The Lucky One: A Chilling True Account of Child Sex Trafficking and One Survivor's Journey from Brutal Captivity to a Life of Freedom

by Jenni S. Jessen

"Jenni masterfully weaves steadfast truths into a story that shakes our world view, our theology and our ideas of what a human can bear." - Hettie Brittz, motivational speaker and author, Fearless. Free. and (un)Natural Mom"Whether you read this book to try to understand some of the darkness of sex trafficking, or to find healing for your own wounds, you will not be disappointed.” - Adele Booysen, D.Min. "The Lucky One is a disturbing and riveting entry into the world of sexual abuse, human trafficking, evil, and redemption. Your heart will be sensitized to a great evil, but far more you too will be invited to taste the goodness of God in the land of the living."- Dan B. Allender, Ph.D.; Professor of Counseling Psychology, Founding President; The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology“This book is heartbreaking. Not in the pain that it describes –which is horrific – but in the beauty that it calls out to in the midst of the pain.” - Christa Foster Crawford, Anti-Trafficking Consultant, Trafficking Resource Connection, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Children at Risk, Fuller Theological Seminary, School of Intercultural StudiesShe was only four years old when she was sold into the sex trade. White picket fences and steepled churches all guarded secrets that were not ever supposed to be told. In kindergarten, she began praying every night that Jesus would let her die. In second grade, she sat in church on a Sunday morning swinging her feet from a wooden pew behind the man who had paid to rape her the night before. Her perpetrators were from all walks of life. An engineer, a police officer, a bait shop owner, business men, farmers, younger men and old; different men all feeding the same lust. The only thing that they had in common was their brutal love for little girls. She shouldn’t have survived it. If God had answered her prayers, she wouldn’t have. Here is the true account of how she was brought out of captivity and into a life of freedom.

Genres: Memoir

110 pages, Paperback

Published April 26, 2016

Reviews

[Melissa Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very hard to read due to the real life trauma but such an amazing story of how a woman reached Jesus even in the darkest of times. How we have no control at times with the evil in others but how Jesus meets us even in the dark.

[Mink Gough · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book isn’t for the faint of heart, not for just the chilling and horrific details that Jenni bravely shared with us but also for the end of chapters’ reflective challenges for us to search and ponder on our own souls. Initially, I thought the title was misleading because the way the narrative was written seemed ambiguous to me, especially the details of the incidents. Then as she revealed some of the selected stories to us, I can understand why. Even in the most gentle language, I cringed. I cried. I became both sick and furious at the same time. Her life story raises lots of questions. Why wasn’t she protected as a child? What did her parents and grandmother do? Did they turn the blind eyes? How could a child survive such brutalities? Her story also exposed me to the psychological aspect of abuse and exploitation. What we see on the surface doesn’t correctly interpret what happens behind the facade/ mask.

Ultimately, though, this is a story of redemption. Interwoven through her narrative, she always points everything back to God. It definitely will challenge your understanding of the Gospel, God’s sovereignty and grace (how could he allow such cruelty to continue in someone’s life? how could Jenni still believe in God even while she was being abused? Is God both good and powerful?) Jenni challenges us to reflect on these questions and more. If you are ready to take on a heart-wrenching and life-changing read, then this is the one for you.

[Joellen Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an incredible testimony of victory, struggle, and God's presence in our lives. It is heart-breaking, but not a story of despair. It is vile, but not filled with the kinds of details that would push you into erotic thoughts. It is quite an impressive, but fast, read. Every chapter ends with talking about the ways God still showed up, how He pursued Jenni in her dark moments, and the way He eventually freed her from her captor. While she is quick to attest to the life-long struggle of dealing with the repercussions of her terror, she is equally quick to show God's working in her life. If you want to know what trafficking can look like, or want to know how someone torn by abuse can be found and comforted by God, you should definitely read this book. While you may be heartbroken afterwards, you will be encouraged as well. This is a very important read if you want to participate in preventing abuse and trafficking, even just as a parent or adult around children. Plan to read it alone, with lots of tissues.

[Denise A, Healy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very powerful story of childhood rape and abuse

I really didn't know exactly what to expect from this book, but after reading it I found a child who made it through a difficult life of rape and torture. Through it all she had a deep belief in Jesus. I read this book in a few hours and I must say it had a major impact on me. I recommend this book.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an avid reader of trafficking true stories, I did not enjoy this book. At only 100 pages, it was predominately bible stories and very focused on God. As a non Christian, although Jennis story was tragic and powerful, it was overshadowed by bible pushing.

[Dalaina May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knowing Jenni personally and having heard some of her story, this was really hard for me to read. My heart ached at the story even as I know the woman living a gorgeous, joyful life today. This book should come with a major trigger warning for child sex trafficking, sadistic violence, cultist practices, and general terrorizing. But it is a story of powerful redemption and hope.

I work with victims of sex trafficking, and knowing that Jenni has overcome things of this magnitude gives me deep hope that the women and girls I work alongside of can as well.

[Marcia Barksdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although a horrifying story, it is told with a faith in God as her anchor throughout. It is an amazing picture of terror juxtaposed with hope. Jenni does a great job of sharing enough without sharing too much. As a professional therapist who works with women who have been through this type of abuse, her story sadly is not as rare as one would wish. Yet, in telling her story, she gives reassurance that the future can be a freeing experience.

[Rebecca Jacoby · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story telling in the book is amazing! What a wonderful author. But then at the end of each chapter about 2-4 pages is dedicated to telling you to go to church and get right with Jesus. The book would’ve been easily a 4 star read if it didn’t feel like I was being judged every chapter for not being extremely religious.

[Alan J. Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievable story of abuse

The authors story of abuse begins at the age of three by her grandfather and the story gets worse from there. That she was able to fine Jesus during this abuse is truly amazing.

[Reyna | Ravenousreader❤️✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟 (see rating guide in profile)

Emotional and gripping. Heart wrenching yet joyous at the same time as you get the opportunity to hear the author share her account of horrendous abuse yet how the Lord turned the situation around for good in the end. The author has a very poignant way of drawing you in making you feel as if you are right there with her-feeling, seeing. Trigger warnings: abuse, reference to alcohol, church hurt, law enforcement manipulation.

Over all a good book.

[Todd Coburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Lucky One" tells the story of Jenni Jessen, a girl who experienced sexual and other abuse from her grandfather, his friends, and his "customers" from the time she was three years old and onward.

While her story sent my emotions reeling as experiences from her life unfolded, I was grateful for Jenni's courage and for her willingness to share with the rest of us so we can learn and perhaps stop this from happening to others. In her book, Jenni artfully weaves her story, gracefully sharing in a way that reveals key experiences and milestones that shaped her life, development, and thinking without using undue graphics or detail, such that the reader can understand without being led into the depraved thinking of her abusers.

A week after reading her story, I still feel a deep sadness in my heart that we all let her down by not knowing, by not finding her, by not finding a way to rescue her. I am further troubled at the thought that her story indicates that there are others, now, here in the USA, this " beacon" of democracy, this nation of a largely "Christian" people, who may be experiencing similar abuse at this very moment.

Yet Jenni's story is not without hope, for throughout her book she reveals insight and understanding of spiritual truth that is staggering in its raw beauty, in the freshness of her perspective, and in the accuracy of her insight (where the Holy Spirit inside says THAT is right on!). Also, she shares how Jesus appeared to her and ministered to her at critical moments throughout her life as He shaped and supported her such that she emerged with the character and spiritual understanding of a well-cut diamond.

Take a moment, read her book, live her life, and then try to save one. Please.

[Rosary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book touches you deep down to your soul. It is one that will resonate with you long after reading it and make you sit back in awe of the amazing faith that Jenni has found in God.

Jenni uses her horrific past as a tool to show how Jesus's love can help one to overcome any obstacle. Her words are raw and beautiful at the same time. After reading this book, I feel like I have seen deep into her heart - one that is broken and resewn.

Although her story is heartbreaking, it is also one of triumph. She has found such a deep, unfailing faith and she has used this faith to mold her broken past into something that doesn't define her. Instead, she has used her story to prove that there is something bigger out there - something that will be a constant no matter what and will rescue us if we only let it.

Not only is this story tragic, yet also beautiful, but it is also extremely well written. Much of the book is written in metaphors that paint such a vivid picture that one feels like they are experiencing her story along side her. Her writing style is poetic and real at the same time. It is one that comes from deep within and does not hold anything back.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard Jenni speak at a Human Trafficking conference at our church and her book is like listening to her speak. It breaks your heart but also moves you to cling to Jesus and find a way to help others. The book delves a bit more into her story, which is tragic and graphic, but also includes the gospel message of hope and encourages the reader to look for Jesus in their own story. It is beautifully written (which I don't normally say for self-pubs). Jenni has a way with words.

[Sharlene Honegger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Redemptive

Redemption is the word that comes to mind after reading Jenni's story. Only God has the power to redeem a child from such horrific abuse! Jenni shares the account of her abuse and subsequent freedom from it without sharing the unnecessary details. Her love and compassion for her readers is evident.

[Carrie Yanke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a tough book to read. My heart goes out to Jenni and all of those who go through this. The reason I rated it a 3 was because it was hard for me to understand how no one noticed how all of these things were happening to her. There were missing pieces that I needed to connect the dots. I know she mentions her parents briefly, but they didn’t notice she was in a bathroom all night?

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of hope, courage and redemption.

A difficult read given the topic and the fact that I know the author.

She doesn't share more than is needed for you to understand what she has been through, her faith is incredible and a testament to how much one can go through when Jesus walks with you.

[Leanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenni's vulnerability about the darkness she has endured will challenge you - and her hope will challenge you, too.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing testimony of God's grace and presence in horrific circumstances. This was very hard to read, but I'm thankful for the courage Jenni shows in sharing her testimony.

[Lily Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking true story of a woman’s childhood sexual abuse, rape, etc. Hard to read in parts, but inspiring!

[Sandra K. Rodriguez · Rating 1 out of 5]

Could not finish it.

Too much religion, and I could not identify with the book. I would much prefer reading her story of her circumstances during trafficking.