Hey runners, it is that time of year! If you are planning on running any marathons or half marathons... why not run for the silent? This is a great way to raise awareness and money for children silenced by sex trafficking and exploitation. Check out our new video here!
FBI agents and local law enforcement spanning 29 cities have rescued nearly 50 children forced into sexual slavery here in America. Read more from BBC News...
As unimaginable as it may seem, sexual abuse and exploitation of children is common in all countries and social spheres of our world. These hurting little ones are next door, in our schools, day cares, hospitals and Sunday school lessons. They are our son’s playmate and our co-worker’s daughter. They are OUR children.
Please join us on February 26-28 for specific training in how to minister to children who have survived sexual trauma. Read more about this seminar, and be sure to RSVP by February 25 if you're interested in coming.
A New Look
We have a new look! In order to better communicate with those who have a heart for justice, we have updated and expanded our website. Now you can email us and even donate directly from www.forthesilent.org. In the future, our updates will be featured in the blog section of the site. Check it out today… and come back often to hear our news!
Music + Justice = Hope
Last January, 12 well-known music artists gathered together to create a project that would help end poverty and injustice by giving 100% of the proceeds to 16 chosen charitable organizations. By purchasing the Compassion Art cd and book, you are giving to For the Silent and organizations like us. Pick up a copy at your local bookstore or visit www.compassionart.tv.
Hope for Boys
During our time in Cambodia this year, we discovered that 1/3 of all sexually exploited Cambodian children are boys...and not one program is in place to care specifically for their particular needs! With your help, FTS is committed to fund a program that will equip counselors to minister to abused boys. Please pray about how you can give to change the lives of Cambodia's future leaders; see www.forthesilent.org/projects for more details.
Thank you for your prayers, support and involvement as we run in 2009!
After several months of hard work and the generosity of our volunteers, the new website is here! Take a few minutes to look around, view videos and read real-life case studies. Learn about the issue of child sex trafficking and exploitation, check out current projects, then click on ACTIONS to see how you can be a part of the hope.
In the future, most of our updates will be found here in the blog. We have found that, due to the sensitive subject material found in our emails, many people were not able to receive them because of protective filters. Please check back frequently for update highlights and event information. Feel free to send us an email if you have any questions!
Thank you for your interest! May you always speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves…
After nearly 2 weeks at home, it’s safe to say we’re over our jet lag. The backpacks have been unloaded and stored and we’ve grown reacquainted with the sights and sounds of home. Despite that however, we are just beginning to process all the wonderful things that God is doing in Cambodia and in the heart of For the Silent as an organization.
The last part of our trip proved as fruitful as the first, and our closing meetings have already become the open doors of what we will accomplish in the coming months.
Thank you so much for joining with the Cambodia team by your prayers and financial support! You are contending with us for children who have been sexually exploited and trafficked. We are honored to be on this journey together.
Hello everyone!
The last ten days have been an adventure! We’ve been privileged to be involved with different projects and ministries during that time, so here’s a few “snap shots” of our time:
…filming about town for the new video
…prayer walking through slums
…many interesting conversations with the locals
…saying goodbye to our friend Justin as he flies home
…bus ride to Siem Reap
…working with women who have just left prostitution for a better life
…connecting with a family who protect children from trafficking by becoming their family
…praying with teams and ministries
This afternoon we stood in a former brothel in a notorious area of Phnom Penh, once known for catering to pedophiles. Today it is used as a community center for kids, a place where children are laughing, playing, and learning about Jesus. The only reminder of its former atrocities is a small concrete room with a bed and a number over the door. When we see it, we are reminded of one thing in particular… the love of God is stronger.
Our first week in Cambodia has passed quickly, full of sights, sounds, smells and surprises. God opened up the opportunity for us to spend a couple of afternoons at an aftercare facility, painting and playing games with the young girls who live there. What a joy to see their smiles as they got to experience the fun of painting for the first time ever! Our small suitcase of supplies was quickly put to good use and we are excited to bring the fruit of their labors home to be featured in our next art auction. We know the 38 canvases decorated with their dreams will be a big hit!
We will keep you posted as our time here progresses. Thanks to everyone for your prayers and encouragement!
Liasunawi!! (Bye for now!)
Hello Everyone!
Our team of six has made it safely to Phnom Penh, Cambodia! After running through terminals to make the gate, a delay or two, and 23 hours on airplanes, we were so blessed to find our luggage all in one piece and waiting on us. Asiana Airlines is renowned for losing luggage, so we knew God had given us a special grace.
The first couple days here have been spent adjusting to climate and overcoming jet lag. It’s still hot and humid here, with smatterings of rain and lots of sunshine. We find that Cambodia is still the Land of Smiles and our hearts are as captured by the people as ever. Our three new team members have slipped into their surroundings without a hitch and each person is such a gift to For the Silent and this trip particularly.
Organization meetings officially start tomorrow! We so look forward to reconnecting with the people here that have become such dear partners in fighting child sexual exploitation and trafficking. Communicating over the phone from halfway around the world is great, but there is nothing like the connection of sharing and strategizing face to face.
Yesterday we met a 15-year old girl in front of the Royal Palace. She sells water to provide for her and her younger sister to go to school. With her bright eyes, quick smile and infectious giggle, we are reminded of what God has called us to do. We see it in the despondent lust of Western male tourists, the begging hands of a pregnant woman in the market, and the awkward toddling of a little boy on the dirty city streets. The calling is this…
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; insure justice for those who are perishing. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” (Proverbs 31:8-9)
We want these children to be free from injustice, we want these men to be free from sin.
Thank you so much for your support and affection! Please keep us in your prayers as we continue to speak up in Cambodia…