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How does a Montana realtor end up helping intercept more than 80 people from being trafficked? He didn’t change careers. He simply asked, How can I use what I already have to make a difference?
Steve Youde is a realtor with Keller Williams Capital Realty in Montana who found a way to leverage his unique skills to partner alongside Love Justice in protecting people from human trafficking.
Not everyone can be on the front lines, physically intervening or rescuing in human trafficking situations, but we are especially inspired when people find ways to contribute to the cause among their already busy daily lives. It takes a certain kind of creativity, innovation, and passion. Cover photo: Youde (third from the left) with his wife and event help team
A growing commitment
Youde and his family live in Helena, Montana, where Love Justice’s founder, John Molineux, also grew up. Though they’ve never met, Youde was introduced to the organization through his church, Narrate Church, which has long supported LJI’s work. Through that connection, Youde and his family began giving regularly.
“It breaks my heart just to know what's happening to kids around the world. I've worked in ministry with kids my whole adult life, and I just love seeing kids rescued before they go through what they could go through,” he said.
But over time, he felt a growing desire to do more.
Combining faith and business
Youde wrestled with how much of his faith to bring into his work as a realtor. He didn’t want to come across as self-promoting or use Christianity as a marketing tool. Then his real estate coach gave him some advice that shifted his thinking:
“That’s who you are,” his coach said. “Just be you. And if you attract a certain clientele because of that, that's great, but just be you and put it out there.”
With that, Youde began embracing his identity more fully—including his passion for justice. He started by mentioning LJI in his monthly newsletters to clients. From there, the partnership grew.
Today, Youde gives 3.5% of every commission to LJI and incorporates the organization into his client events. At his most recent event in May, he rented out a trampoline park with over 140 attendees and handed out LJI-branded sunglasses that sparked conversations about the cause.
“Really just putting it in front of people—like that's my goal,” he said. “It's fun to get creative with it and figure out some better ways to do it.”
He smiles as he describes his next event in September—renting out a park space and having food trucks, kickball, and inflatable costumes.
Behind all the fun and creativity, though, there’s a deeper motivation driving it all.
The brokenhearted anointing
At the heart of it? A simple obedience and a heart of discipleship toward Jesus.
“As Christians, we give, that's what we do. That's what Christ does and that's what He called us to do,” Youde said. “And so, when we find a cause like that and it can so directly go toward helping the victims who are actually being hurt, it's just a no-brainer for me; and anything I can do to get the word out—that's great.”
Youde’s heart for victims of human trafficking—and his decision to do something about it—has already had a significant impact. Besides personally helping prevent 80 people from entering a life of slavery, he’s also raising awareness and setting a strong example for others to join the fight for justice using their own unique skills.
Just as his church and community first inspired him to do something bigger, who knows what ideas his efforts will spark in someone else? This is the far-reaching impact of a positive chain reaction.
We are so grateful to Youde for allowing his heart to break for injustice—and doing something about it.
Your turn
Now it’s your turn. How might your passions and skills create a ripple of justice and love in the world? Check out our fundraising page at the link below to get started brainstorming!
*All data and statistics current at the date and time of publishing.
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