Sean Wheeler is the executive director and founder of Starfish Ministries, survivor, speaker and leader for those working in the sex trafficking industry. He grew up with his family in a small Midwestern town, where he was groomed and sexually trafficked between the ages of 5 and 9. For over 15 years, he experienced further abuse, including being exploited in child pornography. Even after his family moved away, predators continued to target Sean until his late teens, with the last assault occurring when he was 19.

At that point, Sean vowed to never be a victim again. Decades later, he found healing through his faith, which gave his life renewed purpose as an advocate for those who cannot speak out. Sean and his wife started Starfish Ministries to combat child sex trafficking in the United States and abroad, providing a voice especially for boys.

Through his book Wretch: Haunted by Shadows – Rescued by Jesus and his ministry work, Sean shares his story of survival and hope. God gave him strength to overcome his traumatic past and inspire other survivors, as well as raise awareness about the horrific realities of child exploitation.

00:00 - Intro

01:49 - How Did Sean Become A Survivor of Sex Trafficking

05:40 - Dispelling The Myth That Sex Trafficking Happens Only to Girls

07:30 - Trapped in Plain Sight: Living a Normal Life Under Sex Trafficking

09:42 - What Are The Hidden Signals That You Are A Wanted Child

11:26 - How Can We Be Aware & What Are The Signs of Child Sexual Abuse

15:09 - How Trauma Changed Sean’s View Of The World

17:30 - Distinguishing Imagination From Dissociation in Children

19:20 - The Role Of God In Sean’s Life & Breaking Through Shame, Guilt And Fear

25:03 - Sean’s Book And His Experience From Sharing His Testimony

28:38 - How Sean And His Wife Started “Starfish Ministries”

32:22 - The Power of Forgiveness & Finding Peace in God's Hands

36:53 - Sean’s Journey to Empathy And Compassion

40:33 - How Sean Healed From Guilt And Shame

42:42 - Escaping The Lie: Finding Hope in Jesus' Love

46:06 - Sean’s Final Words And Prayers

Show Links:

Sean’s Website: www.starfishcolorado.org

Sean's Book: Wretch: Haunted by Shadows – Rescued by Jesus