January 28, 2026
Bringing Hope to Richmond’s Most Vulnerable
KingsWay member Myra Whitener has been faithfully serving with RVA Hope Center in Mechanicsville, Virginia, for many years. Her story reflects deep compassion, steadfast faith, and a powerful testimony of what God is doing through this ministry. Be encouraged by Myra’s example of adorning the gospel through deeds of mercy and reach out to her directly if you would like to get involved.
How can we respond to the Tamars in our city? Since 2017, RVA Hope Center has provided countless opportunities to share God’s love with those who are sexually exploited or trafficked—so they can experience true freedom in Jesus Christ. Founders Aaron and Vangie Hendrickson have launched several programs and initiatives to bear witness to God’s kingdom. This work is not only carried out through their programs and initiatives, but through believers in area churches who respond when God stirs their hearts, as He did for me.
I started volunteering out of a desire to help stop human trafficking, unsure of what that would look like for me. What began as an invitation to pray grew into years of serving alongside others through citywide prayer gatherings and outreach efforts. Along the way, I have seen the Lord restore broken lives—women trusting Jesus, pursuing education, finding safety, and stepping into new hope. As I’ve watched God provide safe homes and open doors for women seeking to exit the life, He has also been at work in my own heart, deepening my faith and reminding me that prayer truly is active, faithful obedience. We should consider how God may be calling each of us to participate in His work of restoration. Below are some ways you can also get involved at RVA Hope Center.
JUST LOVE
The Just Love initiative is geared towards families, women, and youth, providing opportunities for Bible studies, practical teaching, and interactive gatherings. By reaching out to schools and subsidized communities in Richmond, the Just Love initiative strives to share the love of Jesus by showing individuals that they are loved and valued by God.
FREEDOM
The Freedom initiative is specifically designed to reach those who have been or are at risk of being sexually exploited or trafficked. The goal is to provide practical solutions for those in need by providing meals, care bags, clothes, prayer, resource navigation, advocacy, and friendship. Through community outreach in the Metro Richmond Area, special events, and outreach hub phone calls, numerous people across different arenas are able to be reached, offering hope through transformation, healing, and relationship with Christ. Mike and I were able to witness ladies who called the outreach hub hoping to change their lifestyle. God hears their cries and our prayers
ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES
In addition to these initiatives, a safe home called The House of Hope is currently being built. RVA Hope Center also hosts quarterly citywide prayer gatherings. All are welcome to join in prayer, celebration, and connection with Aaron, Angie, and many dedicated volunteers. If you are ever interested in attending, you can reach out to me for more information.
With all of these ministry opportunities, we strive to remember that it is God who transforms these ladies' lives, through the investment and care of many volunteers who point them to Jesus’ love and deliverance. We consistently pray Psalm 121:1-2:
I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
We are encouraged, challenged, and motivated by Isaiah 61:1-2, 4:
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… they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.
Please continue to pray for those who have been sexually exploited, trafficked, abused, or raped. Our God is mighty to deliver. He can heal every wound, remove anger and bitterness, and bring complete restoration.