A woman was abused, trafficked, and broken all her life until she encountered a pastor who introduced her to Jesus, transforming her life forever.
Abused As A Child
Gigi Cocanio’s childhood was marked by trauma. She had adoptive parents she trusted to protect her but became the perpetrators of mental, physical, and sexual abuse. They robbed Gigi of her innocence, leaving her feeling utterly helpless.
The 700 Club. (Screenshot). (2024). Her Protectors Were Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing, Retrieved April 8, 2024 from: https://youtu.be/w7hQ11_KsJk
Despite outward appearances of care, Gigi’s adoptive parents masked the horrors within their home. Even as they attended church services on Sundays, Gigi’s teenage years brought further anguish when her adopted brother also sexually abused her. This led her to attempt self-harm.
Turning To Drugs
Upon graduating from high school, Gigi fled her home, finding temporary refuge on the streets and at friends’ homes. Struggling with the weight of her past, she turned to drug addiction as a coping mechanism. She took cocaine, heroin, and alcohol, eventually turning to stripping for income.
BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: MERCY TRIUMPHS OVER JUDGMENT
Unaware of her club owner’s dark intentions, Gigi unknowingly entered into a relationship with a trafficker, who eventually discarded her. Subsequently landing in jail for various charges, Gigi found herself enrolled in a faith-based rehabilitation program where she encountered the Bible. For the first time, she heard about God’s love for her, which sparked interest in her. However, upon completing the program, she regressed into her former destructive behaviors.
Meeting The Love of Christ
After leaving the rehab, Gigi fell into the clutches of another trafficker. Begging on the streets one day, she crossed paths with a pastor who not only offered her financial assistance but also extended an invitation to church.
Welcomed with open arms by the church community, Gigi experienced the love of God through their warmth and acceptance. Gradually, she began to discern God’s voice speaking to her, leading her on a path of healing and transformation.
Reference | The 700 Club
Header Image: The 700 Club. (Screenshot). (2024). Her Protectors Were Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing, Retrieved April 8, 2024 from: https://youtu.be/w7hQ11_KsJk
