Stories & Testimonies

During this Christmas season we are reminded again of the greatest gift of love our Heavenly Father has ever given to his children—a gift He desires us to then give to others in ways only limited by our willingness and creativity. And we're so glad you've been willing to partner with us through the Human Trafficking & Slavery Ministry to show His love to those who've become victims, as well as those who are at great risk of becoming one.

My heart wept as Jeff and I drove through the Thamel district of Kathmandu, listening to our guide tell us about the exploitation and trafficking of young girls that happens there everyday. We are here in Nepal to find ways of helping victims on behalf of the Human Trafficking & Slavery Ministry.

You may recall last spring when devastating earthquakes rocked Nepal, home to the Himalayan Mountains and Mount Everest. Jeff traveled there in May to help survivors, and also learn more about the scourge of human trafficking and slavery in that nation—a problem only made worse in the months since the earthquake.

We felt such joy meeting some of the young girls rescued from slavery (a culturally-accepted, centuries-old practice known as restavek) in Haiti during our visit last January. We are also delighted that Lynne, one of our team members on that trip who happens to be a local friend, continues to stay involved with the girls.

I first met Rocky a couple years ago while visiting a ministry called Hope House in the slums of Cebu City, Philippines. Not many boys come to the Bible studies or church services held at Hope House (reflecting the tendency for adult men to avoid any such activities), so Rocky's warm smile and charm has stood out each time I've visited.