GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Telisia Espinosa wants to know: Did you pray with a prostitute on a Grand Rapids street corner about 14 years ago?

If so, the Tampa, Fla., resident wants to thank you.

Espinosa is now involved in a ministry in her church aimed at fighting human trafficking and helping women who are caught in prostitution. She told her story today in an article published on tbo.com.

“I wish I could thank them,” Espinosa said of an encounter she recalls from her days of being driven by her pimp to Midwestern cities such as Grand Rapids, Chicago and Detroit.

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The couple, who approached her as she was crossing the street, simply asked if they could pray with her, Espinosa said in a telephone interview with MLive.com.

“There was no judgment – not even asking if they could help me,” she said. “I’m pretty sure they prayed for protection.”

That moment of prayer did not make an impression until she left prostitution, Espinosa said.

“After I got out, I thought, 'Oh my gosh. People were praying for me.' I just really think because of those prayers, I was safe out there.”

Espinosa said she does not recall her November 1998 arrest in Grand Rapids. She was 22 years old and gave police a false name, Felicia Spring. Her pimp must have posted bond at the Kent County Jail and they went on to another city, she said.

Looking at her mug shot taken at the Kent County Jail today, Espinosa said she began to tear up.

“Oh my gosh, I am not that person anymore,” said Espinosa. “I’ve come a long way. God is definitely good.

“I am not that person. She looked hurt and broken and I’m not hurt and broken now.”

Espinosa said she began sharing her story of prostitution to church groups about two years ago and frequently mentions her encounter in Grand Rapids.

“I just want to tell people about the power of prayer and that it works and that God answers prayer,” she said.

As for the couple who approached her, Espinosa said she would like to thank them personally.

“I hope if they’re still around and they see this article, that they will come forward,” she said.

If you recall meeting and praying with Espinosa, please contact MLive reporter Jim Harger at 616-540-1005.

E-mail Jim Harger: jharger@mlive.com and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JHHarger