‘God gave us a vision to empower women on their journey out of sexual exploitation’

Safe housing is vital for women who are exiting sexual exploitation, says Emma Goulds. It’s why the charity she co-founded is partnering with Green Pastures to provide sanctuary for all who need it

London-born Emma Goulds grew up an atheist. Quite impulsively, while studying at the University of Leeds, she had a sudden urge to change degree courses, which led her to China on a second-year placement – a move she now considers Spirit-led. 

Within a year she’d became a Christian. “It was the beauty of the place that struck me into realising God was real,” she recalls. However, life took an unexpected turn when Emma became seriously ill, ending up in a hospital in Hong Kong. Following a major operation, she returned back to the UK during the 2003 SARs epidemic. While recovering, she began to visit a number of churches and encountered Jesus in a profound way. It would change the course of her life.