Summary:

ORR's Anti-trafficking Program was started to combat child trafficking and poverty in partnership with a local judge. Originally the jude requested ORR build more safe homes to protect the 5-12 children he was rescuing everyday, but we couldn't build enough safe homes to protect these kids. Instead, we were giving written permission by the judge to discover how to curb poverty to address the root causes of trafficking. A team pastors and translators was hired to learn from the community and not reveal they were Christian, as the area was 95% voodoo-practicing and resistant to Christianity. Over six months, they learned families trafficked children due to extreme poverty. Solutions included: $20 to outfit kids for school, a feeding program, which kept children in school, and a micro-loan program, helping women start businesses to support their families. This approach transformed communities, with parents no longer needing to sell their children. One woman shared that before our arrival, their only business was selling their children. But now, thanks to our efforts, they no longer face that heartbreaking choice. Instead, their livelihood comes from selling a variety of consumable goods. The program’s success is attributed to practical support combined with the motivation of learning about a God of love, leading even former traffickers to come to know Jesus and become advocates for change. The judge was amazed by the results, as other NGOs tried to do what we are doing, but did not succeed.

Guest Host:

Chuck Olmstead: Experienced Director of Operations and Media Sales with a demonstrated history of working in the public relations and communications industry. Skilled in Sound, Media Production, Publicity, Marketing Strategy, and Radio Production. Strong community and social services professional. https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckolmstead-65244915/

How to Connect or Learn More?

Inspired to Action: How Following the Promptings of Your Heart Can Change the World by: Rebecca M. Pratt/ Book can be found on Amazon