Will someone show up?
The victims IJM seeks to rescue are real people. Perhaps that sounds obvious, but sometimes it’s easy for us to think about the people who live halfway around the world very differently from the way we think about our own loved ones and friends. The truth is, the children forced into bonded labor and the girls locked away in brothels are each someone’s daughter or son, someone’s brother or sister. More significantly, they are image-bearers of God, and He loves them passionately. Here are a few of their stories. Ask the Lord to help you to read and respond to them the way you would if you were reading about your own family or friends.
Sex Trafficking: Panida’s* story
Panida, a 14-year-old girl from South East Asia, had just finished her 8th grade studies and wanted to spend the summer earning money to help care for her sick mother. Lured away by the promise of a well-paying job, Panida was kidnapped and sold to a brothel keeper, who held her prisoner and told her she would have to work as a prostitute, providing sex to numerous grown men each day.
Click here to learn how IJM was able to rescue Panida before her first night in the brothel and return her safely to her mother.
Illegal Child Detention – Matteo’s Story
Matteo was 16 years old when he was arrested for lascivious behavior and sent to an adult prison, something that is illegal in The Philippines.
Click here to learn how IJM was able to get Matteo out of the prison and reunite him with his mother and siblings.
Click here to learn how youth groups around the country are making a difference in the lives of victims like Panida and Matteo.