ZOE International

We all have something that pulls on our heart strings whether it be animals, the homeless, world peace, etc. Mine is children and specifically the horrible epidemic we are facing and seeing increasing, child trafficking.

I have been volunteering at Freedom Church in the Kids Ministry for the last two years but I felt God calling me to do more. I have known about the Zoe International group since moving back to California in 2011. I knew that they went on mission trips but never felt like I was ready. Now I feel like I am equipped with the knowledge and faith to go. In August I will be departing for 2 weeks (8/3-8/21) with a group of 15 others on a mission trip to  Thailand. Specifically, the northern Thailand region of Chiang Mai.

Thailand has one of the highest rates of child trafficking. Families here are poor and desperate and will believe anything these traffickers say. There are also many families fleeing from the genocide taking place in Myanmar, which borders the northern part of Thailand. The traffickers will lie to the parents and say they will give their children a better life with an education and a good job. The parents never see their children again.

The Zoe organization and these mission trips help in 3 ways: 
1. PREVENT- by educating these families in these remote hillside villages where the traffickers prey.
2. RESCUE-by being part of the Anti-Trafficking Multi-Disciplinary Task Force (MDT) of northern Thailand, and working with the Thai government and law enforcement officials to rescue victims of human trafficking.
3. RESTORATION- Once in the hands of Zoe, rescued children are brought to one of the safe houses where they are provided short-term specialized care. Children in need of longer or permanent care may be placed in ZOE’s aftercare facility. The aftercare program is created to bring healing and wholeness to every child.

I am so excited to be part of this amazing movement. To know how many children are being saved not only from the horrible world of trafficking but also by coming to know Jesus. I am proud to be a part of this and would love to partner with all of you.

I really wasn't sure about raising money but I know not everyone has the opportunity or ability to go on a mission trip in Thailand for two weeks. I thought this would be a way for everyone to be involved in a great cause and something I feel so deeply about. 

This money goes to air & ground transportation, all meals, and hotel stays, ministry material, outreaches, love offerings for various village churches and other children’s homes, travel insurance, and administration fees. It also goes to help us with all our supplies during the events we will be putting on. We have a 48-hour trip into some hillside villages where we throw a carnival type event. I am overseeing the booths and coming up with games that teach children about what to watch out for and what lies traffickers may try and tell them. It is all about awareness. Zoe also has a large orphanage in Chiang Mai where we will be teaching English lessons, having a culture day to learn about each other and sharing stories and fellowship.

The remainder of the money goes to Zoe International to continue the fight against child trafficking!  

Zoe is even doing work right here in our backyard, they just recently closed escrow on 50 acres of land in the northern part of Los Angeles County where they will build ZOE Children’s Homes – Los Angeles!

Even though raising money is part of this I am also asking to be covered in prayer. This type of outreach can be dangerous as these traffickers are very angry that we are taking away their source of money. I ask that you pray for my strength, health and safety. Pray for boldness that I find the right words to lead someone to know the love Jesus has for them.

 
Thank you in advance for all your support! I will post updates and photos to keep everyone involved.

The Step of Hope Benefit Concert is a dance show that exists to support and partner with organizations that combats the trafficking of children. Our vision is to be an active participant in ending human slavery worldwide. This July, we will be hosting dancers from all over the world to perform and raise awareness and funds for Zoe International, an organization that rescues and rehabilitates children who have been trapped in slavery. 

Step of Hope is hosted at the Glendale Community College theater. In order to give Zoe International the biggest donation yet, our goal is to raise enough money to cover the cost of the theater and its operation fees. Please help us reach our goal and by doing so, you are contributing to the fight to end slavery. Please help us fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.