Dignata Missionary changing lives around the world
The Flag hangs off the main building as you drive into the Dignata Training Ranch Photo Credit Erin Jusseaume Clark Fork Valley Press
James Doherty infront of the Dignata Ranch Training facility just outside of Thompson Falls. (Erin Jusseaume/Clark Fork Valley Press)
One of Dignata's buildings on the Training Ranch that will be used for the housing and training of volunteers before they head out on missions around the world. Photo Credit Erin Jusseaume Clark Fork Valley Press
In any community you can usually find a missionary chapter of some kind; but Thompson Falls residents James and Shannon Doherty have created a world wide business that is changing lives in magnificent ways.
“Human trafficking is still such high profited business that takes the lives of women and children everyday,” said Doherty.
James, along with his wife Shannon, are devote Christians that aim to spread the word of God not only in their community but around the world as well.
“It’s not about building a Christian force, it’s about connecting with these women and children (of human trafficking) to tell them that they are worth more than what they are doing or how they are living,” said Doherty.
The base of the Dignata organization is its Christian backgrounds, but it doesn’t stop there.
The Thompson Falls residents have travelled the world and know first hand what the real life situations of what these trafficked women and children go through and live through each day.
“They have no money, they have no freedom. They are abused physically and mentally and it can be hard for them to trust you. We have to show patience and be understanding as it doesn’t happen overnight,” Doherty explained. “They’re given enough to just survive, if they are lucky. Many woman have been in this ‘game’ since they were children. A lot of street children get taken and immersed in this world. So it’s not uncommon to see a sort of Stockholm Syndrome.”
Ida is just one success story Doherty spoke of. He and Shannon first met Ida in Amsterdam working in the infamous Red Light District. As he described the living conditions to which Ida was forced to live, he also explained that she had never been past a one block radius of her workplace and home in nine years.
“She had never been to the park that was only maybe two blocks away before Shannon and I took her on a bike ride,” said Doherty.
“It can be surreal to see their (trafficked women) reactions when they decide that they can be more and they deserve to be more,” explained Doherty.
Traffickers come from many kinds of backgrounds and at times can seem like the home base to other things such as drugs, arms dealing and more.
Doherty said, though it can be confronting at times, they are seeing success. Women like Ida can turn into a force to be reckoned with.
“Giving them a skill that is creating value with their hands and mind is amazing because they’re learning that they have more to offer then using their bodies,” said Doherty.
As his Dignata grows, it can be hard to believe that it found it’s way to the world in 2011. The organization is firmly stapled in Amsterdam, Holland and Riga Latvia in Europe. The original branch is located in India, and Doherty explained that though different countries hold different challenges the outcomes can be very much the same.
Creating the training facility which will also act as the Headquarters for Dignata can be considered just as important as the other branches.
The training ranch just outside of Thompson Falls will be instrumental in the specialized training that will take place for volunteers and missionaries.
“There are very ‘real world’ situations that people need to be aware of how to identify and how to navigate in a safe manner,” said Doherty.
Further explaining that the work can be dangerous, but it is something that he knows was his calling.
The jewelry that is created by those that are able to escape the dark world endeavors, is the first real step for these woman to feel their worth and contribute to the world in a positive manner.
“Each piece of jewelry is created by those we save, they create and build the pieces. The prime materials are silver and swarvoski crystals. We then inspect each piece to ensure quality is there for on sell, and Dignata purchases each piece to then on sell to the public. These woman are able to earn their own money and use their money the best way for them they know how,” said Doherty.
Each piece sold also has a card in there that highlights the artist. The woman who has found her dignity and is free to be who she chooses to be.
It’s easy to see that James and Shannon are worldly thinkers that have truly embraced their Christianity. Even though they have built a world recognized organization they are still deeply rooted within their local community, offering aid to whom ever may need it.