Are you a pastor? Are you a DENOMINATIONAL LEADER?
STORE

Learning to Seek and Serve Sex Trafficking Victims

February 25, 2019

A StartNew Community Success Story

Ellinger Deb2

The following is an interview with Deb Ellinger, StartNew Incubator team leader alumni. Deb is the Founder of Elli’s House, a street outreach ministry and home for women involved in sex trafficking in Detroit.

What was your absolute biggest challenge surrounding your new start or ministry prior to partnering with FiveTwo Network?  

The biggest challenge for us was funding and the confidence that we could actually take on this project. We really didn’t even know where to begin.  We had no business plan, no secured funding, and no idea what we were doing just to get started.

How did that challenge make you feel?  

The challenge made me feel unequipped, unsure and fearful.

How did you to try to solve that challenge on your own?

I tried solving the challenge by TRYING not to attend the Three day workshop and just not starting Elli’s House at all. I talked to Bill the night before the Three Day to let him know our team wouldn’t be coming. We just didn’t think we could do it. But, of course, Bill convinced me to attend.

How has being a member of the FiveTwo Incubator changed you and helped you grow your God-Given Dream?

FiveTwo has allowed me to identify my gifts and be confident in those gifts. I’ve learned how to create a team atmosphere and how to utilize each team members gifts and talents. We don’t all have the same gifts, and that is awesome! I also think FiveTwo allows me to be ME. I know what my weaknesses are and what my gifts are; I’m comfortable boasting about my weaknesses now.

How many people total have you baptized as a result of your new or re-started ministry?

We have around 200 interactions, a month, with men and women on the street. Although, none have been baptized, many have acknowledged they know Jesus is their Savior and have expressed the desire to grow deeper in their faith.

What was most surprising to you about the FiveTwo Incubator?

The most surprising thing to me was the support we received from FiveTwo, LCMS, my church, and area Lutheran Churches who heard about us from FiveTwo. I am also amazed at how many relationships we have developed with other startups and the support they have shown Elli’s House.

What accomplishment by your team are you the most proud of? Why?

One accomplishment I am very proud of is how a house was donated to us, and that house is set to open soon to house two women we have been ministering to on the streets. I am also very proud of the relationships we have developed with over 30 women on the streets. Women who now trust us and ask us to pray with them. Elli’s House Video

« Back to Stories of Success
Related:
When your plans aren’t “big enough” for God, it may be time for a reinvention February 28, 2020
From “Doing” Church to “Being” the Church, Holy Cross Lutheran Is Revitalized and Growing August 15, 2019
Sometimes the Problem Is the Solution July 26, 2019
When a “No” Is Really God’s “Yes” June 24, 2019

CONTACT US

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Five Two Logo Header Small


Are you the type of person who is ready to start something new?
Take the self-assessment quiz now!

 

We’re looking for people – Pioneers – from all walks of life who will GO … START NEW … LEAD ministries and businesses with Kingdom impact.

This simple quiz is a powerful tool to help you see if YOU are a Pioneer.

The quiz may tell you something new; often it confirms what you suspected all along: you are a Pioneer!

It takes just a minute or two to answer the 7 simple questions.

TAKE THE QUIZ NOW!

  • Are you a starter?
    Have you ever started a Bible study, business, neighborhood group, sports team?
    *Pick a number from 1 to 7, 1 meaning "Not a trait" and 7 "Most definitely a trait"
  • Are you the kind of person who likes to be out and about?
    Do you enjoy different environments, settings and cultures?
    *Pick a number from 1 to 7, 1 meaning "Not a trait" and 7 "Most definitely a trait"
  • Do you often find yourself discontented with the status quo?
    Have you changed jobs frequently? Are you dissatisfied with the ways things currently are?
    *Pick a number from 1 to 7, 1 meaning "Not a trait" and 7 "Most definitely a trait"
  • Do you like exploring new things?
    Do you like to meet new people? Do you always seem to be one of the first with a new phone? Do you embrace new ideas or concepts or technologies?
    *Pick a number from 1 to 7, 1 meaning "Not a trait" and 7 "Most definitely a trait"
  • Are you a problem solver?
    Are you undaunted by chaos or uncertainty? Do you look for solutions rather than being overwhelmed by problems?
    *Pick a number from 1 to 7, 1 meaning "Not a trait" and 7 "Most definitely a trait"
  • Do your friends think you’re opinionated?
    Are you a passionate person, perhaps even overpowering sometimes? Are you winsome and able to convince others of your point of view?
    *Pick a number from 1 to 7, 1 meaning "Not a trait" and 7 "Most definitely a trait"
  • Are you the kind of person who likes to take charge?
    Do you like responsibility? Would you rather design your own program than follow someone else’s?
    *Pick a number from 1 to 7, 1 meaning "Not a trait" and 7 "Most definitely a trait"

  • Get Your Quiz Results Now … See What’s Next!

    Thanks for taking the quiz! It’s time to learn more
    about your potential to start a new ministry or Christ-centered business!
    Provide the information below, then click or tap on “See Your Results”

  • FiveTwo does not sell or trade your information. We WON’T SPAM you!
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Start the Quiz

RETURN POLICY

Print Books

We understand that you may wish to return a book for any number of reasons. We accept returns shipped to us within 60 days of the purchase date. Please note that if you are returning books, they must be unused in order to receive a refund.

Please send the return to:
FiveTwo Network
ATTN: Returns
PO Box 644
Buchanan Dam, TX 78609
USA

Please include a short note, that includes your order number, explaining the reason for your return.

Once we receive your return, we will promptly issue a refund to the account with which you placed the order.

We do ask that you please understand that shipping fees will not be reimbursed. Our return policy does allow for a refund for the item cost. Please note that if you are returning books, they must be unused in order to receive a refund.

E-books

We are unable to accept returns for e-books and downloadable PDFs. If you have difficulty downloading an e-book or pdf please contact us at info@fivetwo.com.