or dead, but the body hung limply in the man's arms.

Now, Jacob! His voice startled me into action. I knew he would not tell me a third time. He trusted me to protect everyone inside the house. I quickly entered the house, and Daniel, who already had a rifle in hand, tossed it to me. I was the better shot, and he knew it. He grabbed his own gun that he felt comfortable shooting but would stay back unless needed. We didn't have many strangers visiting our town, and we never had people walking up to a home, carrying wounded or dead individuals. Hopefully, it was just someone needing help, but out here, you wouldn't take any chances until you knew for sure what you were up against.

Peering outside through the window, I watched Dad grab his rifle from the back of the truck. He held the rifle in hand but kept it pointed toward the ground as he waited to see what the stranger planned to do. I kept to the side of the window to make myself a smaller target, but I would be able to supply backup if he needed it. He was fully capable of handling himself, but the family took care of each other. As the stranger got closer, I could see the man carried a young girl in his arms, and she looked to be in bad shape. I couldn't tell if she was alive or dead from where I stood.

Stop, where you are, Dad said with authority. He identified himself as a sheriff and asked the stranger about the girl he carried.

The stranger stopped and glanced at the rifle. He didn't seem concerned. You need to help her. She is dying.

What happened?

Not sure, I found her this way. She won't survive if I have to find a hospital.

He was probably right, considering the closest hospital was too far away. Yes, we could life-flight her, but that would mean calling in the chopper. We could easily have it land in our yard, though. Blood dripped down her arms, and you could tell she lost too much already. The clothes on her looked big like men's clothing. It seemed the clothes were just to cover up her body rather than designed to be worn. You could see that blood had already seeped through the clothing in multiple places.

Elise! Jacob! Come out here! Dad called out, and then he asked the stranger if he had any weapons on him.

No, I have no use for them.

Strange to be out here in the middle of nowhere with zero protection, but for some reason that I couldn't explain, I sensed the man was being honest. It appeared Dad felt the same as he seemed to relax a little.

You must help her. It is not her time to die yet.

Weird way to put it. I felt the Lord telling me to trust this man. Perhaps the Lord sent him to bring her to us. I had no idea what we were supposed to do, but I wasn't concerned any longer of there being an immediate threat. At least not from these two.

Mom came out of the house and gasped. Oh my! What happened to her? she glanced at Dad as if to verify it was safe, and he nodded. That was all the hesitation she would give. Bring her inside and place her on the couch! Boys! I need some help!

As the stranger followed her orders, we all took the time to see what was going on. Blood covered the girl's body, and it looked like her hand and arm were broken. I didn't have a medical background, but when a bone stuck out at an odd angle, it was not a good sign. I broke a few bones in my life, and at a glance, I would guess someone broke it on purpose. The discoloration was already setting in, and there were large bruises that looked like handprints. If I had to guess, someone grabbed her arm and snapped it. Her hand had signs it was broken with some type of object.

She needs a hospital. I can only do so much here, Mom said.

You need to help her. Whoever did this is still out there. We can't take her to the hospital, said the stranger.

Well, I at least need to call Dr. Jones, and he can head out this way. I don't know if there are internal wounds.

Call him, but no hospital.

Daniel, call Dr. Jones. John, help me until Stan can get here. The rest of you, please step outside so she has some privacy.

I walked outside with Daniel and the stranger but left the door partly open to listen to what was going on. I could hear Daniel on his phone calling the doc, but I tuned him out.

What's your name, sir?

You can just call me Gideon.

Where are you from?

Far away.

Getting info from this guy would be interesting. I continued tossing out questions, but he gave vague answers. Gideon glanced in our direction and said, These are not the questions that will supply the answers you need. The focus needs to be on Jordan.

Thought you didn't know who she was? How do you know her name? Did she tell you? I wondered if she had been awake earlier and passed out.

Something like that.

Dr. Stan Jones, who lived about two miles up the road, sped down our driveway. Daniel must have stressed the urgency as Doc slammed on his brakes, leaving a cloud of dust flying up. He barely got the car turned off before he ran past us into the house. After a few minutes, Dad stepped outside to join us. One look at the concern written all over his face and I knew it didn't look good for the girl.

I could hear you inside and your vague answers, Dad said. Gone was the easygoing family man, and in its place stood the sheriff. Dad's perceptive eyes assessed everything. We need more info than you are providing. I sense the Lord sent you and wants us to trust you, but if we are going to help that girl, we need more info.

You will have the answers when it is time. For now, all I can tell you is the girl needs to survive, said Gideon. She is special. The ones who did this to her are pure evil, and they are still out there. You must keep her safe.

Can you tell me who we are looking for?

I don't know. I found her dumped and left for dead. But be careful who you trust. It isn't a coincidence she is here, and her sister is still missing.

How old is her sister? Where are the parents? I asked. I was confused how he seemed to know personal details but yet had no information to provide.

I don't know. I can only tell you what information I was told to give. Gideon glanced at me. I must go now. She will be safe with you. My job is done for now.

Wait, you can't leave! You need to answer some more questions. How can we get a hold of you? Dad asked. We all sensed Gideon didn't have anything else to say, but he needed to follow protocol. Dad took