BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Mercy Gate Ministries - ECPv6.15.17.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://mercygateministries.com
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Mercy Gate Ministries
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Chicago
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20220313T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20221106T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20230312T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20231105T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20240310T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20241103T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20250309T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20251102T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20260308T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20261101T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20270314T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20271107T070000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20230919T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230919T200000
DTSTAMP:20260404T032641
CREATED:20230914T125210Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230914T125608Z
UID:10000025-1695146400-1695153600@mercygateministries.com
SUMMARY:Kerr United Against Sexual Exploitation
DESCRIPTION:You are formally invited to this FREE Community Awareness Event. \nHear from those on the front lines fighting domestic sex abuse\, exploitation\, and trafficking in Kerr County and Texas: \nDetective Joseph Scaramucci\, nationally renowned law enforcement expert on human trafficking \nGreg Longenbaugh\, Criminal Investigator for the Kerr County Sheriff’s Department \nKarla Solomon\, Survivor and Advocate with Mercy Gate Ministries \nTeresa Lara\, Child Sex Trafficking Care Coordinator with the Hill Country Crisis Council \nKerr County Care Coordination Team Agencies
URL:https://mercygateministries.com/event/kerr-united-against-sexual-exploitation/
LOCATION:Tivy High School\, 3250 TX-534 Loop\, Kerrville\, TX\, 78028\, United States
CATEGORIES:Training
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mercygateministries.com/wp-content/uploads/bg-kerr-united-opt.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Mercy Gate":MAILTO:info@mercygateministries.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20230927T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230927T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T032641
CREATED:20230904T145647Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230904T145647Z
UID:10000024-1695805200-1695834000@mercygateministries.com
SUMMARY:Supporting Victim Defendants of Sexual Exploitation (Kerrville)
DESCRIPTION:Mercy Gate Ministries is offering our Supporting Victim Defendants of Sexual Exploitation training free of charge. \nIn the training\, you will be walked through and educated in the following three primary areas: \nDefine\nDefining victims of sexual exploitation. \n\nUnderstanding Trauma\nHuman Trafficking 101\nSex Trafficking & Exploitation\n\nRecognize\nRecognizing victims/defendants. \n\nThe Legal Consequences\nWhat is a Victim/Defendant\nRight Questions to Ask\nPotential Barriers to Success\n\nSupport\nSupporting victims/defendants. \n\nCurrent Laws\nVictim/Defendant Outcomes\nResources\n\nWe invite you to join us for this training. Please RSVP below to secure your seat. \n\nPlease feel free to download the flyer and extend the invitation to others.
URL:https://mercygateministries.com/event/supporting-victim-defendants-of-sexual-exploitation-kerrville-2/
LOCATION:Kerr County Probation Office\, 402 Clearwater Paseo\, Kerrville\, TX\, 78028\, United States
CATEGORIES:Training
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mercygateministries.com/wp-content/uploads/bg-arc-courtroom-training-opt.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Mercy Gate":MAILTO:info@mercygateministries.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240322T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240322T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T032641
CREATED:20230830T161602Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240216T163330Z
UID:10000023-1711098000-1711126800@mercygateministries.com
SUMMARY:Human Trafficking 101: Complexities of Victim Defendants
DESCRIPTION:MERCY GATE MINISTRIES IS ACCREDITED BY THE STATE BAR OF TEXAS TO PROVIDE 6 MANDATORY CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION HOURS (CLE) AND 2 HOURS OF ETHICS FOR COMPLETION OF THIS COURSE. \nTHIS TRAINING IS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH GRANT SUPPORT FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR\, PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICE\, CRIMINAL JUSTICE DIVISION AND THE TEXAS BAR FOUNDATION. \nTHIS COURSE IS LISTED ON THE TEXAS BAR ASSOCIATION WEBSITE UNDER COURSE NO: 174207961 AND THE MERCY GATE SPONSOR NO: A17372. \n\nPURCHASE TICKETS AGENDA PRESENTERS\n\nIf you are interested in joining as a non-legal participant\, please reach out to Karla (karla@mercygateminsitries.com) for limited reduced ticket rates. \nAbout the Training\nHuman Trafficking 101: Complexities of Victim Defendants is a 6-hour CLE course focusing on 1) Defining Victims of Sex Trafficking\, 2) Recognizing Victim Defendants\, and 3) Supporting Victim Defendants throughout the legal process. \nTraining sections include understanding trauma\, Human Trafficking 101\, sex trafficking and exploitation\, subculture and language\, legal challenges\, barriers to success\, interviewing techniques\, current laws (state and federal)\, and successful victim defendants’ outcomes. Awareness and identification of victims of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation who enter the criminal justice system are critical to ensure equal justice and successful restoration and rehabilitation. \nWe will be providing continental breakfast\, hot buffet style lunch (street tacos)\, and afternoon snacks \nAgenda\n\n\n\n\n	9:00-10:30amWhat is Trauma?\nPolyvictimization\nTrauma Bonding\nComplex PTSD\nWhat is Human Trafficking?\nPublic Health ImpactSession 1\n\n\n	10:30-10:45amBreak\n\n\n	10:45-12:00pmThe Demand\nSubculture\nVariations of Buyers & Traffickers\nHierarchy of Authority\nRecruitment\nGrooming ProcessSession 2\n\n\n	12:00-1:00pmLunch\n\n\n	1:00-2:30pmBarriers to Self-Identification\nRecognizing Victim Defendants\nLaw Enforcement Challenges\nComplexities of Investigation & Prosecution\nCourtroom Challenges\nVictim Centered ApproachSession 3\n\n\n	2:30-2:45pmBreak\n\n\n	2:45-4:30pmSafe Harbor Law - Case Study & Panel\nNational & State Statistics\nTVPA - Federal Framework\nState Laws & Legislation\nLegal Needs & Victim Rights\nEthical Concerns to Consider\nVictim Services & ResourcesSession 4\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Presenters\nLead Presenter: Karla Solomon\, Outreach & Training Director for Mercy Gate Ministries \nKarla also serves as a Subject Matter Expert and Survivor Consultant for the Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign and Blue Lightning Initiative. With DHS she presents at national events\, has participated in multiple survivor panel discussions with DHS Secretary Mayorkas\, and was on site during the filming of DHS’s flagship General Public Indicators (GPI) Training and Aviation Awareness Training Video which has been visited 244\,477 times and the aviation video has trained over 350\,000 staff nationwide\, including over 26\,000 from Texas based airports and airlines. Tips generated from these training efforts have had a tangible impact\, leading to victim recoveries and federal investigations into human trafficking networks. \nKarla has partnered with multiple local\, state and federal Law Enforcement agencies to provide specialized training and assistance. Karla often trains the Department of Public Safety Special Agents alongside the same agent who recovered her from her trafficking experience. She has directly assisted law enforcement with arrests of over 200 buyers and the recovery of more than 30 victims through her support in Undercover Hotel Operations with multiple agencies across Texas. In addition\, she serves as a Council Member for the Human Trafficking Survivor Leader Council with the Office of the Governor for the State of Texas and as a Community Education Partner with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. She also serves as a Board Member for many anti trafficking organizations. \nMs. Solomon is not only a Subject Matter Expert\, but she is also in the 1% who broke free from this modern-day slavery. Her personal experiences of being trafficked as a child and an adult gives her first-hand knowledge of the atrocities of sexual exploitation and makes her a powerful and compassionate advocate for survivor restoration. The number one comment we receive from the training and public speaking engagements conducted by Ms. Solomon is the appreciation and impact of her testimony which gives a greater understanding of the reality and brutality of this crime. \nMs. Solomon is also committed to rehabilitating those in the criminal justice system\, treating the trauma and stigmatism of all those rescued from the sex industry\, and preventing others from falling victim to it. She is a powerful advocate on the state and national level\, working with governmental and other nonprofit organizations to identify and combat sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. She has trained health professionals\, educators\, hotel administrators\, court and law enforcement officials\, airport personnel\, the military\, and other community stakeholders to recognize exploitation and how to report it. \nSpecial Guest Speaker\nMichael Camal\nSenior Engagement Manager\nDHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking\nU.S. Department of Homeland Security \nGuest Panel Members for the Alexis Martin Case Study (1:00 – 2:30 p.m.) \nProsecutor – TBD Defense Attorney – TBD \n\nIf you are interested in joining as a non-legal participant\, please reach out to Karla (karla@mercygateminsitries.com) for limited reduced ticket rates.
URL:https://mercygateministries.com/event/human-trafficking-101-complexities-of-victim-defendants/
LOCATION:Marriott Northwest\, Salon A & B Rooms\, 3233 Northwest Loop 410\, San Antonio\, TX\, 78213\, United States
CATEGORIES:Training
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mercygateministries.com/wp-content/uploads/bg-trafficking-101-opt.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Mercy Gate":MAILTO:info@mercygateministries.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240415T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240415T200000
DTSTAMP:20260404T032641
CREATED:20240403T162603Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240403T162900Z
UID:10000028-1713204000-1713211200@mercygateministries.com
SUMMARY:Keys to Freedom Fundraiser
DESCRIPTION:The Partners of 11th Street Cowboy Bar invite you to attend Mercy Gate Ministries’ Keys to Freedom Fundraiser. \nJoin us on Monday\, April 15\, 2024 from 6:00-8:00pm. Admission is free. \nNo county in Texas is immune to sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. It is a multi-billion-dollar industry and it happens on the streets of Houston and it happens on ranches and rural roads in central Texas.  \nOn April 15th Mercy Gate Ministries will be at the 11th Street Cowboy Bar to share about their efforts to support survivors in Bandera County.  \nIn the last 2 years\, Mercy Gate has expanded their support of survivors in the Bandera community. Not only have several survivors come from Bandera\, but they have staff and community mentors who are actively working the county judicial system and other nonprofit organizations to provide training and resources to victims of sexual exploitation. \nMusic by Dennis Alan | Appetizers by Brick’s River Cafe.
URL:https://mercygateministries.com/event/keys-to-freedom-fundraiser-2/
LOCATION:11th Street Cowboy Bar\, 307 11th St\, Bandera\, TX\, 78003\, United States
CATEGORIES:Fundraiser
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mercygateministries.com/wp-content/uploads/bg-cowboy-bar-opt.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Mercy Gate":MAILTO:info@mercygateministries.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240422T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240422T200000
DTSTAMP:20260404T032641
CREATED:20240328T162219Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240416T141119Z
UID:10000027-1713808800-1713816000@mercygateministries.com
SUMMARY:Community Passover
DESCRIPTION:Come\, let us celebrate the Passover Feast together!  This passover experience includes a full 5-course meal\, worship\, and the story of how Jesus\, the Lamb of God\, is at the center of this feast. \n*Childcare not provided \nThis Passover Feast limited in seating and is by donation. \nAfter RSVPing at the bottom of this page\, please consider donating as God leads you. If you are unable to donate\, consider this is our gift to you. \nDoors open at 5:30p.m. \n\nClick here to donate.
URL:https://mercygateministries.com/event/community-passover/
LOCATION:Tucker Hall\, 320 St. Peter Street\, Kerrville\, TX\, 78028\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mercygateministries.com/wp-content/uploads/bg-seder-opt.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Mercy Gate":MAILTO:info@mercygateministries.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240502T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240502T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T032641
CREATED:20240318T140829Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240429T111701Z
UID:10000026-1714672800-1714683600@mercygateministries.com
SUMMARY:[SOLD OUT] 4th Annual Journey to Freedom
DESCRIPTION:SOLD OUT.  \nOn Thursday\, May 2nd\, Mercy Gate Ministries invites you to celebrate another year of service to survivors of sexual exploitation at our 4th annual Spring event\, Journey to Freedom. \nJoin us for a night of hope and hear the amazing testimonies of survivors\, as well as enjoy perfectly paired wine & food stations from Turtle Creek Vineyards and Bridgette’s Basket\, music from Kevin McCormick\, a fun Photo Booth\, and silent and live auction. \nWe are so grateful for the generosity of those who have partnered with us to see these beautiful women of God healed and restored. \nYou can show your support for the work of Mercy Gate Ministries by purchasing a ticket\, becoming a sponsor for the event\, or donating a live or silent auction item. \nFor questions please contact Lisa Carpenter:\nLisa@mercygateministries.com \nLooking to Sponsor? Download your packet here. \n\nPlease feel free to download and share the flyer:
URL:https://mercygateministries.com/event/journey-to-freedom/
LOCATION:Moon Shadow Haven\, 118 Creekridge Trail\, Mountain Home\, TX\, 78058\, United States
CATEGORIES:Fundraiser
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mercygateministries.com/wp-content/uploads/bg-fourth-annual-alt2-opt.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Mercy Gate":MAILTO:info@mercygateministries.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240820T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240820T200000
DTSTAMP:20260404T032641
CREATED:20240715T223610Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240715T223610Z
UID:10000029-1724178600-1724184000@mercygateministries.com
SUMMARY:Human Trafficking 101: Awareness
DESCRIPTION:You are invited to this free live training. This seminar covers basics of all types of human trafficking\, trafficking vs smuggling\, red flags/indicators\, risk and protective factors\, myths & realities\, sex trafficking vs prostitution\, how and where to report. \n\nWho:  Open to the General Public but specifically: Educators\, VFD\, EMS\, Law Enforcements\, Civic Organizations\, Church Organizations \nWhat: Training Seminar:  Mercy’s gate Ministries Human Trafficking 101 \nWhere: Christ Chapel Fellowship Hall \nWhen:  6:30 PM\,  August 20th 2024 \nWhy:  This seminar covers basics of all types of human trafficking\, trafficking vs smuggling\, red flags/indicators\, risk and protective factors\, myths & realities\, sex trafficking vs prostitution\, how and where to report. \n 
URL:https://mercygateministries.com/event/human-trafficking-101-awareness/
LOCATION:Christ Chapel Church\, 844 TX-173\, Bandera\, TX\, 78003\, United States
CATEGORIES:Training
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mercygateministries.com/wp-content/uploads/bg-kerr-united-opt.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Mercy Gate":MAILTO:info@mercygateministries.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250508T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250508T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T032641
CREATED:20250310T175802Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250506T151834Z
UID:10000031-1746727200-1746738000@mercygateministries.com
SUMMARY:Journey to Freedom Fundraiser
DESCRIPTION:SOLD OUT! \nView details for live auction here. \n\nYou are formally invited to attend Mercy Gate Ministries’ Journey to Freedom Fundraiser. \nJoin us on Thursday\, May 8\, 2025 from 6:00-9:00pm. \nNo county in Texas is immune to sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. It is a multi-billion-dollar industry and it happens on the streets of Houston and it happens on ranches and rural roads in central Texas. Help us win the war against sexual exploitation\, abuse & trafficking. \nClick here to view sponsorships. Purchase tickets below\, and share using the flyer at the bottom.
URL:https://mercygateministries.com/event/journey-to-freedom-fundraiser/
LOCATION:Moon Shadow Haven\, 118 Creekridge Trail\, Mountain Home\, TX\, 78058\, United States
CATEGORIES:Fundraiser
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mercygateministries.com/wp-content/uploads/bg-event-journey-to-freedom-opt.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Mercy Gate":MAILTO:info@mercygateministries.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260430T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260430T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T032641
CREATED:20260304T205924Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T162510Z
UID:10000033-1777572000-1777582800@mercygateministries.com
SUMMARY:Journey to Freedom Fundraiser
DESCRIPTION:Special raffle: Dallas Cowboys Game Day Experience: 4 Front-Row tickets on the 47 yard line worth $13\,200. Raffle tickets are only $200 ea. Get yours now.\n \nYou are formally invited to attend Mercy Gate Ministries’ Journey to Freedom Fundraiser. \nJoin us on Thursday\, April 30\, 2026 from 6:00-9:00pm. \nNo county in Texas is immune to sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. It is a multi-billion-dollar industry and it happens on the streets of Houston and it happens on ranches and rural roads in central Texas. Help us win the war against sexual exploitation\, abuse & trafficking. \nClick here to view sponsorships. Purchase tickets below\, and share using the flyer at the bottom. \n \n 
URL:https://mercygateministries.com/event/journey-to-freedom-fundraiser-2/
LOCATION:Moon Shadow Haven\, 118 Creekridge Trail\, Mountain Home\, TX\, 78058\, United States
CATEGORIES:Fundraiser
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mercygateministries.com/wp-content/uploads/jtf_event.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Mercy Gate":MAILTO:info@mercygateministries.com
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR