A Couple on Mission in Tampa Bay

Written By: Kait Poppa, NM Anti-Trafficking Manager

Laughter and the soft clatter of silverware fill the room with anticipation as smiles around the table share stories and encouragement with one another. As dinner comes to a close, the teams begin to split off after prayers and heartfelt goodbyes are exchanged. With a quiet might, the hands and feet of Jesus—His Church—head out into the evening as beacons of Light, symbols of hope showing the darkness that it never has the final say.  

From the onset of Mark and Tara’s relationship, the one desire they had was to always keep Jesus at the center of their marriage. For them, being involved together in a ministry was the realization of this declaration. They connected with one of our partner organizations, HeartDance Foundation – a non-profit organization that provides hope and restoration to exploited men, women, and children in Tampa Bay through awareness, prevention, and legislative action, along with assistance to those recovering from the sex trade and labor slavery. Once a month, Mark and Tara join a team of men and women to minister to those working in the strip clubs in Tampa Bay. After dinner and a time of fellowship, the women on the HeartDance team enter the clubs to minister to the women in the dressing rooms while the men stay outside to not only provide protection but also minister to the patrons and any male staff members who pass by.  

Mark and Tara have seen many beautiful victories while serving with this ministry. Recently, a club manager not only left the industry altogether but he also helped several women who were being exploited leave as well. Through this team, Jesus met this man and these women exactly where they were at so that He could use the Church in His life-changing work. Strip club ministry is incredibly important in eradicating human trafficking – many of the women working in these clubs are under pimp control and are not there by choice or are in danger of becoming victims of human trafficking. 

Not only do Mark and Tara participate in HeartDance’s anti-trafficking ministry, they also come alongside The No More Foundation to serve the vulnerable as well. 

“One of my favorite [outreaches] is Give a Rose,” says Tara. “That touches me because, from experience, I just know the impact that each one of those roses has… [when] it gets into the hands of these young women.” 

Mark and Tara have been a pillar of support at The No More Foundation because they have been moved to action; making a difference in their community, whether it’s through participating in our outreach events or mentoring those in need. 

This summer, Mark and Tara courageously shared their story for a testimonial video in our new Human Trafficking Awareness Course that is coming this fall. They are an inspiration to us and to everyone that God places in their path. 

Maybe you’re wondering how God can weave your story into the fabric of serving in anti-trafficking ministry. Maybe you don’t know where to start, or maybe you are on the edge of diving in, waiting to take the leap into the unknown. No matter where you find yourself, Mark and Tara encourage us to “first off, pray about it. Pray and see where God is leading you…pray where your gifts can be used.” From there, it’s about jumping into the opportunities God places in your path—whether that’s through a local church ministry or through para-church organizations like The No More Foundation or HeartDance. 

Jesus’s love transcends all. As we go into the dark places of the world, we bring His Light as His hands and feet. There are so many people who need to feel His compassion and hear His gentle voice. It is our calling and mission to work together as we bring the life-changing Good News of Jesus to those in our community. How will you answer the call to serve? 

Stories like this are possible because of people like you who believe in this mission of moving people to action to care for those in poverty, orphans, children in foster care, and human trafficking victims. You can give the gift of hope and help at declarenomore.com and together we will move this mission forward and see lives and future generations changed.